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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 1977historic preservation commission of south bend and st. Joseph county ROOM 1123.000NTY CITY BUILDING south bend, Indiana 46601 1219 28497681 7 G A Y ar R Meeting -, PT il 25., 1977 ------ z 3rd 7 :Flbor_- Conference- Room C all to' Ord 2 C all; Minutes. Aloprova o 4 Treasurer-- s Report C orreSpondence Coninittee Reports V7 City Suriey- Budget-'and- ---Finance 7, _-7 Historic.- Districts Historic: *Landmark Legal Education Public Relations 7, Standards and Historic Pl an Presidbntial Reportz Staff Report - --- ---- 7 - 7 - Old Business 8; _. Hearing of Visitors 10.'; Announcements and `Mis' Matters 7 1. 'Ad j ournmen HISTORIC PRESERVAION COMMISSION TOTAL BUDGET $11,425.08 Treasurer's Re port Ap ril 25, 1977 1977 -Line Item Budgeted Balance 119.1 Historic Preservation Planner $8,200.08 $5 212 Postage 300.00 281.67 213 Travel Expenses 600.00 600.00 215 Books 125.00 125.00 241 Printing, other than office supplies 400.00 400.00 242 Publication of Legal Notices 200.00 200.00 243 Photography and Blue Prints 200.00 200.00 244 Stationery and Printing 100.00 91.20 252 Equipment 50.00 50.00 261 Legal Services 600.00 600.00 263 Technical Assistance 400.00 400.00 371 General Office Supplies 100.00 100.00 570 Dues and Subscriptions 150.00 150.00 $11,425.08 $89481.29 historic preservati commissio n 1 4 of -South bend and St. joseph county ROOM 1123-COUNTY CITY - BUILDING `.south bend, indiana 46601 (219 284 -9798) Regular :Meeting - Third.Floor Conference'Room = Monday, April 25 s 1977; a:.. : _ - == _ _ -:$oom : 323. 7.:30 p.m ' .' - _ - a Count y `City Building: _ - - - M 'T N: U.. r.. T.,E:S Ca11_ =to' °Order President: (7xian called the _meeting __to - order at , 7 :40 p -mm -= - -- - - r r r ' ,;___::- v1EMBERS- PRESENT: ` Ms Deloris Davison`, Mr - F; =.Jay Nimtz, Mr. John•.,` Oxian, Ms._ Velma - Torzewski,, Mr: Jack''Smith, ' _ Mi. - Ted; _Wasielevrski. • MEMBERS.:, °ABSENT: Mr: Russell;.Wa_Rotheraiel; Mr °_ AZ_-Stiyer_s - _ OTHERS PRESENT :, ;_= .:.•W�' Gaylen Alsop; :Mss Claire Boas - t Mr:. Brian Mr Crumlish, Ms.. _Jeanne Derbeck, Ms., Priscilla Dill,`._ -- _ Ms. Gertrud Gilbert, Mrs Gerald= Kline ` Ms: `, Clare -- : eery; Whit - L Mrs...Charlotte taker: 3 • . _ Approval- of: •Minutes _ - _ _: ___ _ • to,. the Minutes `of the 'March: meeting: There were several corrections , - , Under 'Treasurer's Report, the:amount for payment of Rita= Kopezynski's services for April shoul& read $416.67, rather than $$33.33. On page paragraph_2`the letter -was received from Barbara =Sloat, Assistant in the D* sion Special- Events; not the _ of -• __ _ -- the National Trust.. -. pale _ 2 =the , - - °-_ ; also ,�. $8,000 was `from�C ;D:_ - Funds and it Par agraph =was up-- before- the • City Council-,_ not the - County- _ _- were Page_ 6 ar ra h l Al' ` Stivers John' Oxian and Jack• -- likewise_ appointed to - the:Search' Committee -- for• Historic °''Preservation - _ - - -- ,:_ Planner:.' Mr. _ Smith.;mad pp' ` - _ 4" -- : e a` motion to =a rove the April Minutes ` = corrected: - _ - - - Mr�_ °- T:'__Jay -Nimtz seconded_ this; motion: and it passed unanimoizsl -- 4. Treasurer's Report Mr. Wasielewski distributed copies of the Treasurer's Report April - 25, 1977 Page 2 showing current balances and said there was a bill for postage covering the months of January, February, and March for $25.26. Likewise a duplicating bill for the same months for $25. Mr: F. Jay Nimtz made a motion that these bills be approved for pay- ment and the Treasurer's Report be put into the record. Mr. Jack Smith seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. 5. Correspondence Ms. Gilbert reported that a letter had been sent to Ms. Joann Sporleder inviting her back to serve as Architectural Historian on the Commission, but no written answer had been received. She said a letter, from the Board of County Commissioners, had been received informing the Commission that the proposals for the 1978 budget should be in the Auditor's office no later -than May 20th. She requested the required forms from the Auditor and submitted them to the Commission's Treasurer, Mr. Wasielewski. Ms. Davisson said she would like to see the position of Historic Preservation Planner put on salary with the County as it would facilitate matters. She felt an ordinance should -be put through in this regard. It