Wednesday, November 14, 2007
6:30 PM
Conference Room
City Hall

Present:  Commissioners Matt Bivens, Dave Brown, Steve Emer, Pat Jones, Phyllis Ravensberg, Tom Riggs, Council Liaison Art McDonnell and Staff Liaison Alan Lamberg.  Guests Craig Conway (120 Sweetbriar), Sandy Stokes (733 W. Jewel Ave.), Ted & Ann Skeleton, Lisa & Alan Haughtley (500 block E. Argonne Dr.), Kevin McClure (435 E. Clinton Ave.), Jennifer Purvines (440 E. Argonne Dr.), Judith Brauer (715 W. Jewel Ave.), Gina Jaksetic (116 Peeke Ave.).

1. Approval of minutes.  Minutes approved as read.

2. Certificate of appropriateness.  Case 07-12 - 425 N. Taylor Avenue, addition. 

            Kevin McClure from Agape Construction presented the proposed changes including an addition to house an elevator, a 10’ bump-out above the kitchen window on the south side and a larger addition on the south side.  A screened porch addition on the west side of the building was also presented.  Comr. Bivens noted that, from a National Register standpoint, this is an ideal solution and location for installation of an elevator. After discussion, Tom Riggs moved that the COA be approved as presented omitting the screened in porch pending variance on the set back rules. Comr. Emer seconded.  Approved, unanimously.

3. Old Business

a.      Jefferson-Argonne – The district has met objectives for determining designation.   Owner consent has been received from 63% of the property owners.  The historic inventory is completed and is continually being updated.  It was motioned by Tom Riggs that all necessary objectives have been met to allow designation to take place.  Matt Bivens seconded it. Unanimously approved.  It was then motioned by Tom Riggs that the Jefferson-Argonne District be designated a Local Historic District.  Steve Emer seconded that motion.  Unanimously approved.

b.      Update historic inventory - Alan Lamberg then presented a map of the district detailing the contributory vs. non-contributory nature of each property.  He noted that the Commissions standards are more flexible than the National Register standards and that it is important to consider architectural style, significance of owners and cultural contributions and that all houses be considered as to how they contribute to the district as a whole.  It is also important to determine the amount of historical integrity that remains intact; i.e. the form and detail are more important than the siding material.

Photos of homes in the district were reviewed.  Commissioners determined status of properties still open from historic inventory.

c.       Development of Design Guidelines.  Commissioners brainstormed on how to develop appropriate design guidelines for the district.  Staff had recorded initial comments from affected property owners from the public hearing and e-mail.  Comr. Jones suggested that a focus group should outline goals that the owners want.  Jones also requested Staff to make an appointment with the City Attorney John Hessel to determine if design guidelines can be incorporated in to the ordinance and thus enforceable.[1] This procedure is to be on going.

4. New Business

a. Manor Grove was presented as a potential candidate for Landmark status.  The building was built in 1927.  It was built by a well known architect and has a cultural impact on the area.  Matt Bivens proposed that Manor Grove be nominated as a Kirkwood Local Landmark.  Tom Riggs seconded it.  It was approved unanimously.

b. Savoy subdivision. A petition was received and recorded showing that 63% of the neighbors are in favor of having this post-WW II subdivision, the 700 block of West Jewel, nominated to become a Local Landmark District.  Photographs of some of the homes were shown.

            Since owner consent and architectural significance were shown, Tom Riggs proposed a Local Historic District designation for Savoy Subdivision.  Steve Emer seconded.  Unanimously approved. Staff will send electronic images of each house to the commissioners via e-mail.  Public notification will be made in December.

5. Adjourn – meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Phyllis Ravensberg

Recording Secretary