Minutes
City of Janesville Historic Commission Minutes
April 13, 2009
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Community Development Conference Room 3 Floor
18 N. Jackson St., Janesville, WI
Members Present:
Dan Atwood, Michael Bolster, Rich Fletcher, Tim Maas, Janine Peterson, Susan Thompson,
and Staff: Brad Cantrell
Others Present:
Christine Moore
1) Call to Order:
Rich Fletcher, commission chair, called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m.
2) Comments from Public:
Christine Moore spoke about an event done in Dubuque Iowa called Architecture Days.
Rich Fletcher stated he would “google” the event to learn more.
3) Minutes of the February 9, 2009 regular meeting. “C”:
A motion was made by Susan Thompson, seconded by
Michael Bolster to approve the consent agenda meeting minutes with suggested changes. There was a follow-up
question relating to the St. Mary’s options for the telecommunications equipment. Brad Cantrell reported the
option chosen was attachment of side panels painted with the brick color. Brad stated the tower option was not
supported by the State Historical Society. There was clarification to the minutes regarding the follow-up protocol
discussion. The second sentence should say: “follow up protocol for reviewed projects”. The motion carried.
There was continued discussion about when the commission may want to follow up on projects and the feasibility
of that activity which included: having photos of the completed project sent to the city; determining what types of
projects to follow up on; receiving the photo from the building inspector; issues knowing when the project is
completed; certain permits require follow-up. It was agreed to put the topic on the agenda for further discussion.
4) Downtown Mural Project:
Christine Moore, Downtown Design Center reported on the mural project for
downtown Janesville. A brochure was distributed. Christine talked about how the themes were chosen; the artists;
phases of the project; location of the murals and fundraising activities. Christine also reported on the staff
development projects for the Janesville School District. She asked commission members if they knew of local
resources related to the history of agriculture and rail roads in Janesville. A motion was made by Susan
Thompson, seconded by Tim Maas to endorse the downtown mural project. The motion carried.
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5) Discussion of May 2009 Preservation Month Expo and other events:
The Expo will be held on May 16 at the
Old Town Mall from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Comments included:
a. Speakers and Presenters:
i. Jim Draeger
ii. Fred Harmon and Michael Bolster – windows
iii. Trent Margriff
iv. Al Beyers
v. Deb and Duke – use of tax credits
vi. Home Maintenance
b.
Flyer of Expo.
c.
Distribution of the flyer to home and building owners in Historic Districts
d.
Theme: “Practical Preservation”
Rich provided the dates for the summer historic district tours:
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May 9: Prospect Hill, meet at St. Mary’s church front steps
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June 6: Main Street
June 20: Summer Solstice Tour
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July 11: Columbus Circle
July 25: Historic Fourth Ward
Aug 8: Look West Neighborhood
Aug 22: Bostwick/Jefferson Avenues
Sept 12: Benton Avenue – new this year
Sept 26: Milwaukee Streets of Downtown
Oct 10: Courthouse Hill
6) Discussion Downtown Design Guidelines:
The Commission discussed a great length the guidelines related to
Awnings. It was agreed to utilize the statements in the standards for further clarification of the guideline adding
“usually” to the statement. As for 2-sided awnings on corner property the commission determined that wrap around
awnings that connected at the corner were not acceptable. Dan Atwood and Christine Moore will make the
additional changes. Other changes to be incorporated in the guidelines include adding the architectural periods,
photos of sign types. Dan asked members to review the last four pages of the guidelines and submit changes to
Christine Moore
7) Preview of Downtown Projects:
No projects at this time.
8) Matters Not on the Agenda:
a.
Historic Commission input on the Tallman House
b.
Siding replacement on 18 Sinclair.
9) Next Meeting – March 9, 2009
Adjournment:
10) A motion was made by Susan Thompson and seconded by Janine Peterson to adjourn the meeting
at 6:59 p.m. The motion was carried.