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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09182025 Historic Preservation MinutesCity of Seward, Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes September 18, 2025 Volume 3, Page 400 CALL TO ORDER The Thursday, September 18, 2025, regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chair Tanguy Libbrecht at 6:10 p.m. OPENING CEREMONY Vice Chair Sue Ward led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL There were present: Tanguy Libbrecht, presiding, and Sue Ward Marr Ann -Benefit Dona Walker Art LeMaster Todd Mashlan comprising a quorum of the Commission; and Allison Stacy, Museum Curator Kris Peck, City Clerk Excused — Benoit Absent — None Vacant — One 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 January 30, 2025, Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Proclamations and Awards Seward Historic Register Plaque Awards: Urbach's, Standard Oil House, and Alaska's Point of View City of SewarcZ Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes September 18, 2025 Volume 3, Page 401 SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATION, AND REPORTS City Administration Report Museum Curator Allison Stacy thanked the Commission for submitting their materials on time. Chair Report Chair Tanguy Libbrecht reported on his walk through Hoben Park earlier today. He was excited about the invigorated historic preservation efforts in the city. Libbrecht noted there was currently vacancy on the commission and encouraged applicants. There was a lot of excitement and really great work being done by the commission. He thanked the City Clerk and Museum Curator for the support. Other Reports and Announcements Historic Preservation Facebook Page Report Stacy reported on Facebook in the absence of Commission Benoit. Stacy said the most popular posts continued to be about Mt. Marathon and the Historic Walking Tour. There was a lot of fun comments and Benoit's posts were very thoughtful. Ward noted page reach, overview, and new followers. These statistics have been steadily increasing over time. Mashlan asked if videos could be shared along with the photos. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Hoben Park Updates Stacy recapped her Hoben Park summary from the work session. She updated the Commission on concrete walls, water damage, corrosion, and the cut-off fencing. The Parks & Recreation Department would be helping with rose bushes, lilacs, a new bench, and a dome to protect the fountain. Stacy and the commission also discussed the history of Hoben Park. It was a team effort to submit the CLG grant that was successfully accepted. St. Peter's Updates Mashlan updated the commission on Letters of Endorsement for the grant being submitted to the Rasmuson Foundation. This would go towards the overall renovation project. Stacy mapped out goals and potential timeline for the St. Peter's renovation. She has been in contact with a cultural resource management firm in Wasilla called True North Solutions. City of Seward Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes September 18, 2025 Volume 3, Page 402 Stacy said Todd Mashlan had several great ideas such as adding a green house, restore interior undercroft, establish a tourist season docent program, becoming a destination shelter house for tsunami warnings, adding security alarms, and installing a new guttering system. Obtaining the Tier 2 Grant from the Rasmuson Foundation was the first goal. Ward confirmed that St. Peter's Church also included the rectory. There were two buildings. Ward noted the three open houses that took place on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. There was a notable increase in visitors, events, and interest in the church. NEW BUSINESS Enhancing the Historic Walking Tour Libbrecht filled in for Benoit on this report. He summarized from her written report in the packet on page 22. The commission discussed Alaska Remote Imaging, enhancing the tour, restoration projects and interiors of houses. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS Reminder of Meetings Regular Meeting and Work Session on Thursday, November 13, 2025 CITIZEN COMMENTS -None COMMISSION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENTS Peck great to see everyone and each meeting was special. He appreciated all the updates on Hoben Park and St. Peter's. Ward noted preservation efforts that took place in-between the Commission's four designated meetings per year. She gave a shout out to Allison Stacy for being such an excellent grant writer Libbrecht was happy to see everyone. He noted the one vacancy and encouraged applicants to join the exciting and fun Commission. He thanked Laura Erickson for her service on the Commission. Mashlan said Community Choir rehearsals started tonight and he apologized for missing the work session. He asked about designating a historic district and city council involvement and possible reversals. Mashlan was concerned about the rainbow crosswalk being removed in the future. City of Sewarct Alaska Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes September 18, 2025 Volume 3, Page 403 Libbrecht said preservation of walkable murals could be addressed at a future meeting. He noted the Community Development involvement in the permitting process. Stacy thanked everyone for the good meeting. It was nice to see everyone. Ward said there was a lot of excitement about restoring Hoben Park. It could become a tangible accomplishment for the Commission much like the Historic Walking Tour. The City of Seward was very supportive of returning the fun parts of Seward history. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. d4 Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) nguy Li Chair