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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 1976September 3, 1976 TO: Historic Preservation Commission Members FROM: Rita M. Kopczynski Dear Commission Member: Our next monthly meeting is Monday, September 20th, (with Caucus at 7:30 p.m.) and not September 8th, as previously. stated. We hope this change of dates does not inconvenience you in any way, but we did want to have as many members as possible present and this day appears more acceptable. Our Community Development funds come up for second reading at the Common Council meeting, September 13th, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Enclosed is a cover letter and copy of leg- islation as submitted to Council. Yours truly, 4-A 10. Rita M. Kopczynski`-` 7 Historic Preservation Planner RMK:gcg enc. 2 CAUCUS September 20, 1976 Area Plan Conference Room There are two items of importance to be determined at the Caucus to be held at 7:30 prior to our monthly meeting. It is imperative that members attend or at least state their opinions prior to Caucus on these issues: 1. Due to conflicting time schedules, certain members are unable to attend meetings on the first Tuesday of the month. This date is generally a County Council night as well. Therefore, we must determine a date common to all. Again, members might inform the office of their availablity. 2. Usually, the Caucus does not provide enough time to reasonably inform all members of those details, for reasons of professional behavior, that should not be shared with the general public. It has been suggested that the Commission meet in executive session, per- haps at another date from the public meeting -- to determine strategies and priorities. Pub- lic meeting at a later date will allow members to think over decisions prior to voting with -- full knowledge of the issues at hand and fin- ally permit the meeting to move with speed and efficiency. This executive session could be held prior to meeting. However, discussion does take time, and often a scheduled public meeting later, deters full consideration of issues. historicp reservation commission i of south bend and st. joseph county Agenda September 20, 1976 Page 2 I 7. Old Business Further discussion of guest speakers 8. New Business — -- Historic Preservation Co-ordinator - Department of Interior proposal 9. Hearing of Visitors 10. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters 11. Adjournment ,HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TOTAL BUDGET $11,425.00 ,Treasurer's Report September 20, 1976 Balance -0- 67.18 600.00 2.49 -0- -0- -0- 79.80 15.00 600.00 26.91 2.80 2,929.00 $4,323.18 1976 Dine Item Budgeted 119.2 Admin. Sec't/Research Asst. $4,000.00 212 Postage 300.00 213 Travel Expenses 600.00 215 Books 150.00 241 Printing, other than office supplies 400.00 242 Publication of Legal Notices 200.00 243 Photography and Blue Prints 400.00 244 Stationery and Printing 125.00 252 Equipment 50.00 261 Legal Services 600.00 371 General Office Supplies 100.00 570 Dues and Subscriptions 150.00 263 Technical Assistance (survey) 4,350.00 $11,425.00 Balance -0- 67.18 600.00 2.49 -0- -0- -0- 79.80 15.00 600.00 26.91 2.80 2,929.00 $4,323.18 w TO: Reminder to all Commission Members FROM: Rita M. Kopczynski RMK:gcg October 6, 1976 As agreed upon at our last Commission meeting, we will meet in Caucus on Monday, October 11, 1976, at 7:30 P.M. in the Area Plan Conference room, with the regular monthly meeting the following Monday, October 18, 1976 at 7:30 p.m. Many thanks for your continued efforts and see you all next week - historic preservation commission September 20, 1976 Page 2 Belle Pendleton for film and for mileage in checking county survey to be entered under Line Item 212 31.71 Library of Congress - Land ownership map to be entered under Line Item 371 11+.35 Crumlish/Sporleder for appraising hist- orical site in Liberty Township to be entered under Line Items 223 and 244 35.00 Ron Golden for 4 tranparencies of South Bend to be entered under Line Item 570 35.00 Rita Kopczynski for services rendered for September 1,000.00 Mr. Oxian asked what particular historical site was appraised in Lib- erty Township and he was informed that it was the Yellow Bank School- house. He then made a motion that these expenditures be approved. The motion was seconded by F. Jay Nimtz and it passed unanimously. Ms. Davisson then requested approval to buy two boxes of Magna Dry Copy Paper as the Commission has availed itself of the good graces of the Area Plan Commission in using their Xerox machine. This paper would cover the period from September 1975 to September 1976. M.S. Sporleder made a motion that this purchase be approved. Mr. Oxian seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. F. Jay Nimtz made a motion that the Treasurer's Report be accepted as submitted. Ms. Sporleder seconded this motion and it passed unani- mously. The Commission was informed that approximately $544. remained in the 1976 budget for operational expenses. 