Historic Preservation Commission

City of Fresno City Hall 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, July 25, 2022 6:00 PM Regular Meeting In Person and/or Electronic Room 2165N (Conference Room A) Historic Preservation Commission Chair - Jason Hatwig, LEED, AP, BD C Vice Chair - Robin Goldbeck Commissioners: Christopher Rocha, Paul Halajian, AIA; Don Simmons, PhD; M.A.; James Sponsler; Staff: Jennifer Clark, Director; Mary Raterman-Doidge, Senior Deputy City Attorney; Janice Monroe, M.A. II; Myrna Rivas, Administrative Clerk Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission PUBLIC ADVISORY THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND CITY HALL WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT A LIMITED CAPACITY. THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WELCOMES YOU TO ROOM 2165A, LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2ND FLOOR, 2600 FRESNO STREET, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93721. The meeting can also be viewed live at 6:00 P.M. on Comcast Channel 96 and AT&T channel 99. Chambers, located in City Hall Room 2165A, are open for public participation. Members of the public are encouraged to participate electronically because of reduced capacity of seating in the Chambers to allow for social distancing. Masks will be required for the vaccinated and unvaccinated. Pursuant to the Executive Order, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in the Commission meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office, 559-621-7650 within 48 hours of the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT The following options are available for members of the public who want to attend and /or address the Historic Preservation Commission: 1. eComment at https://fresno.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. a) eComments is a tool for citizens to use to make comments on agenda items. It will be closed at the start of the meeting and will be a part of the official record. The User Agreement and Procedures document for eComment can be accessed by the URL https://www.fresno.gov/cityclerk/ b) eComments will be a maximum of 450 words. OR 2. You are invited to a Zoom webinar. a) If you would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the meeting remotely from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device. City of Fresno Page 2 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission Please use URL: https://zoom.us/j/95457849931 b) Those addressing the Commission must state their name and address for the record. OR 3. Join by Phone a) Dial: US: 1 669 900 9128 Enter Webinar ID: 954 5784 9931 b) Those addressing the Commission must state their name and address for the record. OR 4. Email a) Attendees may also email comments to Alicia.Gonzales@fresno.gov to be read during the meeting. Please include the agenda date and item number you wish to speak on in the subject line of your email (e.g., January 25, 2021 - Item A). And, please include your name and address for the record at the top of the body of your email. b) Emails are not to exceed 150 words. c) All comments received will be distributed to the Commission prior and during the meeting and will be a part of the official record. Any interested person may appear at the public hearing and present written testimony, or speak in favor or against the matters scheduled on the agenda. If you challenge these matters in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in oral or written testimony at or before the close of the hearing. The City of Fresno thanks you in advance for taking all precautions to prevent spreading COVID-19 virus. City of Fresno Page 3 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Hatwig called meeting to order at 6:00pm Also present were Director of Planning and Development, Jennifer Clark, Senior Deputy City Attorney Mary Raterman-Doidge, Management Analyst II, Janice Monroe, and Administrative Clerk, Myrna Rivas. Present 5 - Chair Jason Hatwig, Vice Chair Robin Goldbeck, Commissioner Don Simmons, Commissioner James W Sponsler, and Commissioner Paul Halajian Absent 1 - Commissioner Christopher Rocha II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES III-A ID 22-1113 June 27, 2022, Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes. 6:03pm On motion of Vice Chair Goldbeck, seconded by Commissioner Sponsler, that the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Goldbeck, Commissioner Sponsler and Commissioner Halajian Absent: 1 - Commissioner Rocha Abstain: 1 - Commissioner Simmons IV. APPROVE AGENDA 6:04pm On motion of Commissioner Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Simmons,the AGENDA was APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Goldbeck, Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Sponsler and Commissioner Halajian Absent: 1 - Commissioner Rocha City of Fresno Page 4 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission V. CONSENT CALENDAR N/A VI. CONTINUED MATTERS VI-A ID 22-1112 HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on application P22-01337 for the installation of a sign to HP# 160 Sun Stereo located at 736/742 Fulton St. (APN 46825608). