HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-10- HSPB minutes CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
Minutes of Meeting -Tuesday, July 10, 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 2007-2008
Excused Absences
To-Date
Sidney Williams, Chair X 1 0
Jade Nelson, Vice Chair X 0 1
John Williams X 1 0
Harold “Bud” Riley X 1 0
Brian Strahl
Sheila Grattan
Shelly Saunders
X
X
X
1
1
1
0
0
0
STAFF PRESENT:
Craig Ewing, Director of Planning
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner Loretta Moffett, Administrative Assistant
* * * * *
1. The HSPB regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10,
2007, by Chair Sidney Williams.
2. ROLL CALL: Present: S. Williams, B. Riley, B. Strahl, J. Williams, S. Grattan, and S. Saunders
Absent: J. Nelson – on vacation.
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, July 5, 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)
Steve Bashe from Washington Mutual Bank presented photos of the newly designed ATM Shade
Structure for the Class 1 nominated building at 499 South Palm Canyon Drive. Staff advised that this
project will be reviewed at a future Architectural Advisory Committee meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED.
5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Board members asked if a member can serve more than one
consecutive term. Staff read from the Ordinance 8.05.090 – Chair and Vice Chair serve one year
terms and can be re-elected for another term or terms. Board member Riley nominated Chair
Sidney Williams to serve another term. Board member Strahl seconded the nomination and then
nominated Vice Chair Nelson to also serve another term. John Williams seconded the nomination of
Jade Nelson as Vice Chair.
Vote: M/S/C (Riley/Strahl) for Sidney Williams as Chair (6 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions).
Vote: M/S/C (Strahl/J. Williams) for Jade Nelson as Vice Chair (6 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent,
0 Abstentions).
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6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Corrected Minutes of May 8, 2007.
Vote: M/S/C (J. Williams/Riley) to accept the Corrected Minutes of May 8, 2007 as
presented (6 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions).
Approval of June 12, 2007 Minutes: Corrections were requested and corrected Minutes will be
presented to the Board at the next HSPB meeting.
Vote: M/S/C (J. Williams/Riley) to approve the June 12, 2007 Minutes as corrected (6 Yes,
0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions).
7. REPORT FROM THE CHAIR: Chair S. Williams reported:
1) A ”Thank you” letter was sent to the Desert Sun regarding the articles published about the
historic markers and other historic properties.
2) The summer issue of the Atomic Ranch has an article on Don Wexler’s steel houses.
3) Time Magazine published an article about glass houses and also talks about preservation of
modern houses.
4) The City Council denied the new fee of $1,619.00 for Historic Site Class 1 Designation.
5) The Board thanked staff for all their work during the past year.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Case No. HSPB #57 Class 1 Designation of the Dr. Wm. M. Scholl House
211 East Morongo Road, Palm Springs, CA
Possible Action: Recommend Class 1 Historic Site Designation to City Council
On May 8, 2007, HSPB reviewed an application for demolition of a house, cabana, and pool at the
Wm. Scholl residence and placed a 120-day Stay of Demolition on the property in order to
investigate its significance. Dr. Scholl of the Dr. Scholl Foot Care Products Company built the
house in 1941, prior to 1945 which automatically makes it a Class 3 Historic Site, and the age
allows HSPB to evaluate the property to determine if it should be designated to a higher level of
historic classification. It is a one-story, 2,200 s.f., Spanish Colonial Revival home situated on a
group of ten lots. The house sits on two lots, the pool straddles four of the lots, and the cabana
(barbecue house) straddles two lots and may encroach into the side yard of another lot. The
owner wishes to demolish the structures in order to facilitate sale of all ten lots, and she does
not support this possible designation (letter in Board packet). The findings in Chapter 8.05 are
noted in the Staff Report.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jeff Wilson, 454 Avenida Palmera, a 30-year P.S. resident, knows the house very well and stated he
is not in favor of the demolition, and all the neighbors he has talked with are not in favor of the
demolition either.
Robert Imber, P S Modern Tours, urged the Board to recommend that this property be designated a
Class 1 Historic Site.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED.
Board member J. Williams reported that he and Board member Nelson’s findings (Subcommittee
for this project) note that the cabana barbecue may not straddle lots 42 and 43 as shown on page 4
of the Staff Report. The Staff Report photo does not appear to show the lot lines accurately.