5. Correspondence Ms. Kopczynski read a letter, dated August 19, from Southhold Restor- ations in which Ms. Ruth Price congratulated the Commission on the fine Auto Tour guide and expressed hope that in some future time. identification of archeological sites could be undertaken. Ms. Kopczynski then mentioned that a letter had been received from Steven Dennis in the National Trust in Washington informing the Commission that the case of the Podell house (which had recently been moved from its former site to a new area against the wishes of the residents of that area) would be listed in the National Trust's fourth monthly litigation chart. Further, a letter sent to Todd Areson, director of Urban Observatory, was read, with a report to follow later in the meeting. Ms,-Kopczynski•next read a response -from Clement Marosz,-City'Sexton, regarding the vandalism of the monuments in the City Cemetery. He September 20, 1976 Page 3 informed the Commission that the head of one monument had been re- placed but that -he needed funds to replace the second as it had been lost for several years. He invited the Commission to visit the Cem- etery and appraise itself of the amount of vandalism occuring. Ms. Kopezynski stated that no word had been received from Rollin Ferrand regarding the letter sent to him in re the proposed -Chapin Street widening. She then advised the Commission that a letter had been received from Tom Catanzarite that, due to serving as a County Councilman, he very frequently could not make Commission meetings if they were held on Tuesdays. 6. Committee Reports Budget and Finance Mr. Oxian informed the Commission that some members of the Budget and Finance Committee had a conference with Mr. Gilkey, Director of Human Resources and Community Development regarding Community Devel- opment funds. These funds, for the use of a City Survey, were passed by ordinance by the Common Council. The Historic Preservation Com- mission has now been granted $12,000 to use on a City Survey. Mr. Smith then commented that the Budget and Finance Committee, as well as Ms. Rita Kopezynski did a most noteworthy job in getting these -funds. The whole community will be pleased with the results of this venture. Mr. Tom Catanzarite then was asked if the proposed 1977 county budget for the Commission was passed, by the County Council. He informed the Commission that whatever was -requested was passed. However, he stated that, in the future, any out-of-town travel expenditures had to be first approved by the Commissioners. Historic Districts Mr. Ted Wasielewski had no report. Ms. Deloris Davisson then informed the Commission that the Near North- west Neighborhood Association was involved with a number of surveys and prepared a proposal in conjunction with the Indiana Committee for the Humanities. It was suggested that the Commission write a letter to the Association endorsing the grant proposal and supporting their efforts in neighborhood preservation. The Commission would reap some benefit from these activities. Ms. Davisson reported that the Com- mission could purchase a map of this area, including the results of - the survey, for $30.00. She recommended that the Commission endorse - the grant proposal and the purchase of said map. There ensued a dis- cussion -on this matter and Mr. Oxian took exception to the way the, survey was conducted. Ms. Sporleder then clarified the issue, stating the endorsement was for the grant proposal, and not of the survey per se. Ms. Kopezyaski read the proposal as'aubmitted to the Commission. She mentioned that the Area Plan Commission had already written"a letter of endorsement. Ms. Davisson then made a motion that the Commission September 20, 1976 Page 4 endorse this involvement in the Heritage Near Northwest Neighborhood Association. this motion. It was put to a vote and w abstaining. Awareness Program by the Ms. Sporleder seconded x passed with Mr. Oxian Ms. Sporleder spoke about the proposed Chapin Street widening and questioned if any state or federal money is being used for this project. She said it was difficult to keep track of such money when'it was approved in Council in lump sums that covered more than one project. It was mentioned that before such funds are allocated for the Chapin Street widening, there has to be a public hearing. Mr. Wasielewski was asked if Mr. Rollin Ferrand had replied to the Commission's letter referring to this project. He replied that no word had been received. Historic Landmarks Mr.'