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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-08- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Minutes of Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 8,2002, 8:15 a.m. Large Conference Room, City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California DRAFT 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 Year To Date 1 1 1 1 1 FY 2000-2001 Excused Absences To Date 0 0 0 0 0 0 Board Member Prout stated that to his knowledge member Pirozzi has filed a letter of resignation. Director Evans stated that this will be verified by the next meeting. STAFF PRESENT: Doug Evans, Director of Planning and Building Anita Graves, Acting Senior Secretary * * * * * * Acting Chair Person, Meltzer the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. * * * * * * REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Agenda was available 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, January 2, 2002. * * * * * * PUBLIC COMMENTS: There being none, Public Comments was closed. * * * * * * Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting January 8, 2002 Παγε 2 οφ 6 ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Board member Conrad made a motion that the following officer nominations be considered: Chairperson: Hal Meltzer Vice Chairperson: Jim Isermann Motion was seconded by member Harrell. The vote of those present was unanimous. M/S/C (Conard/Harrell, 5-0, 1absent, 0 abstain) Newly elected Chairman Meltzer then continued to chair the meeting. At this time, Board members inquired as to what constitutes a quorum since there have been unfilled vacancies. Director Evans confirmed that quorum is based on the required seats and that since the required seats are seven for the Historic Site Preservation Board, four present is the quorum, however he will confirm this with the City Clerk. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meeting of September 11, 2001 was adjourned due to lack of quorum ( the day of the World Trade Center tragedy. M/S/C (Conrad/Isermann 4-0, 1 abstain, 1 absent) to approve the minutes of October 9, 2001 with the following correction to be noted: On page 4 Paragraph 3, the name “ Palm Springs Historic Foundation” be properly named “ Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation”. Scheduled meeting of November 13, 2001 was cancelled due to lack of quorum. * * * * * * PUBLIC HEARINGS: None * * * * * * ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS: None * * * * * * CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting January 8, 2002 Παγε 3 οφ 6 1. Status of membership vacancies Chairman Meltzer inquired as to the status of the vacancies on the Board. Director Evans stated that a note has been given to the Mayor regarding the status of the vacancies and that filling these vacancies is up to the total discretion of the Mayor and Council. Board member Isermann encouraged individuals to get involved in assisting the filling of these vacancies. There are currently seven applications in for membership on the board. 2. Map Update Board members discussed the request to have the “by-line” of the Historic Site Preservation Board as co-producers be removed from the map due to lack of involvement in its creation. Director will find out the status of this request. The Board stated that the clarification is to not have the historic sites removed from the map, just the name of the board. The contents should remain the same. Director Evans stated that he will find out the status of the final edits and report back to the Board. It was also suggested that the Board speak to the Chairman of the Arts Commission to clarify the Board’s position relative to involvement. * * * * * * AGENDA ITEMS: 1. Plaqueing Ceremony Chairperson Meltzer began the discussion of the upcoming reception for the plaqueing ceremony regarding the individuals that will be invited, particularly those whose property will be plaqued and that additional people will total approximately 40 invitees. Director reminded the board that the budget allowance for such events is $150 per venue and that the staff needs to handle all paperwork, agreements and purchases relating to such events. Board member Isermann stated that those individuals involved in the plaqueing should have letters sent to them regarding the event, such as date, time and that they may invited six individuals as guests in additions to themselves. Board members Meltzer and Isermann were placed on a sub-committee to approve an appropriate letter, which will be placed on City letterhead. M/S/C (Harrell/Conrad 5-0, 1 absent, 0 abstention) to move forward to produce the reception on the already agreed upon date of February 17, 2002 - as “Frey Day.” 2. Wexler Steel Frame Houses Plaques Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting January 8, 2002 Παγε 4 οφ 6 The Board discussed that there will be seven small ( as opposed to one large plaque) plaques for the seven houses - 3 will contain the names of both Wexler and Harrison and 4 will contain the name of Wexler alone. The discussion centered around the type of material for the plaques, font size and style, text and consistency. The Board moved to approve the format for text as presented (see attached), to get quotes on steel for the material and depending on the cost use steel, if too costly then brushed aluminum is another option, and that all plaques will contain the number #43. M/S/C (Conrad/Prout 5-0, 1absent, 0 abstention) to proceed with this production with the caveat that HSPB be spelled out and that be a silver appearing metal based on cost. Board members agreed that Mr. Donald Wexler will be invited to the reception for this plaqueing tentatively planned for mid-April,2002. 