EAU CLAIRE
LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Meeting of September 12, 2011

Members Present: Jenny Ebert, Katrinka Bourne, Patrick Kurtenbach, Carrie Ronnander, Kathy Mitchell

Members Absent:   Karen Nusbaum

Minutes.    The minutes of the August 1, 2011 meeting were approved as written.

The meeting was chaired by Jenny Ebert.

1. Recognition/Remembrance of Barbara Lozar.

The Commission discussed the recent death of Barbara Lozar on August 11th.  A ceremony honoring her life was held at the University on August 30th, which was attended by several Commission members.  The Commission noted that a scholarship fund had been established in Barbara’s name at the University and that the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood Association was planning some type of recognition.

2. Recommendation on Revised Guidelines for Historic Residential Loan Program.

Pat Ivory provided an overview of the revised guidelines for the Commission’s Historic Residential Loan Program.  Pat indicated that the changes were being proposed to update the provisions to make them consistent with the provisions of the rehabilitation loan program administered by the City Housing Authority.  The primary change relates to the loan amount limits based on the number of dwellings in a structure.

The Commission discussed the changes and suggested that as the loan limits change with the Housing Authority, that the loan limits for the Historic Residential Loan Program change accordingly.  The Commission also suggested a wording change in the section titled “Ineligible Improvements.”

ACTION TAKEN:  Katrinka Bourne moved to approve the revised guidelines noting the one wording change in the last line of the section “Ineligible Improvements” that the word HUD be added in front of “housing quality standards” and that the loan amount limits change automatically to reflect the amounts used by the City Housing Authority.  Kathy Mitchell seconded the motion.  All votes were in favor.  Motion carried.

3. Discussion of Historic Preservation Program on September 27.

Pat Ivory updated the Commission on the September 27th presentation focusing on the economic benefits of owning an older home or building.  Frank Butterfield from the National Trust for Historic Preservation will be a presenter and Pat indicated that Jennifer Davel, Preservation Architect, from the Wisconsin Historical Society also agreed to attend and discuss the Federal and State tax credit program.  The presentation will be held at the Chippewa Valley Museum. 

Pat informed the Commission that notices had gone out in the mail for the program.  In addition, the Realtors Association, newspaper, Community Television, neighborhood associations had been contacted.  A notice of the program is also posted on the City’s website.  The Commission also suggesting sending information about the program to:  the Chippewa Valley Home Builders, Volume One, S.A. Baker Construction, Dr. John Mann, and Sue Nelson.

4. Update on Landmark Activities and Properties.

A.  Update on South Barstow Street Reconstruction and Riverfront Concepts.  Pat Ivory provided an overview of the concept drawings prepared by Ayres Associates regarding the reconstruction of South Barstow Street and Eau Claire Street and the riverfront improvements at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers.  It was noted that the concept drawings are posted on the Ayres Associates website and Commission members were encouraged to comment on the drawings.  The Commission asked Pat Kurtenbach to represent the Commission at any future public meetings on this issue.  (Barbara Lozar previously represented the Commission.)

B. Commission Vacancy.  The Commission discussed the current vacancy on the Commission due to the death of Barbara Lozar.  Barbara’s term on the Commission would have gone to the end of 2013.  The Commission reviewed the listing of persons interested in serving on the Commission.  They noted that Ken Fulgione would be eligible to return to the Commission after the end of 2011.  Ken Ziehr would be currently eligible and could serve as a representative from the Randall Park neighborhood.  The Commission indicated that they would encourage the Appointments Committee to consider Ken Ziehr for Barbara Lozar’s position on the Commission.

C. Update from Eau Claire Historic Preservation Foundation.  Pat Kurtenbach provided an update of Foundation activities, including the drafting of a new mission statement for the Foundation.

D. Review of CLG Annual Report.  The Commission reviewed the Commission’s 2010 CLG Annual Report.
 
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.  

Submitted by,

Patrick Kurtenbach, Secretary