Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board
2005
Meeting Minutes
December
20, 2005
Members Present – Jolene Rieck, Armand Lohof, Dick
Hatfield, Virginia Smith, Paul Whiting, David Green
Members Absent – Paul
Daniels
Staff Present – Brenda Beckett,
Historic Preservation Officer, and consultant Kevin Kooistra-Manning, Western
Heritage Center
Others Present – Greg Krueger, Downtown
Billings Partnership
Jolene Rieck welcomed everyone, including our special guest, Greg Krueger. Minutes approved by Armand Lohof. Seconded by Dick Hatfield.
Public Comment – Greg Krueger, of the
DBP, would like to see the partnership with YHPB strengthened through
communication and possible shared projects.
Work Plan Review – Jolene Rieck led a discussion and review of the work plan. Final approval of the work plan will be at
the January 17 monthly meeting.
Work Plan 1
1. Action Item: The YHPB board should write a letter of support for the 2600 block nomination for the Billings Townsite Historic District expansion.
2. Action Item: The YHPB board should check with property owners to make them aware of the January 21, 2005 review of their properties on Montana Avenue.
3. Actions approved by David Greene. Seconded by Lohof.
Work Plan 2
1. Downtown Billings Partnership generously funded the effort to record historic properties in the Minnesota and Montana Avenue historic areas near the Parmly Billings Library building.
Work Plan 3
1. The YHPB Board committee created an action plan for a draft ordinance for new construction.
2. Action Item: Brenda will take a copy of this draft to Kim Palmierie (sic) for review and Brenda will review his comments at the January 17 monthly meeting. This will be set for completion by spring of 2006.
Work Plan 4
1. Action Item: Ann Kooistra-Manning’s powerpoint presentations for Southside are being presented in January at Yellowstone Historic Society. The Rural powerpoint will be ready by May of 2006 for Historic Preservation Month.
Work Plan 5
1. Action Item: Publicity committee will work with Ann Kooistra-Manning and Kevin Kooistra-Manning to determine the next step for the downtown walking tour booklet and pitch the idea to the Board by February. The DBP (Greg) is creating a way-finding system for introducing travelers to historic properties – signs that brand Billings for tourists. There might be a role for the YHPB with this project.
2. Action Item: The new “best practices” award developed by the Board Committee will be sent to architectural firms in December by Ann.
3. Action Item: The Historic Preservation Roundtable has been scheduled for March 21 at the Masonic Temple building downtown. Greg will have his purple street Ambassadors there to greet the Roundtable participants, hand out parking tokens, and validate parking. Ann sent the letter out in December.
4. Action Item: The January 17 meeting should have a few minutes set aside for ideas for historic preservation month (MAY).
The Swords Park review is on the back-burner.
1. Action Item: Paul Whiting will check on a possible partnership with MSU-Bozeman school of architecture involving rural properties in Yellowstone County.
Review of Resolution Creating Property Tax Incentive – Brenda reported that a small group met for an informational session with Bruce McCandless to review property tax incentives. The City Administrator’s office will carry the review and guidelines.
Action Item: The YHPB will have to establish a committee on January 17 to help with the review of the standards and guidelines.
Board Member Recruitment – Four Board positions are open. We have received four applicants all whom are very well qualified.
Consultants’ Report – Kevin Kooistra-Manning reported on the best practices award, letters to Roundtable participants, the nomination review for January 21, which Ann will attend, and the sending of copies of the Minnesota / Montana Avenue historic inventory to three local researchers and property owners.
Historic Preservation Officer’s Report – Brenda introduced us to the federal government’s Preserve America Grant which has been applied for by the SHPO. The Acme Hotel on North Broadway is nominated for the National Register.
Action Item: The Board should send a letter of congratulations and support for the Acme Building.
Committee
Reports
Historic Preservation Month Committee: Dick Hatfield suggested we look at youth guides to introduce people to our historic downtowns. Greg Krueger said they have another Kiosk available that we might be able to use for a display on North Broadway. Virginia Smith pushed the idea of interviewing former property owners in the North Broadway area to use for interpretive purposes.
Publicity
Committee: None
Building Permit Review Committee: None
Roundtable and Board Member Concerns
Adjournment
November, 2005
Members Present – Jolene Rieck, Paul Whiting, Richard Hatfield, Armand Lohof, David Green and Virginia Smith
Members Absent –
Paul Daniels
Staff Present – Brenda Beckett,
Historic Preservation Officer, and Ann Kooistra-Manning, Consultant/Western
Heritage Center
Others Present – None
The meeting was
called to order by at 8:10 a.m. by Chairperson Jolene Rieck. A
motion was made by Paul Whiting, after noting a typo, to approve the minutes
from October 18, 2005. The motion was
seconded by Dick Hatfield and approved by the board unopposed.
Public Comment – None.
Review of Resolution Creating Property Tax
Incentive – Brenda Beckett discussed the local Property Tax Incentive
Program, Attachment D, being presented to the City Council on November 28,
2005. Beckett consulted with
1) The City should adopt its own
Standards of Rehabilitation criteria, even if they are the same as those
imposed at the state and federal level, to avoid multiple administrative
layers.
2) The City needs to clarify
what will happen if the property sells within the 5-year period.
