Historic Preservation Commission

IDAHO FALLS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, August 5, 2021 12:00 p.m., Annex Conference Room And WebEx Minutes Members Present: Rachel McMurtrey (Chair), Christopher White (Vice Chair), Julie Anglesey, Tasha Taylor, Katherine Heiser, Kim Smith, Hereschell Mynarcik Also Present: Anas Almassrahy (Planner), Kerry Beutler (Assistant Director), Caitlin Long (Planner), Bruce Mincher (city resident) Meeting Called to Order: Christopher called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. Minutes: Tasha made a motion to approve the minutes from June 3, 2021. Hereschell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Update on the S1W Mitigation Discussion: Anas informed the Commission that on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, Don Dahl and Chris Henvit presented the Commission details of what they have planned for S1W Mitigation demolition. Throughout discussion with Dahl, Henvit, HPC, and SHPO three items were introduced for them to work on with the city. 1. Survey post war neighborhoods from 1945 to 1975 that were constructed when the INL came to town. 2. Document and present an oral history for the museum. 3. Present a plaque for those post war neighborhoods. Christopher asked Anas if Don Dahl and Chris Henvit would do a presentation to the HPC when they decide how to move forward? Anas responded that they would. Anas also stated that even though the INL is outside of city limits its impact to the city has been significant, therefore, they are obligated to discuss with us. Stock Yard Update: Kerry showed the HPC updated drawings of the potential designs for the police station property. The idea is to take an existing wood structure that is on the property today and relocate it to the front of the property along Northgate Mile. The nice thing about this design is it is visible from the street. The walkway structure will also include trees and landscaping as well as interpretive signage and photos that talks about the stockyards. Christopher asked if it wouldn’t be more advantageous if it were displayed at the museum? Kerry stated that they believed it would be more impactful if it were left on the original property. Kerry also said that the museum curator was with them on site and found items for the museum. Kerry also said that benches will be built along the path and, therefore, can be utilized by the public. Kerry informed the HPC that the next steps would be to schedule a meeting with SHPO and the HPC sub- committee. Christopher asked why there is an exposed lava rock wall? Kerry told him it’s because it’s already there! Rather than bring in fill dirt and cover it up, why not just show it. Idaho Stock Show 1941: Anas told the Commission that Community Development Services received an email from Rick Helen from the California Pioneers of Santa Clara County, and they are working on a documentary regarding Idaho Stock Shows and would like our help to identify a building. Anas showed a portion of a video, and the commission could not identify the building. Idaho’s Heritage Conference: Anas told the HPC that only two people have registered for the conference. Hereschel and Tasha said they will sign up as soon as possible. St. John Lutheran Church Application Presentation: Bruce Mincher, a city resident, presented a proposal to list the St. John building at 7th and Emerson on the National Register of Historic Places. He gave a brief history of St. John and a construction overview. Bruce stated that St. John maintains most of its original features, such as the alter, communion rail, baptismal font, wooden pews, and stained-glass windows. He said three areas of significance include architecture, art, and European ethnic heritage and religious history. Bruce informed the HPC that preliminary approval was granted by the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office and has the support of Mayor Casper and Representative Linden Bateman. Bruce request support from Community Development Services with package preparation especially related to architectural details. Katherine told Bruce she would put him in contact with an architect that may be able to help him. Roundtable: Hereschell asked if we discussed the Comprehensive Plan history? Caitlin explained that our office received a small six to seven bullet point information email from Carrie Athay. Because of this, Caitlin did independent research where she created and sent an email to HPC. What needs to be looked at are periods of growth. If the HPC has any dates it is needed as soon as possible. There needs to be a public draft submitted in six weeks. Christopher asked if anyone knows about the disconnected trail line by the library and Broadway. Anas told him that Kerry Beutler in the Community Development Services is the person we would need to ask about this. Anas said he went on a tour of Funland and the Red Barn at the airport. He said there is a grant in progress through SHPO to complete some restoration of the Red Barn. Funland is a work in progress. Christpoher said they got a good update from the Parks and Rec Division. He asked if we could get them to come present to the HPC next month. Anas said he would look into it. Meeting Adjourned at 12:59 p.m. Respectfully Submitted Ann Peterson, Recording Secretary