Minutes of the March 20, 2008 Meeting
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION

MEMBERS PRESENT:                       Chair Don Johnson, Bev Cotter, Pam Schmidt,
                                                                Dave Stewart, Tom Staker

MEMBERS ABSENT:                         Chris Shoff, Karen Szymanowski

OTHERS PRESENT:                            Bob Graham, Community Development Director
                                                                Doug Johnson, Building Inspector
                                                                Fire Chief Paul Stieler
                                                                Larry Baker, City Council
                                                                Wendy Flugum, Community Dev & Downtown Liaison

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the minutes of the January 17, 2008meetingwas made by Dave Stewart and seconded by Tom Staker.  The motion was approved unanimously on a voice vote.   

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Preservation Ordinance 
The ordinance was reviewed as it relates to emergency repairs, maintenance of historic buildings, and the issuance of building permits.  Building Inspector Doug Johnson stated that the Inspection department always refers to the Ordinance before issuing a building permit.  They will also direct all proposed exterior design changes to the HPC for review and issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness.  

HPC News
Spring issue will be ready for distribution the week of April 14.  Wendy Flugum asked commissioners to help distribute the newsletter to downtown building and business owners and use this as an opportunity to introduce themselves, invite people to the Artspace & Theater events, and continue to promote preservation of historic buildings.

Dedication of the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
Marion Ross will be in town June 6-7; she has accepted the invitation to speak at the high school commencement on June 6.  On June 7 there is a red-carpet / theater dedication event in the afternoon and Marion’s performance of ‘Love Letters’ at the theater in the evening.  Everyone was encouraged to attend and the public is invited. 

Artspace Projects, Inc.
Artspace will visit Albert Lea on May 5-6.  The purpose of the visit is to conduct a preliminary feasibility evaluation for a mixed-use, artist/live work project in Albert Lea.   HPC members were invited to participate in the public forum on May 5 to show support of a project in this community.

COMMISSIONERS ITEMS

• Dave Stewart inquired about progress on the Midwest Antiques demolition.  Paul Stieler stated that the City received bids this week and the low bid has been submitted to council for approval on March 24.  There is a 10 day waiting period upon notifying the state and he anticipates the building to be removed by the end of April.

• Tom Staker asked about projecting signs in the historic district.  The current ordinance only allows a sign to go 18” into the right-of-way – or from the front of a building.  The zoning ordinance would have to be amended to allow other signs; the commission could request that City Council consider a study of projecting signs.
• Bev Cotter stated her support of projecting signs in the historic district; she also stressed the importance of planning for 2nd floor uses such as housing or hotel suites.  Bev reminded and encouraged people to support downtown businesses.
• Pam Schmidt offered to distribute HPC Newsletters to downtown businesses.
• Councilor Baker will continue to pursue ideas for public restrooms in the downtown after the Art Center issue is resolved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Heritage Preservation Committee Meeting