HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-20 Historic District Board SummaryHISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD
April 20, 1998 - 7:00 p.m.
*** AMENDED AGENDA***
Kenai City Hall
Chair Dorothy Gray
1. ROLL CALL:
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
March 16, 1998
4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD:
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HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW:
a. Application for Review of Development in TSI-I District- Tromblee (Lot 38A Dolchok
Subdivision)--Restoration of existing garage.
b. Application for Review of Development in TSH District- Petroze (Lot 4, Block 5, Original
Townsite)--Foundation, siding, fencing, garage.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
7. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Preservation Plan
b. Preservation Week - May 10 to 16, 1998
c. Walking Tour Brochure
d. Gold Rush Commemoration
e. I-Iansen Park Historic Signs
f. Visitor Center Old Town Exhibit
8. REPORTS:
a. City Council
b. Administration
9. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD:
~ O. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS:
INFORMATION:
a. 1998 Goals and Objectives
b. Clarion ad for Gold Rush showcase
c. "Preservation Advocate News"- March 1998
d. Sample letter dated 4/8/98 sent to TSH property owners
e. National Trust for Historic Preservation ISTEA information
~ 2. ADJOURNMENT:
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HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD
April 20, 1998- 7:00 p.m.
Kenai City Hall Council Chambers
Chair Dorothy Gray
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chairperson Gray called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m.
Members Present' Dorothy Gray, Ethel Clausen, Michael Huhndorf, Gloria
Wik, Bill Kluge (arrived at 7:10 p.m.)
Members Absent: Cecelia Richard (arrived at 7'20 p.m., excused)
Also Present'
Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull, Contract
Secretary Barb Roper
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was amended by adding the following under Historic Board Review:
5.b.
Application for Review of Development in TSH District ~ Petroze (Lot 4,
Bock 5, Original Townsite)~ Foundation, siding, fencing, garage.
Agenda was approved with the addition.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
March 16, 1998
The minutes of March 16, 1998 were approved as presented.
PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HRA~D - None
HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW
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Application for Review of Development in TSH District-- Tromblee
(Lot 38A Dolchok Subdivision} --- Restoration of existing garage.
HUHNDORF MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESTORATION OF THE
EXISTING GARAGE ON LOT 38A, DOLCHOK SUBDIVISIONS.
MOTION SECONDED BY WIK.
Gray asked if the owner would give a more complete description of the
proposed work.
Joe Tromblee, 510 Mission Avenue, Kenai, Alaska provided the Board
with photos of the existing garage and explained that it was built with
various types of material to include very thick metal, dove-tail logs,
sticks, etc. Tromblee reported he was going to remodel the inside and
since he was doing that he thought he would get approval to remodel
and/or restore the outside as well. Tromblee indicated that he would
attempt to save whatever historical sections the Board thinks should be
saved. The roof would be similar material that is used on his houses.
The current roof is made from old tin cans that held oil. The design will
remain the same.
Gray asked the exact location. Tromblee answered that it was directly
straight ahead of the day care center.
Tromblee continued, the garage used to have a door on it but it's gone
and the building is old and waterlogged.
Gray asked if only one side had the dove-tailed logs. Tromblee
confirmed that was correct and if the Board wanted to save that wall he
would use it as a nombearing wall by putting another wall behind it to
support the roof.
Gray asked if the structure was going to be used as a garage. Tromblee
replied, it would be used as a garage and storage as it currently is being
used.
Gray asked what other type of materials would be used on the other
three sides. Tromblee answered, the building currently has corrugated
metal on the sides and he intends to use lap or cedar siding. The siding
would match that used in the neighborhood.
Tromblee confirmed that he is going to try to restore the dove-tail log
side of the garage and the other three sides will have new siding. The
dove-tail logs on the left side would be a non-bearing wall as a new wall
would be built behind it. The Board agreed that keeping the dove-tail
logs would keep with the historic character of the area.
Gray asked when the work would be done. Tromblee replied, he would
start this summer and depending on funds, it may take two summers to
complete.
Voice Vote' All in favor, Motion passed unanimously.
Kluge arrived at 7:13 p.m.
Kebschull informed Tromblee (and Petroze) that, per the Code, his
application is required to now go to the Planning and Zoning
Commission and the Historic District Board's recommendation to
approve will be forwarded. Kebschull also informed Tromblee that since
Historic District Board
April 20, 1998
Page 2
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his application has to be published in the paper they won't go to
Planning and Zoning until May 13, 1998. If the Building Official has
everything he needs then the permit could be issued the next day.