3) She questioned the exclusion
of other entitlements, such as the Montana Revenue Rehab Credit of 5%.
Beckett pointed
out that this program would expand YHPB authority to any historic property on
the National Register, not just those within the Historic District. It will also increase the Board’s
responsibility in the review process since the Board would be relied upon as a
reviewing and governing body with a regulatory role. She also noted that it may become confusing
to have property owners report to two separate entities: BSEDA for processing applications and YHPB
for the bulk of the work in the tax abatement review process. She was also uncertain of the process between
BSEDA and YHPB. Staff time could become
an issue.
Rieck expressed concern that the program would drain staff
time when the YHPB’s operating budget keeps getting
smaller and suggested that, like BSEDA, the YHPB also charge a fee. She noted that, depending on the amount of
work involved, the program may draw resources away from the other YHPB
inter-local entities.
Lohof questioned what the repeal of 90-16273 refers
to. He thought the program would help
those property owners who need the property tax incentives while awaiting
National Register approval, since that process can be so drawn out. He noted that the YHPB is the local review
board for such properties, but the city staff would be responsible for
reporting requirements.
Green noted that
the program is aimed at properties defined as contributing to a National
Register historic district, newly constructed properties within a historic
district, and those listed individually.
He asked for clarification on how the tax abatement applies to
properties upgrading from non-contributing to contributing.
Hatfield asked
whether the City Council needed to approve the resolution.
Beckett affirmed
that it did, but suggested that it merited further review. She will schedule a meeting between the Board
and Bruce McCandless, Deputy City Administrator, to
discuss these issues before it goes to the City Council.
Board Member Recruitment – Brenda
Beckett noted that Jolene Rieck and Virginia Smith
will not apply for a new term when their current term expires 12-31-05. She discussed the board member distribution,
per the inter-local agreement, and noted that two architects and an
archaeologist have expressed interest in applying. Ann proposed asking an employee of the WHC
for suggestions on whom to approach about applying for the Crow Tribe’s vacant
position on the board. Brenda clarified
that if not enough applications were received to fill the vacancies, the public
would be notified of the reopening and the process would continue until an
appointment is made by one or all of the inter-local agencies.
Consultants’
Report – Ann Kooistra-Manning reported the following:
1.
On November 14, Kevin Kooistra-Manning attended a
presentation and all-day workshop in
2.
Ann generated a new list of property owners for the
3.
Ann has made more updates to the YHPB website and
developing new pages.
4.
Ann is scheduled to give her presentation on
Architectural Styles of Billings’ South Side to the Yellowstone Historical
Society on February 17, 2006, at 7:00 p.m.
Maggie Lowe also contacted Ann about scheduling two presentations for
the Little Bull Communities, on a date yet to be decided.
5.
Gibson Advertising should be finalizing the brochure
for the banners along
6.
In addition to the brainstorming session from last
month, Ann added a few ideas to the list of possible events for Historic
Preservation Month, including outdoor exhibit panels to be displayed downtown,
a bungalow tour and workshop, paper placemats for restaurants, and a
preservation poster contest for kids.
Kevin spoke with Greg Krueger, DBP, about the outdoor exhibit; Krueger
told Kevin he liked the idea. Smith
noted that preserving buildings is significant only as long as the history of
those buildings and the knowledge of what makes our communities unique are
preserved as well.
Historic Preservation Officer’s Report –
Beckett reported that Greg Krueger, Downtown Billings Partnership, had been
invited to monthly meetings and will attend future meetings.
Committee
Reports –
Roundtable / Historic Preservation Month Committee: Rieck and Lohof noted that the Roundtable planning committee needs to
meet soon to decide name of new award so letters can be sent out. A location also needs to be decided with
access to free parking.
Publicity
Committee: None
Building Permit Review Committee: None
Roundtable and Board Member Concerns – Hatfield spoke of the
enthusiasm that the owners of the Erb house, recently
listed on the National Register, have for historic preservation and their
willingness to open their home to the public twice a year. Whiting said that Stephanie Ambrose Thomas of
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at
9:30 a.m.
October 18, 2005
Members Present – Jolene Rieck, Richard Hatfield, and Paul Whiting
Members Absent – Virginia
Smith, Paul Daniels, Armand Lohof, and David Green
Staff Present – Ramona Mattix – Planning Director, and Brenda Beckett and Doris
Cole – Community Development
Others Present – Rolene Schliesman, State Historic Preservation Office
The meeting was called to order by
Jolene Rieck, and she welcomed Rolene Schliesman from the State Historic Preservation Office.
Public Comment – Schliesman
announced that the Montana History Conference will be held in Billings the last week of September
2006. She noted that the conference will
be open to the general public and will include many workshops and a
banquet. She noted that the 2005
conference, held in Helena, had 51 participants. She also noted that the 2600 block of Montana
is scheduled for January 20-21, 2006 review by the State Historic Review
Committee.
