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Home My WebLink About2004-07-13- HSPB minutes Παγε 1 οφ 10 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, July 13, 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 1 0 Shevlin Rush, Vice Chair X 1 0 Sidney Williams 0 0 1 James Hayton X 1 0 Williams Scott X 1 0 Jim Isermann X 1 0 STAFF PRESENT: Jing Yeo, Principal Planner Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary Doug Evans, Director of Planning & Zoning * * * * * Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 8:24 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 Services Department counter by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 8, 2004. * * * * * * PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments. * * * * * * ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Jim Isermann nominated Bill Scott for Chairman, which was seconded by James Hayton. Bill Scott was unanimously elected as Chairman for the 2004/2005 year. Jim Παγε 2 οφ 10 Isermann nominated James Hayton for Vice Chairman, which was seconded by Shev Rush. James Hayton was unanimously elected as Vice Chairman for 2004/2005. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairman Williams had a question about an item on page 3 about an item being on the next agenda. Staff member Jing Yeo advised that it was probably the Drs. Pepper & Scott building. M/S/C (Scott/Rush) (5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstention) to approve the June 8, 2004 meeting minutes as presented. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Williams advised that he has a meeting with Robert Imber and Doug Evans. Robert is going to be leading the APA tour of modern homes in October. There are about 800 planners coming to Palm Springs and that should be a nice exposure for them. Robert Imber, the owner of P.S. Modern Tours is meeting with Doug Evans and Chairman Williams this Thursday to discuss the October APA Conference tour. PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS: Case No. 3.1941 - Application by Walter Haake for Movie Colony Hotel LLC to modify entry overhang and exterior wall of resort hotel at 726 North Indian Canyon drive, Zone R3, Section 1. Staff Jing Yeo reported that the Architect Frank Urrutia is present, plans are posted on the wall. This was revised by the Design Review Committee yesterday (July 12), photos were passed to the HSP Board Members, a material board was displayed. Description of the renovations was given, no landscaping plan submitted as yet, but will be forthcoming along with a facade remodel and to widen the existing private property path by an additional four (4) feet with new concrete paving. The DRC was very comfortable yesterday with the proposed improvements and this is before the HSP Board today for review because of the demolition involved which is the rule of thumb with Class 3 sites. Frank Urrutia outlined and described the renovations that will take place, change in the windows, doorways, etc. The existing opening is polished stainless steel, which will be incorporated into other areas to match. Albert Frey originally designed parts of the building. The original building had additions, architect unknown, including a lobby that did not really have a specific design. The intent is to create a more dominant entry. Landscaping that is covering a lot of the building will be cleaned up, and desert palette type landscaping will be provided. The stucco above and below the windows will be covered with polished stainless steel. The columns on either side of the doors will be extended, veneer them and the masonry. There are no changes to the portion of the Frey building, they were made in a prior renovation. The mature palms will be retained and supplemented by adding two or more. Signage will be applied for at a later time. Παγε 3 οφ 10 Board members agreed that the renovations would enhance the building. M/S/C (Hayton/Rush) that the plan be approved as presented. 5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions. AGENDA ITEM #1: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - STAFF Jing Yeo reported that the final version of the Citywide survey was included in the Board packet mailed to all members. Corrections have been made based on staff’s comments and a finalized list of all the primary records and building structures, object records with all the fields completed is in the office for public review and copying. This will be forwarded to the City Council for their review at the July 28, 2004 meeting. There is one property owner’s last minute request who wanted their property taken out of the survey citing “security” reasons. They owned a historic site in the Santa Monica area and experienced security issues, they are very very concerned, wrote staff a letter, quite adamant but due to safety concerns and safety of their family, they do not want the property publicly listed in a document such as the survey. Staff would like Board’s direction with respect to listing or not listing. Director Evans explained that there are a couple of options. This has been a concern of some property owners at prior times. There are people who have positions in life where security is beyond the norm and one of the suggestions made to them is that references to their name and other information be removed from the survey, but keep the property as a historic resource. Staff has contacted them, but have not heard back. The Board could give staff direction to work that out prior to Council meeting if possible. Chairman Williams stated that deletions of owners’ names and reference to the property could be made, but prefers to keep the property on the historic list. All Board members agreed with this suggestion: keep the property on the list, but remove references and names relative to the property. Board member Scott indicated that several property owners have expressed concerns of being on the list and they do not like their names and any reference to their properties listed and want to be removed. Keeping the properties listed, without names or references to names, is preferable. Chairman Williams reiterated that this is merely a reference list and renovations to these properties can be accomplished with HSP Board approval and the City codes are met. Security concerns are appreciated. A little surprised that this list is all-inclusive of all properties looked at, rather than the 200 names on the DRP records. In looking at the very beginning of the list, the second property Παγε 4 οφ 10 listed says “No”, but on the final list most of the Class 1 sites appear. Will that be confusing when presenting to the City Council? Based on the entire list of properties, everything that says “Yes” or “DPR done” adds up to the 200. Would it be more concise and less confusing to present just the 200 properties? What is the difference between “Yes” and “DPR done”...does it mean the same thing? Jing Yeo explained that there were only 200 DPR forms completed. A “Yes” does not mean that a DPR form was prepared. The “Yes” could be projected for future projects. If the Board would like to view the spreadsheet of just the 200 properties, that is available. There was confusion between the “Yes” and “DPR” on the list of properties submitted to the Board, and clarification was requested. The packet going to the City Council should include ONLY the 200 properties. Perhaps the remaining properties could be provided as a “supplemental” list to be used for future purposes. Director Evans suggested two ways of presenting this to City Council: (1) work with the Consultant to prepare a list of only the 200 properties, then (2) a separate list of those properties survey, but no action taken. This provides a record that all properties were reviewed and considered, if and when any questions come up. If this is not workable, a better “legend” on the main list could be prepared. It was pointed out that some of the Class 1 sites listed were marked with a “No”, even though they have already been designated...this in itself is confusing. If the public wants a copy of this survey, they can come to the Planning Services Department at City Hall. A small fee for providing numerous copies will be charged. When the final document is available, it will be printed and available for sale. Director Evans explained that this is a HSP Board adopted survey that will be sent to City Council for receive and file acknowledgment. If the Board would like the City Council to formally approve it, time may need to be taken in preparation. If the Board wishes a more formal presentation to City Council, it will take time to prepare and may be late September or early October before City Council would hear it. On the interim, staff felt it should go to Council as a “receive and file” so they know this Board has approved it, that it is before them, and the staff report will show that follow-up recommendations will be forthcoming. If a more elaborate presentation is wanted by the Board, staff will need to spend more time with Board members to learn how you want to move forward with it. This might be worthy of a Study Session update with the Council, so there is more exposure. Παγε 5 οφ 10 It’s an outstanding body of work and something the community should be very proud of. It will take time on everyone’s part to be sure that adequate public relations emanate from this project. Chairman Williams summarized that this survey would be presented to the City Council on July 28 with Board changes, the 200 forms with an appendix of those properties not given DPRs, and then in September something more formal with the City Council and they would hopefully approve as a City document? The Mayor and Council member Mills have expressed great interest in this survey. Motion was requested that the HSP Board approve this document as presented with one exception: divide the DPR records and the DSO lists, and present both lists as a Board approved package to the City Council at the July 28, 2004 meeting. M/S/C (Scott/Isermann) 5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS #1: - L’Horizon Hotel Staff Update-Application by Scarf Properties for L’Horizon Hotel to repair and replace materials on exterior with same or similar materials with intent to restore original design of exterior to a resort hotel at 1050 East Palm Canyon Drive, Zone R2, & R3, Section 23. Jing Yeo reported that