The Vermilion Historic Design & Review Board met on October 1, 2025, at the Municipal Court Complex, 687 Decatur Street. Chairperson Robbie Brown called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Members present were Pat Stein (who left at 6:04 p.m.), Judy Doll, and Dan Pryor. Tara Leslie was absent. Jeff Lucas, Council representative, and Melanie Wood, Clerk of Council, were also in attendance. The minutes from September 3, 2025, were approved unanimously, and no correspondence was received.
Old Business
Vermilion Boat Club – 5416 Liberty Avenue (Landscaping and Signage)
Representing the Boat Club, Lewie Kuhn proposed new landscaping near the pool area and a refreshed sign featuring the same wording and placement but a new background color. The board expressed support for the improvements. Motion approved unanimously, 4–0.
AI Metal Holding, LLC – 5312 Liberty Avenue (Landscaping and Signage)
Chris Morris appeared on behalf of AI Metal Holding, explaining that the business had renovated portions of the building and installed signage without prior board approval, believing it was already cleared. Members expressed disappointment over the oversight but agreed that the finished work improved the building’s appearance. Morris said the business would add street numbers near the mailbox beside the ice machine and planned a soft opening the following weekend. Motion approved unanimously, 3–0.
New Business
Richard Krupar – 775 Decatur Street (Front Porch Decking)
Richard Krupar requested approval to replace deteriorating porch decking with low-maintenance materials. The structure, railing, and layout will remain unchanged. The new decking will be brown to complement the home’s off-white exterior, and the risers will be repainted white. Motion approved unanimously, 3–0.
Karyl Kniepper – South Street (New Residential Build)
John Madres of Toledo presented plans for a 977-square-foot, single-story home with a basement, one-car attached garage, and a small front porch. Exterior materials include off-white siding, stone accents, and a black asphalt roof. The driveway will connect to Washington Street. Board members said the home would fit well within the neighborhood. Motion approved unanimously, 3–0.
Isabelle Duchette – 5541 Liberty Avenue (Signage)
The applicant was not present. The board voted to table the item until the November 5, 2025, meeting.
Vermilion Parks Department – Main Street Beach (Signage)
Tina Swinehart, Parks Board Chair, presented a proposal for seasonal signage at the Main Street Beach pump house. The design features interchangeable “summer” and “winter” photo-op scenes created by artist Chris Matijasic Riddle. The composite sign will measure 113 inches high by 162 inches wide, framed in pressure-treated lumber and rotated twice yearly. Electrical access to the building will remain available. Motion approved unanimously, 3–0.
Guild the Garden LLC – 681 Main Street (Exterior Paint)
Nicholas Polito presented an updated color scheme including black doors and trim, gray (Iron Ore) lower facade and ceiling, and unpainted brick and aluminum framing. The existing navy-blue awning will remain. The board agreed the colors enhance the building’s appearance. Motion approved unanimously, 3–0.
Elizabeth Millett – 720 Main Street (Front Porch Repair)
Elizabeth Millett appeared to address emergency repairs to her front porch after discovering rotted boards under carpeting. Although the application was intended for the November meeting, the board proceeded due to safety concerns. The porch steps (cement) and railing will remain in place. Motion approved unanimously, 3–0.
Adjournment
With no further business, Chairperson Robbie Brown adjourned the meeting. The next meeting of the Historic Design & Review Board is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Municipal Court Complex.
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