Bluffdale Historic Preservation Commission
Regular MeetingBluffdale, UT · November 7, 2019
Minutes
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BLUFFDALE
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BLUFFDALE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MEETING AGENDA
November 7, 2019
Notice is hereby given that the Bluffdale City Historic Preservation Commission w ill hold a public meeting Thursday
November 7, 2019 at 6:30 PM at the Bluffdale City Hall locat ed at 2222 West 14400 South. Notice is furth er given
that access to this meeting by members of the Historic Preservation Commission may be by electronic means via
telephonic conference call. The agenda for this meeting is listed below. Please not e th at the meeting start time is
approximate and subj ect to change.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION BUSINESS MEETING 6:30 PM
1. Invocation* and Pledge of Allegiance*.
2. Approval of September 12, 2019 Meeting Minutes.
Business Items
3. Histori c Preservation Commission Business (planning session for upcoming items, follow up, etc.).
4. Adjournment.
Dated: November 5, 2019
~u0WJ&v
Caitlyn Miller, AICP
Senior Planner, City of Bluffdale
In compl iance with the American Disab ilit ies Act, individuals needing assistance or other services or accommodation for th is
meeting should contact Bluffdale City at least 24 hours in advance of this meeting at (801)-254-2200. TTY 7-1-1.
*Cont act Caitlyn Miller at (801)-254-2200*422 if yo u desire to give t he Invoca t ion or Pledge of Allegiance.
BLUFFDALE CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Present: Mark Hales, Chair (arrived at 6:56 p.m.)
Robin Thraen, Vice Chair
Kory Luker
Mel Spencer
Sheila Spencer
Arlene Parry
Rhonda Pilcher
Absent: Andrea Hales
John Roberts
Staff: Caitlyn Miller, Senior City Planner
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION BUSINESS MEETING
In the absence of Chair Mark Hales, Vice-Chair Robin Thraen called the meeting to order at 6:45
p.m.
1. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Arlene Parry offered the invocation. Kory Luker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Approval of the September 12, 2019, Meeting Minutes.
Ross Jones moved to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2019, meeting of the Historic
Preservation Commission, as written. Mel Spencer seconded the motion. Vote on the motion:
Ross Jones-Aye; Mel Spencer-Aye; Sheila Spencer-Aye; Arlene Parry-Aye; Rhonda Pilcher-
Aye; Kory Luker-Abstained; Robin Thraen-Aye. The motion passed unanimously with one
abstention. Chair Hales was not present for the vote.
Business Items
3. Historic Preservation Business (Planning Session for Upcoming Items, Follow-up,
etc.).
Commissioner Jones suggested that going forward meetings commence at 7:00 p.m. rather than
6:30 p.m. The consensus of the Commission was to change the meeting time to 7:00 p.m.
Commissioner Jones opined that having a large number of Commissioners seemed to make it more
difficult to have a quorum present, such as occurred in October. Vice-Chair Thraen observed that
sometimes Commission Members may be unable to attend, but they can participate by telephone.
Discussion ensued on how to facilitate the attendance or telephonic participation by a quorum.
Vice-Chair Thraen brought up her desire to obtain additional audio recordings from historical
Bluffdale residents. She noted that there had been a well-attended birthday party for Dale Crump.
BLUFFDALE CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, November 7, 2019
That would have been a historically significant event to get oral hi stories. Discussion took place on
the ways to obtain and save oral histories. Commissioner Sheila Spencer suggested a visit with Earl
Webb, who could offer family assistance, if needed.
Vice-Chair Thraen asked Conunissioners Mel and Sheila Spencer to develop a list of people who
could be interviewed to provide oral histories. Commissioner Luker added that video would also be
a valuable medium. Commissioner Jones stated that video recordings are highly valuable since they
involve the preservation of historical artifacts in a way that might be unavailable in the not-too-
distant future.
Commissioner Luker suggested that a set of questions be drafted as a starting point. Commissioner
Mel Spencer concurred that having a set of prepared questions would elicit better feedback from the
older citizens. The Commission discussed the names of people who could potentially be
interviewed. It was noted that Dale Crump and Ferris Dansie are veterans of World War II.
Commissioner Jones also suggested Boyd Mousley.
Vice-Chair Thraen suggested that each Commission Member, or pair of Commissioners, choose one
person or couple and make an appointment to interview them, particularly war veterans.
