Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 1977historicp reser tion co iss ion of south bend and st., joseph county ROOM 1121COUNTY CITY BUILDING south bend, indiana 46601 (219,284-9798) -XJG' N ­ -E- -D-A'- egui__ -Me ifig-.1'. x a December 26 -7:30.p.m.- 5id.',Floor Conferen"cLi'Room,' 1 Call .to Order R 3 Ap#oval of 1,1inute's 4 Tre ur as eils Report C4 7 orrespondence -6 C6mmittee,.Rep6rts : e ,city-- S11r,V y Budget d Fi n and ance Hi s to i a Di stricts Historic; ric Landmari6 L eg Public Relations and Community -Education"- Standards Historic `Presidential`Report ::Ztaff Report 1i 7 Md Business. 8. New Business "The Tike Hai -Coffie";­ F lm-. showin S_ HVisitors. earing -of - - ----- - and Miscell Matters10. Annouhcem,6 6 aneous' 11. _-AdjoU rnmen HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TOTAL BUDGET $11,425.08 Treasurer's Report December 20, 1977 1977 Budgeted Balance ,Line Item 119.1 Historic Preservation Planner $8,200.08 $11132.14 212 Postage .300.00 125.25 213 Travel Expenses 600.00 -0- 215 Books 125.00 125.00 241 Printing, other than office supplies 400.00 31.76 242 Publication of Legal Notices 200.00 -0- 243 Photography and Blue Prints 200.00 -0- 244 Stationery and Printing 100.00 27.35 252 Equipment 50.00 -0- 261 Legal Services 600.00 -0- 263 Technical Assitance 400.00 -0- 371 General Office Supplies 100.00 38.17 570 Dues and Subscriptions 150.00 -0- $112425.08 $1,479.67 ;�low,�trs December 20, 1977 Page 2 been paid and the monies remaining in the Commission's budget at ( the end of 1977 would revert back to the General Fund. Mr. Oxian then discussed the possibility of hiring Ms. Jeanne Denham from January until the end of April at a rate of $250.00 per month, which would total $1,000. He suggested that W. Gaylen Allsop draw up a contract covering her services to do historical research. The Treasurer's report and this motion for Mrs. Denham was likewise tentatively approved. Ms. Candace Peck then asked Commission's approval to reimburse her for her travel expenses to undertake the position of Historic Preservation Planner. The mileage computed at $.13 per mile, would total $163.50. Mr. Oxian felt there would be no problems in having this approved but would seek further approval from Mr. Al Stivers and Mr. Russell W. Rothermel. Mr. Oxian said he would like to be reimbursed for the postage he is using in mailing material to home owners. He submitted -- ----- -a bill -for $5.00. --There were -no objections to -this matter. 5. Correspondence There was no valid correspondence at this time, except that Mr. Wasielewski asked the staff if any answer had been received from the White Farm Equipment Company allowing Brian Crumlish access to their structures. So far, none had been received. 6. Committee Reports City Survey Mr. Ted Wasielewski informed the Commission that a meeting had been held at which time the completion of the survey had been discussed, and tentative plans for 1978. He said ap- proximately 250 structures in the superior category, rating 11, 12, and 13 will be carded by the end of December, 1977. Mr. Oxian then discussed the $8,000 still be be allocated from Community Development Funds for the city survey. Mr. Wasiel- ewski mentioned that both John Oxian and Candace Peck had ap- peared before the Common Council regarding this matter and that the Common Council had asked and received from C.D. a written promise that our $8,000 would not be appropriated for the new Fire Station on Western Avenue, and that a separate appropri- ation ordinance will be forthcoming for Common Council action in Janury, 1978. Mr. Oxian then read a memorandum from Carl Ellison regarding this matter. He also said he will have a meeting with the Common Council to explain what the Commission will be doing with these funds. Mr. Oxian read the city survey budget and explained it to the Commission and Ms. Peck further explained it. He then discussed possible publications and a statement which should be revised. There was tentative appro- val of this statement with corrections. December 20, 1977 Page 3 Historic Districts Mr. Ted Wasielewski informed the Commission that W. Gaylen Allsop, the Commission's attorney, is looking into the legal aspects of the proposed zoning change in the West Washington District. Mr Oxian reported that Mr. Allsop was in the process of drafting an ordinance covering this matter. The basic prob- lem is that there are four different zoning possibilities for an historic area. Mr. Oxian advised Mr. Allsop to discuss this : matter with the Area Plan Commission. Mr. Wasielewski stressed that there were 10 different zoning classifications that had to be taken into account. There was a good deal of discussion on -- this matter. Mr. Oxian advised Mr. Allsop to peruse the legis- lation that was passed in the City of Boston, which -had three different categories of zoning for historic districts. Mr. Oxian said the Commission needs more material from W. Gaylen Allsop and this matter should "hang fire" right now. Legal Ms. Candace Peck reported that Charlotte Whittaker had re- quested copies of the Commission's ordinance and other material and wanted to set up a meeting at her house on January 12th regarding the possibility of setting up an historic district in the North Shore area. It was suggested that Ms. Peck work with bis. Joann Sporleder. Ms. Peck said that she had sent a copy of the ordinance as well as standards to Ms Ellen Kettler, the Midwest legal counsel for the National Trust. She also said letters should be sent to residents living in a historic district, giving them an indica- tion of what it means to live in a historic district. Further letters should stress the possibility of tax deductions and re�- habilitation as well as loans that might be applicable. It was stated that the Tax Seminar in June did not have a tremendous impact. Mrs Price then stated that a letter should go out to all proper- ty owners regarding their willingness to have their home desig-.