HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-03
City of Meridian
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
Meridian City Hall – Mayors Conference Room
May 3, 2007 @ 5:30 P.M.
Item 1. Roll-call Attendance:
X Walter Lindgren – Chair X Frank Thomason
X Tom Hammond – Vice Chair O Carol Harms
X Steve Turney
Others Present: Will Berg.
Item 2. Adoption of the Agenda:
Lindgren: Go ahead and start (inaudible). Adoption of the agenda. Did we have a
chance to review the agenda? Did we have any comments, additions? Make any
motions?
Hammond: I’d like to make a motion that we (inaudible) do some new business
(inaudible). The group (inaudible) the agenda.
(inaudible): Second.
Lindgren: Open for discussion. All those in favor of adopting the agenda
(inaudible).
FOUR AYES. ONE ABSENT. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Approval of April 12, 2007 Meeting Minutes:
(inaudible):
4. Budget / Finance Report:
Lindgren: We have a report here somewhere in the packet. Not much activity
(inaudible). His efforts (inaudible) so that’ll be approximately $2350. And that’s the
extent of it. W e can talk about it more in detail about future (inaudible).
5. Update on Preservation Month Happenings:
Meridian Historic Preservation Commission
May 3, 2007
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Lindgren: I know that (inaudible). One of the items I guess we do have (inaudible)
just to jump ahead. W ell, item #9 (inaudible), Mr. Hammond. Do we have a
schedule?
Hammond: W e do.
Lindgren: (inaudible) Chamber…
Hammond: (inaudible) So we got June the 5th, I believe it is. June the 5th.
Lindgren: Okay.
Hammond: (inaudible) In fact, I talked to Jim today and they need some (inaudible).
Lindgren: Okay. Sure.
Hammond: First Thursday, first P&Z meeting.
Lindgren: Okay. (inaudible).
Hammond: No, we’ll (inaudible).
Lindgren: Okay, (inaudible)
Hammond: (Inaudible) this just didn’t (inaudible) like a promotional type thing
(inaudible).
Lindgren: Right, we talked about piggy-backed (inaudible). This issue I guess at
this time is (inaudible). Is that correct?
Hammond: Yes, (inaudible).
Lindgren: (Inaudible) so (inaudible). You never know, I mean, (inaudible) that many
people (inaudible).
Hammond: That was probably (inaudible).
Lindgren: (Inaudible) 1:15 or 1:30. (Inaudible) W e should get some people
(inaudible).
Hammond: (Inaudible)
Lindgren: Okay, and I’ll (inaudible) Anything else? I think without Carol here,
(inaudible) right?
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May 3, 2007
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Hammond: I did hand out or have one of you just hand out (inaudible). W e’re going
to do a Proclamation for next Tuesday before the City Council. We’ll have the Mayor
do a Proclamation and this is off that website so (inaudible). This is just proclaiming
that the month of May is Historic Preservation Month, I believe, is what it really
indicates. National Preservation Month.
Lindgren: And all it is is kind of a kickoff for that recognition event. Carol, I believe,
had some other ideas and some other things going on but I just took this off the
website and it’s got some of the other past things and some information you can look
at. But I wanted to actually, they have a list of sample activities, and I think that’s
what Carol referred to last meeting or the meeting before with some ideas to do
some things and then next page after that is some publicity. So (inaudible) we
probably are a little bit behind on this this year and I think we can really have a
stronger showing next year but is there a way, Frank, and I don’t want to abuse the
Valley Times here, but can we feature an article on, you know, Preservation Month?
Some of the things that are out there? I understand that (inaudible) some work is
being done over there. I don’t know exactly. (inaudible)
Thomason: Yes. (inaudible)
Lindgren: Yes, I think they had to do some structural things to it and it’s being
worked on. I don’t know what extent. I could get that information (inaudible). It
could be sold. (inaudible) I think if we can, Frank, is there a way we could do an
article on, we do have five structures, six structures that are currently on (inaudible).
Just a little feature story on what’s going on.
Thomason: Sure.
Hammond: Or a picture of them would be (inaudible). Takes up space (inaudible).
And with that, Frank, do you have the Proclamation there with you?
Lindgren: Yes. Maybe make it a history edition or kick off for some other features
for the month of May? And like you were saying, Walt, maybe this needs to be
planned a little more in advance but one of our key goals, that we do some of the
Chamber functions and stuff but the month of May we prepare for more of a visual
presentation of the City (inaudible).
Thomason: You’re right. I don’t see why I can’t do a story through May using one or
more of these six structures as illustrations of what the work involves. This is one of
the things that I think it does. (inaudible) I could do at least one structure.
