02/08/2010 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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? agreement with the owner is not possible, a six month moratorium against demolition may be filed to provide time for alternative uses or funding to move the historic building. With regards to compliance, if the government denies the owner's improvement plans, at some point the government must take it and provide just compensation. Some cities chose to suffer law suits for longer delays; North Olmsted does not. In 2009, after 20 years of discussion, the Landmarks Commission achieved Certified Local Government Status through the National Parks Service and the Ohio Historical Society. CLG status opens grant funding opportunities, sources of information, and expert guidance. This year, the grant request will be for ADA improvements at Old Town Hall, a National Register Landmark site. Other grant projects are in the works; however, significant foundational work is needed before funding can be requested. In particulax, accomplishing the necessary research and documentation needed to nationally register the Butternut Ridge Historic District is planned. Landmarks also seeks to recognize historic locations through the Historic Recognition plaque program. A three-tiered approach has been used to determine the historical significance of a property; the age, the historic integrity, and its significance, such as in folklore and historic accounts. Three properties in the City are on the National Register of Historic Places; the First Universalist Church, Old Town Hall, and Fort Hill in the Metroparks. Seven sites have received Ohio Historical Markers. The markers for Springvale and the Peake Farm were placed within the last two years through funding from the Olmsted Historical Society and research assistance by Mr. Thomas. Requests for two additional markers are in progress; for the Olmsted Unitarian Church, which is celebrating its 175t' year, and for Frostville Museum. The Olmsted Historical Society has voted to seek an Ohio Historical Society grant of $750 and fund the remaining cost of the Frostville marker. The Metroparks have agreed to the installation. Ms. Wenger said that City Council may be willing to provide a resolution of support for the Frostville marker. In 2009 the Board of Education appeared before the Landmarks Commission seeking to demolish the old middle school, on Butternut Ridge at Dover Center, which is now known as the Annex Building, and the Caster House at 27501 Butternut Ridge, west of the old library. The BOE tabled discussions on the Caster House, agreeing to give the Landmarks Commission time to explore moving the house to Frostville. Further discussion on the Annex Building is pending the submittal of a comprehensive improvement plan for the building site and campus. Also in 2009, members of the Landmarks Commission, Olmsted Historical Society, and other interested citizens formed the Cemetery Improvement Committee to raise money for improvements at the two City owned cemeteries, Butternut Ridge and Coe Ridge. Ms. Wenger added that late in 2009 the Service Department provided funding for a survey of both cemeteries, which when performed this spring, will include a boundary survey, existing conditions survey, and grave staking. The surveys are first steps on which to plan improvements to the cemeteries. Landmarks Rules of Procedure Ms. Wenger explained other boards and commissions have active Rules of Procedure; procedures for meeting and city business transactions not covered in the codified ordinance. A draft has been submitted to the commissioners for review and discussion at the March meeting.