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HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of the Meeting of March 19, 2024
Held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, Volunteer Room
I. Oath of Office
A. The following commissioners took the oath of office
• Mark Simacek
• Krista Peterson
• Wendi Schilts-Johnson
II. Elect Chair and Vice Chair
A. Motion by Commissioner Toppin to appoint Commissioner Bremer as the
Commission Chair, seconded by Commissioner Alitz Edell. Approved 7-0
B. Motion by Commissioner Toppin to appoint Commissioner Peterson as the
Commission Vice Chair, seconded by Commissioner Simacek. Approved 7-0
III. Call to Order and Quorum
A. Commissioners: Toppin, McCoy, Peterson, Bremer, Simacek, Alitz Edell, and
Schilts-Johnson
B. Absent: Borchardt and Smith
C. Staff: Fortney
IV. Minutes:
A. November 19, 2024 Approved by Chair Bremer with minor changes
V. Certificate of Approval Review
A. 700 618 Ramsey St – Chicken coop
Fortney presented the staff report. The commissioners commented that the proposed chicken coop
was relatively small and not visible from the street. Commissioner Toppin said she was surprised
to read in the staff report that a chicken coop is not required to be removed if a resident stops
keeping chickens. Fortney said the license is for keeping chickens and the zoning ordinance
allows accessory buildings. He added that chicken coops can be an investment, and a resident
might just take some time off for keeping chickens or convert their coop to or back to another use,
like a garden shed.
Motion by Commissioner Peterson to approve the coop as proposed, seconded by
Commissioner Simacek. Approved 7-0
B. 312 2nd St W – Replace and expand deck
Fortney presented the staff report. The commissioners commented that the deck is in the rear
yard and not very visible. They said there would be little effect to the historic fabric of the home
and the railings are not as noticeable as the existing ones.
Motion by Commissioner Toppin to approve the proposed deck, seconded by Commissioner
Alitz Edell. Approved 7-0
VI. OHDS – Original Hastings Design Standards Review
VII. Business and Information
A. Century Plaque Request – 1105 Maple St.
Fortney presented the application. The commission reviewed and approved the application to
purchase a century home plaque. They commented that the very old home was well maintained
and uniquely far from the city core. Approved 7-0
B. Review proposed changes to the OHDS regulations
Fortney presented the staff report to the commission. He said these proposed changes are in draft
form and are related to additional design criteria in module two, which will be reviewed by staff
soon. Fortney said he is looking for general feedback to determine if the proposed OHDS
regulations are on the correct track. Commissioners discussed the proposal and made the
following comments:
• The maximum segment width of 35-feet should not cause design issues with homes that
are narrow. Commissioners understand that module two will provide details on this and
other topics.
• There was apprehension to require that corner lots must place garages onto side streets.
• Proposed regulations should achieve necessary design controls without reducing infill
development.
C. Form Preservation Awards Committee
Commissioner Toppin explained how past preservation awards were chosen and presented. The
following commissioners volunteered to help with the review: Toppin, Alitz Edell, and Schilts-
Johnson.
D. Discuss HPC goals for 2025
Commissioners discussed performing a historic resource survey. They wanted to begin planning a
project scope this spring.
Motion by Commissioner Toppin for the HPC to plan for a historic resource survey project
in 2026, seconded by Commissioner Peterson. Approved 7-0
Commissioner Peterson left at 9:00 pm.
VIII. Adjourn
Motion by Commissioner McCoy to adjourn at 9:05 pm, seconded by Commissioner Alitz
Edell. Approved 7-0
Respectfully Submitted - Justin Fortney