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Grand Forks Historic Preservation Commission
1405 First Avenue North
P. O. Box 13876
Grand Forks, ND 58208-3876
701-772-8756

Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2008
7:00 p.m.
City Hall

Present: Marsha Gunderson, Chair, Caprice Benoit, Chuck Flemmer, Gordon Iseminger, Melinda Leach, Gerad Paul, Sandy Slater
Others: Suellen Bateman, Mae Marie Blackmore, Jean Danner Thompson, Grand Forks County Historical Society Board; Leah Byzewski, Director, GFCHS; 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 Feb. 12, 2008, meeting as presented. (Slater, Iseminger)
Motion carries.

Lustron House – Leah Byzewski
The director and members of the Board of the County Historical Society presented pictures showing the condition of the interior of the Lustron House, which is now reconstructed on their property. Much of the interior is in deplorable condition: extensive rusting, peeling paint, missing pieces and missing bathroom fixtures. The GFCHS had hoped to have the building available for tours by May of this year, but that is unlikely given the condition of the interior. Byzewski reported that the GFCHS has spent $10,000 on the house during the reconstruction period. They have paid to insulate the ceiling, add electric baseboard heating, and extend the number of electrical outlets throughout the house. These items were not in their budget but decisions had to be made and acted upon quickly due to the sequential nature of the Lustron construction and the need to finish that construction while funding was available. Byzewski said cleaning and refurbishing the interior of the house is a high priority for the board. They will be researching fundraising and marketing avenues to that end and also to broaden their general base of support. Slater suggested the Cultural Heritage Funds, which do not require listing on the Register as a funding prerequisite. Byzewski said the cash match is a stumbling block for those funds but she is looking into it. GFCHS will be using UND students on Volunteer Day, April 12, and she is hoping to have enough supervisors to make good use of their time. Flemmer suggested a “Sponsor a Part” program for the Lustron, so people could donate enough to purchase a door knob, or a drawer, etc. Possible corporate sponsors were discussed to help cover the bigger items. O’Leary will call individuals with expertise in this area and report back. Gunderson will contact Bob Mitchell regarding safe products and methods for cleaning the panels.

Grand Forks Federal Building – Peg O’Leary
The District Courts have asked to demo a drywall-clad wall in the Courthouse in order to enlarge a jury deliberation room. The room is at the rear of the second floor. Based on the 1936 expansion plan, it does not appear to be an original wall. The GSA Regional Historic Preservation Officer, Andrea Kramer, received the request and made the following recommendations to Susan Quinnell, ND State Review and Compliance Coordinator: If the wall is removed,
  Restore all woodwork in the area,
  Find historic doors from storage or replicate original doors to hang in the area (stained on the inside but possibly painted on the outside to match other hallway doors),
  Restore the (possibly maple) wood floor, and
  Remove the drop ceiling, at least in the vicinity of the window.
It is Quinnell’s opinion that the GSA sees these measures as mitigation for removing the wall. Commissioners discussed whether there is truly adverse effect from removing a non-original wall and concluded that there is little if any.
Motion: to applaud efforts to restore appropriate architectural elements to previously damaged historic buildings. (Leach, Slater)
Motion carries.

Chair Report – Marsha Gunderson
  Belmont Road Infill Committee – Gunderson said the committee has been reconvened; the RFP will not be relet and proposers are welcome to submit proposals at any time within the parameters of the RFP process. The committee reviewed a proposal for 1510 Belmont Road which was approved in committee and by City Council. The design is for a 7,000 foot, two story, brick and stucco home with attached garage. The garage will not be front loading.
  MPO 4th Ave./MN Ave. Study – Slater has agreed to represent HPC on the Proposal Selection Committee, and Benoit will represent HPC on the Steering Committee.

Coordinator Report – Peg O’Leary
  UND Nomination – O’Leary referenced a tally sheet that shows four sororities and three fraternities do not object to being included in the UND Historic District. One fraternity has voted against inclusion. Thirteen still have not indicated their feelings in writing, though two other sororities have verbally agreed to inclusion. Flemmer volunteered to make some calls to see if he could help move the issue along. Leach and Paul provided possible contacts for one of the sororities.
  FY08 CLG Budget – O’Leary reported that the CLG budget request was completed and in Bismarck by the deadline for submission.

Other Business
  None

Motion: to adjourn. (Leach, Flemmer)
Motion carries. Meeting adjourned. 8:30 p.m.

The next regular meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2008, room A101, City Hall.

Respectfully submitted,



Peg O’Leary
Coordinator