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Craig Ewing, Director of Planning, joined the meeting and explained that this property has ten
individual lots and there is no City authority to prevent the sale of one or more of the separate lots.
The staff recommendation is based on those other lots being sold and owned separately. If the
Board wants to include the setting and cover the garden on a separate lot and the new owners
wanted to build on that separate lot, there would be a potential dilemma. Staff is recommending that
the Board only focus on the lots on which there are structures and not the larger setting – not
because setting is not important, but because there are ten lots involved and each of them could be
sold individually.
Board member Strahl pointed out that Lot 1 contains the driveway to get to Lots 2 and 3 where
the house is situated – so if the house and its buildings are designated, how does one access it?
Director Ewing advised that the applicant could apply for a new driveway if an alternative driveway is
possible by petitioning Public Works for a new encroachment for a separate driveway located within
the lots on which the structure sits and give up the driveway on the other lot.
Staff member Lyon explained that “setting” is the notion of existing conditions around a building
that are reflective of the historic period for which the building is significant.
Board member Saunders asked staff, in prior situations such as this, have letters been received
from homeowners telling staff that they are not interested in their properties being designated and
how has this situation been handled?
In some instances the property owner supports the designation and some owners do not support
designations. In the Dr. Scholl case, HSPB initiated the study and the stay of demolition to have
time to consider the site. It came about because the home owner had submitted a demolition
application. There have been instances where the City has proceeded with historic designation
over the objection of the property owner(s) – if the City has deemed the property important enough to
be preserved as a significant asset to the community.
After further Board discussion, Board member Grattan moved to approve Option 3 of the Staff
Report...”Designate only the house and naturalized landscape on the two lots on which the house is
sited a Class 1 Historic Site, and allow the demolition of the pool and cabana such that the
remaining lots may be sold separately.” Board member Riley seconded the motion.
Vote: M/S/C (Grattan/Riley) to approve the motion as stated above – 4 Yes, 2 No, 1 Absent,
0 Abstentions).
8. B. HSPB #55 – Class 1 Designation of the Oasis Commercial Building,
101-121 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA
Possible Action: Recommend Class 1 Historic Site Designation to City Council
On January 8, 2007, HSPB initiated the study and investigation of the site for possible
recommendation to the City Council. The Oasis Commercial Building was included as one of the 200
historic properties in the 2004 Historic Resources Survey of Palm Springs properties. On January
11, 2006, a demolition permit was issued to demolish two one-story hotel structures on the west side
of the site and the area was paved for additional parking. April 11, 2006, HSPB identified the Oasis
Commercial Building as one of 53 properties having characteristics that may qualify it for local, state,
or national historic designation. Staff has evaluated this property and found that it does possess
qualities possible for historic designation. The building’s exterior form is (page 4 of the Staff Report)
reflective of Villa Savoye, a very noteworthy 1920’s building by Swiss Architect Le Corbusier. The
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Oasis building is also reflective of the Oscar Niemeyer’s Brazilian Pavilion of the 1939 New York
World’s Fair. Photos are included in the Staff Report. The Oasis Commercial Building was designed
by local architect E. Stewart Williams and built in 1953 in the desert modern style. The defining
characteristics (2, 3, 4 & 5) of what makes a property historic are found on pages 7 and 8 of the Staff
Report.
Staff recommends that the HSPB refer 101-121 South Palm Canyon Drive (Oasis Commercial
Building) to the City Council for Class 1 Historic Site #55 designation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Robert Imber, P. S. Modern Tours, encouraged HSPB to recommend this property for Class 1
Historic Site designation.
Peter Moruzzi, President of the P.S. Modern Committee, stated this is truly one of the most important
historic buildings in Palm Springs.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED.
Staff noted a letter was received from the building owner requesting the item be continued to allow
time for more owner-study.
Board member Strahl supported this owners request for a continuance.
Board member J. Williams thanked Patrick McGrew for the great historic assessment on the Oasis
Commercial Building and asked about the eight criteria used, when staff and HSPB generally use
only seven. Is there any particular value to having the owner do additional research than what has
already been done through the Board, Staff, and interested parties?
