Pueblog USa

Historic Pueblo, Inc
Membership meeting
Minutes
March 3, 2008

Present:
Laurel Campbell, Jacque Kincaid, Betty Hanson, Sondra Biddle, Mary Wallace, Wayne and Candace Latka, Russ and Janet Dash, Corinne Koehler, Jim and Pat Good, Eric and Diana Bernauer, Joyce Spears, Ron and Susan Adamich, Lori Lovato, David Cockrell, Wade Broadhead, Doyle and Linda Muller, Leah Samuelson, Genevieve Johannson, Barbara Sabo, Donna Alber.

President Laurel Campbell called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm at St Mary’s School (a locally landmarked property).  The minutes were presented and there were no corrections or additions.  The motion for approval was made by Mary Wallace and seconded by Sondra Biddle.

Laurel requested volunteers to help with the Historic Neighborhood Walks in May and passed out a sign up sheet.  She explained that we had planned to go to Eiler’s Bar for supper, but she discovered today that they do not serve food, so we changed the after-meeting dining to the Do Drop Inn.

Treasurer’s report was given by Eric Bernauer.
He reported $25 in revenue for February and $150 in expenses, leaving a balance of $13,345.96.

David Cockrell, Transportation Planner for the City, gave a brief description of a historical district, the difference between local, state and national designation and what it means to have your property be a part of a historical district.  He also had a list of insurance companies that insure properties that are landmarked as historical buildings. 

Corrine Koehler gave a brief report on the Colorado Preservation, Inc annual conference, which was the first weekend in Feb.  She encouraged more people to attend next year.  There were only 2 people from Pueblo in attendance this year.  Ms Koehler said that the State Historic Funds are “under siege” this year because of the restoration of the Capital Building, and the need for a new Colorado Historic Society Museum and office building, which means most of the money would go to Denver with little or none left for the rest of the state.  She encouraged us to watch for legislation on this issue and to contact our local legislators. 

Ms Koehler also mentioned the push by other counties to promote heritage tourism and Pueblo is way behind in this promotion even though we have some outstanding sites.  She is on a committee of representatives from 5 counties to increase promotion for tourism—Pueblo, Huerfano, Las Animas, Custer and Fremont.  There will be standards for sites to be declared “Preferred” sites.
Information available at http://www.puebloserves.com.

Janet Dash, Secretary of OHNO reported on the Friends of Mineral Palace Park who are trying to raise money to plant trees and one flower bed in the Park.  They have 3 trees donated so far and City Parks Dept will plant them.  Trees cost about $200 a piece. They will have a clean-up day on April 19th, 10-2.  Will be cleaning flowerbeds, removing graffiti and helping plant the trees.  Everyone is welcome to come and help.  Contact person is Yolanda Butler, 545-0900.

Susan Adamich of Pueblo County Historical Society announced their March 13th meeting.  This will be a dinner meeting and the speaker will be Mr. Ed Nichols, the new President of the Colorado Historical Society.  The meeting will be held at the Elks Club on Santa Fe Ave.  Price and time were not given.

The next meeting of HPI will be on April 7th, at the Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center at 5:15 pm. The speaker will be Alison Cook who will discuss Wells Fargo Renovation Loan Program for people interested in purchasing historic homes.

Laurel Campbell announced that HPI will purchase a bronze plaque for the North Side Historic District, this will be a high quality sign that will be placed at 18th and Greenwood.  The City has agreed to accept and install the plaque.

Business meeting was adjourned.

The presentation on St. Mary’s Church and School was given by Lou Skoff with Bob Blazich and Sharon Tilley. Very interesting presentation on the history and on the material in their library, not just material from St.Mary’s, but from other churches, cemeteries, and towns as well.
Mr. Blazich then took several people on a tour of the Church with more information on the history of the Parish.