Commission to hear appeal on Sunnyland roofing job

Nov. 30--Owners want to use metal instead of asphalt shingles.

When the Garden City Commission meets on Tuesday, one of its decisions will be whether to overrule the state and allow the owners of the historic Sunnyland Bed and Breakfast to repair the inn's roof using materials other than asphalt shingles.

The Garden City Commission will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the City Administrative Center, 301 N. Eighth St.

Fred and Kathryn Askren, who have owned Sunnyland for about 11 years, are appealing the State Historical Preservation Office's ruling against their application to use metal to repair the roof of the historical landmark located at 501 N. Fifth St., a three-story brick home built in 1909 by David R. Menke, one of Garden City's early residents who opened the first store and was the first postmaster.

Fred Askren said the roof needs repaired, and the most cost-effective material is to use a copper-colored metal instead of shingle or asphalt as the state wants. Asphalt shingles have been patched many times over the years and wind damage has been a constant problem.

"Shingles blow off out here in this country compared to other material. You could put some on, but for this old of a house we just like the look of it (the metal)," Askren said.

In essence, the Askrens believe using the metal material keeps the house looking nice but doesn't break the bank. Other materials don't hold up as well and copper-colored metal protects the surface while maintaining the historic character and lasts longer.

According to information included in the commission's agenda packet, the Askrens had started to repair the roof but were informed by city staff that a permit was necessary. Because Sunnyland is on the state's register of historic places, city staff submitted the request to the SHPO, which determined a metal roof didn't convey the same visual appearance as a shingled roof and would "damage or destroy" the architectural integrity of Sunnyland.

State regulations allow the property owners to appeal the ruling to the city commission.

The local Landmarks Commission recommended allowing metal to be used to repair the roof but that a section of roof along the porch be done in shingles similar to those on the house's turret.

City staff also recommends approving the permit, noting that using shingles is not economically feasible and that the guidelines allow using a substitute material in that situation.

In their letter to the city appealing the state's ruling, the Askrens said they have spent thousands of dollars on roofing and don't have the funds to remove it and start over using an inferior product just because that product had been used in the past.

"We feel we have restored Sunnyland to where it is now an asset to this community. Everything we have done maintains the beauty and craftsmanship of the home while preserving it for future generations," the letter stated.

Askren is hopeful about going in front of the commission.

"I would think it should be OK," he said.

Other items on Tuesday's agenda include:

-- Discussion of the city's vicious dog ordinance.

-- Recognition of city employees who have reached milestones in working for the city.

-- Resolutions authorizing the removal of nuisance conditions from property at 1002 N. Fifth St., and motor vehicle nuisances at 2405 and 2505 A Street.

-- A resolution to issue temporary notes of $106,200 to temporarily finance the costs of certain improvements related to street-scape improvements at Seventh and Laurel streets.

-- Consideration of a replat at 901 Lareu St. to change the right of way along the south property line, and a waiver of front yard set back requirements.

-- Approval of the 2014 property and liability insurance renewal.

-- Consideration and approval of the city's 2014 legislative policy agenda, and the 2014 Southwest Kansas Coalition legislative policy agenda.

-- Consideration of setting a public hearing for Dec. 17 for an amendment to the 2013 budget related to the following funds: DEA Forfeiture, Finnup Trust, Special Rec & Parks, Airport Improvement, Health Insurance Reserve, Golf Course, Golf Course Building, Wastewater Repair and Replacement and Water Maintenance Reserve.

-- Consideration and approval of an interconnection agreement, EMP2 agreement, and authorization to execute the agreements. On Jan. 1, the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency will begin supplying power to Garden City. A fiveyear interconnect agreement was developed to allow existing electric infrastructure between Garden City, Wheatland Electric Cooperative and Sunflower Electric to be used. In addition, an agreement was developed with KMEA's Energy Management Project #2 as part of KMEA's power supply, according to agenda information.

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