the site plan of the property is posted that shows the first phase of renovations to buildings 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 and similar improvements to the front of the buildings 1, 2, & 9. The extent of the improvement is doing clean-up work, removing old wood, replacing with steel columns, sandblasting the sumpstone walls. All to enhance the appearance of the property in keeping with its original character. Board member Williams and Isermann walked the property with the hotel manager and Mr. Urrutia. Landscaping is being reviewed now - - everything is in the interest of restoring the property. This property is not a classified/designated building, but it is on the survey and is a property the HSP Board has expressed an interest. Architect Urrutia advised that this is Phase I - trying to bring the property back to it’s original character, such as removing all the roof top air conditional units, taking down the parapets, new roofs, etc. Adding additional buildings will be another phase and too ambitious at this point. The jacuzzi will remain in place at this time and it is not incorporated into the landscape plans at this point. Drawings were submitted to remove and replace the walkways, they do not meet ADA requirements, are cracked, etc. A color board was submitted as to color of the concrete, but this did not suggest any new sidewalks, just wider replacements in the same place. The new name is Horizon – leaving out the “L’”. The sign will be preserved for display inside the lobby in a Παγε 6 οφ 10 memorabilia or in the gift store, or out by the outdoor bar area around the pool. Final location is currently unknown. AGENDA ITEM #2: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - MEMBER RUSH Met with Chairman Williams and staff member Jing Yeo on June 25 to discuss publicity opportunities. There are a couple of ways to promote this is to work with Lee Husfeldt in the City’s P.R. department relative to a press release: (1) work with local media outlets such as “Eye on the Desert”, Desert Sun, Desert Post Weekly, etc. to try to publicize the adoption of the survey; (2) prepare a self-guided “Driving Tour” of some properties not well-known but that are on the survey. (Appears this will need coordination with property owners prior to working on this because of earlier-mentioned security concerns.) Also discussed and will continue to pursue a “Class 1 Driving Tour” for local, regional, and national media for people visiting Palm Springs to raise awareness of these sites. As discussed in previous meetings, Channel 17 is currently running a slide show of properties photographed by Omar and coordinated by Jing Yeo of the Class 1 historic sites. Member Hayton has agreed to narrate this slide show and will meet with Chairman Williams to review Class 1 site files and compile short narrations for each of the properties to be recorded by Member Hayton and then produced as part of the slide show airing on Channel 17. Will also pursue Channel 10 for valley-wide community media outreach. Also will look at the City’s web page relative to the designation application, so it could be accessed via the web. Once adopted and finalized, making the Survey available on the HSPB page of the website. AGENDA ITEM #3: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - MEMBER RUSH Staff member J(primarily just for labor) to install the plaques. Contacted the Edris house owners so installing that plaque will be scheduled. The Miller house owner does not want the plaque installed until the renovations are completed. The Loewy house owners will be re-contacted, as it has bene some time since the last contact so the plaque can be relocated to be visible from the street. Staff has not been able to contact the Owner of the Kaufmann house. Ship of the Desert will be contacted. Wording has been approved for The Willows, Fire Station No. 1, and the O’Donnell properties. Research on plaque companies have been completed. Four companies were contacted for quotes and information. One company is substantially less expensive than the others, and they have been contacted for samples of their work. When the vendor is determined, will bring that information back to the Board. Παγε 7 οφ 10 Staff was asked to provide the total cost per plaque, including labor, hardware, shipping, set-up fees (if any) at the next meeting to measure against current budget. Director Evans reported there may be some challenge having these installed through the City’s Facilities department. The person who will be installing has never done one before and each installation is quite different based on locations - - one might be on a boulder, side of building, etc., There may be a range of costs based on the locations, but it will be modest. Had a conversation with the Ingleside Inn owner, asked them to draft language, staff will follow-up. His wish is to have the plaque installed inside the property near the restaurant for public view. The installation of the Visitors’ Center plaque was very well done. AGENDA ITEM #4: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE (Chapter 8.05 PSMC), DUTIES, ACTIVITIES, ETC. Director Evans reported that one of the newly appointed