Historic Preservation Commission

NEWPORT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION JANUARY 22, 2025 5:00 p.m. Regular Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL A regular meeting was called to order by NHPC Chair Mike Kolb on January 22, 2025, at 5:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room of the Newport Municipal Building at 998 Monmouth Street. Commission members present were Mary Beth Crocker, Scott Fleckinger, Mike Kolb, Kathryn Quinn, and Mark Ramler. Commissioner Michael Haas was absent. Billy Summe, Assistant City Attorney, and Jennifer Williams, Historic Preservation Officer, were present. The meeting was held in person in conjunction with a live stream on Newport’s YouTube page. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Chair Kolb moved to approve the minutes of the December 4, 2024 special call meeting, seconded by Commissioner Fleckinger. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 1. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a new residence at 1028 Brighton St. (HP 2401289) Requested by: Brighton Properties, Inc. Comments: • Assistant City Attorney Billy Summe swore in all who wished to testify during the evening’s public hearings. • Historic Preservation Officer Jennifer Williams gave a staff report. She recommended approval of the project with the condition that siding be installed smooth side out. • Mr. John E. Lange IV confirmed that he was present as legal representation for Brighton Properties, Inc. • Ms. Stephanie Stiene (Housing Development Director for Brighton Properties) and Mr. Jim Guthrie (architect) were available to answer questions about the project. A discussion ensued regarding the layout of the proposed home on the lot. • Findings of Fact – Chair Kolb noted the following: o The proposed project is consistent with the Historic Design Review Guidelines. o The proposed project will not affect the historic character of the property. o The proposed project will not impact the neighborhood. 1|Page  A motion by Chair Kolb, seconded by Commissioner Crocker, to accept Staff’s recommendation to approve the proposed project. Roll Call: Commissioner Crocker Yes Commissioner Fleckinger Yes Commissioner Haas Absent Commissioner Quinn Yes Vice Chair Ramler Yes Chair Kolb Yes 2. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to enclose a rear porch at 537 Maple Ave. (HP 2500002) Requested by: Joseph Sideranko Comments: • Ms. Williams gave a staff report recommending the approval of the project. • Mr. Mike Hendy (Neal’s Design Remodel) spoke in favor of the project and explained its design. • Mr. Joseph Sideranko (homeowner) also spoke in favor of the project. • A discussion of the window design ensued. • Findings of Fact – Vice Chair Ramler noted the following: o The proposed work is compatible with the Guidelines due to low visibility. o The proposed project will not have an adverse effect on the property. o The proposed project will not have an adverse effect on the district. A motion by Vice Chair Ramler, seconded by Commissioner Quinn, to approve the staff recommendation and approve the porch enclosure. Roll Call: Commissioner Crocker Yes Commissioner Fleckinger Yes Commissioner Haas Absent Commissioner Quinn Yes Vice Chair Ramler Yes Chair Kolb Yes 3. Adoption of revised Bylaws for the Newport Historic Preservation Commission. (HP 2500003) Requested by: City of Newport 2|Page  Comments: • Ms. Williams gave a staff report discussing updates to the Bylaws, noting that the changes proposed were to simplify the process of renewing Commissioner’s terms. A motion by Vice Chair Ramler, seconded by Commissioner Fleckinger, to approve the changes and adopt the revised Bylaws. Roll Call: Commissioner Crocker Yes Commissioner Fleckinger Yes Commissioner Haas Absent Commissioner Quinn Yes Vice Chair Ramler Yes Chair Kolb Yes OTHER BUSINESS 1. Discussion: Upcoming changes to Newport Historic Design Review Guidelines. Ms. Williams informed the Commission that she is in the process of reviewing the Guidelines and looking for Commissioners to assist. No vote was taken. 2. Ms. Williams also informed the Commission that an ordinance review is also underway. She hoped to have a revised ordinance at the next meeting. NEXT MEETING February 26, 2025 ADJOURNMENT Chair Kolb moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Fleckinger. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:39 p.m. _____________________________ ____________ Mike Kolb, Chair Date _____________________________ ____________ Jennifer Williams, Historic Preservation Officer Date 3|Page