HomeMy WebLinkAbout05172017 Historic Preservation Minutes City of Seward,Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
May 17, 2017 Volume 3,Page 103
CALL TO ORDER
The May 17, 2017 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order
at 6:39 p.m. by Chair Linda Lasota.
OPENING CEREMONY
Commissioner Hepworth led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Linda Lasota presiding, and John French
Wolfgang Kurtz Fred Woelkers
Wadeen Hepworth Laura Erickson
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Valarie Kingsland, Library Museum Director
Madeline McGraw, Library Museum Curator
Ron Long, Assistant City Manager
SPECIAL REPORTS
City Administration Report: Kingsland gave Commissioners informational laydowns
concerning the Seward Community Library and Museum and its summer "Movie@2" program. In
response to Lasota,Kingsland stated that any correspondence received by the Commission could be found
in the packet.
Chair Lasota, Chair Report: Lasota stated that the Resurrection Bay Historical Society would
be sponsoring the Chamber Luncheon to be held on May 26, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at the Breeze Inn. She
also shared that the Zudy's Cafe building would be celebrating its 100"'birthday this year, and that there
would be a celebration held at the end of the summer.
Friends of the Jesse Lee Home Report: Long stated that the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home had
two years left in their agreement with the City of Seward, and that the City would not be giving more
funds to the organization until it showed that work was being done.
Resurrection Bay Historical Society Report: French stated that there would be a Fourth
Thursday talk held in the Community Room of the Seward Community Library and Museum on May 25,
2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Iditarod Trail Blazers Report: Hepworth stated that there would be a celebration of the
beginning of the Iditarod Trail held on June 4 and 5, 2017, at the Benson Pavilion. She also stated that the
Trailblazers would be putting together a flier to be given out at the Seward train station, which would
allow people to receive stamps for walking the Trail.
Alaska Nellie Materials Report: Hepworth stated that she had spoken to Scott Sewell, who said
that snow had caused some roofs at the Alaska Nellie property to cave in. She also stated that he was
searching for additional funding sources for building care. In response to Kurtz, Hepworth stated that she
did not believe the property currently had a caretaker.
Mapping Project-Historical Properties Report:No report.
City of Seward,Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
May 17, 2017 Volume 3,Page 104
CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC
HEARING AND OTHER ITEMS NOT INCLUDED ON AGENDA—None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (French/Kurtz) Approval of Agenda and Consent
Agenda
Add agenda item 9A "Discuss and Approve Special Meeting for May 26, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in Council
Chambers"under New Business.
Motion Passed Unanimous
PUBLIC HEARINGS—None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discuss the Commission's Role in the Possible Preservation of City properties, including Park &
Recreation Warehouse Building (KPB parcel #1452609 702 Aspen Lane); AK Dept. of
Transportation (DOT) Building (KPB parcel # 14732006 412 B Street); Army (KPB parcel
#14502604 2209 &2305 Diamond Blvd); and Airforce (KPB#14502607 2109 Diamond Blvd).
General discussion was given by Commissioners and Assistant City Manager Ron Long. In response to
the Commission, Long discussed each property, its value, and its relationship to the City. French stated
that in regards to the Parks and Recreation Warehouse, the Commission had good ideas, but they
depended upon being able to work with City Administration. In response to this, Long stated that he did
not have answers,but now had better knowledge of what the Commission wanted.
Discuss How the Commission Should Coordinate and Facilitate its Input to the City and Other
Entities Regarding AHPA Section 106 Compliance for Projects within the Commission's
Geographic Area of Responsibility.
French stated that the Commission could make more meaningful comments on this topic if they worked
more closely with City Administration and other City departments. In response to this, Long requested
that any letters be sent to City Administration before the Commission contacted City department leaders.
Long also stated that an Alaska Department of Transportation presentation on the Seward Roads Project
would be held in the Seward Community Library and Museum on May 24,2017 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Statement on Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT)Building on Sixth Avenue.
Woelkers requested that this item be left on Unfinished Business for the September 20, 2017 regular
meeting.
Review and Discuss Letter from SHPC to Seward Association for the Advancement of Marine
Science (SAAMS, aka ASLC) Board of Directors, "Importance of Maintaining the Historical
Integrity of the Seward Historic Downtown Business District; Especially the Vacant Properties at
the Base of Fourth Avenue".
Erickson stated that this letter had been written and rewritten,but that there were still changes to be made,
and that she would give the letter to French for his final decision. Long stated he was encouraged that
there had been dialogue with the SeaLife Center,but that the Commission should advise City Council,not
Seward businesses. Lasota concurred that this was the advisement given to the Commission by the City
Clerk.
