Historic District Commission
Regular MeetingManistee, MI · May 4, 2022
Minutes
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
70 Maple Street
Manistee, MI 49660
MEETING MINUTES
May 4, 2022
A meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 4:00 pm,
Manistee, Michigan.
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by Chair Trucks.
Members Present: William Connor, Ron Helmboldt, Lee Trucks, Thad Taylor, and Dennis Otto
Members Absent: Shelly Memberto
Others: Katie Mehl (City Zoning /Planner 1), and Nancy Baker (Recording Secretary)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Connor wished to amend the agenda under Old Business, change 235 River Street
to 435 River Street.
MOTION by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Connor to approve the agenda as
amended. Motion passed with a voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Otto, seconded by Commissioner Taylor to approve the February 2, 2022,
minutes as printed. Motion passed with a voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
OLD BUSINESS
435 River Street—Joseph Mathewson
Ms. Mehl stated Mr. Mathewson couldn’t attend due to a medical appointment.
HDC; windows are not historically designed, façade is incomplete, the windows were replaced
without HDC approval, situation not rectified. The HDC has a blight concern.
MOTION by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Taylor to recommend to the city that
the building of 435 River Street on the Oak Street side be identified/sited as a blight location.
With a roll call vote 3-2 motion passed.
City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision
May 4, 2022 Page 1
Yes; Connor, Helmboldt, Taylor
No; Otto, Trucks
Discussion ensued; Mr. Mathewson is willing to rectify the situation, the windows did not have HDC
approval, exterior painting not proper HDC color, the museum to look at past façade design and give
him guidance/suggestions.
Ms. Mehl will send the city police department a memo that the HDC considers 435 River Street
blighted and will contact Mr. Mathewson to get the museum’s assistance with the situation.
Permit Review
Ms. Mehl provided the permit list. The HDC reviewed each open permit. Ms. Mehl will provide photos
and an update on each permit. She will close permits whose project shows completion. An updated
permit listing will be presented at the next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
CORRESPONDENCE
None
REPORTS
DDA Executive & Economic Development
None
Museum Curator
Mr. Fedder: signed off on the library’s request for routine repair and maintenance to the building’s
exterior- repairs to blend in with the present exterior façade; working with visitors center, Right Sign
Design group and Little River Bank of Ottawa Indians- compiling new walking booklet of the
community- visitors center received a USDA grant for the booklet- several other county community
historic areas will be included; origin walk will be placed at First Street Beach area with sculptures.
Planning & Zoning Administrator
Ms. Mehl: was in attendance when city council approved the walking booklet and origin walk. She noted a
February meeting minutes correction- Commissioner Connor’s term is up in February 2024 not in 2022 as
stated.
MEMBERS DISCUSSION
Commissioner Trucks welcomed Ms. Mehl.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 4:36 pm by the chair.
Nancy Baker
Nancy Baker, Recording Secretary
City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision
May 4, 2022 Page 2
Agenda
MANISTEE CITY HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Wednesday, May 4th, 2022
Meeting will be held at 4 pm in the City Council Chambers.
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 May 4, 2022, Agenda.
IV Approval of Minutes
At this time Historic District Commission can take action to approve the February 2, 2022, 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
VII Old Business
• 235 River Street – Joesph Mathewson
Permit Review
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
X Reports
DDA Executive & Economic Development Director
Museum Curator
Planning & Zoning Administrator
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 Adjournment
1
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
70 Maple Street
Manistee, MI 49660
MEETING MINUTES
February 2, 2022
A Meeting of the 2022 Historic District Commission was held on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at
4:00 pm, Manistee, Michigan.
The meeting was called to order at 4:02 by Chair Trucks.
Members Present: Shelly Memberto, Ron Helmboldt, Lee Trucks, Thad Taylor, and Dennis Otto
Members Absent: Nick Hawkins and William Connor
Others: Zach Sompels (City Zoning /Planner 1) and Nancy Baker (Recording Secretary)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Helmboldt to approve the agenda as
printed. Motion passed with a voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Helmboldt seconded by Commissioner Taylor approve the January 5,
2022, minutes as printed. Motion passed with a voice vote
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
OLD BUSINESS
Fricano’s COA/Sign Permit
Mr. Rick Slater, project contractor, reviewed the purpose and façade plans for the new east side
addition to the building—siding, roof, and door.
MOTION by Commissioner Taylor to accept the change on the east side from vinyl siding to block to
be compatible with the west side.
Commission Taylor wished to amend his motion.
MOTION by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Memberto to approve the change of
vinyl siding to block on the east end of the building to be compatible with the west end and the HDC
City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision
February 2, 2022 Page 1
authorizes Mr. Sompels and Mr. Fedder to make any minor changes needing to be done to the east
exterior because of fire code per the fire marshal requirements. Motion passed with a voice vote.
