HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-09- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, December 9, 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 2003-2004
Excused Absences
To-Date
John Williams, Chairman
X
4
Shevlin Rush, Vice Chair
3
1
Lee Bledsoe
X
3
1
Ron Chespak
3
1
James Hayton
X
3
1
William Scott
X
4
Jim Isermann
X
3
1
STAFF PRESENT:
Doug Evans, Director of Planning and Zoning
Jing Yeo, Principal Planner Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary
* * * * *
Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 8:22.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, December 4, 2003.
* * * * * *
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Robert Hazucha of 1471 East San Lucas in the Tahquitz Estates district spoke regarding the very large
single-family residence being built that is so much larger (4,000 sq. ft. compared to 1,500 sq. ft. homes) than the
surrounding working class neighborhood type homes. It is totally out of character with the neighborhood and
he and others in the area hope this will not happen again in the future.
Member Hayton spoke in the same regard as he lives in this neighborhood and had suggested that Mr. Hazucha
bring this to the attention of the HSPB.
Mr. Hazucha stated that he did not wish to create a stumbling block, but this is more than a remodel, there is
new construction and that the real issue is that it is a 4,000 sq. ft. structure with a height that limits views and
permits the owners to look right into neighbors yards.
Director Evans pointed out that this can be put on a future agenda, but it is not a historic district or project and
there are no ordinances or zoning restrictions in this area. This project apparently meets all the codes. Staff
will look at the permits and ordinances but at this point it is a Planning Commission and City Council issue and
interested parties and neighbors should address their concerns when it comes before them
Director Evans assured Board and Mr. Hazucha that staff would review the project and report back to the Board.
But if permits comply with all codes and all ordinance there is no notification of surrounding neighbors required.
This could be a General Plan Steering Committee agenda item discussion re policy, ordinances, etc.
* * * * * *
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairman Williams asked for comments or corrections to the November 12, 2003
Minutes and advised that Page 3 should state December rather than November for the Board to hear back
about the outside color of the Palm Springs Visitors’ Center building. M/S/C (Scott/Isermann) (5 Yes, 0 No, 2
Absent, No Abstentions) to approve the November 12 Minutes as corrected.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Williams reported that the sub-committee (Members Williams and Scott) and
several people met and toured the properties around the historic site of the Oasis Hotel (corner of Tahquitz and
Palm Canyon Drive) and Lloyd Wright building relating to the potential sale of the property and upgrades that
will undoubtedly be needed. The Robann’s building has been altered extensively in the past years, was
originally designed and built around 1923-1925, and was the original entrance to the hotel at that time. The
second story and Lloyd Wright building were added at a later date. Steve Lyle was helpful with information and
conducting the tour. He is interested in increasing visibility of the Oasis Tower. The entire block is for sale as
one parcel for a potential price of $6 million. There are lots of repairs needed and tenant parking in back is
urgent.
Director Evans explained that this is “the” prime corner in downtown Palm Springs, there are a lot of people
looking at this and offering their ideas, recent buyers have backed out, and there needs to be flexibility by the
Board. To have this corner in a “state of flux” of very worrisome.
Board Member Isermann asked if the City could do something about the poor maintenance of this property since
it is such a prime location.
Director Evans stated that the City would prefer to work with the owner, could take action to enforce the lack of
maintenance, and owners are trying to sell the property.
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ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL: NONE
AGENDA ITEM #1: TRAMWAY VISITORS’ UPDATE, PLAQUE, AND DISCUSSION OF GRAND OPENING Chairman Williams introduced Linda Fort, the Director of the Palm Springs Visitors’ Center and Curtis Watts from
the Economic Development Center .
Ms. Fort advised that the Center is open for business, the grand opening is tentatively scheduled for January 6,
2004 between 2 and 6 p.m. but the main concern is that traffic is very very slow and not stopping as they did at
the old Center. ...down between 200 and 300 per day. City is out of funds for this project. There is a banner,
but eyes do not catch this as traffic goes by. There is a sign about 1000 ft. before the Center, but traffic just
goes whipping by if the light is green at the Hwy 111 and Tram Road intersection. Signage and lighting needs
immediate work. Gate may have some potential for signage. There is no signage to direct people to the Center
and suggested the Palm Springs Visitors’ Center be painted on the curved wall. Staff feels inside lighting is dark
and not welcoming to tourists. Outside needs benches and more trash receptacles. Flag pole has been placed
in a location so that it does not take away from the building.
Curt Watts of the Economic Development Department reported that the architects did what they could within the
design and budget that City Council approved. Re-lamping of existing lighting for security purposes was done.
The critical factor was to get the facility up and running. There was and additional $5,000 located which helped
with lighting the path way and travel around the building to enhance safety for evening hours.
Director Evans advised that landscape and lighting plans will be revisited and City Council is aware of the needs.
Some contractors actually reduced their fees so other work could be done.
Traffic pattern and signage discussed at length - - agreement on type (attached or free-standing) someone to
design it, build it, etc. Traffic may get a little better, Gateway Drive will be putting a traffic signal at Highway 111
and Gateway Drive which will hopefully slow the traffic down.
Overall key issue is the funding for landscaping, lighting, and signage, which may take well over $100,000.
Linda Fort emphasized that everything is in planning, but major factor right now is that the Visitors’ Center is
losing tourist traffic – need short-term signage solution NOW, and encouraged the Board to be flexible.
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Member Hayton suggested a sub-committee to look at some of these changes and had thought that teaser type
billboards on the freeway approaching the Center were to be installed.
Chairman Williams suggested a small group of interested people and the HSP board member, ModCom, etc. look
at what is being done.
Member Scott reminded the Board it is still the Board’s responsibility to immediately consider the needs. Attach
a temporary banner to the wall or have a sign painted on the wall. Perhaps a 4 x 8 ft. sheet of plywood could be
painted as a temporary sign.
Several board members preferred a temporary sign rather than painting the block walls. The concrete block is
sensitive and covering it at a later time could be difficult.
Member Hayton suggested that a sign company might donate the work in order the advertise their business, i.e.
“Palm Springs Visitors’ Center” sign donated by A.B. Sign Co.”
Various discussions followed relating to signage, font styles, flag pole, grand opening, lighting, plaque, etc. A
Sub-committee of James Hayton and Jim Isermann was appointed. M/S/C (Scott/Bledsoe) 6 Yes, ) No, 1
Absent No Abstentions to allow the sub-committee to meeting with the various individuals involved and
represent the Board’s interest in resolving the issues discussed.
The sub-committee will report back to the Board at the January Meeting.
AGENDA #2: COMMUNITY CHURCH HISTORIC SITE UPDATE FROM PLANNING. Director Evans explained that Wessman owns this project and the long-term plan is for a bed and breakfast
maintaining the historical history and site, the old house will be removed, and the plans are for 38 condos to be
built on the site. Planning Commission approved and it goes to the City Council on December 17, 2003.
AGENDA ITEM #3: MILLS ACT - CLARIFICATION OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Principal Planner Jing Yeo explained that the Mills Act does not necessarily guarantee a tax reduction and used
the Pirozzi house agreement as an example. The owners have owned the property for some time and it fell
under the 1978 Proposition 13. Based on increased value of the house, the Mills Act Agreement did not give
them a tax reduction since they were already enjoying a very low tax rate under Prop. 13. They have made a
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request that the agreement be rescinded. Staff does not disagree with them. It is still a Class 1 Historic Site.
This points out that the Mills Act needs to be carefully explained by staff and Board members so that property
owners are not mis-informed.
AGENDA ITEM #4: REMODE/RENOVATION OF 3133 SUNNY VIEW DRIVE UPDATE Board Member Isermann has a conflict of interest and excused himself from the meeting.
Jing Yeo explained that the owners had to remove the wall to allow equipment in for renovations. They agreed
to rebuild the wall in it’s original state and are working on that now. Jing will report back at the January 2004
meeting.
AGENDA ITEM #5: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - BOARD MEMBER RUSH Member Rush, Jing Yeo, Kathy Marx, Doug Evans, Rick Lee, and Omar Ghulman met to clarify work on Phase I
and Phase II for the photo and Channel 17 programs. Phase I will entail the taking of 70 to 80 photographs of
Class I historic sites. Omar will discount his rates and the Board will pick up the cost of the film. A letter of
interest will be written to Class I property owners letting them know that their property may be photographed.
