HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS

June 24, 2004

Chairman Frank Cannella called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.

Roll Call: Present: Commissioners Peter Girolamo, Susan Kott, Al Schvetz, Tom Stelling, Judy Stone and Chairman Frank Cannella. Absent and excused: Joe Busch. Also present was Jenny Trick of RCEDC and Pat Scherrer, Building Inspector for the City of Burlington.

Citizen's Comments: Chairman Frank Cannella stated one of many positive affects the Historic Preservation Commission has had on the downtown area is the increase of downtown property values. Downtown property values have increased on the average 19.2% since the inception of HPC in 2000. This percentage represents a significant increase when considering property values of homes in the area has been 8 to 9% overall.

Approval of May 27, 2004 Minutes: Chairman Cannella entertained a motion for approval of the May 27, 2004 Minutes. Commissioner Girolamo motioned for approval, seconded by Commissioner Stone. All voted aye and the motion carried.

Certificate of Appropriateness Application (Response Team visited 6/4/04)
Daniel Tenuta, 324 N. Pine Street

Chairman Cannella stated a Response Team visit had been made by Joe Busch, Susan Kott and himself. Francesa Bumpurs of RCEDC to Mr. Tenuta's project located at 324 N. Pine Street. Items resulting for recommendation for approval of that visit being tuck pointing and low-pressure washing of the brick façade. All bulkhead tile surfaces to be power washed to clean and restore. Transom glass trim to be dark brown, window framing to be dark brown or natural metal (if replaced will be similar to Veronico's). Inside doorway walls to be Weathered Shingle. Framing around doors to be Roycroft Suede. Bulk heads to remain glass with framing around glass to be Weathered Shingle and bulkhead sills to Roycroft Suede.

After some discussion, Chairman Cannella entertained a motion to recommend approval. Commissioner Girolamo motioned to recommend approval to the Plan Commission for Mr. Tenuta's Certificate of Appropriateness Application as presented through a Response Team visit. Seconded by Commissioner Schvetz. There was no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

Certificate of Appropriateness Application
Al & Louis Johnson/Linda Simion, 532 N. Pine Street

Ms. Simion came before the HPC to present her Certificate of Appropriateness Application for her project at 532 N. Pine Street.

The application proposed:

  1. A four-color paint scheme

Colors presented were Polished Mahogany SW2838, Rockwood Shutter Green SW2809, Rockwood Antique Gold SW2814 and High Gloss Black. Addendum D (presenting the crowns, cups, fascia and soffit) was discussed. After much discussion it was determined that Rockwood Shutter Green SW2809 should be omitted and the color Polished Mahogany SW2838 replacing it in all areas. Remaining colors to stay as presented.

Addendum E referring to the color scheme of the windows. Windows 1 through 19 color scheme Polished Mahogany SW2838, with framing presented as Rockwood Shutter Green SW2809. The Commissioners discussed Rockwood Shutter Green SW2809 and it should be omitted and replaced with Polished Mahogany SW2838. Addendum E also presented Item 20, which was the sign board area discussed below. Addendum B colors were discussed. The trim around the door presented as High Glass Black. Background above the door would be painted Gold.

  1. Installation of Plexiglas frame to area east of main doors where MDF was installed

Ms. Simion indicated that MDF board (which was approved previously) was not used. She stated that it would not be waterproof enough so plywood was used in place of the MDF. The Commissioners discussed in length the proposed 4' X 8' Plexiglas. Chairman Cannella strongly urged the Commissioners to be aware of what precedent they may be setting if something this large is allowed. The possibility of decreasing the area to 2' X 3' was discussed.

Ms. Simion strongly disagreed with the Commissioners as she stated she wanted it large enough to place several 8" X 10" pictures of performers in addition to having a menu on display.

Chairman Cannella reminded the Commissioners that although the current proposed business is there now, if they decide not to open, as possibly indicated by Ms. Simion, the City will be setting precedent by allowing such a large sign board, thereby opening up sign boards to anyone in the District.

Ms. Simion had not provided a detailed drawing for the Committee. The Commissioners thought it best if the Plexiglas installation (Item 2) was tabled until the next meeting to allow Ms. Simion time to obtain a suitable drawing to present to the Committee allowing them to make an appropriate decision.

