Draper Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - November 19, 2025

The Draper Historic Preservation Commission convened on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 6:05 p.m. to review upcoming schedules, discuss grant opportunities, streamline demolition permit processes, and plan historical recognition events. Key topics included the approval of the 2026 meeting schedule, exploration of an oral history grant, updates on demolition documentation procedures, and strategic discussions regarding National Register nominations and Juneteenth commemorations.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed; no changes were requested.
• The 2026 draft meeting schedule (third Wednesdays, excluding July and December) was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or testimony were recorded on the transcript.

Discussion Items

Oral History Grant Opportunity

• The commission discussed a $3,000 grant requiring a 50% match, intended for oral history projects.
• The city has a consultant available to assist in writing the grant.
• Members debated whether the Historical Society should lead the application using their existing funds versus the city applying independently.
• Concerns were raised regarding the existing physical archives (CDs/hard drives) and the legal difficulty of obtaining permission releases for deceased informants; however, it was agreed that new interviews would fall under the grant's purview.
• The group decided to coordinate with the Historical Society at their upcoming Monday meeting to determine the best path forward.

Demolition Permits, Storage, and Organization

• The commission discussed current protocols where staff (Annie and Karina) review permits for historical integrity. Non-significant structures are signed off without full commission review.
• Members noted that contractors often delay permit applications until demolition is well underway, sometimes destroying significant structures before review.
• The commission affirmed its authority to postpone permit issuance for up to 45 days to allow for documentation of historically significant structures.
• It was agreed that high-profile demolition applications (e.g., the Iceberg property, Lynn Kimball's house) should be flagged early, and all associated documentation photos should be uploaded to the city cloud for shared access.

American 250 Participation

• The city will receive $1,500 for events as part of the Utah 250 celebration.
• The commission acknowledged the need for cross-functionality with the city council, which is expected to approve the participation ordinance soon.
• Members volunteered to participate once the scope of involvement is determined.

Juneteenth Events (3F)

• The commission discussed creating recognition for the enslaved people of Draper, specifically acknowledging the one slave-holding family among early settlers.
• Ideas proposed included creating a plaque, a city council proclamation, or an article in the city journal.
• Members agreed it is vital to inform the public of this history and tasked staff with researching how other cities have handled similar commemorations.

Draper Ethnic and Minority History Research

• Updates were provided on research into two early Italian families: the Bernardos and the Frattos.
• Notable details included the marriage of a Bernardo daughter to a Fratto, the Fratto goat farm in Cherry Creek (producing 600 goats and cheese), and the Auto family's large household of 10 children.
• Staff identified resources such as Utah Geological Survey aerial photos to visualize the history of the land in Corner Canyon and Cherry Creek.

House Tour Update and National Register Nominations

• A walkthrough video of a historic home on Pioneer Street was discussed; the current owners are interested in National Register nomination. The home features original fireplaces, tiles, and a restored ceiling.
• The commission noted insufficient funds to fully fund National Register nominations for both the Isaac Stewart House and the Pioneer Street house this fiscal year.
• A compromise was proposed to fully fund the Isaac Stewart House nomination and offer a 50% match for the Pioneer Street nomination, contingent on owner funding or waiting for the next fiscal year.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: 2026 draft meeting schedule.
• Motion Passed: To fully fund the Isaac Stewart House nomination and offer a 50% match for the Pioneer Street House nomination, pending owner confirmation.
• Directives Assigned:
  • Staff to contact the Historical Society (Angie) regarding the oral history grant and potential collaboration.
  • Annie to reach out to the owners of the Isaac Stewart House and the Pioneer Street house regarding their interest in nominations and funding options.
  • Staff to research Juneteenth commemoration strategies used by other cities.
  • Staff to upload all demolition permit documentation photos to the city cloud server.
  • Staff to coordinate with the county regarding the NS Auto plaque placement for aJanuary update.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.