HomeMy WebLinkAbout11142024 Historic Preservation MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2024 Volume 3, Page 391
CALL TO ORDER
The November 14, 2024 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at
6:57 p.m. by Chair Tanguy Libbrecht.
OPENING CEREMONY
Commissioner Art LeMaster led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Tanguy Libbrecht, presiding, and
Sue Ward
Dona Walker
Laura Erickson
Mary Ann Benoit
Art LeMaster
Todd Mashlan
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Allison Stacy, Museum Curator
Ashleigh Lipsey, Executive Assistant to the City Manager
Kris Peck, City Clerk
Excused — None
Absent — None
Vacant — None
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT — None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Ward/Benoit) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
The September 12, 2024 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2024 Volume 3, Page 392
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND REPORTS
City Administration Report
Museum Curator Allison Stacy explained the new rolling deadline for the Historic Preservation
Award had been updated and was now posted on the city website. Stacy noted she had been very
busy lately as Acting Library Director.
Chair Report
Chair Tanguy Libbrecht said the work session tonight had been very productive. The Historic
Preservation meeting dates had been selected for 2025: January 30, April 10, September 18, and
November 13. Libbrecht noted St. Peters Episcopal Church would be a recurring agenda item.
Libbrecht also spoke about CLG grants, Hoben Park, and raising awareness of historic
preservation.
Other Reports and Announcements
Historic Preservation Facebook Page Report
Benoit said there were no big changes since the last meeting. There was a bit more activity in the
summertime. There were 6 new followers for a total of 1,012 followers. She was looking for ideas
for additional posts and content.
Presentations - None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
Resolutions - None
Other New Business
Hoben Park Updates
Benoit said she had talked with the Parks & Recreation Department about purchasing lilacs. There
was also discussion about planting tulips. Benoit wanted to come up with a list of flowers that had
been planted in the past. Benoit also provided an update on a historic fence that Parks & Recreation
was going to restore. The fence was a small decorative metal fencing with vertical and horizontal
struts.
Stucco Johnson Homesite Sign
Benoit had worked with local enthusiasts Carol Griswold and Colleen Kelly on updating the sign.
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City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2024 Volume 3, Page 393
Seward Plaque Updates
Libbrecht said he was planning to present the plaques to the recipients in January. The idea was to
invite the recipients to an Historic Preservation meeting to receive the award in council chambers.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church Discussions
Mashlan described the artwork above the altar. He wanted to feature the new research and
information from local historian Doug Capra. The copyright would be transferred so St Peter's
Church could re -print as needed. They were looking into a self -publishing company and Mashlan
hoped the first run would be around $1,000 for 100 books.
Booklet on Jan Van Empel
No comment.
Preservation Plan Work Session Updates & Approval
No comment.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
HPC Regular Meeting and Work Session 2024 Schedule Wrap Up
Other Items
City Administration will work on 2024 HPC Report for January 2025 meeting.
CITIZEN COMMENTS -None
COMMISSION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Erickson was pleased to see the full commission and thanked everyone for the collaboration
Walker recalled a unique half-moon painting that was stored in a basement downtown. She hoped
the artwork could be found and rescued.
Ward thanked both Benoit and Mashlan for all the work they were doing. She was excited about
taking the time to work St. Peter's Church. Seward was at risk of losing an iconic building.
Libbrecht thanked city administration and the commissioners. It was great to have a full
commission. He thanked the museum curator for the great meeting packets. Libbrecht asked about
the CLG grant that was due in February. Regarding the application for more walking tour signs,
he noted there were a lot of competing projects. It would become an ongoing discussion to go
through the entire process.
City of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2024 Volume 3, Page 394
Benoit said the walking tour signs would be easier this time around since they were something
that had already been developed. She thanked Mashlan for his work and dedication to St. Peter's
Church. She felt that steps were being taken to make things happen.
LeMaster was encouraged by the efforts to restore St. Peter's Church. There needed to be people
in the building using it.
Mashlan said the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska had taken action that would help streamline local
efforts for the church.
Libbrecht thanked Stacy for her efforts as Museum Curator and Acting Library Director.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
Tanguy Lib echt
Chair
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