City Council Minutes 2012 01 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes January 3, 2011 Page 9 of 14 to make the buildings functional and continue to be revenue producing for the owners and the City. The goal is to maintain the historic character of downtown Louisville. The HPC feels the residential program has been very successful and modeled the commercial program along those lines. He noted the program is flexible and the decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Michael Menaker, 1837 Choke Cherry Drive, Louisville, CO addressed the Old Louisville Inn in historic downtown Louisville and voiced his belief it is a historic structure of merit and if restored it would remain a historic building for years to come. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Loo asked whether the split of historic preservation funds between residential and commercial incentives is 60/40 or 75/25. City Manager Fleming explained the staff report in the City Council packet used a 75/25 split to present an outcome of the numbers purely for discussion and not to suggest allocations in any specific amounts. Councilor Loo asked when the allocations for commercial versus residential will be discussed. Planning Director Russ stated the fund would generate $21,000 for residential homes and $181,000 for commercial. He explained it favors commercial development by the amount of funding which is required. Councilor Loo voiced here concern over limited HPC Funds and no master plan for buildings and residential homes, which are of the most value to the City. She felt the City should identify the properties of value and worthy of restoration. She asked about the public outreach. Planning Director Russ explained there was indirect marketing through open houses and notification of funds available for historic restoration. Councilor Loo voiced concern over the language in the resolution such as Section 2-C, "assessment shall be conducted by a qualified consultant". She asked for a definition of a "qualified consultant" and for a legal opinion on what the City's liability would be on the statement of a "qualified consultant". She requested a legal description of Section 2D "good cause"; Section 5D "approval of in-kind services to the project" and clarification of "extraordinary circumstances". Councilor Sackett reported on citizen feedback relative to the Old Louisville Inn's restroom facilities. He felt adjustments should be made to modernize those facilities. He did not favor changing the structures character and felt it is a priceless building. Councilor Dalton stated the staff and HPC were responsive to the issues he requested. He felt there should be some criteria for the HPC to determine applicability on buildings of architectural merit and the social merit and was not concerned over the caps on structures of particular merit. He requested clarification on the landmarking process. Planning Director Russ explained landmarking is a voluntary program. Properties can