- nated as a historic landmark, and outlining the possible tax de- ductions. Mr. Oxian informed her that letters of permission have been requested from all potential historic landmark owners since early 1975, even though our enabling ordinance does not require it. Mr. Ted Wasielewski then began an open discussion of historic landmarks and historic districts and said that approval must be gotten from 50% of the property owners for permission to have a district declared historic. Mr. Oxian said he had dis- cussed this matter with Mr. Allsop and he read Section E. from December 20, 1977 Page 4 the enabling ordinance. He further stated that Resolution 3 gives the Commission power to declare a home a landmark without the owner's -consent: -There was discussion of special interpretations of this matter. Mr. Ted Wasielewski expressed some concerns he had regarding the interpretation of the ordinance and especially in the future -- maintenance_and non -maintenance of structures that are now de- clared as landmarks. Mr. Wasielewski expressed that the Commis- sion should proceed with caution in designating further landmarks and do everything possible to get owner's consent. Public Relations and Community Education There was no report from this committee. Standards and Historic Plan There was no report forthcoming. Presidential Report There was no report from President Oxian. However, the Commission was informed that John Stamper had sent the Commission a completed Certificate of Appropriateness on the No. 7 Fire Station. It was brought to Ms. Sporleder's attention and it was then forwarded to Mr. DeLee, City Engineer. Staff Report Ms. Gilbert asked approval for her to take her accrued six vacation days, starting December 27 and ending January 4th. Ms. Candace Peck asked permission to be absent from the office on December 27th and Mr. Nimtz remarked that there should be no problem with either -case. 7. Old Busines r. __ _ :_: ti, :,_-.-! _ -_. , - _ - .- Ms. Candace Peck brought up the problem of the lights on Leeper- Bridge. She said she had talked with Mr. William Richardson re- garding the epoxy used on the renovation of the bridge. She said that perhaps the Commission should wait in designating the bridge a landmark until the style of the lights is worked out. Mr Oxian stated that the Darden Bridge has been declared a landmark through resolution but not by ordinance. Ms. Sporleder made a suggestion that both the Leeper Bridge and the Darden Bridge be declared local historic landmarks by ordinance. She said she and Ms. Peck would try to get some old photographs, showing the exact lights that - were on the bridge. Mr. Nimtz said there might be some old post- cards about, and he also know of a painting that depicted the bridge. He was advised to pursue this further. Mr. Oxian then informed the Commission that the facade easement project with the Gollatz house was still being worked on with Mr. Dillon. December 20, 1977 Page 5 8. New Business Ms. Candace Peck announced that it might very will be a good idea for the Commission to start a Newsletter, informing interested parties of new tax laws, pertinent information about the Commission, "newsy" bits of -other perservation groups. She said there was a singularly lack of communication of all preservation groups. There was general discussion of what this newsletter would entail. It was remarked that publication - costs would be used from the State grant of last year. It was also sug- gested that perhaps a grant could be set-up for this from the Indiana Commission for the Arts. Mr. Nimtz was highly in favor of starting such a newsletter. Mr. Oxian reported that the Commission needs to appoint a new chairman for the Public Relations and Community Education committee. He said he would call some of the other members about this matter. He appointed Joann Sporleder to this committee, as well as appointing her to the historic districts committee. b[s. Peck discussed the $12,000 in matching grants for the city survey. She said that Cambridge, Massachusetts had used revolving funds for -- rehabilitation of houses for exterior work, especially in the replac- ing of architectural details or ornaments which does not come under any other rehabilitating work. She said such a Revolving Fund Proposal had been sent to Community Development for this year. Mr. Nimtz then informed the Commission that an unveiling of Judge Den- sey's portrait - who had done significant research of houses and had shown great leadership in preservation -would take place in the near future. He instructed staff to get the exact date and location for the unveiling of this portrait. Mr. Oxian then informed the Commission and staff that notices of forth- coming meetings must be prominantly displayed and sent to the media in accordance with the recently passed "Sunshine Law." 9. Announcements and Miscellaneous Platters There were no further announcements. 10. Hearing of Visitors Mrs. Ruth Price then publically thanked the Historic Preservation Com- mission for its continuing efforts in the preservation movement. She -- said there were some good "vibes" coming from the community. The Com- mission, nevertheless, most make some concession. She said the Commis- sion should set up values and solidify community support. She then spoke of a facade easement program and the impact of the tax reform act. She felt that "saving" is a function of this preservation group. 11. Adjournment The December meeting stood adjourned at 9:53 P.M. -v December 20, 1977 Page 6 SUBMITTED BY: Russel W. Rothermel, Secretary DRAFT PREPARED BY: Gertrud C. Gilbert NEXT REGULAR 24EETING Monday, January 16, 1978 Note: Room 323, depending on attendance, otherwise Council Chambers on 4th Flobr 7:30 p.m.