EAU CLAIRE
LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Meeting of June 6, 2011

Members Present: Jenny Ebert, Barbara Lozar, Katrinka Bourne, Patrick Kurtenbach, Carrie Ronnander, Karen Nusbaum, Kathy Mitchell

Members Absent:   None

Minutes.    The minutes of the May 2, 2011 meeting were approved as written.

The meeting was chaired by Jenny Ebert.

The Commission welcomed Kathy Mitchell to the Commission.  Kathy is the City Council representative on the Commission.

The Commission presented a plaque to Ken Fulgione for his six years of service on the Commission.

1. Discussion of Commission Rules and Procedures.

Steve Bohrer, Assistant City Attorney, was present at the meeting to discuss rules and operating procedures for the Commission meetings.  Mr. Bohrer indicated that he periodically attends various Commission meetings to update Commission members about such issues as: the open meetings law, public record requests, conflict of interest, etc.  Other topics discussed include: keeping meeting discussions related to the posted agenda, broadcast emails that can become “walking quorums”, and “negative” quorums.  He informed Commission members that if they had questions regarding these issues, that individual members were welcome to contact his office.

2. Consideration of any Applications for Certificate of Appropriateness including:

A. First Baptist Church at 416 Niagara Street.  Pat Ivory provided an overview of an application for Certificate of Appropriateness to replace an existing brick ground sign for the First Baptist Church located at 416 Niagara Street. The church is located in the Randall Park Historic Landmark District.  The sign would be 6 feet in height and 24 square feet in area.  The base of the sign would be made of brick to match the brick used for the church building.  The sign would not be illuminated internally.  Pat added that the Commission should consider the ten general review criteria contained in the ordinance as they review the proposal.

Mr. Loyed Arnold from the church was present at the meeting and discussed the sign.  Mr. Arnold stated that they hope to use the brick from the existing sign if possible.  If the brick is not reusable, they will locate brick to match as closely as possible.  Mr. Arnold also indicated that the church would attempt to utilize coloring for the sign that would complement the brick colors of the church building. 

The Commission discussed the proposed sign.  Katrinka Bourne stated that she had some concerns about the removal of the existing sign and that the replacement sign had a fairly modern appearance.  In addition, she felt that its shape and color was not appropriate.

ACTION TAKEN:  Kathy Mitchell moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement sign that would incorporate a brick base matching the brick of the church building. Barbara Lozar seconded the motion.  The motion carried with Katrinka Bourne and Pat Kurtenbach voting no.

B. 606 Fourth Avenue.  No information was submitted, so this item was tabled until information was submitted.
 
3. Update on Reconstruction Work at 310 Lake Street.

Pat Ivory updated the Commission on the reconstruction work at 310 Lake Street.  The roof trusses are to be delivered by June 10th, with work on the roof to begin the following week.  John Mogensen, the owner, hopes to have the building ready for occupancy by mid-September. 

4. Update on Landmark Activities and Properties.

A.  Preservation Month Project.  The Commission continued their discussion regarding the presentation of Frank Butterfield from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  The presentation would focus on the economic benefits of historic preservation and be held at the Chippewa Valley Museum.  At the previous meeting, the Commission discussed possible dates in the fall. 

Based on the schedule of Mr. Butterfield and the availability of the auditorium at the Museum, the Commission decided to schedule the presentation for the evening of Tuesday, September 27th.

B. Update from the Eau Claire Historic Preservation Foundation.  Pat Kurtenbach provided an update of Foundation activities, which included their annual home tour held on May 14th.  Pat indicated that the tour was well attended, although the weather was poor that day.  Pat also discussed some internship possibilities working with the Landmarks Commission to update the Commission’s tour booklet.
 
C. Commission Title Change Status.  The Commission discussed the status of the consideration of changing the title of the Commission as recommended in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  It was noted at the March 14th meeting, the Commission had initiated the process of changing the Commission’s title to the Eau Claire Heritage Commission.  The Commission discussed the proposed change and felt they should discuss other title options before they proceed with scheduling public hearings.  They noted that the recently drafted Commission mission statement should be used as guidance for the Commission.     

ACTION TAKEN:  Katrinka Bourne moved that the Commission delay scheduling public hearings on changing the title of the Commission and that they study other title options.  Barbara Lozar seconded the motion.  All votes were in favor.  Motion carried.

D. July Meeting of the Commission.  Jenny Ebert reminded Commission members that the July meeting (July 11th) would be held at the Chippewa Valley Museum.  Carrie Ronnander will provide an overview of the resources available at the Museum.

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

Submitted by,

Patrick Kurtenbach, Secretary