Commissioner Luker suggested that questions be formulated at tonight' s meeting.
Chair Hales joined the meeting and assumed the Chair. He stated that John Lee contacted him and
wanted to donate four pieces of horse-drawn equipment from 1910 or 1914. They are large, so it
was unce1tain whether the City could accept them. A City Council Work Session was scheduled for
Wednesday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. where they could discuss the potential donation and possible
locations. Chair Hales invited the Commissioners to attend that meeting, if possible. Commissioner
Parry reported that the Lions Club at one time had equipment from the Mousley Fam1 on display at
the park on 14400 South. Vice-Chair Tlu-aen suggested a location near the statue at Independence
as a potential location for a piece of equipment.
Commissioner Jones stated that if the equipment can be displayed out in the open, he could put it by
the log cabin at the back of his property. Commissioner Jones reiterated that he would be very
interested in the equipment, but it would not be undercover at his place. Chair Hales conm1ented
that Mr. Lee is looking to get rid of the equipment. Vice-Chair Thraen stated that there is an old
schoolhouse near her home that could be a possible site for the equipment. Chair Hales indicated
that interested parties could contact Public Works Director, Shane Paddock, for further info1mation.
Chair Hales repo1ted that he would be tendering his resignation from the Bluffdale Historic
Preservation Commission and this would be his last meeting. The General Election votes have not
been canvassed yet, but if the vote tallies hold up, he would begin serving on the City Council.
Mark Hales nominated Robin Thraen to serve as Chair of the Bluffdale Historic Preservation
Commission. Ross Jones seconded the motion.
Robin Thraen nominated Ross Jones to serve as Vice-Chair. Kory Luker seconded the motion.
Vote on both motions: Mark Hales-Aye; Ross Jones-Aye; Kory Luker-Aye; Arlene Parry-Aye;
2
BLUFFDALE CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Rhonda Pilcher-Aye; Mel Spencer-Aye; Sheila Spencer-Aye; Robin Thraen-Aye. The motions
passed unanimously.
Commissioner Luker suggested that outgoing members of the City Council be interviewed to get
their opinions and perspectives regarding their experience as members of the City Council.
Commissioner Mel Spencer suggested that they also interview other former members of the City
Council. Vice-Chair Thraen suggested that the Commissioners develop questions for the different
interviews and present them at the next Historic Preservation Commission Meeting.
Technology options were discussed. Senior City Planner, Caitlyn Miller reported that the City has
cameras with memory cards available for use that would allow the data stored on them to be
downloaded to computers and allow interviews to be videoed. Commissioner Jones suggested that
the questions be developed and interview assignments made. Chair Hales stated that the questions
could be loosely worded to allow for flexibility when conducting interviews since the interviewees
love to share their stories.
Vice-Chair Thraen suggested that all of the Commissioners compile a list of questions to be
presented at the next meeting. Commissioner Jones emphasized the urgency of conducting
interviews since some potential interviewees are quite advanced in age. For example, one individual
is close to turning 105 years old. Ms. Miller emphasized the need to get the stories recorded before
they are lost. Chair Hales added that making videos of the individuals and their artifacts or photos
would be important.
Vice-Chair Thraen remarked that once the interviews are collected, they could be incorporated into
Bluffdale Days festivities. Commissioner Pilcher was still working through how to incorporate
social media into the historical preservation effo1i. It was noted that the City's Emergency Program
Manager, Natalie Hall, is an outstanding resource for posting items on social media. Commissioner
Luker suggested that items be posted on a regular basis to generate interest in the historical heritage
of Bluffdale.
Ms. Miller reported that the Commission also discussed the idea ofreserving a portion of the City's
monthly newsletter to providing info1mation on items of historical significance and educating the
public. In response to Vice-Chair Thraen's question regarding the amount of space available in the
newsletter, Chair Hales stated that it could be brief and include hot links to other sites germane to
the article. Ms. Miller added that the Historic Preservation Commission has a dedicated page on the
City ' s website as well.
