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) Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 6:30 PM City Manager’s Conference Room HPC Members Present: Eric Gilbertson, David Carris, Elizabeth Peebles, Jamie Duggan, Jenna Lapachinski, Greg Tisher Staff: Sarah McShane (Zoning Administrator) ; Michael Miller (Planning Director) Others Present: Kim Cheney, Susan Abdo, Barbara Conrey Posted Agenda: 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comments 3. Approval of the Agenda 4. Comments from the Chair 5. Review and Approve Minutes from January 9, 2018 6. Work Session: CLG project to update design review regulations  Review work program and schedule provided by the Consultant  Brainstorm possible outreach ideas and public meeting dates 7. Other Business  Update NR District Nomination  Next Meeting Date – Tuesday March 13, 2018 at 6:30 PM. 8. Next meeting topics: 9. Adjournment 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM with a quorum present. 2. Approval of the Agenda 3. Public Comments; Comments from the Chair Attendees and members were asked to introduce themselves. Chair Gilbertson provided an overview of the CLG project. He reiterated his desire for the Montpelier Heritage Group to regroup and briefly discussed the current projects proposed for the downtown area (i.e. hotel, transit center, Christ Church project). He stated that he has a meeting scheduled with the Housing & Conservation Board regarding the Jacob Davis House and its current condition and status. Planning Commission member Barbara Conrey reported that she hopes to see an illustrated workbook to assist in the design review process. Planning Commission Kim Cheney discussed recent past events involving design review and the need for public support. He hopes the Commission will sponsor a slideshow regarding the importance of historic preservation.  Resident and Cliff Street property owner Susan Abdo spoke to the recent removal of the Cliff Street neighborhood from design review and the politics surrounding that decision. Attendees agreed that design review is currently both a political and emotional problem in the City. Chair Gilberston spoke of the need to deliver a positive message and gather greater public input. 4. Review and Approve Minutes from January 9, 2018 Commission member D.Carris made a motion to approve the 1/9/2018 minutes. J.Lapahinski seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 5. Work Session: CLG project to update design review regulations Members discussed the draft work schedule provided by LandWorks. D.Carris requested that an additional column be added ‘outcomes’. Staff will incorporate the additional column. Members discussed the best approach to move the CLG project forward. Members agreed that the first public meeting should consist of a ‘Preservation 101’ and discussion of why preservation is important. Members felt it might be better to discuss why preservation is important and the standards initially, followed by discussion of the district boundaries. Members discussed items the Commission feels comfortable taking on and aspects of the project that will need assistance from the Consultant. D.Carris stated that he felt the Commission could handle the “walk and talk”. Chair Gilberston suggested having a pecha kucha. It was generally agreed that the Commission would like the consultant’s assistance with the public outreach and facilitating the conversation regarding the standards and district boundaries. Members discussed the preliminary project schedule. E.Peebles suggested the following schedule: Thursday March 22nd: Slideshow- Why is preservation important? Saturday April 7th: Walk and Talk Tour(s) Tuesday April 10th: First Public Meeting (with Consultant assistance) Saturday April 28th: Public Meeting Workshop J.Lapachinski suggested trying to get representation from each of the neighborhoods to attend the March 22nd meeting. E.Peebles suggested creating a poster where people could mark areas of the city they love, along with a Save the Date card. Staff McShane will work on creating a poster for display during Town Meeting. E.Peebles also suggested having excerpts on youtube and facebook.  Members discussed sub-group activities. Staff noted that as long as there isn’t a quorum of members present it is not technically a public meeting and wouldn’t require an agenda or minutes to be posted. Possible sub-group topics include discussion on exempt development/minor alterations; possible boundaries; standards for review; new construction in historic districts. E.Peebles suggested for a sub-group to review the CLG requirements for design review. J. Duggan stated that he could forward programmatic agreement info which might be helpful when discussing exempt development and minor alterations. E.Peebles, J.Lapachinski, G.Tisher, and Staff agreed to meet as a sub-group on Tuesday, February 27th to discuss exempt activities and refine the work plan. Staff will find a meeting space at City Hall. Members discussed the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday March 13th. Members agreed LandWorks should attend the next regular meeting to review the existing standards and to discuss how the Commission sees the process moving forward. Staff will email a copy of the existing standards for review. D.Carris asked whether or not there is a library of design review regulations. E.Peebles noted that Devin might have some available. Staff reported that she has done some research and can email several examples. 6. Other Business  The NR nomination is expected to be accepted by the National Park Service this week. 7. Next Meeting Date – Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 6:30 PM. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 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 March 27, 2018.