Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-06 HPC MIN AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF WASHINGTON Julie Athey, being duly sworn on oath,says:that she is, and during all times herein states has been, Clerk of Sun Newspapers Publisher of the newspaper known as the Stillwater Gazette,a newspaper of general circulation within the City of Stillwater and the County of Washington. That the notice hereto attached was cut from City of Stillwater the columns of said newspaper and was (Official Publication) printed and published therein on the Heritage Preservation Commission following date(s): Notice of Meeting Monday,August 6,2012 A special meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission will begin at 6:30 p.m.,Monday,August 6,2012 in the Council Chambers at Stillwater 3rd of August 2012 City.Hall,216 North Fourth Street,Stillwater MN 55082. The purpose of Newspaper Ref./Ad#11120000 the workshop will be to review and make recommendation to the City Council on a consultant for the CLG Project. (Aug.3,2012)CLG Project Consultant (Wu,/ Subscribed and sworn to before me this 3rd day of August 2012 Mark Berriman NOTARY PUBLIC Washington County,Minnesota My commission expires January 31,2016 "` °,. MARK E.BERRIMAN �» �� f NOTARY PUBLIC MINNESOTA Cammiaslon Expires Jan.31,2016 Page 1 of 10 HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES August 6, 2012 SPECIAL MEETING 6:30 P.M. Present: Commissioners Johnson, Goodman, Lieberman, Larson, Brach and Krakowski and Councilmember Cook Absent: Commissioner Scott Zahren Staff: City Planner Pogge Recommendation to City Council on selection of consultant for CLG Grant. Mr. Pogge explained that the city has received CLG and Legacy grants to 1) develop a residential local designation district and 2) develop a video podcast on downtown commercial buildings. RFPs were sent to 18 firms. Mr. Pogge requested commission approval of a recommendation that the city council enter into a contract with Hoisington Preservation Consultants, principal Daniel Hoisington, to complete both projects. Mr. Hoisington shared his qualifications, project history, commitment to historic preservation, and interest in completing the projects. Chairman Lieberman pointed out that Stillwater residents are very sensitive to the city’s interpretation and treatment of their property rights. He suggested inviting homeowners in the district to attend a meeting before the project begins, to engage them and keep the process transparent. Mr. Pogge stated there will be three open houses scheduled throughout the project, and the council representative from this ward, Doug Menikheim, should be very involved. Mr. Goodman mentioned there have been several house histories written by historian Don Empson, as well as Washington County Historical Society publications on local citizens and history, that should be considered during the project. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Brach, to follow staff recommendation to select Hoisington Preservation Consultants. All in favor. Meeting was recessed at 7:05 p.m. REGULAR MEETING 7:05 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Cook said she was not at the meeting so her name should be stricken from the minutes. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 6, 2012 Page 2 of 9 Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the July 2, 2012 minutes noting that Councilmember Cook was absent. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Ernesto Luna, 613 South Fourth Street, wished to speak about the demolition of the buildings related to St. Paul Lutheran Church. He agreed to address his concerns during the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. DEM/2012-30. A demolition request for a single family home located at 604 Fourth Street South in the RB, Two Family Residential District. St. Paul Lutheran Church, Kevin Urhammer, applicant. Mr. Pogge explained the request is under the new demolition ordinance. Staff has determined that the property was a potential historic resource, therefore placing it before the HPC for review. The dwelling is valued at $81,100 and the land is valued at $66,000. If the home were moved and the lot were sold, it would be substandard. Staff recommends approval of the demolition request. Ernesto Luna, 613 Fourth Street South, who lives across the street from the church, said he is not in favor of removing the house because that makes it less of a neighborhood. Loretta Simonet of Minneapolis, also of 1114 West Olive Street where her mother lives, asked the commission to consider the historical value of the house which was in the Simonet and O’Brien family for years before it was sold to the church. She and her cousin, Joan Ockwig, who grew up in the house, would like to have the house moved if possible and preserved somewhere else in the city. Roger Tomten, 718 South Fifth Street, asked what the additional space will be used for, and whether the church has considered that it is in a neighborhood; he said when older structures are lost, history is lost. Amy McKee, 601 Fourth Street South, echoed Mr. Tomten’s comments that the neighborhood would be negatively impacted by the removal of the house . She questioned whether additional parking is needed. If demolition must occur, she asks that the large trees on the property be preserved. Kevin Shuberg, attorney for St. Paul Lutheran Church, gave the history of the proposal. The church expanded in 2001 and at that time, considered eventual utilization of the entire block. It considered whether the existing properties could be worked into the mission of the church; a group also studied options last fall. Because the houses are no longer considered inhabitable, both houses should be demolished. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 6, 2012 Page 3 of 9 Mr. Shuberg said the property will not become a parking lot, but green space. They would like to hold events such as the ice cream social there. They would like kids to continue to be able to use the basketball court. Commissioner Larson asked if there is a long term master plan for the entire block. Mr. Shuberg replied that the 604 property is small and currently hides the church entrance, so no plans exist other than to maintain it in green space. Commissioner Johnson recognized that the church is part of the neighborhood, and neighbors want to preserve that feel. He feels the mission of a church to serve a community sometimes gets lost in place of building a larger campus. He feels there are opportunities for mission or outreach that might make better use of the properties than simply renting them out to tenants, such as the transitional home across from Lakeview Hospital. Chairman Lieberman said part of what makes Stillwater beautiful is the mix of properties - not just large lumber barons’ mansions. Had the properties been better maintained from the time the church bought them in 1997, they may not be as dilapidated as they are now. He believes the church’s “grand plan” may have always been to demolish the buildings through benign neglect. He does not intend to vote in favor of the demolition. Mr. Tomten asked if the church is interested in looking at alternative site plans, landscaping, and addressing neighbors’ issues regarding parking lot lighting and signage. Ms. McKee stated according to notes she obtained, the HPC asked for a master plan in 1997 when a previous demolition permit was granted for other homes on the block. There was considerable concern at the time about the demolition. She feels the church never intended to put any money into the houses because it always intended to demolish them. Jan Brewer, 215 West Willard Street, expressed concerns about snow removal and lighting. She feels if the demolition is approved, specific landscape, lighting, signage, and snow removal plans need to be documented and enforced. Gene Leatherman, 222 West Willard Street, said he is the only homeowner left on the block. He doesn’t think the condition of the houses warrants keeping them and he has no problem with demolition; his concern is how will the area be made beautiful? He would like some additional screening. Chairman Lieberman closed the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. Chairman Lieberman apologized for being intemperate earlier. He realizes it’s hard to know where property owners’ rights intersect with those of the broader community. In Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 6, 2012 Page 4 of 9 1997 he recalled a plan being discussed but doesn’t remember ever seeing such a plan. He would like the issue tabled so a long term plan for the property can be developed . Motion by Chairman Lieberman, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to table the proposal and request the church come back with a detailed plan for property use. All in favor. Case No. DEM/2012-31. A demolition request for a single family home located at 216 WIllard Street in the RB, Two Family Residential District. St. Paul Lutheran Church, Kevin Urhammer, applicant. Mr. Pogge explained the request. Staff found the property is a potential historic resource, and deemed the condition of the interior bette r than the previously discussed home. There is a feasible alternative to demolition and the lot is conforming; therefore staff recommends denial of the request. Mr. Shuberg argued that this house is structurally in worse condition than the previously discussed house. Structural damage existed when the church bought the property. The church could not sell the home if it wanted to; it is not inhabitable. He reiterated the plan is to have open green space for church activities. Commissioner Larson commented that though no one is against green space, each house that is demolished takes away from the residential nature of the neighborhood. Jan Brewer, 215 West Willard, said the existing green space becomes a dumping ground for snow in the winter. She would like to see a plan for snow removal. Gene Leatherman, 222 West Willard, disagreed with the staff’s opinion of the quality of the house. The back of the house is in poor shape. He wants the church and commission to consider what neighbors have to look at and live with in the future. Roger Tomten questioned the quoted costs to restore the houses and offered to look at ways to reduce costs. Chairman Lieberman closed the public hearing at 8:20 p.m. Chairman Lieberman stated he sees the two demolition requests as part of the same project. He suggested tabling this request to look at both requests as part of a long term plan. Motion by Chair Lieberman, seconded by Commissioner Goodman to table the request. All in favor. Mr. Shuberg stated that the church would not have a problem coming back with a plan, but it would not consider a plan that does not include demolition because the church needs the green space for its activities. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 6, 2012 Page 5 of 9 Councilmember Cook said she would like the church to consider another viable use for the houses. Case No. DR/2012-33. Infill design review for a single family home with detached two- car garage located at 107 Everett Street South in the RB, Two Family Residential District and the NCD, Neighborhood Conservation District. Mike and W endy Johnson, applicant. Mr. Pogge explained the applicants are requesting a permit for a new single-family home on a vacant lot to the north of a ravine owned by the City. Ms. Johnson said the couple wants to build an “old” new house. It will be a 1920 s bungalow style with a detached garage and is consistent with other homes in the area. Chairman Lieberman and Commissioner Johnson agreed it will be a nice addition and seems consistent with surrounding homes. Commissioner Larson complimented the applicants on their thorough documentation and attention to detail. Motion by Commissioner Brach, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the permit. All in favor. Case No. DR/2012-34. Infill design review for a single family home located at 317 William Street North in the RB, Two Family Residential District and the NCD, Neighborhood Conservation District. Shannon Mulvehill, applicant. Ms. Mulvehill said she feels the way the city is making her build the home is ridiculous because of setbacks defining what is the front of the home. With setbacks, no matter which way the home sits, it can only be 26 feet wide. Mr. Pogge reviewed that the lot is very narrow, 51 feet wide, but there are still a lot of design opportunities to work around the setback. Commissioner Johnson said perhaps a variance to the setback should go before the planning commission first. The house appears to be situated wrong, not facing the primary street, due to the setback issue. Mr. Pogge said the planning commission will want to see the house design. He suggested the HPC table the application for a month so he can work with the applicant and architect, and come back next month. Ms. Mulvehill said her present home has been sold and she needs to bring the project to completion soon. Carol Peterson, 704 Linden Street West, stated she supports demolition of the existing house and supports the proposal. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 6, 2012 Page 6 of 9 Commissioners Johnson and Larson suggested some possible design changes. Motion by Chairman Lieberman, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to table the application so the applicant can come back with a design more in keeping with what she intends to build. All in favor. DESIGN REVIEWS Case No. DR/2012-28. Design review for storefront revisions to the building located at 1820 Market Drive in the BP-C, Business Park Commercial District. Chase Properties, Harvey Tesler, applicant. Harvey Tesler explained the request to go back to the building’s original facade to rent it to three separate tenants. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the request. All in favor. Case No. DR/2012-27. Design review of signage for Great Clips located at 1820 Market Drive in the BP-C, Business Park Commercial District. Matt Wilson, Stillwater Marketplace, applicant. Chairman Lieberman explained the request. Motion by Chairman Lieberman, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski, to approve the request. All in favor. Case No. DR/2012-32. Design review of McDonalds for revisions to the original plan located at 2601 Orleans Street West in the BP-C, Business Park Commercial District. McDonalds USA, Dale Shimek, applicant. Chairman Lieberman explained the request. This is a modification to a previously approved plan. Mr. Shimek explained design modifications were done removing seven feet from the previously approved building, adding 20 feet onto the front “Playplace” for a net increase of 13 feet. The other design change involves the local operator wanting to add stone to the front. Commissioner Johnson clarified design elements with Mr. Shimek. The look of the banding will be consistent. Mr. Shimek said the operator is ensuring the landscaping plan will be very high quality. Motion by Commissioner Brach, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve with conditions. All in favor. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 6, 2012 Page 7 of 9 Case No. DR/2012-29. Design review of a shared tenant sign for Liberty Village located at 3550 Settlers Way in the VC, Village Commercial District. Ryan Roberts, Kwik Trip, applicant. Chairman Lieberman reviewed the request for a “master sign” for L iberty Village. The design guide allows for a sign of up to 75 square feet on each side, no taller than 20 feet. The proposed sign exceeds both of these standards. He recalled Liberty business owners expressing concerns over the years about signage restrictions impacting their visibility and ability to sustain their businesses. Mr. Roberts asserted that he has worked for four or five months to meet design criteria, and that customers typically have no clue what businesses are in the area. He would like some business owners to express their concerns. Mr. Pogge recalled in 2009 a signage plan for Liberty Village was developed. The idea was to use either short names or generic terms to be effectively viewed at high speeds. Mr. Roberts suggested “Liberty Village” could be eliminated and the “Kwik Trip” wording stay, for the sign on the side of the car wash. Other businesses would rather have identification by the road to help their business. He doesn’t think the words “Liberty Village” helps businesses. The commission needs to decide whether the sign is considered a master sign or a freestanding sign. Mr. Pogge explained when the signage plan was written, the city tried to allow a freestanding sign to be taller and larger than allowed in other areas, 100 square feet and 25 feet tall. If the proposed freestanding sign were approved, the Kwik Trip sign on the car wash would have to be smaller as he considers this to be a freestanding sign. Chairman Lieberman noted that Liberty Village is different from other areas because it’s not readily apparent to drivers what’s there. He asked business owners for input as to what would be helpful. Susie, a Liberty Village business owner, stated many customers have no idea they are there, so identification signage would be helpful. Nate, who just opened Credo Salon and Spa said customers often can’t find his business. He thinks the proposed sign is very tasteful and fits the development. Dr. Ginger Garley, Rivertown Animal Hospital, said her “Animal Hospital” signage is fairly visible, but other businesses in the area don’t have the advantage she has with her location and larger sign, and she would like to see this corrected. Brett Pilrain, Patriot’s Tavern, told the commission that a good looking sign will help the whole business community. Customers have trouble finding his business. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 6, 2012 Page 8 of 9 Councilmember Cook said she would like to find a way to make the request work at 20 feet high. Commissioner Johnson suggested two tenants would likely need to be removed from the freestanding sign to get down to the allowed square footage. Mr. Roberts stated because of the way the building is oriented, there are visibility issues with the business locations. Commissioner Johnson pointed out that the “Liberty Village” at the top of the proposed freestanding sign, consisting of 11 square feet, should not be viewed as business signage, but location signage. That brings the proposal from 97 down to 86 square feet, only 11 feet away from meeting the 75 square foot requirement. He also sugge sted putting the sign on a berm to make it a bit higher without adding height to the sign itself. Chairman Lieberman commented out there are different sign guidelines in different parts of the city. Because of the nature of this area, different sign guide lines may make sense. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski to approve sign #1 on Manning Ave, with conditions outlined by city staff, and additionally excluding the “Liberty Village” words at the top of the proposed sign as not counting toward the allowed square footage. All in favor. NEW BUSINESS CLG Project Councilmember Cook said she is uncomfortable considering only one applicant. Mr. Pogge said he too was disappointed there was only one applicant. Chairman Lieberman agreed - he wished more firms had applied. The project will be more challenging than most. He didn’t get a sense that the applicant understands all that it will entail to get the neighborhood designations. Councilmember Cook said the consultant might need “ambassadors,” who are key people in the neighborhoods, to assist. Chairman Lieberman said all residents will need the opportunity to express their opinions. The commission probably has to select the applicant because he is the only candidate. But if the project doesn’t go well, it could set the city back for decades. The commission discussed other possible consultants who might do such work. Councilmember Cook said city staff will just have to closely monitor the consultant. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 6, 2012 Page 9 of 9 2011 Preservation Awards Several commissioners suggested the new Post Office be chosen for best reuse/redesign. There were other suggestions made. Mr. Pogge asked commissioners to email him suggestions. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Lieberman, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting adjourned 10:55 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary