HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-01 Historic Preservation Commission
Minutes of the Livonia Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
May 1, 2019
Members Present: Ralph Bakewell, Betsy Calhoun, Kathie Glynn, Cindy Immonen,
Kathy Johnson-Bartshe, James Kline
Members Absent: none
Also present: Emily Tchorz, Linda McCann (until 6:30)
The meeting was called to order at 5:59 p.m. at the Alexander Blue House.
Orson Everitt House:
Kathy Bartse-Johnson and Kathie Glynn went to Engineering and Inspection today
regarding green space and driveways. Regarding the proposed road, that department
said that 50 feet is required to the north of the house. The HPC doesn’t think 3 lanes
are needed, and would like to know who says that.
We discussed the green buffer. HPC needs to be in control of this area, so it should
perhaps be part of the historic property. The amount of parking for the Orson Everitt
property should be as per City ordinance.
Linda got an estimate of $12-15,000 from the City to rebuild the outbuilding
It’s important to remember that they are only buying the property it for the road.
C. Immonen told Linda to ask about having an ALTA boundary survey done.
Linda will take all our concerns back to Mark Taormina in Planning.
We discussed whether “approval” of a land swap is in our purview or not; decided we
could approve “in concept”
We still have a vacancy for one commissioner, and discussed how to fill this.
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5/1 The Civil War Tea/Luncheon from 12-2 on September 19 has a sunflower theme.
Last year’s event realized $1629.78 in profit. B. Calhoun made a motion to spend up to
$1000 for food and supplies, J. Kline seconded, motion passed. Cindy has a Cricut
paper cutter that can be used for invitations, decorations, etc.
The cemetery guy, David Carter, will look at the Wixom Cemetery for their sign set up
so we can get started on the Union Church/Farmington Road sign repair and
placement.
Discussion: calendar or Christmas card instead, or blank cards
Discussion on possible August picnic with City Council; we decided to continue the
Christmas party for them in its stead and ask other commission if they’d like to
participate.
Someone called K. Glynn about the Ford Mill; he’s interested in turning it into a
restaurant, and looking for matching grants. She suggested research sources such as
the State Historic Preservation Office.
Budget: We approved $2000 in January for cemetery restoration; this can come out of
our $3500 in cemetery funds set aside. There is another $1600 in the gate fund for the
Union Church cemetery on Farmington Road.
5/2 Motion to approve the February minutes with corrections made by C. Immonen,
seconded by R. Bakewell.
Discussion about wedding dresses: we may want to allot some money every year to
maintain them if we could find someone local to do the work appropriately. We still
need child-sized mannequins.
Greenmead update from E. Tchorz:
The sump pump lines need to be fixed; when finished the Bungalow could appropriately
have a functional clothesline. The porch floor of the Meeting House is now cherry red!
Emily had an Eagle Scout who ”went rogue” and didn’t match the paint as requested.
Emily could not get the scout to re-do it, but has a volunteer to do so.
Discussion about the status of getting minutes posted online: still sort of a roundabout
process; trying to work it out.
Newburgh Church windows: the Livonia Community Foundation donated $5000 toward
their rehabilitation. The yellowed Plexiglas over them has offered some protection over
the years. The Greenhouse restoration is starting soon. The South Barn roof developed
a large hole which highlighted the need for an entire roof repair/replacement.
5/3 Garden Walk by the Friends of Greenmead: they always ask us for an ad. B.
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Calhoun made a motion to get a half page ad for $50, congratulating them on their 30
garden walk and advertising the HPC’s Civil War Tea in September. K. Glynn
seconded, motion passed.
Cindy I. let us know about Clarenceville and Botsford Commons 5k walk/run.fundraiser
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for the Clarenceville Education Foundation and Botsford Commons on May 19.
5/4 Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM. K. Glynn, moved, B. Calhoun seconded.
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Special meeting planned for May 15 with the Beaumont developers. May 21st
Planning Commission meeting.
Meeting dates - Voting: August 7, 2019, November 6, 2019. Planning meetings: June 5,
2019, July 3 or 10, 2019, September 4 or 11, 2019, October 2, 2019, December 4,
2019.