HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS

September 23, 2004

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

Roll Call: Present: Commissioners Joe Busch, Peter Girolamo, Susan Kott, Tom Stelling and Chairman Frank Cannella. Absent: Al Schvetz. Absent and excused: Judy Stone.

Also present Francesca Bumpurs of RCEDC.

Citizen Comments:

Chairman Cannella asked the Committee to approve moving Agenda Item #8 (Johnson Financial Group) to Item #1. He explained Commissioner Kott needed to be excused from the meeting early, Commissioner Stelling would be abstaining from discussion or voting on Item #8 and a quorum was needed for any action to be recommended. There were no objections.

Judith Schulz expressed concern regarding the status of satellite dishes in the HPC District. Chairman Cannella stated it was still under consideration and was being looked into by Pat Meehan. Chairman Cannella stated when additional information became available; he would present the findings.

Judith Schulz stated concern regarding the proposed ATM (Johnson Finance Group) being approved in the HPC District. She felt in terms of being historic, an ATM machine was contrary to what the Commission stood for. She hoped the best would be decided for the context of a historic look.

Certificate of Appropriateness Application
Johnson Financial Group, 105 West Chestnut Street, Burlington, WI

Commissioner Stelling removed himself to the gallery and abstained from any discussion or voting regarding 105 West Chestnut Street due a conflict of interest.

Dino Rizzitano of Stelling and Associates and David Bundy of Johnson Financial Group were present to answer questions regarding the Certificate of Appropriateness Application for Johnson Financial Group.

Chairman Frank Cannella started the discussion to confirm that windows would not be tinted. Mr. Rizzitano and Mr. Bundy both iterated the windows would not be tinted.

A lengthy discussion took place regarding the ATM machine and various ideas were discussed. Mr. Bundy explained that if the ATM machine were installed in an alternative location on the building, it would eliminate needed office space on the inside.

The Commissioners discussed the possibility of placing the ATM machine in the area of Sign number three. Mr. Bundy indicated the vault is scheduled for placement behind sign number three. Also discussed was possibly moving the ATM machine to the side of the building, but all agreed doing so would be a safety issue. They also discussed moving the ATM machine to another location on the building by cutting a hole. It was determined that the building was old and may not be able to withstand additional holes cut in the structure.

The Commissioners then discussed material to be placed around the ATM machine. They discussed using brick, but it was determined since there were already two different types of brick it would be impossible to the match the brick already in place. After a lengthy discussion, all felt that that wood would be the best choice.

Commissioner Girolamo motioned to recommend approval to the Plan Commissioner the Certificate of Appropriateness Application for Johnson Financial Group as submitted with wood framing around ATM machine. Seconded by Commissioner Kott.

Chairman Cannella asked if there was any further discussion, and Commissioner Busch stated he would like to see brick filled in around the ATM machine. Judith Schulz stated perhaps the machine be placed behind a door. Her concern was the HPC Committee would be setting a precedent by allowing infill. She felt by allowing an ATM it would be opening the door for future vending machines in the HPC District.

Chairman Cannella suggested approving everything but the ATM machine. Mr. Bundy indicated that they would like to start construction and waiting until next month would delay the project.

Chairman Cannella stated he was concerned with setting a precedent.

Chairman Cannella examined the City of Burlington code to find the section pertaining to non-contributing buildings in the Historic District and he apologized for the lengthy delay. He explained Pat Scherrer, Building Inspector for the City of Burlington was not at the meeting, and he would be the one who was knowledgeable in code requirements.

After reviewing City of Burlington code Chairman Cannella stated to the best of his knowledge a non-contributing building, such as the Johnson Financial Group building, would be allowed to install an ATM as long it was not against City of Burlington code. The Commissioners agreed that as long as City of Burlington code was followed, the ATM could be allowed.

Commissioner Busch motioned to amend the original motion to include wording that an ATM would be allowed as presented, as long as City of Burlington code was followed. Seconded by Commissioner Kott. There being no further discussion, a Roll Call vote was taken. All voted aye, with Commissioner Stelling abstaining from voting, and the motion carried. Roll call vote. Voting aye: Commissioners Busch, Girolamo, Kott and Chairman Cannella.

Nays: None

Commissioner Kott was excused from the meeting as she had another meeting to attend and Commissioner Stelling returned from the gallery at 7:25 P.M.

Approval of August 26, 2004 Minutes: Chairman Cannella entertained a motion for approval. Commissioner Girolamo motioned to approve the August 26, 2004. Seconded by Commissioner Busch. There was no further discussion, all voted aye, and the motion carried.

Approval of August 31, 2004 Minutes: Commission Stelling motioned for approval of the August 31, 2004 Minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Girolamo. There was no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

Certificate of Appropriateness Application
Paul Rizzo/Rizzo & Diersen
115 Commerce Street

Mr. Bruno Rizzo and Mr. Bill Morris presented the Certificate of Appropriateness Application for projects at 115 Commerce Street and 549 Milwaukee Avenue.

Chairman Cannella indicated to Mr. Rizzo that tinted windows are not allowable in the Historical District. Mr. Morris stated the windows would not be tinted.

The COA Application for 115 Commerce Street was proposed to remove eight (8) window frames on the second floor façade and four (4) first floor façade windows and replace them with double hung windows, and to remove and replace the existing door, keeping the historic look.