Because a quorum was not present, the business agenda of the regular
meeting was canceled. Those present
spent the meeting time brainstorming ideas for the Montana History
Conference. Following is a list of
suggested speakers and ideas for the conference:
§
Keith
Edgerton – MSU-Billings
§
Suggested
contacting the city of Billings for the cost of 1,000 brochures
§
Jeff
Sanders – MSU – Billings
§
Henrietta
Mann – MSU – Bozeman
§
Dave Eckroth / Walter Hagen – Tour – Baker Battlefield
§
Mike Penfold – Battle of Pryor Creek
§
Paul Hedron
§
Jack
Gladstone
§
Janine
Pease – Rocky Mountain College
§
Don Woerner who portrays Sgt. Pryor from the Lewis & Clark
Expedition
§
Rod Garrison
– Mesolithic – Pompeys Pillar
§
Suggested
a “Kids Part”
§
WPA
§
Ester
Rivera, Shelley Ovalle, Jake Romero, Jim Ronquillo – Hispanic History
§
Montana
Migrant Council
§
Dora
Canto-Flanagan
§
Bike
Tour – BikeNet
§
Workshop
Ideas – Gail Surwell – School District #2, Paul Schellry – Study of Micros, Dick Hatfield – Cowboy Music
§
Trolley
Tours – Fun Adventures
§
Sponsors
could be Deaconess and St. Vincent’s
§
Wally
McCrae – Poem on the Yellowstone River – Forsyth
§
Dousing
– Finding Water – Dick Hatfield
§
Blacksmithing
– Steve Stevenson
§
Joe
Fire Crow – Northern Cheyenne
§
Night
Hawk
Consultants’
Report – Kooistra-Manning
offered to draft a letter to the Minnesota Avenue property owners on behalf of
the board regarding the proposed historic district. He noted that Ann has made changes to the
website and then discussed the Montana Avenue Banner brochure put together by
the Downtown Billings Partnership. It
was suggested by a board member that Greg Krueger be invited to attend the YHPB
meetings quarterly to inform the board of things planned by the Downtown
Billings Partnership.
Depot
Antique Mall – Beckett
reported on the fence permit application of the Depot Antique Mall. Because there was no quorum, Rieck will e-mail the members regarding a vote on the fence
permit.
Board
Concerns – Ann
Kooistra-Manning is working on a cultural inventory. Paul Whiting discussed the ghost signs at
Mountain Mudd.
Kevin Kooistra-Manning noted that there will be a ghost sign
presentation in January. It was noted
that CLGs around the state are struggling but that
the Billings area is going strong.
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at
9:45 a.m.
RESULTS OF ROLL CALL VOTE VIA IN
PERSON AT THE MEETING OR BY EMAIL REGARDING THE FENCE PERMIT FOR THE DEPOT
ANTIQUE MALL LOCATED AT 2223 MONTANA AVENUE:
The following Yellowstone Historic
Preservation Board members voted “Yes” the issuance of a fence permit to the
Depot Antique Mall located at 2223 Montana Avenue: Jolene Rieck, Paul
Whiting, Dick Hatfield, at the meeting and Virginia Smith and David Green via
email. The remaining board members could
not be reached.
With the results of these telephone
calls, the building permit was issued.
September 20, 2005
Members Present – Jolene Rieck,
Paul Whiting, Virginia Smith, Paul Daniels, Stephanie Kralovec,
David Green, Richard Hatfield and Armand Lohof
Members Absent – None
Staff Present – Ramona Mattix
– Planning Director, Kevin and Ann Kooistra-Manning - Consultants, Western
Heritage Center, and Brenda Beckett and Doris Cole – Community Development
Others Present – None
Chairperson Rieck called
the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. Minutes were postponed until next month. Mattix introduced
Brenda Beckett as the new Historic Preservation Officer, replacing John Walsh.
Public Comment – None
Expansion Of Montana Avenue
Historic District – Kooistra-Manning distributed points to consider
regarding this expansion. He offered two options to the board:
A) let the property owners pool there funds
and apply for a zone change with the support of the board, and
B) the board could complete the register
nomination on behalf of all property owners and table all other community
efforts for several months.
Smith noted that the property owners need to take
ownership of the project. Kralovec has discussed the
expansion with the property owners on Montana Avenue to Montana Mudd and noted that they are in favor of the expansion. Kooistra-Manning noted that SHPO would like to
see more information on the Minnesota Avenue project. Kooistra-Manning said that an approximate 120
hours are needed to complete the project draft which would take several years
of commitment to the project by the board. It was suggested that Randy Hafer be contacted to lead the property owners in Option A.
Estimated cost to property owners to
complete this project would be between $5,000-$10,000, which
is tax deductible to them. Smith, seconded by Lohof,
moved to adopt Option A to let the property owners pool there funds and apply
for a zone change with the support of the board. Motion passed with Smith opposed. Kooistra-Manning will draft a
letter to the property owners.
National Register Designation Of 2600 Block Of Montana Avenue – Ann Kooistra-Manning noted that two revisions have been sent to SHPO which have not been reviewed to date and that action is to take place at SHPO’s December board meeting.
Adoption Of Construction Standards – Mattix discussed the 2-tiered process for adoption of new construction standards, noting that two new building codes will take effect in February 2006. It was suggested that Kim Palmieri, Building Official, be invited to the next board meeting to discuss the proposed changes. These changes will require a revised Work Plan in the spring of 2006.