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take the following actions: 1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15331/Class 31 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines 2. APPROVE: Application P22-01337 for the installation of a sign to HP# 160 Sun Stereo located at 736/742 Fulton St. (APN46825608) with conditions. 6:05pm Commissioner Halajian recused himself from item. Present for comment & question were Steven Martinez (planner on project) & Rudy Contreras (Sign maker on behalf of applicant). Vice Chair Goldbeck asked for clarification on the color of the proposed sign and stated the font was a good representation of the era. When asking about any other signs on the building she was told none were planned. Sponsler asked about the status of potential name change on register after a discussion in a previous meeting, to which Director Clark explained that the proper documentation hasn't been received. When and if a name alteration occurs it will likely be added to existing name rather than changing completely. Sponsler noted that the LED neon is a significant option and may become a potential alternative for other businesses in the area going forward. City of Fresno Page 5 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission Contreras explained to the Commission there is a one year warranty on the sign and that the life expectancy is about ten years. No comments from the Public On motion of Commissioner Sponsler, seconded by Vice Chair Goldbeck, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Goldbeck, Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Sponsler Absent: 1 - Commissioner Rocha Recused: 1 - Commissioner Halajian VII. COMMISSION ITEMS VII-A ID 22-952 Annual Election a. Chair and Vice Chair of Historic Preservation Commission b. Reappointment of Subcommittees 6:19pm a.) Chair/Vice Chair Chair Hatwig requested to continue as Chair if there was no opposition and the Commission showed favor in this suggestion. He also suggested Commissioner Sponsler take on the role of Vice Chair. Simmons, Halajian, and Goldbeck supported this suggestion. b.) Subcommittees Historic Names Subcommittee: Clark suggested this group become an ad hoc committee and appointed as needed. The Commission agreed to disband the subcommittee and reappoint when/if necessary. Architectural Review Subcommittee: Clark stated this is usually comprised of architects, engineers, and at least two people in the field. Hatwig will replace Goldbeck whose final meeting is City of Fresno Page 6 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission 7/25/22. (Halajian/Hatwig) Economic Incentive Program Subcommittee: Feedback from the Commission is that this is a very handy subcommittee to have on file and that the site visits have been increasingly successful after the same people know what to expect. Sponsler noted this group may be helpful with the potential Historic Districts. The Commission decided to maintain the members (Simmons/Rocha). Citibank Abacus Review Subcommittee: Clark explained this was an ad hoc group appointed for a specific situation and asked if it could be disband or remain until the project is complete. Halajian & Simmons suggested maintaining subcommittee installation. Members remain as assigned (Halajian/Sponsler) Signs & Plaques Subcommittee: Newly appointed committee will remain (Rocha/Sponsler). On motion of Commissioner Halajian, seconded by Commissioner Simmons, that the above Action Item be APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Goldbeck, Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Sponsler and Commissioner Halajian Absent: 1 - Commissioner Rocha VII-B ID 22-1114 WORKSHOP regarding the Commissioners’ recommendations for the Mayor’s budget of $150,000 for historic district studies 6:32pm Director Clark opened the discussion with the Commission on how to use the newly budgeted funds towards refreshing or new surveys, outreach, and Council/HPC hearings. She also voiced concern for acknowledging size of some projects when determining priority list. VII-C ID 22-1168 WORKSHOP with Fresno Arts Council and High-Speed Rail regarding a potential mural on China Alley, located on buildings at 1528-1544 Tulare St. City of Fresno Page 7 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission 6:40pm Ms. Gonzalez Chavez, the Executive Director of the Fresno Arts Council, was present for comments and questions. Chavez displayed the proposed mural by local artist, Mauro Carrera, and talked about the goal of the design was to pay homage to the history. Chavez reported no permanent aspects would be changed in their proposal