De Pere Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
City of De Pere, Wisconsin –January 21, 2013
A regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was held on January 21, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. at White Pillars (De Pere Historical Society) 403 N. Broadway, De Pere, Wisconsin.
- Roll Call.
Chair Mary Jane Herber called the meeting to order. Members present: Kathy Van Vonderen, Mike Fleck, Gene Hackbarth,Carla NicksandMary Jane Herber. Members excused: Brian Netzeland Tom Monahan. Also present: Aldermen, Mike Donovan, Jim Kneizel, Ken Pabich, City Planner; Tim Polack representing the Butz Family owners of the property at 135 S. Broadway and Adam Steuck of the De Pere Historical Society
- Approve minutes of the December 17, 2012 Regular meeting and the January 8, 2013 Special meeting.
Chair Mary Jane Herber asked for approval of the minutes of the December 17, 2012regular meeting and the January 8 special meeting. Mike Fleck motioned and Gene Hackbarth seconded with corrections noted. Motion carried.
3. Discussion of the proposed Walgreens project.
Gene Hackbarth motioned and Carla Nicks seconded to open the meeting to take comments from those present. Motion carried.
Tim Polack noted that he was at the meeting to gather information about the Historic Preservation Commission and what the role of the Commission is in the project. He said that he is a member of the Butz Family, owners of the property at 135 S. Broadway. (It was noted that this property is not in the South Broadway Historic District.)
Gene Hackbarth noted that in December the Midwest office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation was contacted and that Frank Butterfield of that office said that the National Trust has an agreement with Walgreens, CVS, and RiteAid not to develop properties which will remove buildings that have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Alderman Mike Donovan asked if the Historic Preservation Commission had the power to veto the Walgreens project? It was explained that the Commission’s role is to protect buildings that have been placed on the National Register. It is also the role of the Commission to let community leaders understand the importance of maintaining the continuity of Historic Districts.
Gene Hackbarth again referred to the agreement with Walgreens and others.
There was discussion about Historic Districts. Alderman Donovan asked about the Contributing Building classification. Gene Hackbarth and Mary Jane Herber explained that when a building is listed as Contributing it is at the same level as any of the buildings in that district because all contribute to the overall continuity of the district. Alderman Donovan said that the Walgreens project will be discussed further.
Discussion then focused on the Walgreens building as presented. Carla Nicks commented that the signage ordinance is in question by some property owners. They feel that the ordinance should be upheld and that there are special provisions being made for this project as presented.
Mike Fleck commented that many people have asked him about the signage and that they are not happy about the whole project.
Ken Pabich was asked about the zoning. He explained that this could be changed to a Planned Development District (PDD) which allows for flexibility in the project.
Alderman Jim Kneizel said that in the phone calls and emails that he has received in the last week people do not want a “big box store” on that site.
There was discussion that we are missing what people want to see downtown.
Mary Jane Herber said that what needs to be understood is that we are at the front end of this discussion.
Alderman Kneizel noted that traffic access may be a major part of this decision.
Ken Pabich asked if the Historic Preservation Commission wanted to have input in the design?
There was additional discussion about signage, consistency and grandfathering of previous signage.
Gene Hackbarth motioned and Kathy Van Vonderen seconded to return to regular session. Motion carried.
4. Main Street Program
Gene Hackbarth that there would be ameeting of the Main Street group on Wednesday Jan 23rd at 3pm at Nicky’s.
5.Preserve America Signs
Ken Pabich said that he had been in contact with Brian Netzel. It was thought that the signs should be reviewed the Public Works Committee so that there isn’t any misunderstanding about what the Historic Preservation Commission is planning in reference to the “Preserve America” signs. Members of the Public Works Committee are James Boyd, Jim Kneizel, Scott Crevier and Kevin Bauer.
6. Plaques for National Register properties
Mike Fleck reported that the Erie Landmark Company, the plaque company, prices have gone up and that he is going to talk to the De Pere Foundry again about their ability to do this type of work. Discussion about the cost of the plaques and what part the Commission should be responsible for and what part would belong to the property owner.
Jack Le Duc had a plaque made for his house and the cost was $212.00. There was discussion about how to attach a plaque to a brick building. Always attach into the mortar, not into the brick.
7. De Pere Neighborhood Preservation Plan
Lockkeeper’s House – Ken Pabich reported that the sewer system will be put in this winter with the cost being split between the City, $50,000, and the Fox River Navigational System Authority, $26,000, with any overage to be split evenly. The bathroom will have to meet ADA standards and be a unisex bathroom. The building supplies will be going over to Government Island this winter while the barge is in place. The barge allows for easy access. Ken Pabich reported that there is a review of the floodplain permits for the Lockkeeper’s House and other areas. He reported that the Lockkeeper’s House is not in the floodplain.
8. Guidelines for the Building Inspector
Mary Jane Herber reported that she had contacted Joe De Rose about which houses in the various Historic Districts were on the National Register of Historic Places. There is conflicting information on the Wisconsin Historical Society’s website. She will try again.
9. Historic Preservation Month
There was a short discussion of the possibility of doing tours during Historic Preservation Month.
10. 2012-2013 Sub-grants
Mary Jane Herber reported that she is trying to set up the meeting with the two individuals who have responded to the Request for Proposal. Kathy Van Vonderen suggested that we ask Joe DeRose for sample questions which should be used for consistency. Motion made by Kathy Van Vonderen that the sub-committee be able to move on which consultant the Commission will be using to complete the National Register nominations.
Motion to adjourn made by Kathy Van Vonderen, seconded by Gene Hackbarth. Motion carried. 8:45pm.