HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-14 Historic Preservation Advisory Board MinutesBozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board
Minutes February 27, 2014
I. Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 6:34 PM.
II. Approval of prior meeting minutes: Minutes
for December 10 meeting were approved.
III. Public Comment – none.
IV. Disclosure of ex parte communication – none
V. Introduction of invited guests – Chris Saunders, Peter Andrews
(Intrinsik)
VI. Project Review and Recommendations to Staff
- 515 South Black Avenue – proposed demolition and new construction
Discussion of the approved demolition of a contributing
building, due to severe water damage from frozen pipes; it was a foreclosure, and the bank completely stripped the interior. Also, we viewed plans for the replacement building, which
is wide for the streetscape. The wide orientation is to save an existing mature tree. Several points were raised that may inform our upcoming discussion of affirmative maintenance, etc.
There is no apparent way the city can be apprised of foreclosures or responsibility laid for improper maintenance of an empty house in foreclosure.
VII. Chair’s Report
- Election of
Board officers for 2014
After some discussion, the following were nominated by Lisa (seconded by Steve): Lora Dalton as chair, Bryce Ledbetter as Vice-chair, Lisa Verwys as secretary.
The slate was approved unanimously.
We wish to recognize and appreciate Mark Hufstetler’s service as chair for the last several years. His guidance has been of immeasurable value.
VIII.
Staff Liaison Report:
a. Update on the status of Bozeman’s tax abatement ordinance – Wendy is working on that.
b. Update/discussion on Demolition by Neglect policies – Staff is working
on an approach of adopting a municipal code definition for historic property (including outside of conservation overlay?). What should happen during a two-year delay of demolition? Chris
Saunders said staff is approaching these issues with an eye to defining things well so that future changes will make sense.
Mark pointed out that National Register designations are
honorary, and not meant to be regulatory, since that may discourage people from seeking that recognition.
c. Approval of expenses for Board planning session in January – We will be
billed for facilitator services for our January retreat. Mark expressed concern that we had not planned or approved that expenditure prior to the retreat. Arrangements were apparently
made by the Planning Director. Lora noted that if there is spending of our budget that is not at our discretion, we need to know that for planning purposes. The Board unanimously voted
to authorize Courtney to pay the $700 bill from our funds.
d. Other topics – We have received two bids for survey of B3 properties, with emphasis on properties that may come up for redevelopment.
The SAT grant is moving along. The Masonic
Temple also is interested in redoing the building’s exterior, and using a downtown Technical Assistance Grant.
Courtney is applying for a grant from the Montana History Foundation
to consult an archivist about indexing City operational archives such as arrest records, fire, etc, Courtney is also applying for a Community Development Block Grant to evaluate the
conservation overlay.
We then returned to further discussion of the proposed definitions of historic properties for an affirmative maintenance ordinance, and how the conservation overlay
was defined; and looked over the present draft. The City would commit to educating the public about this. Staff is trying to find a way for the City to positively influence maintenance.
There will be a provision that demo will not be approved for development until all plans are complete, approved, and ready to begin construction.
We will receive a link to the Commission
packet and discuss the staff memo when it is ready, scheduled for March. Cindy said that input from our Board would be appreciated by the Commission.
IX. Follow-up on January planning
session, and subsequent action plans –
Build Alliances – Lisa: early planning stages yet.
Engagement Plan – Matt: outreach ideas; need to work with Alliances group; educational pamphlets;
educate community about scope/limitations of Board, meetings, events; find ways to recognize architects and contractors for exceptional preservation work (Pres Awards) (not endorsement);
outreach to architects and contractors. Engagement plan will be a matter for the entire Board, an umbrella.
Preservation Awards – Ryan: Broad view of possibilities, need input from
Board on: type and number of awards, budget for awards ceremony and award (plaque?), criteria for award with numerical voting system and professional evaluation, what time of year to
do awards. Ideas for several “set” awards. Setting up criteria that are meaningful and manageable for non-professional Board members. Possible outside jurors. Object is to build legacy
program. Possibilities were brainstormed about how all aspects of award could work; Ryan will take back to committee. We’ll be aiming for May of 2015.
Survey Data: no report.
By-laws:
no report.
X. Meeting Close – Next meeting set for 3/27/2014, 6:30 PM. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lora Dalton