and no complaints have been brought to their attention. Simmons asked if there were any specific Japanese symbols in the design and Chavez did not recognized anything being specifically Japanese and explained the input/approval from the Chinatown Committee on the design. The Commission discussed anti-graffiti measures and treatments to the alley facing facade. Chavez explained to Sponsler that Caltrans will be funding the project. When he asked about any restoration of the building, Chavez noted the Fresno Arts Council is not part of any work beyond the mural. Sponsler asked if anyone knew about the boarded upTulare-facing side of the building. A representative of the construction team spoke up from the audience stating it is a temporary mitigation measure to protect the building during the construction of the Tulare under-crossing VII-D ID 22-1050 STAFF UPDATE regarding Belmont Subway Plaque 6:55pm Amy MacKinnon (High Speed Rail) and Marianna Fusich-Waller (Project Construction Management (PCM) with High Speed Rail Authority) were present for comments and questions. Fusich-Waller proposed 3 options and the Commission agreed HSR should move forward with an exact replica and the Historic Preservation Commission's approved design from 2020. She asked that all questions be directed to the Cultural Resources Oversight PCM, Dr. Amanda Harvey (not City of Fresno Page 8 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission present) at Amanda.Harvey@hsr.ca.gov. When Simmons asked who is responsible for plaque replacement, Director Clark stated she would confirm and report back. Sponsler asked who has the right of way now that they are starting construction at the site. Director Clark will check with Department of Public Works and report back. Sponsler voiced frustration about the responsible parties not doing their due diligence to protect the plaques and remaining historic resources of the Subway that have been lost. He stated his frustration with Dr. Harvey's absence in the meeting or someone who could answer questions. VII-E ID 22-1163 UPDATE on current status of rehabilitation of the Liberty Theater (HP# 171) located at 944 Van Ness Ave (APN 46825109) 7:13pm Terrence Pearson, project manager, was present for comments and questions. After reporting the progress of construction, Pearson asked for assistance in moving forward with City permits with next phase of work, including the sign. Hatwig confirmed HPC has approved everything and given guidance. Staff will check status of applications and reach out to applicant. VII-F ID 22-1212 UPDATE regarding demolition permit B22-09964 on the John B. Frinchaboy Home (HP#251), located at 243 N. College (APN 45923102) after a fire on July 6, 2022. 7:28pm Director Clark described the damage was beyond repair and demolition was approved due to safety concerns at director's discretion. Commissioners discussed delisting the property from the register as well as recent properties that have come to the Commission in the last year. City of Fresno Page 9 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission Director Clark said we will bring a list to the Commission for delisting upon noticing. Roger Taylor asked about damage to adjacent buildings as a result of the fire and City engineer, Richard Trimble, reported seeing no additional damage in his site visit. VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT N/A IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS 7:34PM IX. - A. Members of the Commission N/A IX. - B. Staff Director Clark talked about the staffing updates within Historic Preservation in the absence of a Specialist on staff. 3 architects are on staff for triagge of applications as they come in. The use of consultants for various tasks (packets to HPC, 106 reviews & CEQA, and economic incentive programs). She also introduced new Administrative Clerk, Myrna Rivas, to the Historic Preservation team. Clark also reminded the Commission that with Goldbeck leaving there will be two openings, to which the Commissioners reported having candidates in mind that are submitting applications. IX. - C. General Public Linda Scambray (chairman of Heritage group) thanked the Commission and Staff for their efforts. To address the topics discussed in the meeting, she made suggestions for the proposed mural to include local businesses and added that the underpass has storage compartments in the sides that staff may open to check for original lamp posts. She also stated that there is a Visitor's Center sign on the freeway but there is no longer a Visitor's Center at the Water Tower anymore and should be removed or directed to someone City of Fresno Page 10 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 25, 2022 Commission else. X. NEXT MEETING 8/22/2002 XI. ADJOURNMENT Before adjourning, Commissioners paid tribute to Vice Chair Goldbeck. Chair Hatwig adjourned meeting at 7:47pm City of Fresno Page 11