Historic District Commission

MANISTEE CITY HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Meeting of Thursday, June 25, 2018 5:30 p.m. - Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan AGENDA I Call to Order II Roll Call III Approval of Agenda At this time the Historic District Commission can take action to approve the June 25, 2018 Agenda. IV Approval of Minutes At this time Historic District Commission can take action to approve the April 5, 2018 meeting Minutes. V Public Comment on Agenda Related items At this time the Chair will ask if there are any public comments. VI New Business HDC-2018-04 Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street – Certificate of Appropriateness for sign A request has been received from the Ramsdell Theater for a certificate of appropriateness for a full color RGB Display Sign as submitted with application HDC-2018-04. At this time the Historic District Commission could take action to approve/deny the request from the Ramsdell Theater, 101 Maple Street for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a full color RGB Display sign as submitted with application HDC-2018-04. VII Old Business Permit Review At this time the Commission may take action to close out any outstanding permits. VIII Public Comments and Communications concerning Items not on the Agenda At this time the Chair will ask if there are any public comments. IX Correspondence At this time the Chair will ask if any correspondence has been received to be read into the record. X Reports DDA Executive & Economic Development Director Museum Curator 1  Museum Director Planning & Zoning Director XI Members Discussion At this time the Chair will ask members of the Historic District Commission if they have any items they want to discuss. XII Worksession XIII Adjournment 2 Memorandum Denise Blakeslee Planning & Zoning Director TO: Historic District Commissioners 70 Maple Street Manistee, MI 49660 231.398.2805 FROM: Denise Blakeslee, Planning & Zoning Director dblakeslee@manisteemi.gov www.manisteemi.gov DATE: June 20, 2018 RE: Special Meeting Monday, June 25, 2018 starting at 5:30 pm Commissioners, a special meeting of the Historic District Commission will be held on Monday, June 25, 2018. We have the following item on the agenda: HDC-2018-04 Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street – Certificate of Appropriateness for sign A request has been received from the Ramsdell Theater for a certificate of appropriateness for a full color RGB Display Sign as submitted with application HDC-2018-04. At this time the Historic District Commission could take action to approve/deny the request from the Ramsdell Theater, 101 Maple Street for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a full color RGB Display sign as submitted with application HDC-2018-04. At the June 7, 2018 meeting the sign company was able to have a mobile RGB Display sign for the commissioners to view. The sign is not available for the meeting on the 25th. Enclosed are two photos that Xaviar took of the sign for your review. Ed Kriskywicz is out of town on the 25th and has asked that his request be placed on the July 12th agenda for the commission’s consideration. Please call me at 398.2805 if you are unable to attend the meeting.  HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Council Chambers, City Hall 70 Maple Street Manistee, MI 49660 MEETING MINUTES April 5, 2018 A Meeting of the Manistee City Historic District Commission was held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 3:00 pm in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan. Meeting was called to order at 3:08 pm by Chair Perschbacher. New member Dick Albee was unable to attend the meeting due to a scheduled vacation. Catherine Zaring had to resign due to medical reasons. There are two vacancies on the Commission. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Aaron Bennett, John Perschbacher, Mary Russell, Lee Trucks Members Absent: Dick Albee (excused) Vacancy (2) Others: Kendra Thompson (Kendra Thompson Architects), Mark Fedder (Museum Director) Steve Harold (Museum Curator), Denise Blakeslee (Planning & Zoning Director) Tyler Leppanen (DDA Director), and Lora Laurain (Recording Secretary) APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION by Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Russell that the Agenda be approved as prepared. With a voice vote this motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION by Commissioner Trucks, seconded by Commissioner Bennett that the Minutes of the January 4, 2018 meeting be approved as prepared. With a voice vote this motion passed unanimously with Commissioner Bennett abstaining. City of Manistee Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes April 5, 2018 Page 1 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS None. NEW BUSINESS: Selection of Vice Chair – for remainder of 2018 term The current chair was not reappointed by City Council. Under Section 2.2 of the By Laws; the vice-chair shall act in the capacity of the chair in the absence of the chair or in the event of a vacancy in the office of chair; in which case, the Commission shall select a successor to the office of vice-chair at the earliest practicable time. John Perschbacher assumed the position of Chair for the remainder of the 2018 term at the April 5, 2018 meeting. Chair Perschbacher asked for nominations for the Position of Vice-Chair. Commissioner Trucks nominated Commissioner Russell for the position of Vice Chair. Russell respectfully declined the nomination. The Commission discussed waiting until a later meeting when more members were present to fill the position. Under the By-Laws the position is to be filled at the next meeting. Commissioner Russell nominated Commissioner Bennett for the position of interim Vice Chair until more members were present to permanently fill the position. Nominations were asked for three times. There being no further Nominations Commissioner Trucks moved that the nominations be closed. With a roll call vote, Commissioner Bennett was elected interim Vice - Chair of the Historic District Commission until more members were present to select a Vice-Chair for the remainder of the 2018 term, 4 to 0. OLD BUSINESS None PUBLIC COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None City of Manistee Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes April 5, 2018 Page 2 CORRESPONDENCE None STAFF REPORTS Denise Blakeslee, Planning & Zoning Director – Members received copies of the new Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoring and Reconstructing Historic Buildings and new Preservation Briefs. The commissioners’ books used for the meeting have been updated and they are asked to update their copies at home so that the most current standards are being used moving forward. Ms. Blakeslee has been working with Jessica Flores, Preservation Forward to schedule training for the commissioners. Dates and times were discussed with the commissioners to schedule training that will include updating guidelines and policies for the Commission. The training will be take place on April 24, 2018 at 5:00 pm. NEW BUSINESS - Design Assistance – 346-348 River Street (The applicant was not present, this item was moved down the agenda to allow the applicant to be present) Kendra Thompson is the architect for the renovation of the building at 346-348 River Street. Ms. Thompson has completed a request for Design Assistance to speak to the commission about the project. The owners will be making application for Historic Tax Credits and the request will require review and approval from the State Historic Preservation Office. Ms. Thompson spoke of the various components for the project including:  Rehabilitation of existing structure to accommodate the Music Vault, including radio station office, recording studios, a music performance venue to accommodate up to 99 people, and two dwelling units to support the music activities.  Work will include exterior façade rehabilitation, construction of exterior decks/stairs on the riverside and complete rehabilitation of the interior spaces.  This project intends to seek federal (and state) historic tax credits and will be working with the State Historic Preservation Office in seeking necessary reviews and approvals.  The plans submitted today are not the final version, which should be completed by the end of April. Following completion of the plans Ms. Thompson will make application to the State Historic Preservation Office.  Ms. Thompson needs to bring back the final version of the plans to the Historic District Commission for their review and recommendation. MEMBERS DISCUSSION Commissioner Russell inquired if there was any update regarding the Rozmarek properties. Commissioner Trucks asked Tyler Leppanen about the façade grant policies update. City of Manistee Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes April 5, 2018 Page 3 WORKSESSION: None scheduled. The Next meeting of the Historic District Commission will be on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 3:00 pm in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 Maple Street. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Commissioner Trucks, seconded by Commissioner Russell that the meeting be adjourned. Motion passed unanimously. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 3:50 pm. MANISTEE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION __________________________________________ Lora Laurain, Recording Secretary City of Manistee Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes April 5, 2018 Page 4 Memorandum Denise Blakeslee To: Historic District Commissioners Planning & Zoning Director 70 Maple Street Manistee, MI 49660 FROM: Denise Blakeslee, Planning & Zoning Director 231.398.2805 dblakeslee@manisteemi.gov DATE: May 29, 2018 www.manisteemi.gov RE: Ramsdell Theatre Commissioners, we have received a request from the Ramsdell Theater for a full color RGB Display Sign. This sign can be programed by a computer that allows the sign to be changed for events as necessary. The location for the sign is where the Historic District Commission has approved the installation of changeable banners for the Civic Players and Manistee Art Institute in the past. This is new technology that is proposed and a copy of the request is enclosed for your review.  RRCA Proposal for an LED marketing signs The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) is requesting the support from the Historic District Commission to improve its marketing and promotion strategy through the purchase and installation of an exterior LED sign. The sign would improve our marketing in several ways: reduced digital and printing costs, reduced labor in posting ineffective sandwich boards, increase audience attendance, increase in revenue from sponsorship opportunities. The LED sign that Amor Signs would install is safe to use and energy efficient. The RRCA spends on average 50% of its marketing and promotional budget on digital promotion. Another 50% on print and radio ads. Our print ads require substantial labor during the year to post around the community and through sandwich boards. During the winter, the snow will completely cover our signs, eliminating any possibility for promotion. When not covered in snow, the sandwich boards are only useful if people walk by them. An LED sign would allow walkers and drivers to read and process the information, which would result in effective marketing, and higher ticket sales. Time spent on setting up the sandwich boards could be reduced and more effectively used with the LED sign. It is done from a computer and can even be updated remotely. As a non-profit arts organization, it is essential that we maximize our marketing efforts. We program 15-20 live shows a year at the Ramsdell, with hopes to increase that. Promotion for social activities, tours, and weddings is essential as well. With stronger and attractive marketing, we can improve our ticket sales and passively support local businesses. Most importantly, our enhanced financial well-being will allow us to preserve the rest of the historic structure better. We’ve explored other options such as the old Manistee Civic Players’ (MCP) sign, or a marquee like at the Vogue Theatre. The issue with the old MCP sign is that it featured four theatre productions a year, which worked well when that was the only expectation. Our capacity and programming need to increase for this historic site to be profitable and preserved. Hanging a sign like that several times a year would be costly and labor intensive. A marquee has its cost benefits. However, it is far more labor-intensive and dangerous for the RRCA. The Vogue’s marquee sign is at least reachable through a window from their second floor. When changing the marquee, the Vogue staff is always at the mercy of the weather. Time is greatly increased during the winter months. Risk of injury is greatly increased in windy, or icy conditions. It could take up to 30-45 minutes to complete the work. They also need multiple staff on the day of so while one person is at the marquee, the other is dealing with customers. A marquee like that at the Ramsdell would require a long ladder propped on the sidewalk. The Vogue had serious safety concerns over using a ladder to change their marquee before changing to roof access. However, the RRCA does not have the benefit of accessing through a roof or window. Having an LED sign would be the safest and most efficient way for the RRCA to operate. With an LED sign we can replace the message as often as we wish while following the zoning orders, resulting in more promotion for events and activities. Amor Signs has also provided insight into the project. Mounting We are proposing to mount the sign with painted steel mounting clips anchored to the wall at the mortar joints to prevent damage to the historic brick wall. Six brackets on the top row and four on the bottom will be fastened to the wall with ½” diameter expansion fasteners and epoxy. The mounting clips will be bolted to two horizontal steel brackets that are fastened to the back of the sign. Electrical There will be only one penetration of the wall for a conduit that will hold both the 120v primary electrical circuit and a data cable. These will be hard wired to power in the building and a computer in the basement of the building. This display is a very energy efficient display drawing only 3.55 regular operating amps. LED Display The LED display is high resolution, 10mm full-color RGB display that will be easy to read from both Maple and First Streets. It is programmable for static messages of any duration required. (The current City of Manistee requirement is that messages can be changed only once per 15 minutes.) Likewise, the brightness of the display is programmable. Typically, message displays are set to be brighter in the daytime and dimmer in the evening, and this is accomplished with a photo cell on the sign. Brightness levels can be set from a broad range, and one level can be set for daytime and one level for nighttime. Additionally, the on and off times can be programmed as well. For example, some users will set their signs to turn off at midnight. Safety and Convenience Above all, the LED message display is far more convenient to operate than traditional changeable copy marquees. Changing letters on a traditional copy board located 16’ above the sidewalk can be dangerous. Letters have been known to slip out of the change arms and fall to ground, causing letter changing personnel to dodge for cover. Also, ice can build up in letter tracks making it impossible to install (or remove) letters on frigid winter days. With an LED display, programmers can change the message conveniently with their fingertips from the comfort of their warm (or air conditioned) office. Additionally, research has shown that motorists can more easily read LED displays because of the superior contrast of the lettering with the background as compared to traditional copy board signs. Excellent contrast and legibility translate to less distraction for motorists.  7'-10 1/2" JAMES EARL JONES 3'-11 1/2" OTHELLO JAMES EARL JONES OTHELLO July 1 • 8pm July 1 • 8pm One Night ONLY One Night ONLY FULL COLOR RGB DISPLAY LED Pixel Pitch 10mm Matrix 120 x 240 Dimension 3’-11 1/2” x 7’-10 1/2” DATE: 2-12-18 INC SALES: TOM H AMOR SCALE: NO SCALE ~Since 1946~ GRAPHICS: BIALIK 443 WATER STREET • P. O. BOX 433 • MANISTEE, MI 49660 • 231-723-8361 FILE: RGB DISPLAY 844-922-2667 • FAX: 231-723-9365 • www.amorsign.com FILE LOCATION: DESIGN \ RAMSDELL ART CENTER ILLUSTRATION ONLY . NOT FOR PRODUCTION Existing red brick Six 1/2” expansion fasteners Existing on top 2.5”mounting angle block wall 1/2” x 6” Red Head Expansion Fasteners with Epoxy Glue Qty: Six on Top Four on Bottom (Holes to Hit Mortar Joints) Conduit for 120 Volt Connection Four 1/2” expansion fasteners and Data Cable on bottom 2.5” mounting angle DATE: 3-6-18 SALES: THA INC SCALE: 1” =1’ ~Since 1946~ GRAPHICS: Baker FILE: Installation Mounting Detail 443 WATER STREET • P. O. BOX 433 • MANISTEE, MI 49660 • 231-723-8361 FILE LOCATION: N \ Ramsdell \ 2018 Message Center 844-922-2667 • FAX: 231-723-9365 • www.amorsign.com