Lindgren: Could you do that each time and just have a highlighted structure?
(inaudible).
Lindgren: That’s one of the best houses. (inaudible).
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May 3, 2007
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Thomason: Of course this will work (inaudible). They’ll take it off.
Lindgren: I’ll tell you, I think you’ve got some willing (inaudible) but the current
structure on it (inaudible) studio and (inaudible) said (inaudible).
Thomason: All the other commissioners, feel free to e-mail me your thoughts or
ideas (inaudible). Something you’d like to have included in one of these articles.
Just e-mail me. (inaudible)
Lindgren: That’d be good.
Thomason: (inaudible). This’ll work. (inaudible). I mean we’ve got (inaudible)
signs. I think you could showcase the signs if you like.
Lindgren: (inaudible).
Thomason: (inaudible) because if you could just plop that into the story (inaudible).
Lindgren: Very good. So again, anything else on that (inaudible)?
Hammond: (inaudible) that information (inaudible) go back to work. Carol had it,
like you said. W ell, that may be something we need to push ahead for next year
(inaudible), be prepared for. But with awareness of the Chamber and Frank’s article
and the Proclamation (inaudible).
(inaudible).
Lindgren: How far out are the schedules? (inaudible). I should check. Time to
check now. (inaudible). If we make it known that we want to co-host one in May
because it’s Historic Preservation Month that could be tied with somebody else,
whoever may want. Even a bank would be good. (inaudible). Okay.
6. Update on CAMP on June 1- 2, 2007:
L i n d gre n : I t e m #6 wi l l b e o n C A M P . (i n a u d ib le ). I t h i n k t h o s e o f yo u t h at
(inaudible) will be back. You’re very welcome, Frank.
(inaudible).
Lindgren: W e’ve got an opening that the Board paid for.
Ha m m o n d : W i l l , I d o n ’t k n o w if t h e r e ’s s o m e o n e f ro m t h e Cit y o r y o u r s e l f
(inaudible). Can you get the little handout? These are just -- I just grabbed this
from the (inaudible).
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Berg: I apologize (inaudible). I saw the e-mail. Is this something locally or
(inaudible).
Lindgren: I didn’t bring the original itinerary, the agenda or the itinerary, but it’s most
of the day Friday if I remember correctly and including the evening if I remember
correctly and then most of the day Saturday. (inaudible). So I would think it’d be
(inaudible) if you can. Now I know myself and Carol are going. W ill, if there’s
somebody else in the City like yourself (inaudible), if you want out of it, you know,
that was your position (inaudible).
Berg: Okay.
Lindgren: I could even forward that (inaudible).
Berg: W hen do you want to know, by Monday?
Lindgren: (inaudible).
Berg: I have a workshop all day tomorrow but (inaudible). Yeah, I think so.
Lindgren: Because it really is for the City side as well. (inaudible).
Berg: Sure.
Lindgren: Anyway, we can bring back (inaudible). Okay, moving right along.
7. Update of HPC Page on City’s Website:
Lindgren: Any further repeats on that? (inaudible).
Hammond: No, we’ve been working on last month’s update. W e haven’t done too
much since then but we did start to follow up, keep things up-to-date as far as
agendas and meetings.
Lindgren: Okay.
Hammond: And we were going to get the photos to put with our, somebody was
going to send it to us. I think he had a better digital photo or something. And you’re
going to send it to us and we’re going to attach those.
Thomason: I think (inaudible).
Lindgren: I think you said you had some you had sent to, or the sign people did, or
something.
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May 3, 2007
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Thomason: Mark did because when he took those images he was able to get
(inaudible).
Lindgren: Okay, just get those four to me and then we will put them on there. That
was one of the things we wanted (inaudible) although I think after the meeting last
month I went on site to check a couple other cities to see if they had anything.
There was one city that did it but (inaudible). But I was kind of looking at some other
sites to get some ideas what kind of information does the public really want to see.
And you know, another good thing would be like if we do an article or a Proclamation
or some other things and put them on there and put a link to you. (inaudible).
Berg: And, Frank, we could even, you know, do a little bit more too if we had some
pictures when we did the unveiling (inaudible). W e could even put that on the site
too because that shows (inaudible).
Lindgren: I’ll talk about that. W e’ll do some more research what other ones are
doing and try to get some more information. We’re going to get a couple direct links
on that home page. One was to the Ada County and to the State so that there’re
links to some other historical (inaudible).
8. Update of Walking Tours Project:
Turney: Yes, I have (inaudible) on that is I got the text on the existing walking tour
brochure. I’ve gone through it and I retyped the text because (inaudible) digitally.