When asked about the building permit, Kebschull confirmed that a
building permit is required for anything structural, electrical, or
plumbing.
Application for Review of Development in TSH District--- Petroze
(Lot 4, Block 5, Original Townsite)-- Foundation, siding, fencing,
garage.
HUHNDORF MOVED TO APPROVE THE RAISING OF THE HOUSE ON
LOT 4~ BLOCK 5~ ORIGINAL TOWNSITE TO INCLUDE RE-SUPPORT
OF THE FLOOR JOIST, NEW SIDING, FENCING, AND GARAGE.
MOTION WAS SECONDED BY CLAUSEN.
Wik asked if photos of the existing structure were available.
Don Petroze, $17 Overland Drive, Kenai, Alaska replied a photograph
was provided. Kebschull noted a copy was included with the application
and she also had the original on hand for Board members to review.
Gray asked if the property extended to the corner of Mission. Petroze
answered, it did not. Sandy Vozar owns the vacant piece next to him
and he has permission to go on to her property to do the excavating to
get to the underpart of his structure. Petroze also confirmed the garage
is an addition to the existing building and will go to the left of the
building. Petroze continued, the property is approximately two feet off
the property line on the right side and there is 29 feet to the left of the
building for the garage. Petroze stated that raising the building, doing
the foundation work and placing the siding is his main concern. Getting
approval of the garage is fine and the purpose of having it would be to
store his snow plowing and lawn care equipment and to do any required
maintenance.
Kluge stated it was difficult to tell from the photo but it appears that the
roof is shallow-sloped. Petroze confirmed it was. Kluge asked when the
original building was built. Petroze replied, in 1964. Kluge asked if he
was in the building at this time. Petroze answered, he is operating his
business out of the building. Kluge asked if he was experiencing any
roof problems. Petroze stated the building was re-roofed two years ago.
Kluge thought there was opportunity available for Petroze to make it look
nice with the treatment of the roof. Petroze stated that a roof system
should probably be added to the application. Kluge indicated that the
Historic District Board
April 20, 1998
Page 3
work could be done with trusses which would probably lessen the
problems with the roof in the future since hot-mopping can only last so
long.
Wik asked if there was a road to the left side of the building. Petroze
replied, no, from the edge of the house to the property line there is
approximately 30 feet. On the back left corner there is another house.
Petroze reported that used to be one piece of property at one time and it
was subdivided. The lot he has is only 40' x 75'. The side where the
garage is being proposed is a house, a shop with a chain link fence that
goes along Overland Drive to the neighbors' driveway.
Kebschull asked if the property was only two feet from the property line.
Petroze answered it sits very close to the property line, there is about
two feet from the edge of the house to the property line. Kebschull
reported the area is zoned for five-foot setbacks and indicated that
Petroze may be required to provide a plot plan to show exactly where the
house sits. Kebschull suggested the Board alSo address an
encroachment permit for this application.
Kluge asked, with the structure being in place prior to the setback
requirements, would it be required to have an encroachment permit.
Kebschull replied, there are two ways this can be handled. One would
be to obtain an encroachment permit or ask to grandfather the property.
If the property is grandfathered then the original structure cannot be
enlarged. Kebschull continued, the age of the building will be
considered when the encroachment permit is requested. Petroze
indicated that he wasn't planning to do any work on the right side of the
building other than digging out so he can get below the house to do the
foundation work. The structure will not get any closer to the property
line. Petroze reiterated that he spoke with Vozar and she gave
permission to go onto her property to accomplish his work. Petroze will
hydro-seed the area after his work is complete.
Kluge recommended that Petroze meet with the Building Official to
discuss the proximity of the building to the property line. Kluge asked if
there were windows on the side that is two feet from the property line.
Petroze confirmed there were but they were more picture windows and
not egress. Kluge stated if this was a new building, openings would not
be allowed less than five feet from the property line. Petroze stated he
would close them off. Kluge stated the wall would have to have gypsum
sheathing for proper rating so it gets complicated. Kluge again
recommended that Petroze meet with the Building Official.
Historic District Board
April 20, 1998
Page 4
Kebschull stated the Board needs to decide whether or not to approve
the proposed renovations. If approved, then the Building Official will
review the building code to assure compliance.
Petroze asked if the setback was the same for residential and commercial
properties. Kebschull replied, unfortunately, this particular zone doesn't
differentiate from residential and commercial. It is zoned as what is now
called the Townsite Historic District Zone and the setback is five feet.
Kebschull also pointed out other zones have larger setbacks. Petroze
indicated his property was zoned residential or commercial two years ago
when he purchased it. Kebschull continued, the special zoning for the
area eliminated the previous zoning. Petroze noted it was only one side
of the house that has the question of the setback. The back of the house
if five feet off the property line. Kebschull stated the zone requires ten
feet front and back. Petroze indicated that he should probably just leave
the house the way it is but he wants to clean the place up to make it
more attractive for the area.
Kebschull suggested the Board give their recommendation, and then
Petroze come back to see the Building Official. Petrose can then decide
if he wants to pursue it with Planning and Zoning. Kebschull also
recommended that if it goes to Planning and Zoning then an
encroachment permit be requested.
Gray asked if the roof trusses should be added to the application.
Petroze requested that they be included.
Gray stated the Land Use Table was just revised and in this zone,
whether the business is considered a business/consumer service or a
professional office, could mean the difference of whether it is permitted
or a conditional use. Kebschull clarified that business/consumer
services is when someone comes to your business for service. Petroze
uses this property as an office for dispatch and paper work so the best
description would be a professional office.
HUHNDORF AMENDED THE MOTION TO INCLUDE THE ROOF
TRUSSES TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION AND RECOMMENDED
THAT PLANNING AND ZONING ISSUE AN ENCROACHMENT PERMIT
IF ONE IS NECESSARY. MOTION SECONDED BY CLAUSEN.
Voice Vote {Amended Motion}- All in favor, passed unanimously.
Voice Vote (Main Motion}: All in favor, passed unanimously.
Petrose was directed to contact Kebschull and she will schedule a
meeting with the Building Official.
Historic District Board
April 20, 1998
Page 5
NEW BUSINESS - None
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OLD BUSINESS
a. Preservation Plan
Gray reported she edited the Preservation Plan and although there were
some minor corrections the overall product was impressive.
Gray recommended that Items 2 and 3 on Page 2 contain a condensed
version of the historic character of Kenai as anyone that reads the plan
will not go to the survey book for information. Gray thought people
would rather read a short synopsis and if they want more then they can
go to the survey. Gray provided a copy of the summary she prepared
from the survey.
Huhndorf recommended that Items 4, 5, and 6 also have a short
synopsis in order to maintain consistency throughout the plan.
Kebschull reported that she spoke to Jo Antonson of CLG and it was
suggested then that a preservation plan be kept at a minimum as people
will not read a large document. A lot of information is not feasible.
Kebschull pointed out the sections of the Code that are included as
attachments as they are not a part of the survey. The CLG is excited
about the Preservation Plan.
Discussion took place on the information for Items 4 through 6 and Gray
will write a short summary for each item and will provide it at the next
meeting. Gray provided Kebschull with her recommended corrections.
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Preservation Week- May 10 to 16, 1998
May 9, 1998 is the kick off date for Preservation Week. There will be a
function at the Visitors Center at 1:00 p.m.
Gray will attend the next Rotary meeting to invite the members and also
thank them for their support on the signs. Kluge noted the Rotary Club
meets every Monday at noon.
Huhndorf will contact the Elders and Carol Ford to see if they would be
available at the Visitors Center to tell stories and answer questions
about the history of Kenai.
Gray will provide Kebschull with a press release which will be submitted
to the Clarion. It was noted this press release will also be included on
the City's home page.
Historic District Board
April 20, 1998
Page 6
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Huhndorf reported he attended the Council meeting on April 1, 1998
and the request for $124.00 was rejected as more information was
required. Tarr, at the Visitor' Center, indicated they will pay for the cost
of the walking tour brochure.
Gray asked about the proclamation from Council. Kebschull reported
she can obtain that from the City Clerk and she thought work was
already being done on it as Councilman Moore was going to request it.
Gray reported the signs were up in Old Town. Huhndorf reported the
Shk'ituk't signs were out of sequence. Kebschull will have them put
back in order.
Gray indicated that should the Elders and Ford be unable to attend the
functions at the Visitors Center then the Board will use the day as a kick
off of the walking tour. Gray will open buildings in Old Town for tours.
