OFFICIAL MINUTES
    MUSCATINE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
    JUNE 15, 2011
    The Muscatine Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) met in regular session on
    Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 5:15 p.m. in the lower level conference room at Muscatine City
    Hall. Members present included Jo Ann Carlson, Devin Pettit, Jane Reischauer, Jim Schmidt,
    Diane Mayer-Day and Anna Mack and guest Felix (the cat). Michael Maharry was also present,
    The commission reviewed the consent agenda, including the distributed agenda and the
    minutes of the regular May 18, 2011 meeting. Members pointed out the following corrections to
    the minutes: on the first page, fourth paragraph – “Rudisill reported there had not limited
    progress”, should have been “Rudisill reported there had been…”; Christine Conley is the correct
    spelling; Carlson was incorrectly identified as leaving the meeting early when she did not;
    “building” was incorrectly spelled on the last line of the second page; and on the third page,
    correct location was the Button Factory Restaurant and not the Pearl Plaza.
    Pettit then moved to approve the consent agenda with the corrections; Schmidt seconded;
    motion passed, all ayes.
    Certified Local Government (CLG) issues were then discussed by the commission.
    Reischauer reported she had completed an on-line application to the Community
    Foundation of Greater Muscatine, seeking funding assistance for a reconnaissance survey of
    selected Muscatine neighborhoods. She hopes to receive a response by the end of July.
    Under the MHPC Membership agenda item, it was reported Gina Chesling should be
    appointed soon. She will replace Dian Mayer-Day, whose term expires on June 30 and is
    ineligible for reappointment.
    The commission next discussed historical property or district issues.
    Pettit updated the commission on the status of the Alexander Clark National Historic
    Landmark grant application.
    Reischauer also reported she had not checked on signage yet, but said she would make
    calls soon.
    The commission also learned Troy Sievert, representative for Muscatine County, had
    been investigating some of the necessary steps, such as adoption of bylaw, needed to establish
    the county as a certified local government.
    Reischauer reported she had talked with Steve Boka and Andrew Fangman concerning
    the city’s new blight designation. The discussion included grant potentials and other issues.
    Reischauer said Boka would like to attend a future MHPC meeting to explain the effect of such a
    designation in an historic district.
    The commission next discussed the 2011 Preservation Iowa Annual Conference. Mack
    said she had asked the board of realtors to hold an open house in any historic homes that are for
    sale in Muscatine during the conference.
    Pettit also reminded the commission members of the funding available for them to attend
    the conference. Members will be reimbursed for their $35 conference registration.
    Maharry also reported the Downtown Action Alliance will sponsor for $50.
    MHPC Minutes
    June 15, 2011
    Page 2
    Under reports, the tax credit for the work completed on Kautz’s house may need more
    proof of metail roofs in the area at the time. Also, Maharry will check with the owner of 205
    Cherry concerning the available tax credits for work done on that property. Possibly the owner
    will donate the credits to the Friends.\
    Pettit also requested the commission request examples of windshield surveys from Spark
    Consulting.
    The meeting then adjourned at approximately 6:06 p.m.
    The next regular meeting of the commission is scheduled for Wednesday, July 20, 2011
    at 5:15 p.m. in the Muscatine City Hall lower level conference room.
    Respectfully submitted,
    ___________________________________
    Chair

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