Historic Preservation Commission

City of Fresno City Hall 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, September 26, 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 - James Sponsler Commissioners: Christopher Rocha, Paul Halajian, AIA; Don Simmons, PhD; M.A.; 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 September 26, 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 September 26, 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 Historic.Preservation@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 September 26, 2022 Commission I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Hatwig called meeting to order at 6:09 P.M. Present 4 - Chair Jason Hatwig, Vice Chair James W Sponsler, Commissioner Christopher Rocha, and Commissioner Don Simmons Absent 1 - Commissioner Paul Halajian II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ Chair Hatwig read the procedures out loud. III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES III-A ID 22-1449 August 22, 2022, Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes. 6:10 P.M. On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Rocha, that the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha and Commissioner Simmons Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian IV. APPROVE AGENDA 6:11 P.M. Vice Chair Sponsler pointed out that the sub item numbers under Section VII should be changed to VII-A, VII-B and VII-C, because they currently say VI. Chair Hatwig clarified that attachment D under item VII-A was added for context and history. It was not a record for the proposed property, specifically. On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Rocha,the above AGENDA was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Fresno Page 4 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final September 26, 2022 Commission Aye: 4 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha and Commissioner Simmons Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian V. CONSENT CALENDAR N/A VI. CONTINUED MATTERS 6:13 P.M. VI-A ID 22-1497 CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 22, 2022 HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on application B22-10883 for the installation of an interior wall heater to the Nystrom Home (HP#225), located at 725/727 N Wilson Ave. 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 B22-10883 for the installation of a wall heater to HP#225 Nystrom Home located at 725/727 N Wilson Ave. (APN 45218210) with conditions There were no comments or questions by the Commission or public. On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Vice Chair Sponsler, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha and Commissioner Simmons Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian VII. COMMISSION ITEMS VII-A ID 22-1424 Consideration of approval of request by the property owner to recommend to the City Council the designation of the following property to the Local Register of Historic Resources and adoption of findings necessary to City of Fresno Page 5 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final September 26, 2022 Commission support recommendation pursuant to FMC 12-1609 1. The Fresno-Klette Medical Arts Center located at 444 Fresno St 6:18 P.M. Director Clark reported the history of Dr. Earl Randolph Meyers, M.D. and his influences outside of this sole location. She also read the Commission a recommendation for nomination by former Historic Preservation Specialist, Alicia Gonzalez. There are other properties the Commission discussed in additional properties associated with Dr. Meyers. Chair Hatwig has added a friendly amendment to look into other properties associated with Dr. Meyer. Director Clark added that the architectural firm Horn & Mortland, who built the proposed property, were nationally recognized for the design of the Sunshine School for the Cerebral Palsied in Fresno. Other work includes Holland Elementary School, Tuberculosis Hospital and Fire House No. 4 all in Fresno. Commissioner Simmons stated that the nomination opens a door to Horn & Mortland's work not related to this address. Several members of the public, both present and by phone spoke in support of the designation. They look forward to the rehabilitation and continued use of the center. Chair Hatwig was in favor or the designation, stating it is an important legacy for the community. On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Rocha, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha and Commissioner Simmons Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian City of Fresno Page 6 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final September 26, 2022 Commission VII-B ID 22-1491 UPDATE from Architectural Subcommittee regarding the remodel and/or ADA improvements (Application B22-04282) to the US Post Office/Fresno Unified School District located at 2309 Tulare St.(HP#50) 6:55 P.M. Richard Trimble, a representative from the Building Division, was present for comments and questions. Director Clark presented a history of the building and proposed work. She intends to bring this item back to HPC for action in October On behalf of the Architectural Review Subcommittee, Chair Hatwig spoke about their discussion with the applicant. He elaborated on their requests for a complimentary design and matching handrails throughout (including existing ramp on M Street). He emphasized the Subcommittee's interest in consistency. Vice Chair Sponslor asked about an alternative design, however, it did not offer sufficient landing space. VII-C ID 22-1498 UPDATE on Regular Monthly Topics: 1. Staff Updates 2. Architectural Subcommittee Updates (including Demolitions) 3. Economic Incentive Subcommittee Update 4. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update 7:01 P.M. 1. Staff Updates Director Clark requested a volunteer from the Commission to assist with the Historic Preservation Specialist applicant interviews. Commissioner Simmons volunteered. Director Clark will be having a regularly scheduled meeting with the California High Speed Rail (HSR). HSR currently has 10 boxes of artifacts available for pick up by City staff. Staff will potentially work with Fresno Historic Society to manage and store these items. City of Fresno Page 7 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final September 26, 2022 Commission The Planning Department is working with the Department of Public Works on the relocation of the Historic Van Ness Sign. They are working with HSR, who is currently in possession of the sign. The latest plan is a 1-year estimated timeline. A sound wall will be installed between the High Speed Rail and Roeding Park. A new subcommittee will be formed at the next meeting for this project. Director Clark reported on the different types and volume of projects coming through Historic Preservation for review and consideration in the last month. 2. Architectural Subcommittee Updates Subcommittee reviewed 2 Demolition Permits that were over 50 years old but not historically significant and no artifacts were found. 3. Economic Incentive Subcommittee Update We currently have 4 new pending Mills Act applications. Commissioner Rocha and County representative visited 3 sites today for initial review, leaving 1 remaining applicant. 4. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update: No news at this time. VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT N/A IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS 7:12 P.M. IX. - A. Members of the Commission Vice Chair Sponslor announced that the founding of the City of Fresno is in City of Fresno Page 8 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final September 26, 2022 Commission its 150th year. The City of Fresno was founded in May 1872. He went on the encourage celebrating this in some way before year end. Commissioner Rocha asked Staff to assemble a list of resources or a contractors list that have experience restoring historical properties. Chair Hatwig suggested reaching out to past commissioners to see if they have contacts for this list. IX. - B. Staff 7:15 Director Clark appreciated Sponslor's idea about the 150th anniversary event and will report any plans that may already be in motion, suggesting the Commission work with Staff to plan something. IX. - C. General Public 7:16 Lisa Flores requested information on the High-Speed Rail and Roeding Park soundwall expected to be installed adjacent to the new dog park at Roeding Park Zoo. She also asked about the proposal to move a historic train engine to Kingsburg, voicing her concern for losing a historic resource in Fresno. The Commission admitted to not knowing about this item going to Council on Thursday. Chair Hatwig encouraged the public to participate and speak up at the meeting. Director Clark said that when the item comes to HPC, public notices will be sent out. Roslyn McCoy asked about the redevelopment of Edison High School. Chair Hatwig reported no knowledge of plans for closure of this school. Ricky Williams expressed concern of rumors to expand the airport, but Director Clark explained the plans are currently to reduce the runway size at Chandler(referencing Council agenda). X. NEXT MEETING 10/24/2022 City of Fresno Page 9 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final September 26, 2022 Commission XI. ADJOURNMENT Chair Hatwig adjourned meeting at 7:23 P.M. City of Fresno Page 10