These should go out around the first of January 2004. Phase II will be contacting the property owners to discuss
their properties and interests with potential to air on Channel 17. It was suggested that photos and
Architectural Guide could be put on the web, etc. Budget has to be developed for this project, there are funds
left over from the plaque fund which might possibly be available.
Director Evans reported that a small budget for Omar’s services at a reasonable rate; and that between Rick and
Omar a great graphic image and audio track can be developed for media outreach.
AGENDA ITEM #6: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - BOARD MEMBER RUSH Jing Yeo talked with Member Rush about the O’Donnell House and The Willows they are working with Tracy
Conrad for the correct wording.
Oasis Tower plaque is installed in the ground, Miller house has plaque and will install once all renovation work is
done.
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Director Evans reported that the Ingleside Inn did have a plaque but it was picked up by owner and after review
and reflection, the plaque was returned to a different City office than Planning. It cannot be located, but the
owner, Mel Haber, feels it was not originally worded properly. Owners are interested in having a new plaque if
worded with more long-term history of management as they have owned the property longer than the original
owners. If Board is willing, staff will contact owners and discuss a new plaque.
Chairman Williams indicated these might be done on a case-by-case basis.
In terms of Mel Haber’s Ingleside Inn plaque Board Member Hayton suggested that when and if owners want to
change plaques that they should pay for them or for any modifications.
Director Evans pointed out that if the Board is willing, City might agree on a new plaque for the Ingleside Inn, it
has been a labor of love by the owners and it has a lot of great history, there might be funds available for a new
plaque as long as it is properly and more suited to the property.
Board Member Isermann was in favor of re-wording as the owners have been involved in historic preservation in
Palm Springs for a long time; and he also asked about a new plaque for the Carey House.
Director Evans advised that the Fire Station plaque will be ordered and the Pirozzi House plaque will be moved to
a more visible location. Staff will work with owners.
AGENDA ITEM #7: 2004/2005 WORK PROGRAM ADDITIONS FOR COUNCIL REVIEW Director Evans asked each Board Member to review, because of staff workloads, if most of these items could be
completed, it will be a most ambitious effort. The site outreach will hinge off the survey and the Board may
want to refine the local, state, and to complete ...refine the local, state, and national historic designations. Key
issue in this process is that if you see anything that needs funding, it should be started at the beginning. The
preliminary budget will be started immediately after first of year 2004, state budget will affect local budgets, so it
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may be a tough year for new budget items. Board needs to keep that in mind. The new Council members
have been given copies of this HSPB Work Program.
AGENDA ITEM #8: HISTORIC SITE PROCESS, CONTACTS, AND CONSULTANT REPORT Jing Yeo reported that this second list is about 54 sites (not 100) . The consultants have started on the 54, but
they have run into an issue with obscured properties and properties that were added after they finished their
reconnaissance survey. Today’s list is about 36 obscured properties sent by the consultants, who want to make
a second trip to Palm Springs for a very focused look at properties they did not get to see, which will bring that
number up to the contracted 100. They would like the Board to look at list, some names of property owners
have been taken out for confidentiality, but if any of the Board knows any of these properties and who to
contact, staff would like to have this information to determine if the property can be accessed.
Director Evans advised that the TV tape will run out in five minutes, does the Board want to go off the air or
continue on the air, there is room to continue with a change of tapes. Chairman Williams opted to continue the
meeting on the air.
Member Isermann passed out a list of the structures that were missing from suggestions presented after the
consultant’s initial list. Some of these are on the obscured properties list. One of the buildings on the list is a
Class 1 Historic Site and can be removed... 290 Simms. The Royal Hawaiian, Elrod House, Seven Lakes Condo
complex are on this list. These three were properties suggested after the initial list and are of significant value in
comparison to the Greyhound Bus Station or the car show room on Indian Canyon Drive.
