City of Milwaukee - File #: 121398

• File #: 121398
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 1/24/2013
• In control: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
• Final action: 8/18/2014
• Title: Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mothball certificate for roofing work at 2640 N. 1st Street, the Henry L. Palmer Lodge/Love Tabernacle, a locally-designated building, for Love Tabernacle, agent Clara Atwater.
• Sponsors: THE CHAIR

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
8/18/2014	0	CITY CLERK	Sponsor added; Minutes note: Talked to Ron Roberts who checked e-mail from Paul -- the only work that needed to be done is the flashing, so, per Ron, considered complete.
3/11/2013	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	ADOPTED; Minutes note: Mr. Jakubovich gave an overview of the application for a mothball certificate. The commission decided to hold the matter at last month’s meeting for the applicant to provide more comprehensive plans for work on the exterior of the building. Plans have been provided by the applicant to address the flat roof, painting, chimney tuck pointing, broken sashes, missing downspouts, and missing balusters. All work is to be completed by April 1, 2014. If granted a mothball certificate the City would remove an existing raze order on the building, suspend any fines or citations on exterior items to be worked on, and establish a longer timeframe for the repairs. The timeframe requested is realistic, and staff recommends acceptance to primarily remove the raze order. Ms. Nemec moved for a public hearing, seconded by Mr. Hoeschen. There were no objections. Individuals from the public appearing: Touissaint Harris, applicant and representative of Love Tabernacle Ron Roberts, Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) Mr. Harris said that he has worked with Mr. Roberts and Mr. Jakubovich to come up with a realistic timeframe for the repair work, is positive that the work will be completed by April 1, 2014, and will have fundraisers to raise funds for the repairs. Additional time is being requested to raise funds for items that were not originally considered such as the downspouts, gutters, and chimney. The Love Tabernacle has conducted fundraisers since 1989 between one to three months, held annual events every year, received donations, has people volunteering, and will hold a meeting to determine the amount of funds needed. He added that he is positive about the fundraisers and donations as many people are aware of the organization’s operations. Mr. Roberts gave a few comments. He has worked with Mr. Harris to designate the building after issuance of a condemnation order. A mothball certificate will give DNS assurance on repairs to the exterior of the building. Work on the interior would then proceed in phases with attention paid to details and not based on a rush to get back into the building. Other things have not been discussed but will be determined. A recent exterior walkthrough did not occur as scheduled due to inclement weather. DNS has confidence based on the plans provided. If granted a mothball certificate, a condemnation inspector would dismiss the raze order and refer the building to a commercial inspector, who does annual fire and maintenance inspections. No orders would be issued, but monitoring of the repairs according to the plans of Mr. Harris will be done as a means of review. Mr. Williams inquired as to the ability of the City to step in and perform work on a neglected historic building with costs that can be assessed back to the property? Mr. Jakubovich replied that the City can repair exteriors to historic buildings and have done this especially for those buildings with roofs or parts of roofs missing. The Milwaukee Code of Ordinances concerning the Commission allows for this to occur regarding designated buildings where there hasn’t been compliance. Ms. Nemec moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Hoeschen. There were no objections. Ms. Nemec moved approval, seconded by Mr. Williams, of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mothball certificate for roofing work at 2640 N. 1st Street. There were no objections.	Pass	5:0
3/6/2013	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	HEARING NOTICES SENT
3/6/2013	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	HEARING NOTICES SENT
2/11/2013	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	HELD IN COMMITTEE; Minutes note: Mr. Jakubovich gave an overview on the proposal for a mothball certificate for the Henry Palmer Lodge. The building was recommended for local designation by the commission a few months ago. It has exterior and interior condition problems, and one of the issues is the condition of the exterior flat roof that has been leaking in a number of places. The roof has been temporary patched, but the goal is to complete have a new flat roof by September 21, 2013. A mothball certificate would suspend any possible fines, citations, and raze orders directed toward the building. A mothball certificate would also set a timeline for the owner to complete the rehabilitation of the roof, which needs repair before any serious work can occur in the interior. The hope is that the owner will work with the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) to remediate the first floor and close off the second and third floors of the building until enough funds are raised to extend to those floors. Touissaint Harris represents the congregation that has requested the mothball permit. Mr. Harris appeared and requested for additional time beyond September 21, 2013 to restore other parts of the building on the first floor to compliment the exterior of the building. He added that the roof is expected to be finished by September 21st. The temporary patching on the roof is a rubber membrane. Mr. Williams said that the commission only has jurisdiction regarding the historic integrity of the exterior of the building and the owner is free to take the time to do the interior work. The commission is faced with reviewing only the roof at this time. Mr. Jakubovich said that the owner wants to suspend any potential raze order on the building with a mothball certificate. If more time is needed, the owner will have to work with DNS for a restoration agreement. If the building is not being used in the interior, it can be mothballed generally, become a vacant building, and incur potential fees. Ron Roberts from DNS appeared and gave insight on the violations of the building. DNS condemned the building in January 2012. At the suggestion of DNS, the owner has followed through with the historic designation and mothball request. DNS has no intention on pursuing the raze order. A mothball certificate would aide the owner in addressing serious issues and saving the building without the fear of fines or penalties. In addition to the roof, DNS would like for other major and minor details to be repaired both externally and internally, such as the chimney. The September deadline would not be enough time. A vacant building can be subject to vacant building inspections and fees. Mr. Roberts said that the owner should submit a written plan to DNS depicting the phases of rehabilitation, development, and occupancy of the building from the first floor up. DNS will support a mothball and extension of time to avoid any enforcement and complete the plan provided that a plan be written and detailed. Mr. Roberts said that beyond the 10,000 square feet roof there are roof foundation problems that would need repair or replacement. Those costs will not be known until a contractor exposes all of the roof materials, which may result in costing more money than expected. Mr. Roberts responded that the building cannot be occupied in its current condition and would require substantial investment to ensure long term use and habitability. He added that the building does require major mechanical system repairs such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Mr. Jarosz said that a percentage of the costs will be for essential issues that need to be addressed right away and then on other aspects to be able to occupy the building. Mr. Hoeschen said that he was concerned about the fixing the long term problems of the building if the commission does not have jurisdiction outside of the roof to deal with issues like the chimney and HVAC. Mr. Bryant said that the commission would be able to consider the roof, chimney, and other potential code violations if they are spelt out in the plan that would be provided. Mr. Jarosz said that a comprehensive plan should be submitted for the commission to consider all at once so that the commission can avoid revisiting issues beyond the roof. He added that a month seemed reasonable for the owner to come back with a written plan. It should have structure, time limit, identified funds, and priorities. Mr. Bryant said that the owner should have a realistic understanding that there may not be enough funds to finish all repairs beyond the roof and the property may be lost as a result. Mr. Harris said that he understood the scope of work needed to be done. He added that his congregation would be collecting rent, doing fundraisers, and receiving private donations. Ald. Bauman moved to hold in committee, seconded by Mr. Bryant, of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mothball certificate for roofing work at 2640 N. 1st Street, the Henry L. Palmer Lodge/Love Tabernacle. There were no objections.	Pass	7:0
2/8/2013	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	HEARING NOTICES SENT
1/24/2013	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number

121398

Version

ORIGINAL

Reference

Sponsor

THE CHAIR

Title

Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mothball certificate for roofing work at 2640 N. 1st Street, the Henry L. Palmer Lodge/Love Tabernacle, a locally-designated building, for Love Tabernacle, agent Clara Atwater.

Requestor

Drafter

CC-CC

pj

1/24/13