Staff member Lyon explained that the eighth characteristic is the opening definition of a historic site in
Chapter 8.05 which says....”A Historic Site is any real property....” then there is a list of seven items
that comprise the historic definition. The author of this current report, Patrick McGrew, is an
architectural historian and holds substantial qualifications. The Board needs to decide whether the
request by the owner will provide additional information that will alter or change the Board’s decision.
The owner has expressed opposition to having his building designated a Class 1 Historic Site and
wants to provide additional information that may or may not change the Board’s direction on the
Oasis Commercial Building.
Board member Riley commented that Patrick McGrew’s report was spectacular and feels that
continuing this may be a delaying tactic.
Board member Grattan also felt the report was a superb historic analysis by Mr. McGrew, and
several tenants in the building are architects, so it has attracted architectural interest for some
time.
Board member Strahl commented that Mr. McGrew’s report is one of the best this Board has
reviewed, but cautioned about the value of any additional information – more information is better
information. There is on-going construction on that building every day... he is concerned that
alterations may continue in the next two or three months while waiting for this new report.
Staff member Lyon stated that the on-going work is permitted work. La Plaza and the El Mirador
Garage are multi-tenant buildings that are Class 1 Sites similar to this one.
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Board member Saunders stated she feels more comfortable having as much information as possible
to make as clear and good decision.
Board member J. Williams feels the Board should wait until September and hear the additional
information from the owner.
There was Board concern that approving this request for continuance could possibly set a
precedent for others to follow this procedure in future.
Board member Riley moved to continue this item.
Brian Strahl suggested the motion be amended to state: “Continue this item to a Special Adjourned
Meeting in August 2007, date to be selected by this Board, to allow the Oasis Commercial Building
owner time to submit additional information.
Vote: M/S/C (Riley/Williams) moved to approve the amended motion above stated by Mr.
Strahl (6 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions).
9. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUESTS:
Case No. 3.1098 – Application by Cactusberry for Awning Fabric Replacement, Signage, and
Umbrella Seating at 116 La Plaza in the La Plaza Historic Site #22.
Planning Technician Chris Ison described the project and application. Color photos were passed
to members. Staff has evaluated the application, colors, project, etc. and feels it is appropriate
and consistent with the exterior of other businesses within La Plaza Center and recommends
HSPB approval.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Owner, Darron Dahle, described the project, explained that he was not aware he had to come
before HSPB, the owner of La Plaza is aware and had approved the project, but made no mention of
this procedure. The awning has been there 16 years and needs replacement and the signage meets
the City’s Signage Program requirements.
Peter Moruzzi, President of P.S. ModCom, stated his concern and asked for clarification as to how is
it possible that one of the most historic sites in Palm Springs could have gone through this process
and been issued a permit without going before this Board.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED.
Board members are concerned that the La Plaza property owner is not advising new and/or existing
tenants of the requirements of this important Palm Springs Historic Site - - that any exterior
renovations or modifications must come before the Historic Site Preservation Board for review and
approval. It is incumbent upon HSPB and staff to advise this and other property owners of the
Historic Ordinance requirements for designated properties.
Staff responded that the awning was replaced on an existing awning structure, the bollards, etc. were
installed without application to the City. It was cited by Code Enforcement, the applicant has
cooperated and come to the City with the necessary paperwork and processing. There have
been two or three recent incidents of tenants within La Plaza not being advised by the property
owners that any exterior modifications, renovations, additions, etc. must come before HSPB for
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review and approval. It was suggested that the Board write to the property owner(s) about these
concerns.
After Board discussion, Board member Riley moved to approve the application as presented by the
Applicant. The motion was seconded by Board member Strahl.
Vote: M/S/C (Riley/Strahl) to approve the motion as stated above (6 yes, 0 No, 1 Absent,
0 Abstentions).
10. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. HSPB #57 – Extend Stay of Demolition on Dr. Wm. Scholl House
211 East Morongo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Possible Action: Extend Stay of Demolition by 60 days.
The original 120-day Stay of Demolition the Board issued on this structure will expire a day before the
regular September HSPB meeting. In the event the Board has not concluded the designation process
or other related activities on this project and City Council has not concluded their activities or
deliberations, the Board needs to issue an additional 60-day Stay of Demolition to complete the City
process on the designation consideration.
