HDC_02 03 1994MINUTES
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING
FEBRUARY 3, 1994
5:00 P.M.
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairman John Bush.
A quorum was present - Ms. Julie Wiedower, Ms. Jeanette Heinbockel,
Mr. Bob Roddey, and Mr. John Bush. Mr. Carl Menyhart was absent.
Also present was Assistant City Attorney Anthony Black.
The Chairman asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the
previous meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Wiedower to
approve the minutes as received. Commissioner Roddey seconded.
Motion carried. All ayes.
The Chairman announced Item No. 4 on the agenda, adoption of the
calendar for 1994. The proposed calendar scheduled meetings to be
held on the first Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
Commissioner Wiedower made a motion to approve the calendar.
Commissioner Heinbockel seconded. The vote was taken. Motion
carried. All ayes.
The Chairman announced Item No. 5, election of officers for 1994
and opened the floor for nominations.
Commissioner Heinbockel made a motion that current officers remain
for the upcoming year. Commissioner Roddey seconded. The vote was
taken. Motion carried. All ayes.
Ms. Satterfield explained the Certified Local Government proposals
for 1994. The grant proposal will contain three components:
1) final survey for the Central High Neighborhood, 2) continuance
of the Capitol View /Stifft Station survey and 3) an Over the Jumps
painting project.
Commissioner Heinbockel made a motion to approve the grant
proposals as drafted. Commissioner Wiedower seconded. The vote
was taken. Motion carried. All ayes.
Chairman Bush announced the next item on the agenda, the Johnswood
National Register of Historic Places nomination. Mr. Patrick
Zollner, State Historic Preservation Program representative, gave a
brief presentation explaining the property's association with
architect Max Meyer and author Ann Simon.
Chairman Bush and Commissioner Roddey were especially eager to
support Justice Brown's " Johnswood" for listing on the National
Register.
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Commissioner wiedower made a motion to recommend support of the
nomination. Commissioner Roddey seconded. The vote was taken.
Motion carried. All ayes.
Chairman Bush stated that the next item on the agenda was old /New
Business under which are the continuing issues surrouding Kramer
School. Commissioner Heinbockel referred to an article in the
February 2 Arkansas Democrat - Gazette that put Kramer School in a
precarious state. Commissioner Heinbockel was concerned that
Dr. Roy had changed his mind on the promise that he made to the
City Attorney that the building would not be demolished until such
time as the City Board had resolved all issues presented by the
Historic District Commission. The issues being the Commission's
authority and the possiblity of donating the building to various
groups such as the Museum of Science and History, etc.
Commissioner Heinbockel questioned Mr. Black, the Assistant City
Attorney, about an injunction to halt demolition. Mr. Black
responded that he must consult with Mr. Carpenter.
Commissioner Roddey noted that the front doors had been removed,
Commissioner Heinbockel commented that it was a signal demolition
was imminent.
Ms. Cheryl Nichols, Quapaw Quarter Association director, was
present and stated that Dr. Roy, as co -chair of the FUTURE - Little
Rock task force for the Museum of Science and History, will not
allow Kramer School to be considered as a potential site for the
new museum.
A lengthy discussion regarding alternatives or an injunction
followed.
Commissioner Roddey made a motion to request the City Attorney
1) to prepare written confirmation on whether or not Dr. Roy's
commitment made to the Commission by the City Attorney for Dr. Roy
is no longer valid as has been reported by the local media;
2) to respond as to whether no other alternative short of
instituting litigation in Chancery Court remains to prevent the
demolition of Kramer School; and 3) if the answer to No.2 is no,
then the City Attorney initiate legal action in Pulaski Chancery
Court on behalf of the Commission by the close of business Monday,
February 7, 1994, and that of the City Attorney refuses to do so
then he state his reasons for refusal to represent the Commission
in this action and that the City Attorney notify the Commission
orally of answers to these questions by noon tomorrow (February 4).
Commissioner Heinbockel seconded. The vote was taken. Motion
passed. All ayes.
Commissioner Roddey made a motion that in the event the City
Attorney's response to the issues is negative or no response, that
the Commission take steps to employ an attorney to represent it and
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for purposes of filing an action in Pulaski County Chancery Court,
or whatever court that attorney deem appropriate, to enjoin or
prevent the demolition of Kramer School; and that whatever attorney
is selected will represent the Commission on a pro bono basis or
any fees be paid by the City of Little Rock or by parties other
than individual Commission members. Commissioner Weidower
seconded. The vote was taken. Motion carried. All ayes.
The Chairman announced the completion of agenda items.
Commissioner Heinbockel made a motion to go into executive session.
Commissioner Weidower seconded. The vote was taken. Motion
carried. All ayes.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting
adjourned.
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