HomeMy WebLinkAbout04112024 Historic Preservation MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2024 Volume 3, Page 382
CALL TO ORDER
The April 11, 2024, regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order
at 6:15 p.m. by Chair Tanguy Libbrecht.
OPENING CEREMONY
Commissioner Benoit led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Tanguy Libbrecht, presiding, and
Sue Ward Mary Ann Benoit
Dona Walker
Laura-Eriecson Todd Mashlan
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Allison Stacy, Museum Curator
Kris Peck, City Clerk
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Excused — Erickson, LeMaster
Absent — None
Vacant — None
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT - None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Ward/Mashlan) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approval of the January 11, 2024, Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS
Proclamations and Awards -None
City Administration Report -None
City of Seward, Alaska
April 11, 2024
Chair Report
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
Volume 3, Page 383
Chair Tanguy Libbrecht said he was thankful to have a full commission. Libbrecht noted the
commission's support for the Brown & Hawkins CLG grant application. He said the Historic
Walking Tour continued to gain popularity. The new walk tour QR code was being utilized for the
digital version of the walking tour map. Lastly, Libbrecht thanked the new Museum Curator and
the clerk's office for their assistance to the commission.
Other Reports and Announcements
Historic Preservation Facebook Page Report
Benoit provided an update of the Historic Preservation Facebook posts, clink -links, content
interaction, demographics, and followers. She said there was a jump of 170 new followers. There
would be a new post going out shortly to congratulate the latest recipients of the Historic
Preservation Commission awards. Lastly, Benoit said there would be posts for new events taking
place during Historic Preservation Month.
Presentations - None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
Other New Business
Approve the 2024 Historic Preservation Award Recipient
Libbrecht noted there had been no nominations received. The commission recommended
extending the deadline to April 25, 2024 and heavily advertise it to encourage nominations.
Assign Council Date to present 2024 Historic Preservation Award
Libbrecht said the May 28, 2024 council meeting would work if they received a nomination.
Assign Council Date for presenting the 2023 HPC Annual Report
Libbrecht said May 28, 2024 would be a good a date to present a report.
Approve National Historic Preservation Month Activities
Libbrecht said the commission had a vibrant work session discussion on Historic Preservation
Month activities.
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City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2024 Volume 3, Page 384
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Reminder of Meetings
Regular Meeting and Work Session on Thursday, August 8, 2024
Other Items
CLG Process Updates (Seward Historic Register & Historic Walking Tour)
Libbrecht said there were so many other great applicants that the Historic Preservation
Commission did not get awarded the CLG grants during this cycle. Libbrecht was thankful for the
commission previously getting the grants and gave kudos to those who got the grants this time
around.
Grant Station Updates
Museum Curator Allison Stacy said the city IT Dept would be setting up the grant station
computers on April 16, 2024. These would be made available on any city computer in the library.
Ward said she had always wanted a grant library and now here it was.
Mashlan said the website www.grantstation.com provided tutorials and webinars. The longest
tutorial was 52 minutes and provided an overview on how to use grant stations.
Stacy said the library staff would also receive training on the grant stations so they could help
others use the resource.
Libbrecht said he was very happy about the new grant stations.
Hoben Park Updates
Ward said the commission typically handled the flower urns. There were particular plants that
survived better than others.
Benoit said the city had recently agreed to water the plants.
Benoit said an anonymous donor had paid for a memorial bench for Lee Poleske. The plaque says:
In memory of Lee Poleske, teacher, historian, Iditarod Trail Blazer.
Seward Historic Register Nominations
Benoit said it was important to let the property owners know about the awards before they found
out about it in the media. She had contacted the owners for the three owners that were recently
awarded.
City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2024 Volume 3, Page 385
Historic Walking Tour Signs
Benoit asked about applying for another grant and regarding the next top 10 properties. The next
grant opportunity would be in the fall of 2024. She wanted to keep the top 10 properties in the loop
on the Historic Walking Tour progress.
Libbrecht said he would check when the next rounds of grants would be. He said the commission
could discuss during the August meeting if there was an opportunity in the fall. The grant they had
just applied for was a 60/40 split and they asked for $15,000.
Benoit said each walking tour sign was roughly $1,500.
Mashlan asked about corporate sponsors availability. Libbrecht said the commission could not
accept any money or donations.
Ward noted there was more demand for the walking tour signs now that people had seen what they
look like.
CITIZEN COMMENTS -None
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Ward thanked the staff and support people for all the things that go on behind the scenes.
Benoit echoed the previous comment. She was thankful for a full commission and supportive city
staff. She liked all the ideas for Historic Preservation Month.
Mashlan asked about the update on establishing historic districts. He also expressed interest in
focusing on Alaska Native history in Seward.
Stacy said the Qutekcak Native Tribe was collaborating with the library for some Alaska Native
exhibits. She said some representation from the commission would be wonderful.
Libbrecht thanked everyone for their support and was looking forward to the rest of 2024.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
Kris Peck
City Clerk
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