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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-12- HSPB minutes Παγε 1 οφ 5 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING CORRECTED - Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, October 12, 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 2004-2005 Excused Absences To-Date William “Bill” Scott, Chair X 3 0 James Hayton, Vice Chair 0 2 1 John Williams X 3 0 Jim Isermann X 3 0 Shevlin Rush 0 1 2 Sidney Williams X 2 1 Kenny Cassady X 1 0 STAFF PRESENT: Doug Evans, Director of Strategic Planning Jing Yeo, Principal Planner Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary * * * * * Chairman Scott called the meeting to order at 8:17 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, October 7, 2004. * * * * * * PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments. * * * * * * APPROVAL OF MINUTES: With two Board member last names of Williams, members asked that they be identified with first initials or names when referred to in documents. Pages 2, and 6 will be corrected as noted. M/S/C (Isermann/S. Williams) (5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 1 Abstention) to approve the September 14, 2004 meeting minutes as corrected. Director Evans reported that future minutes will be prepared and submitted in “action” format. CDs and audio cassette are available for full context of meetings when desired. All other boards and commissions have already commenced this format. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Scott welcomed new Board member Kenny Cassady, and indicated that other issues will be discussed later under specific agenda items. PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS: 5. Case No. 5.0942 - Application by the City of Palm Springs for initial concepts for landscaping and outdoor gathering places including mini-amphitheater seating area and signage at the Palm Spring Visitors’ Center at 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, UR Zone, Section 3. (HSPB Designation #33) Director Evans advised that the City Council’s sub-committee has been working with staff and the design team regarding a number of issues at the Visitors Center. There are no signs or landscaping, and various other projects are needed as part of an overall program to complete the Visitors Center. John Raymond and staff have been working with the design team, Tom Doczi from TKD Associates, Liz Perkovich from the Center, who are here to explain and discuss the ongoing project. Various displays of plans were posted for review. Παγε 2 οφ 5 Signage, landscaping, and outdoor gathering places were discussed with special emphasis on the mini-amphitheater seating area which was part of the original design, but due to budget constraints had been cut during the initial design effort. The Visitors Center opened about a year ago under heavy budget limitations and the above items have been on hold pending available funds. Desert Water Agency had been a source, but those funds were shifted to a different project. Staff asked the Board’s direction regarding the seating area so that this project could move forward. Local Rotary Clubs will fund up to $20,000 for the seating area project if it is completed and open for their February 2005 centennial celebration. Landscaping, types of plants, street-scape design, amphitheater, coordinating features, etc. were discussed by Landscape Architect Tom Doczi from TKD Associates. HSP Board members asked various questions regarding the wall, height of wall, materials to be used, colors, seating grade levels and heights, columns, walkways, sidewalks, blocking view of Center and roof by future trees, signage, fountain/water feature, plans for the large vacant space in back, inconsistencies in designs and architects, not trying to match or imitate original materials, budget for current amphitheater, who will use this amphitheater, adjacent land ownership, who serves on the sub-committee, why a HSP Board member is not on the committee. Jim Isermann and Jim Hayton were original HSP Board members appointed to assist with the Visitors’ Center Project. Member Isermann has a long history and knowledge of this building and would be of great assistance. Concern was voiced about “discretion and not upstaging” the Tramway Gas Station by these various additions and that recognition of the Tramway Gas Station should be foremost. There is a commitment for $150,000.00 in funds through an assessment district required of the Mountain Gate II project to facilitate the completion of these various Visitors’ Center projects. Early in this project various groups felt this would be an appropriate location for small seminars, workshops, hiking and other groups, formal and informal gathering space for groups of people, special functions to rent space for private parties, etc. that would complement ongoing functions of the Visitors’ Center. Site plans for the mock-up signage were passed around, details, materials, height, and grade levels of this project were discussed. Board members felt the “message board” feature would detract from the sign and should not be included, but the proposed sign should be strong and simple. Time frame for completion of this mock-up sign project could be worked out within the month. Board will review. Landscaping from original plans and low growing Bougainvillea will move