Committee Minutes
Grand Forks Historic Preservation Commission
1405 First Avenue North
P. O. Box 13876
Grand Forks, ND 58208-3876
701-772-8756
Meeting Minutes
April 8, 2008
7:00 p.m.
City Hall
Present: Marsha Gunderson, Chair, Caprice Benoit, Chuck Flemmer, Gordon Iseminger, Melinda Leach, Dale Sickels, Sandy Slater, Dave Vorland
Others: Joe O’Neil, Office of Urban Development; Peg O’Leary
Gunderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; a quorum was present.
Motion:
to approve the minutes of the March 25, 2008, as presented. (Iseminger, Flemmer)
Motion carries.
Affordable Infill Housing Proposals
– Joe O’Neil
O’Neil returned with revised proposals for two of the infill proposals.
1823 N. 4th Street – An interior lot facing east, the surrounding houses are one-story end gable or ranch style. The revised plan is for a one-story, side gable house with a gabled front porch. It was agreed that this style fits the neighborhood much better than the initial proposal.
Motion:
to concur with a determination of no historic properties affected by the construction of this design at 1823 N. 4th Street. (Vorland, Leach)
Motion carries.
901 N. 3rd Street – A corner lot facing east, surrounded by a mix of 1½ and two-story houses and commercial property. The earlier split-level design has been changed to a one-story, front gable with a porch and a full basement. The roof pitch has also been increased to 12 over 6.
Motion:
to concur with a determination of no historic properties affected by the construction of this design at 901 N. 3rd Street.
Discussion: Iseminger asked how deep the basement is; it’s a full height basement and the main floor level has been lowered by about 2½ feet from the previous design. The wood foundation will require special drainage fields around it and that is in the plans.
Motion carries.
Chair Report
– Marsha Gunderson
Downtown Design and Review Board – Gunderson noted that DDRB hasn’t met since before Christmas but will soon be meeting to discuss outside seating for the downtown restaurants and bars. Sickels asked about the umbrella signs; Gunderson said her recollection is that all umbrellas for a given establishment had to be the same. It was noted that Meadowbrook is moving out of downtown and that will leave a hole in the Griffith’s building. There are other concerns that DDRB may be taking up including outdoor speakers, inside window signage.
500 Block, University Avenue – Iseminger asked if DDRB had anything to do with these lots; Gunderson said HPC would probably see plans for these lots before DDRB, if DDRB is involved at all. She has not heard of any activity there yet.
Coordinator Report
– Peg O’Leary
UND Nomination – The first draft of the nomination is in the mail. O’Leary will review it and give copies to Commission members for review.
Riverside Pool and Bathhouse – O’Leary stated that, when asked about the HPC position on the Riverside Pool, she has responded that the Commission is concerned that the structures retain their historic architecture and continue to be a feature of the Riverside Neighborhood. She has not advocated for or against the continuance of an active swimming pool at the site. Consensus: Commissioners agreed that this is the position they wish to maintain.
NAPC Awards – The SHSND has nominated the GFHPC for National Alliance of Preservation Commissions’ Commission of the Year Award.
County Fairgrounds NRHP Nomination – O’Leary is on the County Commission agenda on Tuesday, April 15, to give the County Commission background on the nomination process and request their concurrence with the nomination of their property.
North Third Street Memorial Plaques – Slater asked when the plaques commemorating the Security Building, the New Hampshire Apartments, and the Dinnie Block will be put back up. O’Leary will check with Schoen and Associates and report back.
Other Business
MPO 4th Ave. S. Study – Slater reported that the selection committee met to approve a contractor for the project. There was only one applicant but it was a very good proposal, by Kadrmas Lee & Jackson, and it was accepted.
Meeting adjourned.
8:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2008, room A101, City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Peg O’Leary
Coordinator