HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC Minutes 04-16-2024HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of the Meeting of April 16, 2024
Held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, Volunteer Room
I. Call to Order and Quorum Youngren, Alitz Edell, Bremer, Simacek, Toppin, and
Peterson.
Absent: Smith, Borchardt, and McCoy
Staff: Fortney
II. Chair Pro Tempore
A. Elect Chair Pro Tempore
Motion by Commissioner Simacek to nominate Commissioner Youngren as the
Chair Pro Tempore for the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Alitz Edell.
Approved 7-0
III. Minutes:
A. March 19, 2024 Approved by Chair Toppin
IV. Certificate of Approval Review
A. 215 7th Street W — New Fence
Fortney presented the staff report. He explained that the Design Guidelines state in a
couple different ways that privacy fencing is not appropriate for enclosing the front yards
of locally designated Heritage Preservation Sites.
Dayna Nosan, applicant, explained they want a privacy fence to calm their large dog and
provide him maximum space because their large rear garage and driveway take up their
rear yard. They also want to block the view of their neighbor's constant construction
project and enclose their basement windows with fencing.
Rita Dahl of 205 7th Street West said several neighbors have semi -transparent fencing for
containing their dogs and she is concerned with the look of a full 6 -foot tall privacy fence
along the front of historic homes.
Commissioner Bremer asked other Commissioners if they thought the Design Guidelines
would be met with a shorter fence or one that was not fully opaque within the front half of
the side yard. Commissioner Youngren said the Commission should be concerned with
consistency of past decisions and setting a precedence for future requests.
Motion by Commissioner Simacek to approve the request with the following
condition, seconded by Commissioner Alitz Edell. Approved 7-0
- The portion of the fence within the front half of the side yard is limited to 42 -inches
tall and must be semi -transparent.
B. 205 7th Street W — House and Garage Shingles and Gutters
Fortney presented the staff report. He explained that staff routinely approves roofing
permit requests for replacement of like for like materials. He added that the commission
must review roofing that is an alternate material.
Commissioner Simacek asked where the downspouts are located and why it looks like the
gutters extend under the eaves. Rita Dahl, applicant, responded that she uses cup chains
instead of downspouts and she wasn't sure why the gutters run all around the roof. She
added they are more of a modern design, and she would like to use half -round gutters to
match the home, but only where they are necessary. Approved 6-0
Motion by Commissioner Alitz Edell to approve the request as presented, seconded
by Commissioner Peterson. Approved 7-0
C. 109 6th Street E — Front Door (Committee approved)
Fortney explained that a committee was formed to provide immediate review of a door
replacement. This was because of several unique and unfortunate circumstances. Most
importantly the door was not in proper operation and could not lock. There was another
door replaced and two windows prior to notification of Planning Department staff. Fortney
showed the commission photos of those changes and commented that they would not be
appropriate for contributing houses but added that the subject house is noncontributing
and has a different standard of appropriateness. Fortney said staff is only updating the
HPC and not suggesting the HPC provide approval for work that has been completed. He
added that prior to closing out the permit as complete, he wanted to inform the HPC and
document the issue.
V. OHDS — Original Hastings Design Standards Review
VI. Business and Information
A. Preservation Awards Committee
The Preservation Awards Committee showed the Commission properties in the running
for awards and the Commission chose ones that exemplified the purpose of the
categories: 523 Ramsey St, 605 1 1th St W, 535 5th Street W, and 200 2nd Street W.
Fortney said awards are scheduled to be presented at the May 20, 2024 City Council
Meeting and will include the century home plaque award.
VII. Adjourn
Motion by Commissioner Peterson to adjourn at 9:00 pm, seconded by
Commissioner Alitz Edell. Approved 7-0
Respectfully Submitted - Justin Fortney