HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-12- HSPB minutes CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
Minutes of Meeting -Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, California 92262
BOARD MEMBERS
Present
This Meeting
Present
Year-to-Date
FY 2006-2007
Excused Absences
To-Date
Sidney Williams, Chairperson X 13 0
Jade Nelson, Vice Chair X 11 2
James Hayton X 11 2
John Williams X 12 1
Harold “Bud” Riley X 13 0
Brian Strahl
Sheila Grattan
Shelly Saunders
X
X
X
11
1
1
0
0
0
STAFF PRESENT:
Ken Lyon, Associates Planner Loretta Moffett, Administrative Assistant
* * * * *
1. The HSPB regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 8:16 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11,
2007, by Chair Sidney Williams.
2. ROLL CALL: Present: S. Williams, J. Nelson, B. Riley, B. Strahl, J. Williams, J. Hayton,
S. Grattan (new), and S. Saunders (new)
3. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: This 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, June 7, 2007.
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.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (3 minutes) - N O N E
MAY 8 MINUTES: Board member Nelson asked for the following corrections: Page 2, Item 8.A
“monument type, unlit sign”; page 3 under Public Comments, first #3, should be #2; sixth
paragraph ...”Board member Nelson reported that the garage is original...”; page 4 under Public
Comments Roxann Ploss....”one of the small cottages as an Olympic...”; Chair S. Williams
advised that on Page 5, Item 10.B. Russell Wright, designer of pottery and interior goods” should be
noted.
M/S/C (Riley/J. Williams) moved to approve the May 8, 2007 Minutes as corrected (5 Yes,
0 No, 0 Absent, 1 Abstention, Advisory new members Grattan and Saunders).
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Minutes from the June 12, 2007 Meeting
6. REPORT FROM THE CHAIR: Chair S. Williams welcomed new Board members Sheila Grattan
and Shelly Saunders.
Chair S. Williams reported that at the May 23 HSPB joint study session with the City Council, the
Council declined to make the HSPB recommended revisions to the Historic Ordinance. Their
recommendation was for HSPB to expand the educational efforts and opportunities to those who
are interested in classifying their properties. HSPB needs to determine what can be done to
expand its educational outreach to the community to encourage class 1 designations and
preservation of properties. The Desert Sun has been running a series of articles about the historic
marker installation of six different properties that is currently underway. She s a letter to the Desert
Sun would be worthwhile thanking them for the coverage and to clarify that these properties were
designated over a period of time and were just now having historic markers installed.
The Board unanimously agreed to Chair S. Williams writing this letter.
New Board members Grattan and Saunders introduced themselves and gave a brief explanation of
their interests in preservation.
Chair S. Williams thanked James (Jim) Hayton for all the work and contributions he’s made in
behalf of the Board, historic preservation, and the community, as well as to say “good-bye”.
Departing Board member Hayton commented that he would also cherish his time on the Board and
helping to preserve some of the City’s historic properties.
Staff member Lyon also thanked Jim for all his contributions, staff appreciated working with him.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Case No. HSPB #52 - Application for Class 1 Designation of the City National Bank
Building / Bank of America, 588 South Palm Canyon Drive
Staff member Ken Lyon reported that Bank of America e-mailed their support of the designation of
this property – a copy is included in the staff report in the Board packet. He briefly summarized,
information contained in the extensive staff report. The Board action for today would be to
recommend to City Council that this property be designated as a Class 1 Historic Site - #52 at their
July 18, 2007 Council meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Tony Merchel, Board member of Palm Springs Modern Committee, spoke in behalf of
ModCom’s support of the Class 1 designation for the City National Bank building, and gave
information about Rudy Baumfeld’s work. The decorative screen on the second floor of the
north façade was a site-specific design by San Diego artist, Malcolm Leland who designed
architectural screens and elements primarily in San Diego.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED.
Staff member Lyon added that an ATM structure has been installed on the north side
terrace. The staff report recognized that was added later and is not part of the original
building. It is sympathetic to the architecture, but is not part of the defining characteristics of this
building.
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Minutes from the June 12, 2007 Meeting
M/S/C (Hayton/Riley) moved for approval of Case HSPB #52 application for Class 1
Historic Site designation of the City National Bank Building/Bank of America at 588 South
Palm Canyon Drive (6 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 2 Abstentions).
8. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUESTS: N O N E
9. OTHER BUSINESS: (taken out of order)
B. Application for a Mills Act Contract – 3125 North Sunny View Drive - HSPB #42
by Mr. Brian W. McGuire, Owner
Possible Action: Recommend the City Council enter into a Mills Act Agreement with
Mr. McGuire
Staff member Lyon advised that this Wexler/Steel house is one of seven Wexler/Steel homes that
were classified as Historic Class 1 Sites on May 2, 2001. This site does have the credentials
necessary for the HSP Board and City Council to consider the Mills Act Agreement between the
City and Mr. McGuire the owner.
M/S/C (J. Williams/Nelson) moved that HSPB recommend to the City Council that the City
enter into a Mills Act Agreement with Mr. McGuire for the Class 1 property at 3125 North
Sunny View Drive. (6 yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 2 Abstentions –Saunders & Grattan).
A. Discussion of Historic Districts
Staff member Lyon advised that the City of Palm Springs does not have any Historic Districts
formally recognized; however there may be a few areas that qualify because of their collection of
significant buildings. Board review and knowledge of the Ordinance and how the mechanisms of
historic districts work is necessary. A prioritized list of sites or areas of the City worthy of
consideration for historic districts is needed to start this process.
The process for designating is basically the same as for a historic site. The first step is to identify
a neighborhood or physical boundaries being considered for historic district designation. Each
one of the sites (properties) within that area would then be evaluated the same way a single site is
evaluated.
Board members discussed various aspects of what is required for the designation of a historic
district and the impact on the properties within the designated area. Property owners must
be involved and educated on all the aspects of what a Historic District designation entails;
however property owner consent is not a requirement for a Class 1 designation. Working
with neighborhood organizations is important.
Board member Saunders suggested using the Survey list of 200 to establish the districts and
gave the example of there being 24 properties listed in the Survey from the 100 to the 2000 block
of North Palm Canyon Drive.
Other examples were given such as Old Las Palmas, Tennis Club area, Movie Colony, Araby,
Little Tuscany, etc., that would focus on distinctive areas and create visitor service and tourism
interest. A survey of all the homeowners within a district/area and a sub-committee to meet with
the neighborhood organizations were recommended.
Staff member Lyon suggested the sub-committee prepare a “work plan” first that includes:
(1) Identification of the boundaries of the neighborhood;
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Minutes from the June 12, 2007 Meeting
(2) preparation of a proposal for outreach and education for property owners in that neighborhood;
(3) determination of how to engage neighborhood organization and present a proposal to them.
Board members John Williams, Bud Riley, and Chair Sidney Williams volunteered for the Historic
District Sub-Committee.
Staff member Lyon suggested input from all the Board members and that the sub-committee
come back next meeting with a preliminary work plan of the coordinated efforts. Staff will work
with the sub-committee to bring this all together for presentation at the next meeting and then
move forward from that point.
Board member J. Williams moved that the Board identify the Historic Tennis Club
district as the first potential Historic District in Palm Springs, and before moving
forward a ‘Historic District Work Plan’ be developed and presented to the HSPB at the July
meeting by the sub-committee of J. Williams, S. Williams, and B. Riley. Board member B.
Riley seconded the motion as modified.
M/S/C (J. Williams/Riley) to approve the motion as re-stated above (6 Yes, 2 Yes-Advisory
(Saunders & Grattan) 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions).
10. A. Media Outreach – John Williams distributed copies of the recent Desert Sun’s historic articles.
Staff member Lyon noted that the captions are now rolling on the historic photos, and Rick Lee
coordinator of Channel 17 has received complimentary public comments.
B. Palm Springs Preservation Foundation – Jade Nelson – No report
C. P.S. Modern Committee - John Williams passed around the new map. It is for sale at the P.S.
Visitor’s Center.
E. Architecture & Design Council - Sidney Williams reported they are in the process of planning the
lectures and symposiums series for next year. The Modernism Week committee comprised of
the A&DC, ModCom, Preservation Foundation, and the Historical Society jointly applied to the
City Council for support and it was approved for $20,000.
11. STAFF & OTHER REPORTS: (taken out of order)
B. Case 5.1155 PD-33 - “Museum Market Plaza” - 174 North Palm Canyon Drive
The Town & Country Building / Fashion Plaza demolition and redevelopment
This is on the Agenda for information only. An application has come into the City for the
redevelopment of the properties comprising the Town & Country Center, Zeldaz, and the
Desert Fashion Plaza. It’ a large application, is moving through the Planning process right
now coordinated by Edward Robertson, Principal Planner. A lot of calls from the community
have been received about the demolition – the application includes demolition and
redevelopment. It is not the intent of the City to issue demolition permits in advance of the
entitlement on the project.
Martha Higgins, representative from Wessman Holdings, LLC, read from a prepared
statement (copy attached) opposing the listing of the Town & Country Center at 174 North
Palm Canyon Drive as a Class 1 Historic Structure. She stated that the developers would
probably present the project at a future HSPB meeting for information only.
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Minutes from the June 12, 2007 Meeting
A. Follow-up from Joint Council & HSPB Study Session of May 23 on Ordinance Revisions
(1) Outreach and Education of the 53 owners of significant buildings identified
in the 2004 Survey
Board member Strahl asked if the Board could approach the 53 owners in a letter saying ...
“Here is the prepared by a professional Historic Resources company in San Francisco that
says your property is important because..........would you be interested in making your building
a Class 1 Historic Site. If yes, check here...” Give the Mills Act information to them as a
carrot.. then come back with 30 or 40 of those property owners who says “sure” – take that to
the Council saying here, these owners are ready to go....rather than spending so much time
and research in preparation of such extensive reports.
Staff commented that as long as the report to Council identifies the objective criteria and
findings for each site – that’s the essence of what required. Staff will provide enough
information for HSPB and the City Council to make an intelligent and informed decision.
It was suggested that an educational workshop with the owners of potential Class 1 sites
might gain their interest and support as well as assistance in preparing the reports.
Board member Nelson suggested that each Board member take 7 or 8 of the 53 properties,
do the investigative research for the history, prepare a brief report on each, and bring back to
the Board for discussion.
Board member John Williams suggested cleaning up the list and make contact with the
property owners to determine the level of interest prior to starting any research. Outreach is
the first step.
Board member Strahl moved that HSPB form a sub-committee to start the process of
investigating and reviewing the 53 properties and informing the property owners in
order to proceed with encouraging Class 1 designations and to keep the Board
informed of the sub-committees activities. Sub-committee members will be Brian
Strahl, Jade Nelson, and Sheila Grattan. The motion was seconded by Board member
Sheila Grattan.
The sub-committee will prepare a Work Plan and submit at the next HSPB meeting.
M/S/C (Strahl/Grattan) to approve the motion as stated above (6 Yes, 2 Yes-Advisory,
0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions).
Board member Bud Riley summarized outcome of joint meeting with Council related to the
Ordinance Revisions:
1 – Class 3 Definition Changes - Council rejected;
2 – Penalties for non-permitted demolition or alterations - will be discussed with the City
Attorney;
3 – Historic Marker program was approved;
4 – Provisions for Site Inspections – Council agreed; and
5 – Public Notice Requirements – Council agreed.
Staff member Lyon reported that the City Council approved the City’s annual budget for
2007/2008. HSPB had requested $20,000. Council evaluated this request and approved
$7,000, the previous budget was $4,800.
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The State Historic Resources Commission has approached to City to use the Council
Chamber on November 2 for their annual meeting. Staff will update the Board as information
is available.
Updates requested:
1 - Colony Palms Hotel – has received partial occupancy. The mural in the basement has
been protected (photo pass around).
2 - Oasis Commercial Building – a new tenant Del Mar Taco installed a wooden stockade
fence and Palm Frond Palapas Umbrellas in their storefront. Those were not permitted
and Code Enforcement is reviewing.
3 - Orchid Tree – there has been a demolition application by the Pali-House Development to
remove the 1915 Bungalow which burned about a year ago. That has been processed
and the demolition will go forward. The stay of demolition that was placed on that has
expired. The hotel will be re-opened and is not going to proceed with the project at this
time.
4 - Spanish Inn project is still moving forward.
5 - Racquet Club re-development - moving forward.
6 - Indian Manor – moving forward.
7 - The Potter Clinic at 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive – the building is not being
maintained. Compliance date for board-up and clean-up was not met and the City’s
abatement contractor has been directed to secure and clean the property.
8 - Riviera Hotel at 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive- no construction activity at the site, the
property owner has been notified that the building permit has expired and plans for
renovation must be submitted or remove the chain link fencing and maintain the
property.
Reminder that August is dark for HSPB and Council.
The Comprehensive Fee Schedule for new fiscal year 2007/2008 that begins July 1, 2007
includes fees for Historic Site Designation Applications by individuals, Mills Act applications,
and Class 3 Demolition requests.
Board member Saunders commented this could be a good marketing tool...HSPB could
recommend an owners property and there would not be a fee. This can be turned around for
a positive approach.
Board member Strahl compared the $540 fee for demolition vs. $1,619.00 for Class 1
designation – this is not reasonable. The Council encouraged the Board to educate the
community as to the importance of preservation and historic designations, but may approve a
fee that is a deterrent.
Board member Grattan moved that HSPB recommend to the City Council that they
deny these newly suggested fees and that the City continue to subsidize the costs of
historic preservation applications based on the fact that designation is a public benefit.
Board member Nelson seconded the motion.
M/S/C (Grattan/Nelson) to approve the motion as stated above (6 Yes, 2 Yes-Advisory,
0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions).
Chair S. Williams volunteered to speak about the fees at the June 20 City Council meeting.
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Minutes from the June 12, 2007 Meeting
Board member Strahl asked about the Oasis Building’s Okura Restaurant.
Board member J. Williams asked the status of the Potter Clinic at 1000 North Palm Canyon
Drive. Staff reported that the Board initiated designation proceedings and did not put a Stay
of Demolition on this property. It is not one that staff is currently working on, but it an
application for demolition came in, staff would send a courtesy notice to HSPB members.
12. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
Board member Nelson remarked that repairs are needed on the city-owned Welwood Murray
Library (peeling paint, wood damage, was painted off-white when original color was a pale green,
various deferred maintenance. The McCallum Adobe and Little Cornelia’s House are also suffering
from deferred maintenance. The El Paseo building, Class 1 site, has signs in the window about
an all new renovation project with a note on the bottom thanking the City Council.
Staff will look into the maintenance and the El Paseo matters, and that the Santa Fee Federal
building (Baristo Lofts) is moving through the Architectural Advisory Committee at the June 25
meeting and tentatively June 27 for Planning Commission. No date yet for the City Council hearing.
Associate Planner Fred Lowndes will keep Chair S. Williams advised.
Board member Nelson advised that he will be out of the country for the July 10 meeting and asked
for support in the election of Chair and urged that Bud Riley be supported for Vice Chair.
13. ADJOURNMENT: Board member Riley moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:28 a.m. Motion
unanimously carried.
The next regular meeting of HSPB will be Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 8:15 a.m. in the Large
Conference room at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner
:ldm
Attachment Martha Higgins Statement re Museum Market Plaza/Town & Country Center