HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-14- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
Minutes of Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 14, 2003, 8:15 a.m.
Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, California 92262
ROLL CALL
Present
This Meeting
Present
Yea-to-Date
FY 2002-2003
Excused Absences
To-Date
Jim Isermann, Chairman
X
6
William Scott
Vice Chairman
X
6
Lee Bledsoe
X
5
1
Ron Chespak
X
6
James Hayton
X
5
1
Shevlin Rush
X
5
1
John Williams
absent
5
1
STAFF PRESENT:
Doug Evans Director of Planning and Zoning Jing Yeo Associate Planner
Loretta Moffett Senior Secretary
* * * * * *
Chairman, Jim Isermann called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m.
* * * * * *
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The Agenda was available and posted in accordance with state
and local procedures for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board and the Department of
Planning & Zoning counter by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2003.
* * * * * *
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Director Evans had a brief conversation with Tracy Conrad and will give the
Board an update later in the meeting.
* * * * * *
AGENDA ITEM #1 - ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL - APPLICATION BY ALAN HODGES TO REMOVE
ADDITIONS AND RESTORE WEXLER/STEEL HOME AT 3133 NORTH SUNNY VIEW DRIVE BACK TO
ORIGINAL CONDITION - HSPB #43 CLASS 1 SITE
Chairman Isermann asked Alan Hodges to come forward and then excused himself from this discussion
as he has a residence within 500 feet of the property. Vice Chairman Bill Scott will handle this part of
the meeting. Chairman Isermann will be available for any necessary comments.
Board Member Shevlin Rush also lives within 500 feet of the structure and excused himself from the
discussion.
Alan Hodges, of Alan Hodges Design, reported that the current owners bought the property at 3133
North Sunny View Drive, which is a Historic (#43) Class 1 site, in March 2002 and they wish to return
the structure to an original format. Primarily, the scope of construction is demolishing the front and
back trellises and the garage addition. They are also requesting the ability to replace a 30 foot section
of a fence on the left side with concrete block to match the back of the carport area.
Director Evans reported that staff has reviewed this proposal and is very comfortable that they have a
good handle on the original design of the house, materials, location of structures, but as the
demolition is being done there are a couple of areas they need to be careful with. They may not see
the difference between old and new and in discussing this with their neighbors and being able to take
a look at original structures that have not been modified, there is a very high degree of certainty that
this will come back into a fully restored status. They do want the ability to keep part of the patio
additions on the rear for shade and will modify that somewhat. Based upon what staff has seen, staff
recommends approval.
Vice Chairman Scott asked about the carport since it has some original steel paneling.
Alan Hodges acknowledged that it does and explained that there are two steel paneled walls, which
the owners plan to keep.
Vice Chairman Scott also asked about tearing off the front trellis, how was the attachment made to the
original house, and will the repair work keep within the original materials? Does the six (6') foot wall
proposed in the front meet with all the setback requirements?
Alan Hodges acknowledged that it was bolted on and the repair work will keep within original
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materials.
The wall is 33 feet from the property line.
Vice Chairman Scott complimented Alan Hodges on the presentation, it's very visual, helps the Board
to understand, and is very sensitive to the original building. The fact that someone wants to restore it
back to the way it was is a great compliment to the original architect and to the owners. He asked if
there were further questions from the Board or staff and if a motion for approval was in order.
Director Evans advised that a motion was in order to approve the removal of the additions and for the
restoration of the home at this location, and to impose any conditions the Board feels necessary. Staff
does not feel that conditions are required on this project. Staff will do site inspections to ensure that
the renovation program is being followed.
M/S/C (Bledsoe/ Hayton - 4 yes, 2 abstentions, 1 absence) to approve the plans for the restoration
of this house.
The Board thanked Mr. Hodges for his presentation and wished the project success.
Director Evans stated that the Board made some very appropriate comments, and that well-displayed
and thought-out applications are very easy for the staff and Board to review. This was very easy to
work with and staff appreciates this very much.
Chairman Isermann and Board Member Rush rejoined the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairman Isermann asked for approval of the Minutes from the December
12 meeting. M/S/C (Hayton/Rush - 6 Yes, 0 No, 1 absent ) to approve the December 12, 2002,
Minutes as presented.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Isermann reported that he was unable to attend the Cabinet Council
meeting so Vice Chairman Scott attended and advised that a couple of interesting things came up.
