Draper Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - July 16, 2025

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on June 18, 2025, but the meeting date has been provided as July 16, 2025. This summary uses the provided date but notes the discrepancy.

The Historic Preservation Commission met to discuss updates on the Reconnaissance Level Survey (RLS), coordination with the Draper Historical Society, the Widow Maker plaque and crowdsourced history project, Draper Days walking tour, budget status, walking tour brochures, video tours, minority history research, National Register nominations, and upcoming events. The meeting included a presentation by Burk Hoffaker on preliminary survey results. No public comments were received.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting with changes submitted by Wendy. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Reconnaissance Level Survey Update: Burk Hoffaker presented preliminary findings for two survey areas: Kimball's Lane and Town Center. He explained the evaluation process (age, materials, style, National Register eligibility) and provided statistics. In Kimball's Lane, the majority of buildings are brick, post-war, and contributing/eligible for the National Register. Several demolitions were noted. In Town Center, there is more variation in use and height, a higher percentage of contributing buildings, and more alterations. The final report is expected by end of July, including historic context and GIS data.
• Draper Historical Society Coordination: Lynn (from the Historical Society) reported on cleaning displays and managing collections. Issues included temperature control, clutter, and unlogged donations (e.g., a German Bible from 1817). The commission discussed ways to help, including volunteer labor and policy guidance. Annie offered to assist with interpretation and legalities. The group also discussed the need for a new museum and the problem of basement storage.
• Widow Maker Plaque and Crowdsource History: Jason reported that the second bid for the plaque came from the same company as the first, with a cost increase of about $1,000 (attributed to steel tariffs). He will seek another bid from a company recommended by Parks and Rec. The commission discussed a crowdsourced history project to collect stories about the Widow Maker race. Ideas included a QR code on the plaque, a Google form, and targeting high school reunion groups and the senior center. The commission agreed to pilot the project and develop questions for the next meeting.
• Draper Days Walking Tour: The tour is nearly set, with volunteers assigned to homes. Signs have been placed at the fire department. Volunteers will notify homeowners in advance.
• 2024/2025 Budget: The budget includes payments for the RLS (up to $2,000 more), the Widow Maker plaque ($37 already set aside), and a small amount for Draper Days. The commission needs to order the plaque within a week to use current-year funds; otherwise, it will roll to the next budget.
• Walking Tour Brochures & Video Tours: The brochures for the JR Allen Home and Paul Smith Oral History Home are paid for, but the final caption files are missing. Jason will follow up. The commission discussed selecting homes for next year's video tours.
• Other Items:
  • David was absent, so ethnic/minority history research was postponed.
  • Wendy will circulate information on the Galena Soo'nkahni Preserve website.
  • America 250 (2026) will be discussed at the August meeting.
  • The People of Weber County Festival (June 28) was noted; one commissioner will attend and report back.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: Approved the May 21, 2025 minutes with Wendy's changes (motion, seconded, unanimous).
• Directives:
  • Jason will seek another bid for the Widow Maker plaque and, if cheaper, order it; otherwise proceed with the original bid before July 1.
  • Annie and Jason will coordinate with the Historical Society on organization and cleaning.
  • Jason will obtain caption files for the video tours.
  • The commission will develop crowdsource history questions for the next meeting.
  • Angie will coordinate with the city on Draper Days walking tour signs.
• Next Meeting: No meeting in July; the next meeting is scheduled for August 2025.