Board member J. Williams stated for the record that if the Board does not extend this Stay of
Demolition and Council has not acted on this by the September HSPB meeting, technically, a
demolition permit could be issued.
Board member Grattan moved to approve the recommendation to extend the Stay of Demolition by 60
days from the existing 120-day Stay on the Dr. Scholl House at 211 East Morongo Road, Palm
Springs. Motion was seconded by Board member J. Williams.
Vote: M/S/C (Grattan/J. Williams) to approve the motion as stated above (6 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent,
0 Abstentions).
B. HSPB #58 – The Potter Clinic
1000 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Possible Action: Designate or Terminate Study
On Tuesday, March 13, 2007, the Board voted 5 to 1 to initiate study on this site for possible
recommendation to the City Council for designation as a Class 1 Historic Site. The staff report
describes the property and staff’s interpretation of the building and analysis suggests that it does not
represent an outstanding example of the period or style of structure. Although it was associated with
E. Stewart Williams, staff has concluded that The Potter Clinic building does not represent an
exemplary piece of his architecture. It does represent early post WWII and modern architecture in the
desert, but is not an outstanding example. Staff recommends that HSPB determine that the Potter
Clinic does not meet the findings for a Class 1 Historic Site and terminate further work.
Alternatively, the Board could consider this a Class 2 Historic Site which would allow the site to be
recognized, a historic marker identifying it as a Historic Site is an option (similar to where the Desert
Inn used to be), the site could be documented, photographs taken, the Julius Schulman photos
could be used included in the file, and then allow the building to be demolished.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
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Peter Moruzzi, President of ModCom, commented that at the time of the 2005 original historic
assessment on this property, it was found to be eligible for local designation because of its association
with E. Stewart Williams. It is featured in the book “Modernism Rediscovered.” If the altered west
addition was removed, it could be brought back to its original state and would look excellent. The
Modern Committee feels it is now being subjected to ‘demolition by neglect.’
Director Ewing explained that CEQA is a state law that addresses buildings identified as having
historic significance and those buildings can be brought under CEQA review. If it is identified at state
or federal level of being of significant historic importance, then CEQA will apply. If identified at the
local level as historically significant through a formal process of Council direction under the
Ordinance, then CEQA would apply. If, in going through the process, it is determined that a building
is not historically significant, then CEQA does not apply.
Peter Moruzzi, P.S. ModCom, explained that if a ‘fair argument’ can be made that a property is a
historic resource, it is therefore eligible to be considered for the purposes of CEQA review. The
courts have looked at this as “lets be careful, if a fair argument can be made that something is historic
– let the CEQA process go forward.” This typically involves some kind of initial study and a deeper
assessment of the status of that property as a historical resource. CEQA is to allow review of
resources - - in this case a cultural or historic resource. Example – there is plenty of evidence in the
administrative record that shows there is a fair argument that the Potter Clinic is historic. The lead
agency in this case is the City. City staff do not agree that it’s a historic resource and feels the only
way it can be so defined is if the City designates it formally through the City Council. Courts have
generally ruled that if a fair argument can be made that its a historic resource preponderance should
be toward that argument until it can be proved in the process. There is evidence that shows this is a
historic resource. He strongly disagrees with the concept that simply because staff has determined it
is not a historic resource and because it has not been designated by the City that it is not a historic
resource under CEQA law.
Director Ewing agrees that fair argument is the threshold for triggering CEQA and that is conducted
through the review process at the local level by the Council through review of information
considered against the language of the city’s ordinance. After reviewing, if it is the Council’s
determination that the significance of the setting, significance of persons associated with the site,
and significance of alterations done to the property do not ultimately meet the threshold for local
designation, then that is an important decision in ending the fair argument case.
Peter Moruzzi pointed out that this is why so many of these cases are litigated – because the general
public is the force mechanism for CEQA. It’s because of cities not appropriately (in his opinion)
applying CEQA law that these lawsuits come forward.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED.
Board member J. Williams outlined that the Board has three basic actions that can be taken today:
(1) no action; (2) recommend for Class 1 designation; or (3) recommend for Class 2 designation.
Whatever the Board does, it’s important not to be legally challenged. If the Board decides not to
oppose demolition, and if the owners want to demolish the building, it’s important that it’s done in
such a way that the owner will not be challenged in court.
