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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-17 HPC MINj 1 water THE SIRTHRLACE Of MINNESOTA HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING July 17, 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, Holmes, Larson, Mino, Summers, Councilmember Dunker Absent: None Staff: Community Development Director Gladhill, Planning Manager Gutknecht, Assistant City Planner Molasky APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of June 12, 2024 regular meeting Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Mino, to approve the minutes of the June 12, 2024 meeting. Motion passed 6-0-1 with Commissioner Larson abstaining. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Case No. CD 2024-036: Design Review for Garage and Front Porch Remodel at 817 1st Street South - Resolution HPC 2024-11 Commissioner Mino asked that Case No. CD 2024-036 be pulled for discussion. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Case No. CD 2024-036: Design Review for Garage and Front Porch Remodel at 817 1st Street South - Resolution HPC 2024-11 (nulled from Consent Agenda) Planning Manager Gutknecht reviewed the case. Applicant Sherri Cannon is seeking Design Review for an exterior remodel to the existing garage and front entrance of a single-family dwelling. The existing structure was constructed in 2008 after the original home (circa 1942) was issued an emergency demolition permit due to fire damage. The proposed remodel includes changes to the orientation of the garage doors from north facade to west facade, extending the lateral distance of the front porch, adding a dormer to first floor of the primary dwelling and change in the roof form to accommodate the dormer. The applicant is also proposing re -roofing and re -siding the entire structure. The applicant is not proposing an increase to the size of the garage, simply the relocation of the doors. The proposed garage doors will be "Carriage House" style and the two windows currently on the west facade will be relocated to the north facade. Technically, the existing garage location is not in compliance with the RB (two-family) district setback requirements and would be considered lawful Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting July 17, 2024 nonconforming. However, because the applicant is not proposing to increase this nonconformity, a variance is not required. In 2008, staff determined that because the original dwelling was burned down it was considered a lawful nonconforming replacement and was permitted to move forward without HPC review. Today, lawful nonconforming replacement requires review by the HPC. In other words, staff believes that lawful, nonconforming should have been limited to reconstructing to the original layout and design, not the different design that was ultimately approved. The proposal does not increase or create new nonconformities and is compliant with zoning code. Staff finds that the materials and overall design of the remodel is higher quality and more compatible with the Design Guidelines and will not detract from the character of the neighborhood, and therefore recommends approval. Commissioner Mino asked about the garage, the removal of a large tree, and why some of the changes are being made. Applicant Sherri Cannon said they were attracted to the new electrical, plumbing and heating and the size of the house. Adding a dormer will allow light in, and bring it back to the look of an old home. Adding an 8' front porch will fit the roofline change. The garage is currently a one -car garage and they would like more room. Similar homes in the neighborhood have two -car garages. They would prefer the garage to be set back further but they are going with what the house has currently. Commissioner Mino said she understands the challenges with the garage. She noted for the record that she doesn't think that the HPC used to approve garages added onto existing homes, which explains some of the garages in the neighborhood. She asked about the tree removal and Ms. Cannon said they would be happy to replace the large tree and they are planning on beautiful landscaping and redoing the whole backyard. Chairman Thueson said one of the design guidelines is to preserve significant trees and another is to avoid front -facing, prominent garages. The tree draws the eye away from the prominence of the garage so he asked if there is flexibility to have the driveway routed in a way that the tree could be saved. Ms. Cannon replied it's a very short drive and she would have to talk to someone about whether adding a curve would still accommodate a car driving into the garage. Commissioner Larson commented that he was struck by the quantity of paving required for a side - loaded garage. Landscaping is a good tradeoff for a shorter drive. In this case the forward -facing garage will result in a greener space that is better for the neighborhood context. Commissioner Holmes suggested narrower siding and Ms. Cannon said she likes the look of wider siding, whereas Commissioner Holmes said he doesn't feel strongly about it to condition approval on narrower siding. His feeling is just a suggestion for the applicant to consider. Commissioner Finwall said another way to de-emphasize the front loading garage is using a pavered driveway but this is not in the HPC's purview; Ms. Cannon said pavers would be really expensive. Commissioner Finwall said maybe a paver inlay could be used. Motion by Commissioner Summers, seconded by Commissioner Holmes, to adopt Resolution HPC 2024- 11, Resolution Granting Design Approval in the Neighborhood Conservation Design Review District for 817 1st Street South (Case Number: CD2024-036). All in favor. Recognition of Efforts by Stillwater Police Department and Public Works Department for Downtown Graffiti Removal - Resolution HPC 2024-12 Mr. Gladhill explained the proposed resolution recognizing graffiti cleanup participants and Councilmember Junker commended all involved in the effort. Page 2 of 5 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting July 17, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Mino, to adopt Resolution HPC 2024-12, Resolution Recognizing Efforts of Stillwater Police Department and Stillwater Public Works Department for Downtown Graffiti Removal. All in favor. FYI Case No. CD2024-035: Design Review for New Dwelling in Neighborhood Conservation District at newly created Vacant Lot adjacent to 1904 5th Street North Mr. Gutknecht said the applicant, Frankie Peterson, is requesting design review for a proposed single- family dwelling located on a vacant lot adjacent to 1904 5th Street North. The application is incomplete and the applicant is working with staff; a formal review is anticipated in August. Comprehensive Zoning Code and Subdivision Code Update Mr. Gutknecht said staff is wrapping up performance standards. Signs were pulled out of the performance standards section to address the subject separately due to its complexity. 