Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-08- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, July 8, 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 11 1 William Scott, Vice Chair 11 1 Lee Bledsoe X 11 1 Ron Chespak X 12 James Hayton X 11 1 Shevlin Rush X 10 2 John Williams X 11 1 STAFF PRESENT: Doug Evans, Director of Planning and Zoning Jing Yeo, Associate Planner Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary * * * * * * Chairman Isermann called the meeting to order at 8:23 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, July 3, 2003. * * * * * * There were no public comments. * * * * * * PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed designation of the Edris House at 1030 West Cielo Drive as a Class 1 Historic Site. Director Evans and Planner Jing Yeo visited the property this week and it is in immaculate condition. Associate Planner, Jing Yeo, directed the Board’s attention to the posted original site plan and exterior elevations. The property is in the Little Tuscany area at 2030 West Cielo Drive, constructed in 1954, designed by Stewart Williams for William and Marjorie Edris and the house sets on the western edge of a 53,240 square foot triangular shaped lot amidst boulders and landscaping. Staff review photos and visited the site. They found three distinct features of the home: (1) roof hangs by a steel frame; (2) large expansive windows; and (3) one change that staff could find with building permits over time B a new spa where the flagstone patio used to be. It was installed with architectural approval and constructed in compliance with building codes. The property owner is here to discuss the designation request and to answer questions. John Boccardo, owner, advised that the house was maintained by the original owner almost 50 years and changed hands once after Mrs. Edris passed away. The new owners considered a major addition and neighbors prevailed upon them to think differently. A lot of money has been spent to restore and keep the house as original as possible. Current owners added the spa, but went to great length to make it look original and fit in with all original work. The hope to own the house for many years, and want to make sure it lives on in the spirit it was created and constructed. Board Member John Williams asked about the gate addition at the front driveway and if will it affect the view from the house. Mr. Boccardo advised that the gate has been designed, but not yet constructed. It is basically a security gate as there is currently nothing to keep trespassers off the property, except for the natural terrain. It’s a vacation home for them and they want to be able to secure it when they are not there. It will not affect the view...it will be an open steel structure looking similar to the house exterior. HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9 July 08, 2003 Chairman Isermann visited the house and discussed including a couple items that may not normally be included in a designation which is generally the building’s exterior. (1) The lighting fixtures, designed by Stewart Williams are primarily on the exterior of the building, but a few are inside as kind of room dividers; and (2) include the shape of the pool as it seems to be in relation to the shape of the house. The owners feel this is appropriate in terms of the interior lighting. There was a planter added as a last minute change by Mrs. Edris but the original plans do not include it. Williams created about 15 light poles that go up through the planting in the planter with a perforated type dixie cup over the lights to reduce the glare. These are fashioned out of metal and are very unusual and special. Director Evans: Staff will add two sections to the draft resolution: (1) the exterior and interior lighting fixtures, and (2) the shape and design of the pool as far as “no permit for the alteration of ___________” shall be issued. He further cautioned the Board that exterior features can be monitored reasonably well, but interior is very difficult. Then a motion could be made approving the resolution subject to those two changes which would then be recommended to City Council. Mickie McLaughlin, Vice President of the Palm Springs Modern Committee, spoke in behalf and support of the designation and congratulated the owners in their quest to designate this home. M/S/C Chespak/_______ (6 Yes, 0 No, 1 absent) to approve the designation subject to the two (2) changes as outlined above by Director Evans. Director Evans advised that this probably go to City Council in September. Their agendas are full for the remainder of July and they are not meeting in August. If designated by the City Council, staff will contact the property owner about the plaque design and location and bring back an actual plaque wording for Board approval. James Hayton asked if he could view the house after the fact? He will make an appointment with the owners. AGENDA ITEM #1: CASE NO 5.0942 - APPLICATION BY CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A NEW PALMS SPRINGS VISITORS’ CENTER AT 2901 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE U-R, SECTION 3. Director Evans: This is a Class 1 Historic Site, owned by the City of Palm Springs acquired for the purpose of converting it to the P.S. Visitors’ Center. The board at the beginning of the design process met with the architect to discuss the design options. This has been a most challenging project for the design team. There has been community input from boards, commissions, BLM, City Visitors’ Center, lots of different entities have tried to get what they want out of this building and project. The building exterior