Consultants’ Report – Ann Kooistra-Manning discussed the Banner Walking Tour and the 2-page highlight sheet. Seventy copies of the walking tour were distributed for the Senior High School reunion. She also discussed the McKinley School celebration and also noted that Mrs. Moss is soliciting National Register Nomination for the Babcock Theatre.
Historic Preservation Officer’s Report – Beckett noted that the CLG Conference will be September 29th in Helena and that the next CLG quarterly report is due October 31, 2005.
Committee Reports
Building Permits – The
only permit received was from CTA for 2202 1st Avenue
North.
Project Specific Eugene Carroll Award – A committee needs to be established to discuss the guidelines for a second Eugene Carroll Award. Committee members are Armand Lohof and Virginia Smith. Ann Kooistra-Manning will be the consultant for this award.
Roundtable and Board Concerns
§
Green noted that the building located at 2202 1st Avenue North was used as an auto parts store
that closed in the 1950s and was used as a storage building after that. He also noted that the building was built in
the 1920s or 1930s.
§
Kralovec announced her
resignation from the board, stating that she has a job in Jackson Hole WY.
§
Whiting noted that he recently toured historic
buildings in Virginia.
§
Hatfield noted that he has been distributing
Laurel Walking Tour brochures to motels and businesses in Laurel.
§
Mattix noted that the
design of Pompey’s Pillar trails is 80%.
§
Kooistra-Manning noted that the Western Heritage
Center is completely renovated and will be re opened on December 1st with the Crow and Northern Cheyenne display.
§
Smith congratulated Ann and Kevin
Kooistra-Manning on the McKinley School project.
§
Beckett noted that the Acme Hotel has been
nominated for the National Register. Kralovec, seconded by Whiting, made a motion for theYellowstone Historic Preservation Board to waive its
right to a 60-day review period. Motion passed unopposed.
§
It was noted that the Madison Hotel, Motel and
Gift Shop in West Yellowstone is for sale.
§ Rieck thanked Kralovec for all her input and hard work while on the Board and wished her lots of luck on her new employment venture.
§
It was noted that Rieck
and Daniels would not be able to attend the October 18th meeting.
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 9:12
a.m.
August, 2005 –
No meeting.
July 19, 2005
Members Present – Jolene Rieck, Paul Whiting, Virginia Smith, Paul Daniels,
Stephanie Kralovec, and David Green
Members Absent – Richard Hatfield and Armand Lohof
Staff Present – Ramona Mattix – Planning Director, Kevin Kooistra-Manning -
Consultant, Western
Heritage Center, and Doris Cole – Community Development
Others Present – Randy Hafer
Chairperson Rieck called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. Smith, seconded by Daniels, made a motion to
approve the June minutes. The board unopposed
approved the motion.
Public
Comment – None.
Consultants’ Report – Kooistra-Manning reported congratulated the board for the work
done on the CLG Conference, noting that the turnout was great with 90
registrants and that board participation was outstanding. He noted that the
Western Heritage Center received a $4,500 grant from the City of Billings to
hire Stephanie Kralovec to complete the historic
downtown inventory. He reported that Anne is still working on the 6-8 blocks to
be inventoried per the board’s request, noting that ¾ of the time is being
spent on gathering background information. Kooistra-Manning noted that the
board must decide how big to make the expansion. It was noted that some
properties would be non-contributing. Kralovec proposed
adding one property at a time to the district and suggested contacting the
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to walk the neighborhood with the
inventory report and discuss their opinions. It was noted that this is a
pro-active project and has been very time consuming. Kralovec’s document
will be made available to the public on the City of Billings website, as well
as the Western Heritage Center’s site. It
may also be made available at www.billings.com.
The next step in this process will be to define the boundaries.
Rieck expressed concerns on this project because of
the SHPO scrutiny of the 2600 block of Montana Avenue and noted that the
project may not be completed by July 2006. She also noted that the YHBP Work
Plan has several other projects and that the board should be cautious about
spending funds on only one project. She suggested the board seek funding from
other sources, such as the Downtown Billings Partnership and the Urban Design Committee,
in pursuing this expansion. Hafer noted that all the
buildings on Minnesota Avenue are original buildings and that a local Historic
District can be obtained fairly quickly.
Mattix suggested that the board
initiate the designation or let the property owners petition it. It was noted that there are possible federal
tax breaks for local historic designations. It was also suggested that the boundary be set
at 1st Avenue South, east of N. 30th Street with the exception
of the Amfac building, to the alley south of 1st Avenue
North. Kooista-Manning
noted that he would contact SHPO to set up a walking tour of the area and
notify the board by e-mail. Mattix noted that it is important for SHPO to know about
the vacant lots within the potential historic district and then noted that the
Planning Department will pay for SHPO representatives to travel to Billings. Hafer noted that he would rally support from the downtown
owners and various Billings partners for this cause.
William Clark Signature
– Mattix discussed a recent report of a William Clark signature
dated July 24, 1806, located approximately 40 feet from Black Otter Trail in
Swords Park. She noted that the Parks
Department has covered it with a concrete box until it can be authenticated. Mattix noted that
CTEP funding could be used the authenticate the signature and noted that Don
Weaver, a Rock Artwork expert from Flagstaff, AZ, could be commissioned for
advise as well as Stu Connor, a local authority on
rock art. A motion was made by Whiting, seconded by Daniels, to authenticate the
signature was approved unopposed.