One being that the Airport is so busy and that flights in and out are substantially up, which means that
a lot of
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people are coming to the valley. The other item is that Planning is about to start on the General Plan
update, which will involve a lot of public meetings and the Mayor said that the Historic Site
Preservation Boar's resources will be an important part of the General Plan update. Chairman
Isermann further stated that he is happy to hear they are considering that, and as the schedule of
public meetings becomes active, it is recommended that all Board Members attend all meetings
possible. The Historic Survey that is about to start will be an important component of that General
Master Plan.
Chairman Isermann asked for Agenda items and if there was anything to discuss regarding:
AGENDA ITEM #2 - DISCUSSION OF CITY'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 8.05
PSMC), DUTIES, ACTIVITIES:
Director Evans briefly described how this Ordinance sets in the General Plan based on the report from
Vice Chairman Scott. The State mandates that every city have a General Plan and that there be seven
mandatory elements of the General Plan. The key ones are land use, circulation, conservation, open
space, noise, and housing. The City of Palm Springs has a General Plan format that is somewhat
different, but covers all those mandatory elements and does have a section that deals with cultural and
historic resources. During the General Plan update, Planning will having a series of community
meetings in regard to the General Plan, but no format has yet been developed. Staff will come back
and meet with all of the boards and commissions of the City that have areas of interest addressed in
the General Plan, including historic resources. For an upcoming meeting, staff will give Board
Members a copy of the General Plan if you did not receive one when you joined the Board.
The City is very dynamic when it comes to planning issues. Palm Springs has every issue that large
cities in California have, i.e. transportation, airport, rail, energy, range of housing, etc. In fact, Palm
Springs is probably more diversified by far than most communities in California. When staff goes out
to planning conferences, it's amazing to hear that some cities think they are unique and special in what
they're presently doing, when Palm Springs has been doing them for 20 years. One of the staff's
objectives this time around is to do some editing to thin it out; but whenever a group is asked,
everyone seems to want to add and are reluctant to take something out of the Plan. A number of
areas are redundant.
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Board Members were encouraged to review the General Plan's areas of general and historic resources
which are not lengthy. Also review areas where Board Members may be concerned as citizens. Staff
wants your individual input on all. The Board will be asked to keep Board comments focused on
historic resources and not stray into a lot of areas. If Board Members have concerns beyond, other
avenues for participation will be offered.
This will be a very tedious process, and there will be a lot of group meetings. Staff will front load a
series of community meetings to obtain a benchmark in the community. Then, a work program will
be developed and consultants hired. The Commission will be consulted this Wednesday about a
quick round of community meetings for information-finding sessions, then will come back with
advisory groups and committees to really start to define what the details of the General Plan
Amendment will be.
Director Evans invited the Board to call staff if questions arise as they are reviewing the General Plan.
Board Member Chespak asked about the survey of possible designations being in the General Plan –
do the citizens of Palm Springs know that this is being planned? What is the time frame?
Director Evans advised that the hiring of the consultants will be announced, there will be press releases,
media coverage, and TV stations will probably do stories. Since there is nothing of news right now
in historic preservation, the next time to get the word out will probably come when the consultant is
being selected.
The time frame – proposals are due today by 5:00 p.m. and once they are received, the purchasing
department will evaluate, a committee will be established, followed by the selection process that has
already been discussed.
Vice Chairman Scott asked about the time schedule on the General Plan update, and if it will it be a six
month project?
Director Evans advised that it will probably be a two-year project. In the beginning, there will be
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period of community input, a scope of work developed, GIS (geographic) program to do mapping,
and calculations, then a series of very detailed community meetings in neighborhoods, business
groups, commissions, etc. Once the scope of the re-write is defined, then the consultant will be asked
to re-write and edit the General Plan, and prepare an environmental document. Just the processing of
this document and public hearing process will take at least six months. Anytime a project like this is
done, it will be started with participating groups and individual. They will get tired, new people will
come in and will cycle...it's like a little start-over, as a project likes this moves forward, and will give
different perspectives over a two-year period.
Vice Chairman Scott asked if the intention was to adopt the General Plan all at once or in incremental
stages?