City of Seward,Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
May 17, 2017 Volume 3,Page 105
Update on Proposed Snow River Hydroelectric Project.
Woelkers stated that the proposal and permit for this project had been withdrawn. Discussion on this item
was tabled and should not be listed on the September 20, 2017 agenda.
Update on Hoben Park Beautification Project.
Lasota stated she would be buying supplies within the week for this project, and that the cost would be
roughly $75.00. Kingsland stated that the funds would be covered, and asked that Lasota send her any
receipts for the project.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss and Approve Special Meeting for May 26, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Motion (Kurtz/Hepworth) Approve special meeting for May 26,
2017
Lasota stated that the only topic for this meeting's agenda would be "Resolution 2017-003, approval of
the Seward Historic Preservation Plan".
Motion Passed Unanimous
Request an Update from City Administration on the Status of the Lowell Tunnel at a Future
Meeting.
General discussion was given on the Lowell Tunnel by Long and Commissioners. Long stated that this
project was an important feat in modern engineering, was historically valuable, and should be
remembered.
Discuss the Draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Advice to City Council.
In response to Lasota, Long stated that the proposed amendments by Council Member Squires to the 2030
Comprehensive Plan that were included in the packet on page 11 were clerical errors, which he wanted to
share with the Commission. He also stated that any clerical changes requested by the Commission to the
historic section of the Comprehensive Plan could be sent to Administration.
Review and Revise Founder's Day Proclamation.
Motion (French/Woelkers) Approve amended Founder's Day
proclamation
The Commission reviewed the proclamation and made technical changes.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Review and Approve Resolution 2017-002: A Resolution of the Seward Historic Preservation
Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska, Requesting Council Adopt the 2017 Commission
Priorities.
Motion (French/Erickson) Approve Resolution 2017-002
Lasota stated that the amended Priorities List was given to the Commission as a laydown.
Motion Passed Unanimous
City of Seward,Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
May 17, 2017 Volume 3,Page 106
Discuss Memo from City Clerk on Motions and Amendments.
Lasota stated that the Commission appreciated this reminder from the City Clerk.
Update on and Discussion of the FY 2016 Historic Preservation Fund CLG Grant to Provide Copy
Edit and Format of the Draft Historic Preservation Plan.
Kingsland stated that she included the grant application, agreement, scope of work, and proposed budget
which was submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in the packet. She also stated that
she received an email from Jean Eyres on May 12, 2017 that the grant had been approved. In response to
Lasota, Long stated that a contractor had not yet been found, and that this needed to comply with the City
of Seward procurement process.
Discuss and Request that Future City Council Agenda Statements include the Seward Historic
Preservation Plan in the Consistency Checklist.
Long stated that future City Council agenda statements could include the Seward Historic Preservation
Plan in the Consistency Checklist.
Discuss Election of Chair and Vice Chair.
Motion (French/Kurtz) Delay election of Chair and Vice
Chair until September 20, 2017
meeting
Motion Passed Yes: Kurtz, Erickson, French,
Hepworth
No: Woelkers, Lasota
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (no action required)
Alaska Historic Preservation Plan-draft goals and objectives, dated April 14,2017.
Draft Seward Historic Preservation Plan with comments from SHPO, dated April 17,2017.
SHPO suggestions for Seward Historic Plan, dated April 26,2017.
Department of the Interior news release concerning Historic Preservation grants, dated April 27, 2017.
ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS
Long thanked the Commission for its work on the Historic Preservation Plan.
Kingsland thanked the Commission for its work on the Historic Preservation Plan. She also
clarified that the May 26, 2017 special meeting would be held to review and approve the Historic
Preservation Plan and Resolution 2017-003, and urged the Commission to view what would be on the
September agenda from the Staffed Meeting Schedule at page 96 of the packet. She also thanked the
Commissioners whose terms were completed, and stated that their volunteer work with the Commission
had been important to the Seward Community.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Hepworth thanked Ron Long for coming to the meeting, and Lasota for her work as Chair.
City of Seward,Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
May 17, 2017 Volume 3,Page 107
Kurtz thanked Lasota, Long, and the departing Commissioners.
Woelkers thanked Long for attending the meeting.
Erickson thanked Long for attending the meeting, Kingsland and McGraw for their work as staff
and administration, the Commissioners, and Lasota for her work as Chair.
French thanked Long for attending the meeting.
Lasota thanked Long for attending the meeting, Kingsland and McGraw, and the Commissioners
for working well together during their terms.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS—None
COMMISSION & ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Madeline McGraw, Curator Linda Lasota, Chair
ATTEST:
Johanna Kinney, CMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
These minutes were approved by the Historic Preservation Commission at the September 20, 2017
meeting and recorded in November 2019.