In response to Vice-Chair Thraen' s question as to whether there were funds in the Commission
budget to purchase frames for photos, Ms. Miller replied in the affirmative. They could be placed
behind the display cases. In response to the question regarding the deadline for placing items in the
newsletter, Ms. Miller stated that it was at the beginning of the last week of the month. At each of
the Commission Meetings, a Commission Member would be assigned to submit a story for inclusion
in the newsletter. Discussion ensued on the types of stories to include and the process for submitting
them. The first was to be due in January. In the December newsletter and teaser could be included
3
BLUFFDALE CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, November 7, 2019
to aimounce forthcoming stories. Commissioner Pilcher read a piece on how Bluffdale got its name,
which would be included in the newsletter in December.
Commissioner Mel Spencer shared additional historical information on how Bluffdale got its name.
It was determined that the information needs to be verified to ensure the accuracy of the history that
is provided to the citizens of Bluffdale. Chair Hales observed that this discussion underscores the
importance of getting histories written down, especially those that come from primary sources, such
as personal journals. Relying on memories can be risky. Chair Hales stated that this discussion also
underscores the impo1iance of having the Historic Preservation Commission vet stories before they
are printed and disseminated to the public.
In response to Vice-Chair Thraen 's question regarding how to remedy the differences of opinion on
the historical piece written by Commissioner Pilcher, Commissioner Luker first asked when the
history was written. He noted that the city where he grew up did not exist when he was born, but
he refers to it as the city in which he was born. Commissioner Mel Spencer stated that the history
would be determined by the dates people were in the area. For example, the name Mousley would
not have been used prior to the arrival of Mousley famil y. Chair Hales stated that historical details
are difficult to pin down and the clu·onology may not be as impo1iant as the overall history of the
name.
In response to Vice-Chair Thraen' s question as to whether the Commission wanted to approve the
piece written by Commissioner Pilcher, Comm issioner Mel Spencer did not object as long as it does
not specify the sequence of events. The consensus was to include Commissioner Pilcher's piece in
the December newsletter.
Commissioner Mel Spencer had historical pictures he w ished to share.
The next Commission Meeting was scheduled for December 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Chair Hales rep01ied that his resignation would go into effect at the conclusion of tonight's meeting.
The number of Commission Members would decrease to nine, which would require five for a
quorum. Hi s wife, Commissioner Andrea Hales, would be able to attend meetings after his
resignation.
6. Adjournment.
The Historic Preservation Commi ssion Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Caitlyn Mill , AICP
Senior Planner, City of Bluffdale
Approved: January 16, 2020
4
Agenda
BLUFFDALE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MEETING AGENDA
November 7, 2019
Notice is hereby given that the Bluffdale City Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public meeting Thursday
November 7, 2019 at 6:30 PM at the Bluffdale City Hall located at 2222 West 14400 South. Notice is further given
that access to this meeting by members of the Historic Preservation Commission may be by electronic means via
telephonic conference call. The agenda for this meeting is listed below. Please note that the meeting start time is
approximate and subject to change.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION BUSINESS MEETING 6:30 PM
1. Invocation* and Pledge of Allegiance*.
2. Approval of September 12, 2019 Meeting Minutes.
Business Items
3. Historic Preservation Commission Business (planning session for upcoming items, follow up, etc.).
4. Adjournment.
Dated: November 5, 2019
Caitlyn Miller, AICP
Senior Planner, City of Bluffdale
In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, individuals needing assistance or other services or accommodation for this
meeting should contact Bluffdale City at least 24 hours in advance of this meeting at (801)-254-2200. TTY 7-1-1.
*Contact Caitlyn Miller at (801)-254-2200*422 if you desire to give the Invocation or Pledge of Allegiance.
DRAFT – FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
BLUFFDALE CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, September 12, 2019
1 Present: Mark Hales, Chair
2 Ross Jones
3 Mel Spencer
4 Sheila Spencer
5 Arlene Parry
6 Rhonda Pilcher
7
8 Absent: Robin Thraen
9 Andrea Hales
10 Kory Luker
11 John Roberts
12
13 Staff: Caitlyn Miller, Senior City Planner
14
15 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION BUSINESS MEETING
16
17 Chair Mark Hales called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
18
19 1. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
20
21 Rhonda Pilcher offered the Invocation. Ross Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance.
22
23 2. Approval of the July 11, 2019, Meeting Minutes.
24
25 Ross Jones moved to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2019, Historic Preservation Commission
26 Meeting, as written. Sheila Spencer seconded the motion. Vote on motion: Ross Jones-Aye, Mel
27 Spencer-Aye, Sheila Spencer-Aye, Arlene Parry-Aye, Rhonda Pilcher-Aye, Mark Hales-Aye. The
28 motion passed unanimously.