Tea and cookies will be served at the Visitors Center after the tour.
Huhndorf will provide an article to the Clarion by April 30, 1998.
Walking Tour Brochure
Huhndorf provided a final copy of the walking tour brochure and
reported they will be printed in Soldotna. The walking tour will be
available before May 9, 1998.
Kluge stated that in a conversation he had with Tarr, she indicated the
request could be presented again to Council for funding. Huhndorf
thought that would be the case for next year when the walking tour
brochure is revised. The walking tour brochure for this year is being
done quickly just to get it out and the plan is to improve it next year.
Huhndorf pointed out the disclaimer at the end of the brochure which
states the information is subject to revision as more contributions from
the community are added. Tarr suggested the database be maintained
at the Visitors Center so that it can be easily updated as information is
provided.
Huhndorf thought the reason the request for funds was turned down by
Council was because Bookey was concerned about how it would be
funded and taken care of. Huhndorf continued, concern was also
expressed with 70,000 people visiting the Center and charging for the
walking tour. If the brochure is charged for it is likely not to run out as
quickly. Also if charging for the brochure, how would the process be
handled. Gray pointed out the 70,000 people that go through the doors
at the Center also include delivery personnel, school tour groups, etc.
However, there is still a great number of visitors.
Historic District Board
April 20, 1998
Page 7
Kebschull asked if the brochure would be printed on 11 x 17 paper, two-
sided. If it is, then additional copies could be made at the City offices.
Huhndorf thought the size may even be larger, perhaps 25" long.
Gray thought businesses in town may sponsor the brochure and that
would be a way to fund the project.
Huhndorf reported the brochure will include photographs and a map
and will be printed on light brown parchment paper. Huhndorf also
noted that the brochure will include credits to various individuals and
businesses that contributed time and information to the tour.
Gray thanked Huhndorf for his hard work on the walking tour.
Gold Rush Commemoration
Gray reported an ad was run in the newspaper (a copy was included in
the packet). Kebschull stated the Clarion ran the article twice but also
included it in the Community News section. Huhndorf indicated that
Richard hasn't received any calls yet.
Gray stated that if there was not a response from the ad then she would
ask the book store owners in Soldotna if they would lend the small gold
rush display they had in their store.
Hansen Park Historic Signs
Gray asked Kluge about the status of the signs in Hansen park. Kluge
reported that he originally thought that Parks and Rec had no direction.
Kluge reported after discussion with Frates, he was not impressed with
the design of the park which was prepared by Bill Nelson. Kluge steered
it towards Suzanne Little and suggested she contact the City to offer
some landscaping and design suggestions. Kluge indicated that Parks
doesn't want to spend any money on a design so are pursuing the
original direction. It was noted that the park has to be completed in two
years.
Roper reported that the Beautification Committee had looked at the
preliminary landscape design, which includes some shrubbery and a few
flower beds, so it is different from what Kluge had seen before.
Additionally, the signage has not been discussed recently but the last
thought was to have one large sign at the entrance to the park. The
information for the sign was provided by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe.
Kluge stated he did not know what they wanted to do with the signs at
the time but they were considering uni-strut and having the signs placed
at an angle. Kluge stated that he didn't want to get professionally
involved with the way it was so he bowed out and decided to let them do
their own project. However, he would be available to help with
information for the signs.
Historic District Board
April 20, 1998
Page 8
g. Visitor Center Old Town Exhibit
Gray recommended this item be put on the agenda for the May meeting.
8. REPORTS
City Council - Council report in meeting packet.
Administration
Kebschull noted the goals and objectives included in the packet were
approved at the last meeting.
Kebschull noted the she didn't receive anything on the yearly report so
she contacted the CLG and was informed they are behind on getting
information out so it is likely the report won't be complete until June.
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PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: - None
10.
BOARD 0UESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Wik apologized for missing the last meeting, she was working out of town.
11. INFORMATION
1998 Goals and Objectives
Clarion Ad for Gold Rush Showcase
"Preservation Advocate News" --- March 1998
Sample letter dated 4/8/98 sent to TSH property owners
The Beautification Committee will plant flowers around the signs.
Kebschull reported the only response she's received from the letter are
from the businesses in the area and they support the planting and
offered to maintain them.
National Trust for Historic Preservation ISTEA information
12. ADJOURNMENT
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Roper, Contract Secretal~
Historic District Board
April 20, 1998
Page 9