forward. Irrigation lines were abandoned in the past and problems to get them working again has held up the landscaping efforts. It was agreed that proposed trees should be relocated to maintain views of the building and sign. Staff and those working on the project discussed and answered questions from the Board and agreed to coordinate efforts with HSPB Members Jim Isermann and Jim Hayton. Most of the current team members working on this project are volunteers and not under contract by the City as were the original project team. Board input and concerns will be reviewed and taken into consideration. Board members “thanked” everyone for volunteering their time and expertise for this important project, and expressed their approval to move forward with the project based on the following: (1) Consult with sub-committee (Jim Isermann and James Hayton) for questions that may come up and to coordinate work on this project (2) Landscaping from original plans and low-growing Bougainvillea will move forward (3) Board will review the final plans for the mock-up signage and it should not contain the message board feature (4) Staff will review today’s input by Board and their concerns about materials to be used, colors, trees that may block view, not try to match or imitate original materials, and seating area under the roof line, 6. Case 3,1198 - Application by Paula Summers for exterior improvements including new awnings on the facade and restoration of an existing balcony to its original appears at 800 North Palm Canyon Drive, C-1 and R-3 Zones, Section 10. (El Paseo Building -HSPB Designation #27) Staff, business and property owners, and HSPB Chairman Bill Scott all met to review this project and review what might affect the historic designation and renovation of this Class 1 site. Παγε 3 οφ 5 No architectural drawings are currently available, this meeting is to discuss ideas and concepts and obtain the Board’s feedback so the owner can move forward. Don Snodgrass, owner’s representative, displayed a building photo and briefed the Board on details and intentions of removal of the facade and other minor repairs to try to return the building to as much of it’s original condition as can be done. A lot of the original balcony and framework is there under the current facade. This renovation will be done in phases, the first being restoration of the balcony, shutters on the front of the building to prevent sun damage to displayed furniture and flower boxes. The front of the building is not historic. Windows are now scratched and to keep the public away from the windows, flower boxes and shutters are proposed on three window-openings. Spanish wrought iron light fixtures are proposed. Now asking Board for their approval to install awnings, flower boxes in front of windows on the side that is not original architecture, and re-establish the balcony on the south side of the building. Board members expressed approval for the shutters and planters and hopes that restoring the entire building to as much of it’s original condition as possible will be done at some future time. M/S/C (J. Williams/Cassady) (5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to approve restoration of the balcony and that applicant work with staff to install shutters on the front of the building. Applicant will bring lighting fixtures back to the Board for review and approval. AGENDA ITEM #1: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - MEMBER RUSH Member Rush absent - no report. AGENDA ITEM #2: HISTORIC SITE SURVEY UPDATE & DISCUSSION - STAFF Staff member Jing Yeo reported revisions to the text of the master list of the 200 properties, formatting issues, and clean-up has been completed. It is scheduled for approval by the City Council on October 20, 2004. When approved, it will be revised and copies distributed to Board members. Staff has researched printed material and is trying to get a response from the State Office of Historical Preservation regarding disposition of the survey. During this research, staff found that 20% of the cities in California have historic surveys. Staff will submit the survey to the regional information center at UCR once approved. Board Chairman asked members to contact their representatives in the Historical Society, the Preservation Foundation, and any others to write letters to the City Council in support. AGENDA ITEM #3: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - MEMBER RUSH Member Rush absent. Board Member John Williams asked is staff had contacted the Cork ‘N Bottle or the Ingleside Inn. Staff member Yeo reported that Jim Hayton had volunteered to contact the Cork ‘ N Bottle in person. The Ingleside Inn has not yet been contacted. Plaques have not been ordered for the Willows, Fire Station, or the O’Donnell house. Staff will work on those based on time available. AGENDA #4: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE (Chapter 8.05 PSMC), DUTIES, ACTIVITIES, ETC. Director Evans reported no update. AGENDA ITEM #5: PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION BOARD - MEMBER SIDNEY WILLIAMS Member S. Williams reported that the Preservation Foundation will work with the City on a brochure for historic sites. Will take staff’‘s instructions to Thursday evening’s meeting. The William Cody event is November 6 honoring his “Designs in the Desert” and notifications/registration forms are being mailed out