HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-07 Historic Preservation Commission
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Greenmead Historical Park
Dennis Wright
20501 Newburgh Road MAYOR
Livonia, Michigan 48152
(248) 477-7375
Linda McCann
DIRECTOR
Fax (248) 426-8568
Emily Tchorz
PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
Community Resources Department
33000 Civic Center Drive
Livonia, Michigan 48154-3097
(734) 466-2540
Minutes of the Livonia Historic Preservation Commission
Voting Meeting
August 7, 2019
Members present: Ralph Bakewell, Betsy Calhoun, Kathie Glynn, Kathy Johnson-
Bartshe, Kristin Waterbury
Members absent: James Kline, Cindy Immonen
Also present: Emily Tchorz
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. at the Alexander Blue House. Other
commission members introduced themselves to newly appointed commissioner Kristin
Waterbury.
Civil War Luncheon fundraiser Sept. 28th, we can sell up to 80 seats. It will have a
sunflower theme and a master gardener will give a presentation. Canned stew with
additional items such as spices and frozen peas will be served with cornbread and pie.
Bakers are lined up to make cookies for favors, and there will be a quilt donation
opportunity. Commissioners took flyers to take to the libraries, Blue Plate Diner, and
antique stores.
Happily Ever After wedding event is March 2020
Discussion about a possible Cemetery Stone Cleaning workshop. We could have Dave
Carter, who the HPC has been using to restore grave markers, give a talk.
Orson Everitt House on 7 Mile: Beaumont Hospital was able to negotiate building their
access road on the hotel property (immediately behind it) after all. The Orson Everitt
property will not be impacted in any way, and they won’t even need to use any of the
site for their sign. We will, of course, keep a watchful eye on developments. Betsy will
update the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, the State Historic Preservation
Office, and the attorney who gave us pro bono legal advice.
Ford Mill on Newburgh: No update, we all hope someone would purchase it for a
restaurant/brewery, bike rental, etc. We will keep our ears open so as to remind
everyone that we are available as a resource (and as required by City ordinance).
Motion 8/1 Budget: Dave Carter has submitted $600 or so in invoices this year; we
must spend $4869. B. Calhoun made a motion to approve up to $4869 for artifact
conservation and preservation by the end of the year. K. Glynn seconded, passed
unanimously. Other budget items for future were discussed as follows: K. Glynn
brought up the need for organizing archives in the Print Shop; fireproof filing cabinets
might be an appropriate expenditure. K. Waterbury expressed a desire to use her skills
and training to volunteer in this capacity, and to broach the topic of cabinets with the
Historical Commission. Archival mannequins for fragile wedding dresses (displayed
annually during the Happily Ever After event) are about $200. Conservation or
replication of wedding gowns could also be considered.
Discussion about how to involve and engage owners of listed historic properties. In the
past the HPC has hosted a presentation about historic landscaping from a gardener;
another time it showed historic photographs of their properties. We might draft a
friendly letter regarding the Commission and our ability and willingness to assist in
following historic guidelines. It was suggested that we FIRST send a Christmas
greeting card as a reminder of our existence, then follow up with the letter a couple
months later.
We should start working on a Certified Local Government summary to present to Linda
McCann. The ability to accept grants would be very welcome.
Historic District Survey discussion: there are some fine mid-century modern
neighborhoods and schools in Livonia. Other nearby communities such as Southfield
are recognizing their mid-century structures and history.
Motion 8/2 K. Glynn made a motion to pass the minutes of May 1, 2019 as written; K.
Waterbury seconded the motion, it passed unanimously.
Greenmead update from E. Tchorz:
The Hinbern House railing is broken; arrangements are being made to fix it. The
Greenhouse is expected to be finished shortly; the ceiling transoms will be operational.
Greenmead gardeners will actually be able to use the building. Kingsley porch will have
some boards replaced; the church gutter has been repaired. The South Barn roof
replacement is scheduled soon. The Geer Store windows need attention; our
restoration person suggests tempered glass due to their extremely large and potentially
hazardous size. Other carpentry repair projects being attended to. The shake roof on
the Hinbern House will be undertaken first thing next spring.
Planning meetings Sept. 11, 2019, October 2, 2019, December 4, 2019. Next Voting
meeting: November 6, 2019.
Motion 8/3 K. Glynn made a motion to adjourn, B. Calhoun seconded it; passed
unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Calhoun