Draper Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - August 20, 2025

The Draper Historic Preservation Commission met on August 20, 2025, at 6:06 PM to discuss the reconnaissance level survey, upcoming budget, national register nominations, and various community outreach initiatives. The meeting included a presentation from consultant Kirk Hubbaker on the final Tier 1 survey, a vote on the Tier 2 survey bid, and a recap of the successful Draper Days Walking Tour. Public testimony was heard from a property owner seeking historic designation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dina Williams, owner of 1696 East Pioneer Road, spoke about her 1929 home, detailing its original features and her desire to obtain a historic designation to help preserve it. She expressed concern about future owners removing historic elements and requested information on grants and the National Register process.

Discussion Items

• Reconnaissance Level Survey (RLS) Tier 1 Final Review: Kirk Hubbaker presented the final report for the Kimball's Lane and Town Center survey areas.
  • Kimball's Lane: 43% of properties were evaluated as eligible; 25 properties have been demolished since the last survey. Recommendations include a potential National Register district along 119th South, intensive level surveys for a pioneer-era house and six other properties, and thematic educational tours.
  • Town Center: Over 60% of surveyed properties were eligible. Recommendations include a National Register district around the town center, intensive level surveys for five strong candidates, and a post-World War II tour.
• RLS Tier 2 Bid: Staff presented a single bid of just under $10,000 to survey the remainder of the city (excluding station plan areas). The field work would begin in fall 2025, with final deliverables in August/September 2026. The commission voted to accept the bid, noting that final payments would likely fall in the next fiscal year.
• 2025/2026 Budget Discussion: Staff outlined a proposed budget including $1,500 for the final Tier 1 invoice, $10,000 for Tier 2 (with most costs in the current fiscal year), funds for a National Register nomination and plaque for the Isaac Stewart Home, and the Ennis Auto plaque. The commission approved a motion to purchase additional sign containers for Commissioner David.
• National Register Nominations:
  • Chapel by the Wayside: The nomination is proceeding; the state will consider it on September 18, 2025.
  • 1696 E Pioneer Road: Dina Williams testified about her property, and the commission expressed interest in potentially assisting with a nomination or video tour.
  • Ennis Auto Plaque Language: The commission voted to approve the final plaque language and proceed with the purchase.
  • Joseph F. Heward House: Tabled to the next meeting due to time constraints.
• Draper Days Walking Tour Recap: The tour had a record turnout, with many first-time attendees and positive feedback. Suggestions for next year included extending the time (6-8 PM instead of 5-7 PM), adding a sign at 3rd East, and better communicating that homes are not open for entry. The possibility of featuring a home (e.g., Swanson House or Fitzgerald Cabin) for interior tours was discussed.
• Walking Tour Brochures: Commissioner David reported distributing 100 brochures at the library and plans to place them at schools.
• Walk-through Video Tour of Historic Homes: Tabled to the next meeting as Jason and Nancy have not yet met.
• Galena Soo’nkahni Preserve Website Page: Commissioner Wendy presented a draft focusing on the humanity of the Native peoples who lived there. Next steps include getting photography from the city and reviewing the text with SHIPO and the Division of Indian Affairs before publishing.
• America250: Commissioner Wendy introduced the national campaign for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. She suggested local participation opportunities such as "America's Pop Luck" and "Walk 250." The commission agreed to add it to the next agenda for further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes.
• Voted to accept the Tier 2 RLS bid from Kirk Hubbaker's firm (just under $10,000).
• Approved the Ennis Auto plaque language and authorized its purchase.
• Approved the purchase of additional sign containers for Commissioner David.
• Directed staff to proceed with the Tier 2 survey contract, update the budget forecast, and work with the purchasing agent.
• Directed staff to coordinate with the city's PR team for photography of the Galena Soo’nkahni Preserve and to seek reviews from SHIPO and the Division of Indian Affairs.
• Added America250 to the September 2025 agenda.
• Tabled the Joseph F. Heward House and Walk-through Video Tour items to the next meeting.