Metro East Sun

City of Belleville Historic Preservation Commission met March 18

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

ATTENDANCE 

Timberly Hund, Member 

Alexandra Dixon, Member

Chet Breitwieser, Member

Mike Dill, Member

Tristen Gary, Member

Laura Kelley, Member 

Molly Mckenzie, Member 

Sean McElligott, Member 

Excused: 

Christina Schmittling, Member 

Staff: 

Eric Schauster, City Liaison 

DRR Representative: 

None 

CALL TO ORDER 

Ms. Dixon called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. 

Emergency Procedures were given. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: 

None 

DESIGN REVIEW REQUEST(S): None 

OFFICER'S REPORTS: 

Chair Report: None 

Secretary's Report: 

Correction to February 19th minutes - Molly was "Excused last meeting, not "Absent". 

Spelling correction - "Christina" 

Mr. Breitwieser motioned to approve as amended the February 19 2025 meeting minutes. Mr. Dill - Seconded the motion. 

Motion carried unanimously. 

Treasurer's Report: 

Treasurer Tristen Gary reported that $3,900 is the current balance with $1,900 encumbered. 

Staff Liaison Report: 

1) 4 North Pennsylvania Ave 

House fire with irreparable damage to single family home. Eric saw damage and attested to extensive damage showing pictures. Eric is awaiting confirmation from Building Commissioner on approval of a demolition permit. Eric reviewed the Historic District Code indicating Building Commissioner's ability to approve a demolition permit in a Historic District if there is a danger posed to the neighborhood. 

2) Design Review Manual Updates 

Farnsworth continues to develop guide and is currently working on photo references. 

3) 6th Street Heritage Park 

Oats and Associates working on columns and sidewalks. Estimated cost to be $240k to complete construction work. 

NEW/OLD BUSINESS: 

1) Historic District Language 

Three (3) material samples presented to HPC including MDO, HDU, and polymetal ranging in durability and cost. MDO was the middle grade in cost and durability, and is also the material of the existing signage. Committee member said some of the existing signs have been in place for longer than 20 years. Map was presented illustrating locations of existing, newly proposed, and replacement signs for each district. Newly proposed signs would allow for all street access points to the districts to have a sign. Costs were for signs only, which would be installed by the city. Oakland needs the most signs. It was suggested extra signs be purchased for future replacement. Exact number of signs is still unknown. More information will be presented next meeting. Next fiscal year funds could be used to purchase signs. 

Ms. Hund motioned to encumber $2000 for district signage. 

Mr. Gary - Seconded the motion. 

Roll Call: 

Approve: 

Ms. Dixon 

Ms. Hund 

Ms. Mckenzie 

Ms. Kelly 

Mr. Dill 

Mr. Gary 

Mr. Breitwieser 

Mr. McElligott

Disapprove: 

None 

2) Budget 

None 

3) Historic District Signage 

Mr. Gary spoke with local residents regarding expanding Oakland District northwest to include possible houses on the other side of East B. House on the southeast side of East B from Douglas to both sides of Virgina are currently included. Outline of Section 162.356 DESIGNATION in the City Ordinance describes 

requirements for historic overlay districts. A petition would be a good path forward to gauge owner interest. There would likely be push-back. Presenting information in some forum may help the public understand implications. District is located in Ward 1. 

4) DRR-306 N Charles 

No updates 

5) DRR-312 N Charles 

No updates. 

6) Misc. 

There's a new owner at 314 N Charles who might be renovating 

Mr. McElligott said there was a Housing and Public Health meeting on Wednesday, March 18th at 6pm Ms. Kelly described various types of ways for social media blasts, which may be beneficial for the committee 

to create awareness and show the community things such as the new signs. She also suggested stickers that look similar to the new signs could be distributed or sold. 

ADJOURN: 

Mr. Gary - Motioned to adjourn. 

Ms. Mckenzie - Seconded. 

Motion carried unanimously. 

Meeting adjourned 7:48 PM. 

https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03182025-3452