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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-19 Historic District Board SummaryHISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD January 19, 1998 - 7:00 p.m. *** AGENDA*** Kenai Council Chambers Chair Dorothy Gray ROLL CALL: 2. ELECTIONS: 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 17, 1997 November 17, 1997 (Information Only) December 15, 1997 (Information Only) 4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: §. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW: 6. NEW BUSINESS: a. OHA FY 1999 Grant Priorities b. 1998 Goals & Objectives c. Annual Survey of Historic Properties (KMC 14.20.105 (4)) d. February Meeting Date e OLD BUSINESS: a. Preservation Plan~Reports from December meeting assignments. Item 7~Kebschull; Item 9~Huhndorf; Item 10~Kluge. 8. REPORTS: a. City Council b. Administration 8. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: ~ 0. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: INFORMATION: a. "National Register of Historic Places Publications" b. Letter dated December 18, 1997 to Alan Boraas Historic District Board Page 2 Agenda January 19, 1998 c. Memo from Clerk Freas regarding change in board make-up dated 12/18/97 d. Historic District Board Roster e. "National Trust for Historic Preservation" information flyer f. The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation membership letter dated 12/9/97 g. Letter from OHA dated 12/3/97 h. "Preservation Advocate News" November 1997 i. Letter to DOT dated 11/20/97 regarding Mission Street Project j. "The Alaska Association For Historic Preservation" 12. ADJOURNMENT: Approved HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD January 19, 1998-7:00 p.m. Kenai City Hall Council Chambers Chair Dorothy Gray *** MINUTES *** 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairperson Gray called the meeting to order at approximately 7'05 p.m. Members Present: Dorothy Gray, Cecelia Richard, Michael Huhndorf, Bill Kluge Members Absent: Ethel Clausen, Gloria Wik Also Present: Jack LaShot, Contract Secretary Barb Roper 2. ELECTIONS Gray announced that elections will be held for the Chair and Vice Chair positions and called for nominations. KLUGE MOVED TO REAPPOINT GRAY AS CHAIR. HUHNDORF. MOTION SECONDED BY VOICE VOTE: All in favor, motion passed unanimously. KLUGE MOVED TO REAPPOINT HUHNDORF AS VICE CHAIR. MOTION SECONDED BY RICHARD. VOICE VOTE: All in favor, motion passed unanimously. ® APPROVAL OF AGENDA KLUGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. Agenda was approved as presented. Gray introduced Cecelia Richard, a new member on the Historic Board. was born and raised in Alaska, has been a resident of Kenai since 1980. Richard, who Richard was Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 1 Approved most recently employed with the Kenai Visitor's Center and had just taken another position at "Good BooRs and Mord' store. ® APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 17, 1997 Minutes of November 17, 1997 were approved as written. 5. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD - None Gray introduced Tom Murphy who was present at the meeting but was not scheduled to be heard. Murphy reported that he attended this meeting as he is in the process of writing a book on the history of Kenai. Since he intended to sit through the entire meeting, Murphy will be heard under Item 10, Person's Present Not Scheduled to be Heard. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW- None 7. NEW BUSINESS a. OHA FY 1999 Grant Priorities Gray indicated the Board chose not to write a grant this year because the other one wasn't quite finished. She noted the applications for 1999 will not be available until late summer or early fall. Gray pointed out that things on the list were in line with the Historic Board's preservation plan, such as increasing public awareness on historical preservation, strengthen efforts to identify archaeological and historic resources, etc. be 1998 Goals and Objectives Gray suggested the Board consider becoming involved at the State level to highlight the gold rush activities in Kenai since Kenai was the first place where gold was discovered. Huhndorf asked if there could be a commemorative notation to be included in the historic district of Old Town. Gray suggested a bronze sign. A group discussion took place on the gold rush and the actual date. Gray indicated that she would provide the actual date at the next meeting. Kluge pointed out that bronze signs could be quite expensive. After more general discussion LaShot pointed out the last sign grant was very time consuming and at this time it is probably not a task the City would want to undertake. Gray asked that the gold rush commemorative project be included on Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 2 Approved the 1998 goals and objectives list. Discussion took place on the Erick Hansen park proposal and the suggestion made by Parks and Rec that a chronological time line sign be included, perhaps the gold rush could be noted there. Gray asked that Parks and Rec be made aware of the walking sign tour and that the Historic Board would be interested in being a source of information for the chronological signs. Kluge suggested, with the cooperation of the Visitor Center, that an exhibit be available on the history of Old Town showing specific photographs, artifacts, etc. Richard noted the walking tour schematic and signage is going to be very helpful for the visitors. Huhndorf asked if there was any information on the battle of Kenai and exactly where that was. Discussion took place on the actual location and it was decided that more research would be done. Gray requested that completion of the walking tour be included on the goals and objectives list. Gray suggested that Murphy obtain a copy of the Townsite Historic District