Funding Sources – Rieck gave a brief background of the board’s funding issues. Mattix noted that specific projects are easier to fund than
general board functions. Daniels noted that, as a county resident who comes to
Billings frequently, he would approach the County Commissioners for funding for
Historic Preservation Month activities and speakers and that he could write
preservation articles for the Yellowstone County News.
Committee Reports – None
Roundtable and Board
Concerns
§
Whiting reported that
he took photos of the Smith Funeral Home and Lee Apartment Building before they
were demolished. He will place them in plaques for historic buildings along
with the history of the buildings.
§
Daniels reminded
everyone that Homesteader Days in Huntley is coming up.
§
Kooistra-Manning has
been working with Gibson Advertising on a Walking Tour of Banners on Montana
Avenue. He noted that the Western
Heritage Center has moved out of its main floor to get ready for the December 1st opening of the Northern Cheyenne
“Coming Home” exhibit and the Crow Tribe “We’ve Always Been Home” exhibit. Both exhibits are from the American Indian
perspective and include two traveling trunks for schools and five DVD
presentations. He also noted that the Western Heritage Center has over 200
transcribed oral history reports. The exhibits will be on display for 13
months.
§
Mattix reported that on John Walsh’s vacated position and noted that
a mid-September date is targeted to fill it.
§
Rieck discussed a letter received from SHPO regarding the delay
of the 2600 block expansion. Kooistra-Manning suggested waiting for direction
from Pete Brown, SHPO, before going forward. The YHPB decided not to meet in August.
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.
June 21, 2005
Members Present: Jolene Rieck, Paul Whiting, Virginia Smith, Armand Lohof, Richard Hatfield, Paul Daniels, Stephanie Kralovec, and David Green
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: John Walsh - Historic Preservation Officer, and Kevin and Ann Kooistra-Manning - Consultants, Western Heritage Center, Doris Cole – Community Development
The meeting was
called to order at 8:02 a.m. by Chairperson Rieck. A motion was made by Lohof,
seconded by Green, to approve the May 17th and April 19th
minutes. The motion was approved by the
board unopposed.
Public Comment – None.
CLG Conference – Walsh reviewed the role of board members at the CLG Conference and board members selected sessions to serve as moderators.
Consultants’ Report – Ann Kooistra-Manning provided information regarding work she is doing on behalf of the board. She noted that some website changes have been made and that there are still some changes to do. She suggested that the board members check out the site. She noted the Architecture Scavenger Hunt is being used by the community. She noted that Paul Whiting has prepared a collection of photographs to help celebrate McKinley School’s 100th Anniversary and that she will be planning a scavenger hunt for that activity. She provided the board with a 2-page copy of the Walking Tour to be distributed to a group of approximately 200 people attending the state HOG Motorcycle Rally on June 24-25 in Billings. She has 250 copies of the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board brochure printed at a cost of $275. She reported on the State Historic Preservation Board review of the Downtown Historic District expansion and noted that more detail is required. She anticipates that the district will now be considered by the State board at their September meeting.
Expanded Historic District – Kevin Kooistra-Manning reported on the work being done by Kralovec on behalf of the Western Heritage Center to research properties in the expanded historic district on Montana and Minnesota Avenues. Kralovec provided information regarding her work to date and provided a review of properties she sees as contributing and non-contributing buildings to the historic district. Discussion ensued on the process for establishing a historic district, including review by the State Historic Preservation Board and the zone change requirement. Kooistra-Manning noted that the results of the work will be presented to the Urban Design Committee on July 14th and then be scheduled for board action after that date. Rieck suggested that the preliminary work product be forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Office to help determine their concerns prior to submitting a formal request to expand the historic district.
Work Plan – Walsh then reviewed the
FY2006 proposed Work Plan. He discussed
the various timing of issues and thanked Kevin and Ann Kooistra-Manning for the
work done on completing tasks in the current Work Plan. After the review was completed,
Kooistra-Manning was asked to provided the board with
an estimate of the time spent on the expansion of the historic district to the
2600 block of Montana Avenue. A
motion was made by Lohof, seconded by Kralovec, to approve the FY2006 Work Plan. The motion was approved by the board
unopposed.
Western Heritage Center Contract – Walsh reviewed the existing contract conditions for the Western Heritage Center. He noted that funding is being provided from the State to the City of Billings, as a Certified Local Government. He also noted the matching fund provided by CDBG funding. He noted that funding for the Block Grant Program has been reduced this year and is not likely to increase in the coming years. He expressed concern with the on-going funding level for these activities. He noted that the level of YHPB activity has increased as the board continues to expand its effort. This effort has resulted in renewed interest in historic preservation activities which will likely result in demands for more services from the board and staff. He encouraged the board to consider long-term funding solutions for historic preservation activities carried out by the board.
Committee Reports – Building Permit Review – Green briefly noted that a permit has not yet been submitted on the CTA Building on the corner of 1st Avenue North and North 22nd Street. Work currently underway does not require a permit.
