The Historic District Commission ordinarily meets in the basement of The Aud, but the Oct. 21 meeting was moved to the mayor’s office. A film festival at The Aud began at 6 p.m., creating a conflict with the HDC meeting, which also began at 6 p.m.
The close quarters did not cause any problems, since a bare quorum of commissioners had only one application to consider. Rod Slane received approval to construct a roof over a recessed courtyard of the Queen Anne Mansion at 115 W. Van Buren. The property dates to 1891 but is considered non-contributing.
Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, was absent. She attended an out-of-town seminar, along with two commissioners. Building Official Paul Sutherland attended this meeting in Dishman’s place.
The commission will have a vacancy at the end of the year, when Commissioner Peter Graham steps down to begin his service on city council. Graham said he has enjoyed what he has learned from the experience and the involvement with the community.
Before adjourning, commissioners discussed plans to continue a project to refinish the floor in the basement of The Aud. Volunteers are still needed for the weekend of Nov. 19-21, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The first day is expected to be the most labor-intensive, and Sutherland said some high school students will help with the process of applying and removing a soy gel.