ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION

Regular Meeting Minutes

December 5, 2007

Community Development/Engineering Services Building – 51 Winburn Way – Siskiyou Room

Historic Commissioners Present: Dale Shostrom, Terry Skibby, Henry Baker, James Watkins, Allison Renwick, Keith Swink, Alex Krach, Sam Whitford, Tom Giordano
Absent  Commission Members:

Council Liaison: Eric Navickas, Absent

High School Liaison: None Appointed
SOU Liaison: None Appointed
Staff Present: Planner, Maria Harris;

CALL TO ORDER – REGULAR MEETING

At 7:00 pm, Chairman Dale Shostrom called the Historic Commission meeting to order.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Whitford made a motion to approve the November 7, 2007 minutes and it was seconded by Mr. Watkins.  Approval was unanimous.

PUBLIC FORUM:  No speakers

PUBLIC HEARING: None

NEW BUSINESS: 

A.      Public Art Master Plan – Ms. Harris introduced Annette Pugh and Melissa Markell from the Public Art Commission who presented the Public Art Master Plan, the process and the goals. Ms. Markell explained they don’t want to change the sign code but add to it to address murals and statues as public art.  They also want to work with the Historic Commission to get feedback to coordinate any proposed art with existing historic structures.  Mr. Skibby asked about guidelines for any utility connections that are mounted on or near the artwork pedestals.  Ms. Markell said utility placements are generally out of their control.  Ms. Renwick commented about an artist in Seattle that turns utility boxes into wonderful, whimsical artwork.  Chairman Shostrom asked if the Public Arts Commission would be working with the Parks Department to place art in the City parks.  Ms. Markell said it was not allowed at this time.  Ms. Pugh & Ms. Markell discussed funding and grant issues.  As Chairperson, Ms. Markell would be the main contact.

B.     Parks Archive Project – Ms. Harris explained about the Parks Department’s basement archive records that go back as far back as the 1920’s.  SOU student hired to inventory the records.  Don Robertson said they are coming across things that may have historic significance or value that he felt the Historic Commission should be aware of.  They are coming up on the 100^th anniversary of the Parks Department and will be forming a committee that one or two Historic Commissioners may be interested in joining.  The Commissioners questioned whether SOHS could be of help. Mr. Skibby said the college used to have a program that included scanning historical documents.  Ms. Harris said Mr. Robertson would be willing to bring some examples to the Historic Commission meeting for a discussion.  The Commissioners supported the suggestion.

OLD BUSINESS

A.      Review Board Schedule

B.     Project Assignments For Planning Actions

C.     Ashland School District – Ms. Harris stated that the Bellview School project has been submitted for review.  Mr. Swink stated that he spoke to Ben from the committee who said they were a little over budget and would alter the plans slightly.  Chairman Shostrom said they were still discussing interior details at the last meeting he attended.  Mr. Krach suggested the Review Board look at the plans submitted.  Ms. Harris said she would verify the submitted plans are deemed complete.  The Review Board participants agreed to come 15 minutes early on Thursday, December 6^th.

D.     Lithia Springs National Register Nomination – Mr. Skibby asked about the plaza fountain restoration.  Ms. Harris said they were hoping to receive all the pieces by February to be assembled and ready for a dedication ceremony.  Mr. Whitford asked about the status of the gun club lease.  Ms. Harris said the gun club had requested to talk to the Council but had not been able to get on their agenda.  The Commissioners indicated they want to be involved when the discussion happens.  George Kramer’s report indicated the top priority was a management plan, nomination as a historical landmark would only open up funding resources.  The goal is to protect the property from being sold by the City.  Mr. Swink said he would be attending the Park’s Department budget meeting and would report back any information discussed concerning the Gun Club lease.

E.     Single Family Residential Design Standards – No report

F.      Co-Sponsorship with Conservation Commission for Fall Workshop – No report

DISCUSSION ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Bellview School History - Chairman Shostrom said Bellview School will be featured on Public Radio’s “As It Was” on Thursday, December 6^th.  He read a brief article about the history of Bellview School and asked if anyone would be interested in doing further research.  He said there were a couple of 90-year old former students still around that could have some good information.  Mr. Skibby said he may have some old photos he could put together.

Arterial Setbacks - Ms. Harris told the Commissioners the Planning staff had been working with the Planning Commission to get rid of the inconsistencies in the Land Use Code as it relates to the arterial setbacks.  The problem came to light during the Northlight project.  Staff is recommending the code be changed to measure from the curbline as opposed to the property line in order to allow enough room for City standard sidewalks to be installed.  Staff will be returning to the Planning Commission with sample drawings for them see and understand prior to the preparation of draft ordinance language.  Comments were made about the narrowness of sidewalks on  North Main Street.  Web access to the information is at ashland.or.us\arterialsetbacks.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next Historic Commission meeting will be on January 2, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Siskiyou Room.

ADJOURNMENT

It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.