Historic Preservation Commission

Edwardsville Historic Preservation Commission March 9, 2016 Meeting Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER ~ Casey called the meeting to order at 7:00pm II. ROLL CALL: Present: Kurt Ackerman, Debbie Caulk, Joe Hutton, Cara Lane, Tom May, Bob Nickrent, Casey Weeks, Jennifer Wilkins, and Kathryn Biarkis. Also Present: Walter Williams Absent: Cheryl Jett, Cindy Reinhardt, and Elizabeth Edwards. III. DESIGN REVIEW a. COA #1 Location: 724 St. Louis Street (St. Louis Street Historic District) Owner: Steven Colcott Project: 1.) Replace front steps (Kurt motioned to accept, Tom 2nd; Passed) 2.) Remove existing front sidewalk and replace with a brick sidewalk (Kurt motioned to accept ,Tom 2nd; Passed) 3.) Add new gravel to driveway, and make parking in the back of the house (Kurt motioned to accept, Bob 2nd; Passed) 4.) Fence installation and install gate on west side of home (Kurt motioned to accept, Cara 2nd; Passed) 5.) Install steps for the door on the side of the house (Kurt motioned to accept, Tom 2nd; Passed) b. Discussion: Mr. Colcott commented that he is interested in taking advantage of the upcoming spring to work on these projects. Walter shared photos of the current home and grounds as well as the proposed fence (wood), pavers, and the fence. Walter noted that Mr. Colcott is currently unable to use his driveway because of a lack of gravel. There will be a railing with the proposed steps. Debbie asked Mr. Colcott about where the parking in the back would be. The current driveway ends at the front. Kurt made a motion to split the COA into the five pieces as listed above. Tom May 2nd. Kurt asked about the treated lumber being used for the steps. Joe recommended three types of wood for construction (Redwood, Cedar, and Cyprus). Kurt also asked about the fence dimensions. Kurt said that there shouldn’t be a problem with the height of the fence. Kurt asked about the gate and whether it’s higher (which it is, but only by a few inches). Kurt asked about the possibility of a porch. Joe recommended that a porch be at the mid-landing, should that be in the future and then be able to reuse the materials. Also, the material should match the front porch. Debbie asked about the biggest challenge of the restoration of the home. Mr. Colcott said that the wallpaper (ceiling) and the flooring were the winners there. b. COA #2  Location: 1301 Troy Rd (Leclaire Historic District) Applicant: Steven Fodge – owner Project: Installation of fences 1) White vinyl fencing facing Troy Rd (decorative) 2.) White vinyl fence on side and backyard 3.) Aluminum fence surrounding the perimeter of home – Inner fence Discussion: Mr. Fodge would like to build a fence to provide some privacy from his neighbor. He noted that the only issue that would be seen would be the decorative portion. Casey read from the design guidelines that vinyl fencing is not approved. Mr. Williams asked about the objective for the double fences. Mr. Fodge discussed that he is looking to get privacy. Jennifer noted that there are other options, such as composite, that would help to meet Mr. Fodge’s objectives while also meeting the design guidelines. Joe discussed that there are many similarities between composite (PVC) material that is similar to Pine and is resistant to the cons of even vinyl. Debbie also pointed that the Dept. of the Interior has sanctioned these guidelines and suggestions for materials. Tom made a motion to separate the two fence proposals. 2nd by Bob. Motion passed The applicant asked if he could change his fence proposal from vinyl to wood in stockade style, dog- eared style at 6 feet. Kurt motioned to approve the aluminum fence, Joe 2nd, motion passed Kurt motioned to approve the amended fence, Tom 2nd, motion passed c. COA #3 Location: 952 Hale Ave (Leclaire Historic District) Applicant: Scott & Laura Reed – owners Project: 1.) Replacing existing shingle roof w/ Owens Corning Tru-Definition Duration Architectural Limited Lifetime (50 yr) shingles. Kurt motioned to approve, Tom 2nd, motion passed 2.) Removing faded fiberglass shaker-shingle siding on upper front of house and on back house exterior. Kurt motioned to approve with trim on the dormer windows, Joe 2nd, motion passed 3.) Adding two craftsman inspired support posts to help shore up the front overhang of the roof. We will choose Hardie materials, if available, to surface the posts or paint them the dame moss green color of the Hardie shaker siding used elsewhere. Kurt motioned to approve (knowing that the applicant will investigate the non-pillar repair option with the struts), Joe 2nd, motion passed Discussion: The applicant noted that they would use Cedar or wrap the pillars in hardy board. The new siding will go on the dormer and on the back of the house as well as on the one-story addition on the back. Kurt noted that the windows have since been replaced, but that the trim was not done appropriately, so that might be an issue to be addressed at this time. Kurt liked the proposed choice for the materials. Kurt noted that the other pillars are brick, so that the applicant might consider brick. Joe commented that the main support is coming from the back of the dormer. Joe recommended that the applicant consider exposing the triangle area and install struts so that the porch roof can be supported with birds’ mounts and attach correctly, then the porch roof should be stabilized. The applicant was open to this approach, should it be viable, since they only want the pillars in order to stabilize the roof. Motion to split the proposals, Tom 2nd (See above for outcomes) d. COA #4 Location 1301 N. Main – Main Street Historic District Applicant: Karen Zimmerman – owner Project: Seeking approval for preliminary design to enable the applicant to apply for a variance from the zoning commission – see drawing Discussion: Mr. Williams recapped his discussion with Mr. Hanson and the zoning issue approach. Ms. Zimmerman will be going to zoning appeals and get a survey in order to determine the setbacks, but she is going to use the footprint. Walt is asking that the applicant get a contingent COA so that she can then come back with final. Mr. Williams has another document that summarizes this (see email) Motion to approve the concept as proposed by the photo on page 10 by Debbie Caulk, 2nd by Kurt, motion passed IV. Vote on Local Landmark Nomination for 1301 N. Main – Main Street Historic District Motion by Bob to approve, 2nd by Kurt, Motion passed (Application will move to Council) V. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS HPC a. Terry Truttmann is a retired individual who moved to Emerson in Leclaire from Missouri. He is present as a way to educate himself on the COA process and Design Guidelines in anticipation for future project approvals. He was also an arborist for St. Louis County. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF HPC MEETING in February ~ Motion to approve by Bob, 2nd by Kurt; Motion passed VII. FINANCIAL REPORT – Landmark plaques $1,000 (10 to-be-made); Casey reported that approx. $2,000 remains in the budget prior to the Landmark plaque payment VIII. CORRESPONDENCE ~ None at this time IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Route 66 ~ Cindy sent Casey a write-up and will have information and advertisement for Afterwords Book store (Kurt will install this for the Route 66 Festival); Casey said that we should anticipate volunteering for working the Historic tent for that weekend. b. Archi Room update ~ None at this time c. Attaboy letters ~ Mr. Colcott should receive a letter upon completion of his project; Bob asked about following through with COA process maybe 3 months down the line and then after noting that applicants who are compliant, then Bob is willing to send an Atta-Boy. d. Historic Districts and Landmarks updates i. Stephenson House ~ None at this time ii. Brick Streets ~ None at this time iii. Downtown ~ Joe reported that the Thorn Building has unearthed 4 cast-iron columns, and they have since tracked down two more and will use them. Discussion ensued about how to address paint removal in conjunction with our COA. The guidelines should be amended to reflect what is appropriate for the approval process. Cased asked for a subcommittee: Walt Williams and Jennifer Wilkins have agreed to be part of this committee with Casey. Will Krause will be invited to participate as well. iv. Leclaire ~ Bob discussed that the FOL sidewalk work is upcoming in the Park (trip hazards). Hale Ave to Troy is up for resurfacing and gutters this spring/summer. FOL’s project is to repaint the pavilion on the North side. FOL will have their shared space at the Route 66 and Goshen Market events. Flower beds, and general repair are scheduled. The garage sale is scheduled for May 21. v. St. Louis Street ~ None at this time X. OLD BUSINESS ~ Walt asked about the COAs for signage. If the sign meets the city’s criteria and there are no significant changes then Walt has the authority to approve them. Kurt brought up how residents in Leclaire have done much work without any COAs, and Kurt’s concern is that without fines there is no incentive to follow protocol. Walt said that he would drive out and ticket the non-conforming. We also discussed the process for addressing the clock on Main St. Joe spoke to a past project done in O’Fallon that was successful. Jennifer will forward the research she collected regarding the Main St. clock to Joe. XI. NEW BUSINESS XII. ADJOURNEMENT: NEXT MEETING IS Wednesday, April 13, 2016 Motion to adjourn Kurt, 2nd by Tom; motion approved