City Council

JOINT MEETING OF THE PROPERTY COMMITTEE, HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM, CITY HALL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018 1:00 P.M. The meeting of the Property Committee was called to order by Chair Quicker. On roll call: Council Members Quicker, Clough and Neville and Julie Simek-Bennett. Joan Hubing absent. The meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chair Counsell. On roll call: Chair Counsell, Council Member Clough, Natalie Erpenbach, Jeff Kluckhohn and Julie Simek-Bennett present. Stacie Campbell and Barb Miller absent. The Common Council was called to order by Mayor Glassbrenner. On roll call: Mayor Glassbrenner and Council Members Weiers, Clough, Quicker, Neville and Counsell present. Also present: Director of Public Works Flynn, City Clerk-Treasurer Roehl, Jerilyn St Amand and Robert Johnson. Property Committee – Chair Quicker declared the minutes of the previous meeting approved as filed with the City Clerk. Historic Preservation Commission – Chair Counsell declared the minutes of the previous meeting approved as filed with the City Clerk. 1:02 P.M. – The joint group departed City Hall for a walking tour of the former Christie property at 514-518 Hewett Street. The building was built in the 1890’s and includes two upstairs apartments (a leaking ceiling in the back apartment), a main floor retail business area (a buckling floor area and ceiling damage) and a basement area. The rooftop is accessible through a trap door entry. 1:20 P.M. – The joint group returned and reconvened at City Hall. City Clerk Roehl stated the property assessment for 2018 was: Land $13,300 Improvements $39,200 Total $52,500 Fair Market Value was $58,400 Discussion followed on things that could be done to help attract a buyer for the long term who is willing to get into the building and rehabilitate the property. Discussion on putting together what is available to help a potential buyer – information on tax credits, loan programs, etc. It will not necessarily be grant money. The potential buyer will have to be willing to work with the City. Council Member Clough stated that three important points are: 1) We do not want to tear it down 2) Keep the façade historic 3) Keep the store front in commercial Council Member Counsell stated that we need a legally binding agreement, that the buyer signs, which is enforceable. A stabilization plan with a time frame specified. Mayor Glassbrenner stated when we advertise, we need to mention the historic preservation position upfront, set up a viewing schedule and stress the need for putting together a rehabilitation plan with a solid timeframe. Natalie Erpenbach questioned at what point do we get the City Attorney involved. The legal aspects should be upfront. Does the League of Wisconsin Municipalities have access to or samples of developer’s agreements or historic building sales advertising. Julie Simek-Bennett asked if the City had ever thought of rehabilitating it first – then selling it. Jeff Kluckhohn stated that in order to do it right – it could cost $100,000 to $120,000 depending on what is done. Council Member Counsell suggested letting the Historic Preservation Commission research available information and help in drafting the advertising. Council Member Weiers questioned if there were any concerns about the leaking roof with winter snow buildup. Jeff Kluckhohn stated when it freezes, you have no leaks, so we can buy some time, since winter is here. Director of Public Works Flynn stated that Paul Elmhorst has been on the roof before. Discussion followed on structuring an advertisement – language, not being too restrictive on the timeframe (stabilization within six months and the state and federal historic guideline of up to five years), requiring a rehabilitative plan (which is also needed for state and federal historic preservation programs). Natalie Erpenbach asked about alternative plans if no one wants the property. Council Member Counsell stated the City could keep the building, fix up the façade, get the building in shape and explore uses. Discussion followed on thinking forward, having the City plan ahead, time involvement and money, developers thinking the City of Neillsville is not doing enough to help them and things that other area municipalities are doing to entice development in the downtown, housing and overall. Historic Preservation Commission – Motion Bennett, second Kluckhohn, to adjourn. All Aye. Common Council – Motion Clough, second Weiers, to adjourn. All Aye. Property Committee – Discussion on assignments – the Historic Preservation Commission will gather information on Historic Preservation programs and funding, Chair Quicker will contact the City Attorney about legal issues. Once things are put together, Chair Quicker will call another meeting. Property Committee – Motion Neville, second Clough to adjourn. All Aye. _________________________________ Jerry Quicker, Chair _________________________________ Julie Counsell, Chair _________________________________ Charles W. Glassbrenner, Mayor ___________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk