Historic Preservation Commission

IDAHO FALLS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, August 3, 2023 12:00 p.m., Annex Conference Room Minutes Members Present: Chris White (Chair), Hereschell Mynarcik, Tasha Taylor, Julie Anglesey (Vice-Chair), Kim Smith Also Present: Caitlin Long (Planner), David Peterson (Planner), Kirk Huffaker (Preservation Strategies Consultant), Bruce Mincher (St. John’s Lutheran Church - Online) Meeting Called to Order: Chris called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Minutes: Hereschell made a motion to approve the minutes from June 1, 2023. Tasha seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. St. Johns Church National Register Presentation: Kirk Huffaker explained the schedule for the nomination. He informed the Commission that they would need to vote today for a final acceptance for SHPO. Kirk gave a St. John Lutheran Church nomination overview. The church was built in 1949 with an addition in 1959. It fits Criterion C architecture, significance in architecture, and is late modern gothic in style. The architect was Howard and Clinton A. Sundberg, Sundberg & Associates and was built by William Kloepfer. The significance of criterion C architecture has character- defining features such as a 42-foot bell tower, 23 stained glass windows, gothic-arched openings throughout the 1949 building, terra cotta ornamentation, beltcourses, and window surrounds, and follows common Christian church design with a narthex, nave, and chancel. Changes over time include a 1959 addition and in 1985 was a remodel of a classroom for offices. In 1996 there was an interior remodel and an addition of an elevator and an exterior elevator covering. Kirk showed some historic photos, original plans of the church, and gave a brief history of the Sundberg family. Part of Criterion C is to nominate the church as the Work of a Master. It fell to Kirk to tell the story of the Sundberg family. The Sundberg family included the parents Andrew and Hannah. They had eight children, three of which were architects: Alvin, Clinton, and Howard. Evidence shows that Howard and Clinton designed St. John Lutheran Church together. No further questions or discussion by Commission. Caitlin told the Commission they needed to do a formal vote, either in support or opposition. Katie made motion to support, Tasha seconded, the motion passed unanimously. Historic Preservation Plan – Scope of Work Review: Caitlin showed slides and let the Commission know that SHPO was able to fund over $98,000 in historic preservation projects and efforts around the state. Chris asked if this grant would be enough to cover the plan. Cailin told him that the city is putting in another $10,000 and that she reached out to approximately four different consultants to get a base bid. These bids were included when the grant was submitted, and she feels like this would be a range that the HPC could get a good plan. She shared the Historic Preservation Plan scope of work timeline and said the bids are due on September 12, 2023, and she will share the bids at it can be discussed at the next HPC meeting on October 5, 2023. Caitlin told the Commission that a consultant will be selected sometime in October 2023, and a contract will be signed once funds are released by NPS via SHPO. The contract will tentatively begin in January 2024. Caitlin told the Commission that there were three terms up this year: Hereschell, Rachel and Kim. We’ll ask if they’d like to stay on the Commission. So, they can be thinking of this. She also told them to let her know how much time they spend on the grant because she must give their hours to SHPO. Chris asked if there were any questions or comments. There was no further discussion. Roundtable Discussion: Julie asked about the South Downtown Form Based Code. Caitlin explained that downtown Idaho Falls has a form Based Code. This type of code basis use on the style of the building not the use of the property. It is used to preserve the street and the building. Back in 2018-2019, they did the next step, which was to complete the South Downtown Form Based Code. It has been approved be the Planning and Zoning Commission and will go to City Council next. No further discussion Meeting Adjourned at 12:39 p.m. Respectfully Submitted Ann Peterson, Recording Secretary