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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
May 2, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chairperson J. Hilt.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, A. Brown, T. Russo, T. Bosma, S. Kroes, L. Spataro
MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Thompson
STAFF PRESENT: J. Fitzpatrick, D. Leafers
OTHERS PRESENT: Muskegon High School students
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of March 7, 2006 was made by T. Russo,
supported by T. Bosma and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case 2006-16 1782 Jefferson - Request to install vinyl rain gutters. Applicant: James Schafer.
District: Jefferson. J. Fitzpatrick presented the staff report. Applicant is requesting approval to
install vinyl rain gutters on the home located at 1782 Jefferson. Staff was unable to locate any
standards for rain gutters, either in the City’s guidelines or in the federal standards. In the City’s
standards for siding, vinyl siding is not allowed in AA districts. After looking at the rest of the
homes in the Jefferson District, it appears that most of the homes that have rain gutters have
aluminum gutters. Staff recommends denial of the request to install vinyl rain gutters based on the
City’s guidelines for vinyl siding. Staff would recommend that aluminum gutters be allowed.
L. Spataro arrived at 4:05 p.m.
S. Kroes stated that today’s technology had made different materials available than what was used
when the guidelines were written. The gutters would help prevent water damage to the home’s
foundation. T. Bosma stated that vinyl might look better and hold up better than aluminum. J.
Fitzpatrick suggested that staff approval be allowed for rain gutters. Board members concurred.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install vinyl gutters on the home located at 1782
Jefferson with the condition that they match the trim on the house was made by S. Kroes, supported
by L. Spataro and unanimously approved.
HDC Minutes 05/02/06 1
Case 2006-17 511 Clay Ave. Request to install porches. Applicant: Tim Tubergen. District: AA.
J. Fitzpatrick provided members with the applicant’s sketches, and photographs of another house in
the area with similar porches to illustrate what the applicant had in mind. The two porches were to
be open with a concrete foundation and wooden posts. L. Spataro asked where on the house the two
porches would be located. J. Fitzpatrick stated that there were existing cement pads, one on the left
side in front, and the other closer to the rear of the house. The style of the proposed porches was
consistent with that style of house. T. Bosma stated that hand rails might be required by the
Inspections Department.
A motion that the request to install two porches at 511 Clay Ave. with the condition that they match
the sketches and photos provided, was made by T. Bosma, supported by T. Russo and unanimously
approved.
OTHER
Update of Historic District Ordinance J. Fitzpatrick distributed copies of Historic District
ordinances from Lansing, Saginaw, and Kalamazoo for members to review for discussion at next
month’s meeting.
Proposed changes regarding exterior masonry J. Fitzpatrick asked for board members’ opinions
regarding the painting of historically unpainted brick structures. Members concurred that it should
not be allowed. J. Fitzpatrick stated that it was the City Attorney’s opinion that the City currently
did not have the authority to issue a stop-work order in such cases. In order to be enforceable, the
ordinance would have to be changed.
A motion to have staff pursue an ordinance change through the City Commission prohibiting the
painting of historically unpainted masonry structures, was made by L. Spataro, supported by A.
Brown and unanimously approved.
J. Hilt asked J. Fitzpatrick if he had any information about the house on Muskegon Avenue that had
gotten a shipment of new windows. J. Fitzpatrick stated that he hadn’t seen any activity at the
house.
J. Hilt asked about the house on Southern Ave. that had been discussed at a previous meeting. J.
Fitzpatrick stated that he would check with the City’s Inspection Department regarding the broken
windows.
T. Bosma asked about V. Sieradzki’s house, and if any building permits had been obtained yet. J.
Fitzpatrick stated that permits had not been issued.
L. Spataro stated that the builder for the home on the former St. Joseph’s church property may come
back to the HDC to see about a less elaborate porch design, due to cost concerns.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
dml
HDC Minutes 05/02/06 2
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