Board member J. Williams moved that the Board request City Council to designate The Potter
Clinic at 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA as Class 2 Historic Site #58, and
that HSPB would not oppose demolition, but HSPB does request documentation and that a
photographic archive be prepared on this property before any demolition commences. Board
member Riley seconded the motion.
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Discussion: None
Vote: M/S/C (J. Williams/Riley) to approve the motion as stated above (5 Yes, 1 No, 1 Absent,
0 Abstentions).
10. C. Community Outreach – Work Plan report from Subcommittee on Noticing Owners
Possible Action: Adopt Work Plan and Begin Work
Board member Grattan reported that the Subcommittee has met, and basically arrived at a two-
pronged approach:
(1) Short-term Plan to involve some of the Class 3 properties and people who want to move up to
Class 1 sites.
(2) Long-term, in the 70th Anniversary of Palm Springs, there can be cross-promotion with the Julius
Shulman exhibit by having HSPB exhibits of property circulated to places such as the VillageFest,
Mizell Center, Palm Springs Mall, etc. The overall global part would be a number of plans for various
audiences that have been identified by the Council. Subcommittee is still working on the report and
hope to have it ready in August.
10. D. Historic Districts – Work Plan report from Subcommittee
Possible action: Adopt Work Plan and Begin Work
Chair S. Williams reported that the Subcommittee of board members Riley, J. Williams, and herself
met with Patrick McGrew, Historic Historian, and staff member Lyon to discuss possibility of
designating historic districts and drafted the first Work Plan (distributed to members and
described) outlining eight action areas (attached for reference).
Staff member Lyon and Chair S. Williams will attend the Tennis Club Homeowners Association
meeting next Monday to discuss what a historic district would mean to them, what would be involved,
etc. and to access their interest.
Staff member Lyon asked that the Board discuss this proposed Historic District Work Plan and
agree that this is appropriate, what should be done, is happening in the right sequence, gather other
ideas from members that would make this better, and then vote to approve and begin work.
Board member J. Williams asked that “Final Presentation to the Neighborhood of the HSP Board
Findings” be added before recommending to City Council...possibly under Item #6.
Board member Saunders asked that the Mesa Area be added to #1 – Potential Historic Districts.
Staff member Lyon asked that the list be prioritized once it has been approved by the Board. The
Board needs to agree that the Tennis Club is the starting point.
Board member Strahl asked what the Subcommittee would be presenting to the Tennis Club
members – what does it mean to a property owner within the area and what are the benefits vs.
detriments? Does the Subcommittee feel they have answers to all the questions that may arise from
homeowners?
Staff member Lyon explained that he is attending in case something comes up, he feels that he
may have most of the answers to questions, but those questions without answers will be
researched and reported back to the neighborhood.
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Board member Riley reported that it has been documented, at a national level, that no property within
a historic district has ever gone down in value.
Chair S. Williams reported that the Tennis Club has already identified their neighborhood as a
historic district and there is eagerness and enthusiasm in their group.
Board member Saunders suggested that the Board prepare an easy to understand “bullet point”
document that explains the pros and cons of historic properties. Is the Board moving too quickly in
going to the neighborhood meeting before deciding what type of information is going to be
discussed. She stressed that this should be simple and as clear as possible.
Staff member Lyon commented that this ties directly into the Community Outreach Subcommittee -
how to communicate effectively, simply, and in an easy to understand way to people who own historic
buildings and to people who have the potential to bring their properties in as Class 1 historic sites.
The Ordinance 8.05 gives clear information, but technical information is difficult to understand in
some instances, and HSPB offers a level of expertise of what makes a building historic and
important, and can provide valuable information and assistance to property owners who may need
and want advice.
Chair S. Williams advised that the attendance at this meeting is not to push this, but to provide
information as background and as a beginning of the process so the neighborhood can begin
discussing and determine their own interests.
Board member Strahl supports the draft Work Plan and moved to accept and approve this Historic
District Work Plan with the Tennis Club being the first project. Board member Grattan seconded
the motion.
Discussion: Board member Grattan suggested a separate brochure on the benefits and respon-
sibilities of owning a Class 1 Historic Site based on the information gathered at this and other
neighborhood meetings.
