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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-13- HSPB minutes CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, January 13, 2004, 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 4 1 Shevlin Rush, Vice Chair 3 2 Lee Bledsoe X 4 1 Ron Chespak 3 2 James Hayton X 4 1 William Scott X 5 Jim Isermann X 4 1 STAFF PRESENT: Doug Evans, Director of Planning and Zoning Jing Yeo, Principal Planner Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary * * * * * Acting Chairman Isermann called the meeting to order at 8:23.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 8, 2004. * * * * * * PUBLIC COMMENTS: N O N E * * * * * * APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Acting Isermann Williams asked for comments or corrections to the December 9, 2003 Minutes. M/S/C (Scott/Bledsoe) (4 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent, No Abstentions) to approve the December 9, Minutes as presented. Director Evans commented that the Minutes would be gradually changed from each meeting forward to action minutes, which will be less interactive as far as board discussion, but more summary format and action driven. This is being done through-out the boards and commissions process. Staff will be working on action minutes starting with the next meeting which will record generally what was discussed, who was at the meeting, and the direction or action taken. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: There was no Chairman’s report. ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS: N O N E AGENDA ITEM #1: TRAMWAY VISITORS’ UPDATE AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT Director Evans reported that he did not attend the meeting with the Sub-Committee; when the Visitors’ Center staff were here, they discussed the soft opening, business activity, signage, and visibility In December 2002 there was just under 12,000 visitors and this December in the new location there had almost 13,000 visitors. Perception that people were not finding it has changed, but there is still a signage problem. A temporary sign was suggested, but the Visitor’s Center budget is exhausted. Until the City Council looks at their needs, the Center will be working with the temporary sign already installed. Good news is that the numbers of visitors is up, the bad news is that they could be up even more with good signage. CalTrans will issue the permit to install the traffic signal at Gateway shortly, that should become a slowing down point for people as they enter Palm Springs. Staff is looking at the conflicting or obscure signs on the way into Palm Springs to make adjustments as needed, so the Visitors Center gets maximum exposure with the signs currently being used. When permanent signage has been resolved, there should be a significant increase in the number of visitors stopping. The Grand Opening was “grand” and well-attended. Jing Yeo reported the sub-committee met December 12, 2003 with Mike Fontana, Member Hayton, Chairman Isermann, and architects, Lance O’Donnell and Ana Maria Escalante. They recommended approval of two things, (1) the plaque location; (2) agreed on the flag pole location which is on the south side of the building a few feet inside the white wall that curves around. There was some discussion about signage and options for temporary signage, colors, etc. Board Member Hayton commented that based on the comments from the Visitors’ Center and the need to have better signage and visibility, it was clearly outlined what could be done to improve that situation. Secondly, the plaque location and particularly Board Member Scott’s observation that it might be better to place the plaque off the building...after observing the building and being sensitive to his concerns, the sub-committee felt that the plaque would be permanent. If for some reason mended holes from past and/or any future holes, damage, or HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 Tuesday, January 13, 2004 imperfections could be color matched appropriate to the block, color, and texture. The flag pole location is sympathetic to the building and does not conflict with the roof line. AGENDA #2: REMODEL/RENOVATION OF 3133 SUNNY VIEW DRIVE UPDATE No report AGENDA ITEM #3: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - BOARD MEMBER RUSH No report. AGENDA ITEM #4: HISTORIC PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - BOARD MEMBER RUSH No report. AGENDA ITEM #5: 2004/2005 WORK PROGRAM ADDITIONS FOR COUNCIL REVIEW Director Evans explained that this item has been before the Board the past two meetings for input. From the standpoint of staff this is an aggressive Work Program for items that can be accomplished with current staff resources. The key issue for next year is dealing with the survey update and trying to work on designation of appropriate properties as historic sites. A review of the Work Program starting with: (1) Funding -If the Board wants to reach out to the community, there could be some community funding that might be available for certain programs, if all of the historic preservation groups in the community were to identify something to do a fundraiser around; (2) Master Plan for Historic Preservation - General Plan update in process and will be on-going; (3) Ordinance Revision - Staff knows this needs to be addressed but with their heavy workloads, it will be very difficult to allocate staff; (4) Plaques - A sub-committee is working on plaque locations and conditions. There are several properties yet to be plaqued, staff is working on those to get all Class 1 sites plaqued during 2004; (5) Survey Update - It’s on the agenda and will be discussed later; (6) Local, State, and National Historic Designations - The Frances Stevens School park area was designation by the State, and took a lot of effort on Kathy Marx’s part. This is more consultant driven and will be commented on later if the Board wants to get this in the budget; (7) Historic Preservation Public Information Program - A sub-committee working on this new item. Without a lot of money, this is good opportunity to get the word out about Historic Preservation and the community seems to be taking a more active role in this area. Relative to budgetary requests, staff will be starting the process for next year. There are a number of things in the works, beginning with preliminary estimates which are subject to revisions. With all the development activity this year, the City may come in with a balanced budget, it will be very tight, but a HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 Tuesday, January 13, 2004 balanced budget is being projected. The City will face between a $4 and $7 million reduction of incoming funds next year based on what is happening in the State, and all City departments will be affected. More specifically, the Council will look at some fee increases in the Planning Department which will make this function “fee driven” as opposed to general fund subsidy. The idea is to build a revenue base to pay for existing services and to add staff to improve customer service. This could double or triple Planning permit fees and perhaps Engineering fees. There is not enough staff at present to accomplish everything asked of them. There may be a need for adjustments to expectations or fund the programs at levels where they can be successful. HSPB functions are currently done by two staff members almost all in their spare time. It is suggested to make a request for the same amount as last year for plaques, which is $10,000. The Board’s advice and input is needed for Council on or before March 1, 2004. Board Member Hayton asked how the fee structure compared to other cities in the valley. Director Evans explained that to directly compare, Palm Desert would be taken out of the equation because they heavily subsidize their fees to a point where permits are almost free. Looking at fees in a typical sub-division base, Palm Springs is near the lowest in the Coachella Valley based on the Claremont College’s fee study. In a direct comparison of planning fees, Palm Springs is probably right in the “norm”. Indio just increased some of their fees with a goal to eliminate subsidizing and let the builders pay their fair share of the services they use. The service level in Planning has increased exponentially based on community input over the past three years. Neighborhood meetings, two and three notices on some projects, phone calls, counter service, etc., and fees were generally not covering all that work and staff time. Board Member Scott asked how much of the budget was spent last year, and are funds carried over if not spent? Director Evans advised that new funds are requested each budget year and the Council has approved the continuation of the appropriation from year-to-year in the premises that it is easier to fund smaller amounts each year than to fund a large amount. There are funds in the budget right now that can be used for additional survey work, State national designations, etc. Acting Chairman Isermann urged all members to look at this before the February meeting and if there are additions, corrections, questions, etc., that they be brought to staff’s attention as quickly as possible. Director Evans stated additions and/or corrections must be provided quickly so they are in the Work Program and presented to the Board for review before the February meeting. Items can be added at the meeting, but it’s easier if staff has this information for review prior to the meeting. Staff will briefly update the Board on what projects can be accomplished. HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 4 Tuesday, January 13, 2004 AGENDA ITEM #6: HISTORIC SITE SURVEY PROCESS AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR FINALIZATION Jing Yeo reported that the first 100 DPR forms were distributed at the December meeting and information on each property listed has been mailed out to the owners for verification of information. Trying to have the information out there about a month so that people can give staff input. A few minor edits and phone calls have been generated so far. Received the second set of DPRs (50) , the consultant will come for a second trip. Staff pulled together 29 additional properties as offered by the Board that can be accessed and they were asked for 21 more to survey. The intent of the second trip is to access 50 properties. A quote has been requested from them for comparison against staff’s