Roundtable – Kralovec requested information regarding Orchard School. Walsh reported that the current building permit does not include plans to demolish the existing structure. Lohof suggested that the board should continue to look for funding from different places and different partners to help fund historic preservation activities carried out by the board. Hatfield expressed concern about the ability of the school districts to include extra learning opportunities particularly opportunities that might relate to historic preservation with all the current emphasis on the No Child Left Behind compliance. Whiting noted that his photography exhibit is showing at the Moss Mansion from June 24th through the summer. Kooistra-Manning reminded the board of the upcoming High Plains Book Fest on Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in downtown Billings. Board members thanked Walsh for his work for the board over the years and Walsh thanked the board members for their support and commitment to the community.
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.
May 17, 2005
Members Present: Jolene Rieck, Paul Whiting, Virginia Smith, Armand Lohof, Richard Hatfield, and David Green
Members Absent: Paul Daniels and Stephanie Kralovec
Staff Present: John Walsh - Historic Preservation Officer, and Kevin and Ann Kooistra-Manning - Consultants, Western Heritage Center
Others Present: Randy Hafer
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Chairperson Rieck. Public Comment – None.
CLG Conference – The meeting began with a report by Walsh on the Certified Local Government Conference being hosted in Billings on June 26-27. Walsh encouraged board members to fill out the registration form and noted that, as volunteers at the conference, there would be no registration fee. He also provided background information regarding the CLG Conference in Billings and the role of the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board in hosting the conference.
Historic District Report – Ann Kooistra-Manning reported on the proposed expansion of the 2600 block of Montana Avenue to be included in the National Register of Historic Places. She indicated that the project was originally submitted for SHPO review at their board meeting in January. She noted that additional information was requested by SHPO for their June board meeting. Because of the extent of the information requested, she is concerned that the State board will postpone their decision until September. She indicated the concerns revolve around the piecemeal approach to expanding the district. She is waiting for official comment from SHPO regarding the remaining concerns. Kevin Kooistra-Manning then discussed work on the expanded historic district area. He noted that a historical and architectural inventory is currently being prepared for 52 properties in the district to allow the board to consider expansion of the district to that area. He anticipates this work will be completed in June to allow the board to move forward with its decision on the expansion of the district. Hafer addressed the board on this item and expressed concern with the process to date, indicating that he has two buildings in the 2600 block of Montana Avenue for which he has applied for Historic Tax Credits. One of the buildings would stand alone for consideration for the National Register, while the second one must be considered as a contributing building to be part of the district. He indicated that the current delay is a serious issue particularly since he has been instructed to take the tax credits at this time. He also has several other buildings in the new proposed expanded district that tax credits are dependent on inclusion of these properties in the district. He noted that tax credits are critical to the financial success of the projects. The board discussed concerns about the delay on this issue and the process that has been followed. The board discussed their process to date and reaffirmed their belief that the piecemeal approach that has been followed is needed and advisable to assure successful expansion of the historic district. A motion was made by Lohof to write a letter to SHPO to express board concerns with the process and delay that has occurred. The motion was approved by the board unopposed. It was noted in discussion that the expansion to Minnesota Avenue and the rest of Montana Avenue is not guaranteed at this time and the board believes that the expansion of the existing district to include the 2600 block of Montana Avenue should not be delayed while waiting for this area to be considered.
Consultants’ Report – Kevin Kooistra-Manning noted that he is currently scanning historic images of the district that will be available as part of the expansion project. Ann Kooistra-Manning reported on the Historic Preservation Month activities. She noted that on Saturday, May 14th, an architectural scavenger hunt was held. She noted that the Parent Teacher Advisory Council at McKinley School has approached her regarding being involved in their 100th Anniversary Celebration this fall. She noted that most of the Laurel Walking Tour brochures have been distributed. Dick Hatfield reported that more brochures are being printed. She distributed the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board brochure and asked if there were any changes. She will contact Doris Cole regarding printing the brochures. She reviewed the new website design and described the features including the existence of virtual tours of rural Yellowstone County, Laurel and the South Side. She reviewed her work to provide a similar type of architectural forms and styles presentation on rural Yellowstone County as part of this year’s work plan. Her approach is more of a history as opposed to the architectural forms and styles of the area. She thanked Paul Daniels for providing pictures for her use. She noted the changes being made to correct problems identified on the website regarding I.D. O’Donnell.
Historic Preservation Officers Report – Walsh reported that current plans submitted to the Building Division does not involve demolishing the existing Orchard School building. He indicated that he is anticipating a building permit for renovation at 2202 1st Avenue North in the Historic District. He noted that the year end report to SHPO has been accepted and that we received $5,500 reimbursement. He also noted that $6,500 in CDBG funding was approved for the coming year by the City Council on Monday, May 9th. Walsh then reviewed the current work plan and asked the board to be prepared to discuss a new work plan for FY05-06 at the June meeting. He asked board members to provide him with additional suggestions between now and the next meeting for items to be included in the work plan. He reviewed proposed changes to the existing work plan for the coming year and advised the board members that the work plan would be their instructions to staff on how to devote time and resources in the coming year.
Committee Reports – Paul Whiting reported on the Publicity Committee’s actions and that they would be advertising the Preservation Café CLG Conference in late June. David Green reported on the Building Permit Review Committee noting the work being proposed by CTA on the building at 2202 1st Avenue North. He noted that the building would be a high-end furniture showroom and design center. He reported that the windows are currently covered and will be restored. He discussed the re-pointing work that will be done including improvements to the building’s cap.
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 9:32 a.m.
April
19, 2005
Members Present: Jolene Rieck, Paul Whiting, Stephanie Kralovec, Armand Lohof, Richard Hatfield, and David Green
Members Absent: Paul Daniels and Virginia Smith
Staff Present: John Walsh - Historic Preservation Officer, and Kevin and Ann Kooistra-Manning - Consultants, Western Heritage Center
Others Present: Mike O’Leary, Todd Keller and Leni Holliman
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Chairperson Rieck, and began with a welcome and introduction of board members. She also introduced Dick Hatfield as the Laurel representative to the board replacing Dr. Woerner. A motion by Lohof, seconded by Whiting, to approve the minutes of the February 15th meeting was approved unopposed by the board. March minutes are not available due to the fact that the Historic Preservation Roundtable took the place of the March meeting.
Public Comment – None.
Building
Permit Application – FAÇADE AT RAINBOW BAR, 2403 MONTANA AVENUE: Walsh
provided a brief introduction regarding the board’s review of a Building Permit
application in the Historic District.
Mike O’Leary and Todd Keller appeared on behalf of the property owner
and described the work to be done to the building. Rieck, Green, and Kralovec briefly discussed the Building Permit Review
Committee’s review of the Building Permit Application. The public hearing was then opened and,
hearing no comments from the public, was closed. The board members then discussed the details
of the project including the color of the transom window. A motion was made by Kralovec,
seconded by Lohof, to approve the Building Permit
Application provided that: 1) the front door will be wood; 2) the transom glass
would be provided in a manner to match the original; and 3) that the awning to
be installed in the future would be reviewed by the committee. Motion was approved by the board unopposed.
Historic Preservation Roundtable – The board then discussed the March 15th Historic Preservation Roundtable at the Billings Depot. General satisfaction was expressed on the event this year and the location of the event on the east side of the passengers station.
Consultants’ Report – Kooistra-Manning discussed work to date on the Historic District expansion. He indicated that public comment will be June 7th before the State Historic Preservation Office. He also noted that grant funds were awarded by the Downtown Partnership Urban Design Committee to undertake review of work needed on 52 properties in the Historic District and described the process for completing the work to expand the district. He also discussed activities for Historic Preservation Month and noted that because of the increased work resulting from the CLG Conference to be held in Billings in June and for the Historic District expansion, that the work on the Historic Preservation Month activities were not undertaken in the manner that was originally anticipated. Direction was provided by the board to continue with the presentation of the South Side Architectural Styles and Forms presentation to various groups during May as part of Historic Preservation Month activities.
Historic Preservation Officers Report – Walsh provided an update regarding the application for SHPO funding and noted that $5,500 has been requested and received. He also noted that $6,500 in Block Grant funding was recommended to the City Council by the Community Development Board. He noted that the year end report for activities is due on April 30th. He discussed the upcoming CLG Conference scheduled for June 26-27 in Billings. He discussed corrections to the City website requested by the O’Donnell family and reviewed the progress to date on the current work plan. Walsh requested that the board review the work plan activities for the coming year and noted that the board will vote to approve the plan in June to begin the new year in July. Walsh requested volunteers to serve as host or moderators for the CLG Conference. Kralovec volunteered to serve as moderator during Monday afternoon. Whiting and Green noted that they would be available to serve as moderators. Lohof indicated that he may possibly be available on Monday to assist. Rieck will be available to host Sunday evening. Hatfield indicated that he will also be available to help with the event.
Roundtable Discussion – Concern was raised about tearing down the Orchard School building. Walsh indicated that he would research this and report back to the board. Also, the board expressed a desire to ensure that the Darrell Apartment building and Smith Funeral Home would be documented prior to demolition. Hatfield discussed activities in Laurel and his interest in being a member of the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board. Kooistra-Manning discussed the J.K Ralston Cabin’s grand opening. Whiting discussed the Publicity Committee and invited Hatfield to replace Dr. Woerner on the committee. Rieck discussed a recent conference she attended in Lewiston, Idaho describing the history of the Nez Perce.
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
March 15, 2005
The Historic Preservation Roundtable took the place of the March meeting.
February 15, 2005
Members Present: Jolene Rieck, Paul Whiting, Paul Daniels, Stephanie Kralovec, Virginia Smith, Armand Lohof, and David Green
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: John Walsh - Historic Preservation Officer, and Kevin and Ann Kooistra-Manning - Consultants, Western Heritage Center
Others Present: Dr. Don Woerner
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Chairperson Rieck, who welcomed David Green to the board. A motion by Lohof, seconded by Whiting, to approve the minutes of the January 18th meeting was approved unopposed by the board.
Public Comment – None
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair – A motion was made by Smith, seconded by Lohof, to nominate Jolene Rieck for Chairperson. Motion was approved unopposed by the board. A motion was then made by Rieck, seconded by Kralovec, to nominate Paul Daniels as Vice-Chairperson. Motion was approved unopposed by the board.