Vote: M/S/C (Strahl/Grattan) to approve the motion as stated above (6 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent,
0 Abstentions).
Board member Strahl moved that this Historic District Work Plan be continued to the next meeting.
Chair S. Williams seconded the motion.
Vote: M/S/C (Strahl/S. Williams) to approve continuing the Work Plan to the next meeting
( 6 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions).
11. A. Media Outreach – John Williams
Passed around copies of historic articles published in the Desert Sun.
B. Palm Springs Preservation Foundation – Jade Nelson
Chair S. Williams reported, in Vice Chair Nelson’s absence, that a November 11 event is
being planned called “Palm Springs Re-Imagined”. Letters requesting ideas how to “Preserve
the Best and Update the Rest” have been sent to more than 250 architects, planners, and
designers. (She read additional information from their web site information www.pspf.com)
C. P.S. Modern Committee - John Williams
PS ModCom map was given to each member and staff by Peter Moruzzi. The Map is
available for $5.00 at the P.S. Visitors Center.
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D. Architecture Design Council - Sidney Williams
In planning stages for the upcoming year. Along with the 70th Anniversary of the City of
Palm Springs, 2008 will be the 70th anniversary of the Palm Springs Art Museum. A large
exhibition is planned called “Julius Shulman – Palm Springs”.” It will focus on the P.S.
architecture that Mr. Shulman recorded in his photographs.
E. Work Plan 2007/2008 - Staff member Ken Lyon
The Board needs to draft a Work Plan for 2007/2008, including those on-going and sub-
committee items – staff will assist.
Board member Grattan suggested coordination with the Public Arts Commission in terms of
how art is sited with various architecture and especially with Cass 1 Historic properties.
Perhaps attend one of their meetings or work with a Subcommittee from both groups. She
strongly recommended using “Historic Markers” and eradicate the word “plaque.”
Board member Strahl suggested that the Work (business) Plan be prepared next year at
the same time as the Budget. He feels more time is needed for input and ideas before a
final determination is made for 2007/2008.
Board member J. Williams suggested Historic Districts be included in the Work Plan,
and asked if staff knows of any Class 1 sites that qualify for state and national historic
designation. He feels the Board should pursue moving some of the Class 1 sites to higher
state and national levels. Palm Springs only has one – Frances Stevens School – that is on the
state historic register at this time.
Chair S. Williams advised that the owner of the Kaufmann-Harris House (HSPB #29) is applying
for state historic registration and recognition.
12. STAFF & OTHER REPORTS:
The Board packets included “How to Apply the National Criteria to Historic Designations” and article
provided by Patrick McGrew, which is important for the Board to have and become familiar with.
The packet also contained an “information only” legal notice from P S Mod Com and their attorney
Chatten-Brown & Carstens regarding the City Council’s actions on the Santa Fe Federal Building
at 300 South Palm Canyon Drive and the Baristo Lofts – no action needed on this.
13. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
Board member Grattan commented that the London Times published a Palm Springs article on
July 4 titled “Stay With Palm Springs Stars.”
Board member J. Williams commented that the Bank of America Designation is going to City
Council on July 18, 2007, and he urged Board members to attend that meeting.
Staff advised that the Board needs to discuss if they want to continue this meeting to August and not
go dark. Invernada is a possibly August item, the Oasis Commercial Building another August item.
Staff has been contacted by a local business owner who has a Class 1 Site about bringing in a
revision to his signage. If the Board chooses to work through August, there are several items that
need Board attention soon.
Board member J. Williams asked if Casa Cody Inn could be heard if there is an August meeting.
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Staff member Lyon advised that the Casa Cody Inn Application is being revised to facilitate
preparation of the comprehensive report.
Board member J. Williams reported that the Warm Sands Neighborhood Organization started a
Historical Committee, and he visited with Sally and Jeri at the Historical Society who provided
outstanding maps and information about the Warm Sands area. The Historical Society is a great
resource and has lots of information that will help the historic districts efforts.
14. ADJOURNMENT:
After discussion and checking availability of a meeting space, the Board members agreed to
continue this meeting on August 21, 2007. At 10:54 a.m. it was moved and seconded to adjourn
this July 10, 2007 HSPB meeting to 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 to be held in the
Council Chamber at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner
Attachments - Proposed Work Plan for Nominating and Designating Historic Districts