So that’s there. W hat I haven’t done is got, we wanted to get updated photos, color
photos because (inaudible) Lila Hill and get better photos of that. W hat I probably
should do is, because we did talk (inaudible) we were going to take a look at the text
and all I did was retype (inaudible) and if we want to add anything on a particular
house or take anything off or add anything (inaudible). Right now I just need to get
updated photos and (inaudible).
Lindgren: So we want, I guess the point is, we want older photos, not something
from the survey. You probably want to get older ones.
Turney: (inaudible) Why should we do it? Because the folder has just been
Xeroxed and Xeroxed and Xeroxed and it has just degraded to an extent that if we
just came back even to the original black and whites would be good and rescan it to
a higher res.
Thomason: I can do copy (inaudible) at least. Because I don’t think (inaudible). So
I think the fact that we got them, we got Mark (inaudible) high quality (inaudible).
Hammond: (inaudible) Lila has all of them.
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Berg: And she did say at that meeting a month or two ago that, give me a call and
I’ll get those photos for you.
(inaudible)
Turney: They’re recent. (inaudible). Those are quality black and white photos
which would be really good (inaudible) quality. If you don’t mind the contemporary
references (inaudible).
Berg: I just think the image needs to be a little bit better. You know, I’m not against
even going out and re-photographing these things currently because a lot of people
won’t even be able to see what you want to see.
Turney: (inaudible) from our survey guy (inaudible) which are (inaudible).
Berg: That’s going to be of three or four homes? Because we have, how many do
we have in that brochure?
Turney: Yeah, but she did the whole core, right? She did --
Berg: Oh, so she had (inaudible).
Turney: W e’re not talking about the survey (inaudible), not the (inaudible). That
would at least get me started on the photographing and composing and bring out a
trifold (inaudible).
Thomason: W e have a scanner, a color scanner (inaudible) Xerox copy and it
brings them out pretty good. If you notice those photos you have, those are just
copied off of those (inaudible). They come out really pretty good. W e like them for
maps because we scan them and put them electronically into our files. W e could
test, see which one comes out better?
Turney: Yeah, I (inaudible) and I talked it over with Margie (inaudible).
Thomason: I have a couple actual scanners that’re hooked onto the computer scan
and then all of our copiers, printers, are also scanners. And you can kick it up. You
can kick those scans up. Now I don’t like the printer scan because it scans real fast.
When I want a high-res scan I go on the scanner bed and it’s slow and it picks up
(inaudible).
Turney: Absolutely, absolutely.
Lindgren: That might be the best way to do it because of the number of pixels,
whatever it is, I think the slower the machine goes because it picks up the higher
(inaudible).
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Turney: But it’s going to be critical, especially if it (inaudible) and we just want to
make sure it’s not just lost.
Berg: And you know, we really probably need to try to keep doing some of that stuff
electronically and create an electronic file.
Lindgren: W ell, Berg, that’s where we’re headed with this and then we can update
this (inaudible) as we go because it’ll all be on W ord, it’ll all be on (inaudible).
Turney: I think that’ll be a great tool. I was wondering if there was, on the main web
page, is there any way we can get some notoriety on the main web page of the City
this month, by any chance? (inaudible).
Berg: Yes, we’ll have the Proclamation, I’ll talk to Shelly, and we’ll get that on the
front page, maybe the Proclamation or at least l’d like to shoot for a quick paragraph
about what the month is.
Thomason: I’m probably going to be leaving early tomorrow. Any chance of getting
that Proclamation tomorrow?
Berg: W ould you like it signed and sealed and delivered?
Thomason: That would be nice because if nothing else, I could highlight the
signature (inaudible). Either way, signing isn’t that critical.
De W eerd: Are you guys doing anything?
Turney: Shuffling a lot of paper.
De W eerd: The Mayor is in the room. So you going to do something with this?
Lindgren: I don’t know. You have a second to talk about it?
De W eerd: Sure.
Lindgren: W e can update, go right for #10.
9. Update on Signage Installation (Bell House and Clara Hill House):
10. Follow up on Sleepy Hollow Farm Discussion:
Lindgren: I received a phone call from (inaudible) Everhard, who is (inaudible)
Historian. He’s the one that’s putting together the (inaudible). Did you forward it to
other folks on the Commission?
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Berg: I forwarded it. You asked me to give it to the Commission. I forwarded it to
that Commission list. So I can get it to the (inaudible) . There’re three documents,
aren’t there? Three (inaudible).