of the building is not being altered. Site improvements are very modest. A restroom facility has been brought in that is modest and fits very well. The City’s Design Review Committee met July 7 and recommended approval from an architectural standpoint. This will go to the Planning Commission on July 9. In order to get this project done in the time frame required for occupancy, the DRC, HSPB, Planning Commission, and City Council are reviewing this project and the plans this week. If the Council is comfortable with all this, they will approve this Wednesday night and plans and specs will be sent out for bid so the project can be built. That is a quick overview of the design team of O’Connell and Escalante who will provide additional information for the Board. Allen Smoot, project manager on behalf of the City, is watching the construction, design, overall budgeting, and delivering the project on time. The design team of O’Donnell and Escalante presented the changes that have occurred since the last review about three months earlier. Mr. O’Donnell advised they have tried to meet the $400,000 + budget that includes the parking lot, interior improvements, restroom facility, and landscaping. Within that budget things are being kept as tight and streamlined as possible and maintaining the integrity of the building. The restroom facility was added. Parking and approach will be off Palm Canyon with curb cut to allow buses and easy movement of vehicles in and out of the parking sites. Parking area has been reduced on the west side for cost savings with grading. The parking lot is seen as temporary, meaning several years until area is master-planned and developed. At such time this area is more developed, the design of this parking will become more permanent. The wall issue is three (3) feet above the interior finish grade and rakes up slightly toward the south. It is horizontal with the grade and sidewalk, but does not have an absolute horizontal nature. HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9 July 08, 2003 Internally, there is modest landscaping and earth forming with three berms and low plantings. The plantings try to achieve an informal seating area looking back towards the building. Ana Escalante assured the Board that the architectural team researched and reviewed the California Historical Building Code in order to maintain the designation and that the integrity of the building was not compromise. There is a nine (9) foot high translucent wall to display functions of the Visitors’ Center that also acts as a windbreak. One directive given the team was to design ADA compliant restroom facilities to meet all building codes. The Historic Code requires that the original historic building is not mimicked. Restroom building is flat-roofed, fiber tight, all fixtures meet UPC, etc. The exterior perimeter wall will be finished similar to the white plaster wall, will come down in height and will be re-finished to maintain the smooth white color. Board Member Williams asked about the 24 to 30 inch wall mentioned at the last meeting, now it’s three (3) feet from the interior and the exterior would be what? Mr. O’Donnell: There is a 12-inch grade change from the exterior; the total overall height from the sidewalk is four (4) feet to the wall top. From the interior, it will be three (3) feet to the wall top. Lots of discussion about the height, there are safety aspects for children inside the facility and keeping them off the roadway. It really does not act as a security wall but with the addition of landscape the attempt is to keep as many people out after hours as possible, then with the addition of lighting and other security systems to keep the property secure. The glazed wall acts as a wind break and facilitates access into the main entry door on the south side of the Center. Entry will be from Palm Canyon Drive to Tramway road. There is not entry directly from Palm Canyon Drive. Board Member Williams asked about the only signage being on Tramway Road. Mr. O’Donnell: A sign has been designated for the front, but has not been designed as yet. Tourism would like to have an outdoor billboard ad campaign on Highway 111 as the visitors approach the Center and Palm Springs, with one photo of this building on a billboard. Chairman Isermann asked about the type font selected from the city competition for re-designing all the signs. Is that going to happen, as it will affect the Welcome to Palm Springs sign, which is north. Mr. O’Donnell: There was lots of emphasis on tying this parcel and site into the gateway entry sign. Those are still being master-planned, but funding necessitates a look to alternative sources. The Desert Water Agency will provide a demonstration garden from the building to the gateway sign. Font type on the signage, various ideas have been heard and discussed...script, mid-century modern lean font, etc. The team has taken clues from the font that is on the entry sign and using that which is called “deep ribbon letter”...very straight forward sans serif type font. Board Member Chespak asked again about the height of the wall is still a question for most of the Board. A security issue as well as to look welcoming is also important. Identity is an issue and everything should match on all signage. Mr. O’Donnell offered to continue working with the team working on the gateway sign as part of their original design and contract was to work on the demonstration garden and linkages. Ms. Escalante: The team wanted to select a type font type that really represented Palm Springs. This type is the most straight forward Director Evans: It is difficult to try to predict what might be approved