29
30 Business Items
31
32 3. Historic Preservation Business (Planning Session for Upcoming Items, Follow-up, etc.).
33
34 Commissioner Jones addressed the Booster Station at Bringhurst Station, which had been part of the Salt
35 Lake Rail Line. He examined the toilets that were on the train. One appeared to be too modern. The
36 other looked old. Discussion ensued on whether it would fit in the display case. Ms. Miller stated that
37 the pipe would definitely fit in, but she did not know about the toilets. She remarked that the City has
38 two six-foot-long display cabinets, which are located in the room next to the meeting room. The
39 Commissioners briefly adjourned to examine the new display cases. Upon their return, Ms. Miller
1
DRAFT – FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
BLUFFDALE CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, September 12, 2019
1 indicated that items could be placed in the cabinet at the discretion of the Commissioners. Chair Hales
2 requested that staff begin placing items in the cabinet as time permits. For items that are on loan,
3 Ms. Miller stated that a check-in and check-out sheet would be prepared and kept in a secure location to
4 ensure that the correct items are returned to the correct owners. People would also have the option of
5 donating items to the City.
6
7 Ms. Miller noted that both display cabinets were purchased at a total cost of $300. Consequently, the
8 Commission still has $700 in its annual budget to make any needed upgrades. In response to
9 Commissioner Parry’s question regarding whether the budgeted funds could be used to purchase picture
10 frames for hanging items on the wall, Ms. Miller replied in the affirmative. Chair Hales reiterated the
11 importance of having pictures adequately labeled.
12
13 There was additional discussion regarding the Booster Station and the former rail line that ran through
14 Bluffdale. It was a significant part of the history of this part of the Valley. There was a cinder block
15 building that was once the caretaker’s home. It was located to the north of the station.
16
17 Chair Hales expressed concern over the need to generate more interest within the community about the
18 history and heritage of Bluffdale. He noted that the newsletter generated no responses. Ms. Miller
19 stated that information was posted on the City’s social media accounts and website. Word of mouth was
20 usually the best way to generate interest in City historical events. Fliers could be printed for the
21 Commissioners to distribute to friends and neighbors. Commissioner Jones offered to take fliers to those
22 living on 14600 South. He did not think there were very many historic buildings left in Bluffdale. Chair
23 Hales stated that the definition of “historic” is quite broad. Ms. Miller indicated that she would make
24 fliers for the Commissioners to distribute.
25
26 Chair Hales stated that gathering pictures would be helpful. He noted that Robin and Art Thraen
27 purchased the Old Store Building and the house next to it on 1690 West. They plan to turn it into an
28 antique shop and rent the house out. Commissioner Parry suggested that senior residents be contacted
29 about providing old photographs or relics to display.
30
2
DRAFT – FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
BLUFFDALE CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, September 12, 2019
1 With regard to the Bringhurst Station Building, Ms. Miller stated that the Demolition Permit had been
2 issued. Commissioner Jones stated that about 10 days prior, seven people from the Utah State Historical
3 Commission, including the State Historical Architect, brought in several cameras and drawing boards.
4 They spent several hours there, during which time they made a computer version of the building so that
5 a person could take a virtual tour of the building. Commissioner Jones stated that it was the best
6 documentation he had seen on a structure. They also had standard architectural drawings of the building
7 prepared.
8
9 The State Historic Preservation Chair spoke with the developer of the Edge Homes project. The goal
10 was to preserve the identity of the building by reinforcing it in order to preserve it as a historical artifact,
11 which was determined to be unfeasible. The Chair stressed the importance of having an active member
12 of the Planning Commission also serve on the Historic Preservation Commission (“HPC”). Chair Hales
13 noted that Kory Luker serves on both the Planning Commission and the HPC. In response to Mel
14 Spencer’s question as to whether the building had been torn down already, it was noted that the
15 Demolition Permit had been issued. If demolition had not yet taken place, it was imminent.
16 Commissioner Jones commented that historical structures serve as an important reminder of the former
17 way of life in Bluffdale. He believes that history has a lot to teach citizens.
