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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
March 1, 2016
Chairperson J. Hilt called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, L. Wood, A. Riegler, S. Radtke, D. Warren
MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Kroes, K. Panozzo
STAFF PRESENT: M. Franzak, D. Renkenberger
OTHERS PRESENT: K. George, Community EnCompass, 1105 Terrace St.; W. Barnhart,
MSI Construction, 4420 W Bard Rd, Whitehall; M. Rundquist,
Muskegon Eagles, 621 W Western Ave.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 2, 2016 was made by J. Hilt,
supported by S. Radtke and unanimously approved.
A. Riegler arrived at 4:05 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
Case 2016-03 – 38 Diana Avenue. Applicant: Bethany Housing Ministries. District: McLaughlin.
Current Function: Residential. The applicant had originally sought approval to cover the wood
siding on the lower portion of the house with vinyl siding and to wrap the soffit and fascia with
aluminum. The upper portion of the house has vinyl shake siding, which was done under a previous
owner. The request was later revised to retain the current wood soffit and fascia. They are also
requesting to add a privacy fence in the back yard.
J. Hilt stated that she had gone by the house and looked at the wood siding, which appeared to be in
good condition. She stated that if that was the case, paint was the preferred choice over vinyl. K.
George stated that the upper portion of the house was already sided with vinyl shakes, and the
windows were vinyl replacement as well. This house had been extensively rehabbed 6 or 7 years
ago, and the exterior was repainted again last summer. However, the paint was still peeling and
they were unsure what was causing it. K. George didn’t think that vinyl siding would alter the look
of the home, and it would be easier to maintain for the long-term, especially for a lower-income
homeowner. She also indicated that they had reconsidered wrapping the soffit and fascia, and had
decided to retain those wood features, as well as the wood frieze board and the wood trim around
the windows. S. Radtke stated that, although he would normally be opposed to vinyl siding, in this
case he would consider it since the top portion of the house already had vinyl. He asked if they
were going to just cover the wood siding with the vinyl, or remove the wood. K. George stated that
they would retain the wood siding and just cover it with the vinyl.
HDC Minutes 3/1/16 1
A motion that the HDC approve the request to cover the wood siding with vinyl, as long as 1) the
profile matches within 1 inch, 2) the wooden window frames, trim, and frieze boards are retained,
3) the soffit and fascia remain wood, 4) all zoning requirements are met, and 5) any necessary
permits are obtained, was made by A. Riegler, supported by D. Warren and unanimously approved,
with J. Hilt, L. Wood, A. Riegler, S. Radtke, and D. Warren voting aye.
The request to install the fence was voted on separately. K. George provided pictures of both vinyl
and cedar fencing, and stated that they were willing to use either one, depending on the HDC’s
preference. J. Hilt asked if just the back yard would be fenced. K. George stated that was correct;
the back yard abutted a church parking lot and they wished to provide some privacy in the yard. J.
Hilt asked if the fence would be 6 feet tall. K. George stated that was correct. D. Warren asked
what the policy was regarding vinyl fencing. S. Radtke stated that it was not generally allowed, but
there had been exceptions made in the past. Board members concurred that the cedar fencing would
be preferable.
A motion to allow the 6-foot cedar fencing as proposed, with the condition that the necessary permit
is obtained, was made by S. Radtke, supported by L. Wood and unanimously approved, with J. Hilt,
L. Wood, A. Riegler, S. Radtke, and D. Warren voting aye.
OLD BUSINESS
Case 2016-02 – 621 W. Western Avenue. Applicant: Muskegon Eagles. District: Clay-Western.
Current Function: Recreational. This case was tabled from the February meeting. W. Barnhart
provide a shop drawing of the revised doorway to be installed. The opening and window
configuration matched the existing doorway and windows. He stated that they would replace the
steel jamb with aluminum. A. Riegler asked if the transom matched. W. Barnhart stated that it did.
The frame would be a dark bronze aluminum, and he asked if they could use low-E glass. M.
Franzak stated that was allowed, as long as the glass was clear.
A motion to approve the revised entryway door design as proposed was made by S. Radtke,
supported by A. Riegler and unanimously approved, with J. Hilt, L. Wood, A. Riegler, S. Radtke,
and D. Warren voting aye.
M. Rundquist of the Muskegon Eagles inquired about replacing their current sign. It was neon at
one time but they were unable to maintain it, so it was covered with a skin. However, it was
starting to rot and needed to be replaced. They also wanted to attach a 2-faced LED lighted sign
underneath the current sign, to advertise club events. M. Rundquist described the proposed signs.
M. Franzak stated that it would be allowed by the sign ordinance, but he needed to fill out another
HDC application and provide drawings for the board’s review and approval.
OTHER BUSINESS
M. Franzak introduced new board member, City Commissioner Debra Warren.
Staff and board members discussed the former A- and AA-designated historic districts. M. Franzak
stated that the standards would need to be updated to reflect only one type of historic district, per
state mandate.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
HDC Minutes 3/1/16 2