Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Council Chambers, City Hall 70 Maple Street Manistee, MI 49660 MEETING MINUTES March 4, 2010 A Meeting of the Manistee City Historic District Commission was held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan. Meeting was called to order at 3:04 p.m. by Chair Kracht. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Maria DeRee, T. Eftaxiadis, Teena Kracht, Mary Murton, Nathaniel Neider, John Perschbacher, Members Absent: Dave Carlson (excused) Others: Travis Alden (Main Street/DDA Director), Jon Rose (Community Development), Steve Harold (Manistee County Historical Museum) and Denise Blakeslee (Planning & Zoning) APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION by John Perschbacher, seconded by Maria DeRee that the Agenda for the March 4, 2010 Meeting be approved. With a Voice Vote this motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION by John Perschbacher, seconded by Maria DeRee that the Minutes of the February 4, 2010 Meeting be approved With a Voice Vote this motion passed unanimously. City of Manistee Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2010 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS: Travis Alden, Main Street/DDA Director -Update Travis Alden, Main Street/DDA Director report the following activities to the commission: Tax Credit workshop was held last Friday, over 50 people were in attendance. John Smith has applied for Main Street Design assistance for his building at 435 River Street. 2009 Facade Grants were based on job creation, the current economy has made that difficult. Extensions are being applied for and are anticipated to be granted. DDA discussed maintenance agreement with the City at their meeting Wednesday. Streetscape elements are part of the agreement. Agreement was not approved, working on an acceptable plan. OLD BUSINESS Demolition Policy The Historic District Commission has been working on a Demolition Policy. A revised draft and forms were prepared and forwarded to the members to review. The Commission will continue their discussion and can take action if needed. Commissioners reviewed each policy and forms and changes were made to the documents. MOTION by Maria DeRee, seconded by Mary Murton that the Historic District Commission adopt Demolition Policy #14, Application for Demolition Form, and other supporting documents including changes made at the meeting. With a roll call vote this motion passed 5 to 1. Yes: DeRee, Perschbacher, Neider, Murton, Kracht No: Eftaxiadis Commissioner Eftaxiadis felt the Policy/Application was a disincentive to property owners. City of Manistee Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2010 Page 3 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA John Perschbacher spoke as the owner of the only home on the National Register. Mr. Perschbacher has an issue with the brick/mortar on his home. He asked the Commission to assist with the following: 1. At least two sources for mortar. 2. At least two firms with contact information - mail- who do this work. 3. Firms should be able to provide estimates. 4. Is it necessary to use lime mortar for limestone work? Commissioner Eftaxiadis works with the owner of the former State Hospital in Traverse City and asked for a brick/mortar sample to see if they can help Mr. Perschbacher. Commissioner Neider left the meeting CORRESPONDENCE None STAFF REPORTS Jon Rose Mr. Rose prepared a memo for the Historic District Commission to review prior to the meeting regarding the Book Mark Sign at 346/348 River Street. The business has closed and the existing sign does not conform to the Historic District Commissions Guidelines for Signage. MOTION by Maria DeRee, seconded by T. Eftaxiadis that the Historic District Commission authorized the removal of the existing projecting sign at 346/348 River Street. With a roll call vote this motion passed 5 to 0. Yes: Eftaxiadis, Murton, DeRee, Perschbacher, Kracht No: None Mr. Rose will send letters to John Smith and Jim Matthews enclosing the new demolition policy/forms. City of Manistee Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2010 Page 4 WORKSESSION: None The Next meeting of the Historic District Commission will be on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 Maple Street. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Mary Murton, seconded by Maria DeRee that the meeting be adjourned. Motion passed unanimously. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 4:52 P.M. MANISTEE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION __________________________________________ Denise J. Blakeslee, Recording Secretary