HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-14- HSPB minutes
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CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
Corrected Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, September 14, 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
William “Bill” Scott, Chairman X 2 0 James Hayton, Vice Chair X 2 0 Sidney Williams X 1 1 James Hayton X 2 0 Jim Isermann X 2 0 Shevlin Rush 0 1 1
STAFF PRESENT:
Jing Yeo, Principal Planner Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary
Doug Evans, Director of Planning & Zoning
* * * * *
Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 8:22 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 Services
Department counter by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 9, 2004.
* * * * * *
PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments.
* * * * * *
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: M/S/C (Hayton/Isermann) 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 1 Abstention to approve the July
13, 2004 meeting minutes as presented. (The Board did not meet in August.)
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Scott indicated that issues will be discussed later under the agenda items.
PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E
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ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS:
Case No. 3.1032 - Application by the City of Palm Springs for ADA improvements to the Welwood Murray
Memorial Library, a Class 1 Historic Site at 100 South Palm Canyon Drive, CBD Zone, Section 15.
Staff member Jing Yeo reported that Phil Kaplan, the City’s ADA Compliance Coordinator, received a citizen
complaint that he was unable to access the Welwood Murray Library and there is no way for a disabled person
to get into the Library. This is a City-owned building and must meet ADA standards. There are steps in front
and no access through the back. Photos were passed around depicting a program that would provide a
behind-the-glass sign at the front entrance giving directions to access through the back by going south on
Palm Canyon Drive, left at Ben & Jerry’s, then another sign mounted on the corner of the building directing
people to the back entrance off the shared courtyard. There are now two doors at this entrance, with plans to
replace two doors with two fixed sidelight panels and one 36" ADA approved door. The new door would be
manually operated with a bell or buzzer to ring for assistance. The existing door is too heavy for a disabled
person to easily manage, new work will be painted to match existing, new doors will probably be aluminum
depending on cost, existing wood doors are deteriorating. Member Hayton offered a source for custom type
doors and that be able to offer a very good price.
Chairman Scott, Jing Yeo, and Phil Kaplan walked the area involved and since this is a Class 1 Historic Site, HSP
Board review and approval is requested. The program presented is the solution recommended by the City’s
ADA Coordinator.
M/S/C (Isermann/S. Williams) 5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to approve this program as presented.
AGENDA ITEM #1: EDRIS HOUSE - MILLS ACT AGREEMENT FOR A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE AT 1030
CIELO DRIVE - STAFF Staff has reviewed the Mills Act with the current property owners to be sure they understand there is no
guarantee of a property tax savings. Owners consulted with their tax and legal counsel and appear to be
comfortable with the Agreement. New language has been added to the Agreement that states: “....however,
owner acknowledges that it is not guaranteed to receive a reduction of property taxes as a result of this
Agreement.” This is new language in the City’s Agreement relating to the Mills Act. The Edris house has
been maintained in remarkable condition and current owners are supportive of this Agreement. This has been
scheduled for City Council tomorrow, September 15 3, 2004.
Member Sidney Williams asked what happens if the current owners sell within the ten-year period?
Ms. Yeo advised that the contract transfers to the next property owner and runs with the property. The Mills
Act Agreement is written in ten-year increments. Every year on the anniversary, it is renewed unless the owner
defaults or either party chooses to terminate the Agreement.
Member John Williams asked if the property is sold, is the valuation frozen for the new owner or does the tax
rate change?
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Ms. Yeo has spoken with the County Assessor’s office and was advised that the property is evaluated based on
two different ways of calculating the taxes and the lower of the two is the base value. Based on the methods
explained, it seems that a recent owner would benefit more than a long-time owner.
Director Evans explained that staff strongly encourages property owners who are interested in the Mills Act and
potential tax savings to consult with their own tax and legal advisors to better understand the long-term
consequences. In one instance, staff found that a pre-prop 13 property owner whose tax rate was so low
already that this program did not reduce their taxes, and they had to carry higher homeowner insurance to
meet the Agreement terms. They are now seeking to have their Agreement canceled. Staff was very careful
in this instance to ensure that the property owners sought tax and legal advice before moving forward.
Chairman Scott read from page 3, paragraph 3.3 of the Mills Act “.....Owners shall landscape the historic
property so as to permit a view corridor.....” Staff explained that is included in the Agreement so that owners
do not allow their hedges, trees, etc. to grow out of control. That is not a current issue with this property.
M/SC (J.Williams/S.Williams) (5Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions) that the Board recommend the approval of
the Mills Act Agreement for the Edris House at 1030 Cielo Drive.