18
19 In response to a question raised by Chair Hales, Ms. Miller stated that if a building is listed on the City’s
20 Landmarks Register, a developer is required to meet with the Historic Preservation Commission before
21 applying for a Demolition Permit. Chair Hales observed that that was the reason it was important to list
22 as many properties as possible in a timely manner. Unfortunately, the Bringhurst Station project was
23 approved before the ordinance was enacted.
24
25 Commissioner Jones clarified that the developers’ meeting with the HPC was non-binding, but it
26 provided the Commission an opportunity to make a case for historic building preservation or
27 documentation. Chair Hales noted the irony that the project was called the Bringhurst Station Special
28 Development Project, but the Bringhurst Station itself was not preserved within the project.
29 Commissioner Jones commented that the State Historic Preservation Chair is an effective communicator
30 and advocate for historic structures. Commissioner Jones reported that he alerted the Utah State
31 Historical Commission of the upcoming demolition of the Bringhurst Station Building.
3
DRAFT – FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
BLUFFDALE CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, September 12, 2019
1
2 Commissioner Jones noted that the building was made of Utah quarried and made bricks. Commissioner
3 Jones thought it was very likely that the developer would give the City some of the bricks. Chair Hales
4 commented that it was important that the City obtain some bricks in a legal manner.
5
6 In response to Commissioner Jones’ question about the Historic Preservation Grant, Ms. Miller stated
7 that it is due February 2020. If the Commission wants to apply for a grant, they would have to
8 determine how much of the remaining budget they would like to use as a match. She pointed out that a
9 50-50 match would be required. Commissioner Jones noted that preservation grants for renovating
10 homes or buildings have specific requirements. Ms. Miller stated that for Certified Local Government
11 (“CLG”) grants, the City would have to be a participant or supporter. Chair Hales commented that
12 notice could be sent to residents who meet the criteria to apply for a home renovation grant for up to
13 $10,000. Commissioner Jones stated that if he were to apply for a grant, he would recuse himself from
14 the discussion and vote. Chair Hales asked that an announcement go out in the next City newsletter.
15 Ms. Miller agreed to ensure that that is done and ensure that the application process is clear and accurate.
16 The grant application will be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. It was suggested that
17 work on applications begin no later than December.
18
19 In response to Mel Spencer’s question regarding deed restrictions that might be attached to a home that
20 is improved using grant funds, Ms. Miller explained that whatever improvements are made to a home
21 would have to remain untouched for a minimum of five years. The property owner could sell the
22 property, but the restrictions would still apply to the property. Chair Hales commented that it would be
23 up to the Historic Preservation Commission to vet the motives and plans of the person applying for the
24 grant.
25
26 In response to the status of the Historic Preservation Commission Ordinance, Ms. Miller reported that it
27 had not yet gone to the City Council for approval. It was on the City Council’s September 25 agenda.
28 Ms. Miller described the process for applying for budget adjustments in the middle of a budget cycle,
29 which ends on June 30. Chair Hales reported that he would be unable to attend the September 25 City
30 Council Meeting.
31
4
DRAFT – FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
BLUFFDALE CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, September 12, 2019
1 Commissioner Pilcher addressed the social media aspects of reaching out to members of the community
2 and noted that social media can be a useful way of eliciting comments from the public. Ms. Miller
3 pointed out that Bluffdale has one official Facebook page. The City Council is discouraging groups
4 from creating their own Facebook pages and would prefer to have everything under one single City
5 umbrella. She offered to visit with Natalie Hall, the City’s Information Officer, to ensure that the
6 Historic Preservation Commission has a more noticeable presence on the City’s webpage or Facebook
7 page. She explained that Ms. Hall is the only person with the authority to post items on the City’s
8 webpage. The consensus of the Commission was to submit old pictures to Ms. Hall for posting on the
9 City’s social media sites.
10
11 Commissioner Parry reported that Earl Webb is 104 years old and is the oldest man in Utah. An
12 interview with him would be immensely valuable to conduct and record. Discussion ensued on other
13 people who could be interviewed.
14
15 The next Historic Preservation Commission Meeting was scheduled for October 10, 2019, at 6:30 p.m.
16
17 6. Adjournment.
18
19 The Historic Preservation Commission Meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
20
21
22 __________________________________
23 Caitlyn Miller, AICP
24 Senior Planner, City of Bluffdale
25
26 Approved: _________________________
5
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