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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
March 3, 2020
K. George called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: K. George, L. Wood, T. Emory, K. Panozzo
MEMBERS ABSENT: A. Riegler, excused, T. Painter, excused, S. Radtke
STAFF PRESENT: J. Pesch, D. Renkenberger
OTHERS PRESENT: F. Camilien, 24 Morrall St; J. Mikesell, 249 W Muskegon; S. A.
Higgins, SHPO; K. Kolokithas, SHPO
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
This was postponed until the next meeting in the hope that a full board would be present for
nominations.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 4, 2020, with the correction of the
guest’s name for case number 2020-01, was made by K. Panozzo, supported by L. Wood and
unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Cases were heard out of order, with case 2020-05 being heard first.
Case 2020-05 – 24 Morrall St (Shed). Applicant: Franco Camilien. District: McLaughlin. Current
Function: Residential. J. Pesch presented the staff report. The applicant is seeking approval to
construct a new shed at the rear of the property on the same footprint as the previous shed. The
original metal-sided shed was recently damaged by a tree. Construction of the new shed had
already started.
J. Pesch provided a picture of the shed in progress. He stated that it did not have all the siding on
it yet, but it would be fully sided when complete. K. Panozzo asked if the shed was visible from
the street. T. Emory stated that she had driven by there, and one side was somewhat visible. F.
Camilien stated that he was trying to make the shed match the house siding.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to construct a new shed at the rear of the property
within the same footprint as the previous shed as long as the work meets all zoning requirements
and the necessary permits are obtained, was made by L. Wood, supported by K. George and
unanimously approved, with K. George, L. Wood, T. Emory, and K. Panozzo voting aye.
Case 2020-03 – 249 W. Muskegon Avenue (Siding, Porch, Windows). Applicant: John Mikesell.
District: Houston. Current Function: Residential. J. Pesch presented the staff report. The applicant
is seeking approval to 1) remove the vinyl siding and original wood siding and install a engineered
wood siding and trim to match the existing siding and trim, level the roof and rebuild the porch
which includes: 2) install new decking on the porch with boards that run perpendicular to the front
of the house, 3) remove the existing Tuscan style columns on the front porch and install new
structural composite columns of the same style, 4) remove the half walls on the porch and install
new composite rails and balustrades, 5) remove and replace the windows (some of which were
removed by a past owner) with slim line custom sized vinyl windows matching the sizes of the
existing window openings. Additional drawings and information were provided.
K. George asked J. Mikesell if he intended to reuse the crown on the front porch, and stated that if
it was not reusable, he should replace it with the same size crown. J. Mikesell stated that he would
reuse it if he was able to. J. Pesch presented photos of the house taken in the 1970s, which showed
a small peak on the roof over the steps. T. Emory asked if the roof was level. J. Mikesell stated
that it was sagging and only one beam was still in decent shape. K. Panozzo asked if he would be
putting the peak back, as shown in the old photo. J. Mikesell stated that he did not plan on it, as it
was not original to the house. K. George asked what shape the porch rails would be. J. Mikesell
stated that they would be square columns with balustrades and a rounded top rail. He stated that
the trim would look how it originally did. He provided samples of the engineered wood product
and porch rails. K. George explained the wood product, stating that it was of good quality. She
asked what Mr. Mikesell planned to do about the windows, as there were a lot of them and the
board preferred that vinyl not be used. J. Mikesell stated that they currently had aluminum trim.
K. Panozzo asked what they would look like. J. Mikesell stated that they would be double-hung
like the originals; there were still a couple of original windows in the house. He provided pictures
of the proposed new windows. J. Mikesell talked about removing the upper level of the rear porch
which had not been mentioned on the application. K. George asked for details of the work he
wanted to do. J. Mikesell stated that the upper left had been added on and it was not tall enough
for a person to stand up in. He wanted to remove the second story of the back porch. J. Pesch and
staff discussed HDC standards involving porches.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to 1) remove the vinyl siding and original wood siding
and install an engineered wood siding and trim to match the existing siding and trim, level the roof
and rebuild the porch which includes: 2) install new decking on the porch with boards that run
perpendicular to the front of the house, 3) remove the existing Tuscan style columns on the front
porch and install new structural composite columns of the same style and diameter, and 4) remove
the half walls on the porch and install new composite rails and balustrades; 5) remove and replace
the windows with slim line custom-sized vinyl windows matching the sizes of the existing window
openings, and 6) remove the upper rear porch enclosure and install balustrades and handrails to
code on the flat roof to match the new front porch as long as the work meets all zoning requirements
and the necessary permits are obtained, was made by K. George, supported by L. Wood and
unanimously approved, with K. George, L. Wood, T. Emory, and K. Panozzo voting aye.
Case 2020-04 – 430 W. Clay Avenue (Banners). Applicant: Kayla Slager (Revel, representing
Lakeshore Museum Center). District: Clay-Webster. Current Function: Institutional. J. Pesch
presented the staff report. The applicant is seeking approval to install ten (10) vinyl, vertical banner
signs on the structure. The banners will highlight the museum’s exhibits, with five (5) signs
proposed to be installed on both the W. Clay Avenue façade and the façade facing Fourth Street.
Some banners have already been installed. Photos of the building’s exterior showing the location
of the banners were provided.
There were no questions from board members or the public.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install ten (10) vinyl, vertical banner signs on the
structure highlighting the museum’s exhibits, with five (5) signs proposed to be installed on both
the W. Clay Avenue façade and the façade facing Fourth Street as long as the work meets all
zoning requirements and the necessary permits are obtained, was made by K. Panozzo, supported
by K. George and unanimously approved, with K. George, L. Wood, T. Emory, and K. Panozzo
voting aye.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER BUSINESS
Certified Local Government (CLG) Presentation – Alan Higgins, the CLG Coordinator for
SHPO, presented on the program. Staff had shared the CLG Manual with the board prior to the
presentation. The CLG certification manual is also available online.
New Board Member – Tim Painter has been appointed to the Historic District Commission,
replacing Jackie Hilt.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
DR