-Oxian discussed the "Markmakers" home and stated that the house belonged to Mr. Thurin who was buying it on a land -contract basis. He'' also- mentioned a woman who telephoned him and lives- in- German Township; She complained that the Carriage House Restaurant, a historical structure, once a church', is attempting to expand its operation and obtain a liquor license. She hoped the Commission could help in -preventing this. Mr. - Wasielewski suggested that this person formally address the Commission on this matter by means of a letter. Mr. Oxian next discussed the distribution of commemorative landmark plaques. Ms. Ruth Price suggested that some kind of public presen- tation be undertaken. Ms. Derbeck, upon questioning, was informed that 11 structures, to date, would be designated by a plaque. Mr. F. Jay Nimtz stressed that the Commission get as much publicity as possible. Mr. Smith hoped that Mr. Oxian would work with Southhold and Ms. Deloris Davisson on full public relations regarding these presentations. Mr. Oxian next informed the Commission that landmark designations on the Goff (12594 S.R. 23), Risler (1+297= "State Rd- 23), Whit- taker (52228.Gumwood Road) and the former schoolhouse at 14912 Brick Road, now owned by Nelson, sites had the first reading. Ms. Kopezynski then discussed the Yellow Bank Schoolhouse and the - results of a meeting she had attended at the Pine Creek Church re= garding this building. She stated that Mr. Galen Mangus is spear- heading a movement to save the schoolhouse. She distributed, to the members, copies of a report she had compiled relative to this matter. She suggested that perhaps the Commission, in a semi- official capacity, could encourage the efforts to preserve the school. September 20, 1976 Page 5 Ms. Kopczynski also reviewed the latest events in regard to the W. W. Brick home on Rosewood Road. She said that the Gibney Brothers of West Washington were in the process of buying this home, completely dismantling it and building it up elsewhere. Ms. Kopczynski then showed some slides of the Yellow Bank Schoolhouse and the W. W. Brick home which the research assistant, Belle Pendleton, had taken this summer. Ms. Sporleder advised that the Brick home should be documented and arrangements should be made with the historic American Building Survey (NABS) through the use of the local student chapter of the A.T.A. at Notre Dame to work on this project. Ms. Kopczynski was authorized to co-ordinate this endeavor. Mr. F. Jay Nimtz then spoke about the role the Gibney brothers had in historical restoration and mentioned that they had bought the old Dr. Posney house and were inviting the Commission to a subsequent tour of this home. He said these men have had some expertise in restoration. Mr. Smith -suggested that Ms. Kop- czynski contact them to clarify avenues of co-operation. Legal Committee Mr. F. Jay Nimtz reported that Kevin Butler had reviewed the Commis- sion's procedural proposals for purchases and the letting of contracts. He felt there was no objection to these proposals except possibly the stipulation concerning petty cash, which he felt was cumbersome. He would recommend making a list of types of things spent for petty cash - and buying these items rather than waiting for prior approval. He al- so said 30 days is a bit long to notify the successful or unsuccessful bidders; they should be notified as soon as possible. Mr. Smith of- fered -that -this procedura7--proposal-be-discussed-at-the-nextcaucus. Mr. Nimtz then informed the Commission that Walter J. Rinderle had - not signed his last Claim Voucher for final payment. Mr. Smith sug& gested that perhaps sending Mr. Rinderle a registered letter regard- ing this matter would settle it. Mr. Nimtz said he would check with Kevin Butler. Public Relations and Education his. Davisson spoke about the Urban Observatory meeting. The recommen- dations of the Urban Observatory were that there should be one person to co-ordinate alL..he building activities, i.e. sub -standard, etc. In addition, Ms. Davisson felt the city building commissioner should be -called -to -meet -with -the -Commission -to -discuss -the -possibilities -o -F co-operation on certain levels. Mr. Oxian stated that he had met with the County Building Department head and voiced a need for having - a list of buildings slated for demolition. He said that before under- taking the City Survey it would be necessary to have such a list con- cerning those areas to be affected on the survey. Ms. Kopczynski - then distributed copies of the bound report on Neighborhood Conserva- tion compiled by the South Bend Urban Observatory. Ms. Davisson stressed that the Commission should not only look at landmarks but also at Aghborhoods. School Corporation -Co-operative project report Ms. Kopczynski