MINUTES OF MOUNT VERNON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 15, 2026
The Historic Preservation Commission met at Mount Vernon City Hall on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Commissioners present at City Hall were Mike Guerber, Mary Evans, Sue Astley, Randy Brown, Kim Benesh and Guy Booth. Visitors present were Leigh
Bradbury, Rob Blythe, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Anderson, and their realtor representatives from Lee’s
Town & Country.
The Minutes of the April 4, 2026 were reviewed. Mary Evans asked that the Minutes be amended to indicate that Charles Weldon will complete work on updating the walking tour for the commercial historic district. The amended Minutes were approved.
A request for design review and a certificate of appropriateness was presented by Rob Blythe for the replacement and repair of two decks, railing and stairs on a house at 311 4th Ave. SW, which is in the Cornell Historic District. The existing decks have fallen into disrepair and needed to be replaced. The material that is being used is treated wood that will not be painted and black metal spindles. It was questioned whether the newly designed deck and railing were compatible with the historic nature of the house. Upon motion made by Mary Evans, seconded by Sue Astley, the Commission approved the application for a certificate of appropriateness.
Additional discussion was held regarding the home at 419 2nd St SW. This is in the Cornell Historic District. The house locally known as the Prall home is being sold by Cornell College. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were present to discuss the need for repairs on the house. The most significant item is a new roof. The house has the traditional tile roof, which needs to be completely replaced. The Andersons are interested in knowing if alternative roofing would be approved by the Commission. In addition to the roof repair, there are numerous other repairs that will need to be made on the exterior of the house. The Commission encouraged the Andersons to complete their work on getting estimates for repairs, as well as alternate materials that could be used to make the project financially feasible. The Andersons will bring further information to the Commission as they receive estimates on costs and information regarding substitute materials.
Randy Brown reported that he has had contact with Cornell College to see if they can provide an update to various renovations/repair projects that will be under way on the campus. He hopes to have a representative of Cornell to be available at a meeting so the commission has a good understanding of maintenance issues on the campus.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Guy Booth, Secretary