Lindgren: (inaudible) You know, Dan was, it’s interesting because ITD, because I
guess part of funding requirements is what they’ve done is gone out and there’s
been a lot of survey work on different property and they’ve hired (inaudible) to go
through and (inaudible). She was gong to go in and I think she’s almost wrapped up
with taking (inaudible). But I know Dan drove quite a bit on the property and the
overall sense is that there’s a lot of historical value with that site. (inaudible) Well,
and part of it was that he felt in a way that it was (inaudible). It was just based on a
conversation that was being had at the table (inaudible). Is that, first ITD is
somehow really triggering this development to be required to be done or whatever.
ITD has redesigned, according to Dan, and I (inaudible) many components of this
interchange to either completely not impact this site. And by doing so, I think they
do it primarily for one is, I think, partly funding requirements. You know they’re
required to do this big research on this property. And with the other aspect is
(inaudible) research from ITD’s perspective (inaudible). But as soon as that actually
is completed he’s kind of like (inaudible). In the meantime, the developer comes in
and here ITD has all this painstaking work to document and preserve and potentially
(inaudible). But potentially the developer comes in (inaudible) after ITD has gone
through all this painstaking effort to accommodate this bigger site. I think what we
should do as a Commission is, for one, (inaudible) very generous in terms of funding
but this is probably going to scale that (inaudible). It really seems like the developer
is the one that has the huge stake in. And I’m not sure what really the Commission
can really do even, outside of (inaudible) can do. (inaudible) That may be
incorporated into (inaudible) reuse or whatever. But I don’t know really what sort of
weight we have with the developers (inaudible). I haven’t gotten to the whole report
but the (inaudible) granary and the farm buildings, there’s quite a bit of history there.
I haven’t read the whole report yet but (inaudible). I don’t know, Jim was nice
enough to come in to our last meeting. We chatted with him and talked about
possibilities. It’s unfortunate because there’s economics involved. I mean, there’s a
lot of things that we just (inaudible). So, I don’t know what the City’s perspective
might be on it.
De W eerd: W ell, I don’t know. I guess kind of we were looking at putting a couple
properties on this report (inaudible) preservation list. W hat do we as a city have?
You can say, oh well, you put it on a list if they want to redevelop it and there’s
nothing you can do. It’s just kind of an acknowledgement type of thing. I don’t
know, I guess continue to monitor the site and I know he’s interested in moving the
cupolas into other places nearby to preserve that region. And you know, that was
encouraging. I kind of asked them (inaudible) something to pick up and put at
Settler’s Park, you know where we wanted that. Settler’s Park to us is where settlers
started and (inaudible) which in large part has a lot to do with our history. But as I
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May 3, 2007
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understand it, that building (inaudible). W ell, I’m not sure which of the old rundown
buildings out there. (inaudible) I had hoped that there was. No, not that one. I was
kind of hoping that the large, a piece, even if it was a portion of that larger
component (inaudible). W e want a barn out there that you could do community
events in and ideally (inaudible) but we can’t have everything in Old Town. W e want
that walkability, everything in one place. I don’t know. I do know he is interested in
saying what is the vision and how could I be a part of that, I’m sure within certain
parameters of effort. And he hasn’t decided what to do on that side of Overland. All
of the other stuff has been on the other side. And he is even readjusting Overland
Road. That gives more possibility of preserving that place and making it into
something.
Lindgren: So, if I understand, there’re probably two things. I know one of the things
that he’s talked about prior to, he’d like to do something within the next five to six
months (inaudible).
De W eerd: And reuse that into the development he’s trying to do across the way in
that same area. But his concern that he talked to me about is that stuff is walking off
site every day. It is going and he has no control over it. He has a caretaker out
there and it’s still walking off. So his concern is if there’s something that needs to be
saved, people are coming and just taking windows and doors and --
Lindgren: Helping themselves?
De W eerd: Yes.
Lindgren: All preservationists?
De W eerd: No.
Lindgren: They all have a piece of the property.
De W eerd: (inaudible).
Berg: W e had talked about having a Commission meeting out there just to go view
the site and take a tour.
Lindgren: (inaudible) a couple trips out there. My question is, you’ve been out
there. I think an evaluation of the structural soundness of any of those buildings
might be in order. My recollection of what Jim said was that he is very open to
giving whatever might be worth saving to just about anyone and then also,. is there a
building like (inaudible) that can be given to someone if maybe we can help with
moving costs? Or, and then the other track would be what is there that could be
incorporated into his development? That might make more sense.
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De Weerd: Which is (inaudible) in that area.