was suggested that this matter be referred to the Budget Committee. Ms. Gilbert then shaved the Commission the Spring, 1977 issue of the Victorian Society in America. This richly illustrated magazine had a lead article on Victorian Railroad Cars and was sent to Rita? Kopczynski. by Mr. William J. Martaugh, president of the Society. It will be added to the reference library. She added that several requests for the Auto Tour Map had been re- ceived by the office in response to the article in the April 10th Michiana Magazine. She informed the Commission that the announcement for the 31st National Trust Annual Meeting and Preservation Conference to be held Oct. 13 -16 1977, in Mobile, Alabama had also been received. She requested further information from the Trust. 6. Committee Reports City Survey Mr. Brian Crumli sh brought the Commission up -to -date on the work that had been accomplished. He said that his firm had done St. Joseph Street, North Shore Triangle, most of Chapin Park, the near North West area and some of River Park. He showed a survey plan of the map used which would be drawn to 200 scale and is in 82, x 14 format. He mentioned that the internes present helped in this phase. He said he was rating the structures in the same way as the West Washington structures were rated. Documentation of the various areas are to be con- sistent. The target areas have been identified. - " ­He­ said the' windshield survey would be finished first and then the Commission's list of other structures would be undertaken. Mr. Wasielewski April 25, 1977 Page 3 mentioned that'such'structures which are in threat of demo- lition could be surveyed first: Mr. Crumlish said that under such emergency measures a "quick look" would be done. Mr. Crumlish suggested that the downtown structures be surveyed -- in line with recent developments. He spoke about using quali- fied architectural students for some of the work although the contract stipulated "architects" should be used. Mr. F. Jay Nimtz suggested that this stipulation be waived as long as the students meet the criteria. Mr. Jack Smith made a motion that the Survey Committee waive the requirements that only an architect be used for the survey. Qualified personnel could be used provided they were supervised by an architect. Mr. F. Jay Nimtz seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. There was discussion as.to. the advisability of doing the State Survey Forms. Mr. Oxian said if the state wants these forms, it should provide funding for such an endeavor. Ms. Davisson said it was inefficient to do it later. Mr. Jack Smith said that Indianapolis was "very unhappy" with the State Survey Form. There was further discussion on an article that had appeared in the South Bend Tribune on St. Joseph Street. Ms. Derbeck said that it was at Rita Kopezynski's suggestion and that Claire Boast, on of the internes, had done the research. Mr. Oxian mentioned that no one on the Commission had consented to such an article, nor did he, as president, have previous knowledge of it. Mr. Jack Smith said that the Commission should make maximum use of the press. Budget and Finance Mr. Jack Smith spoke about the recent conference he had at- tended in Indianapolis, sponsored by the Historic Landmarks - Foundation of Indiana. It was entitled, "Everything you a1= ways wanted to know about preservation." He wanted the Com= mission to know that he had attended at his own personal ex- pense and had not used any County money or Commission Travel expenses for this pursuit. He said he was completely pleased the way this city has handled its historic preservation program. He said South Bend is a leader and the Common Council as well as the County Council should be commended. He said he is very proud of the preservation efforts in this area. He mentioned that Indianapolis had $24,000 to survey 16 blocks by 19 blocks and that was all. He said the Historic Preservation Commission is unique in that it is a city as well as a county organization. He then showed flyers about two books that he would recommend that the Commission buy and add to the reference library. Mr. Smith distributed copies of House Act No. 1421 concerning- the preservation of historic property, and House Act 1579 con- cerning the historic districts in cities and towns. These have been signed and passed by the House and Senate and signed by- the Governor: Mr. Smith stated