AGENDA ITEM #2: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - MEMBER RUSH Member Rush absent. Staff member Jing Yeo advised there was a press release when the Historic Survey was
completed in August. Additionally, a tri-fold pamphlet was distributed for review and approval that would
give interested property owners information about the processes to follow if they wish to have their properties
designated. Board comments were requested and due back within two weeks from this meeting. Board
asked that pamphlet be printed in color and not on colored paper. Costs for color printing will be researched.
Member Hayton asked about the voice-over for the slides of the historic properties that will be showing on
Channel 17 as he has not heard anything after volunteering to do the narrative.
Ms. Yeo indicated that there has not been time to prepare the narrative on a home-by-home basis. Everyone
is ready to go when the narrative is completed.
AGENDA ITEM #3: HISTORIC SITE SURVEY UPDATE & DISCUSSION - STAFF Staff member Jing Yeo reported the meeting of Members J. Williams, Scott, and ModCom member Kennedy,
and that changes were made on page 3 of the Historic Site Survey to add language that “the Survey may be
submitted to SHPO.” Also, changes were related to the location and identification of one property where
owners were concerned about safety. Staff will review and revise the master reconnaissance list of about 250
properties and show those Class 1 or Class 2 sites.
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Chairman Scott advised that staff is currently working on the language and the sentence will now read that “the
Survey will be submitted to the City Council for approval and may be submitted to SHPO (State Historical
Preservation Office).”
Member Jim Isermann requested that the Survey go before the City Council for approval and not for a file and
receive designation.
Director Evans explained that the City Clerk had put it on tomorrow’s City Council Agenda with the same
language as before, but staff will withdraw it and make corrections as needed.
Member John Williams asked that the final draft be reviewed by the HSP Board before it goes to the City
Council or a committee of this Board.
Chairman Scott asked if it could then be submitted at the next City Council meeting on October 6, 2004?
Director Evans advised that research should be done with SHPO so that staff can report back and then add into
the City Council report.
Director Evans suggested a sub-committee be appointed.
Member John Williams recommended that Chairman Scott and John Williams comprise a sub-committee and
based on what is found they will officially recommend that the survey be submitted to the City Council and
also submitted to the State Historical Preservation Office.
Chairman Scott pointed out that staff and members are not quite sure of the implications of submitting it to
SHPO so right now the document will say “may be submitted” to SHPO. More documentation is needed.
Member John Williams suggested that the Board recommend that the Survey be submitted to SHPO unless
some reason is found that it should not. Details need to be researched and the implications of submitting this
to SHP. The Board needs to discuss this at the next meeting.
Chairman Scott suggested that the first goal be to submit it to the City Council for approval, and the second
goal be that the City Council recommended that it be sent on to SHPO.
M/S/C (J.Williams/Isermann) (5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions) that based on the sub-committee’s findings
of the final Historic Survey draft, unless there are questions within the final draft, that the Survey be submitted
to City Council for approval and that it be forwarded to SHPO.
Chairman Scott, John Williams, Jing Yeo, and Doug Evans will work in finalizing the survey and will shoot for an
October City Council meeting to submit it for approval and then send on to SHPO based upon the working
discussions.
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AGENDA ITEM #4: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - MEMBER RUSH Member Rush absent. Staff member Yeo reported that the Edris house plaque has been installed on a rock on
the property. A letter was written to the new owner of the Loewy house asking if he is ready to install that
plaque. There is no easy installation place for this plaque to be in the public right-of-way. There is a new
company providing the plaques, staff has a sample of their work and feels comfortable they will do a good job.
The Ship of The Desert plaque language was passed around, hi-lighting a middle line for optional language of
no more than 5 or 6 words. Staff asked for Board’s review and comments.
Chairman Scott and Member Isermann stated that the hi-lighted wording about “restoration” was not in line
with prior plaques even though various properties have been restored. Member Isermann asked about the
font size for every line.
Chairman Scott asked for other discussion for Ship of the Desert and asked if the line referring to “restoration”
was to be deleted. Board directed staff to proceed with the plaque but to delete the”restoration” line.
Member J. Williams asked for an update on all the other outstanding plaques and to keep the process current
as meetings occur.
Jing Yeo reported that the Cork ‘N Bottle has not responded to the letter, will try again to contact them. The
Ingleside Inn has not responded since meeting with the owner about the language – will contact again. The
Willows and Fire Station No. 1 language has been finalized and in process of ordering those plaques with the
new company. The Miller house plaque is ready, but the owner is not ready for it to be installed. Owner will
advise when she is ready. Still need the contact information for the Kaufmann house from Chairman Scott.
