March 21, 2006

Agenda

8 a.m. in City Commission Chambers

1. Approve Minutes February 21 meeting

2. Section 106 Project Reviews (J. Thomasson)

307 Main Ave Facade
323 Main Ave Facade
222 Broadway Facade

3. Update on proposed historic overlay district in Erskines Addition (D. Mayo)

4. CLG Grant Updates (D. Mayo)

5. Liaison Reports

Planning Commission - Christine Kloubec
Fargo School District - Peter Moynihan
Fargo Park District - Doug Scraper
Cass County Commission - David Shultz
Housing Rehab - Paul Gleye
Board of Adjustment - Daryl Bachmeier
House Moving Board - Paul Gleye

6. Other Business

Meeting will be re-broadcast on Cable One Channel 12 at 5:00 p.m. on March 23.

Minutes

8:00 a.m. City Commission Room

Present: David Shultz , Claire Strom, Doug Scraper, Peter Moynihan, Christine Kloubec, Paul Gleye , Daryl Bachmeier

Absent: None

Also Present: Denise Kasowski, Dawn Mayo, Jessica Thomasson

Vice chair, Claire Strom moved the minutes of February 21, 2006 be approved as submitted.

Section 106 Project Reviews

Ms. Thomasson gave a brief overview of the purpose of section 106 project reviews. Ms. Strom stated that she appreciated the new review forms for the Section 106 project evaluations.

307 Main Avenue

Ms. Mayo introduced the project at 307 Main Ave. The owner, Brad Bortnem, was present to answer questions. The primary architectural faade is along Main Avenue but the east faade is adjacent to the parking lot and provides access to the interior (to access off of Main Avenue). The original proposal noted a dryvit finish on the east faade but the owner has agreed to repair and repaint the masonry instead, if the Commission so desires.

Mr. Scraper asked it they own the entire block. Mr. Bortnem said that they own most of the buildings on the block. He noted that this is the first phase of a larger project that would involve the entire block.

Mr. Bachmeier asked about moving the front entrance to Main Avenue again. Mr. Bortnem said that the garage door entrance has been bricked in and feels that the narrowness of the sidewalk would make it not very attractive for pedestrians. Mr. Bachmeier said that he can see remnants of the old entrance on the photograph.

Mr. Moynihan asked if they can do anything to widen the sidewalk. Ms. Thomasson asked Mr. Dave Anderson about Main Ave street work and the impact on sidewalks. Mr. Anderson doesnt expect wider sidewalks to come out of that project. .

Mr. Shultz asked about the painted brick and what is actually being done. Mr. Bortnem said that they will be cleaning and repainting but will not be sandblasting because that would cause too much damage. Mr. Shultz asked about opening overhead doors to add light and give a feel of the original doors. Mr. Bortnem said that may be a possibility. Mr. Shultz asked if the east faade is brick. Mr. Bortnem said that it is.

Ms. Strom suggested not using the dryvit exterior and cleaning & repairing the brick to maintain the feel of building.

Ms. Strom made a motion to approve the project at 307 Main Ave finding that there is no adverse affect on historic properties. Second by Ms. Kloubec.

Mr. Gleye asked for clarification regarding alternative treatment of the east faade. This motion is in concurrence with staffs recommendation of accepting project with cleaning and repairing east faade instead of dryvit.

Mr. Scraper is concerned about the feel of the south wall stating that it is a very visible area and it lacks the feeling of the original rhythm of the openings. He asked that the owner reconsider that portion before the Commission would approve. He suggested using windows to give it more visual appeal.

Ms. Strom suggested approving with knowing that they will look at that wall and restoring the original opening. Staff will report on results for the Commission.

Mr. Shultz asked about replicating opening and not just putting an opening. Mr. Gleye suggested including the opening and if they cant do that feasibly then they would come back next month and review with commission.

Ms. Strom amended motion to include that the owner also review the re-opening of the doorway on the south facade. Second by Mr. Scraper.

Mr. Scraper doesnt feel that the opening needs to be returned to a garage door, but an opening that is similar. Mr. Shultz clarified that it was his intention that the opening be similar, he is not suggesting that they have to replace a garage door.

All present voted aye and motion was declared carried.

323 Main Avenue

Ms. Mayo gave an overview of the project; the owner, Brad Bortnem, was present to answer questions about the project. This project was originally presented to the Commission in 2003 but work was delayed because of funding availability. They have completed some of the interior work and this year want to finish the exterior. This building is not located in the Downtown Historic District but could contribute to a district. Staff recommends approving the project finding no adverse effect. Mr. Gleye asked if anything has changed from last approval by commission. Mr. Bortnem said that there were no significant changes from previous application; they have already replaced one of the overhead doors facing 4th Street , as originally proposed.

Mr. Scraper made a motion to approve the project at 323 Main Avenue finding that there is no adverse affect on historic properties. Second by Mr. Shultz.

Mr. Gleye asked about signage. Mr. Bortnem said that signage will be less obtrusive than it is now. Mr. Gleye said that if we approve they are accepting the signage as it is shown in pictures. Ms. Thomasson suggested that if signage changes drastically from the drawing, the owner will need to come back to the Commission to request approval for the amendment.

All present voted aye and motion was declared carried.

222 Broadway

Mr. Shultz excused himself from participation in discussion since his firm is involved in this project in a professional manner.

Ms. Mayo gave an overview of project; Amanda Thomas , architect, was present representing the owners. Ms. Mayo explained that the owner is proposing to use anodized aluminum with a clear finish for the window replacements because it is the most appropriate treatment for a building of this age (built in 1949). Anodized aluminum was first used in commercial buildings in 1947. The Commission will need to waive the stated prohibition against anodized aluminum for this project. When the Downtown Historic District was created, this building was not old enough to be included as contributing; since that time it has aged into being a contributing building in the historic district. Staff recommends finding of no adverse effect on historic properties.

Ms. Strom questioned if the proposed steel rail on the roof is eligible for storefront. Ms. Thomasson said that if you can see it from the front it is likely to be considered storefront eligible.

Ms. Amanda Thomas said that $48,000 of the total project is being invested in the storefront. The cost of the steel rail on the roof is $4,500. Ms. Thomas explained that the guard is to protect people from falling off roof, which will be used as a patio.

Ms. Thomas noted that the 2nd floor window opening does not change in size; the windows are moved back and the proposed balcony is inset so as to be flush with the building faade. Mr. Scraper asked if the windows have been replaced. Ms. Thomas replied that they have been replaced.

Mr. Gleye expressed concern about the balcony on second floor changing the character of the faade and compromising the integrity of the building.

Ms. Strom agreed with Mr. Gleye that the balcony and window inset will cause an adverse effect on the building.

Mr. Moynihan made a motion to approve the project subject to the retention of the window on the second floor. Mr. Bachmeier asked about the proposed use of anodized aluminum. The Commission agreed this is acceptable. Second by Mr. Bachmeier. All present vote aye and motion was declared carried.

Mr. Shultz returned to the meeting.

Update on proposed historic overlay district in Erskines Addition

Ms. Mayo updated the committee that the neighborhood association has not had a meeting since the February Commission meeting so they havent addressed their position on the creation of an Erskines Addition overlay district. Staff will report on decision in April so a final motion can be made and they can move forward with overlay district.

Mr. Scraper expressed concern about insisting that they include additional properties. He suggested that they create a district and expand on it as surveys can be added at a later time. Ms Strom agreed with Mr. Scraper. Ms. Thomasson said that she would need to visit with attorneys to see if we can have a scattered site overlay district.

John Wambein lives in the area that is proposed. He noted that the neighbors in the two-block area want to preserve the character of their neighborhood.

Ms. Thomasson said that she will visit with the attorney and report back to the commission in April.

CLG Grant Updates

Ms. Mayo gave an update on the Look Around Downtown brochure. Ms. Kloubec and Ms. Strom have been working with Ms. Mayo to write the summaries for the brochure. They are working with the City Commission office on the design and are also trying to put together an event to publicize the release.

In anticipation of a favorable response to the 2006 CLG grant application, they are also working on a script and the details of an audio narrative to accompany the brochure. Mr. Scraper suggested incorporating oral history as a component. Ms. Strom said that the Commission previously funded an oral history project that included downtown commentary.

Mr. Moynihan asked about annual conference for CLG. Ms. Mayo said that she hasnt heard about anything regarding the CLG conference as of yet.

Ms. Strom asked about Bristol project update. Ms. Thomasson said that the City Commission decided to not include federal funding for the project.

Adjourned at 9:10 a.m.