that Mayor'Hudnut "Indiana - polis has a very solid commitment to Historic Preservation. April 25, 1977 Page 4 Historic Districts There was no report from this committee. Historic Landmarks Mr. Oxian requested suggestions on what action to take in re- gard to the house at 6501+ U.S. 31 South. It•was the former. Pleasant View School. He said the building is for sale for commercial property. Mr. Oxian remarked that he wanted to go through the procedure to declare the building a landmark under Resolution #3. He felt the building should be saved. - Mr. Ted Wasielewski made a motion that this property be de- clared a landmark in going through the proper procedures. Mr.-Smith seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. Oxian then gave the floor to Mr. W. Gaylen Alsop who gave a very detailed and factural presentation on facade easements. He said nothing has been written up regarding facade easments in Indianapolis. Mr. Alsop mentioned that there were a number - of ways of claiming facade easements on a property: 1. A one- time charitable decuction under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. 2. Take a year -to -year property tax deduction on the value of the property. 3. A five -year moratorium for rehabilitation of the property. There was some discussion about the restrictions levied on a property under a facade easement - plan and Mr. Alsop remarked that the exterior could not be al- tered. Mr. Smith advised Mr. Alsop to contact Bobby Jay Small and Nellie Longsworth regarding more information. Ms. Derbeck had some of her questions clarified. Mr. Smith informed the Commission that a seminar on Facade-Easements, sponsored by Southhold Restorations, Inc. and Southold Foundation would be held on June l9th, and asked if Mr. Alsop would serve on the - panel. He said people from the National Trust would partici- pate. Mr. Smith said he was very excited about this venture and that it was the very first such seminar in the entire United States. Mr. Oxian then informed the Commission that the house and barn at'50705 Orange Road, the house and barn at 61955 Locust Road, and the house at 63012 Beech Road were pending before the County Council, but had gone through first reading before that body. Legal Mr. F. Jay Nimtz informed the Commission that the suit in Small Claims Court regarding the Walter Rinderle matter is still under advisement with Judge Miller. Judge Miller has a minimum of 90 days to make a decision. Public Relations and Community Education Ms. Davisson then introduced Ms. Claire Boast and Ms. Clare Leary, both of whom are Notre Dame students in the junior class of the American Studies program and served as internes April` 25, 1977 Page 5 for the Commission under Tom Schlereth and working with herself and Rita Kopczynski, Ms. Boast then spoke about her work with the Commission and said most of her work consisted of doing research on the background of St. Joseph Street, as well as revising the historical significance of the Hamilton Church for the application for the National Register. She also mentioned that she would be featuring a segment on Channel 34 on Frank Lloyd Wright and the Ernest Young houses. Mr. Oxian questioned the application of the Hamilton Church for the National Register and was informed that it was merely a prototype and that Ms. Boast had only done some background material on this structure. Ms. Leary then spoke about her committments to the Commission and said that she had worked in the Crumlish/Sporleder office on the maps for the City Survey, as well as research on the -- North Shore triangle. She said she had participated in a wind- shield survey with the architectural firm. She likewise said — she would - with Ms. Davisson - be presenting a segment on his- toric preservation on WNIT - Channel 34. Ms. Davisson remarked that the work these girls did would go into the permanent records at the Commission office. She then informed — the Commission that the historic preservation segments on WNIT - Channel 34 - were still continuing to be aired on the first Thursday of the month. - Two segments with the aforementioned student- interees would be pre - recorded and aired during the sum mer. Both would be on the North Shore Triangle. The next show- ing, May 5th, would feature the Gothic Revival style of archi- tecture, as well as some background of the Chapin house. Mr. Oxian advised staff to prepare