informed the Commission that a meeting had been held, September 20, 1976 Page 6 which -included Dr. Tom Schlereth, Dr: Pat'Furlong; and Mr. Brian Cr�sh regarding the creation of preservation oriented curri- culuin iesources'that-might be undertaken. The use of an interne - from I.U.S.B- and Notre Dame'and inservice training days for cor- poration teachers were discussed at this initialmeeting. The next meeting'is to be held Tuesday, September 21, at_ 3:30 p.m. with - teadhbrs'froin South Bend schools to get some input as to'how to in- corporate the ideals of preservation into the curriculum. Riverbend Plaza/Chamber of Commerce report Ms. Davis son- stated that she had given a presentation before the Chamber of C6=erce and that they took a real interest in having survey cards. She'said Yi that bus tours througvarious neighbor- -- hoods had been proposed. She said that Ms. Conley and her organi- zation_would be most'wil]ing to "go to bat" for the Commission in co-operative efforts. Ms.'Kopczynski informed the Commission that'she had had two'meet- ings-with Ron Bock of the River"Bend Plaza office, the second of whidh-included John'Kegal of the Chamber-of.C6nmerce who discussed a cooperative effort similar to'the Auto Tour map within the city. It was mentioned that for hotels and commercial -structures could. be included.- The Chamber offered -to help the Commission in any way in this area. No action has yet been taken. Mr...Oxian'made-a coinmdht that when another map of this kind is undertaken, that the names of some of the main streets be included. Mr'.'Smith'suggested that perhaps a historic trail, complete' with plaque and designated by arrows, could be included on the map. Standards and Historic Plan There was no report from this committee. Presidential Report Mr. Smith -reported that the Commission has agreed_ to hold the monthly meeting on the third-M6hday of the month with a caucus meeting held on the second Monday. Both meetings would start at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Smith informed the Commission- that a'letter-had been received from Mr. Gantz of the_Department of Natural Resources regarding the $5,000 grant. Vouchers had been signed and the check should be forthcoming. Mr. Smith then told the Commission that nothing has., -as yet,'been heard from Mr. Kuehl of the National Bank regarding the installa- tion of the plaque co mnemorating the former Kresge building. Mr. Smith next referred to a bill for services received from September 20, 1976 Page 7 Mr: Jack Diaiifee. - Mr, Dunfee consideim himself � on a retainer for the 'Comz iission _for_ the rest of the year- and also would consider going on retainer for- the following year. Mr. Smith' had previ�-' ously talked to the ' Coaunission regaarding this matter.' A discussion ensued regarding Mr. Dunfee's services. Mr. F. Jay Nimtz made a motion- that Mr. -Jack C. Durnfee be 'paid $600:00 for -past services rendered and with the understanding that such -payment includes a retainer with'him for services for the'rest of the year. Ms.- Sporleder--seconded -this -motion. -The motion passed with Ms. Da- visson casting a nay vote and Mr. Smith abstaining from the vote. It was advised that Mr. Dunfee should inform the Commission if he concurs with this action. Mr. Smith then made a suggestion that copies of the Auto Tour map should be included in the Bicentennial Time Capsule which is being readied for burial. Mr. Smith informed the Commission that he would not attend the annual National Trust meeting in Philadelphia next month. Mr. Oxian and Ms. Kopczynski, however, would. attend. Mr. Smith then informed the Commission that he had received a letter from Mr. Gerald Kline and asked Mr. Kline, who was in the audience, if he would care to comment. Mr. Kline said he felt it was not of sufficient importance to take the Commission's time. Mr. Smith passed around a brochure announcing the 8th Annual Conference of Historic Preservation to be held September 24 and 25 in Vincennes, Indiana. Ms. Davisson suggested that Ms. Kop- ezynski attend this meeting but Ms.-Kopezynski said that she would be unable to attend as she had made a prior commitment for those days. Mr. F. Jay Nimtz suggested that all Commission members be placed on them ;ling list to receive announcements from the Indiana University Committee on Historic Preservation. Staff Report Ms. Kopczynski informed the Commission of the current staffing and said that the staff now numbered two persons again. She said she was working on the re -hiring of Marsha Mallin as a research assistant as -of October 1st. There are certain CETA requirements and a re-application for funding of this position has been made. Ms. Kopezynski next informed the Commission that Dick Johnson told her that the Area Plan Commission was anticipating adding two new staff mambers and would need the quarters now occupied by the Historic Preservation Commission.