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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-03City of Meridian Historic Preservation Commission March 3, 2005 Page 1 of 3 Meridian Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Meridian City Hall – Mayor’s Conference Room March 3, 2005 Minutes The regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Meridian Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 5:40 P.M., Thursday, Ma rch 3, 2005 by Chairman Walter Lindgren. Members Present: Walter Lindgren, Frank Thomason, Tom Hammond, Carol Harms Members Absent: Steve Turney Others Present: Brad Hawkins-Clark (staff), Emily Peeso Item 1: Roll-Call Attendance: Roll-call: __X _ Walter Lindgren – Chair __X__ Frank Thomason __X__ Tom Hammond – Vice Chair __X__ Carol Harms __O__ Steve Turney Item 2: Adoption of Minutes: The minutes of the February 3, 2005 were not completed so they will be placed on the next agenda. Item 3: Short Term Goal Priorities: Update on National Register Nominations Contract - Emily updated the committee on the two (2) ongoing National Register nominations she’s contracted to submit. She circulated a bibliography of her source material, which overlaps between both the Pine Ave. and Main Street properties. - She briefly explained the federal National Registration form. There are two main sections - narrative description of architecture and statement of significance. - Emily asked for any input the commission might have pertinent to the properties - Frank asked if Lila and Grappatons had provided helpful information. The Grappatons thought the building was constructed in 1917 but Emily’s research showed 1922. - Frank recommended talking with Arthur Hart for social and architectural history of the homes and area. He has visited the Meridian Senior Center frequently over last few years and may be a helpful resource. Frank noted the “worker’s bungalows” in Meridian likely have some significance. - Emily said the Grappatons do not see financial benefits of restoring the house unless it becomes a non-residential use. City of Meridian Historic Preservation Commission March 3, 2005 Page 2 of 3 - Carol commented that there are likely federal grant funds available for reconstruction projects. Historic / Reconnaissance Survey - Walt asked Emily if she was interested in performing the survey update for HPC and if she had an estimate of what it would cost. The underlying goal and purpose of the survey is to create an updated database of historic properties in Meridian that is useful to city planning and decision-makers. - Emily highlighted the following about the survey: a. would likely occur in phases; b. need to establish the geographic priority areas; c. conduct site surveys; d. data gathered would be compiled into SHPO’s standards; e. the info goes into the SHPO d-base (physical surveying and archival) - Emily said she talked with Ann Swanson about the project. Once the survey begins, there may be changes in the form, so it’s difficult to estimate timeframe up front. She would perform the archival work up front. - Walt noted that maybe there’s a smaller area HPC could set for the initial work and then re-assess at a later date. There’s a benefit to retaining the same consultant over a multi-year contract. - Emily expressed interest in doing the survey work, even though it will be a learning curve for her; it would help to build her professional confidence. - Frank noted the 1987 survey was pursuant to the publication of Lila Hill’s book and the formation of the Meridian Historical Society. - Walt asked Emily what she would need from HPC to begin. She asked for a timeline and/or what areas of town need to be done. She sees starting the survey work in the summer after the nomination applications are complete. - Further discussion ensued about how to identify a fee and reasonable scope of work; it could be a “time and materials not to exceed contract” with a deliverable goal specified. Emily noted that some variables for the fee are experience, education, and type of work. - Carol suggested proceeding on a month-to-month basis and updating HPC with the work and expenses to track the variables through the process. - Emily suggested breaking it into “set-up,” “office” and “field work” components. She could get a more solid estimate of how much time per property througho ut survey. She prefers to involve Ann and get a better understanding of SHPO’s expectations and standards. Walt made a motion to table the decision until HPC’s May meeting and requested Emily prepare a minor scope of work with estimates. HPC will review the geographic priority areas in the meantime. Carol seconded the motion. All ayes the motion carried. Item 4: County Treasures Program: City of Meridian Historic Preservation Commission March 3, 2005 Page 3 of 3 Brad gave a brief summary of Ada County’s “County Treasures Program.” It is sponsored by the Ada County Historical Preservation Council. Each year they select 12 properties from the county inventory of historic sites to highlight as County Treasures. A special County Treasures sign is moved each month from property to property to draw extra attention to these gems. The 2004-2005 induction ceremony was held August 31, 2004 in Eagle. The commission expressed support for the program and recommended nominating the four (4) properties already on the National Historic Register. However, they did not want to nominate the bank site downtown. Brad will contact Ada County and provide them with the addresses of the three (3) sites in Meridian. Item 5: Update on Western Heritage Historic Byway Plan: Brad provided a summary of the Western Heritage Historic Byway Plan and provided handouts showing the proposed kiosks near the intersection of Overland Road and Meridian Road/SH 69. Action: Brad will invite a Western Heritage Byway committee member to provide a 15 - 20 minute summary at the next meeting. Item 6: Other Business: a. Mayor de Weerd noted that a Meridian Youth Council member would attend HPC beginning on the April meeting. b. Carol asked if HPC wants to write a letter regarding the Ada County Courthouse project and voice an opinion regarding the legislation. Carol will write a letter and bring it to the next meeting. Reminder that the next regular scheduled meeting is Thursday, April 7, 2005. The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. (Tape on file of these proceedings.) Approved: / / Walter Lindgren – Chairman Date of Approval Attested: William G. Berg, Jr. – City Clerk