The 549 Milwaukee Avenue portion was proposed to remove two (2) window frames on the second floor facade and replace them with two (2) double hung windows. Four (4) first floor façade windows removed and replaced with double hung windows, keeping the historic look for all.

Mr. Morris stated the doors would be full view wood, similar to what currently is in place. No historical pictures were presented, nor any style number or pictures of replacement doors. Chairman Cannella stated that historic pictures could be obtained through Mr. Vande Sand of the Historical Society, and from the City of Burlington web site.

Mr. Morris indicated that the transom above the windows would be replaced with glass. Mr. Morris stated that they also wanted to install a round canopy. Chairman Cannella told them that round canopies were not HPC appropriate and only allowed if the doorway were curved.

A color choice for around the windows was flat black or possibly a bronze color was presented by Mr. Morris. After some discussion, Chairman Cannella suggested the Commission could recommend all items but the door styles, which could be presented at the next meeting.

Commissioner Stelling motioned to recommend approval to the Plan Commission of Mr. Rizzo's projects at 115 Commerce Street and 549 Milwaukee Avenue, with double hung windows, tuckpointng, and the color of the window framing to be light to medium bronze, based on matching with brick colors, and the balance of door styles to be presented at the October HPC meeting.

Façade Improvement Grant Application
Paul Rizzo/Rizzo & Diersen
115 Commerce Street and 549 Milwaukee Avenue, Burlington WI

Mr. Rizzo submitted contractor quotations for window replacement, door replacement and tuckpointing at 115 Commerce Street and 549 Milwaukee Avenue. Amounts submitted were for $10,500 for 115 Commerce Street and $9,500 for 549 Milwaukee Avenue.

Commissioner Stelling motioned to recommend tabling both addresses until all information has been received, but to hold their position. Seconded by Commissioner Busch.

All Commissioners agreed that the amounts would still be above the maximum allowable of $5000.00, and therefore they should amend the motion to include the dollar amounts.

Commissioner Stelling motioned to amend the original motion to include the dollar amounts up to 50%, or a maximum of $5000.00, for each address. Seconded by Commissioner Busch. There was no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried. A Roll Call Vote was taken. Voting aye: Commissioner Busch, Girolamo, Stelling, and Chairman Cannella. Nays: None.

Sign Permit Application
Larry Wells/Cherry Creek Mortgage Company
241 East Chestnut Street, Burlington, WI

Mr. Dennis Spankowski presented the Sign Permit Application for Cherry Creek Mortgage Company. The sign submitted would be 8' X 30', constructed out of composite PVC, and mounted on the sign band above the windows. A color picture rendering was presented.

The Commissioners discussed the proposed bright color green. Mr. Spankowski indicated the color would be more subdued than the computer generated drawing.

After discussion, Chairman Busch motioned to recommend to the Plan Commission approval of Mr. Wells' Sign Permit Application for 241 East Chestnut Street, with the color green more subdued than the computer generated color, and the border to match as close to the awning as possible. Seconded by Commissioner Stelling. There was no further discussion, all voted aye and the motion carried.

Discussion of Current Projects and Response Team Updates:

  • James Wallace, 124-126 W. Chestnut Street – façade improvements
  • Daniel Tenuta, 324 N. Pine Street – rear door; façade improvements
  • David Berlin, 581 N. Pine Street – front door
  • Linda Simion/La Vie en Rose & Forum, 532 N. Pine Street – various
  • Mary Mahoney/Nancy’s Hairs the Shop, 240 E. Chestnut Street – painting & shingles
  • Harry Bigelow , 481 Milwaukee Avenue – front door
  • Dave Oldenburg/Oldenburg Insurance, 100/112 E. Chestnut Street – awnings
  • Lee Rehberg and Cheryl Gapko/Closet 2 Closet , 456 Milwaukee Avenue – sign
  • Artistic Fibers, 324 N. Pine Street – sign
  • Dave Berlin/Cool Nails, 524 Milwaukee Avenue
  • Dave Berlin/Destin’s Antiques, 581 & 589 Pine Street

Nothing new to report on the above items as this time.

Review of Approved Projects and Grant Funding Status:

#2 Grant Funding: $50,000.00
Total Improvement Amount: $46,569.55
Total Grant Amount Approved: $18,086.91
Total Disbursed: 0
Balance remaining from second grant:
(includes pending applications)
$21,913.09
Balance Remaining from second grant: $21,913.09

Questions and Comments concerning potential/future projects:

Commissioner Girolamo stated there are currently three (3) signs that need to come down from businesses no longer at same location as their sign. The businesses being Artisen Taxidermy, Eagle Vision and Top Shelf.

Commissioner Girolamo stated since the HPC held a special meeting for Dave Berlin's project, it would have been nice to see the project started. Judith Schulz stated perhaps extra fees could be charged to the person requesting a special meeting.

Chairman Cannella stated what although it would be nice to see the project started, he reminded the Commissioners that applicants have one year from approval to be completed before funds are returned.

There being no further items for discussion, Chairman Cannella entertained a motion for adjournment. Commissioner Busch motioned for adjournment, seconded by Commissioner Girolamo. Chairman Cannella adjourned the meeting at 7:55 P.M.

 

Minutes Respectfully submitted by:

Deb Rintamaki
Department of Public Works

 

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