Lindgren: I’m saying that nobody has taken a step further in a sense that I think he’s
talking about a commercial development (inaudible). Incorporating the silo or some
other concrete structures. (inaudible) I think there’s a real economic plus to this
whole thing. I think maybe we ought to really start to communicate that and
encourage that.
De W eerd: To help him with the vision. How can you do it? And, you know, what
would be the draw and what you could do as a commission to even help market it. I
mean we like to hold up projects that are unique (inaudible) -- interest in seeing
what we did with our historical sites to keep the value there. To make sure that it is
a legacy for our community (inaudible). But we wanted that site to (inaudible). If he
could take that site and design elements (inaudible) plaza and if he makes
commercial, office, whatever, there are pieces that you can get. These are kind of
things that he could be thinking of in the design.
Lindgren: You just look at this (inaudible).
De W eerd: I don’t get that. That’s pretty cool. I would never have seen that in this.
Lindgren: The McMinnin brothers would go and they’re preservationists, they also, I
think they’re brewers so they own these complexes that are probably very similar to
this, probably on a larger scale. And they (inaudible) in Oregon. These places are
incredibly successful. They’re wonderful environments. They have these organic
gardens in between and then you go to like one part of the building, there’s a little
wine cellar (inaudible). You go into another portion, there’s a little movie theater.
They’re wonderful. You can’t take that stuff back.
De W eerd: He can build that vision, Walt, and I think that is, we were very tempted
with the Creamery. W e wanted to make sure the vision that we created was one
that would resonate and live for the generations (inaudible). If you can build that
vision for him (inaudible). But this is unique. It’s going to be across from another
element that is to attract a certain level of jobs and wages and (inaudible).
Lindgren: Commercial development around (inaudible).
De W eerd: This would be a natural destination place for the kind of living that we’re
trying to create in that area.
Hammond: Sleepy Hollow Motel, or a type of a Camille Beckman type of new
project that (inaudible). There must be lots of ideas.
Lindgren: (inaudible) I just feel like when we met with them last time we were
probably under the conclusion they were not going to salvage (inaudible). I don’t
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May 3, 2007
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think that’s very healthy. I think we probably need to revisit with Jim and say Jim,
step back a second (inaudible).
Hammond: Sure, most of those buildings are in a lot better shape than those photos
we looked at last time indicated but I doubt it.
Lindgren: But you know, those concrete silos aren’t going anywhere. They’re
structurally sound.
De W eerd: If you can use that but reuse that (inaudible). It even draws those
people because they already have a connection to whatever (inaudible).
Lindgren: It could take on very different shapes and forms. I’m not suggesting we’re
saving everything but maybe there’s key components in there. It’s interesting, I read
in the report that it wasn’t so much the schoolhouse that was going to be relocated
easily (inaudible).
De W eerd: And if you look at the market he has that huge subdivision going in and
he’s promoting a walkable area and if he chooses to tie it to type of businesses that
like that kind of thing and look for opportunities of uniqueness and make it a special
niche type of thing. I don’t know if Jim’s the one (inaudible).
Lindgren: That was one of my questions.
De W eerd: But if you can (inaudible) the vision and, that is, you have the market
value.
Lindgren: Similar to what they’ve done on Ustick Road between Meridian
(inaudible). They created the type of businesses and offices (inaudible), car wash
and gas station but it has the buildings all in the same kind of design. It’s all
designed for people to walk to to get a certain service (inaudible).
Thomason: W ould the City’s zoning laws or (inaudible) possibly come into play
(inaudible). It seems to me that a redesigned incorporated new project that retains
some of these features could possibly be linked to a recent vision of a village center,
commons area in zoning. I think zoning wise is there anything we could advance as
a city?
De W eerd: Frank, I think even what is designated (inaudible). He does have a
neighborhood there.
Thomason: (inaudible) easily tie things together. (inaudible) W e do in Old Town.
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De Weerd: Well we do in Old Town because we have (inaudible. And that is what
we’re trying to do out in that area (inaudible) - - very streamlined. If you don’t want
to do it (inaudible) - - take a lot more time.
Thomason: Based on (inaudible) anything else (inaudible) that they’re willing to, of
course.
De W eerd: Our process is relatively quick as it is. I don’t know what kind of
incentive you can give that we’re not already giving everyone else. Other than he
keeps saying, you know, he recognizes there’s some really crappy buildings out
there and you don’t want it to delay the transportation system because (inaudible).
But if there’s a way for the historical preservation of the site itself (inaudible) that this
Commission can help with ideas to say we can help create the vision. I can help talk
it (inaudible) about projects I like.