Director Evans advised that the owners of the Kaufmann house may be in violation of the Mills Act Agreement
by not having the plaque out front, so staff will make contact again.
Member Hayton asked if it would be appropriate for him to speak with the owners of the Cork ‘N Bottle and
point out that the plaque would be an attraction for visitors, increase business, value, etc. Member Hayton
and Jing Yeo will work togther on trying to get the Cork ‘N Bottle plaqued.
Member Hayton asked if the Historic Site designation numbers can be coordinated to the Architectural Guide
to better identify properties since plaques really doesn’t have much information. He feels that the
numbering should correspond so the public, newcomers, and/or tourist could perhaps plan self-guided tours.
Jing Yeo advised that the HSPB designation numbers do not correspond to the Brief History and Architectural
Guide. The only way is to let people know that the Planning department has all the files, they are public
documents, and can be viewed in Planning Services.
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Chairman Scott explained that the Architectural Guide includes buildings that are not designated as Historic
Sites. It would make sense to have a list of all the Class 1 and Class 2 sites with brief descriptions.
Member Isermann suggested that when the re-print of the Architectural Guide is done, designated site
numbers could be added behind the property.
Member Sidney Williams also pointed out that the newly prepared tri-fold brochure should also identify the
buildings with a credit line for the photos, such as Tramway Gas Station, designed by Albert Frey, the year and
current function of the building or site.
Director Evans advised that a “key” will be listed on the lists of designated properties showing which ones need
to be plaqued and which ones have the plaques ordered, etc. That way the list will update us monthly.
AGENDA #5: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE (Chapter 8.05 PSMC), DUTIES,
ACTIVITIES, ETC. Director Evans suggested that now may be the time for Board and staff to look at this Ordinance because
questions may come up based on the Survey, which is one of the reasons staff wanted to do more research on
the implications of filing the Survey with SHPO. Property owners have been surprised in the past because of
surveys done by Riverside County and some things thought to be routine raised a red flag with the state and
projects were delayed for months. The Ordinance has not been comprehensively reviewed in some time, how
the Survey fits into the Ordinance, how staff deals with properties that the Ordinance does not and the Survey
does, may be an issue and need to be fine-tuned. Staff needs to review areas that could eliminate future
controversies.
Chairman Scott asked if it was appropriate to appoint a sub-committee of the Board to work with staff and how
many members should be on this particular committee?
Director Evans felt information may need to be revised and the City Attorney had concerns with various parts of
the Ordinance. A sub-committee of three can be appointed and briefed, then perhaps develop an outline for
the Board.
Chairman Scott asked for volunteers to serve on this sub-committee. Jim Isermann, Chairman Scott, and
Sidney Williams volunteered to work on the update of the Preservation Ordinance.
Director Evans explained that it may take a while to collect the necessary materials for the first meeting, the
Planning areas are under renovation and it may take time to locate everything that is needed.
AGENDA ITEM #6: PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION BOARD - MEMBER SIDNEY WILLIAMS
Member S. Williams passed around a postcard advertising the next event to be Saturday, November 6 that is
devoted to the study of William Cody’s work. It will be at the Del Marcos Hotel at 11 a.m. with Kathy Cody
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present and other speakers, box lunch, and then a motorcoach tour of William Cody’s desert properties in the
valley. A “tribute journal” will evolve from this event similar to last years. It will be available for those
participating that day and for sale later on the web site and at other locations. Cost for this event will be about
$100 per person, seating is limited.
AGENDA ITEM #7: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MEMBER HAYTON Member Hayton reported that the Society has been “dark” and he is their newest member. He will report a the
next meeting.
AGENDA ITEM #8: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - MEMBER JOHN WILLIAMS Member J. Williams reported that ModCom plans an October 23, 2004 Modern House Tour which will include
the George Alexander house built in 1952, Kaplan house built in 1957, a general steel house known as the as the
Pullman house built in 1936, and the Kramer house built in 1963. Other houses may be added. It is $75 per
person and is a self-driven residential tour. Go to the website of psmodcom.com for information and/or send
$75 to PO Box 4738, Palm Springs, 92263. The public is invited to attend, membership is not required for this
Tour.
Member Sidney Williams reported that ModCom, Palm Springs Desert Museum, and Vortex (msp) Public
Relations are sponsoring a forum at the Museum titled Palm Springs Visions: A Community Forum on
Saturday, October 2, 2004 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keynote speaker will be Mayor Marty Blum from Santa Barbara
talking about Managing Growth. Mayor Ron Oden will give opening remarks and introductions. The morning
panel is devoted to short and long-term Visions for Palm Springs’ Growth moderated by Steve Silverman, Editor
of the Desert Sun, with Pete Moruzzi, Kathryn Lottes, and Cameron Barrows adding their perspectives on
growth. A box lunch can be ordered at check-in and the afternoon panel will focus on Downtown Visions with
Patricia O’Shea from CBS-2 as Moderator and John Wessman, Tom Davis, Ben Bratton, and Janice Lyle sharing
their ideas for a Vision of Palm Springs. There are lots of issues and voices to be heard in a neutral territory.
It is expected that every seat in the theater will be filled. There is no charge for attending, call 322-4889 for
reservations and a count for attendance.
This is also the first day of the Museum opening for the season in the shift to art and architecture and the new
exhibition that opens the same evening.
AGENDA ITEM #9: ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN COUNCIL - PALM SPRINGS DESERT MUSEUM - MEMBER
ISERMANN Member Isermann reported that the next event will the opening panel for Trespassing Houses by Artist which
will be October 2 at 5 p.m. This is primarily open to members. The lecture series will start in November.
BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Jing Yeo reported that the City’s Facilities Department will be working on Heminger’s Fudge in the Village Green
replacing the deteriorating front and side doors with same style and color.
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Chairman Scott explained that this structure was moved to the Village Green from the Oasis Hotel - - it was the
dining room of the original hotel designed by Lloyd Wright.
Ms. Yeo also reported that La Serena Villas (south of Viceroy-Estrella Inn) are changing-out windows and doors
and staff is working with them for a complete site plan. They are demolishing pools on the property and then
replacing with paved walkways and landscaping. This property is on the Historic Site Survey, and staff will keep
Board updated as project progresses. No demolition of buildings is proposed. Owners will keep buildings as
they are, but change-out doors and windows.
Director Evans advised they hired O’Donnell - Escalante to inventory the property to determine what was
original and what were additions. There were a number of shed-like structures, they took everything that was
not original off the buildings and their intent is to bring it back to as close to the original condition as possible.
Ms. Yeo reported that an application has been received for new carports at the Nichols Building at 899 North
Palm Canyon Drive. Carports are proposed at the rear of the building. Staff will keep the Board informed.
They have boarded up the portion where the car crashed through the storefront. Staff worked with the
restoration company and so far one matching steel column has been replaced and metal decking will be
replaced. They are also planning to use metal left over from the former Ralphs Shopping Center. No
application for replacement windows has been applied for as yet.
Director Evans reported that he and architect Jim Cioffi reviewed the plans, carports are free-standing, and are
designed to be compatible with the architecture of the building.
Chairman Scott asked for an update on L’Horizon Hotel.
Ms. Yeo reported that staff looked at the review process, met with Members Scott, J. Williams, and Scott
Kennedy from the Modern Committee to explain process. Short version is that initial meeting was with
Members Isermann and J. Williams, the development team, and Kathy Marx at the site in May to go over the
proposed project. At the time of the walk-thru, it was proposed to essentially restore the property. A lot of
the rotting wood has been taken off and will be replaced with newer material that will look the same. Ms. Yeo
walked the property and reviewed plans with the manager and owner, and staff is comfortable that they are
proceeding with what has been approved. The look of the buildings will not be changed in any way, except to
clean them up. Location of walkways will remain the same, but concrete pavers will be replaced with new
material. Rich Campbell, the manager, welcomes anyone who wishes to do a walk-thru. A security fence has
been erected because there has been looting of fixtures, the main door, etc.
Ms. Yeo passed around a letter and photos that were received from a Palm Springs citizen who had walked
around the top of the canyon at West Chino Road and discovered what he believes to be an old water pipe and
stone-lined ditch. He is interested in preserving this in some way if the Board so chooses.
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Director Evans indicated that from the description this is either on Desert Water Agency property or a piece of
property owned by Mark Bragg that does not have development plans on it. When and if it goes forward with
any development plans, the Bragg property would require an environmental development impact report for a
number of issues including cultural and historic resources. Staff is aware of a pipe that does run through this
area which he refers to in his letter. There is an evaluation of that pipe in an area downhill that is part of The
Boulders project and part of the environmental review. There was an historic archeological survey done on
that site and the recommendations was for follow-up work on the pipe. It appears to be part of a complex,
staff has not heard of a “ditch” in this area, but does know of that there is a series of pipes in this area. Staff
will pass this along to the archeologists in this project and respond to Mr. Housman’s correspondence and do a
walk-thru to know the exact location.
Chairman Scott asked if someone wants to develop that property, would they have to do a cultural resource
survey, and if any Board member would volunteer to oversee or be the “shepherd” of this project?
