EAU CLAIRE
LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Meeting of May 2, 2011

Members Present: Jenny Ebert, Barbara Lozar, Katrinka Bourne, Patrick Kurtenbach, Carrie Ronnander

Members Absent:   Karen Nusbaum

Minutes.    The minutes of the April 4, 2011 meeting were approved as written.

The meeting was chaired by Jenny Ebert.

The Commission presented a plaque to Sue Nelson for her six years of service on the Commission.

1. Consideration of an Application for Certificate of Appropriateness for 409 Water Street.

Pat Ivory provided an overview of an application for Certificate of Appropriateness to install a new awning covering fabric and new sign for Eberts and Gerbert’s located at 409 Water Street, part of the Pioneer Block.  The awning would be blue in color with cream colored lettering and a red stripe near the bottom.  The same framework would be used, so there would not be a change in the design or style of the awning.  
 
Charity Wefer from Eberts and Gerbert’s was present at the meeting and discussed the awning.  Mr. Wefer stated that they had several sign design options for the awning which she showed to the Commission. 

The Commission indicated that they liked the blue color and noted that the other sign designs would be acceptable.  Regarding the words “Delivery” and “Catering”, if they are included, they must be placed within 8” of the main portion of the sign.  They also stated that these words should not be placed on the valence portion of the awning.

Katrinka Bourne indicated that she felt that the new valence could include the scalloped edging as the existing awning or could be designed without the scalloped edge.

ACTION TAKEN:  Katrinka Bourne moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the new awning fabric covering and new sign design noting that the valence for the new awning can be scalloped (as the existing awning) or not scalloped.  In addition, the various sign designs presented to the Commission are acceptable, noting that if the words “Delivery” and “Catering” are included as part of the sign, they must be placed within 8” of the main portion of the sign.  Also, these words shall not be placed on the valence portion of the awning.  Barbara Lozar seconded the motion.  All votes were in favor.  Motion carried.

2. Update on the Status of 310 Lake Street.

Pat Ivory updated the Commission on the status of the reconstruction work at 310 Lake Street.  The design for the roof trusses is nearing completion and the trusses will be constructed over the next couple weeks.  Mr. Mogensen anticipates actual construction of the roof to begin by June 1st.  Pat indicated that he would ask Mr. Mogensen to attend the June meeting of the Commission to provide an update.

3. Recommendation on the Commission Mission Statement.

The Commission continued their discussion on the wording of the mission statement for the Commission.  Several changes were suggested at the April meeting, which were included in the latest draft.

ACTION TAKEN:  Barbara Lozar moved to approve the mission statement.  Patrick Kurtenbach seconded the motion.  All votes were in favor.  Motion carried.

4. Discussion of Third Ward Landmark District Report to the City Manager.

The Commission reviewed the latest draft of the report to the City Manager summarizing the findings of the Commission relating to the questionnaire, public meeting, and research completed by the Commission relating to the Third Ward Historic District.  Several changes noted at the April meeting were included in the latest draft.  This report will be forwarded to the City Manager’s office.  He will in turn forward it to the members of the City Council in one of their informational packets. 

The Commission also discussed the section relating to property values.  Jenny Ebert stated that she completed some research of specific sales figures for the Third Ward, which supported the narrative in the report and therefore the report didn’t need to be revised. 

Pat noted that Sue Nelson suggested adding wording to the report relating to the results of the questionnaire clarifying the number of individual property owners that responded.

ACTION TAKEN:  Katrinka moved to forward the report to the City Manager’s Office with the change suggested regarding the questionnaire.  Carrie Ronnander seconded the motion.  All votes were in favor.  Motion carried.

5. Update on Landmark Activities and Properties.

A.  Preservation Month Project.  The Commission continued their discussion regarding sponsoring some type of activity for Preservation Month.  At the April meeting, the Commission discussed selling pie and ice cream at one of the City Band concerts.  However, Jenny Ebert noted that she had met with Frank Butterfield from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and that Mr. Butterfield indicated that he would be interested in coming to Eau Claire to do a presentation regarding the economic benefits of historic preservation. 

The Commission indicated that this might be a good alternative to the pie and ice cream social since they have undertaken the pie and ice cream social several times in the past and the topic of the economic benefits of historic preservation has been mentioned at several Commission meetings within the past year.  The Commission suggested sponsoring the meeting/presentation in the early fall and possibly at the Chippewa Valley Museum.  Pat indicated that he would contact Mr. Butterfield and the museum.

B. Update from the Eau Claire Historic Preservation Foundation.  Pat Kurtenbach provided an update of Foundation activities, which included their annual home tour on May 14th. 
 
C. Update on South Barstow Street Project.  Pat Ivory provided an update of the public meetings held to obtain input on design issues related to the eventual reconstruction of South Barstow Street.   

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.  

Submitted by,

Patrick Kurtenbach, Secretary