Berg: Let’s face it he has more of a completed project. It just goes through faster. If
he has that vision and it’s implemented and it’s a complete project (inaudible) all the
way through you don’t get delays like asking him how are you going to do this and
how are you going to do that? It’s laid out and obviously he knows that it goes
through faster (inaudible).
De W eerd: And how far we’re willing to go and work with him and figure out how, if
he commits to trying to do something unique and keeping the essence of that.
Thomason: Maybe a couple of those concrete structures are well-preserved and he
knows that you can’t preserve everything, I understand that, so maybe he just
develops a little closet area around this identified as a landmark of some sort
(inaudible). I think we just tend to just roll over these things (inaudible). I think the
only thing we can do is invite him to our next meeting. If that’s quick enough. I don’t
think we can help with this situation where people are walking off with this stuff
(inaudible).
Hammond: Is the Meridian Police Department aware of all of these incidents of
vandalism and theft?
De W eerd: It’s in the County.
Hammond: Oh, of course. (inaudible)
Thomas: He said no. We just acquired how many acres (inaudible).
Berg: Just under 40 acres because the freeway splits (inaudible). So that’s what he
has. There’s some acres.
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May 3, 2007
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Thomason: It’s interesting (inaudible). I think they’ve done what they can. I think
they’ve done a (inaudible). So we agree that next month is quick enough.
Lindgren: I was going to say, you know, my concern is looking at the photos,
there’re some structural issues here but to go there and talk a look at it and say
some of this can be (inaudible). It does make sense. And it’s there and let’s
preserve it and let’s make that an amenity, maybe the entry to the community
because you have these large neighborhood communities with a big lighthouse or
something that they created arbitrarily and this is a natural. And if you just save one
of these buildings as an entry point (inaudible). But for me to start kind of throwing
out ideas, the first thing I need to do is go and see, okay this one just isn’t going to
pencil out. We just have to realize that. It’s leaning and (inaudible)
Thomason: (inaudible) to identify some salvageable parts (inaudible) perhaps
suggest a lot or an area where those could be moved and concentrated as a
statement when you enter. So that there’s more than say (inaudible).
Lindgren: This is real. (inaudible) I’d like to kind of go through here and see what
buildings sort of make sense, feel like, to be salvaged. We really need to
concentrate on these buildings and see what we can save. Barring that, structurally
and environmentally, there’s just too much (inaudible) then we go to that next step in
saving pieces of this and bringing back the style somehow in an entry (inaudible). I
don’t think you could design a more attractive entry to a community. It’s so honest.
De W eerd: I’m sorry, I have my book club. (inaudible)
Thomason: (inaudible) Madame Mayor, about the Creamery (inaudible) that we in
the city were very sensitive to the Creamery and worked on a vision that would
resonate with the community too. Lots of work done.
De W eerd: (inaudible)
Thomason: (inaudible) I’ll contact him (inaudible) On behalf of the Preservation
Commission again (inaudible) what you might be able to do with this. If you don’t
really have a set direction (inaudible). You just said commercial (inaudible). Thank
you for coming to us and we’re excited and want to talk to you again. Maybe we can
work together (inaudible).
Lindgren: Time situation. I think our time situation is just about wrapped up. I was
told it would be completed this week and I’ve been in contact with Robert (inaudible).
He did believe (inaudible). I was actually thinking (inaudible) - - he’ll be okay with
that. And so he can help this week back and forth (inaudible). Mark is pretty well
completed on his stuff. I met with both of (inaudible) who owns the Bell House and
Jake (inaudible). It’s so cool. (inaudible).
Meridian Historic Preservation Commission
May 3, 2007
Page 15 of 19
De Weerd: I have one more thought before I leave, I’m sorry. Would you do it in the
Preservation Month? (inaudible) The Mayor will be reading a Proclamation about
Preservation Month and this is kind of what (inaudible) and explore maybe what
might be conceivable and how we can make a unique project happen out there and
what our role could be to help you (inaudible). If this sounds of interest to you when
we read this (inaudible). This is an example of some of the things that we’re really
excited about. You know, maybe giving him some recognition of, yes, let’s explore
this. I mean, he came to you and said what should I be doing and let’s see if we can
say we’ve had a chance to talk now. W e’d like to further explore this and how to
make a unique project that will be beneficial to you and give you first highlight in the
Proclamation because you’re very interested in part of that.
Berg: Proclamation is next Tuesday, 7:00.
De W eerd: Well, just an idea. Again the more we can reel them in and give them
ownership and say (inaudible). Maybe that solidifies (inaudible).