a monthly calendar indica. ting coming events of interest to the Commission. Such a cal- endar had previously been sent out and was discontinued. Presidential Report Mr. Oxian reported that he had signed all required papers for the hiring of two positions under CETA funding. One for a — typist for a 13 -weak period, and another for a research assis- tant. Ms. Davisson said a meeting shoullt be called to start with the interviewing of candidates. At this point, Mr. Ted Wasielewski made a motion that the Com- mission buy the books previously outlined by Mr. Jack Smith. Mr. Jack Smith seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. John Oxian spoke about one of the most important buildings of downtown South Bend - the Odd Fellows Building. It was highly recommended to be declared a landmark. Mr. Oxian spoke with Mr. Donald Patrick, one of the owners, on preserving the Odd Fellows Building and what action the owners were going to take towards the building. Mr. Patrick said he would get in touch with Mr. Oxian after consulting his partners. Mr. Oxian also said he had spoken with Mr. Braden, the previous owner, who had been interested in preserving it. He said he would April 25, 1977 Page 6 contact the present owners regarding this matter. Mr. Crumlish is going to do a survey card on this building. Mr. Oxian made a motion that survey cards be done on the list of buildings in downtown South Bend, including the Water Works. Mr. Ted Was - ielewski said he was not in favor of the Commission taking such - action and it would entail a lot of money to survey these build- ings. Mr. Oxian remarked that each one of these buildings is in a precarious position. A discussion ensued regarding these mat= ters. Mr. Oxian suggested that the list be given to Brian Crum - lish and a committee meeting be held. The motion was seconded by Ms. Velma Torzewski. It was voted upon and passed unanimously. Mr. Oxian spoke about the newspaper "Alert" issued by Preserva- tion Action and which contained several good articles regarding preservation legislation. It was suggested that this be dupli- cated and sent to Commission members. Mr. Oxian next mentioned that there is no problem concerning the $8,000 Community Development Funds. He said the City. Council gave final approval to the application for C.D. Funds for 1978 from H.U.D. Mr. Oxian also spoke about a housing and maintenance code which had been approved by the City Council and informed the Commission that he had spoken in favor of it` Staff Report Ms. Gilbert informed the Commission that she had been staffing the office, had done some correspondence and had given periodic progress reports to the president. 7. Old Business There was no old business to be discussed. 8. New Business Mr. Oxian reported under the heading of Budget and Finance that an ordinance should go before the County Council requesting $500.00 - for the purchase of plaques and $250.00 for the printing of a CerU6 ficate of Appropriateness. He made a motion to ask the County Coun- cil to appropriate $750.00 for these expenditures. Mr. Wasielewski seconded this motion Mr. Wasielewski said the Budget Committee had met and made this recommendation. The motion was put to a vote and it passed unanimously. Mr. Jack Smith remarked that he had spoken with Ms. Mary Means, Mid- west Regional Director of the National Trust about the possibility - of a tour of South Bend during the 1978 National Trust Annual Meet- ing in Chicago. 9. Hearing of Visitors Ms. Priscilla Dill wanted some clarification on just how much a April 25, 1977 Page 7 tax break could be expected if the matter of a facade easement were levied on a property. She was told that it depended on the facade value of the house and it would be one -third of that amount. Mr. Oxian declared that this amount would be reduced from the property in question. He said it was a local tax break. 10. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters There were no further announcements or other relative matters. 11. Adjournment Mr. Jack Smith made a motion that the April meeting stand ad- journed. Mr. Ted Wasielewski seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10 :10 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: Russell W. Rothermel, Secretary DRAFT PREPARED BY: Gertrud.C. Gilbert NEXT REGULAR MEETING mnday, May 16, 1977 Conference Room - 323 Third Floor - County -City Building 7:30 p.m.