HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC Minutes 09-17-2019
HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of the Meeting of September 17, 2019
Held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall
I. Quorum: Martin, Goderstad, Toppin, and Sovik-Siemens
Absent: Smith, Ragan-Scully, and Simacek
Staff: Justin Fortney, City Planner
Chair Martin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
II. Minutes: July 16, 2019
Motion by Sovik-Siemens for approval, seconded by Toppin; motion approved 4-0.
III. Information and Reports
A. 113 2nd St W – Fortney presented the staff report. Beth Warner explained the
confusion with addressing and the need for the signs. Commissioner Sovik-
Siemens asked about the sign materials, locations, and business locations within
the building. Warner explained that the signs would be bonded wood and metal
with vinyl lettering and where they and the businesses were located.
Motion by Toppin for approval as presented, seconded by Sovik-Siemens; motion
approved 4-0.
B. 110 4th St E – Fortney presented the staff report that stated the Design Guidelines
state windows and doorways should not be enlarged and they should not be added
to principal elevations.
Chair Martin stated that turning a side window into a doorway is in opposition of
the Guidelines. She added that turning a window into a door will destroy historic
fabric and alter the design of the building. Fortney asked what the purpose of the
existing door is for, which is close to the proposed location of the new door. Beth
Warner, owner, stated it is the handicap entrance, which is through the kitchen
area. The applicants asked if other similar requests have been granted.
Commissioner Sovik-Siemens said not to her knowledge and added that there
certainly are some windows that have been converted to doorways, but were done
long before design review was required. The applicants said another exit may be
necessary for safety due to the new occupancy change that is proposed. Martin said
that may be justification for approving an application that is not in line with the
guidelines and added that they would certainly consider an opinion from the Fire
Marshal or Fire Inspector. Tabled 4-0 to hear feedback for the Hastings Fire
Department.
Motion by Martin to table the application to receive an opinion from the Hastings
Fire Department on the necessity of another exit, seconded by Goderstad; motion
approved 4-0.
C. 321 7th St W – Fortney presented the staff report for three windows sash
replacements. Commissioner Toppin said the windows certainly look to be in very
poor shape. Commissioner Sovik Siemens asked if staff knew if the window air
conditioning unit will be removed. Fortney did not know for sure, but said that it
sounded as if was to be removed. He added that the new owner said the window
AC unit led to much of the window damage.
Motion by Goderstad for approval as presented, seconded by Toppin; motion
approved 4-0.
D. 113 2nd Street E – New business sign - Fortney presented the staff report and added
that the business owner already had the sign and knew she needed HPC approval,
but found out the photographers were on their way to take photos of the business
so she had the sign put up.
Commissioner Sovik Siemens said the sign looks nice, but is surprised the
applicant would make a sign prior to approval. Fortney said he is also surprised,
but it is common, even with non-historic properties.
Motion by Toppin for approval as presented, seconded by Goderstad; motion
approved 4-0.
I. Business
A. Discuss the OHDS District Design Guidelines
The Commissioners commented on how easy the proposed guidelines are to read and
understand compared to the existing guidelines. A commissioner asked why some of
the proposed guidelines were left out. Staff said some were nearly duplicates and
others were too specific to be considered general guidelines for infill and major
improvements. The commissioners said they look forward to hearing feedback from
the three absent commissioners at the October meeting.
IV. Adjourn.
Motion by Goderstad, second by Toppin to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 pm; motion
approved 4-0.
Respectfully Submitted
Justin Fortney