Committee Minutes
Grand Forks Historic Preservation Commission
1405 First Avenue North
Grand Forks, ND 58203
701-772-8756
Minutes
August 9, 2005
7:00 p.m.
City Hall
Present: Marsha Gunderson, Chair, Chuck Flemmer, Gordon Iseminger, Ted Jelliff, Melinda Leach,
Rolf Ottum, Dale Sickels, Sandy Slater
Others: Lonnie Laffen, JLG Architects; Curt Siewert, Office of Urban Development
Motion:
to approve the minutes of the July 12, 2005, meeting as presented. (Leach, Ottum)
Motion carries.
107 Conklin, (built 1915) Innerface Inc
– Curt Siewert
Siewert said that originally the organization had planned to paint the exterior of the house, but they now want to put steel siding on instead. They would also like to replace storm windows with painted steel sashes, and they are planning to remove the faux stone front. Soffit and fascia are already wrapped in steel and there are several different kinds of storm windows on the house.
Motion:
to concur with no adverse effect resulting from the proposed actions at 107 Conklin.
(Slater, Jelliff)
Discussion:
Leach wondered if HPC shouldn’t be more concerned about retaining the historic nature of the house. Flemmer asked if Urban Development encourages “restoration” rather than “updating” when organizations submit requests or questions. The majority of the Commission felt that there is little historic integrity left on the structure and the removal of previous remodeling projects (i.e. the faux stone) would be an improvement.
Motion carries.
The Metropolitan Opera House
– Lonnie Laffen
Laffen said he wanted to touch base with the Commission on the Opera House project. The project is slightly behind schedule largely due to the need to redesign the apartment plans. Original plans were based on the International Building Code (IBC), which allows bedrooms without egress windows if the building has a complete sprinkler system. Grand Forks code, however, does not allow bedrooms without egress. Laffen expressed concern that the city’s decision to strike that exemption could curtail historic building renovations. There are many more design options available if bedrooms can be on interior walls. He suggested that HPC check into the possibility of influencing the city to change the code to reflect the IBC stance.
Laffen presented the plan for infill windows on the north and south sides of the building. He said he would return to HPC when there is a final plan for the apartment entry on the south side. Iseminger asked if any new brick would be used and inquired about the painted Coca-Cola advertisement on the exterior wall. Laffen said there will be no new brick and there are currently no plans for repainting the Coke ad. Gunderson quoted from HPC minutes of 6/6/00: HPC members expressed the need for the windows to be historically appropriate to the building. She also quoted the motion passed on that date: to grant concept support and approval to the adition of windows and doors on the north and south facades with the stipulation that HPC must see and approve final drawings and materials.
Motion:
to concur that no adverse effect will result from the window plans as presented.
(Ottum, Iseminger)
Motion carries.
Laffen will return with the entry plans in September. Members requested a tour of the Opera House prior to that meeting, if possible.
Chair Report
– Marsha Gunderson
Riverside Survey – Gunderson said the survey was looking good and she reminded the Commission of certain unexpected requirements for the surveyor. The prospective district has many good structures. The Commission needs to approve payments to the contractor.
Motion:
to approve the July 22 payments in the amounts of $3,724.48 to Steve Martens and $1,836.00 to David Seifert. (Leach, Jelliff)
Motion carries.
Motion:
to approve the August 5 payments in the amounts of $2,967.70 to Steve Martens and $483.20 to David Seifert. (Jelliff, Sickels)
Motion carries.
HPC Vacancies – O’Leary will forward names of new and reapplying candidates to the Mayor’s office upon her return from vacation.
Realtor Brochures – Copies of the brochure developed to assist local realtors with Historic District questions were disseminated.
St. Michael’s Hospital and Nurses’ Residence – Work is in progress on the flood wall to protect these facilities.
Grand Forks County Fair Grounds – Met with Commissioner Triplett regarding ideas for the stone gates.
Jane Goodall will be the featured speaker at the Chester Fritz Auditorium on September 7, 2005.
Motion:
to adjourn. (Sickels, Slater)
Motion carries.
Meeting adjourned. 8:45 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13 in room A101, City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Peg O’Leary
Coordinator