for the gateway sign, it has not been fully developed, designed, nor approved. A perspective the Board might wish to consider would be that Palm Springs has encouraged different designs. The sign where you’re entering Palm Springs and the signs that really attract you to the Visitors’ Center ...even if they are a little different, they have two different purposes and locations, but they are compatible. From staff’s perspective the concern is not if they are exactly the same, because the entry monument could go through a completely new evolution and be completely different. A decision has to be made or a recommendation to Council regarding the signage. There will be a project identification sign that will be seen from North Palm Canyon Drive, but it is not in this contract and is not funded in this phase of the project. It will have to come back for the same HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9 July 08, 2003 type of review as this project is going through. This current sign is really a customer convenient sign. If a full sign program was designed, there might be two or three different typefaces. From the standpoint of the wall, it was discussed at Design Review yesterday by professional designers who look at different elements of projects...architecture, landscape, safety, plus a number of other things. They felt that from a safety perspective maybe it is too low and does not create enough of a barrier for people to get over the wall. The concern is that if it works successfully, there will be children running around the property while the parents are inside making reservations. Their conclusion was that the wall height would give good visibility of the building, a barrier protection and a reasonable boundary. The height of the current wall is seven (7) feet, so four (4) feet will be taken off the wall. It is a very public building, encouraging outdoor activity. Board Member Rush asked what percentage of the building will be visible given the height of the wall. Mr. O’Donnell: The building is about 16 inches higher than the outside grade. The existing wall will be about 5'6" relative to grade and has been there since the building was originally built. The true height of the finished floor to the sidewalk is about three (3) feet. From someone sitting in a car with a three (3) foot eye level, they will see completely over the wall almost see the floor in the building. The majority of the building is visible and there is a wall barrier for some security and protection. Director Evans: It will actually screen some of the landscaping ground plane. There are so many variables on what will be seen...distance, heights, etc. The majority of the building will be visible and from a further distance the ground plane, parts of the foundation, etc. The operations people who looked at this feel that a barrier wall is needed with some debating that it should be higher because of the expected activity. Everyone was comfortable from the DRC discussion yesterday with the proposed wall height from esthetic and operational standpoints. Board Member Williams: Based on what has been said, he is “sort of” comfortable with the wall height, but his concern is that after the project is completed the general public may say...”my goodness, why didn’t they take that wall down?” If it is felt that the wall will not impede the view, he feels the project is on track. He likes this plan, but sees a large empty space behind the building. Likes the fact that the restrooms have been moved to be basically out of sight, but doesn’t see where things such as air conditioning units are going to be. Also, he assumes that occupants of the building were consulted regarding interior improvements and that everyone is comfortable with counters, display space, etc. Could those issues be addressed? Ms. Escalante: The landscaping cover will be in Palm Springs Gold, a decomposed granite with future landscaping plans, as funds are available. There will be no air conditioning in the restrooms, again due to funding. If you see restrooms in a public park, they are generally not air conditioned; however, in designing the ceiling plan, the architectural team left room to later retrofit air conditioning. It is a highly insulated building; but when it is 100 plus degrees, there’s not much that can be done. The building is mechanically vented per UPC as recommended by City Council. The main building will be using the existing air conditioning. Mr. O’Donnell: There is no change to the electrical systems that were installed for the gallery. Fixtures will be re-pointed, such as ambient lighting from indirect fixtures that point to the ceiling and provide a glow. Then there are pin spots fixtures that will be relocated to highlight the retail spaces in the wall. The mechanical systems in the Albert Frey building will be used from the last remodel. There are four existing condensing units and four little corner closets that are forced air systems to blow air out toward the ceiling in four directions with two return air vents. It is out of sight right now in terms of the interior, only the boxes in the corners are visible and the floor registers. Board Member Williams asked about the display cases ....has the team worked with Tourism? As they show now, there does not appear to be enough space to position everything. Mr. O’Donnell: Many functions have been consolidated, as an example, they have a poster display and if someone has an activity of hotel they would like to display, it is typically done on a poster that are currently 30" x 40" . The size has been reduced to 18" x 24" and located them on a banner display that runs parallel with