City Council Minutes 2005 02 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting February 15, 2005 Page 7 of 14 has a unique combination of colorful history and vibrant modern life, where the residents enjoy the small town atmosphere, and the historic character ofthe community. The Historic Preservation ordinance is proposed to be a tool to help the City preserve historical and cultural important places. Passage of the ordinance would allow Louisville to become a Certified Local Government, and to compete for funds from the State Historical Fund and to apply for grants from the State Historical Society. She stressed the ordinance will encourage the preservation of Louisville heritage. Commissioner Erik Hartronft, 801 Main Street, Louisville, CO addressed an incentive based program, which would assist property owners to voluntarily Landmark their properties. He requested Council support in passing the ordinance. Chairperson Mike Koertje, 887 Welch Court, Louisville, CO addressed the Landmarking section of the ordinance and explained that currently a historic property could be demolished and lost forever. Landmarking over property owner's objections would be done only in exceptional circumstances, where a property has overwhelming historic significance. Commissioner Rod Wilcox, 665 W. Willow, Louisville, CO, voiced the Commission's belief the ordinance would revitalize and increase the value of historic properties. Commissioner Melanie Julian Muckle, 1101 Lincoln Avenue, Louisville, CO reviewed what the ordinance does not do: Landmark property regardless of its age; create any Landmarked districts; allow the City any say over the interior of any building, and dictate paint color of any building. She noted a un-landmarked property can still be renovated, and it is only when a historic building is slated for demolition that the ordinance will intervene. Mayor Sisk requested public comment. Former Historic Preservation Commissioner Alicia Mahoney, 1101 Jefferson Avenue, Louisville, CO voiced her support of Ordinance No. 1463, Series 2005. She noted the ordinance was crafted from federal guidelines, and successful ordinances from surrounding communities. She reviewed the ordinance section referring to historic properties slated for demolition, and stressed the importance of preserving those properties. She urged Council to approve the ordinance. Historical Commission Chairperson Don Ross, 924 McKinley, Louisville, CO, thanked Council for preserving the museum and the Jordinelli House, and all the volunteers who assist in preserving historic properties. He then expressed his support for the preservation ordinance. Historical Commission member Dan Mellish, 1237 Lincoln Avenue, Louisville, CO voiced his support for the Historic Preservation Ordinance. 7