Consultants’ Report – Kooistra-Manning then discussed the South Side presentation and the presentation of the report to a committee of the South Side Task Force. He also provided an update regarding the Historic District nomination and the Historic Preservation Week activities. Kooistra-Manning also reported on the application for funding to the Downtown Partnership for the work required for the expansion of the district. The Downtown Partnership has asked for additional information before making a decision. The board than began review of nominees for the Historic Preservation Award. From the list of finalists, Eckroth & Hagen, CTA, and Eileen Wright were selected. A motion was then made by Daniels to award two awards. The motion died for lack of a second. A motion was then made by Lohof, seconded by Daniels, to have a separate award in the future for buildings or sites. The motion was approved by the board unopposed. The board then selected Eckroth & Hagen to receive the 2005 Eugene Carroll Award.
Historic Preservation Officer’s Report – Walsh reported on presentations by Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board before the Billings City Council on February 14th. He noted that the Laurel City Council presentation is scheduled for March 1st and the Yellowstone County Commissioners presentation for February 22nd. He noted that the application for $5,500 in CLG funding was submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office and indicated that an application for matching funds from the CDBG program was also submitted.
Roundtable Discussion – Daniels discussed a recent article about the work of the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board that appeared in the Yellowstone County News. Whiting discussed the potential for a windshield survey for Yellowstone County rural properties in partnership with MSU’s School of Architecture.
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
January 18, 2005
Members Present: Paul Whiting, Paul Daniels, Stephanie Kralovec, Jolene Rieck, Virginia Smith, Armand Lohof
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: John Walsh - Historic Preservation Officer, and Ann Kooistra-Manning - Consultants, Western Heritage Center
Others Present: Tim Kramer –Schultz Foss Architects
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Chairperson Rieck. The meeting began with a motion by Lohof, seconded by Daniels to approve the minutes of the December 21st meeting. Motion was approved unopposed by the board.
Public Comment – Tim Kramer discussed the project that Schultz Foss is working on to restore the building at 2415 1st Ave. N. He noted that the building is owned by the Housing Authority of Billings. He is hoping to find historic photos of the building to help restore it to its original look. He was advised to review the Carper photographs, Sanborn maps, the Polk Directory, and historic photographs available at the Western Heritage Center which are now in digital format. He was also advised to review the proposed Standards for New Construction in the Historic District that the board drafted last fall.
Consultants’ Report – Kooistra-Manning reported on the National Register nomination of the 2600 block of Montana Avenue to the National Register of Historic Places. She noted that the nomination will be reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Board in January and approximately 45-60 days later, it will be reviewed by the National Register. She discussed the process in the event that there were questions by the State Board and also discussed the process for moving forward with the expansion of the district west of 27th Street. She presented the board with copies of the nomination forms that were submitted to Helena. Kooistra-Manning provided the updated YHPB brochure which was included as a work item in the current Work Plan. The board discussed a possible location for distributing the brochures, including the Chamber of Commerce, the airport, the Building Division, and in the Historic District. She noted that the Western Heritage Center has mailed 85 invitations to the March 15th Roundtable and asking for nominations for the Eugene Carroll Award. She noted that the board will review the nominations at their February meeting. Finally, she noted the 100th Anniversary of the McKinley Elementary School and discussed preparing a presentation for this anniversary in fulfillment of the Work Plan requirement for developing an educational tool for the elementary schools. In response to questions, she noted that the South Side presentation has been reviewed by Rolene Schleishman of the State Historic Preservation Office and it is now ready for review by the community. Daniels suggested that we should pursue grants from Custer County Tourism District for publishing the brochure.
Historic Preservation Officer’s Report – Walsh reminded the board that the presentation to the County Commissioners is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 25th and he encouraged members to attend. He noted that Stephanie Kralovic is the County’s appointee to the board. He also noted that the City Council presentation is scheduled for Monday, February 14th, at 6:30 p.m. and encouraged Virginia Smith to attend as the City’s representative on the board. He discussed the current openings on the board and noted that the County is advertising for Mike Schaer’s position through 5:00 p.m. January 27th. He asked for a subcommittee of the board to meet after that to present a recommendation back to the County regarding the appointment of a board member. He also noted that the City of Laurel will be making an appointment to the board. He discussed the application undertaken with the Western Heritage Center to the Downtown Partnership for funding for the Historic District Expansion Study. He provided a copy of the CLG application to board members for $5,500 funding through the State for board activities and he noted that the quarterly report for the CLG grant is due January 31, 2005. A motion was made by Smith, seconded by Lohof to approve the application for $5,500 in CLG funding. The motion was approved by the board unopposed. Paul Daniels and Virginia Smith were then appointed to the Nominations Committee to review applications for the Yellowstone Historic Preservations Board.
Committee Reports – It was noted that there were no building permits received and that the Building Permit Committee did not meet. The Historic Preservation Week Committee also did not meet. Whiting reported on the Publicity Committee activities and discussed the need to coordinate activities of the committee with planning for the March 15th Roundtable activities. He noted that the YHPB’s website is linked to the Montana Avenue website but that it is not linked back and that it is not linked on the Downtown Partnership website.
Roundtable Discussion – It was noted that election of officers would need to be held in February and there was general discussion regarding the Montana Rescue Mission building on 1st Avenue South. It was noted that this building appears to be the same design as the building proposed for the Granny’s Attic location.
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.