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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20251021 - HPC Minutes HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of the Meeting of October 21, 2025 Held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, Volunteer Room I. Call to Order and Quorum Commissioners present: Bremer, Simacek, Toppin, Schilts-Johnson, Smith and McCoy Absent: Alitz Edell, Borchardt, and Peterson Staff: Fortney Chair Bremer called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. II. Add Item to agenda A. Certificate review of garage demolition at 315 7th St W Motion by Commissioner Simacek to add the item to the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Smith. Approved 6-0 III. Minutes: A. September 16, 2025 Approved by Chair Bremer IV. Certificate of Approval Review A. 221 Sibley Street – New windows Fortney presented the staff report and added that all but one window in the building are modern replacements. He said the proposed windows have been approved previously and the owners intend to use them for future replacements as apartment units are renovated. Fortney said the proposed replacement windows are closer in appearance to the originals than the existing second floor windows. Motion by Commissioner Toppin to approve the new windows as proposed, seconded by Commissioner Schilts-Johnson. Approved 6-0 B. 315 7th Street W – Garage demolition Fortney explained that the existing home was approved for demolition by the HPC, in addition to approval for a new infill home. He said the demolition contractor is requiring demolition of the garage for access to the house. Fortney said the garage has no historical significance and is in poor condition. Commissioner Toppin said the garage is unremarkable and is boarded up. Approved 6-0 Motion by Commissioner Schilts-Johnson to approve the demolition of garage, seconded by McCoy. Approved 6-0 V. OHDS – Original Hastings Design Standards Review VI. Business and Information A. Historic Resource Survey budget request Fortney informed the HPC that their budget request for a historic resource survey in 2026 was not included in this budget but perhaps the following year after the HPC and council discuss the proposal. Commissioners asked why a budget request for a project fully funded by a grant would be denied. Fortney said it was his understanding there was concern that the project could be controversial. Commissioners asked what might be controversial about updating our historic resource survey files. A commissioner said perhaps they thought a designation study was being proposed. Fortney said his budget request explained the project. A commissioner said in the future when the HPC has a proposal or budget request we should meet with the Historic Preservation Committee of the City Council. They added that staff and the HPC Chair could meet with the City Administrator to provide any necessary education and answer any questions. VII. Adjourn Motion by Commissioner Schilts-Johnson to adjourn at 7:35 pm, seconded by Commissioner Toppin. Approved 6-0 Respectfully Submitted - Justin Fortney