the interior so there is no objection of the view in or out, but each display is viewed on an angle. The retail opportunities, such as books, key HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9 July 08, 2003 chains, etc., they will be located on double level retail display stands which are about four (4) feet high. All these types of displays have been simplified and consolidated into a more cohesive type package..retail, posters, brochures/cards, and clothing. Board Member Williams referred back to the restrooms asking about a swamp cooler, fan, or something to move the air? Mr. O’Donnell: Maintaining summer comfort will be thru a ventilation system running 24 hours. When facility is closed at night, it will cool off, fresh air will be drawn in through the ventilation system to flush out odors and stale air and pull in cool air for the next day. In terms odors, the mechanical consultant has assured the goal of eliminating odors will be achieved, and it should be fairly comfortable as long as there are no high temperatures for long periods of time. Board Member Bledsoe asked about the highest wall in the interior and asked if he were standing at the retail could he look up and over to see the view beyond? Also, what is the parking lot composed of..gravel, asphalt, or? Mr. O’Donnell: The translucent wall is at six (6) feet and the view to Chino Canyon is being maintained which was one of the goals in working with the interior spaces. The six (6) foot height allows the staff to conduct normal business taking reservations, answering telephones, etc. Sound attenuating features have been added, so noise from the retail space won’t negatively impact the business space in back...carpeting, works stations are fabric-lined. There is a three (3) inch class A base in the specifications of decomposed granite and small gravel. Above that it will be asphaltic concrete and black in color. Board Member Hayton voiced his support and thanks to the team, but feels that the issue he brought up at the April 8 meeting that it was originally designed as a gas station and he participated in the mid-90's to try to save this building. Is there any symbolizing or any opportunity to express this as being a gas station originally. The second issue being the existing door and doorway that the gallery saved and kept the integrity of building when they remodeled, but that door commemorates both Frey and the gallery and it should be maintained and it does not appear to be in the plans. Those are two majors concerns, please discuss. Mr. O’Donnell: That one way of commemorating the history of the building would be in the glass screen wall with the etchings, but that is not in the budget right now. But if photographs were identified for the team and in working with Tourism, wall areas could be found to display photos to show what the original building looked like, interior and exterior. The gate (door) was discussed at the Design Review in the plans it says “stored on-sight and the owner will determine what to do with it.” Ideas from Design Review was to perhaps display it in the yard with a plaque to explain it’s history. Any input would be appreciated. Ms. Escalante: The reason it was not being used is that it is not ADA compliant. Board Member Hayton stated his understanding, but urged that it be used as a visual queuing, it’s unique design, the way it pivots is very interesting, the size, mass, lettering, and patina, when viewed with the mountains as a back drop, is very dramatic and speaks highly as to why this building isn’t gone. At the very least, it’s important to keep that door in a highly visible area and hopefully in it’s pivoting position - - viewed, but not to be used. It’s a very expensive and beautiful element and should not be stored or disappear. Chairman Isermann complimented the team for the orientation and design of the restroom building and feels it will be very successful. When it was located in the back, it made the entrance to the building very confusing and this really directs people to the correct entry. His last question is about the paint color for the building, has that been chosen and if all the existing colors will be maintained? Ms. Escalante: The restroom building’s wall will be white to blend with all colors, and the existing gas station building will be left as is - - what’s new will be white which will force cleanliness. There were no public comments. M/S/C (Chespak/Bledsoe) 5 Yes, 1 No (Hayton) to approve as submitted and discussed. HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9 July 08, 2003 Director Evans asked if the voice of opposition was based upon the door or other considerations? Board Member Hayton stated that he opposed because of the door element and the symbolization of this originally being designed as a gas station. It is very disturbing that the door element is no where in the plans or mentioned to be maintained or displayed. All other elements of the project are very good. Director Evans advised this will be reviewed, it will not be ignored, and staff will report back to the board. Chairman Isermann stated that the history of this building has been brought up at nearly all Board meetings and each time the Board has been assured that there will be some documentation of the history of the building and feels confident that it will be somewhere in the building. AGENDA ITEM #2: REQUEST TO DESIGNATE 272 CAMINO BUENA VISTA AS A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE – DISCUSSION ONLY: Director Evans: This is on the Agenda for discussion only, not an item where action can be taken as to historic site designation. Staff has not done a site visit or evaluation