Historic Preservation Commission

802-223-9506 phone 39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 802-262-6080 fax www.montpelier-vt.org Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Draft Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 6:00 PM City Council Chambers HPC Members Present: Eric Gilbertson, Jamie Duggan, Elizabeth Peebles, David Carris Staff: Sarah McShane (Zoning Administrator) Others Present: Kim Cheney, Montpelier Planning Commission; Devin Coleman, State Architectural Historian Posted Agenda: 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comments 3. Approval of the Agenda 4. Comments from the Chair 5. Discussion of Possible Public Outreach & Education Ideas 6. Discussion of National Register Nomination Process 7. Discussion of CLG Grant and Design Review Rules 8. Other Business 9. Set Next Meeting Date 10. Adjournment 1. Call to Order The meeting of the Montpelier HPC was called to order at 6:05 PM. 2. Public Comments There were no public comments 3. Approval of the Agenda Members noted the following amendments to the agenda: • E.Peebles suggested for the Commission to consider setting a regular meeting date and discuss the solicitation of additional members. • D. Carris asked if the Commission could briefly discuss the CLG process. 4. Comments from the Chair Mr. Gilbertson stated that he was pleased that the VT Advisory Council meeting to consider amendments to the National Register district had been postponed. It was reported that the meeting was postponed to allow additional time for public outreach and education. 5. Discussion of Possible Public Outreach & Education Ideas E.Pebbles inquired whether or not the City had completed its obligation under the first CLG grant. D.Colman reported that the grant was awarded to prepare the National Register district amendment and deliver a product that was ready for nomination. Although the nomination has not been submitted, it has been prepared and is ready for nomination. K. Cheneny stated that he recently had a meeting at the SHPO office to discuss outreach and public education events. He suggested having neighborhood walks with City Council members and for the City to host a CAMP Training. S.McShane suggested that better communication between the municipal boards would also help alleviate the confusion about the National Register and Design Review. D.Carris suggested for the Planning Commission, Design Review, and HPC to receive each other’s agendas. S.McShane will work with the department to better communicate with each other. Members discussed CAMP Training (Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program) offered by the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC). Members thought it would be beneficial for all municipal boards and commissions to attend, as well as City staff and City Council members. E. Peebles reported that the SHPO was looking into possible funding sources. The cost of the training is approximately $7000. D. Coleman mentioned that the training can me be tailored to meet the individual needs of the community. S.McShane will check to see if the City could possibly contribute funds to host a CAMP Training; she will report back to the Commission. E.Peebles will check with the SHPO to see if any funding opportunities have been identified. This item will be on the next agenda. Members discussed hosting historic walking tours throughout city neighborhoods. E.Peebles suggested hosting a specific district on the 3rd Saturday of July and another district on the 3rd Saturday of August and possibly meeting at park or VCFA green at the end of the tour. Members agreed that it would be a beneficial way of engaging the community. Members noted the importance of communicating how historic preservation fits into city planning goals. E. Peebles also suggested having an architectural scavenger hunt for children. S. McShane reported that she will be meeting with Ashley from Montpelier Alive and will ask if they would be willing to partner with the HPC. Members noted that Britta_____ had led past walking tours. D.Carris stated that he would be willing  to lead a tour. J.Duggan reported that he had a script that could be provided to walking tour leaders. Members also discussed possible newspaper articles including photographs of buildings Then & Now, and mystery photos. D. Coleman shared the design guideline brochures that the City prepared a number of years ago. S. McShane noted that pdf copies are on the City website and she will email the Commission the web link (http://www.montpelier-vt.org/420/Design-Review-Brochures). 6. Discussion of National Register Nomination Process Members discussed the nomination for the amended National Register District and noted that the VT Advisory Council meeting was postponed to allow additional time for public outreach and education. D.Coleman reported that he hopes the nomination does not get lost in shuffle again and discussed possibly having it on the July or October VT Advisory Council agenda. Members felt October would be more appropriate and allow greater time to connect with the community. 7. Discussion of CLG Grant and Design Review Rules Members discussed the current CLG grant. The CLG grant was drafted to hire a consultant to do public education, design guidelines, and develop zoning provisions pertaining to design review. S.McShane noted that an RFP has yet to be drafted, but hoped a draft could be provided to the Commission in advance of the next meeting. She reported that as part of the current CLG grant, the Commission will have to examine the boundaries of a design review or historic review district and develop appropriate standards for review. E.Peebles suggested for the next meeting to be a joint meeting with the Design Review Committee to focus on the RFP. S.McShane will ask the Community Development Specialist (Kevin Casey) to develop a draft RFP for the Commission to revise and edit. A preliminary draft will be emailed to Commission members in advance of the next meeting. E.Peebles noted the importance ensuring the community is engaged in the process and for a preservation firm to develop the design guidelines . J.Duggan noted that the Town of Windsor (Judy Hayward) has illustrative design guidelines that may be a useful template. 8. Other Business None  9. Next Meeting Date: Members scheduled the next regular HPC meeting for Tuesday May 9th at 6:30 PM. Members will reserve the second Tuesday of the month as the regular meeting date. The next meeting agenda will include the following items: • Draft RFP for CLG grant • Update on possible CAMP Training and funding opportunities • Activities for Preservation Community Building (i.e. historic walking tours) • Review of example design guidelines • Update on the amended historic district boundaries, as listed on the National Register of Historic Places Members discussed individuals that might be interested in serving on the HPC. S.McShane will let the Commission know how many seats are vacant. Members suggested having an architect or a member of the housing community on the Commission. E.Peebles reported that she might be moving to Barre but still plans on being involved with the Commission. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM. The next regular meeting of the HPC is scheduled for Tuesday May 9th at 6:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Sarah McShane Zoning Administrator ***These minutes are unofficial until formally accepted by the HPC.*** These minutes were read and accepted by the Historic Preservation Commission on _________________________.