Director Evans advised that staff needs direction from the Board If the Board wants the consultant to return to
Palm Springs to view obscured properties, they will need access to the properties and there needs to be a
contract amendment in the $5,000 to $8,000 range. The only source of funds for that would be to take monies
away from the plaque program, which might be doable and still cover the plaques already discussed. Staff will
need to double check this, wouldn’t want to give up plaques. Another option would be to have a future work
program come out of this survey that basically says ...”in the future, the City needs to try to survey these
properties...” The other direction would be to give the consultant to review the list of 200 properties and/or the
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list of properties nominated by other members of the community and make up the 100 out of that list. Then
the question would be ...”would they really be the highest prioritized properties to move forward toward
designation. Staff could give the consultants direction to work off this list and provide 100 properties. Unless
actual access to a number of these properties is guaranteed in advance, it may not be productive to bring the
consultants down again. If this is deferred to a future work program, the Board would have to take this on or
allocate future funds and monies may not be appropriated in next years budget. Consultants need to have a
visual documentation of the properties to make a determination; they prefer to be on property, but have agreed
that they can work off photographs.
Member Isermann preferred to use plaque funds to bring the consultant back to research the obscured
properties. If this does not complete the list of 200 properties, then the preference is that the 200 be completed
from all the properties on the suggested lists. It’s best not to lose the opportunity to have 200 properties in this
survey.
Member Hayton asked about the “use” of this survey. He suggested a sub-committee to approach property
owners for the photos rather than bring them back to Palm Springs.
Member Isermann advised that this will be a permanent list of significant structures so the buildings will not be
altered or demolished without due consideration and it is also an inventory for future Class 1 Historic Sites. It
would be more efficient for the consultants to come back and do the work more professionally. Members of
the Board could take turns driving them to the various properties so they can access them, and volunteered to
assist.
Jing Yeo advised that if any of the Board Members would access some of these properties, photograph it, the
consultants would work from those items. Some of the properties on this latest list were properties the
consultants just didn’t get to when they were here. A second trip would be very focused, they would have a list
of properties known to be accessible and to finish up this last 100 properties.
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Chairman Williams suggested setting a fair budget of $5,000 to have the consultants come back, and the Board
do what they can do to provide access to the properties. The Board could then continue to work on those
properties that could not be accessed.
Chairman Williams asked for a motion to ask the consultants to come back to Palm Springs to go through the
obscured properties and those listed but not previously surveyed; and then to include properties that were
suggested by Board Members and other community members as fill-ins for properties not seen so that the list of
200 properties is complete. M/S/C (Hayton/Isermann) 5 Yes, ) Nos, 2 Absent 0 Abstentions.
Board Member Scott advised that he can provide names and phone numbers of some property owners/contacts
so that the survey and second trip can be successful.
Chairman Williams suggested that all Board Members go through the list and if anyone knows the contact for
any of the properties, give that information (name, phone, etc) to Jing Yeo. Board members agreed to do this.
Director Evans advised that he had an off-site meeting and excused himself.
AGENDA ITEM #9: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE, DUTIES, ACTIVITIES. Ongoing - no discussion.
AGENDA ITEM #10: PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION - MEMBER SCOTT Member Scott reported that the “Celebration of Spanish Colonial Architecture” on November 15 was well
attended and included many interesting buildings in the Palm Springs area. A journal was prepared, copies
were provided to each Board and staff member.
AGENDA ITEM #11: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MEMBER BLEDSOE Member Bledsoe reported that the Village Green is open and they have lots of holidays gifts available.
AGENDA ITEM #12: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS
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The 2004 ModCom Design Awards will be presented February 14 during the Annual Palm Springs Modernism
weekend to four residential properties: one single-family, one multi-family, one individual condominium, and one
apartment building. Nominations must be received by December 31, 2003, and Members and Non-Members
are welcome to nominate properties and should be sent to the Education Committee Chairman at mrember@
aol.com or call 760-318-6118. ModCom will meet this Saturday at Modern Way.
AGENDA ITEM #13: ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN COUNCIL - PALM SPRINGS DESERT MUSEUM - MEMBER
ISERMANN Member Isermann reported the Council is having a seasonal lecture series with the first to be at Palm Springs
Desert Museum at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13 with artist Andrea Zittel showing slides and talking about her
work. It is free to Architectural and Design Council members and $5.00 for general public.
BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: NONE
There being no other business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:36 a.m. The next
meeting will be Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at 8:15 a.m. Chairman Williams will be out of town.
Respectfully submitted,
Douglas R. Evans
Director of Planning and Zoning
:ldm
HSPB Minutes, December 9, 2003