HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-12 HPC MINj 1 water
THE SIRTHRLACE Of MINNESOTA
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
June 12, 2024
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Thueson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Chairman Thueson, Commissioners Finwall, Heimdahl, Mino, Summers,
Councilmember Dunker
Absent: Commissioners Holmes & Larson
Staff: Planning Manager Gutknecht
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of May 15, 2024 regular meeting
Motion by Commissioner Mino, seconded by Commissioner Finwall, to approve the minutes of the May
15, 2024 meeting. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
Case No. CD 2024-022: Design Review for Graphic Design Sign in Downtown Design Review
District at Union Alley (Phase 2) - Main Street Stairs Stormwater Pipe
Case No. CD 2024-023: Design Review for New Dwelling in Neighborhood Conservation District
at 950 Owens St N
Case No. CD 2024-026: Design Review for Siding and Window Replacement at 919 Myrtle St W
Commissioner Finwall asked that Case No. CD 2024-022 be pulled from the Consent Agenda.
Motion by Commissioner Mino, seconded by Commissioner Summers, to adopt the Consent Agenda as
amended. All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Case No. CD 2024-022: Design Review for Graphic Design Sign in Downtown Design Review District at
Union Alley (Phase 2) - Main Street Stairs Stormwater Pipe Gulled from Consent Agenda
l
Planning Manager Gutknecht explained that on May 15, 2024 the Heritage Preservation Commission
approved the continuation and extension of Union Art Alley, but tabled action on a portion of the
proposal for a Graphic Design Sign ("mural") on the stormwater infrastructure at the top of the Main
Street South Stairs. The HPC asked the applicant to provide a proposal for that specific area, and
applicant Sara Jespersen has brought back a specific proposal. Because it is within City right-of-way,
the applicant must also seek approval from the City Council to permit a Graphic Design Sign on City
infrastructure/property. The proposal as presented is located entirely on the non -historic, concrete
infrastructure in primarily muted colors. The "North Wind" design is "street -art" influenced, a
deliberate choice by the applicant to further curb future graffiti. Staff recommends that the proposed
graphic design signage is appropriate in terms of time, space, and manner and is consistent with
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
June 12, 2024
appropriate regulations, including the interim guidance and direction provided by the mural
subcommittee, full Commission, and City Council. Staff does not believe that this location will be
highly visible from Main Street or the St. Croix River.
Commissioner Finwall suggested that the wording of the Resolution focus on just this sign and not the
overall art alley signage; and Mr. Gutknecht responded that the wording could be made singular in
Conditions 3, 4, and S.
Commissioner Finwall asked, if the structure is tagged again, who will be responsible for painting
over it?
Sara Jespersen, applicant, replied that a sealant will be used to ensure tagging could be removed, and
she has talked to the Parks Superintendent about removing any future tagging in partnership. This is
the first time the art is going on City -owned property.
Mr. Gutknecht added that the applicant will have to have an agreement with the City which includes a
maintenance provision to ensure the applicant maintains and preserves the art. He added that the
City Attorney has confirmed that the City may regulate time, space and manner, but does not have
regulatory control over content and design of public art.
Councilmember Junker added that the City will continue to clean up tagging on any City properties.
Interestingly, where artwork has been applied, the structures are not getting tagged.
Commissioner Mino remarked when it comes to colors, the HPC should provide a certain amount of
flexibility to the artist.
Chair Thueson added that once staff has the capacity, the HPC should revisit the topic of mural and
design guidelines using the City Attorney's input.
Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Summers, to adopt Resolution HPC2024-
10, Resolution Granting Design Approval in the Downtown Design Review District for a Graphic Design
Sign Located in/on City Infrastructure (Stormwater Pipe Adjacent to Top of Main Street South Staircase)
(CD2024-022), modifying the conditions of approval to reflect this is one singular sign and not a grouping
of signs. All in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
FYI
Comprehensive Zoning Code and Subdivision Code Update
Mr. Gutknecht said staff will soon start working on zoning code review of definitions and performance
standards, including signs and incorporating the work done by Commissioners Finwall and Heimdahl.
He also stated that volunteers are needed for a July 14 graffiti removal activity (from non -historic
surfaces downtown) in coordination with the Police Department and local business owners.
OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS
Councilmember Junker commented that the project of putting art on Xcel Energy boxes has been
successful, with one completed box north of the Freight House and another behind Brick and Bourbon
that is about 99% done. The goal is to get at least 6-8 more done this summer.
Commissioner Finwall asked, moving forward as the HPC works on regulations, since these boxes are
on a piece of infrastructure in the City, would it fall under some sort of design review? She also
complimented the City for making these improvements.
Councilmember Junker replied that Xcel Energy, as the owner of the boxes, must approve each design.
Page 2 of 3
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting June 12, 2024
COMMISSIONER REQUESTS
There were no Commissioner requests.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Mino, seconded by Commissioner Finwall, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:31 p.m. E
Matt Thueson, Chair
A'FT S
Tim ladhill, Community Development Director
Resolution HPC2024-10, Resolution Granting Design Approval in the Downtown Design
Review District for a Graphic Design Sign Located in/on City Infrastructure
(Stormwater Pipe Adjacent to Top of Main Street South Staircase) (CD2024-022)
Resolution HPC2024-07, Resolution Granting Design Approval for a Dwelling Located in the
Neighborhood Conservation Design Review District for 950 Owens Street North (Case
Number: CD2024-023)
Resolution HPC 2024-09, Resolution Granting Design Approval for Siding and Window
Replacement in the Neighborhood Conservation Design Review District for 919
Myrtle Street West (Case Number: CD2024-026)
Page 3 of 3