- He had a suggestion - of'using other floor space adjacent to Area Plan and would'dis- cuss the matter with Mr.-Laxrison, the County Coimnissioner. It was suggested that Messrs. Smith and Oxian also speak to the Commissioners on this matter. Ms. Kopezynski recommended that the Commission purchase three September 20, 1976 Page 8 books. The titles were referred to the Public Relations Committee who would pursue the advisability of purchasing them. 7. Old Business Ms. Kopczynski discussed the matter of guest speakers and informed the Commission that she had had a meeting with Conrad Damian who had prepared a report on "red lining". She felt the Commission would benefit from having Mr. Damian speak to the group. Mr. Smith suggested that this matter be taken up at caucus. Ms. Davisson brought up the matter of the City Survey and Mr. Smith suggested that any discussion be put off at this time, to be dis- cussed later in the meeting. The Annual National Trust meeting was discussed and the Commission was informed that Mr. Oxian, Ms. Kopezynski and Ms. Marsha Mullin (if on staff) would be attending. Two hundred dollars per person would be allocated for travel expenses for this meeting. 8. New Business Ms. Kopezynski informed the Commission that a letter had been re- ceived from the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, asking the Commission of its interest in becoming the Historic Preservation Co-ordinator. This co-ordinator would work with community development and all projects in an advisory capacity. Ms. -Fagg -from -the -National -Register -Department -of --Interior had also called the Commission regarding this matter. It was sug- - gested that a letter be sent to Washington to clarify the require- ments of this position. It was further suggested that all corres- pondence (copies) regarding this subject be sent to all the Com- mission members, to Ms. Jeanne Derbeek of the South Bend Tribune and to Ms. Ruth Price of Southhold. A discussion ensued regarding the value of being considered in this capacity. Mr. Oxian made a motion that a letter be sent to Mayor Nemeth, with a copy to Mr. - Gilkey, that the Historic Preservation Commission accept! ;F;the posi- tion of Historic Preservation Co-ordinator. Mr. Wasielewski seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. Oxian then addressed himself to Mr. Rothermel and declared that the windows in the Colfax School should be boarded up. Many of them are already broken out in the back of the building. Mr. Rothermel assured him that "something was in the works to take care of this situation." Mr. Oxian then spoke about a "Resolution ,#3" on communication which he claimed had been passed but had not appeared as such in previous Minutes. He suggested that a copy be sent to all the Commission members. It was suggested that this matter be discussed at the next caucus. September 20, 1976 Page 9 9. Hearing of Visitors Mr. Smith then called upon Mr. Gerald Kline to state the problem about which Mr. Kline had written him. Mr. Kline stated that he did not want to take the Commission's time on this matter but he did wish to state that damage is being done, not only to the ex- terior,, but also to the interior wall of his home due to a pave- ment fault in U.S. 31. Cracks can be seen in the walls. The pavement fault lies on Michigan between North Shore Drive and Angela Boulevard. He has repeated correspondence regarding this matter but nothing is being done. Mr. Kline hoped the Commission could help him get some results. Mr. Oxian declared that since the home in question has been designated as an historical land- mark, perhaps a letter should be written to Mr. Cloud, and also - to the State Highway Department. Mr. Smith directed Ms. Kopezyn- ski'to draft such a letter. Mr. Oxian made a motion that a letter be sent to -Mr. Cloud stating that a home, declared a landmark, is being rained by a fault and the pavement should be repaired. Ms. Sporleder seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. 10. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters Mr. Smith announced that he was appointing a committee for the City Survey, to be chaired by Mr. Ted Wasielewski, and comprising Mr. Oxian, Ms. Davisson, and Ms. Sporleder. 11. Adjournment Mr. Wasielewski made a motion that the meeting stand adjourned. Ms. Davisson seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. The September meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: Russell W. Rothermel, Secretary DRAFT PREPARED BY: Gertrud C. Gilbert NEXT REGULAR MEETING Monday, October 18, 1976 Conference Room 323 3rd Floor - County -City Building 7:30 p.m.