48StateTour - Fairview Cemetery,July, 27, 2024 9AM-3PM Commissioner Heimdahl encouraged staff and Commissioners to attend this event, cosponsored by the City, HPC and Washington County Historical Society, partnering with Atlas Preservation. Participants will learn how to properly clean historic masonry and gravestones and do mortar work. Boards and Commissions Picnic, August 14, 2024 5PM Chairman Thueson reminded the Commission of the annual picnic at Pioneer Park. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS There were no other discussion items. COMMISSIONER REQUESTS There were no Commissioner requests. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Mino, to adjourn to workshop. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned to workshop at 7:34 p.m. WORKSHOP MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING REGULAR MEETING Chairman Thueson called the workshop to order at 7:35 p.m. Present: Chairman Thueson, Commissioners Finwall, Heimdahl, Holmes, Larson, Mino, Summers, Councilmember Junker Absent: None Staff: Community Development Director Gladhill, Planning Manager Gutknecht, Assistant City Planner Molasky OTHER BUSINESS Heritage Preservation Commission Work Plan Update - Vision Statement Mr. Gladhill led an exercise to begin developing a Vision Statement. The following were suggested by Commissioners as elements of a Vision Statement for the next 10-20 years: Councilmember Junker - Preserve Historic Character, Artwork, Little or Less Demo, Innovative Applications, Embrace Stillwater's Age Page 3 of 5 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting July 17, 2024 Commissioner Larson - Authenticity, Education, Integration, Economic Benefit Incentives, Managed Change Commissioner Summers - Destination City, Preservation and Development, Ongoing Preservation, Stillwater should be a Showplace, an Exemplar Commissioner Finwall - Livable, Vibrant, Destination, Honors the Past, Celebrating the Present and Future Commissioner Heimdahl - Community Character, Keeping Stillwater "Stillwater", Increased Sustainability and Material Conservation, Incentivizing Preservation, Knowledge and Empowerment Commissioner Holmes - Serve City Residents, Protecting, Preserving, Enhancing the Historic City, Maintaining its Essential Character for it to be a Destination in a way that is both Sensible and Consistent, to do that in a way that allows the City to Evolve, Grow and Thrive Commissioner Mino - Ensuring Community Vibrancy through Preservation, Respect and Care for Historic Resources, Celebrating Unique Character that Preservation brings to our City, Top Place to Live, Work and Play, Welcoming and Open to both Old and New Chairman Thueson - Minimize Loss of Places of Character, Preserve What Makes Stillwater Unique, Preservation Draws Economic Activity, Quality of Life for Residents, Help with Incentives for Owners Ms. Molasky - Help people create cohesive space, foster community pride, protect diverse historic resources, encourage stewardship of those resources, work to make historic preservation and heritage preservation approachable Mr. Gutknecht - educate about historic preservation, competitive design, looking at flexible yet thoughtful infill, foster community pride about preservation and historic sites Mr. Gladhill then asked the group to distill the list into five key themes. Commissioner Larson - incentive Councilmember Junker - preserve integrity Commissioners Heimdahl and Summers - character Commissioner Summers - we are not the Historic Preservation Commission, but the Heritage Preservation Commission - heritage encompasses more than history Commissioner Holmes - not just preserving and protecting but celebrating Commissioner Larson - elevating the value in everyone's minds Commissioner Heimdahl - being proactive instead of reactionary to issues Commissioner Mino - recognizing that it's not static, things are going to change - it's how you manage that change that can keep the character but continue to more forward Commissioner Larson - our job is to hold onto that end of the line that's being pulled by others i.e. economic development - we're all doing our jobs Commissioner Mino - flexible Commissioner Finwall - flexible solutions Chairman Thueson - there is probably more we can do on the resource front for to help applicants - having a City that has a lot of heritage benefits everyone in the City Councilmember Junker said he would like to see something in the Vision Statement about art - it's bringing a new dynamic to the City Page 4 of 5 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting July 17, 2024 Commissioner Holmes noted the HPC is here to preserve but also to enhance the character of the City - this involves integrating artwork Mr. Gladhill stated that one new tool is that the City Council will consider what to do with the new sales tax designated for housing that will bring in $90,000/year. The Council will talk in August about how to utilize that, whether for targeted loans and grants, fagade improvements, whatever. He said staff will refine the concepts discussed in the visioning exercise, for further review. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Summers, seconded by Commissioner Holmes, to adjourn the workshop meeting. All in favor. The workshop was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. Matt Thueson, Chair mww Tim Gladhill, Community Development Director Resolution HPC2024-11, Resolution Granting Design Approval in the Neighborhood Conservation Design Review District for 817 1st Street South (Case Number: CD2024- 036) Resolution HPC2024-12, Resolution Recognizing Efforts of Stillwater Police Department and Stillwater Public Works Department for Downtown Graffiti Removal Page 5 of 5