HomeMy WebLinkAbout08272014 Historic Preservation Minutes City of Seward,Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
August 27, 2014 Volume 2, Page 245
Call to Order
The August 27,2014 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to
order at 6:08 p.m. by Chair Linda Lasota.
Opening Ceremony
Commissioner French led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
Roll Call
There were present: -
Linda Lasota presiding, and
John French Wadeen Hepworth
Laura Erickson(arrived at 6:25 p.m.) Wolfgang Kurtz
comprising a quorum of the Commission; an
Valarie Kingsland, Library Museum Director
Rachel James, Program Coordinator
Jim Hunt, City Manager
Brenda Ballou, Deputy City Clerk
Vacancy- One
Absent-Hedman
Special Reports
City Administration Report,Library Museum Director Valarie Kingsland said tomorrow
would be Founders Day and there would be a celebration at the library for the public. The new
Collections Coordinator would start next week. Kingsland would attend the Museums Alaska
Conference in Seward from October 1-4, 2014 with the new Collections Coordinator. Kingsland
reported that Parks and Recreation Director Karin Sturdy asked whose responsibility it was to
maintain the plaque at the Founders Memorial;City Manager Jim Hunt added that Dan Seavey had
recently asked the city to reaffirm its commitment to the care and maintenance of the Founders
Memorial.
French reported that the Parks and Recreation Department had declined to maintain the
Hoeben Park planters;Hunt said the city would take care of the planters if French would send him a
written request to that effect.
City of Seward,Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
August 27, 2014 Volume 2, Page 246
New Commissioner Welcome
Wolfgang Kurtz said he was interested in Seward's history and was active throughout the
community.He saw opportunities for public education,and the restoration and preservation of many
locations. He wanted to help raise awareness and felt like he had a good handle on what Seward's
historical assets were.
Wadeen Hepworth said it was an honor to be a commissioner and was excited to be
involved. She wanted to make a difference and have a part in identifying important places.
Other Reports,Announcements and Presentations -None
Citizens' comments on agenda items not scheduled for public hearing and other items not
included on the agenda. -None
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion (French/Kurtz) Approve the Agenda
Lasota moved Unfinished Business to follow Informational Items and Reports.
French added Item B to Informational Items and Reports for the Alaska Museums Conference.
There were no consent agenda items.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Laura Erickson said she was happy to be on the commission.
Public Hearings -None
New Business
Historic Preservation Award
The commission directed administration to advertise for nominations in the local newspapers
with a deadline of Tuesday, September 30, 2014. Further, administration was asked to check the
plaque for this award and determine if a new one needed to be ordered.Nominations would then
appear on the October 15, 2014 Historic Preservation Commission agenda for consideration.
Informational Items and Reports (No action required)
2014 Founders Day Proclamation
Alaska Museums Conference
City ofSewarc,Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
August 27, 2014 Volume 2, Page 247
Unfinished Business
Historic Preservation Plan Project Update
Hunt said this plan was funded some years ago with approximately $13,000 in Certified
Local Government (CLG) grant money and there was nothing outlined in the city's budget for
repaying the grant in the event that the deadline for submission was not met. He reminded the
commission that the plan was a living document and the commission could continue to work on the
plan and develop it.His recommendation was that the commission approve the plan and submit it for
the September 22,2014 City Council meeting in order to satisfy the grant requirements.
French said he believed that Juneau had received three separate CLG grants over the course
of three years and were able to piggyback them,which essentially resulted in providing them with an
extension period. The public comment period on the plan was open until September 5, 2014 and
French didn't believe that allowed the commission enough time to digest the feedback and
incorporate any necessary changes.
Hunt suggested the commission submit the plan in its draft form; even in its current draft
form,submitting the plan to the City Council for approval was both adequate and appropriate.Hunt
and Program Coordinator Rachel James agreed that the commission could finalize the draft form
of the plan at the HP meeting on September 17,2014 meeting,and then submit the plan for review at
the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on October 7, 2014, and for review at the City
Council meeting on October 13,2014.James said her understanding of the grant requirements was
that no grant money could be spent after September 30, 2014 and materials would have to be
submitted by mid-October.
Hepworth supported the idea of submitting the plan in draft form to the City Council for
approval with the understanding that all public and commissioner comments would be considered.
Lasota was in favor of putting forward the draft plan forward to the Planning and Zoning
Commission and then City Council for approval as suggested. She added that in order to apply for a
new CLG grant to further the work on the plan, the commission would have to complete the
application by October 6, 2014.
The commission scheduled a work session to follow the regular HP meeting on September 17,
2014 to discuss applying for a new CLG grant to continue refining the Historic Preservation
Commission plan.
The commission scheduled a meeting on September 23,2014 to turn in the current CLG grant
to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
Commission Comments
French said the laydowns he provided tonight related to strengthening the Historic
Preservation Commission plan.
City of Seward,Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
August 27, 2014 Volume 2, Page 248
James said Appendix A of the grant agreement gave the direction that the Historic
Preservation Commission must submit a draft of the plan to Planning and Zoning Commission,but
not to City Council for approval. She felt that was an oversight and recommended that the
commission follow through with their intention to submit the plan to City Council on October 13,
2014.
Citizens' Comments -None
Commission& Administration Response to Citizens' Comments -None
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
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