Director Evans advised that only the housing part will be done in increments. The draft is already
current, it is being sent to the State Housing and Community Development department for review
because it has a different legal time fra, and will probably be adopted in 2004 or 2005 with about a
20-year planning horizon and implementation schedule that sets up a revision about every five (5)
years. The State encourages cities to review every five (5) years.
Vice Chairman Scott stated that it was a real opportunity for the City and encouraged all Board
Members and citizens to get involved.
Director Evans advised that the last one was done in 1993, and the one area where staff was
disappointed was that the community did not participate as much as was hoped. The Planning
Commission did almost all the work. There were neighborhood meetings, and notice after notice was
sent out to generate interest. Staff would go to meetings and maybe two people would show up.
Staff feels sure that the community is more engaged at this time and that a lot of good community
dynamics will evolve. One of the objectives is to realize that this town has real character, and towns
with character need to understand that as policy sessions occur there may be different visions; but with
humor and lightness, there will be a lot of community involvement. Staff is looking forward to
meeting with the neighborhoods and hearing their ideas, and this also gives them an opportunity to
learn how the City works. Planning Commissioners don't just walk in and make decisions about how
they feel about something. It's based upon what the General Plan outlines, the zoning ordinance, the
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rules and procedures, and the public input process. They probably have the most confined decision
making process of any, even though it's often thought they can do anything they wish. That makes it
very challenging for the community to understand why the Planning Commission does what it does.
They are looking at the body of the General Plan, the zoning ordinances, the goals and objectives, as
well as community input to try to do what is best for the City. The process is not fully understood
sometimes, so after the General Plan update, there will be hundreds of people with better knowledge
of the process and better understanding of what is being done and why.
Vice Chairman Scott asked at what point the community meetings were expected to begin?
Director Evans reported that it will be discussed with the Planning Commission this Wednesday, and it
will be suggested to them that community input be solicited immediately. Staff will meet back with
the Council early February in a joint meeting of the Commission and Council, at which time the Council
will want to see what the Commission might recommend as a blue ribbon or steering committee for
the General Plan. The Commission makes recommendations, the Council makes decisions, and it will
probably be suggested that a citizen's group be involved for a sounding board. Then, there will be
networking in smaller meetings and neighborhoods. There will probably be three groups - - an
advisory group and Planning Commission that meets on a regular basis, and then the Council
ultimately makes the decisions. During the last General Plan update, the Planning Commission met
every week. There is a lot of data work, reviewing all the input, etc. It's a real challenge for everyone
involved. That brings us back to general tweaking and looking at the Historic Ordinance again, which
eventually needs to be updated.
AGENDA #3 - PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION:
Board Member Scott reported that the Preservation Foundation'S Board meeting is January 15 and
they will be having an event featured around the Modernism Show taking place in early March. Will
have more to report in February.
AGENDA ITEM #4 - PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
Board Member Bledsoe reported that there is no update today, but mentioned that the Christmas
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Open House and Historic Inn Tour was a great success with many people participating.
Director Evans commented that this weekend's Desert Sun reported about the filming in the Coachella
Valley and Sally McManus was quoted several times as a source of information. Former Mayor Bogert
had humorous stories about the different roles he played in different movies. This all goes to show
the 'history' just keeps cycling back, such as the Tie-Downs reported last meeting. It's great to see
that there is Palm Springs history being reported monthly in the newspapers and it's still very good
reading.
AGENDA ITEM #5 - PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE:
Board Member Williams was not in attendance. Chairman Isermann asked if anyone attended the
Modern Committee meeting.
Vice Chairman Scott advised that he attended last Saturday, January 11 and the Modern Home Tour on
January 18 is sold out, 170 people have signed up. They will be having a fundraiser limited to 200
people on March 8 that is tied into the Modernism Show. More information is on the website which is
www. psmodcom.com. There is an excellent exhibit and display at the Library, several of the Modcom
members will be taking tour groups through the Exhibit which features some of the architectural
elements found in our City.
AGENDA ITEM #6 - OTHER COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE STATE HISTORIC DESIGNATIONS AND
DISTRICTS:
Director Evans reported that staff did not get as far as expected in reviewing the Frances Stevens site
and talking to the State, their prime area and reference to us is to look at what Riverside did with their
historic district and designations. Staff is continuing to look and if any Board members want to assist
us by contacting communities, Board assistance is welcomed! Right now, staff is finalizing the
application for the Frances Stevens School to send to the State.