nor looked at all the history of the property. This is an opportunity for the property owner or their representative to talk with staff and the Board as to why they feel it might be a Palm Springs Historic Site. Lydia Cramer: Introduced herself as representing Joey English, the property owner in the Mesa area, who is presently out of the state. She stated that she did not have a lot of the historic information, but does have general information for the Board. Photos were given to Ms. Yeo and an application has been completed by Ms. English which has not been submitted as yet. She advised that the property was originally owned by Earl Neel (correct spelling). His name has been spelled differently in many and various documents. She has a lot of the documents going back to the 1960's from the Planning Department. Mr. Neel landscaped the property with native plantings on the two and one-half acres which is being submitted as an element in the designation of this being a historic site. Built in 1929, it sets on two and one-half acres and part of the property has a small ravine with a foot bridge that connects the other side. Not depicted in the photos is the pathway gong up along the property line with seating areas with maps. The maps are not historic, they are incorporated for interest only. In looking over some of the City documents, there have been two things added since 1929 which is a sump wall and a carport added to the existing garage. Chairman Isermann asked if the building is “as built” other than the two additions mentioned. Ms. Cramer: Based on all the documents they have obtained and reviewed. There were plans submitted to build a swimming pool some time ago, but the pool was not added and it’s not now certain if present owners are committed to putting in the pool. This is being submitted “as is” with no pool on the property. Board Member Bledsoe: Is the application to include the landscaping and the foot bridge? Ms. Cramer: The owner feels that because Earl Neel did all the landscaping and the age of the property and landscaping dates back so far that in itself should be considered in the designation. Chairman Isermann asked if the architect is known. Ms. Cramer did not know. Board Member Chespak asked if there is more than one owner, since Joey English was the only one mentioned. Ms. Cramer: Owners are Joey English and her husband. Board Members and staff were invited for an interior and exterior site inspection and walk-thru when it is convenient for everyone. Chairman Isermann encouraged staff to move forward with the preliminaries for the designation. HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 9 July 08, 2003 Director Evans: Staff would like to meet with property owners and/or representative to review the site, research the permit history and evaluation. Staff may need to have someone try to research some of the original construction information relative to who designed the property, which might be in some of the old assessor information. There is an expert “sleuth” in the building information who does an excellent job of this and obtains amazing information from the archives of the assessor’s office. Often times we are able to gets dates of every addition to old properties based on old assessor information that most members of the public don’t know how to get. For residential in particular, the Board needs to be sure that in designating a property as Class 1 Historic, it’s for very strong reasons. The Class 1 designation is for the “best of the best”. Class 2 for properties that have historic value, but may not be at the same level as Class 1. Clearly, Mr. Neel is one of the best friends and best community leaders this City has ever had and probably has done more for community design than any one person. Close to 30 years he reviewed every landscape plan for properties coming into this community and did a great job making sure that people planted good plants that would grow here and volunteered for a long time, and was on the Planning Commission and the City Council. Ms. Cramer: Mr. Neel just recently passed away within the past year. In one of the notes found, the property was originally built for the President of U.S. Steel. She will make a point of preparing a narrative about the property. To clarify Ms. Cramer’s relationship with Joey English is that she is a freelance writer, is interested in writing about this property, and has a radio report on Joey’s show every Monday. She will want to find out when the Board and Staff would like to visit and will coordinate with Ms. English at some point as early as convenient. Chairman Isermann suggested that it would be more appropriate for staff and a representative from the Board to visit, rather than everyone visiting. Director Evans: The Board could appoint a sub-committee because trying to schedule seven people is sometimes challenging, and if there is more than a sub-committee, staff has to post it as a public meeting to visit the property. Technically Board members are not supposed to go out independently to investigate properties. Decisions are supposed to be based on information that comes to members at the Board level. Certainly driving by a property and looking at from the street and if touring the property, when you hear this you’d need to make a statement that you have toured the property, reviewed it, made no commitments relative to the designation. Chairman Isermann asked Board Member James Hayton if he’d like to chair that sub-committee. He accepted. Ms. Cramer: The property is difficult to drive by, it is at the end of a gated drive, not really too visible, but everyone is welcome who would like to see it. Board Member Williams: The part of the ordinance that defines historic property mentions that if the property is associated with the life or lives of person(s) who made meaningful contributions to the national, state, or local history....in addition to who designed it, who actually lived in it...should be of interest. He thanked Ms. Cramer for bringing this to the Board in behalf of the owners and the Board appreciates owners who are interested in preserving their properties. Director Evans: Mr. Neel was one of the first fire fighters in Palm Springs...he was a community founder, made local significance and staff can document a lot of information about Mr. Neel. Ms. Cramer thanked everyone and commended the Board and staff and applauds all the efforts made to preserve this community...not all communities are as active in preservation as Palm Springs. Director Evans: An interesting side lien to Mr. Neel was that when he ran for City Council, he is probably one of the few council member who virtually did not campaign. He refused to saying that “if people won’t elect me for who I am, I am not going out to shake hands and do a lot of work.” HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 9 July 08, 2003 AGENDA ITEM #3: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE (Chapter 8.05 PSMC), DUTIES, ACTIVITIES: Director Evans: There was nothing today, but staff is meeting with the City Attorney this month to discuss the de-listing process which will probably be expanded to an overall review of the Ordinance. There are a couple of item already discuss with the Board that need to be addressed. Work will be undertaken this summer and may come before the Board in the fall. AGENDA ITEM #4: BOARD MEMBER UPDATES ON CONTACTS WITH POTENTIAL HISTORIC SITE PROPERTY OWNERS: Nothing to discuss. AGENDA ITEM #5: PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION - BOARD MEMBER SCOTT Board Member Scott was not in attendance. AGENDA ITEM #6: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - BOARD MEMBER BLEDSOE Board Member Bledsoe reported that it is closed for the season. AGENDA ITEM #7: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - BOARD MEMBER WILLIAMS Spoke with Mickie and the Modern Committee is more than willing to place 25 of the maps here at City Hall to be sold at $5.00 each. Once those are gone, more will be brought in and they also understand that the accounting may not be absolutely accurate and they will be happy to do a letter to that effect. So Mickie will bring those whenever staff is ready to place them. Director Evans asked for the letter, will order a stand display case and staff will do their best with the sale and accounting for the maps. The map is under review and will probably be re-printed in the near future. It will also include some sites outside of Palm Springs as well. AGENDA ITEM #8: PALM SPRINGS BRIEF HISTORY & ARCHITECTURAL GUIDE UPDATE Director Evans distributed a copy of the first “draft” for Board members’ review, edit, and report back no later than next Monday, July 14, 2003. Chairman Isermann reminded the Board that it is time to elect a new Chairman and Vice Chairman and nominated John Williams for Chairman and Shev Rush for Vice Chair. M/S/C (________/Hayton) 6 Yes, 0 no, unanimously passed that John Williams is elected as Chairman with Shev Rush as Vice Chairman for 2003/2004. APPROVAL OF JUNE 10 MINUTES: M/S/C (Williams/Bledsoe) 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 2 Abstentions that June 10 Minutes be approved as presented. There is no Chairman’s update. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Chairman Isermann asked if there is a confirmation on the Historic Survey. Director Evans: The survey contract goes to the city Council on July 16, 2003. Based on City Attorney comments, staff is working on edits. Hopeful Council will approve the survey and once insurance and all paperwork is in order, staff will be ready to start the survey. HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 9 July 08, 2003 Planner Jing Yeo: The tentative schedule is to start in mid-September since HSPB does not meet until then and staff wants to be sure that property owners and the public are involved. Many of them are out of town during the summer, especially in August. With the six-month target and starting in September, it will be February or March of 2004 for completion. Staff is trying to schedule a joint-HSPB-public meeting, but it has not been confirmed as yet. The firm chosen was Architectural Resources Group from San Francisco. It has been announced and notifications have been sent to the firms who were invited to interview. Director Evans: The recommendations from the Selection Committee goes to the Council next week for the awarding of the contract. Board Member Williams: Met with Board Member Shev Rush relative to the Media Outreach Committee and have identified opportunities offering press and media coverage for HSPB. Board Member Rush: They looked at upcoming events/opportunities to increase education efforts to the public as to what the Board is trying to do to further historic preservation in Palm Springs. Among those things identified were (1) awarding of the contract to the survey firm; (2) completion and result of the survey; (3) creating a community forum on the designation process. Member Williams has worked on a draft of an orientation document on the designation process that would be available during that forum and in other venues. Other things reviewed were (4) trying to work with local media outlets to publicize designated properties in the form a Sunday drive, a tourist activity, which might happen in conjunction