Committee Minutes

Grand Forks Historic Preservation Commission
1405 First Avenue North
Grand Forks, ND 58203
701-772-8756
Meeting Minutes
January 23, 2007
7:00 p.m.
City Hall

Present: Marsha Gunderson, Chair, Chuck Flemmer, Gordon Iseminger, Ted Jelliff, Cory Lien,
Gerad Paul, Sandy Slater, Dave Vorland
Others: Chassidy Strege, Joshua Strege, Ryan Steenerson (A&L Siding), Peg O’Leary
Motion: to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2007 meeting. (Paul, Lien)
Motion carries.

1610 Lewis Boulevard – Chassidy and Joshua Strege, Ryan Steenerson
The owners of this covenanted property propose changing out five (5) rear windows that are damaged and have not responded to winterization and insulation efforts. All on the main level, the windows involved are two kitchen windows on the south façade (SE corner), one kitchen window on the east façade, one bedroom window on the east façade and one bedroom window on the north façade (NE corner). Discussion focused on the type of window proposed (Renewal by Andersen), which Steenerson says is a composite wood/vinyl product used extensively in historic neighborhoods in Minneapolis and on the east coast. The window is built to order, replicating all existing measurements, divided lights, profiles and style. The existing exterior and interior trim will be reused or replicated in wood to retain the appearance of the existing windows. The window does not require a storm window and has an integrated removable exterior screen. The finish does not need to be painted, having a matte finish available in numerous colors, but can be painted if the owners choose. Chassidy Strege said they purchased the home because of its character and age and had no interest in changing the appearance even before they knew about the covenant, but that it is very cold in the two rear rooms making them virtually unusable in winter. Gunderson questioned whether the owners have checked into repair of the existing windows; Joshua Strege said he has tried to fill gaps with foam and attempted some other winterizing but they have not gotten bids on what it would take to fully repair the windows, if it can be done. Paul questioned whether the new windows would retain the three dimensional appearance of the existing windows; Steenerson said the new windows would have muntins inside, outside, and between the panes, giving a true divided light appearance. The windows in question do not currently have their historic storms; they have aluminum combination storms, if any. Paul questioned what we should do when new, possibly better, technology comes into play in restoration of these properties. Flemmer noted that repair of historic fabric is always preferable but this appears to be a quality replacement if replacement is necessary. Slater noted that the Secretary of Interior’s Standards say, “… a compatible substitute (material) may be considered.” She also noted that wood replacement has been the standard.
Motion: to approve the replacement of the five (5) windows, in the locations described above, with the Renewal by Anderson windows, provided that they fit existing window openings, are double-hung, three over one, full divided light, using existing trim or precisely replicating existing trim, and with no vinyl wrap. (Flemmer, Jelliff)
Discussion: Slater noted that these windows would not be acceptable to her if they were not on the back of the building. Gunderson questioned the depth of the sash lines; Steenerson said they will be within ½” of the depth of the existing windows. Flemmer questioned the interior/exterior sill appearance; Steenerson said the sills will project out from the wall just as they do now; these are made locally out of wood.
Motion carries.

Chair Report – None

Coordinator Report – Peg O’Leary
  Web Site Proposal Selection – O’Leary has had an initial meeting with Julie Arnold of JBA Web Design and has accepted her proposal. A contract is in the works, subject to approval by the City Attorney’s office and the State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND). O’Leary asked members to consider things they like and dislike about web sites and relay that information to her for consideration in the construction of the HPC web site.
  Grand Forks County Courthouse – The County is considering incorporating a card key lock system at the County Courthouse. The system presents some difficulties because the wiring and junction boxes cannot be imbedded in the walls and are quite ugly when they are surface mounted. Ed Nierode, County Administrator, said he would ask for an architect’s opinion before they continue with the card key project.
  FY06 Regrants – The state continues to request more information on the particulars of the Dinnie Apartment project; the owner is responding in a timely fashion.
  FY07 Certified Local Government Budget – The CLG grant request is due to the SHSND on Feb. 16, three days after our next meeting. Our typical admin/travel allocation is for approximately $15,000 and we have generally received approximately $15,000 for specific projects such as nominations, surveys, and brochures. O’Leary suggested various potential projects for FY07 including nomination of the UND core campus (~$10,000-$12,000), nomination of the Kegs Drive-In (~$4,000) and historic district directional signage (~$1,500). All costs are estimated at this time and it has not been confirmed that UND or the Kegs’ owners are amenable to nomination. Flemmer suggested nominating the County Fairgrounds, particularly the stone gate, ticket booth and office building. Members discussed other possible WPA or CCC projects in Grand Forks that might be considered. Flemmer also suggested researching Cold War remnants in Grand Forks (i.e. bomb shelters, etc.). Jelliff said he believes the Kegs is scheduled for removal of the “Tiki” trappings that are not original to the building. If this occurs this summer, it might be a good idea to wait to nominate after the restoration is completed.
Motion: to authorize O’Leary to draw up a budget including approximately $15,000 for administration and travel, and reflecting the costs associated with nomination of the UND core campus, nomination of the County Fairgrounds entrance and associated structures, purchase and installation of directional signage for the Grand Forks Historic Districts, and nomination of the Kegs Drive-In. (Jelliff, Flemmer)
Discussion: The final budget request will be approved at the February 13, 2007, HPC meeting.
Motion carries.

Other Business
  Downtown Historic District Brochure – Slater questioned the status of the downtown brochure, which is funded by a Nash Foundation grant. O’Leary said she is beginning work on it and is considering using an approach that would focus on architectural details, such as the bas-relief pieces on the Herald building and the urns atop the Ryan Hotel. This would lend itself to a walking tour format. Members agreed and Slater offered to help with the brochure.
  Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – Iseminger noted that he had read of a goal that every state would have a commemorative statue dedicated to the members of the CCC. He questioned whether North Dakota has such a statue; O’Leary will check into it. Iseminger also asked how much the statue of Alexander Griggs cost; O’Leary recalled approximately $55,000 with the base, plaque and installation.

Meeting adjourned. 8:45 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, in room A101, City Hall.

Respectfully submitted,



Peg O’Leary
Coordinator