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HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of the Meeting of June 17, 2025
Held at 7:04 p.m. at City Hall, Volunteer Room
I. Call to Order and Quorum
Commissioners present: Bremer, Toppin, Smith, Peterson, Alitz Edell, Simacek, and
McCoy
Absent: Borchardt and Schilts-Johnson
Staff: Fortney
Chair Bremer called the meeting to order.
II. Minutes:
A. April 15, 2025 Approved by Chair Bremer
III. Certificate of Approval Review
A. 200 7th Street W – New corbels and privacy fence
Fortney presented the staff report and commented that adding brackets, trim, and architectural
detail must normally be proven to have existed on a historic structure according to the design
guidelines. He added that this proposal is for structural considerations rather than aesthetics and
other remedies would be more intrusive. Commissioners asked if the corbels would be on all the
eave returns. John Fasbender, applicant, said they are only proposed on the five thin ones that are
sagging.
Motion by Commissioner Toppin to approve the corbels and fence as presented, seconded
by Commissioner Alitz Edell. Approved 7-0
B. 113 2nd Street E – New sign
Motion by Commissioner Toppin to remove the item from the table, seconded by
Commissioner McCoy. Approved 7-0
Fortney presented the staff report and commissioner Peterson questioned staff on the signs
mounting and strength. Fortney said it would be mounted to wood under the former awning
flashing and the projecting arm is designed for 75 pounds the proposed sign is only a fraction of
that amount. The Commission commented that the black sign looks nice and is an appropriate.
Motion by Commissioner Toppin to approve the proposal in black as presented, seconded
by Commissioner Smith. Approved 7-0
C. 309 5th Street E – New fencing – Committee approved
D. 400 2nd Street W – New decking and railing on decks
Fortney provided the staff report and added that the design guidelines are restrictive to decks on
historic homes because they did not historically exist. He added because they are not historic and
must be inconspicuous, there is virtually no guidance on their details. The commission
commented that the railings would match the fence and may be less obstructive than the existing
railings. Commissioner Simacek said black railings are visually more transparent.
Motion by Commissioner Toppin to approve the proposals as presented, seconded by
Commissioner Simacek. Approved 7-0
E. 322 2nd Street W – New Windows
Fortney provided the staff report. Commissioner Toppin said the contractor’s report said all the
windows were broken and rotting but the photos don’t show any issues. The commission asked
what the cost difference is between a new window and refurbished window. Staff said it depends
greatly on the scope of work. He said a heavily damaged window requiring refurbishment in a
shop is comparable to a quality replacement window. He added that many historic window
refurbishments only require operational repair and weatherstripping at substantially less cost.
Motion by Commissioner Simacek to table the proposal for the following reason, seconded
by Commissioner Smith. Approved 7-0
- Allow the applicant time to provide documentation of damage with photographs, a
statement from a window restorer that rehabilitation is not feasible, or similar.
IV. OHDS – Original Hastings Design Standards Review
V. Business and Information
VI. Adjourn
Motion by Commissioner Toppin to adjourn at 7:55 pm, seconded by Commissioner
Simacek. Approved 7-0
Respectfully Submitted - Justin Fortney