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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
November 6, 2007
Chairperson J. Hilt called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. The meeting was held at the new
Central Fire Station, due to a power outage at City Hall.
MEMBERS PRESENT: S. Thompson, L. Spataro, T. Bosma, J. Hilt, L. Wood, K. Panozzo
MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Kroes, excused
STAFF PRESENT: M. Franzak, D. Leafers
OTHERS PRESENT: C. Vanderwier, Neighborhood Investment Corp; K. Yeck, 1772
Jefferson; H. Wierenga, 1011 2nd St.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 2, 2007 was made by K. Panozzo,
supported by T. Bosma and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
J. Hilt requested that case 2007-31 be heard last.
L. Spataro arrived at 4:05 p.m.
Case 2007-32 286 Monroe – Shed Installation. Applicant: Neighborhood Investment Corporation.
District: Houston. Class: A. Current Function: Residential. M. Franzak presented the staff report.
The applicant requests approval to install a 10’ x 10’ wood shed in the northwest corner of the
property. It would be painted yellow to match the house. A shed pamphlet and site plan were
provided. Staff recommends approval to construct the shed, provided that the owner follows the
guidelines of new construction in historic districts.
L. Wood arrived at 4:07 p.m.
S. Thompson asked if a garage had been previously approved for this property. C. VanderWier
stated that it had; however, they had run out of funds. T. Bosma asked if there were other
possibilities for the shed that were more compatible with the house. The applicant and board
members reviewed the shed pamphlet provided, and picked out a style that was agreeable to all. C.
VanderWier stated that he preferred that there be no window in the shed for security purposes, and
board members agreed.
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A motion that the HDC approve the request to install a 10’ x 10’ (approximately) wood shed on the
property, with the following conditions: 1) that it have a gable roof style similar to the house, 2) that
it be sided to match the house, 3) that it meets all City zoning requirements, and 4) that a permit is
obtained from the Planning Department prior to construction, was made by T. Bosma, supported by
S. Thompson and unanimously approved.
Case 2007-33 1772 Jefferson St – Roof Repair. Applicant: Kevin Yeck. District: Jefferson. Class:
AA. Current Function: Residential. M. Franzak presented the staff report. The applicant would
like approval to repair the roof of the home in two places. The first place is the back entryway,
which would be shingled over. The second place would be the outer edge of the front flat roof. The
applicant was not specific on the materials or design that would be used. Staff recommends
approval to repair the roof as long as there is no change in the materials, design or overall
architecture of the house.
K. Yeck stated that the current shingles on the house were no longer available, but he would like to
get as close to that style as possible. He stated that he had picked out a dark brown color to match
what’s there, and it looks similar to a cedar shingle.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to repair the roof over the back entryway and the outer
edge of the front flat roof as proposed, as long as there is no change in the materials, design or
overall architecture of the house and all necessary permits are obtained, was made by L. Spataro,
supported by T. Bosma and unanimously approved.
Case 2007-34 1011 Second Street. Applicant: Central United Methodist Church. District:
National Register. Class: AA. Current Function: Institutional. M. Franzak presented the staff
report. He stated that this request was received late, which is why it was not listed on the meeting
agenda. The church has two identity signs; one (primary) at 2nd and Webster and a second on
Muskegon near 2nd. They are requesting to reposition the signs for better orientation to the new
two-way streets. They would also like to make the back of the signs (currently blank) look the same
as the front of the signs, so they may be visible from both directions of traffic. They are also
requesting that the sign at Webster and 2nd be internally lighted with just the text illuminated. Due
to HDC guidelines, staff cannot recommend approval of an internally lit sign. However, the HDC
has, in the past, allowed certain signage to be internally illuminated.
H. Wierenga explained the signs and what they would like to do with them. J. Hilt asked if he had
checked with the City regarding placement. H. Wierenga stated that he had. Board members and
the applicant discussed illumination of the one sign, and it was decided to allow the letters to be lit.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to change the existing outdoor signs as follows: a)
rotate the signs so that they may be visible from both directions, b) make the signs two-sided, with
the back sides to replicate the existing front sides using the same material, design and text, and c)
illuminate one sign internally as proposed, with the condition that the signs meet all City sign
ordinance requirements, was made by L. Wood, supported by L. Spataro and unanimously approved
Case 2007-31 1627 Jefferson St. - Install Weathervane. Applicant: Raymond J Hilt. District:
Clinton-Peck. Class: AA. Current Function: Residential. M. Franzak presented the staff report.
The applicant is requesting approval to install an antique eagle weathervane on the peak of the barn
HDC Minutes 11/06/07 2
behind the house. Since guidelines are unclear, staff is recommending that the HDC determine the
appropriateness of the addition of a weathervane.
J. Hilt brought the weathervane in to show the board members, who concurred that it would be
appropriate.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install an antique eagle weathervane on the peak of
the barn behind the house, was made by L. Spataro, supported by L. Wood and approved, with J.
Hilt recusing herself due to a conflict of interest.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER
Process of dealing with non-compliant certificate holders. M. Franzak asked about enforcement
action for HDC applicants who had received a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) but were not
complying with the conditions set forth. L. Spataro offered several suggestions. He asked if there
was a timeline for compliance listed on the COA. M. Franzak didn’t think there was.
L. Spataro asked that staff look into a timeline for complying with HDC requirements. He also
would like to revisit the HDC sign ordinance, to make sure it fit with the City’s sign ordinance and
reflected the current wishes of the HDC.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
dml
11/06/07
HDC Minutes 11/06/07 3
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