City Council Minutes 2011 09 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes September 6, 2011 • Page 5 of 12 The proposed grant caps would help ensure funding from the HPF is allocated in an equitable manner and sufficient funds are reserved for anticipated priority projects like the Grain Elevator. A preservation master plan would potentially create a list of which preservation project grants should be allocated. Staff recommended a guideline of 60% of HPF grant funding be reserved for residential structures and 40% be reserved for commercial structures. Staff requested City Council direction on the proposed grant to inform the Historic Preservation Commission's discussion of these issues during the September 12th public workshop on this matter. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Dalton noted the City does not require a deed restriction with landmarking and asked if other municipalities do. Principal Planner McCartney stated Black Hawk has deed restrictions requiring the owner to live in the home for five years, if the City pays for the restoration. Councilor Dalton stressed the importance of the owners of Landmarked properties understanding that if the HPC does not approve what they propose, they will not be permitted to go forward. He recommended revisions to the program. 1) To restructure the incentives and sequences by getting the structural assessments before the property • is landmarked. 2) The Historic Preservation Funds should be restricted to those elements to restore and preserve the structure and its features, but not to include routine maintenance such as painting, which is the responsibility of the homeowner. 3) Request the HPC to propose a value system to the City Council, which would inform what the caps might be on repairs and restoration of the structures. 4) Modify the approach where all the historic preservation tax revenues will be used. He felt any funds available after the historic preservation tax sunsets could be refunded to the residents. Councilor Muckle voiced his desire to hear the HPC recommendation. He favored maintaining reserves, flexibility and guidelines. He supported caps with some flexibility and minimal surveys. He was comfortable with the HPC's determination of restoration and maintenance. Mayor Pro Tem Marsella supported commercial structure grants, guidelines and flexibility. She stated there is an element of fairness in a cap, but that too should have flexibility. She favored more preservation and restoration and less general maintenance. Councilor Sackett addressed redevelopment or partial redevelopment of properties. He felt it is important to review all options before committing funds. Councilor Dalton did not want to tie down funding allocations or caps. He supported a minimal survey and suggested giving the HPC some perspective on the City Councils' • point of view.