Historic Preservation Commission

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Meeting Minutes Date of Meeting: October 12, 2021 Time of Meeting: Regular meeting 6:30 PM Meeting Location: Webster Groves City Hall, 4 E Lockwood Ave (via teleconference and/or Zoom) MEMBERS (9): Present Absent Anne Halvachs (Chair) x Vacant (Chair) x Doug Stanley x Brendan Barash x Steven Stovall x Michael Rose x Dacia Stewart x Jane Porchey x Angela Thompson x Ex-Officio Members (2): Karen Alexander, Council Member, Council Liaison x Mara Perry, Dir. Planning & Dev., Staff Liaison x REGULAR MEETING: 1. Approval of September 14, 2021 Minutes – motion to approve by Doug Stanley; second by Steve Stoval 2. Visitor comments – None. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None NEW BUSINESS: 1. Election of Chair/ Co-Chair and Secretary – Discussion was to keep this open again until next month. The hope is that all members will be in attendance and the final vacant commission position may be filled. 2. Douglass Hill Rezoning: Members discussed drafting a letter from the Commission to the City Council regarding the rezoning. Anne Halvachs started with some bullet points she had drafted to begin the discussion. Angela Thompson mentioned the current name of the street as main street should be replaced with something that could tie with a historic name. She also stated that providing more of a buffer around historic structures like the church could be considered. Plaques or monuments to historic events or locations should be included. Timing on when the letter needed to be submitted was discussed. It was determined that they could still finalize it at the next HPC meeting. Mara Perry suggested that information could be sent to her and a draft of the letter could be reviewed by members between the two meetings. Karen Alexander commented that the City Council would like to hear all of their suggestions and comments and not to assume it was “stepping on” another commission’s area. The rezoning is still in the early stages at City Council and all information will be considered. Karen asked about whether the letter would be read into the record or if someone needed to attend to read it. Mara was going to find out prior to the next meeting the procedure. Michael Rose brought up information he was finding about Shady Creek on the internet. It was suggested that everyone take some time to think about items they would like included in the letter. Angela discussed the idea of a cultural connection between this area and other areas of the city like North Webster and Old Webster. Doug Stanley suggested that it be a broad take on historic concerns as members may have personal feelings one way or the other on the project.  3. 225 Baker – Demolition Request Accessory Structure - Review of submittal packet, staff memorandum and recommendation. HPC discussion, with lack of historical value noted. Motion to approve demolition request consistent with Staff recommendation without holding for additional review made by Steven Stovall; motion seconded by Michael Rose; passed unanimously 6-0. 4. 236 Sylvester – Demolition Request Accessory Structure - Review of submittal packet, staff memorandum and recommendation. HPC discussion, with lack of historical value noted. Motion to approve demolition request consistent with Staff recommendation without holding for additional review made by Steven Stovall; motion seconded by Michael Rose; passed unanimously 6-0. 5. 1051 Tuxedo – Demolition Request Accessory Structure - Review of submittal packet, staff memorandum and recommendation. HPC discussion, with lack of historical value noted and that it had been hit by two trees. Motion to approve demolition request consistent with Staff recommendation without holding for additional review made by Steven Stovall; motion seconded by Michael Rose; passed unanimously 6-0. OLD BUSINESS: 1. HPC Projects for 2021-2022 - Members continued discussion of the projects to focus on for the new fiscal year. Focus will be on the Lustron Homes; Sears Kit homes; and Joy built homes. The option of having subcommittees formed to help with these projects will be available. It was asked for the City to publicize on social media and the web for people who might be interested in joining subcommittees. With focus this month on the letter for the Douglass Hill project members decided to hold further discussion over to the next meeting date. Steve Stoval moved to adjourn the meeting; Jane Porchey seconded; passed by unanimous vote. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, November 9, 2021