Commission holds $95,856.45 request for rooftop safety rails at historic 5th Street School for two months

City staff requested $95,856.45 from the Centennial fund to purchase and install non‑penetrating rooftop safety guards at the historic 5th Street School, a property listed on local, state and national registers. Diane Seabrent and James Wolfe explained that the guards would enable safe access for maintenance and preservation work and said the design has prior approvals from the Historic Preservation Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office.

Seabrent read from the statutory guidance that directs how commemorative license-plate fees may be used, and Wolfe described the physical scope of work: guards along the north side of the gymnasium and around the courtyard to permit safe access to HVAC equipment. "The rails are just gonna be along the north of the gym the north side of the gymnasium and then around the courtyard," Wolfe said, and staff noted the design received approvals in 2023.

Multiple commissioners voiced concern that using Centennial funds for what some described as a safety/maintenance requirement could create a precedent that diverts money from events and documentary projects. Commissioners asked whether the city could or should fund the work, how many other city historic properties might need similar improvements, and whether temporary fall-protection methods had been tried. Staff said the work ties to preservation because roof access is necessary to maintain the building and avoid irreversible decay; they also said some safety upgrades at non‑historic buildings have been funded by general facilities budgets while this request is the first formal grant request from the city for historic-facility safety railings.

Member Arnold moved to hold the request for two months so officers and staff could develop a fuller briefing; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff confirmed the item will return at the commission’s September 28 meeting.