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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
January 10, 2012
Chairperson J. Hilt called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, L. Spataro, S. Kroes, S. Radtke, L. Wood
MEMBERS ABSENT: D. Mayville, excused; K. Panozzo
STAFF PRESENT: M. Franzak, D. Renkenberger
OTHERS PRESENT: B. Chapla & H. Sytsema, Community Foundation; D. Cook, Schultz
Landscaping; B. Young, City Parks Maintenance Supervisor; R. Hilt,
1627 Jefferson St.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of December 6, 2011 was made by L. Spataro,
supported by S. Kroes and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Case 2012-01 – Hackley Park. Applicant: Community Foundation for Muskegon County. District:
National Register. Current Function: Park. The Community Foundation for Muskegon County has
received a large donation from Norma Horan that she would like to be used for landscaping
enhancements and maintenance at Hackley Park. Plans and drawings were provided to board
members.
B. Chapla provided background information on the donation and donor. They wanted to get started
on the work in the spring. He stated that the donation would cover the new plantings plus future
maintenance. D. Cook stated that the donor wanted to add color to the park using flowers and other
landscaping. He had reviewed the Hackley Park plan but found no landscaping plan. However, he
saw no prohibition against it. They were proposing to trim some tree branches in order to get more
sun to the grass, and the removal of one large tree. He stated that Schultz Landscaping would
involve City staff in the landscape planning and work. J. Hilt was concerned about the removal of
tree limbs and the tree, stating that the park currently provides a nice shady location for park users.
R. Hilt had an office across from the park and stated that he was opposed to removal of the large
tree. D. Cook stated that there was a large hole in the tree which would eventually kill it. Board
members, City staff, and the applicants discussed the preliminary plans that were presented. L.
Spataro stated that he would like to see more specific information on what would be removed, what
would be added, and what type of materials would be used. He also asked if there were plans for
the area between the fence and the statue in the middle of the park. He stated that any work to be
done should be coordinated with current park users, such as Parties in the Park and Art in the Park,
to ensure that there is no conflict with those long-time events. R. Hilt was concerned about
maintenance of the grass and other landscaping additions. D. Cook stated that funds would be
available for future maintenance of the park landscaping, including grass. L. Spataro stated that
HDC Minutes 1/10/12 1
maintenance concerns were more of an issue for the City’s Parks Department, and that the HDC
should focus on the design, layout, and long-term plan. B. Chapla asked if the board was happy
with the plan proposed so far. Board members concurred that they were, but that they would like
more detailed information. B. Chapla and D. Cook stated that they would provide a more detailed
plan at the next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER
None
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
HDC Minutes 1/10/12 2
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