Survey book. Huhndorf indicated that a copy is available for $45.00 but it does not have the color codes included. Gray explained that some goals and objectives were noted in this survey book which included urging some of the owners to keep their properties from deteriorating further. Huhndorf noted that the properties noted were significant with regard to history. Gray pointed out that in the Ordinance one of the ongoing goals and objectives is to educate the residents about the history of Kenai. Something commemorating the gold rush will fall in this category. Gray noted this will remain a working list and it can be added to as necessary. Gray also noted these items would not require any money or a grant. Gray requested the following items be forwarded to staff (Kebschull) to be included on the agenda for the February meeting. Gold Rush Commemoration Hansen Park Historic Signs Visitor Center Old Town Exhibit Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 3 Complete Wa/king Tour and Brochure Research Battle of Kenai Historic Library Approved Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 4 Approved Huhndorf reported that the "Once Upon a Kenai"book is out of print and suggested the Board make some effort to put it back into circulation. Richard reported that several people have asked about the book at the Visitor's Center. Annual Survey of Historic Properties (KMC 14.20.105 (4)) Huhndorf stated the Board is required to review existing properties to see if the historic status had changed. Gray pointed out this was also required by Ordinance but the survey of historic properties would be updated to include any additions or changes. It was determined there were no properties that should be included or changed at this time. Kluge asked what was required of the Board in order to be compatible with the Alaska Heritage Resources Survey. He asked if a document needed to be issued on an annual basis. After discussion it was determined this was the numerical way in which the State identified the properties. The properties were submitted to the State on formatted cards that had an identification number compatible with their system. These identification numbers are used when one wants to identify a particular property at the State Office of History and Archaeology. Kluge suggested these cards be on file here in the event something changed. Gray requested that Kebschull write a letter to the State office of History and Archaeology asking copies of the properties and their identification numbers. Gray stated information would also be helpful for the library information service discussed in the past. d® February Meeting Date It was noted the date of the February meeting falls on a holiday. The Board elected to change the date to Tuesday, February 17, 1998. OLD BUSINESS Preservation Plan- Reports from December meeting assignments. Item 7 -- Kebschull; Item 9 -- Huhndor£; -- Item 10 -- Kluge. Huhndorf gave a brief report on the work session held on December 15, Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 5 Approved 1997. The following items were discussed: Decreasing the number of Board members. Huhndorf contacted Councilman Moore and Kebschull regarding this issue. Discussion also took place on the number of meetings and it was determined the monthly meetings were sufficient. Nomination Process: Kebschull provided a streamlined list. Work with Visitor's Center and the role of the tourists. Discussed Boraas' position on the Board. Huhndorf reported a letter was provide to Boraas removing him from the Board. Other items discussed at the work session included the preservation plan, the walking tour and soliciting more anecdotes and stories to be included in the brochure, community calendars, and applying for various grants. Further discussion took place on the nomination process and Huhndorf asked about the rights of owners. He indicated that it wasn't clear if a property could be nominated regardless of the owner's wishes. Huhndorf noted that he was under the impression that it could not be nominated. Kluge clarified that it could be nominated and the property owner has the right to object. Kluge provided a draft for development recommendations (included with these minutes). Kluge read the document. Discussion took place afterwards and Gray commented that she liked the greenbelt suggestion. Kluge suggested that when the City is developing the piece of property along the bluff that consideration be given to a master plan for Old Town and where it is going in the future. Kluge commented on the walking tour and the signage and how it can be incorporated into the master plan. He also mentioned the road improvements that are currently taking place and those planned for in the future. Kluge thought street signage with a historic flavor would be nice for the area. Richard made the comment that several visitors ask how they can go down and look over the bluff. Richard indicated it was very difficult to direct anyone to the area due to parking and the areas that are blocked off. Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 6 Approved Gray suggested when the preservation plan is complete that this Board present it to Council. Each member could take an item and briefly walk members through the plan. Kluge requested that members review his draft list and add or delete as necessary. Discussion took place on beach access and Huhndorf noted there presently is no way to walk down to the beach from Old Town and there is the problem of erosion. Gray pointed out that it is all private property in the area. Kluge suggested the City consider acquiring land to accommodate a master plan for Old Town. Gray indicated that the Mayor thought about that at one time as many of the parcels in the center were postage size lots that are not suitable to be built on. LaShot reported that a master plan was done for the area at one time and street alignment got complicated. Gray asked if Huhndorf had anything else to add to his item. Huhndorf indicated that he needed to complete the walking tour to include the map, funding, etc. He reported that he received some revisions that need to be incorporated. Kluge suggested that when the final draft is complete that perhaps the printer could incorporate some graphics. Gray suggested the development recommendations draft be looked at again at the next meeting and accepted with or without changes. This will be put on the agenda. Gray asked about Item 13 on the preservation plan, "Agenda for future action/projects (5 Year Plan/10 Year Plan). This item may make the survey an outdated document each year. After a group discussion it was determined that Gray would write a clarification with regard to the duties of the Board. Gray requested that Kebschull provide a rough draft of the preservation plan in order to identify what has been completed to date. The Board will then have a final work session to complete it and make it a working document. Huhndorf referred to Item 9 and thought perhaps more could be done with regard to education and making this Board more visible to the Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 7 visitors. Approved Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 8 Approved 9. REPORTS City Council Gray brought attention to the memo in the packet regarding the change in Board membership. There was also a memo regarding Mission Street and the decision to not add color to the sidewalks. Gray referenced the letter from the State Department of Natural Resources and complimented Kebschull and Kluge on the work in completing the sign grant. Gray reported that Kluge did all the work at the Rotary Club. Gray also reported that the State recognizes the sign grant as a model project showing a good example of partnerships between a Board and a community service organization. b. Administration Gray brought attention to the Historic Preservation newsletter included in the packet. Huhndorf asked about the 'Ten Most Endangered' list and whether or not there was something we wanted to add to the goals and objective list. After discussion it was determined there were no properties at this time that could be considered for the list. Kluge suggested the City participate to encourage development to draw people in. Council would like to see more tax cuts but to get that tax base people need to be encouraged to take advantage of it. Discussion took place on the retail businesses in the area and the fact that Gary King's has closed and the possibility the video store will be next. Kluge pointed out that a lot of historic districts die because retail businesses close. In these cases the City came in and made pedestrian areas, public malls, landscaped areas, etc. which could attract other retail businesses. Huhndorf asked if there was money in the budget to possibly send an individual to the National Trust Conference. LaShot replied there are some budgeted funds for staff. 10. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: Tom Murphy is writing a book on the history of Kenai and his project is in the beginning stages. He has discussed his plans with the City Council and they Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 9 11. 12. Approved are receptive to the idea. His basic need at this time is resources and he would like to talk to Board members to get some information. Murphy stated he has books and government material but what is difficult to find is articles, papers, primary sources, pictures, etc. Suggestions for materials included the Chamber Cabin and their newspaper articles, photos, etc., the Anchorage Museum's library of photographs of Kenai, the Juneau archives, etc. Murphy asked if it would be possible to get on the ma/ling list so that he could receive a copy of the meeting minutes. He also asked if he could attend some meetings. Gray stated the Board would be happy to help out as much as possible. Gray also stated that she has information from the University of Alaska which has diaries of priests from the area, about thirty of these have been translated into English. Huhndorf stated he has photocopies of the Muster Reports from Ft. Kenai. Gray again stated the Board would be happy to help out as much as possible. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS Richard asked what the preservation plan was. Gray explained the preservation plan was a required document of being a certified local government. The City of Kenai applied for the certified local government and as a result the Board (and City) is eligible for State funds. INFORMATION d® "National Register of Historic Places Publications" Letter dated December 18, I997 to Alan Boraas Memo from Clerk Freas regarding change in Board make-up dated 12/18/97 Historic District Board Roster "National Trust for Historic Preservation" information flyer The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation membership letter dated 12/9/97 Letter from OHA dated 12/3/97 "Preservation Advocate News" November 1997 Letter to DOT dated 11/20/97 regarding Mission Street Project "The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation" Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 10 13. ADJOURNMENT MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:30 P.M. Approved Respectfully submitted, B~bara Roper, Contract S~c~etary Historic District Board January 19, 1998 Page 11 Approved TOWNSITE HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD GOALS & OBJECTIVES 1998 le Educate residents about the history of Kenai. a. Gold Discovery/Gold Rush Commemorative Project. b. Completion of the Walking Tour. c. Visitor Center Exhibit- Old Town d. Hansen Park Signage- Bill Kluge/Liaison e. Battle of Kenai Research . Develop a working relationship with Planning & Zoning Commission - Cecelia Richard, Liaison