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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-10- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Corrected Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, February 10, 2004, 8:15 a.m. Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 Present Present FY 2003-2004 Excused Absences John Williams, Chairman X 5 1 Shevlin Rush, Vice Chair X 4 2 Lee Bledsoe X 5 1 Ron Chespak X 4 2 James Hayton X 5 1 William Scott X 6 Jim Isermann X 5 1 STAFF PRESENT: Doug Evans, Director of Planning and Zoning Kathy Marx, Associate Planner Jing Yeo, Principal Planner Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary * * * * * Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 8:22 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, February 5, 2004. * * * * * * PUBLIC COMMENTS: N O N E * * * * * * APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairman Williams asked for comments or corrections to the January 13, 2004 Minutes. M/S/C (Scott/Isermann) (4 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 3 Abstentions) to approve the January 13, 2004, Minutes as presented. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: There was no Chairman’s report. PUBLIC HEARING: Request by Trina Turk and Jonathan Skow to designate 1995 Camino Monte (a.k.a. “Ship of the Desert”) as a Class 1 Historic Site, Zone R-1-B, Section 27. Director Evans introduced Kathy Marx, Associate Planner, who worked on this project and prepared the staff report that was in the Board packets. Kathy Marx reported the significance of this recommendation for a Class I Historic Site designation is not just in the architectural structure or style, but in the structure’s relationship to the site. The level of significance is appropriate for a true Class 1 Site designation. The house and its construction are very well documented for 1936, and there are numerous magazine and newspaper articles provided by the applicants (passed around to Board). Several historic photos obtained from the Palm Springs Historical Society were displayed and discussed. As noted in the staff report, there was severe fire damage to the house, and the owners have gone beyond restoring and reconstruction down to the details of hinges, door knobs, etc. This illustrates well when historic photos and current photos show very little difference. Details of railings, windows, materials, etc. are the same as when built. The reconstruction was excellent. Sunset Magazine had an interesting article that emphasized recognition and the significance of the as-built structure, interior decoration, site, and landscape architecture. Staff recommends approval for a Class 1 Historic Site Designation. Board Member Scott asked if color of the building is included in any future modifications, and in the past the “view corridor” dimensions have been defined, is this also included in this designation. Should a definition be determined in this instance? Associate Planner Marx explained that the site is on a higher location than most designated sites and is considered an architectural review property. If the applicants or future owner wanted to build a wall or any other structure around it, they would have to come before the Board for review and approval. Chairman Williams opened the Public Hearing, introduced Jonathan Skow, one of the owners of the home to be designated, and then opened the meeting to questions. HSPB Board Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 Tuesday, February 10, 2004 Board Member Isermann asked if the owners were clear on the wording of the designation and if there were any questions or changes? He further stated that it would be great if all documentation, photos, etc. of the original structure were maintained in the designation package for reference at any time future restoration or modifications are requested. Jonathan Skow indicated that the staff report had been reviewed and he and Trina Turk agreed to the wording. He also pointed out that the original color of the house was a mustard, brown, and terra cotta. The current color of the house will not be that original color, but they are in agreement to bring any future changes or modifications before the Board. Chairman Williams asked that copies of all the press and photos related to the house be included in the designation package for future reference. Chairman Williams thanked Mr. Skow, closed the Public Hearing, and called for a motion to accept the nomination of this property. (Isermann/Bledsoe) M/S/C (7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to accept and approve the Class 1 Historic Site Designation as written and presented for 1995 Camino Monte (a.k.a. “Ship of the Desert”) . Director Evans indicated this would most likely go to City Council at their March 3, 2004 meeting. ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS: N O N E AGENDA ITEM #1: 2004/2005 WORK PROGRAM APPROVAL Director Evans indicated that the Board has gone over this several times, there have been a few edits based upon input, staff will now answer any questions. All Board Members have reviewed. (Scott/Isermann) M/S/C 7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions to adopt the draft program presented as the HSP Board’s Work Program for 2004/2005. HSPB Meeting Minutes P a g e 4 o f 5 Tuesday, February 10, 2004 AGENDA ITEM #2 MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - MEMBER RUSH No update. Board Member Rush asked staff for update on the slide show, television, taking of photos, etc. that will appear on Channel 17 in the future. Principal Planner Yeo reported that she spoke with Rick Lee and that Omar has not been available, but the first phase of the photography program will start soon. There were very few responses to staff’s letter advising property owners of the photographing of their properties as potential Class 1 sites. Those property owners who called were supportive. AGENDA ITEM #3: HISTORIC PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - MEMBER RUSH No report. Board Member Rush asked staff if the plaque for the Grace Lewis Miller Neutra property has been approved by the owner and when it will be installed? What about the Fire Station and the Ingleside Inn? Member Rush also asked for a meeting with staff to go over the plaque survey as to what is occurring with each plaque that is not currently in place before the next meeting. Principal Planner Yeo explained that yes it has been owner approved but that she wants to get all the modifications completed before having the plaque installed. The Fire Station plaque has to be ordered once the wording is determined, staff located the Loewy House plaque, and staff has the Edris house plaque. The City staff member who installed plaques has retired and no one has been located to take over installing them as yet. Staff is working on this. HSPB Meeting Minutes P a g e 5 o f 5 Tuesday, February 10, 2004 Chairman Williams asked if the property owners whose plaques are not installed or are not visible and what kind of response has been received...Ingleside Inn, Kaufmann House, etc.? Director Evans advised the staff does need to do follow-up, particular the Kaufmann and Pirozzi Houses. Staff has been working with the Pirozzis re the Mills Act and until that is resolved, it’s better to table their plaque issue. The Ingleside Inn did receive the plaque, returned it to the City because of the wording and in talking with Mr. Haber, he is more than willing to have a new plaque with different wording. At a previous meeting this Board asked staff to work with him. Board member Bledsoe asked about the final resolution as to the Tramway Gas Station plaque and the location. Board Member Isermann advised that the location has been selected and it is awaiting installation. AGENDA ITEM #4: HISTORIC SITE SURVEY UPDATE Jing Yeo reported that the City Council approved the contract amendment at their last meeting for the consultant’s second trip to Palm Springs during the last week of February to complete the second half of their reconnaissance. There are currently 29 properties on their list to survey for the three days they will be here. Board Member Isermann and Scott have volunteered to work with them and help gain access to some of the obscured properties. Consultants will then refer back to the original report and select 21 properties from this list to bring the total properties up to 200. The money for this amendment is carried over from previous plaque funds. HSPB Meeting Minutes P a g e 6 o f 5 Tuesday, February 10, 2004 Board Member Scott advised that there is a condo in one of the complexes listed in the survey that is now for sale and on the “blurb” for the sale, it is stated that the building is a historic site as listed by the City of Palm Springs. So there is already good press being generated from the survey. Board Member Isermann indicated that the consultants are also coming down in May for presentations that are part of the Palm Springs Desert Museum’s Architecture Design Council’s Lecture series. Jing Yeo advised that the consultants schedule was delayed because of the obscured properties, and completion of the project will probably be April or May. They will submit one report based on their two trips to Palm Springs. AGENDA ITEM #5: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE, DUTIES, ACTIVITIES. No report. Director Evans asked the Board to think about requesting photographic inventories along with all news articles, etc., from owners when they apply for designations, so staff has a complete package. Professional photographs are suggested to display the property properly. Board can discuss this at a later time and set some guidelines. AGENDA ITEM #6: PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION - MEMBER SCOTT Member Scott reported the Foundation has updated their website (www.pspf.net) . This weekend is a big event, February 13, 14 & 15 with the Palm Springs Modernism Show being held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. There is a benefit Friday night for the P.S. Preservation Foundation. HSPB Meeting Minutes P a g e 7 o f 5 Tuesday, February 10, 2004 Tickets are available at the door. There will be several lectures. Lots of people coming from out of town, very good response. All those interested are encouraged to attend. AGENDA ITEM #7: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MEMBER BLEDSOE Member