this week. Chairman Scott reported that several people have been involved in helping to write and prepare a guide of all the Historic Site designations that includes a written history, map, and photo for each Παγε 4 οφ 5 property, as well as funding. Robert Imber has offered to assist in the writing. Sidney Williams, John Williams, and Jim Hayton will work on this project. AGENDA ITEM #6: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MEMBER HAYTON Member Hayton was absent, there is no report. AGENDA ITEM #7: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - MEMBER JOHN WILLIAMS Member J. Williams reported that ModCom met last Saturday and finalized plans for the October 23 Modern House Tour that includes eight interesting houses. Price is $75 per person and it is a self-driven residential tour. AGENDA ITEM #9: ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN COUNCIL - PALM SPRINGS DESERT MUSEUM - MEMBER ISERMANN Member Isermann reported that the next event will the November 6 with a reception at the Horizon hotel and invitations are being sent to ADC members and are available to those going on the architectural tour. It is a separate event and is arranged through the Palm Springs Desert Museum’s Box office. The first lecture of the season series features Linda Tallman (msp) and Alan Kock, Architects, details to be reported at next meeting. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Chairman Scott reported that he met with Oasis building owners representatives, their architect, and P.S. Mod Com to review initial plans for the renovation. The proposal is to restore the building, turn it into a two-level restaurant complex, and update with elevator and new restrooms. Everyone was impressed with the plans, and they know it must be presented to this HSP Board. It was requested they hire and prepare an outside historic survey analysis of the building and they agreed to do this. The Palms Hotel owners have applied for a building permit. Jing Yeo reported that they have applied for an architectural application for the addition of a second story for 13 guest rooms, are currently going through the entitlement process, have completed the historic structures report, and submitted it to the Planning Department. It is a property that staff will keep the Board involved with although it is not a designated site, it is on the Historic Survey Site List. Board members will be mailed a copy of the structures report. Rather than the entire Board being involved, Chairman Scott and Member John Williams volunteered to monitor this project and welcomed any Board or staff direction. Work on L’Horizon is underway, there is an event planned for November 6. Discussion about this project occurred at the Mod Com meeting, Member J. Williams expressed confidence in the architect and builders that it is being brought back to its original structure. The manager of the property has offered anyone a walk-thru of the property. The rumor mill created an awkward start of this project with unannounced visitors wanting to see and know what was going on. The irrigation system had created severe damage and in some places the structure was almost ready to fall down and this did not show up until the exterior surface was removed. This is not a designated historic site, but it is listed on the Historic Site Survey. Member John Williams and Hayton were asked to review and visit the early irrigation ditch that was brought to the attention of staff and this Board by Mr. Simon Housman. They visited the site and will not take any action on it. Staff has also looked at the irrigation ditch and asked to discuss this with Members J. Williams and Hayton prior to next month’s meeting. It is on private property, no easy way to protect it, and could be easily vandalized Director Evans reported that tomorrow evening (October 13) is the City Council Cabinet meeting. Chairman Scott will attend this quarterly meeting of all board and commissions. . Παγε 5 οφ 5 The American Planning Association will open their Conference October 17 - 20. Robert Imber is leading a sold-out tour of Modern Architecture and Palm Springs History. Over 1,000 Planners will attend this Conference from all over the world. “Palm Springs sells!” Staffing level is an important factor right now. Jing Yeo has been re-assigned to Planning Services temporarily, will not be working on historical preservation items, and staff has to scale back workloads for the next 45 to 60 days until Planning Services fills their vacant positions. Resources are being relocated to where the need is the greatest. Staff will continue to work with applicants per Items 5 and 6 of this Agenda, but initiating programs, contacting people about plaques, etc. will has been put on hold. Strategic Planning is now down to two staff members and two projects coming up these next two months will take almost 100% of staff’s time. City Manager’s priorities to keep planning services moving forward required these actions. Future meetings will focus on active projects in the entitlement process and the standard agenda items. Staffing should be back to normal within 45-60 days. Chairman Scott asked for further business, there being none, the meeting was adjourned at 10.06 a.m. Next meeting will be Tuesday, November 9, at 8:15 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Douglas R. Evans Director of Strategic Planning :ldm