The Historic District Commission did not have applications for approval at the Feb. 7 meeting, but commissioners had a variety of procedural matters to cover.
Parks Director Sam Dudley asked to preview the application he plans to present at the next HDC meeting. He did not ask for a decision from the commission but invited questions and suggestions concerning plans for improvements at Basin Park.
Chair Dee Bright introduced the theme by asking if other commissioners had seen the maintenance efforts underway at Basin Park. Dudley expanded on his plans to improve safety by repairing stairs leading up to the bandshell. The stairs present a variety of dangers, as visitors to the park frequently climb the stairs to the bandshell. The narrow, twisting steps pose problems for performers attempting to carry bulky music equipment.
In addition to new steps and handrails, Dudley said boxwood shrubs would be removed. When Bright opened the floor for public comments, Ron Sumner came to the microphone. As tech director for the City Advertising and Promotion Commission, Sumner said he has presented hundreds of shows in the bandstand. He referred to the existing conditions as “an accident waiting to happen,” and said Dudley’s proposals will be “a good step in the right direction.”
Other public comments echoed the concerns about safety. Commissioner Frank Green expressed concern about keeping people off the top of the bandshell, and Dudley said he did not know that was a problem. Thinking on his feet, however, he quickly (and facetiously) suggested installing electrical shock pads to dissuade violators.
In other business:
- Every other year, commissioners have the opportunity to attend a nationwide conference. This year’s will be in Florida at the end of July, and Bright asked which members might want to attend. She said airfares have come down in recent weeks, and more than four commissioners might be able to attend. All commissioners will be encouraged to attend a statewide conference in October in Hot Springs.
- The HDC has more than $8,000 in an account, following a donation from an estate. Bright suggested donating $350 to become partial sponsors of an upcoming session from Bob Yapp on repairing wooden windows. The primary sponsor of the event is Main Street Eureka Springs. The event will be held March 2-3 at Wanderoo Lodge, which lies within the historic district.
- Officers were elected for the coming year, including Bright as chair, Christine Santimore as vice-chairman, Green as secretary, and new commissioner Susan Daniels as treasurer. Signature cards will be updated to eliminate outdated signatures and replace them with current officers. The commission still has one vacancy.
- The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Level III applications were due Feb. 8, and Level II on Feb. 15.
- This meeting marked a return to action for City Historic Preservation Officer Kyle Palmer, following an extended absence. Commissioners were generous with their enthusiasm for his return to the table.
- Daniels asked about the practice of people painting the primary façade of a house, while leaving the sides and back a different color. Bright reiterated her frequent assessment that “we’re not the pretty police,” and Green elaborated that houses can be so big and expensive to maintain that some homeowners can only afford to maintain one side at a time.