MOTION by Commissioner Memberto, seconded by Commissioner Otto to accept the proposed
garage door changes to be something more historically appropriate to the downtown area and
authorize final approval by Mr. Sompels and Mr. Fedder. Motion passed with a voice vote.
MOTION by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Helmboldt for façade of the entire
front of the River Street to be matching brick and coated with skim coat. Motion passed with a voice
vote.
MOTION by Commissioner Memberto, seconded by Commissioner Otto to approve the design with
the noted changes that have been made, issue the Certificate of Appropriateness to continue with
the project and to approve the sign application. Motion passed with a voice vote.
Permit Review
Mr. Sompels; permit list provided is up to date.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
CORRESPONDENCE
None
REPORTS
DDA Executive & Economic Development
None
Museum Curator
Mr. Fedder had nothing to report.
Planning & Zoning Administrator
Mr. Sompels stated Mr. Connor, Mr. Otto, and Mr. Helmboldt’ s HDC term expires February 28, 2022. They will
need to reapply to continue their term.
MEMBERS DISCUSSION
Commissioner Trucks inquired if the Milwaukee House/area buildings or the Washington Street
projects effect the HDC. Mr. Sompels stated they do not.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 4:34 pm by the chair.
Nancy Baker
Nancy Baker, Recording Secretary
City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision
February 2, 2022 Page 2
Historic District Commission
Katie Mehl
04/27/2022 Manistee County Planner
395 3rd St.
Historic District Commission Manistee, MI 49660
70 Maple Street 231.723.6041
planning@manisteecountymi.gov
Manistee, MI 49660
www.manisteemi.gov
Dear Historic District Commission,
I have been in contact with Joesph Mattewson, owner of 235 River Street. He applied for a
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) in April of 2021. At the May 12, 2021 meeting of the Historic District
Commission, a motion was made by the Commission not to approve the windows as they exist now. For
the HDC to work with the owner, we have invited Joesph to the May meeting to present a proposal to
make this project more acceptable.
With being new to my position, I felt this was a great opportunity to bring Joesph back before the
HDC in hopes to come to a resolution that will allow for a COA to be issued and the file closed. Attached
to this memo are the following documents:
• COA Application submitted in April 2021
• Photos showing current window condition
• Letter sent in April 2022 inviting Joesph to the May 2022 HDC meeting
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Katie Mehl
Manistee County Planner
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
70 Maple Street
Manistee, MI 49660
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
May 12, 2021
A special meeting of the 2021 Historic District Commission was held on Wednesday, May 12,
2021 at 4:00 pm, Manistee, Michigan.
The Manistee Historic District Commission is operating remotely and electronically by Zoom
under PA 254 of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting was called to order at 4:04 by Chair Trucks.
Members Present: Shelly Memberto, William Connor, Ron Helmboldt, Dennis Otto, and Lee
Trucks
Members Absent: Nick Hawkins
Others: Zach Sompels (City Zoning /Planner 1), and Nancy Baker (Recording
Secretary)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Helmboldt to approve the
Agenda as printed. Motion passed with a voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Otto, seconded by Commissioner Memberto to approve the
February 3, 2021 minutes as presented. Motion passed with a voice vote
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS
None
NEW BUSINESS
SHPO grant discussion
Mr. Sompels stated a grant opportunity expired April 30th. There are other grants available
through SHPO and the state, however, the department does not have the opportunity to apply
for grants. Mr. Trucks has approached the DDA for assistance with grants.
Mr. Miller stated the Chamber struggles with the capacity and time to get their number of
items done. The Chamber is very excited to hear of the County exploring a grant writer position.
The Chamber is hoping to utilize and work with a full-time person who will be able to track,
City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision
May 12, 2021 Page 1
write and follow-up on opportunities and to bring resources to the County. He stated a full-time
dedicated person would be very helpful. He recommends the HDC talk to County
Commissioners to advocate for funding of this position at the County level.
435 River St Windows
Mr. Sompels reviewed pictures of the newly placed windows on the Oak Street side of the
building, the windows were put in place without a COA from the HDC.
Mr. Fedder:
Original area was another entrance to the building
Past owner was given permission to place painted wood to cover the Oak Street entrance
Present windows were placed with no HDC approval or consultation from the museum
HDC/museum curator or director oversee all improvements to the exterior sides of
buildings within the Historic District
MOTION by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Memberto not to approve the
windows as they exist now, for the HDC to work with the owner, and the owner to present a
proposal to make this project more acceptable.
With a voice vote 5 to 0:
Yes: Memberto, Connor, Otto, Helmboldt and Trucks
No: None
Vogue Theatre Tiles
Mr. Sompels stated the outside front area tiles are badly damaged and need to be fixed or
replaced. The attempt is to save as many removed tiles as possible.
