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Home My WebLink About2001-04-10- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Minutes of Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 10, 2001, 8:15 a.m. Large Conference Room, City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California ROLL CALL John Harrell, Chairman Hal Meltzer, Vice Chairman Tracy Conrad Jim Isermann Karen Pirozzi Carl Prout Present This Meeting X X X X X Present To Date 9 9 8 6 7 5 FY 2000-2001 Excused Absences To Date 0 0 1 1 2 4 STAFF PRESENT: Hope Sullivan, Principal Planner Carrie Rovney, Senior Secretary * * * * * * Chairman Harrell called the meeting to order at 8:19 a.m. * * * * * * REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The April 10, 2001 agenda was posted in accordance with state and local procedures for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board and the Department of Planning & Building counter by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2001. * * * * * * PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chairman Harrell opened the meeting to Public Comments. Arlene Smith, Palm Springs residence and community volunteer at the Welwood Murray Library and Miss Cornelia’s Little House, spoke to clarify some of the information in the Brief History and Architectural Guide, specifically with respect to the Welwood Murray Library, McCallum Adobe, and Miss Cornelia’s Little House. She stated that Welwood Murray Library was a main library until October 28, 1975 when the main library was constructed. From 1975 to 1992 the Welwood Murray Library was a branch library. There were two other branch libraries. In 1956, Melba Bennett opened a branch located at 131 Morongo, which was closed in 1978. In 1966, Frances Crocker had a branch on Via Miraleste, which also closed in 1978. She stated that the McCallum adobe was built in 1884 and not 1885. She also added that Miss Cornelia’s Little House was not constructed of railroad ties; but that ties were incorporated into the building itself. Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting April 10, 2001 Παγε 2 οφ 4 There being no further comments, Public Comments was closed. * * * * * * APPROVAL OF MINUTES: M/S/C (Prout/Meltzer 4-0, 1 abstention, 1 absent) to approve the minutes of February 13, 2001 with corrections and additions to wording noted. * * * * * * PUBLIC HEARINGS: None * * * * * * ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS: 132 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, the Bungalow next to the Plaza Theater, request for architectural approval to install new doors and windows with all colors to remain the same. Principal Planner Sullivan passed around a sketch of the proposed improvements. The applicant stated that the current fenestration pattern does not give an “open for business” feeling, he feels that with the summer months coming, the current fenestration has a “closed” look and will affect their business. The applicant is requesting the approval of one big glass panel and only one door. Additional lighting was also requested. Members expressed their concern of the proposed work altering the structure of the building and the materials that would be used will not match the original. The members requested that photos be presented to the Board in order for them to clarify the original appearance and the original materials used. M/S/C (Conrad/Isermann 5-0, 1 absent) The Board approves to move the operable door one panel to the left which does not affect the fenestration. To change the fenestration pattern, a decision will be postponed until photos of the original building are presented. 180 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, Lykken’ s Department Store, now Mr. G’s Toy Store, request for a re-roof. Mr. Stahl, property owner would like to re-roof the building because of leaking. Mr. Stahl presented tile samples to the Board. Mr. Stahl explained that the proposed tile is meant to match what is currently on the roof. Member Conrad expressed her admiration of the Lykken’s building and thanked Mr. Stahl for his attendance. Member Conrad stated that the current tile is not the original tile. She suggested that a re-roof using two-piece barrel tile would be a better solution for restoration. Mr. Stahl expressed willingness to match the original tile. Member Conrad agreed to provide Mr. Stahl with detailed photos showing the original roof for Mr. Stahl to use as a guide. M/S/C (Conrad/Meltzer 5-0, 1 absent) to approve the re-roof of Lykken’s Department Store with a two-piece barrel tile, in the color presented to the board. 538 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, Frances Stevens School, request for an accessory structure to house the electrical and utility equipment. The details are proposed to match the existing structure that houses the projection room. Roof tiles would match those previously approved by the HSPB for this site. Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting April 10, 2001 Παγε 3 οφ 4 Chairman Harrell expressed that the architecture should show that the addition was constructed at a different time than the original structure. Chairman is comfortable with the materials and the type of construction proposed for the structure, but is concerned about the materials proposed for the roof. Member Conrad expressed that she is concerned about housing the equipment in an addition and not a separate structure. All members expressed that they are comfortable with fencing and landscaping to screen the equipment, but agree that they recommended that ultimately, the equipment be moved. (M/S/C Meltzer, Isermann 5-0, 1 absent) to deny architectural approval of an accessory structure to screen the electrical equipment. Board requests the applicant screen the electrical equipment with some type of non-architectural element (such as a wall with landscaping) and staff is authorized to approve this. The Board makes a recommendation that the equipment be removed from the building at some time, if possible. 151 WEST ALEJO ROAD, or Lady of Solitude Church, request to approve an alteration to the building facade. As the applicant was not present, this matter was tabled. * * * * * * CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT - The Chairman reviewed the Year 2000 Annual Report, noting that in 2000, the Board reviewed alterations to six historic sites and recommended four designations. WORK PROGRAM - Principal Planner Sullivan stated that the 2001 Work Program reflects what was voted on at the last meeting, and has been forwarded to the City Council. CITY COUNCIL CABINET MEETING - Annual Report and Work Program will be brought to the City Council’s attention, as well as the HSPB Ordinance and the summary regarding the Potential Historic Sites Inventory List. This Cabinet meeting will give the Chairs of each board a chance to clarify the funding requests associated with each board’s work program. Member Conrad requested that a question be presented to the City Council regarding the direction for the community, for preservation of historic sites. * * * * * * AGENDA ITEMS: WEXLER/HARRISON STEEL HOMES RESOLUTION - Member Prout requested that it be mentioned in the 4th “Whereas” of the resolution that “the construction company was the George Alexander Company,” to recognize that significant contribution. (M/S/C Meltzer/Prout 3-0, 2 abstentions, 1 absent) to accept the resolution recommending the Wexler/Harrison Steel Homes for Class 1 Historic Designation, with addition requested by Member Prout as noted. Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting April 10, 2001 Παγε 4 οφ 4 SURVEY SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE - The survey subcommittee will continue to investigate sites for proposed designations. Member Isermann presented the most recent list of “musts” for proposed designation. This list was comprised of the survey subcommittee’s efforts, from the original files and from the list comprised by the response from the community responding to the letter authored by the Board, for input regarding the ten most historically significant sites in Palm Springs. Member Isermann requested that the members submit any changes or additions they have to the Potential Historic Sites Inventory List. The Board directed staff to enter the addresses comprised on the Potential Historic Site Inventory List into the building computer, to “flag” any requests for permits on these addresses. Flagging these addresses will help the staff make property owners aware of the potential historic significance of the property and encourage voluntary preservation. BOARD MEMBER REQUESTS AND CONCERNS - Member Prout announced an event sponsored by the Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation honoring former Mayor Bogert. The event is entitled “Roast Bogert for Lunch” it will be held May 19, 2001. For more information contact Carl Prout at (760) 323-0293. Member Prout also announced the Alexander weekend Friday, November 2, 2001 through Sunday, November 4, 2001. Chairman stated that he would like to see an announcement of an Alexander site being designated as a Class 1 historic site at the Alexander weekend in November. Principal Planner Sullivan reviewed for the members the process of site designation. Member Isermann reported on the potential designation of the four banks. Owners of two of the four banks have been located. The other two banks are not under local ownership. Principal Planner Sullivan suggested that this subject be addressed in a Work Program Study Session. Chairman requested the status of the review of the HSPB Ordinance by staff. Principal Planner Sullivan informed the Board that staff is still reviewing the Ordinance. Chairman commented that he and Member Pirozzi put together summaries for the Public Arts Commission for the map/guide being created for art and historic sites in Palm Springs. It was requested that the status of the map be on the agenda for the May 8, 2001 HSPB meeting. Member Prout brought up the concern that there are three vacant seats on the HSPB. Chairman stated that four applications have been received to fill those vacancies. There being no further business, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:28 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Hope Sullivan Planning Manager