  1. Installation of treated framing and finishing materials to two front façade east windows

Ms. Simion presented Addendum F, which presented the two windows being framed in Polished Mahogany SW2838 and Rockwood Shutter Green SW2809. Since the Rockwood Shutter Green SW2809 was omitted from other areas, everyone was in agreement it would be best to omit Shutter Green SW2809 from this area and replace it with Polished Mahogany SW2828.

  1. Installation of new awning/canopy at front entrance

Ms. Simion presented a picture rendering (Addendum G) and provided material sample for the canopy she was requesting approval on. The color of the canopy would be gold with black scallops. It would be mounted above the doorframe, with the size being 7'8" X 4". Ms. Simion stated the hardware from the previous canopy was still in place and that she would reuse the same hardware but would have new framing. She also requested to keep the same light and symbol above the door, which is presently there. The Commissioners discussed the size of the awning in addition to no graphics were being requested to be put onto the awning.

  1. Installation of brass plate and handle to west entrance

A polished 6" X 18" polished brass plate around the door handles was proposed for the front facade first floor doors. The Commissioners discussed the size of the proposed plate and code requirements for this type of item. They also were concerned with the plate not projecting past the style or vertical shafts of the door.

  1. Installation of brass address number on façade.

The address numbers on the façade were presented to be done in polished brass, which the Commissioners discussed code requirements on address size.

  1. Carpeting

Chairman Cannella stated that carpeting was not under the guidelines of HPC.

After a very lengthy discussion regarding Items 1 through 6, Commissioner Stelling motioned to recommend to the Plan Commission approval of:

Item 1:  A three (3) color scheme:

  • Polished Mahogany SW2838

  • Rockwood Antique Gold SW2814

  • High Glass Black, deleting the Rockwood Shutter Green SW2809. Window trim to be one color, Polished Mahogany SW2838.

  • The first floor entry door to be painted gloss black and the sides surrounding the door painted Polished Mahogany SW2838 as presented in Addendum B. Seconded by Commissioner Girolamo. There being no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

Chairman Cannella then asked if there was any further discussion. Commissioner Schvetz stated he thought more detail was needed under Item 2, Installation of Plexiglas frame to area east of main doors. Commissioner Stone also indicated that additional information was needed and felt the item should be tabled until the next meeting. All felt too many details were left open.

Commissioner Stelling motioned to recommend tabling Item two (2) regarding installation of Plexiglas frame until the next meeting when more details could be provided for HPC review. Seconded by Commissioner Kott. All voted aye, there was no further discussion and the motion carried.

Commissioner Stelling motioned to recommend approval of Item Three (3) Installation of framing of two windows, Items 18 and 19 on Addendum E to be the same matching shape and horizontal form to match what is currently existing. Seconded by Commissioner Kott. All voted aye and the motion carried.

Chairman Cannella entertained a motion for approval of the canopy. Commissioner Girolamo motioned to recommend approval to the Plan Commission of Item Four (4) as presented with the canopy being Corn #6318 in color with black braided scallops and no graphics to be mounted above the door frame. Seconded by Commissioner Kott. There was no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

Commissioner Steeling motioned to recommend approval to the Plan Commission of Item Five (5) to install a polished brass plate around the first floor front façade door handles being 6" X 18". Seconded by Commissioner Kott. There was no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

Commissioner Stelling motioned to recommend approval to the Plan Commission Item Six (6) to allow installation of brass address number on the front façade as long as they meet City of Burlington code. Seconded by Commissioner Stone. There was no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

Chairman Cannella stated the subject of lighting also needed to be presented. He stated to Ms. Simion the issue of lighting type along with a picture rendering would need to be presented to the HPC Committee and approved prior to any lighting being installed.

Chairman Cannella explained the Grant Application process to Ms. Simion. Chairman Cannella stated he felt the process should be explained to her again due to the fact of item nine (9) of her letter requesting HPC to specify in writing within 48 hours any and all necessary actions or deadlines.

Chairman Cannella indicated to Ms. Simion the Grant Application Form must be filled out and presented to the HPC Committee. Once the Grant Application has been submitted and recommended for approval, it will then reserve the applicants' place in line for Grant monies. If no monies are available at that particular time, the applicant can remain on a list, to be eligible for monies should they become available.

After the project has been completed, without deviations, paid lien waivers are to be submitted. The project will then be inspected and recommended for payment at the next HPC meeting after all steps of the process have been completed. Payment is made up to a maximum of 50% up to a total amount of $5000.00, less any previous grant payment amounts previously paid to the property.

