HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 08-13 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA
CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA
HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
EDINA CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2012, 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Rescheduled meeting of July 9, 2012
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
During "Community Comment" the Heritage Preservation Board will invite residents to share new issues or
concerns that haven't been considered in the past 30 days by the Board or which aren't slated for future
consideration. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of
speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items that are elsewhere on
tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment. Individuals should not expect the Chair or
Board to respond to their comments. Instead, the Board might refer the matter to staff for consideration at a
future meeting.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Country Club District - Plan of Treatment
I . Compatibility & Use of Synthetic Materials
2. Accessory Mechanical Equipment — Solar Panels
B. 32nd Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Conference — September 13-14
Fergus Falls, MN.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
IX. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
X. STAFF COMMENTS
X1. NEXT MEETING DATE September H, 2012
XII. ADJOURNMENT
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in
the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large -print documents or something else, please call 952-927-
8861, 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Edina City Hall — Community Room
Monday, August 13, 2012
7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M.
11. ROLL CALL
Answering roll call was Vice Chair Moore, and Members Stegner, Davis, Curran, Anger, Christiaansen,
and Mellom. Absent were Chair Carr and Member Sussman. Staff present was Planner Joyce Repya.
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Member Curran moved to approve the meeting agenda. Member Davis seconded the motion. All
voted aye. The motion carried.
IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Regular meeting of July 9, 2012
Member Anger moved approval of the minutes from the July 9, 2012, meeting of the board. Member
Curran seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT None
VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Country Club District - Plan of Treatment
1. Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) 4524 Bruce Avenue Appeal Decision
Planner Repya advised the Board that the City Council heard the appeal of the HPB's Certificate of
Appropriateness decision which had approved a new home at 4524 Bruce Avenue, and agreed with the
appellants, rescinding the approval of the proposed home, and ordering that the COA request should
return to the HPB with a revised plan. The applicant, JMS Custom Homes was encouraged to revise the
plans for the home by deleting the use of Hardi-board stucco panels, removing the front porch, and
reducing the size of the third story window on the front elevation. Ms. Repya pointed out that in order
for the COA request to return to the HPB, the applicant must submit a letter to the City waiving the 60
day action requirement — the letter is forthcoming. JMS has also been encouraged to meet with the
neighbors to discuss a revised plan.
Board Members discussed the Council's decision, some wondering whether the HPB should re-evaluate
the COA evaluation process for new homes. Member Anger commented that while he thought the
proposed home lacked the restraint and austerity found in the surrounding homes, the COA process is
working just fine as evidenced by the new home proposed at 4624 Bruce Avenue which was well
received by the Board. Mr. Anger added that he believed the home proposed by JMS was an anomaly,
and should not trigger the revamp of a process that has been working.
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Minutes
August 13, 2012
Member Davis commented that the District's Plan of Treatment provides direction; however should still
provide for creativity. He added that it is the responsibility of the Board to provide thorough feedback
to the applicant during the preliminary review, and not raise additional concerns at the final review.
Member Curran agreed with Member Davis and noted that the home proposed by JMS was replacing a
Contemporary style home, and the direction provided in the Plan of Treatment is to ensure that the
new home is compatible with the surrounding homes, not that it replicate the historic homes. The HPB
is required to ensure that projects brought before them uphold the District's Plan of Treatment — the
design review process is not a "beauty contest". Ms. Curran added that she would encourage anyone
designing a new home in the Country Club District to engage the closest neighbors in the process.
2. Compatibility & Use of Synthetic Materials
Planner Repya observed that a large part of the dissatisfaction with the home JMS proposed for 4524
Bruce Avenue centered on the use of Hardi-board stucco panels in lieu of traditional stucco. The Plan
of Treatment addresses that issue by stating that "The use of non-traditional materials (such as Hardi-
Plank siding and steel roofing) should be considered on a case-by-case basis; imitative wood or masonry
finishes should duplicate the size, shape, color, and texture of materials historically used in the District.
Aluminum and vinyl siding are not appropriate for street facades." Addressing this section of the Plan of
Treatment, the question that was raised regarding the use of the Hardi-board stucco was whether in
this case the application was in character with its surroundings in the district — The HPB determined it
was, and the City Council deemed that it was not.