3. Board member Prout requested that there be provision on every agenda for (1) Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation and (2) Palm Springs Historical Society, for a report and/ or update. 4. Board member Conrad is now on the Board of the Palm Springs Historical Society. She related that the patio is on the rear of the Adobe and that the landscaping is in process. There are also book projects in the making, i.e. book subject of Frank Bogert. 5. P.S. Modern Committee report by Jim Isermann - Member Isermann stated that while this committee is not a formal committee as of yet, they are producing a map of historic sites, primarily modern sites, for Modernism Weekend, the venue and timing to be announced. 6. Board member Prout reported that the Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation is presenting a Palm Springs Modernism show at the P.S. Convention Center on February 15-17, 2002. There will be a preview gala, book signings and other activities. Board member Prout gave to each member and staff person present a copy of the booklet “ When Mod Went Mass: A celebration of “Alexander Homes” from the November 2001 weekend, which was sponsored by the Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation and is also available at various locations throughout the area. It was further reported that the Annual Preservationist Award will be given retroactive to 1996. The Board members expressed a desire to have an Alexander Home designated and if any of the public would like to suggest one, it would be appreciated. Board member Prout also gave to each member and staff person present a copy of the booklet “ When Mod went Mass: A Celebration of Alexander Homes” from the November 2001 weekend. It was further reported that the Annual Preservationist Award will be given retroactive to 1996. MEMBER CONCERNS: Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting January 8, 2002 Παγε 5 οφ 6 1. Board members discussed the status of the building at 400 Belardo which orignally was to be stuccoed, tile and paint redone. The issues have been resolved except for the tile and the members requested that Director check to see if an application has been submitted. The American Legion Post fence issue was completed satisfactorily and the Board expressed appreciation for the cooperative action taken by the Post and asked staff to send a letter to thank them for their quick cooperation. Director Evans stated that there is an anticipated re-model application in for the Robinson/Crown Bookstore at 333 S. Palm Canyon Drive, from the owners of The Alley to relocated the doors of the store to the corner of the building; and - a barrier wall place around the steps to prevent skate boarders from using the wall. The representatives of the project are not available at this time to discuss their floor plan. The subject property is not a Class 1 designated historic site. There was a brief discussion between Director and the Board regarding the material to be used, the doorway relocation and the codes involved. The basic structure will not change, but replication of the doors may be a problem. Board members stated that this structure is on inventory list and is worth a significant struggle to keep. Member Harrell stated that the significance of this property is due to the AIA award in 1958 and any changes to the property would be inappropriate due to this being an award winning building. 2. Member Harrell inquired of Director the status of the inventory that was part of the agreement regarding Alpha - Beta Store. Director stated that there has not been a Request for Proposal and that the project cannot proceed without paying fees, and that fees are due and payable prior to permit issuance. The Board requested a copy of the letter that staff sent to Pete Moruzzi. Director Evans reminded the Board that it is necessary to prioritize the staff’s time in carrying out all of the responsibilities at hand. 3. Member Conrad expressed concern regarding the fence constructed at the Oasis Commercial Building, which is inappropriate and asked how it was developed. Discussion followed as to placing internal procedures and policies that would prevent such things taking place that are not sympathetic to the historical significance of such structures. Director assured the Board that all potentially inventoried sites have been “red flagged” and that the staff member working with the Board will be aware of all of these properties. He also stated that he and the Building Official must approve work proposed on these flagged properties. Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting January 8, 2002 Παγε 6 οφ 6 Chairman Meltzer is to receive a copy of the Planning Department’s Weekly Submittal listing in for the Board to be aware of applications that are presented to the Planning Department that may impact designated properties. 4. Member Meltzer brought to the attention of the Board the Museum event of April 14, 2002 which consists of a symposium, modernist architecture from the ‘60s; gala fund raiser at the Ship of the Desert . 5. Director Evans discussed with the Board the fact that there are a number of different publications which could be listed on the City - web site. Board member Conrad suggested that the Architectural Guide could be placed on the website. Director Evans ask the members to bring to the Board at the next meeting what they would offer to the website page. Chairman Person Meltzer adjourned the meeting at 9:29 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Doug Evans Director of Planning and Building