Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 2009 07 20

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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes July 20, 2009 Page 7 of 9 Update/Discussion/Action - Programming of Historic Preservation Fund, next steps Whiteman asked staff to brief the Commission as to why the application was on the agenda. McCartney stated it was placed on the agenda on Commission direction so the application format could be discussed and finalized. The Commission discussed the specific elements of the draft application that was presented to them by staff. They went page by page and element by element to determine how the application should look. Some of the topics discussed were as follows:  Muckle recommended there should be no deadline to apply for the grant incentives.  Lewis stated there should be a limit on the amount that can be requested so that they do not request for too much money for one element.  The Commission discussed establishing a cap request of no more than $25,000 at one time.  McCartney reminded the Commission that the grant applicant will more than likely have to pay taxes on what they receive.  The Commission discussed whether accessory structures should be considered. It was decided that accessory structures should be permitted.  The Commission decided to remove scoring system for determining recipients – the process should remain simple.  The Commission decided to allow for applicants to fill out criteria for their application. Koertje and Whiteman agreed to bring back some draft criteria to next meeting. The Commission did not want to include a points scoring system.  The Commission agreed to permit exterior improvements and structural integrity only – no interior improvements.  McCartney recommended the Commission should create a Guide to Programs to guide what can be applied for.  Lewis and Stewart agreed to create a list of eligible costs and improvements.  The term “buying a landmark” is to be discussed at next meeting. The final decision was to direct staff to bring a revised application, based on the comments received, as well as a draft Guide to Programs to the meeting in August (August 17, 2009). Update/Discussion/Action – Downtown Design Guidelines and Old Town Overlay Regulations Whiteman opened the discussion by recommending a meeting date should be chosen for the upcoming joint meeting between two HPC representatives and two Planning Commission (PC) representatives to discuss the Downtown Design Guidelines and Old Town Overlay Regulations. Williams, one of the HPC representatives, stated he could not do Thursday nights because he has class.