HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-07 Historic Preservation Commission
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Greenmead Historical Park
Maureen Miller Brosnan
20501 Newburgh Road MAYOR
Livonia, Michigan 48152
(248) 477-7375
Edward Davis
SUPERINTENDENT
Fax (248) 426-8568
Emily Tchorz-Fielder
Department of Parks and Recreation
PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
15100 HUBBARD
LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48154-3586
PHONE: (734) 466-2900
FAX: (734) 466-2679
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CITY OF LIVONIA
October 7, 2020
Call to Order
Members: Kristin Waterbury, Kathy Johnson Bartshe, Kathie Glynn, Betsy Calhoun
Others present: Kelly Victor-Burke, Emily Tchorz-Fielder, Ted Davis
Not present: Cindy Immonen
Call to order at 6:01pm
Introduction of Ted Davis and commissioners
Review of Correspondence
There was nothing in the office to review today.
Review of Minutes
10/01 Betsy C. made a motion to approve August 5, 2020 and August 19, 2020 meeting
minutes. K. Glynn seconds. All approved.
New/Old Business
Dave Carter thought he could finish the cemetery stones by the end of the year. Spending the
cemetery fund and the additional $2500. Costs an average of $300-$500 per stone. We average
10-20 stones a year, but it depends on what kind of work we’re doing (fixing cracks, cleaning,
etc). Working on Newburg Cemetery this year and will move to Clarenceville Cemetery in 2021.
Rochelle will be coming back to Greenmead and we can have her do some research on
different people buried in our cemeteries. In the past HPC has hosted a Christmas party, and
we are considering tabling this year due to COVID. Perhaps HPC could do a walking tour that is
outdoors. There will likely be no indoor concerts in the winter as well. HPC has election spots to
fill -- all positions are open.
10/02 K. Waterbury makes a motion to accept the slate of HPC candidates as follows: Kathy
Johnson-Bartshe, Chairwoman; Kathie Glynn, Vice Chair; Kristin Waterbury, Secretary; Betsy
Calhoun, Treasurer. K. Glynn seconds. All approved.
Fundraisers
Happily Ever After (March) 2021. Most of the dresses are on the mannequins. Possible
discussion of a dress walk-through. The next Happily is in 5 months, so perhaps we leave them
up for now so it is less work in March 2021. Betsy dropped off some white sheets this past
week. We may need to increase ticket pricing for this event due to COVID.
Civil War Tea in September 2021
Current Items
7 Mile house hasn't contacted us since the resolution was passed. Orson House is still for sale.
The house is all-natural wood and in the Victorian style. Ford Mill on Newburgh with no news as
of now. In the past, homeowners were given plaques for homes in Livonia, and we could give
them to new owners or homes where they have gone missing. Some previous homeowners
took them from homes when they moved, so we only have 1 left. Perhaps we can give one to
the house on Stark Road during preservation week in May 2021. We could use the template
from the one available to create more. MHPN could come and talk.
10/03 B. Calhoun makes a motion that we approve pursuing CLG status. K. Glynn seconds. All
approve.
SHPO and Michigan Historic were interested in highlighting mid-century modern homes.
Discussion to use funds on the cemetery and the remaining money will be spent on the Latitude
tablet from Dell that Emily quoted. We need the tablet, especially since we are pursuing CLG.
10/04 K. Waterbury makes a motion to purchase a tablet based on the quote from Emily to
spend up to $1700. B. Calhoun seconds. All approved.
Greenmead Updates
Blue House exterior repairs where the siding is rotten and a discussion of the roof. We could
use hardy boards in limited areas (15 clapboards that need to be replaced). Hopefully this
works, otherwise this will be a problem every 8-10 years. Should we also consider something on
the roof to protect. Can we build like a mini-shed or lean-to to help preserve the building.
10/05 K. Glynn makes a motion to approve the use of cementitious siding behind the utilities
behind the north facade only, just west of the handicap ramp, with use limited to 15 lower
clapboards from the addition to the northwest corner of the building. K. Waterbury seconds. All
approved.
HPC has an older (10-15 years) digital camera. Kristin also has a digital camera to take photos
for the CLG. HPC will need to research guidelines for CLG photographs. Gutters on the north
side of the Blue House. We are not opposed to adding gutters where they are missing.
10/06 B. Calhoun makes a motion to add appropriate half-round gutters on the west and north
elevations to match the existing gutters. K. Waterbury seconds. All approved.
Shaw siding is almost done and will ask for quotes from MITN for the half-round gutters. The
timing might be cutting it close with winter. Randy is working on the north elevation now and is
almost completed. Blue House roof issues: we are not exactly sure what’s the addition or what
is originally part of the house. HPC was/is looking for old maps/drawings. There were several
additions, including an outhouse. There is a bit of doubt as to what the rental area is/was in the
original house. Look at pictures from Sue Daniels for clues as to what that area of the house
was used for. Generally, we are thinking there should not be two different types of roof since it
would look odd. The Halloween event is now a walk-through instead of a drive-through. 30
tickets for every 15 minutes. The walk will be self-guided with exits and entrances through
different doors. Looking for volunteers in 3 areas of each house to help guide people through.
The date of the event is Friday, October 23 from 5-7:30pm. Volunteers from 4:30-8:30. If you
want to volunteer, contact Maureen for more details. Would also like assistance in decorating for
the event. Emily will fiddle around with Google Docs tomorrow so we can collaborate on more
projects digitally. Nancy Frye from HC was looking at the water feature near the Hill House, the
stone steps are hard to walk down and suggested adding a handrail. HPC could look at it and
find something small for someone to hold onto. Emily will touch base with Todd from Artisan
Renovations to repair barn door/hardware, because it seems bent and rusty, and she had a
hard time opening/closing. Madonna football team is coming out to do a community service
project -- will be replacing the farm fence on Newburgh. Will have them paint the white fence at
8 and Victor Parkway. They will also be working on the trellis on the Hill House garden. Possibly
also move some of the farm equipment by the lean-to so that it’s out of the way for lawnmowers.
Walk-on Items
No Christmas party because HPC is not comfortable with larger gatherings at this time. Emily
will download the CLG application and share, and we can discuss and send it to the mayor’s
office and then send it to MHPN to look over and send to the Park Service to review and
approve.
Next Meetings
Planning Meetings: November 4, December 2
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm