HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistoric Preservation Commission April 8, 2024 Historic Preservation Commission
MINUTES
April 8, 2024
President Ed Siewert called to order the April 8, 2024 Historic Preservation Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m.
in the Building Commission Conference Room at City Hall, 500 Quartermaster Court.
Members present were, Johnna Anderson, Jourdan Ford, Lisa Green, and Paul Torp. Maggie Moore and Jason
Schlatter absent. Also,present Laura Renwick, Historic Preservation staff advisor and Administrative Assistant
Mary Frey. Guest, Jason Sams, Alan Muncy, Attorney Les Merkley and Jeffersonville Council Member Evan
Stoner.
Agenda
Jourdan Ford made a motion to approve the April 8, 2024 agenda seconded by Lisa Green and approved
unanimously.
Minutes
Johnna Anderson made a motion to approve the Monday, March 18, 2023 minutes, seconded by Paul Torp,
approved unanimously.
President Ed Siewert opened the meeting, stating that because of the significance and historical importance of
the building on the agenda at 332 Spring Street, he would like to remind the board that an ordinance was
established in 1997, with the purpose of historic preservation and protection. Ordinance 97 OR-20 is to promote
the educational, cultural, and general welfare of the citizens of Jeffersonville and to ensure the harmonious and
orderly growth and development of the municipality; Ed stated that Jeffersonville has seven remaining
outstanding-rated historical buildings in downtown Jeffersonville and out of seven, two of them have original
windows and this is one of them. Ed thanked Alan for meeting him on Friday to walk the interior of the building
at 332 Spring Street.
Certificate of Appropriateness
Alan Muncy appeared before the Board to request a certificate of appropriateness for window replacement at
332 Spring Street. The application was presented and tabled at the March 18, 2024 meeting. Alan stated that he
has re-visited and made some changes to the front windows, with no adjustments to the side windows. The
revisions to the windows will cost approximately$ 80,000.00 as he is presenting tonight. The windows are
twenty-four percent overall net of the building so replacing the sides would be cost prohibitive. The estimate to
match windows on all sides was approximately$ 104,000.00. Alan stated that fact is very few buildings left
with original windows. The windowsills, side panels, and head of every window is substantially damaged.
Double pane windows were not made back then and if you look around Spring Street, the windows he is
presenting match News and Tribune and Third Base building. Lisa Green stated that the News and Tribune
building is not a contributing building. Les Merkley stated this is fact. Alan Muncy stated the bank building on
the corner replaced windows. Laura Renwick stated the windows replaced were not original. Alan Muncy
factor, not going to renovate. Lisa Green questioned Alan, was he not aware that he was buying a contributing
historic building. Alan Muncy stated he can ask for anything he wants and the board can vote yes or no. Lisa
ask that Alan answer her question. Alan Muncy left meeting. Alan stated to Les he is getting ready to get sued.
Alan returns to meeting. Les stated that back to her question, you basically purchased the building before
coming to the board to ask for approval of a certificate of appropriateness for new windows, now you cannot
Historic Preservation Commission
MINUTES
April 8, 2024
afford to replace or repair the windows. Why did you not look at design standards? Lisa stated that replacement
windows were not original. Alan wanted explanation on how he was to know. Les stated he could have
consulted staff
Evan Stoner for public comment, Evan stated that John Perkins presented an ordinance in 1997 to regulate signs
and for owners to know responsibilities for not hurting buildings that we are trying to protect. Evan is willing to
look at and update the ordinance to consider cost and energy efficiency, and make sure buildings that are so sick
may not die out. Evan would like to know if there is any motivation to update the ordinance.
Paul Torp stated that the deteriorated windows including the steel flashing, sills, and jambs are not deteriorated
beyond repair and ask if price to refurbish windows has been quoted. Evan asked if he had been in the building
and Paul stated no,but staff has.
Laura stated she has been in the building and yes there are areas of infiltration. Laura stated that it is her opinion
that the windows are repairable, and that a 20%tax credit is available for rehabilitation and that the 20 % is an
income tax credit that may help offset cost. Ed Siewert has also been in the building and believes by caulking,
and repairing some of the glass, the steel windows can be repaired. Ed stated he has reached out to contractors
available to do the job if the applicant is interested.
Alan Muncy stated that since 2014 he has invested twenty seven million in downtown Jeff with no public funds.
Before the bridge was even here he brought in the Marriott, Colston Park, and every single project he has
presented he has had to fight for the betterment of Jeff, every single project he has heard no, and his projects are
high quality and give back to the city. I understand if the board votes no, I will not fight anymore,my money
should be my choice, and I will sell the building. I have revitalized in Jeffersonville for 28 years and this
building needs a new roof and every single wall needs to be rebuilt in this building. Know that if you vote no,
you win. I am entitled to feel the way I do.
Paul Torp stated the Board does appreciate money people put in downtown, but there are rules and that is why
there is a building commission, planning and zoning, he hopes Alan can see the benefits of boards. Alan stated
he is a reputable builder.
Paul Torp made a motion to deny the certificate of appropriateness for window replacement as presented for
322 Spring Street, seconded by Lisa Green and approved unanimously.
Les Merkley presented a written finding and conclusions in support of denial of application for the certificate of
appropriateness for the board to adopt. Look it over for your approval and know he has 30 days to appeal the
decision in court. Les stated, when an application is denied the board needs to adopt written findings.
Jourdan questioned if there are specialist that can do this kind of work and Laura answered yes. Ed stated he is
convinced that he would save money if he refurbished the windows. "
Lisa Green moved to adopt the findings and conclusions in support of denial of application for 322 Spring
Street, seconded by Jourdan Ford and approved unanimously.
Lisa Green made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Paul Torp.
A
Historic Preservation Commission
MINUTES
April 8, 2024
Next scheduled meeting will be May 1 2024.
Minutes Approved: ......410L--‘4 '4...
Submitted by: r'1ckAt K,