April 13, 2010
5:30 p.m.
Historic Preservation Committee secretary Laura Bedlan read the statement regarding the Open Meetings Act.
1. Historic Preservation Committee secretary Laura Bedlan called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and took the roll call. Other members present were: Michaela Call, Kelly Davis and Leroy Bast.
2. Next, was the motion to convene.
Member Davis made the motion to convene. Member Bast seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 3 - "yes" (Bast, Davis and Call) / 0 - "no". The motion passed.
3. Next, was the approval of the minutes from the March 2nd, 2010 meeting.
Member Bast made the motion to approve the minutes of the March 2nd, 2010 meeting and member Call seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 3 - "yes" (Bast, Davis and Call) / 0 - "no". The motion passed.
4. Next, was the public hearing on the application for Certificate of Work in the Historic District. Request HD-2010-04 from Siebert Communications in regards to work being done at KUTT/KGMT Radio Station [ 412 4th Street ]. Legally described as Lot 6, Blk. 32, Original Town Addition, Fairbury, Jefferson County, Nebraska. Located in the B2 – Downtown Commercial Zoning District and the HD – Historic District Overlay. Discussion, taking of any necessary or desired action.
Laura Bedlan explained that the changes Siebert Communications is making to 412 4th street involve (among other things) alterations to a load bearing wall and for that reason they must get a building permit before they begin the remodel. By ordinance any work being done in the historic district that requires a building permit must first be approved by the historic preservation committee. She explained that in all other respects the permit is still processed in the same way as any other building permit. She checks to make sure it meets zoning requirements and Eric Voss inspects the structure. She also notes that the Planning and Zoning committee must first recommend the Certificate to work in the historic district be heard by the Historic Preservation Committee. Tom Russell is present and speaking on behalf of Siebert Communications. He states that he is their general contractor on this project and that although the plans show the removal of a stairway and addition of a common front door he does not plan to do that during this phase of the project. Currently he plans to temporarily close up the stairwell with glass or something until they are financially able to make the improvements to the front of the building, possibly next year. Bedlan notes that because Siebert Communications has not given the Historic Committee finalized plans for work to be done to the front of the building and because Siebert Communications does not plan to do this part of the project yet they will have to apply for another permit and/or certificate to work in the historic district when they begin work on the front which will again need to be approved by the Historic Preservation Committee. Member Bast clarifies that Russell will be taking out the stairway during this first phase of the project. Member Bast states that he does not have a problem with the changes however, he questions if removing the prominent staircase from this building will affect the character of the building and /or district. Mr. Russell states that he does not believe that it is a prominent staircase. Member Call states that it may be changing the look of the building somewhat but that may not be a problem for her. Member Call made the motion to recommend approval of the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness to Siebert Communication for application HD-2010-04 with the stipulation that if he plans to make any more changes to the facade of the building he will need to get another approval to do work in the historic district. Member Davis seconded the motion. Member Bast asked if there could be any repercussions if they vote to allow the removal of the staircase. Member Call notes that it is a public hearing and they are following the state statute guidelines. It is questioned if the building is on the state historic registry to which Russell replies that it is not. Member Davis comments that his understanding is that if the building is receiving federal grant monies then NSHPO needs to review any changes to the building. He also notes that the historical significance of the interior of the building has already been compromised so it is his belief that they are just responsible for the character of the outside and he does not have a problem with the change to the stairwell. Member Call makes the motion to issue a certificate of appropriateness to Siebert Communication for application HD-2010-04 with the stipulation that if he plans to make any more changes to the facade of the building he will need to get another approval to do work in the historic district. Member Davis seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 3 - "yes" (Bast, Davis and Call) / 0 - "no". The motion passed.
5. Next, was the discussion in regards to powers and duties of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Bedlan gave a quick review of the duties and responsibilities of the Historic Preservation Commission as described by section 5.18 – HD Historic District in the zoning ordinance 2005 edition and referenced the attached map that describes the boundaries of the historic district.
6. With no other business on the agenda and no comments from the public on non-agenda items member Call made the motion to adjourn. Member Davis seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 3 - "yes" (Bast, Davis and Call) / 0 - "no”. The motion passed.
Laura K. Bedlan
Historic Preservation Committee Secretary