Certificate of Appropriate Application
David Berlin, 581 N. Pine Street

David Berlin's Certificate of Appropriate Application was presented requesting to replace the front solid wood door with a 3/4-oval pane wood door to fit the existing 36" X 80" frame. The door will be stained and finished.

The Commissioners discussed the color of the door, and what colors would contrast with hunter green trim and brown brick. After some discussion the Commissioners were conclusive that the color Downy Straw would be an appropriate contrasting color.

Chairman Cannella entertained a motion to recommend approval. Commissioner Girolamo motioned to recommend approval to the Plan Commission for David Berlin's Certificate of Appropriateness Application as presented with the door being painted Downy Straw. Seconded by Commissioner Stone. There was no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

Discussion of Current Projects and Response Team Updates.

  • Jack David, 501 Milwaukee Ave. - door style and paint
    Not completed. Has one year from application date.

  • Shawn Murphy, 489 Milwaukee Ave. - façade sign
    Completed

  • Matt Daniels, 425 N. pine St. - painting
    Not completed.

  • Janey Hoerneman, 209 & 221 E. Chestnut St. - gate
    Letter mailed regarding gate.

  • Larry Fritz, 216 E. Washington St. - ducts
    Completed. Remove from list.

  • James Wallace, 124-126 W. Chestnut St. - façade improvements
    Not completed. Has one year from application date.

  • Justin Skrzynecki, 101 W. Chestnut St. - sign
    Business moved. Remove from list.

  • Jose Aranda, 241 E. Chestnut St. - windows
    Completed. Remove from list.

Request from City Council for a recommendation regarding commercial use of sidewalks.

A letter was presented from David Torgler, City Administrator regarding Commercial Use of Public Right of Way. Mr. Torgler was seeking input from the HPC Commissioners and asking for their input.

After much discussion, the Commissioners concluded that perhaps the following provisions could be added and/or included in with the recommended items. Any seating allowed should have permit wording added to state forty-two inches (42") from back of curb or if applicable, back of obstruction, i.e. light pole. The word furniture should be removed and replaced with the word benches. Any removal of tables, chairs, or trash receptacles needing to be removed by the City, will be back charged to business owner.

The Commissioners also discussed recommending no items to be allowed during parades. They also felt to allow fairness to tenants and business owners that no set up of outdoor tables, etc. should take place prior to 7:00 A.M. to be allowed or out after 9:00 P.M. They also felt wording should be added stating no candles be allowed outside.

The Commissioners also discussed who would be liable for items that are placed in the Right of Way. They discussed perhaps a liability release form would have to be signed when the business owner applies for the right of way permit. Also brought up for discussion was the question of who would be enforcing such an ordinance. The Commissioners also discussed that the permit should be renewed annually.

Pat Scherrer, Building Inspector indicated his workload did not allow him time to monitor neither placement nor other requirements. Pat Scherrer stated perhaps Department of Public Works could monitor the items, since they currently process right of way permits.

Chairman Cannella stated that he would discuss with David Torgler, City Administrator items in questions and pass along the Committee's suggestions.

Review of Approved Projects and Grants Funding Status
HPC Grant Funding - $180,000 (#1)

Total Improvement:

$564,721.48

Grant Amounts Approved:

$187,696.12

Total Disbursed:

$187,696.12

Balance Remaining from First Grant + Interest:

$0.00

HPC Grant Funding - $33,000 (#2)

Total Improvement:

$35,034.03

 
Grant Amounts Approved:

$13,458.72

 
Returned:

$3850/$1925

David Berlin 316-332 N. Pine St.

 

$4025/$2012.50

David Berlin 336-344 N. Pine St.

Total Disbursed:

$42,080.72

 
Balance Remaining from 2nd Grant:

$19,541.28

 

Also noted: Additional $17,000 due to be deposited into HPC account in the near future.

Questions and Comments concerning potential/future projects.

Commissioner Girolamo questioned if a previous owner had applied for grant monies when the maximum was $7500, but did not use it all, and came back before the HPC under the current $5000 limit, would they fall under the $7500 or the new $5000 limit. Chairman Cannella explained that anyone currently coming before HPC is now under the $5000 limit.

There being no further items for discussion, Chairman Cannella entertained a motion for adjournment. Commissioner Girolamo motioned for adjournment, seconded by Commissioner Kott. All voted aye and Chairman Cannella adjournment the meeting at 9:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by:

Deb Rintamaki
Department of Public Works

 

Copyright © 2001-2008, City of Burlington. All rights reserved.