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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
July 12, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chairperson J. Hilt.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, T. Russo, T. Bosma, S. Kroes, L. Spataro
MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Thompson, excused; A. Brown
STAFF PRESENT: J. Fitzpatrick, D. Leafers
OTHERS PRESENT: G. Miklashek, 1665 Jefferson; R. Hines, Schmidt Roofing, 552 W.
Southern; J. Clausen, 540 W. Webster
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of June 6, 2006 was made by T. Bosma,
supported by T. Russo and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case 2006-22 – 1665 Jefferson Request to install temporary wire mesh fence. Applicant: Gregg
Miklashek. District: Jefferson. J. Fitzpatrick presented the staff report. The applicant wishes to
install a temporary wire mesh fence at 1665 Jefferson to keep rabbits out of his garden. HDC
fencing guidelines were provided. HDC standards allow for the use of nonconforming fences as
long as they are not in front of the house. Also, the State Historic Preservation Office recently
published an opinion paper on fences stating that wire mesh fences are acceptable. Staff
recommends approval of the proposed temporary wire mesh fence at 1665 Jefferson.
T. Bosma asked if the term “temporary” was defined anywhere. J. Fitzpatrick didn’t think so. That
wording came from the applicant. J. Hilt suggested a time limit of the first frost. G. Miklashek
stated that that was acceptable. T. Bosma asked if this would be needed annually. He preferred to
address it now rather than requiring the applicant to return next year. J. Fitzpatrick stated that he
did not have the authority to do a staff approval. Members concurred that they would allow the
fence annually so that the applicant would not have to return each year with the same request.
L. Spataro arrived at 4:06 p.m.
A motion that the HDC approve the request for a temporary wire mesh fence as described in the
application, on an annual basis, provided that the applicant receive appropriate zoning approvals
and permits from the City, was made by T. Bosma, supported by S. Kroes and approved, with L.
Spataro abstaining.
HDC Minutes 07/12/06 1
Case 2006-23 – 404 W. Webster Avenue Request to install replacement windows and doors.
Applicant: Craig Brown. District: National Register. J. Fitzpatrick presented the staff report. The
applicant wishes to install replacement windows and doors on the home at 404 W. Webster Ave.
HDC Guidelines for windows and doors were provided. Staff recommends approval. The proposed
doors and windows replicate the look of the originals.
J. Fitzpatrick provided a brochure showing what the windows and doors would look like. L.
Spataro stated that this applicant had been before the HDC in the past and had always followed
HDC guidelines.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install replacement windows and replace the rear
French doors on the house at 404 W. Webster Avenue, with the conditions that 1) the original
openings be retained, and 2) the replacement windows and doors match the existing ones, was made
by L. Spataro, supported by T. Russo and unanimously approved.
Case 2006-24 – 1605 Jefferson Request to remove slate roof and install shingle roof. Applicant:
Patty Quanstrom. District: Jefferson. J. Fitzpatrick presented the staff report. The applicant
wishes to remove the existing slate roof and install a shingle roof on the house at 1605 Jefferson.
HDC roofing guidelines state that the design and color of all roofing materials used on sloped roofs
and structures within the historic districts shall maintain the appearance of the original roofing
materials and be appropriate to the style and period of the structure. In most instances, it is
preferred that new roofing be the same type and style as was originally installed. However, as a
practical matter, asphalt shingles which closely resemble the color and design of the traditional
roofing materials may be accepted. Staff recommends approval.
J. Hilt stated that the current slate roof was not original. L. Spataro asked what it would be replaced
with. R. Hines of Schmidt Roofing stated that they were going to use architectural shingles, which
would resemble cedar shake.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to remove the slate roof at 1605 Jefferson and install a
shingle roof as specified in the submitted application was made by T. Bosma, supported by T.
Russo and unanimously approved.
Case 2006-25 – 540 W. Webster Avenue Request to install 6 foot stockade privacy fence.
Applicant: Torger Johnson for Jerry Clausen. District: Clay-Western. J. Fitzpatrick presented the
staff report. The applicant wishes to install a 6 foot stockade privacy fence as illustrated in the
attached drawing. The applicant has also recently installed a number of retaining walls without
approval from the HDC. HDC guidelines state that when building wood fencing, consideration
should be given to the kind of wood best suited for the project, adequate post foundations,
weatherproofing, color, and amount of maintenance required. Simple variations of wood picket-
style fencing are appropriate to many period homes. Wood fences must be painted to complement
or contrast the colors of the house. Pressure treated wood shall be painted no later than one year
after installation. The type of fence proposed is allowed under HDC guidelines, and staff
recommends approval. Staff also recommends approval of the retaining walls, which have already
been installed.
L. Spataro asked the applicant if he intended to paint the fence. J. Clausen stated that he did, and
was considering painting it white. L. Spataro asked if being a corner lot presented a problem with
HDC Minutes 07/12/06 2
the fence being in a front yard. J. Fitzpatrick stated that it did, but he had already spoken with the
fence builder and the plans have been changed so that the fence will not be in front of the front
building line of the house on either front yard, as defined in the City’s zoning ordinance.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install a 6 foot privacy fence at 540 W. Webster
Avenue with the condition that it meets City zoning ordinance requirements, was made by L.
Spataro, supported by S. Kroes and unanimously approved.
Case 2006-26 –– 1604 Jefferson Request to install outdoor light. Applicant: Marty & Heidi
Sytsema. District: Jefferson. Current Function: Residential. J. Fitzpatrick presented the staff
report. The applicant wishes to replace the existing lamp post with one that is more compatible
with the house and existing exterior light fixtures. HDC Guidelines state that streetlights and
outdoor lighting fixtures should be compatible with the historic character of the area. Consideration
for approval should include the type, height, number, color, location, and method of installation.
Outdoor lighting adds character to a neighborhood. Fixtures should work with the features of the
structures in the district. It is inappropriate to have fluorescent, mercury, or halogen lights in
historic districts. If used, these lights should not be visible from the street. Staff recommends
approval. The proposed light is consistent with the style of the home and other existing exterior
lights on the house.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install a lamppost as specified in the application at
1604 Jefferson St. was made by T. Bosma, supported by L. Spataro and unanimously approved.
OTHER
Letter from Muskegon Heritage Association regarding the Montgomery House Members discussed
a letter received from T. MacAllister on behalf of the Muskegon Heritage Association regarding V.
Sieradzki’s house. T. Bosma asked what the City’s response to the letter was. L. Spataro stated
that the City Commission had discussed it, and they believe it would be difficult and costly to try
and obtain the house through eminent domain.
H, Heritage zoning L. Spataro voiced his concerns with the Heritage zoning designation. He
would like to consider eliminating it and changing the affected areas to appropriate residential and
commercial zoning. J. Fitzpatrick stated that Planning Department staff had discussed this idea
also. L. Spataro asked that the topic be included on next month’s agenda.
J. Hilt asked if J. Fitzpatrick could note the side streets on the staff report, to make the subject
properties easier to locate. J. Fitzpatrick stated that he would include a map of the properties with
the meeting packet.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:46 p.m.
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7/12/06
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