No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-1988HASTING HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting of January 27, 1988 Present: Petersen, Malm, Hoeschen, Simacek, Olson, Goderstad Absent: Jacobsen The meeting was called to order by Chairman Simacek at 7:30 p.m. 1. Peterson moved and Goderstad seconded approval of the minutes of September 30, 1987. Ayes: six; Nays: none. Discussion of the Howes-Grause House, 718, Vermillion, owmed by St. Johns Lutheran Church. Peterssn asked staff to acquire a copy of the National Register form for this site from the State. Malm asked whether additions had been made to the house since it was nominated in 1977. Outside appearances indicate a need for work. Olson commented that the church knew that they were acquiring a registered historic site when they bought it, and should expect a public discussion. Malm noted that the church may have a real parking problem and asked whether the city could work with the church to resolve the parking. He asked if the church had asked the City Planner for advice on the parking issue. Grossman noted that the Planner had sent the parking ordinance to the church. Hoeschen pointed out that there may be other areas where additional parking could be accomodated, such as by vacating the alley or allowing curb cuts for diagonal parking as at Our Saviours. Any alternate parking solutions which preserve the house will need City cooperation. Hoeschen noted that the Church Council is a small number of people, making decisions which affect the con~nunity as well as the congregation. He would like to hear from theneighbors as well as the general public. Olson asked if the church has considered other alternatives. He believes they should be asked to reconsider their present direction. Simacek said the church should be asked to meet with the city to look at the whole parking issue, now and in the future. The church has not revealed its long range plans and it might help if they did so. Olsom moved and Hoeschen seconded to direct staff to write the Pastor a letter expressing the Commission's concern, offering to help them find alternatives, to meet at the church's convenience, to listen to any proposals, and to stress the Commission's responsibility to protect registered sites in the city. For the motion: six; opposed: none. Certified Local Governme~t application. Gros~s~a~h~eported that he would have the application prepared for the next meeting. CLG status is now required by the State Preservation Office before a city can apply for preservation grant funds. 4. ~W ~uslness. ~o6erstad asked ~or a report on the Gardner House. Grossman said that the new owners are currently doing necessary repairs and maintenance and are assembling bids for major rehab work in the spring. The owners are aware of the Commission's review process and are being very cooperative. Hoeschen noted the need to publicise historic sites in the community to raise public awareness of the sites and their importance. Perhaps problems such as the Howes-Graus House would be less serious if the importance of preservation was better appreciated. Chairman S±macek appointed Hoeschen, Jacobsen and himself to a committee to explore publicity for historic sites. Hoeschen moved and Petersen seconded adjournment. Ayes: six; nays: none.