for further negotiations. Their next trip should be in early February. The projected range of the amendment looks to be between $5,000 and $7,000. Director Evans advised that staff will have to go back to Council for a contract amendment. The Board should make a motion to recommend that staff go forward with the additional survey work and grounds for contract amendment are: (1) properties were obscured; and (2) the process brought to light 29 additional properties, and that staff is authorized to negotiate a “not to exceed” figure of less than $7,000. The source of funding is the Historic Preservation account. This might give up some future plaques, but funds should be in good shape. (M/S/C Scott/Bledsoe) 4 Yes, 0 No, 3 absent, No Abstentions) that the Board instruct staff to negotiate a “not to exceed” $7,000 (or less) addition to the contract for the historic site survey. AGENDA ITEM #8: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE, DUTIES, ACTIVITIES. No report. AGENDA ITEM #9: PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION - MEMBER SCOTT Member Scott reported the Foundation will be hosting their next event February 13, 14 & 15 with the Palm Springs Modernism Show that brings about 70 dealers of modernism and many visitors to the valley. The opening reception will be hosted by the Foundation. During that weekend, Palm Springs Modern Committee will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday night. Everyone is encouraged to participate. AGENDA ITEM #10: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MEMBER BLEDSOE Member Bledsoe reported there is nothing to update, they are open for business and the season. AGENDA ITEM #11: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS ModCom, in conjunction with the Library, are hosting a display for January related to the architecture of Palm Springs focusing on the work of William Cody. The display of photographs, text, etc. is open to the general HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 4 Tuesday, January 13, 2004 public during the Library hours with a Docent tour on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. at no charge. AGENDA ITEM #12: ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN COUNCIL - PALM SPRINGS DESERT MUSEUM - MEMBER ISERMANN Member Isermann reported the next lecture in their series will be Saturday, January 17 at 6:00 p.m. and Architectural Historian Tony Merchell will be lecturing on the architecture of John Porter Clark and William Cody It will be in one of the lecture halls as opposed to the auditorium. There is limited seating, call the box office to make a reservation. Free for Council members and $5.00 for general public. AGENDA ITEM #13: PALM SPRINGS BRIEF HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURAL GUIDE UPDATE - JING YEO 1,000 guides have been printed and are available for sale. The Visitors Center ordered 100 which were taken to the Grand Opening on January 6. A Guide was sent out in your packets. Printing cost is $1.25, they could be a good fundraiser item. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Acting Chairman Isermann talked with the owners of the Ship of the Desert and they have submitted their application. This item will be scheduled for the Board’s February meeting. Board Member Hayton asked if it would be appropriate for him to ask a major sign company in Palm Springs if they would do a sign for the Tramway Station/Visitors’ Center, and if their name could be mentioned on the sign as it being provided by them. He feels that if they received visibility they might do a pretty nice temporary sign. If appropriate, he will ask them. Director Evans agreed that it would be appropriate and suggested that criteria be discussed after the meeting. Director Evans reported there is still a balance due the consultants working on the survey, and other adjustments are still needed, but there is $80,000 in the Historic Preservation budget account this year. Director Evans also reported that ModCom and Mr. Pete Moruzzi sent a letter related to future designated sites asking to be notified of any pending activity, notices, environmental documents, etc., for any effect on Class 1 historic sites. A copy of this letter has been placed in each Class 1 file, and his name and address has been included in the CEQA document distribution list with the note that ModCom will be notified of any historic resources activity. However, if the business atmosphere is to be maintained within the community when dealing with preliminary development activities, input and information needs to move very quickly; otherwise, people re-act by not investing. Staff has to ask people if they wish to make their projects public. The confidentially HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 4 Tuesday, January 13, 2004 must be maintained to protect all parties. The ModCom and Mr. Moruzzi’s request will be considered in all Class 1 and Class 2 projects. There being no other business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:06 a.m. The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 10, 2004, at 8:15 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Douglas R. Evans Director of Planning and Zoning :ldm HSPB Minutes, January 13, 2004