Minutes
City of Janesville Historic Commission Minutes
September 14, 2009
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Community Development Conference Room 3 Floor
18 N. Jackson St., Janesville, WI
Members Present:
Dan Atwood, Bruce Dennis, Rich Fletcher, Tim Maas, Janine Peterson, Susan Thompson,
Kenneth Wolf, and Staff: Brad Cantrell
1) Call to Order:
Rich Fletcher, commission chair, called the meeting to order at 5:17 p.m.
2) Comments from Public:
None.
3) Minutes of the June 8, 2009 regular meeting. “C”:
A motion was made by Susan Thompson, seconded by Dan
Atwood to approve the consent agenda consisting of the September 14, 2009 regular meeting minutes. The motion
carried.
Review of Certificate of Appropriateness 2009-CDA-05, 220 St. Lawrence Avenue:
4) Tim Maahs referred to Gayle
Price’s handout related to the summary of the meeting on Friday September 11, 2009 at the property at 220 St.
Lawrence Avenue. Tim Maas and Bruce Dennis reviewed the property and application for certificate of
appropriateness for repair and replacement of the exterior of the Lovejoy home. The handout identified current issues
at the property. There was discussion about the HUD requirement which is driving the material use. Brad Goodrich,
owner of the property, explained the HUD requirement that the materials must last the duration of the mortgage which
is 40 years. The commission discussed the bonding agent to be used. Additional discussion related to the timeline of
the work and reasons the property did not come to the commission earlier to discuss the work on the house. Brad
stated much of the ornamental work was painted not wood and that the north side of the building would not hold the
product so was removed by the contractor. Tim Maas stated he would get samples of the fish scales to Brad Goodrich.
It was agreed that a timeline of the work was needed.
Rich Fletcher stated the commission wanted to work with the owner however is bound to follow the Secretary’s
Standards for Rehabilitation and was interested in discussing alternatives with the owner. Gayle discussed the original
approval with the Plan Commission and the need to come before the Historic Commission. The conditional use permit
is for the Hall and Mercy Manor section. Brad Goodrich stated the Lovejoy house would be used as offices. He also
stated the changes would be made to blend in with the Hall and house. Dan Atwood reminded Mr. Goodrich the
problems the Commission had with the renovations to date. Brad stated there was no ordinance at the time related to
the windows.
The commission requested a schedule with a defined scope of work be submitted to the Historic Commission prior to
the commission voting on the certificate of appropriateness. Brad Goodrich agreed to withdraw the application and
resubmit with the defined scope of work included in the application. Tim stated he would continue to stay in touch
with Brad Goodrich throughout this process.
Brian Glynn Memorial Discussion:
5) Rich stated the Historic Commission had been approached by Brian’s wife
regarding donations received at Brian’s funeral that can be used by the Historic Commission. There was discussion
around ideas for the use of the donations which included: Tallman House Doors; Seminars; Jefferson Park drinking
fountain, etc. Members felt it would be nice to invest in something that would be visible and lasting. The commission
will forward ideas to Brad Cantrell for further discussion with Brian’s wife.
Discussion on Bostwick Avenue and Jefferson Avenue Historic District Certificate Presentation:
6) Members
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identified October 3 at 9:00 a.m. as the date to distribute the certificates to the neighbors. Distribution would be at
the Bostwick Park. Tim volunteered to bring apple cider and Dan stated they would bake cookies. Gayle stated Brad
and Tera would coordinate the effort.
Preview of Downtown Projects:
7) Jackie Wood stated the DDA will make a request of the City Council to ask for
$55,000 from Block Grant monies to be used for facades, benches, and planters. A meeting will be held on September
th
16 at 5:00 pm related to the Comprehensive Plan if any commission members are interested in attending.
Matters Not on the Agenda:
8)
a. Members reviewed the handout of the letter written by Brad Cantrell to the Wisconsin Historical Society
communicating Janesville’s intention to apply for a Certified Local Government sub-grant to support the
design and printing of the Downtown Design Guidelines. The grant request would be $6,600. It is hoped to
produce 1,000 copies.
b. A Conditions Report for the Tallman House was distributed for review by the commission. Phase one priority
work includes privy foundation wall stabilization and repairs and temporary roof repairs which are the
immediate concerns.
c. There was additional discussion about the Goodrich property related to the 6-month protocol and whether or
not he might go ahead with the work after this time had passed. Gayle stated he could but there would also be
an appeals process where another 6 months waiting time could be enforced as he likely will need to apply for
another conditional use permit. Gayle stated city staff will pursue the case. There was a suggestion that the
commission pursue changing the ordinance from 6 months to a longer period of time. There appears to be
community momentum for this as there is renewed interest in historic preservation. It was decided to put this
item on the agenda for the next Historic Commission meeting scheduled for September 28, 2009.
Next Meeting – Monday, September 14, 2009.
9)
Adjournment:
10) A motion to adjourn was made by Susan Thompson and seconded by Janine Peterson at 6:00 pm.
Motion carried.