Board members was never sworn in. Officially it is not a formal resignation, it is a declined appointments due to personal reasons. The reporting requirements are so cumbersome that it presents concerns and appointee felt it best not to become a public official. Informally, newly appointed member Sidney Williams had a holiday scheduled for this time frame and sends regrets for not attending this meeting. She will be at the September meeting. The Mayor and Council will work with the City Clerk to re-look at the eligibility list and decide who will be the 7th Board member. There is no time frame for this, they still have unfinished business relative to boards and commissions, but the sub-committee will probably meet. Chairman Williams will probably be contacted before the next appointment through the Mayor or City Clerk’s office. AGENDA ITEM #5 PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION BOARD - MEMBER SCOTT No news to report, but from now on Sidney Williams will be reporting for the Preservation Board. AGENDA ITEM #6: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MEMBER BLEDSOE Member Bledsoe is no longer on this Board. Vice Chairman Hayton volunteered to report on the Historical Society and will be in touch with Sally McManus. AGENDA ITEM #7: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - MEMBER WILLIAMS Chairman Williams reported there is no update. There was a meeting in June and meetings are every second Saturday of each month. HSPB Minutes P a g e 3 o f 3 Tuesday, June 08, 2004 Παγε 8 οφ 10 AGENDA ITEM #8: ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN COUNCIL - PALM SPRINGS DESERT MUSEUM - MEMBER ISERMANN Member Isermann reported that the next event will be in October. He will report when there is information. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Chairman Williams advised that traditionally there has not been a HSPB meeting in August, and asked the Board if they wish to meet or not meet during August. Director Evans advised there is nothing pressing or pending. Chairman Williams asked about the September meeting, it is listed as September 7 and it should be September 14. A correction will be made and the next meeting will be September 14. 2004. Director Evans advised that the reorganization of the Planning Departments has occurred. Kathryn Lottes is the new Director of Planning Services (formerly Planning and Zoning) and that department will handle development permits . She is now in her second week here and will do an outstanding job for the City of P.S. HSPB Minutes P a g e 3 o f 3 Tuesday, June 08, 2004 Παγε 9 οφ 10 Strategic Planning will keep an eye on development at an arms length but will not be actively involved. Good news is that some members in Planning Services are very concerned about historic resources and between the two staffs, will keep an eye on community resources and will work very closely together. From the standpoint of the Strategic Planning Department, it will take about four to six months to make the full transition. This staff is still actively involved in development permits and to be sure that continuity of permits, will continue working on the projects staff has been working, and will gradually phase them out as the projects reach through its completion. Jing Yeo is still working on a number of projects and is split in her time and Loretta is training replacement staff and working two positions. Will not be fully staffed for two or three months, Kathy Marx and Gabriel Diaz have left so there is hiring to be done. Strategic staff will be assisting in development projects and will coordinate the Historical Site Preservation Board, work on large specific plans, participate in large development projects and assist with environmental documents, particularly the environment impact reports. There will be a lot of cross-over work and will be very busy with the General Plan Update. The General Plan Steering Committee has a sub-committee who is interviewing consultants to prepare the General Plan Update and have interviewed four consultant firms so far, will conclude the interview process this Friday and then select the consultant who will be working with us for the next 18 months. A large part of the General Plan Update will be a large public outreach program. The defining of the public and community values will be a large and important part of the Update. Board Member James Hayton expressed his concern about community participation in the General Plan and historic preservation and read an articles that appeared in the Desert Sun entitled “Don’t Let HSPB Minutes P a g e 3 o f 3 Tuesday, June 08, 2004 Παγε 10 οφ 10 It Happen”, that pertained to development in the mountains and carving into the mountainsides. Prefers that development in Palm Springs not be something like Orange County. Chairman Williams thanked everyone for all their participation this past year. A lot has been accomplished and looks forward to working with the Board this coming years. There being none, the meeting was adjourned at 9.3 a.m. Next meeting will be Tuesday, September 14, 2004, at 8:15 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Douglas R. Evans Director of Planning and Zoning