Member Christiaansen commented that she did not have issue with the use of the synthetic Hardi-board
stucco panels, however felt that the roof design was too articulated, and the architecture of the home
was not complimentary to its surroundings.
Planner Repya provided the HPB with copies of a Preservation Brief from the National Park Service
entitled "Architectural Character Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings as an Aid to
Preserving Their Character". Ms. Repya predicated recommending this brief by pointing out that the
information is written to assist in the evaluation of historic structures, not in -fill construction. However
a very helpful checklist for evaluating the architectural character of a structure is provided that could be
re -crafted to address new homes built in the district. Elements recommended in the checklist include:
• Shape
• Roof & Roof Features
• Openings (Windows/Doors)
• Projections (Porches/Cornices/Bay Windows/Balconies/Chimneys, etc.)
• Trim & Secondary Features
• Materials
• Setting
The Board agreed the brief would be a good addition to their "preservation tool kit", and something
that could be shared with COA applicants. No formal action was taken.
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Minutes
August 13, 2012
3. Accessory Mechanical Equipment
Planner Repya shared with the Board an inquiry received from Rebecca Lundberg, owner of Powerfully
Green regarding the potential for installing solar panels on the south elevation of the roof of a home at
4515 Casco Avenue. In a letter to the Board, Ms. Lundberg stated that a similar solar energy system
was installed on the south -facing roof of a detached garage at 4212 W. 44th Street. Photos of similar
solar panel installations, and 4515 Casco Avenue were also provided. Ms. Lundberg indicated that her
company has worked with the City of St. Paul Historic Preservation Commission on several projects,
however understands that each preservation commission has their own criteria, thus she wanted to
know the opinion of the potential roof -top solar application in Edina.
Ms. Repya also had provided the Board with articles addressing solar panels in historic districts, as well
as the section of the Country Club District's Plan of Treatment regarding accessory mechanical
equipment which states that "Mechanical equipment, solar panels, air conditioners, satellite dishes, and
antennae should be concealed whenever possible or placed in an inconspicuous location so as not to
intrude or detract from historic facades and streetscapes."
The Board discussed the concept of incorporating modern, energy efficient features in a historic district.
Member Davis commented that, as stated in the Plan of Treatment, the applicability of installing solar
panels should be predicated upon them not hampering the historic facade or streetscape. Member
Christiaansen pointed out that solar panels are not designed as part of the building — they are added on
and are limited in their application. She continued that ideally, the panels should be flush with the roof
to be the least intrusive; however that is not always possible, since some must be angled to attract the
best sunlight.
Following a brief discussion, the Board agreed that the Plan of Treatment provides guidance for the
installation of solar panels; however a Certificate of Appropriateness would not be required. It was
agreed that homeowners considering adding solar panels to their homes should share their plans with
their immediate neighbors. No formal action was taken.
B. 32.d Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Conference — September 13-14,
Fergus Falls, MN.
Planner Repya reported that the Annual State Preservation Conference will take place this year in
Fergus Falls, September 13-14. Because Edina is a CLG (Certified Local Government) city, we qualify for
scholarship funding up to $1,200 for members attending both days of the conference. The scholarship
will cover mileage, lodging and the conference registration.
Board members observed that because Fergus Falls is so far away, one would need to stay overnight and
attend both days of the conference. Ms. Repya added she would be attending the conference, and Chair
Carr has expressed an interest in attending. The scholarship is available on a first come — first served
basis, thus Board Members were encouraged to let Ms. Repya know if they were interested in attending
as soon as possible.
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Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Minutes
August 13, 2012
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS -None
VIII. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Stegner observed that there was a very good article in the Sunday, August 12th Home section
of the Star Tribune on Mid -Century homes in the Twin Cities, which he encouraged his fellow Board
Members to read.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS None
X. NEXT MEETING DATE September 11, 2012
XI. ADJOURNMENT 8:15 p.m.
Member Davis moved the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Member Curran seconded the motion. All
voted aye. The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Repya
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