Thomason: W e can certainly back his willingness to explore these options to
preserve what’s meaningful and commend him for that attitude. (inaudible). That’s
an excellent idea. (inaudible) But I feel very confident in terms of detailed drawings
and (inaudible).
De W eerd: (inaudible) Can you e-mail Dan, say we want to be a partner with you?
(inaudible).
Lindgren: (inaudible) 1:30 would be better. And we want to make sure we have
some maps with the information there at the Chamber so that people would know
exactly where to go. Right, Frank?
Thomason: Mr. Berg, do you want to take this? (inaudible) Could you add that?
(inaudible)
11. Development Project Comments:
~ CPA 07-002 South Meridian Area
~ CPA 07-003 Pathways
~ CPA 07-007 Ten Mile Area
Lindgren: (inaudible) comments?
Berg: Only if you have any comments. And did we scan some of these and send
some of them to you? I thought we did.
Lindgren: I tried to. Some of those things are for (inaudible) - - they’re split a little
bit before the City Council. Some of them are in May and some of them are in June.
Meridian Historic Preservation Commission
May 3, 2007
Page 16 of 19
(inaudible). So there’s more time. W ho’s our expert? (inaudible)
Berg: Steve, are you comfortable on taking a quick approval of those and
(inaudible).
Turney: Sure.
Berg: Because what we’re doing as far as historic preservation is that things that
are downtown, things that deal with (inaudible). For instance, one thing that we
talked about, I don’t know if you were here or not. W e talked about signage on
pathways. Very simple thing. That we’re creating these pathway systems but if we
have, or have the ability to have signage about some historical points that people
are walking or biking or whatever along these pathways that are in our pathway
right-of-way (inaudible). But if we can develop those or mandate the developer put
them in or have the City do that. That would help preserve some of the history or
some of the (inaudible). It’s kind of like the historical monument signs that the State
has. You know, you go throughout the state and you have (inaudible) that tells you
the history. You look for those signs. Here’s a site for the first cemetery (inaudible)
along the pathway or here’s a site for the first schoolhouse or this creek or this
drainage that you are walking along was dug in whatever – 1900 – and created for
irrigation systems.
Lindgren: (inaudible). So the point is that this should be one of the conditions of a
development agreement of some sort?
Berg: W ell, or it could be put into either the pathway guidelines or Comprehensive
Plan in a text amendment to say that the City encourages that you do historical
signage to acknowledge certain historical features of the City. And that way signing
department can’t push the developer or even the City to make sure they maintain a
level of (inaudible).
Lindgren: Are you suggesting maybe even submit at some point a text amendment
to the Comp Plan? Because we could really be more proactive and say now it
becomes part of the Comp Plan. The Commission itself (inaudible). W e’re
representing (inaudible).
Berg: Sure, but there is a point that we couldn’t do that because these are some
text amendments and there is a Pathway Plan so (inaudible). But that’s just an
example of one little piece. We could go in and (inaudible) be proactive and say we
want this added to it. Planning and Zoning can review them twice a year (audible).
Turney: Is there anything pressing that you know of, any applications (inaudible).
Berg: Not that I know of. There are some that are going to be heard on the 22nd and
Meridian Historic Preservation Commission
May 3, 2007
Page 17 of 19
some in June but I will get that information, Steve. I don’t think there is one. I think,
like I said, the most one of interest is being able to maybe capitalize on some of the
pathway systems. I don’t see some of the other ones. I think one of them is like the
Ten Mile plan. You know, a special separate plan for the Ten Mile Interchange and
we may not have anything except for just the acknowledgement that we do have a
possible historic site and that might be something just to waive the flag at.
Lindgren: The response to the City’s Onion Award. Frank, do you want to comment
on that?
Thomason: Let me read aloud very briefly what I have for quotations of various
commissioners. The chairman described the Onion Award as a rush to judgment.
Commissioner (inaudible) said that the awarding of the onion for the Creamery was
very disappointing. W ill Berg confirmed that no one contacted the City. So
(inaudible).
Berg: W here’s your quote, Frank?
Thomason: I’ll put them all together. (inaudible) the paragraph that leads right into
it. (inaudible) Because I was here for the meetings (inaudible) is the fact that there
were many discussions about the Creamery, specifically about elements that could
be salvaged, and that the City was very interested (inaudible) in the bricks and some
of the other materials have been salvaged and will be incorporated in the new
structure and then cap it off (inaudible). I was surprised this morning to see this.
Ron Colbert told me about the document. I think it’s ridiculous. (inaudible)
someone who wasn’t part of what we did here. So I think it’s underserved. I’m very
proud of the City Council and of this group and the organic links between the two.