Ms. Russell explained the present tiles are original and replacement tiles cannot be found or
reproduced. These tiles are inside tiles which were placed outside. Red tiles have been chosen
to compliment the present tiles and the building. The outside tiles will be sealed and will
continue to be sealed as needed. Future work is planned for the side door tiles.
MOTION by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Helmboldt to approve the
Vogue tile restoration project as proposed.
With a voice vote 5 to 0:
Yes: Memberto, Connor, Otto, Helmboldt and Trucks
No: None
Mr. Fedder agrees the tiles need to be fixed. The present tiles are the original tiles to the
building and were meant to be a “yellow brick road” to pull people into the building. As many
tiles as possible should be saved.
OLD BUSINESS
City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision
May 12, 2021 Page 2
Ed K Update
Mr. Sompels stated no application has been submitted for this project, but an update was
provided as requested by the HDC. The original building was a car dealership. Mr. Kriskywicz is
waiting on bids; however, construction costs are very high.
Permit Review
There were no permits to review.
COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Mr. Miller stated the Chamber has proceeded to work as one with the DDA. Kristina Bajtka is a
point of contact person. The Chamber is the point of contact for economic development. He
spoke on the following projects: 348 River, Gateway Project, River Water Development,
141/149 Washington, Lakeshore Hotel.
Mr. Trucks suggested the Chamber contact Lisa Rosmarek, a historic expert and Manistee
native.
CORRESPONDENCE
None
REPORTS
DDA Executive & Economic Development
Report was given by Mr. Miller under Public Comment.
Museum Curator/Director
None
Planning & Zoning Administrator
Mr. Sompels stated many developments are coming into the city with many being within the Historical
District.
MEMBERS DISCUSSION
Mr. Fedder received a painting request for 354 River Street. A new front section was added less
than 50 years ago and has never been painted. This building has been painted in the past
except for the new part. The request is to paint the entire building.
The HDC had no objection to painting the building at 354 River Street, including the front part.
The 427 Water Street Hart building is being looked at for the purpose of becoming a single-
family home. This building was originally the Michigan Bell Telephone Company building which
housed the operators and switchboard workers. The request is to convert this into a single-
family home using an adapted re-use SUP. The building is in the C-3 district. This building would
not allow/meet the proper required setback standards. The interested party is investigating
purchasing the adjoining parcel to construct a garage.
City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision
May 12, 2021 Page 3
The HDC’s only concern is to preserve the historic exterior features of the building. No plans or
application for this project have been submitted.
The HDC would like to continue receiving project permitted updates. Mr. Sompels stated he will
be sure to review the city contract and to consider placing this into the city summary.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Helmboldt, seconded by Commissioner Otto to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:13 pm.
2021 Historic District Commission
_______________________________
Nancy Baker, Recording Secretary
City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision
May 12, 2021 Page 4
Zach Sompels
Planning/Zoning Administrator
395 Third St.
Manistee, MI 49660
231.398.3587
zsompels@manisteecountymi.gov
www.manisteemi.gov
Historic District Commission
Date Permit # Date Expires Address Name Details Status
Originally
Approved
3/7/2012 6/30/2021 411 River St Jeff Gordon Entrance Door In Progress
Permits
4/2/2015 6/30/2021 411 River St Jeff Gordon Storefront In Progress
PHDC12001
4/2/2015 6/30/2021 411 River St Jeff Gordon East Façade In Progress
PHDC15004
10/2/2008 6/30/2021 347/349 River St Paula Rozmarek Ledge Reconstruction In Progress
PHDC15005
7/10/2009 6/30/2021 347/349 River St Paula Rozmarek Storefront In Progress
PHDC08032
Renovation/Restoration
PHDC09014
4/14/2021 4/14/2022 350 River St Sue & Mike Mulder Painting In Progress
4/22/2021 4/22/2022 354 River St River Flow Assets Vinyl window graphic signs in In Progress
PHDC21-001
LLC front windows
PHDC21-003
5/24/2021 5/24/2022 321 River St Paulette Juncker Projecting Sign In Progress
5/26/21 5/26/2022 383 River St Historic Vogue Tile entrance maintenance In Progress
PHDC21-004
Theatre
PHDC21-007
5/26/2021 5/26/2022 354 River St Kristin & Paul Painting window brick In Progress
Howes
PHDC21-005
5/26/2021 5/26/2022 371 5th St Guardian Angel Michigan Historical Marker In Progress
Church Sign
PHDC21-006
9/13/21 9/13/22 312 River Bluefish Dumpster In Progress
enclosure/maintenance
PHDC21-012
9/23/21 9/23/22 457 River Tracy Judkins Sign 4x4 In Progress
11/16/21 11/16/22 375 River Hicking Properties Vinyl sign In Progress
PHDC21-015
In Progress
1/14/22 1/14/23 338 River Purple paintbrush Sign COA
PHDC21-016
As of 1/18/22
PHDC22-001
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