Chairman Isermann stated that he understood from the City Council meeting that when the Frances
Stevens application came before them, they added a resolution or motion that all of Palm Springs'
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historic sites be put forward for State listing.
Director Evans advised the Council gave direction for staff to work on all the City-owned historic sites
to see if a district can be formed with these properties, and then to apply for either State of National
Register designation. This is probably beyond the scope of what staff can do with our current
resources and workloads. Staff has suggested to the City Council that we get the consultant on board
for the survey and get that started. If, in working with that consultant, staff is really comfortable with
their work, then staff might suggest an amended contract to add in a historic district designation
report and application. With our current resources and getting the survey underway, if too much is
undertaken, people may not be happy with the time-frame. Staff has to focus on specific areas.
There may be financial resources available in the budget line of historic preservation to possibly do a
district with the help of a consultant. It involved a number of weekends and nights of work by staff
just to do one property in-house.
Chairman Isermann asked how many historic properties are owned by the City?
Director Evans did not have a count, but mentioned the Plaza Theater, the Fire Station, etc. There is a
good complement of buildings and a good range of designs.
Board Member Chespak said he believed that the point is to find districts and areas of sections and felt
that should be of initial importance.
Director Evans explained that there are two different issues: One is the survey, which is property
specific. As the survey is conducted, if the consultant starts seeing geographic areas with higher
numbers, they certainly could recommend that staff and Board look at a district there. We could
"find" at least two, maybe three districts off the research already done, but the difference in defining
where you'd like the district to be and actually putting the application together with all the resource
information, writing up the descriptions in summary format, deciding what is to be attached to the
application that will be eye-catching to the people who make the decisions – that is what holds us back
for lack of resources. The France Stevens application could have involved another 40+ hours
compiling information. It was decided to go with what we had - it read well and sufficiently provided
the information required. A hired consultant may have resulted in a 'thicker' and possibly stronger
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application. Staff really tried to call attention to the importance of the building and it's history rather
than stapling document onto document.
Chairman Isermann agreed that the survey is of paramount importance because individual buildings
cannot be lost due to the fact that no one recognizes their significance.
BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Chairman Isermann asked for an update on the Tramway Gas Station.
Director Evans reported that, since the last meeting where the City was entering the contract phase of
the acquisition, documents have been completed and escrow may have been opened by now or at
least the City is close to opening escrow. Architectural consultants have been interviewed to look at
the project. The Selection Committee has made their recommendation, but until the report is
finalized, that information is not available. Staff feels that the Board will be very comfortable with any
one of the three consultants interviewed. Based on the qualifications, in the committee's viewpoint, it
really came down to the "best fit" for this particular project. The results have not yet been released.
The Council's objective is to be in the building as soon as possible. There is tremendous interest from
other agencies to participate - the National Monument would like to have a presence at the Visitors'
Center. Staff is looking at how this might be tied into a trail system network so there is an integration
of tourism and echo-tourism and some of the things that come with National Monument designations.
Their director has written a letter to that effect to our City Manager. The greatest challenge will be
the size of the building. No one questions that the number of "hits" or "stops" by visitors will increase
dramatically at this location.
Chairman Isermann asked for additional board or staff reports.
Vice Chairman Scott referred back to the survey and asked where we are, is the money in hand?
Director Evans reported that the money is not in-hand. The permit requirement was that the money
be paid at issuance of the building permit, not the demolition. They are moving forward, they are
permit ready, and not much can derail the project at this stage.
Vice Chairman Scott reiterated that the RFP response is coming in today, there is a committee that will
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review that -- will that happen over the next month and who is the committee?
Director Evans stated that will probably be done within the next two weeks depending on where we
are. The Board appointed Chairman Isermann as the Board's representative, there will be someone
from Purchasing, a Planning staff member, and there may be one other member from the community.
It's a very regulated procedure for the City to select consultants. Determination of who will negotiate
the contract and define the scope of work needs to be don, and it will not be taken to the City
Council for approval until they actually pull the building permits and money is in-hand.
Vice Chairman Scott asked if the City Council had to approve the final contract?
Director Evans advised that it is a large enough contract that the Council has to approve it. There has
been very good interest so there should be a number of proposals, and we are probably on the radar
scope of many consulting teams that would see this would be a very good contract to have.