Bledsoe reported nothing major scheduled for the next month, but the Center and Village Green are up and running, and the public invited to visit! AGENDA ITEM #8: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS ModCom is involved in this week’s Modernism Show. Saturday night, the Palm Springs ModCom Preservation Awards Gala is being held in the Kenaston House in Rancho Mirage. The website is www.psmodcom.org for information. Tickets are $100. There will be 75 vendors at the Modernism Show this weekend and all items for sale are original - not reproductions. AGENDA ITEM #9: ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN COUNCIL - PALM SPRINGS DESERT MUSEUM - MEMBER ISERMANN Member Isermann reported the next lecture will Thursday, February 12 at 6 p.m. David Shearer will present his documentary film, and afterwards there will be a panel discussion with Palm Springs Architects E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, and Bill Krissel (msp). The lecture is $5.00 for the general public and will be in the auditorium. AGENDA ITEM #10: HSPB INFORMATION BROCHURE FOR PUBLIC OUTREACH Director Evans reported that the Architectural Brochure has been printed, staff to make additional contacts to get it out in the community. Thanks to the Board, Tracy Conrad, Jing Yeo, Kathy Marx, HSPB Meeting Minutes P a g e 8 o f 5 Tuesday, February 10, 2004 the Print Shop for all their hard work. Jing Yeo has also worked on a different brochure which was in Board’s packet. Jing Yeo prepared information as to historic designation requirements in pamphlet form that can be distributed by Board members, and within the Planning department, etc. to potential property owners who are interested in historic site designations that includes a flow chart showing the process. Board to review and comment. Chairman Williams listed 36 resources recently designated...count is 38 designations but if the steel houses are counted separately the number is actually 42. Thanked the staff for preparing this, it’s a good first step. Asked all Board Member to review this before next meeting for enhancements, edits, etc. and come back at the next meeting with all comments. In order to have more properties designated as historic sites, it must be agreed that there are many properties that qualify, but good information needs to be distributed to the public about the benefits of this program. Director Evans indicated that once comments are in, this will be printed in flyer format and staff will try to find other locations for displaying, such as the Historic Society, plus others. In the context of public outreach, staff made a presentation at the Palm Springs Desert Museum Service Council, there were 40 to 50 people attending, went over what historic preservation means in Palm Springs, answered lots of questions, even those outside this subject. Staff received nice comments, felt warmly appreciated, welcomed - - it was a good meeting all-around. HSPB Meeting Minutes P a g e 9 o f 5 Tuesday, February 10, 2004 Chairman Williams reminded the Board that there is a need to get more properties officially designated - - that is the purpose of this Board and hopefully everyone will help to gain the property owners attention and interest. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Director Evans reported receiving official written confirmation that the Frances Stevens School State Historic Designation has been approved. Staff will now try to find grant money for some of the needed repair work. Staff met on-site with the owners of the Orchid Tree Inn. This is an amazing display of Palm Springs eclectic from Mediterranean design going back into the 20s to a relocated Albert Frey structure. It’s interesting to have a collage of architecture on one property that works. The owners are still planning to apply for a Class 2 designation, renovation work is being done, and Weithorn is his own primary gardener relative to pruning...the property shows like an arboretum. Staff offered their assistance and this should be brought forward shortly. It’s time for Board applications for re-appointment to the Historic Site Preservation Board. There are four positions open. Please talk with the City Clerk. Board Members asked about the new organization within the Planning department and who would be working with the HSP Board. HSPB Meeting Minutes P a g e 10 o f 5 Tuesday, February 10, 2004 Director Evans reported that job descriptions and duties are being reviewed, and it appears that there will be a small Strategic Planning Department to be made up of a director, principal planner, assistant planner, and a senior secretary. This group will work with the Historic Site Preservation Board, policy issues, ordinance amendments, general plan, work programs, and some of the City’s environmental projects. This department will be more focused on issues not related to permits and applications and may have more time to spend with this Board and it’s issues. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 a.m. The next meeting will be at 8:15 a.m., Tuesday, March 9, 2004. Respectfully submitted, (S/ by Douglas R. Evans) Douglas R. Evans Director of Planning and Zoning :ldm HSPB Minutes, February 10, 2004