HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-12- HSPB minutes CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
CORRECTED - Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 8:15 a.m.
Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, California 92262
ROLL CALL
Present
This Meeting
Present
Year-to-Date
FY 2006-2007
Excused Absences
To-Date
Sidney Williams, Chairperson X 3 0
Jade Nelson, Vice Chair X 1 2
James Hayton 0 2 1
John Williams X 3 0
Harold “Bud” Riley X 3 0
Brian Strahl X 1 0
STAFF PRESENT:
Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Loretta Moffett, Administrative Assistant
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner
* * * * *
1. Chairperson Sidney Williams called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Sep. 12, 2006
* * * *
2. ROLL CALL: Present: S. Williams, J. Nelson, J. Williams, B. Riley, B Strahl. Absent: J. Hayton
3. REPORT OF POSTING OF REVISED 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 counter by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 07, 2006.
NOTE: Audio Cassettes and DVDs of HSPB Meetings are available for review. Cassettes will be kept
for six months only. DVDs of the meetings will be kept indefinitely. Minutes format is more action related
than verbatim except where special interest or special meetings are involved.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 11, 2006 Minutes – page 2 was corrected to read that John
Williams seconded the motion to elect officers. M/S/C (Riley/J. Williams – 5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent,
1 Abstention) to approve July 11, 2006 Minutes as corrected.
July 20, 2006 Minutes of Adjourned Meeting. Minutes corrected to read Thursday, July 20 on
page 1. Question on Page 2 and Page 3 re clarification and correction of sentence structure
pertaining to “take no action”. M/S/C (Riley/Nelson – 5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 1 Abstention) to
approve July 20, 2006 Minutes as corrected.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (3 minutes) :
N O N E
6. A. REPORT OF THE CHAIR:
-Chairperson Ms. Williams extended welcome to new Board member Brian Strahl.
-With regret to announce that Bill Scott has resigned to become a Planning Commissioner.
-Passed around new P.S. Tourism Pamphlet/booklet – includes two pages on architecture.
-Asked if Board could to invite Aerial Tramway Manager to speak at our next meeting about
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their long-range plans.
B. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Board member Riley asked about the 1915 Craftsman Bungalow because the Stay Order runs
out on October 13. Staff member Ken Lyon updated Board via email and the stay runs out mid-
November and discussed with Matt Fisher and they do not anticipate any demolition until the
first of the year 2007. Negotiations are ongoing to find someone to move the Bungalow, will
update the Board when more is known.
C. NEW BUSINESS
(1) Horizon Hotel – Class 1 Historic Site Designation A
David Scharf, owner of the Horizon Hotel, reported that renovations have just been
completed, and would like to move forward with the Class 1 application. Staff member Ken
Lyon will work with owner on application, Mills Act, etc.
(2) Case No. 5.1012 - Spanish Inn – Application for HSPB Class 1 Designation #49
Subcommittee member Bud Riley gave a brief report of their site visit. Staff recommends
classifying only the 1939 element based on its historic significance.
Nejat Kohan, Co-Owner of Spanish Inn, read from a prepared statement describing the
hotel/condo renovation and restoration project. (attached for information)
Board member Jade Nelson stated his agreement with the Staff Report that the 1938-39
portions of the site be designated. Concern is that the project is still under renovation and
how does the Board designate during this process – should it be designated now or when
the project is completed?
Staff member Ken Lyon identified the condition of approval and designation in the staff
report and that work must be continued in accordance with the Standards of Rehabilitation
and the designation be conditional on the completion.
Board member John Williams asked about the “tower element” which was a Board issue
when this project was reviewed some time ago, and asked that the Board see the new
design. Would like to see buildings A-1 and B included because A-1 is the oldest building.
Nejat Kohan explained that the Tower roof was originally designed to be “domed.” AAC
suggested the tower be triangular, but after review the “domed” design was better. The
domed design has now been approved by AAC, the tower is 28 feet high (lowered from
original design of 34 feet).
Tom Tang explained that the concern of building A-1 is that the facade has been
significantly altered and does not look like something from the 1920’s, but the entire
compound is a significant property.
Nejat Kohan explained that the only proposed change to Building A-1 is the height of the
lobby from ten feet to 15 feet, everything else remains the same. Believes the entire project
as a whole should be designated.
Board member John Williams stated a concern regarding the Resolution to the Council - -
(read from items 1 & 2 in the staff report) -- a new owner could potentially demolish building
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A-1 based on this Resolution. Also concerned about making the Class 1 Designation
conditional on completing the proposed rehabilitation for the same reasons.
Staff’s recommendation was put forth as an incentive for developer to continue to adhere to
standards they have certified they will follow.
Board member Bud Riley stated that Building C, not part of this discussion, is being
constructed to look almost identical to Buildings A & B. It can look like the others, but it
should be distinct and he wants this to be on record.
Tom Tang, CRB Tech, restated Item #9 from The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards....
page 21 of the Historic Assessment....”New additions, exterior alterations, or related new
construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new
work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size,
scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its
environment.” The intent is not for the new building to be identical to the original structures.
