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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC Minutes 03-19-2019 HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of the Meeting of March 19, 2019 Held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall I. Quorum: Martin, Toppin, Goderstad, Smith, Sovik-Siemens, and Simacek Absent: Ragan-Scully Staff: Justin Fortney, City Planner Chair Amy Martin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. II. Minutes: January 15, 2019 Motion by Smith for approval, seconded by Sovik-Siemens; motion approved 7-0. III. Information and Reports A. 212 2nd St E – New signs - SC Toys (Committee Approved) B. 207 2nd St W – Replace paver patio/ courtyard and path (Committee Approved) C. 207 2nd St W – Replace retaining wall, sidewalk, and steps (Committee Approved) D. 221 2nd St E – New Windows The applicant proposed to replace the last wood two over two upper story windows with vinyl windows that include internal grids to match all the other modern replacement windows. Forney added that there is no record of these many windows having been approved by the HPC or permitted by the city. Chair Martin asked the applicant when all the other windows were replaced on the second and third floors that do not meet the Design Guidelines. The applicant, Dan Lynch said he didn’t know. Fortney said there was a 2005 HPC approval for the installation of windows with no subsequent building permit having been obtained. The applicant said that approval was for some windows in the rear, two of which are being replaced with this application. He added that the windows were installed under the building rehabilitation permit and unbeknownst to him, the windows used were of low quality, installation, and not what was expected. He added that he does not know when the Ramsey and 2nd Street side windows were replaced, but he would like to match them. Fortney said the applicant’s chosen contractor, which he has placed a deposit with, installs only their own brand window which does not offer an exterior mounted grid, but there are many manufacturers that do at every price point. He added that this requirement is stated in the guidelines to keep the original window design appearance even when replaced with modern units, as the exterior mounted grid is necessary to appear as it is actually a divided light. Fortney said the grid between the glass appears false and disappears at certain angles and with window glare. Fortney mentioned that the HPC has never approved grids located only between the glass. Commissioner Toppin said the guidelines state that replacement windows should be compatible with previous or existing historic units. She added that she interprets this to mean that the proposed windows could match the original or replacement windows. Fortney said he believes the guideline is stating that replacement windows should match the existing historic windows being replaced or the original historic windows that were replaced some time ago. Commissioner Simacek said the new windows might look out of place if they are replaced with a different style of window. He added that this would not be a concern, except that 75% have already been replaced. Motion by Martin for approval of the request to replace the nine windows with internal grids as proposed based on the following findings, seconded by Smith; motion approved 7-0. - Internal grids are not inline with the Design Guidelines. However, due to the fact that 75% of the 2nd/ 3rd floor windows have been replaced with this style window, the opportunity to interpret the original window style has been lost and requiring a small percentage to retain the proper style grid would only adversely affect the window pattern and building aesthetics. - The applicant acknowledged if he ever proposes to address any first floor window issues, he would seek a custom design to address their grand and authentic nature. IV. Business A. Century Home Plaque Discussion Commissioner Toppin said it might be nice to do something different in Hastings during preservation month. She said handing out Century Home plaques could be done instead of or along with the preservation awards. She said the Commission had previously commented that it is becoming harder to find preservation award winners. Fortney said it has been difficult to obtain reasonably priced bronze plaques. He added that he contacted Lake City, who has had such a program for some time and they have seen requests for plaques all but stop due to the high costs. Forney said he would look for an alternative. The commission discussed the wording of the plaque and came up the following as length allowed. HASTINGS, MINNESOTA, CENTURY HOME, HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION B. Create an Award Committee for the Yearly Preservation Awards An awards committee was formed with Commissioners Toppin, Sovik-Siemens, Ragan-Scully, and Martin, likely to present at the May 20th, 2019 Council meeting. V. Adjourn. Motion by Goderstad, second by Toppin to adjourn the meeting at 8:30pm; motion approved 7-0. Respectfully Submitted Justin Fortney