The discussions just held about the procedure where we’re going to have more
input. There’re a lot of dynamic, exciting things going on related to the preservation
of Meridian (inaudible).
Turney: I think that’s what I take issue with is that we’re leaving a legacy here.
Whether it’s good or bad. There’s a legacy that was left by those folks maybe 15, 20
years ago. The Creamery (inaudible). It’s blanketed at the City but certainly as
being part of the preservation group (inaudible). I’ll be the first to admit you take
some ownership of that (inaudible) that this Creamery actually went down but boy,
that’s a long process. I think that it was the lack of attention to that whole
development (inaudible). W e inherited that but I think our job is now (inaudible). I
don’t believe that the Creamery could have been salvaged in its condition because
of its deteriorated nature. If this group was in play at that time would we have
stepped up and said hey, (inaudible) are we proactive and are we making a stand
saying. (inaudible) If we don’t find a solution here, we’re just going to repeat our
history here.
Meridian Historic Preservation Commission
May 3, 2007
Page 18 of 19
Berg: W hat if it’s not just the Creamery? What if it’s the bank building? Hey, Mr.
McFadden, 15 years ago, hey, you need to get updated for this to be a real asset to
the community and where do you point fingers when you give them those
suggestions when you try and encourage and nothing happens?
Thomason: And so, there you go. Goes back to the original question, what sort of
weight does the Commission have (inaudible)?
Berg: And an awareness. And you have people because all it is is little bits and
pieces that you can acquire for them, the owners, to grab a hold of and incorporate,
then that’s half of your success. Because when you don’t own it and you don’t
control it what can you really force?
Lindgren: Have you talked to Lila about this award?
Turney: I was going to mention, do we want to talk with Lila because she has a lot
of history (inaudible). And it might be nice to (audible). And the other side of the
coin is to call the architect and the contractor because they have facts that can
substantiate some of the reasons why they have it. (inaudible) They were things
that they had to deal with that caused these things to occur. These are real world
issues. Now if the preservationists don’t want to acknowledge reality and just draw
onions haphazardly, then so be it.
Thomason: (unclear) To call a demolition unnecessary (unclear) is complete
ignorance of the situation.
Berg: I agree. I would put that thing right back at them. (inaudible)
Thomason: I’m sure they wrestled with this thing.
Lindgren: And the other thing is as a commission, I don’t know, my gut reaction to
defend ourselves. That’s not my gut reaction. My gut reaction is if you want to be
short-sighted (inaudible) so be it. You didn’t call us and ask us any information.
We’re not going to even respond to it. The other side of it is just as (inaudible). And
I don’t want to be too defensive to say to them (inaudible). But I do expect
(inaudible) Preservation Idaho. I do understand Orchids and Onions. I’ve been
involved in that and we think long and hard before we give an onion. Long and hard.
(inaudible) So the Onion Award was made for a reason, to make a point and slap
somebody. This was an inappropriate application of that.
Thomason: (inaudible) process of (inaudible).
Lindgren: I haven’t been on the actual -- I’ve been in on the nomination and I know
that.
Meridian Historic Preservation Commission
May 3, 2007
Page 19 of 19
Thomason: Mr. Chairman, not only do they state that the demolition was
unnecessary and short-sighted but if you read the opening paragraph, onions are
presented to those projects that have shown insensitivity to the city’s culture, which I
resent that.
Lindgren: W ell, I agree.
Thomason: (inaudible) but the wit in that article (inaudible) tone of it (inaudible).
Lindgren: I hear what you’re saying and (inaudible) you don’t want to dignify that but
I think in this case (inaudible). Maybe we have a lingering complex-like attitude in
the sense that for really decades we were nothing but a bedroom community to
Boise and taking a back seat to everything. W ell, excuse me, that is no longer the
case. Maybe look at it that way.
Berg: No, we have all the traffic and they don’t. (inaudible).
Lindgren: It’s true. (inaudible) they’re building their headquarters here. Boise City
is coming here for other various reasons.
Turney: W e’re the center of the Valley. And I’m the center of the universe.
Lindgren: W ell, there we go. (inaudible) Motion to adjourn. All those in favor say
aye.
FOUR AYES. ONE ABSENT. MOTION CARRIED.
12. Next Meeting: Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 5:30 pm
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:59 PM.
(TAPE ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
APPROVED:
_______________________________ _____|_____|_____
WALTER LINDGREN - CHAIRMAN DATE APPROVED
ATTEST:
___________________________
WILLIAM G. BERG, JR. - CITY CLERK