with the publication of the revised Architectural Guide. There were a couple of concerns in terms of publicizing that at this point..we have audited the placement of the plaques in town and there a lot of plaques not visible from the public right-of-ways. Process for improving visibility is a concern to address with staff. Once that has been addressed and the public can find the things being publicized, that is one opportunity. and the Architectural Guide. In terms of outreach, protocol needs to be discussed with staff including press releases, interfacing with media (Desert Sun, Weekly, TV outlets, etc). Board Member Williams presented a rough draft about having a forum where owners of potentially historic properties e invited to attend, hear what HSPB is all about and what it means to have and/or designate historic property. Board Member Rush agreed in February to conduct an audit of the plaques and at September meeting he will have the findings of that audit. Members Williams and Rush discussed a forum being in October for the general public, and after the survey results are completed. They would like to have this as an Agenda item for the September 9 meeting for further reports from the committee. If it is decided to pursue one of these avenues, there would be time for planning, and asked for feedback from staff using this as a handout. Director Evans thanked Members Williams and Rush, the handout is right on target...it’s quick, simple, straight forward from the standpoint of review, it will be on the September HSPB Agenda along with the Public Forum and is well-timed to tie into the survey, and this may be one of the best opportunities for positive press that HSPB has probably had in I’s existence. This would help the community understand the Board’s hard work. Since this is a public body, if there are press releases, they need to be coordinated through the City’s Public Information Officer. The City Council and City Manager must be kept aware of any press releases because they often get the first calls and if they do not know what is going on, they will ask why their appointed Board is not keeping them updated in their activities. Chairman Isermann made it official that there would not be an HSPB meeting during August 2003. Director Evans: Staff has been talking about a photo documentation program with a local photographer who has worked with our local television program. If the Board would be interested staff could meet with the sub-committee HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 9 July 08, 2003 and review what that photographer offers. They have good experience in programming and photography and something could be prepared that could run on Channel 17 and then use an informational program in other areas. Board Member Hayton asked and Jim Isermann agreed to serve on the sub-committee for the Joey English property. Board Member Williams: If the City Council approves the survey on July 16, how can the Desert Sun and/or local media be involved so that HSPB gains mileage if the Board does not meet again until September. Director Evan: Staff will talk with Lee Husfeldt, Public Information Officer to see if she will prepare a press release. The Council agenda for July 16 is packed, it may be difficult to get anything more than a press release into the newspapers. Staff will discuss a community service announcement with Lee Husfeldt. Director Evans: Staff received a response from the Office of Historic Preservation Department of Parks and Recreation regarding the City’s application for the Frances Stevens Park as a State Historic Site. Their historian and registration programs staff apologized for the delay in reviewing the application, they feel we need to submit additional information and photographs to back up the historic nature of the building. The information submitted in summary form was not sufficient. We’re surprised at some of their comments because in talking with them in advance of submitting the application, they emphasized brevity, no enlargements of photographs, and asked us for the things they originally told us not to submit. This may be that they received a ton of applications and in their minds the competition for designation is probably higher than it’s been in the past, which may mean a high cut level to deal with that. Staff will try to respond with additional information, but not sure their expectations can be met. The sample they sent us as an example was a 29 page report (Goff’s School House in San Bernardino County) to justify the State’s designation. Staff has done their best within resources available and will look at what more we can do. If response can be submitted by August 15, it will be on the November hearing docket, so Kathy, Jing and Doug will look at and try to see what staff can do for a fairly quick turn-around to get it back on the calendar. Board Member Chespak stated that over the past couple of years he hasn’t missed a meeting and volunteered some time ago to help with the Architectural Guide, but didn’t get to help at all. Feels strongly about this and wants to have input at some time. Chairman Isermann indicated he thought it was understood that Member Chespak would be overseeing the next revision following this current revision to which Member Chespak agreed. Chairman asked for additional reports, comments, etc., there being none, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 a.m. with good wishes to the Board and staff for a good summer. The next meeting will be September 9, 2003 at 8:15 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Douglas R. Evans Director of Planning and Zoning :ldm HSPB Minutes, July 08,,2003