Member John Williams will represent the HSP Board and Member Hayton asked to be included in this project.
Chairman Scott pointed out that since there is now a survey with approximately 250 properties listed, a
procedure really needs to be developed whereby those projects that come to the Planning or Building
departments for modification, renovations, etc. are to be handled. The Board has an overall responsibility for
Class 1 sites, but how involved does the Board want to get on the survey projects? Perhaps this is something
the sub-committee could work on in getting it into the Ordinance. There are quite a few little projects coming
in now, and there could be some concerns.
Member Isermann suggested that until the Board decides how to do this, staff needs to keep the Board advised
in order to answer questions that came from citizens.
Director Evans explained that the key issue is to review the Ordinance so that there is a City policy to provide for
the Board’s involvement; otherwise their authority may be in question.
Member John Williams mentioned that the Board has assured property owners that just because their
properties are on the Historic Survey, their properties are not encumbered. The Board needs to be very
concerned about this. One concern is that the La Serena Villas appears to be going through a major
renovation and the Board was not even aware it was on the Survey.
Director Evans reported that staff was fully aware it was on the Survey and Kathy Marx did an outstanding job in
working with the architects to be sure the plans were as represented. Staff will continue to attempt to catch
each project such as this and report to the Board. There is staff concern in just sending this Historic Survey to
SHPO, because there is a property owner in Palm Springs who was very surprised to find that something done in
the 1980's , they were never informed that if they did something on their property that the State could stop
them. It was from a Riverside County survey that was just benignly sent to the state, then it shows up on a list,
and the property owners are into a very involved process on something which they thought would be a fairly
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routine project. It has now been stalled out at least four to six months to comply with the state criteria that
should be a local level “routine” permit. Staff is concerned and will work with the sub-committee.
Director Evans also reported that the Edris House “successor’s in interest” is on page 6 number 9, does not have
a title, but is talked about as having successor assume all the criteria in the Agreement. Because of the various
public and non-profit groups that work on historic preservation items, perhaps one of the groups might want to
think about writing a very brief description for a pamphlet and map of historic sites. The Architectural Guide
that has been published for many years has multiple targets and is not just historic buildings. Whoever might
want to take on this project, they could pull all the files for the Historic Sites and building, edit information to a
brief paragraph, and prepare a flyer/handout brochure that could be relatively simple. Staff’s workloads
prohibit adding it to their list of things to be done.
Chairman Scott asked if the Preservation Foundation might be interested in this project and asked Member S.
Williams to inquire of their Board at the next meeting.
Member John Williams felt a sub-committee of the HSP Board should do this and/or work in conjunction with
whoever might work on this type of project, and it could be part of the narratives that will be developed for the
slide show to be shown on Channel 17. Board involvement is important in this type of project.
Director Evans updated the Board on the California Chapter of the American Planning Association’s Conference
being held in Palm Springs October 17-20 at the Wyndham. Robert Imber has volunteered to conduct a tour
of historic and modern architecture in Palm Springs, and the tour sold-out immediately. The Wyndham Hotel
is sold-out, now booking into the Hilton Hotel, and expect between 800 and 1,000 planners in Palm Springs.
Strategic Planning staff are now assisting the new Department of Planning Services. Jing is coordinating all of
one person’s projects while he is on vacation. Loretta is training new people, and the small staff of three is very
involved in assisting wherever they can for Planning Services. There are some things staff cannot take on at the
preferred level, and plans are that Jing will ease out of assigned projects over the next six months, Loretta
should have her time clear up shortly, and the Director’s time will continue to go back and forth for some time.
Chairman Scott pointed out that there is currently one position open on this Board and the City Council will
appoint someone for this Board at their meeting tomorrow night.
Member Isermann asked for an update on the Visitors’ Center signage. Thought there was a sign donated or
in the works and have not heard any more about it. The sad banner is even sadder and urgently needs to be
replaced.
Director Evans advised that someone donated their resources for a sign. There is a sub-committee of staff and
the Council that have been looking at various opportunities. Several community organizations want to
participate or have a space in the Visitors’ Center, there is a committee working on this, but staff has not seen
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any plan as yet. The City Council has approved looking at all the upgrades and input from community groups
who want to participate, it’s now a matter or coordinating that and getting the appropriate signs.
Member Hayton suggested a new, brighter banner. The current one is flat, hard to see, very monochomatic
and is temporary. If another temporary sign goes up, it should be brighter with more sizzle, and could perhaps
have small logos, etc.
Chairman Scott asked for further business, there being none, the meeting was adjourned at 9:42 a.m. Next
meeting will be Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 8:15 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Douglas R. Evans
Director of Strategic Planning
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