Director Evans updated the Board about the Architectural Guide: We will re-print 200 of the old
Guide, we'll pay a little more for a limited run, but they will sell quickly. Tracy Conrad is waiting for
one Julius Schuman photograph release for the fire station. She feels it is important that we get a
quality photograph and we need a written release from Julius Schuman. He and his team are very
deliberate in what they do. Ms. Conrad is optimistic that she will have this shortly. She also has the
photograph release of the recently designated house.
Vice Chairman Scott tossed out the idea of a work session with the suggestion that each Board
Member individually work with the owners of a potential historic site so they could be brought through
the City's process, get them acquainted and turned-on to it...some might be interested in modernism,
some in the more historic elements, some in the sites, etc. They will then be aware of the tax benefits
of listing with the State and with the City.
Board Member Chespak felt that the survey will give us and anyone interested that information and the
opportunity to become familiar with that.
Vice Chairman Scott outlined that the survey will tell the City and those in the City what historic
resources we have. When he talked with a neighbor, they were confused as to what they should do,
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how to get the paperwork, but they are interested in possibly having their property listed. Board
members could perhaps select a building they were interested in, meet with the owners, and explain
the entire process. Or, the Board could appoint members to research certain buildings and meet with
owners, etc.
Chairman Isermann asked for the details and procedure for setting up such a study session.
Director Evans explained that the Board members would need to select a date, it has to be noticed as
and conducted as a public meeting, but it is not televised. It is a working session, notes are kept for a
record of what was discussed, but no minutes are prepared. Any member of the public can
participate, just as in these meetings, an agenda is posted, etc. It's probably the best way to try to
get additional sites designated - - to go out and pitch it, answer questions, be good listeners, and
provide good information. If the Board would like to go out and make initial contacts, and then staff
could sit down and discuss this with owners and try to answer their questions, if needed. Most people
would not anticipate a historic building being approved as simply as the one approved today. There
has been a bit of feeling within the community that the Board is pretty tough to work with regarding
historic properties, but that really is not the case.
Chairman Isermann asked if the February meeting is too early to set this up? There does not seem to
be any other pressing Board business that would prevent members from doing this.
Vice Chairman Scott asked if this was being suggested in lieu of the regular February meeting?
Director Evans suggested that for routine continuity and if there are no active agenda items, the Board
have a very brief meeting to keep on schedule, then break into a study session and spend as much
time as felt necessary going over the potential historic properties. Staff can provide a list of identified
properties on hand as a starting base, then all Board members are welcome to bring in additional
properties that are worthy and meet the intent of the ordinance.
Board Members felt this was a good idea.
Board Member Chespak asked if it will fall on deaf ears? Will people know that is happening? Board
Members may be willing to help people in this process, but how do we get the idea out to the general
public, where do we find them?
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Chairman Isermann pointed out that once the sites are identified, then individual Board Members
contact the owners and present the options. It's not about them finding out about this and
contacting us.
Director Evans explained that it was quite simple to start with, there is a prepared list of potentially 200
properties to work from. There is a good prioritization process already in place. It's a matter of how
Board Members want to break this down, i.e. into geographic areas, etc.
Vice Chairman Scott recommended that each Board Member do a little work in the next month in
terms of what structures each one might be interested in.
Director Evans asked if the Board Members had those lists? Call Loretta if you don't have this list and
it will be sent out to you.
Director Evans reported that on conflict of interest, the Board Member merely needs to state that you
have a conflict of interest, then refrain from any comments. If you abstain as a Board Member, but
you want to come back as a member of the public, you can do so, but that needs to be made very
clear.
Secondly, Director Evans sent a note to John Wessman's office regarding Louise's Pantry incorporating
the Board Minutes into the letter...basically saying, here is the discussion that occurred, and we think
you'll find it interesting. The feedback we received was that they were very appreciative of all the
comments, even though the project had a couple of rough points, they made a commitment from the
start to be sure that people were comfortable with the renovation of the building at the end of the day.
Chairman Isermann suggested to the Board and to the viewers that if you haven't seen what the
Ralph's building looks like with it's skin off, it's an amazing opportunity to see how that building was
constructed. Parts of it has been covered up over the years and to see field structure exposed, it's
quite a sight. It's very beautiful, and is the most painful demolition he's ever seen.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 a.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
Douglas R. Evans
Director of Planning and Zoning
:ldm
HSPB MINUTES JANUARY 14, 2003