Nejat Kohan stated the object of the application is to obtain the Class 1 designation benefits.
If certain parts are only approved and the benefits are not there, what is the purpose of this
application? Help is needed by way of tax deductions, property tax, income tax benefits
based on the Class 1 designation. All parts of the project are completely historical.
Chairperson Sidney Williams asked if only part of the project was approved, what is the
differentiation in tax benefits?
Staff member Ken Lyon advised that the Mills Act gives benefits for property tax and there
are other tax programs and preservation tax break incentives at the national level. If the
buildings in Complex B are “for sale” units and sold off as for sale condos, they would each
enjoy the benefits with a Mills Act contract. Those for sale units in Complex C (new building)
or those portions of Complex A (1950’s buildings) would not enjoy any tax benefits. If this
sits as a single property, not to be subdivided into for sale units, there is one property tax
index number – the County records the Mills Act against an APN.
Board member Brian Strahl asked if the work already completed has been done in
compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines? Feels the Board’s job is to
preserve the history of the building/project regardless of the owner’s tax benefits – the
history and what is historical significant in the building.
Staff member Ken Lyon reported that those areas where work has been done appear to
conform to the Standards.
Board member John Williams asked Tom Tang of CRB Tech about other “entire” projects
being classified even though additions or alterations had been done and can this Board
request a designation for the entire project under the current Ordinance?
Board Vice Chair Jade Nelson indicated he was thinking of the compound being designated
a Class 2 Historic Site, with Building B a Class 1. He read from Municipal Code Article I,
Definitions 8.05.020 (a)....’An historic site is any real property...... (thru items (1), (2), (3), &
(4)) – as they all apply to the Spanish Inn and cover all the features and importance of that
entire property – land, buildings, events, people....the history of the site rather than just the
structures. Feels this entire site should be seriously considered for designation rather than
individual buildings.
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Board member John Williams stated that the applicant has an interest in the Mills Act on this
property and if he were to ask for and get through the Council a designation for A1-, A-2, A-
3 and B, he would at least be able to enjoy the Mills Act on those properties. Building C
may be an issue to take up at a later date. He is in favor of requesting designation of the
entire site and eliminating the waiting period.
Board member Brian Strahl is not in favor of designating the entire site for a building that is
not yet built. He would be in favor of limiting the class designation so it is not applicable
until the project is completed, but feels it should be protected from being torn down in case
another developer buys the property.
Staff member Ken Lyon suggested that if it were to be designated now, any building permit
applications henceforth would require coming before this Board....any scope of work would
have to conform. If it is classified as Class 1, the developer sells the property, someone
else takes it over and files for a building permit to do work that is not conforming - - that
building permit would come before the Board for review to determine if that work was in
keeping with and protective of the property.
Nejat Kohan reported that the CC&Rs for the project are completed and they contain a
Historic Site Committee within the Homeowners Association that will bring all changes,
especially exterior changes in the project, to the HSPB. Those are the Conditions within the
CC&Rs. If A & B are approved as a Class 1 designation, Mr. Kohan felt he would have no
problem with excluding new construction, but wants all of the project looked at for Class 1
Historical Designation.
Board member Bud Riley commented that the Board has an obligation to protect A & B and
feels Council will agree if presented properly. Would like to see Complex C stand alone for
now and should look different.
Staff member Lyon read from the Municipal Ordinance, Article III, Section 8.05.125 – Class
2...... “Site qualified for city designation; may be....”
Board member Bud Riley moved that Case 5.1012- Spanish Inn at 640 North Indian
Canyon Drive be designated a HSPB Class 1 Historic # 49 Site under Municipal Code
8.05.125, Buildings A-1, A-2, A-3, and B and that this request for designation be forwarded
to the City Council for approval. Board member John Williams seconded the motion.
M/S/C (Riley/J. Williams – 5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstention) to approve motion as
stated above.
(4) Case 3.2959 – Application for Demolition at 1189 Tamarisk Road (taken out of order)
Several Board members reported visiting the site and did not see any redeemable features
of the property.
Board member Jade Nelson wanted the record to show that the original owners were
Claude & Ruth Freed according to the 1937-48 local phone directory.
Board member John Williams moved that the Board approve demolition of Case 3.2959 –
Application for demolition at 1189 Tamarisk Road. Seconded by Chair Sidney Williams.
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M/S/C (J .Williams/S. Williams – 5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstention) to approve the
motion as stated above.
(3) Request for Public Comments and Information Regarding the Indian Canyon Drive Widening
Project in Palm Springs, Riverside County – Galvin Preservation Associates.
Staff member Ken Lyon reported that the Board packet included a Request for Comment as
part of CEQA and the widening of Indian Canyon Drive between West Corozon and Garnet
Station Road from two lanes to four lanes. That part of the road is over 45 years old, so is
considered Historic.
Board member John Williams asked the meaning of “several berms” (see underlined
section of staff report)?
Staff explained that these are embankments where the grading has been built up alongside
the road and are more than 45 years old. Will report that there is no Board comment.
(5) Report on Improvement of Accuracy of City Databases
Staff has updated databases to more accurately reflect historic classifications on buildings
not previously noted.
D. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS:
(1) Media Outreach - John Williams – No Report
Staff reported he and Rick Lee, Channel 17 Coordinator, have discussed captioning the
historic photos that often come up between programs so the public can identify them. This
may be an opportunity for the HSPB to include information...”if you have a historic building,
here’s the number to call....” (things like that).
(2) Historic Site Plaque Update – Bud Riley commented on the letter written to the Cork ‘N
Bottle that is yet to be plaqued. No response to staff from owners as yet.
Staff read the verbiage being suggested for the 20” x 20” plaque for the Cork ‘N Bottle.
Board was asked for their edits, comments, etc.
Board member John Williams asked about the Ingleside Inn, Fire Station #1, and other
plaques that may not yet been installed, but staff is working to install.
Staff reported several plaques are in and ready to install, an order will be placed shortly for
the Hamrick House, the Neel House and the Cork ‘N Bottle. A work Order will be placed
with City Facilities when all plaques are ready to install.
(3) HSPB Brochure Project – Bud Riley & Staff
Board member Riley commented that this is a “master piece” and a copy was in the Board
packet for members review, edits, comments, etc.
Staff reported this is a short and simple piece to give preliminary information to the public.
The quote section is still being worked on as well as the photos. City Print Shop was
instrumental in preparing this piece, cost will be about $.54 (cents) each – there are various
paper stocks available in the Print Shop.
Board members will review, mark their edits, suggestions, and submit back to staff. They
offered several suggestions, edits, include date on publications, etc. which staff will
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encompass in a new draft. Member Jade Nelson suggested a graphic designer/typesetter
friend who will assist in the set-up on a voluntary basis and will work with him on this
brochure.
(4) P.S. Preservation Foundation – Jade Nelson
Will have annual membership drive reception Saturday, September 16 at 6 p.m. at the
Hamrick House. They will have walking tour of downtown Class 1 Sites on November 19.
Details can be found at www.pspf.net
(5) P.S. Historical Society - James Hayton, absent - no report
City Beat newsletter highlighted the Palm Springs Historical Society and Sally McManus – a
copy was provided for Board members.
(6) P.S. Modern Committee - John Williams – Will have their 5th Annual Architectural
Preservation and Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon at The Parker of Palm Springs on
October 14, 2006 from noon to 2 p.m. Information is online at www.psmodcom.com
(7) Architecture & Design Council – Sidney Williams – reported the first season event will be a
fundraiser cocktail reception on October 21 at the Schindler House (1948) from 5:30 to 7:30
p.m. The $35.00 price includes the book on architecture published by the city of Palm
Desert.
(8) Historic Preservation Ordinance Revision Project
(a) Review of priorities – Received letter from Peter Moruzzi from attorneys Chatten-Brown,
et al (copies distributed). Board needs to identify the process in discussing revisions of
the Ordinance that the Board will suggest and designate a specific Study Session.
Board felt their jurisdiction over the list of 2004 Survey properties and the penalties were
the two most important issues needing revisions. Board requested update of Workshop
Priority list – it will be sent via email. There is not enough time in a regular meeting to
develop and work on all the urgent matters that need to be reviewed for possible
revisions and actions. Inviting Pete Moruzzi as a member of the general public was
suggested. Board feels certain buildings are being threatened and this Board does not
currently have authority to review. Each Board member selected a city’s historic
ordinance to research and report on.
Board felt it appropriate that the Council be notified that this is what the Board is working
on. Board was reminded that their letter to the Mayor and Council dated March 14, 2006
basically advised the Council of the concerns and the Board’s intention to work on
proposing revisions to the Ordinance. Staff will check on what was brought to the
Council’s attention.
October 17, 2006 at 8:15 a.m. was selected to meet for this special working session.
Staff will coordinate and confirm to Board members.
7. OTHER
A. Horizon Hotel – Old Sign Inquiry
Staff contacted the Horizon Hotel Mr. Scharf and they will display the old signage most likely
adjacent to the bar.
B. Staff advised Board not to “email” or contact all members at the same time which is in violation
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of the Brown Act. Also reminded Board of the Training Session for the Brown Act and Ethics
that will occur on Tuesday, October 3 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
C. Board member Jade Nelson asked staff to copy several preservation informational documents
for distribution to the Board.
D. Staff reported more property owner’s interested in potential Historic designations – will continue
to follow up and report back. Second work item on the Priority list – Process for Applications,
list of 200 properties, streamlining, etc. The Application for the 287 West Racquet Club Road
designation is being worked on by Sidney Williams and Jade Nelson (Garbo House).
E. Board member John Williams asked if the Board had to do anything more on the Spanish Inn
application – staff advised it will now go to Council and copies will be sent to the Board.
8. ADJOURNMENT –There being no further business, Bud Riley moved for adjournment, seconded
by Jade Nelson at 10.22 a.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be October 10, 2006 in the
Large Conference Room at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner