Historic Preservation Commission

City of Fresno City Hall 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, February 27, 2023 6:00 PM Regular Meeting In person and/or Electronic Room 2165N (Conference Room A) Historic Preservation Commission Chair - Jason Hatwig, LEED, AP, BD Vice Chair - James Sponsler Commissioner - Christopher Rocha Commissioner - Paul Halajian, AIA Commissioner - Don Simmons, PhD. M.A. Commissioner - Julie Federico M.A. Commissioners - Elizabeth Laval Staff: Jennifer Clark, Director; Janice Monroe, M.A. II Myrna Rivas, Administrative Clerk Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2023 Commission 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. 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 General Planning Department, 559-621-8277 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. 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. Please use URL: https://zoom.us/j/99955345236 b) Those addressing the Commission must state their name and address for the record. OR 2. Join by Phone a) Dial: US: 1 669 900 9128 Enter Webinar ID: 999 5534 5236 b) Those addressing the Commission must state their name and address for the record. OR City of Fresno Page 2 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2023 Commission 3. 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, 2023 - 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. City of Fresno Page 3 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2023 Commission I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 6:01 P.M. Commissioner Halajian arrived at 6:05pm Present 6 - Vice Chair James W Sponsler, Commissioner Christopher Rocha, Commissioner Paul Halajian, Commissioner Don Simmons, Commissioner Elizabeth Laval, and Commissioner Julie Federico Absent 1 - Chair Jason Hatwig II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ 6:01 P.M. Vice Chair Sponsler read procedures out loud. III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES III-A ID 23-225 January 23, 2023 Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes 6:03 P.M. On motion of Commissioner Rocha, seconded by Commissioner Laval, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha, Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Federico Absent: 2 - Chair Hatwig and Commissioner Halajian IV. APPROVE AGENDA 6:04 P.M. On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Federico,the above AGENDA was APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha, Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Federico Absent: 2 - Chair Hatwig and Commissioner Halajian City of Fresno Page 4 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2023 Commission V. CONSENT CALENDAR N/A VI. CONTINUED MATTERS N/A VII. COMMISSION ITEMS VII-A ID 23-202 HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on application B23-01042 for the demolition of the carriage house at the Collins Home (HP#041) located at 1101 R St. (APN 46606607). STAFF RECCOMENDATION: 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 B23-01042 for the demolition of the carriage house at HP#041 Collins Home located at 1101 R St. (APN 46606607) with conditions. a. Removal contractor will protect the main structure from damage during demolition; and b. Property owner will document the current exterior condition of the Collins Home to update the Historic Resource record; and c. Any proposed future site work including but not limited to additional structures and fencing will be submitted to the Historic Preservation Specialist prior to the commencement of any related work. 6:04 P.M. Commissioner Halajian arrived at 6:05 P.M. Director Clark reported the current state of the property and the fire damage at the carriage house. She informed the Commission of Code Enforcement's notes and Staff's recommendations. Vice Chair Sponsler reiterated, the protection of the main home is most important now. No public comments. Applicant/Owner was not present for hearing. City of Fresno Page 5 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2023 Commission On motion of Commissioner Rocha, seconded by Commissioner Laval, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha, Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Federico Absent: 1 - Chair Hatwig VII-B ID 23-162 REVIEW & COMMENT for the potential addition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit at the McGee-Macias Home (HP#236) located at 115 N Calaveras St. 6:10 P.M. Property owner, Keil Schmidt, was available for comments and questions. He shared images of proposed options. Commissioner Halajian asked about the type of siding, and states that between the two ADU's, the two-story scheme preserves more focus space and presents better. Sponsler stated that siding and windows should be the focus and the ADU should not be taller or bigger than the main structure. He pointed out that it is rare property owners come to the Commission for these type of requests and that HPC would like to create guidelines for ADU's at historic properties. Director Clark explained that the state has adopted and strongly supports ADU Laws that require the City to approve. She suggested a discrete Yes/No checklist and design guidelines that are not ambiguous. She recommended that the Architectural Subcommittee come together to suggest policies that can be added to the Development Code. There were no public comments. VII-C ID 23-366 WORKSHOP on the Historical Significance of the Edison Social Club and the founding of the National Farm Workers Association at property of interest related Cesar Chavez located at 1405 E California Ave. 6:24 P.M. Paul Garcia and Eddie Barella shared information on 1405 E. California St. City of Fresno Page 6 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2023 Commission (The Edison Social Club) and the inaugural convention of the National Farm Workers Association on September 30, 1962. Garcia explained the contradictory information of this meeting and his interest in proving the meeting was held at this location. His presentation laid out various images and files to verify his claims and validate his request for recognition of this location. Clark advised Garcia the adjacent property at 1413 E California St. possibly needing . There were two people in the public who spoke in favor of this item. They talked about how this would benefit the National Farm Worker's Association and the history that this project would recognize. Sponsler introduced Joseph Podcast, sitting president of the Edison Social Club, who stated that he would like to have a plaque at the club to commemorate the Association. The Commission acknowledged the hard work and research done by the presenters. They discussed next steps to move forward and possible outreach options. Clark explained the need or the Commission to give Staff specific direction. She added that while we have collected the Owner's Authorization, to move forward she recommended acquiring the neighboring property Owner's Authorization as well since the original Social Hall more than likely sat on both parcels. Halajian commented that there may be two stories regarding the history of the Edison Social Club and what took place there. The Commission agreed there were details that still needed to be determined, such as who would be responsible for maintenance and back up documentation of threshold requirements. They proposed ways to build on this potential project and potential obstacle that could be resolved. The Commission agreed that until the project has been approved, there was no need to solve the maintenance and costs of project. This item should come back in 60 - 90 days and then to Council. The Commission said they would move forward on Clark informed Garcia that his next step should be pursuing the property owner's approval at 1413 E. California St. City of Fresno Page 7 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2023 Commission VII-D ID 23-374 UPDATE on Regular Monthly Topics: 1. Staff Updates 2. Architectural Subcommittee Updates 3. Economic Incentive Subcommittee Update 4. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update 7:00 P.M. Clark reported that the number of building and planning permits continue at a high rate and are being processed through Historic Preservation. Simmons suggested increased publication of economic incentives, such as Mills Act and the Mitigation Grant, to increase awareness and allow more people to take advantage of these programs. Clark said Staff will work with the City's Communication Director. Halajian reported receiving information on the history of the Abacus and he will email the Commission the information. Plaque Design Subcommittee reported meeting earlier in the month. Sponsler presented the different options for the proposed square plaque, including the use of symbolic rosettes. He explained the different materials available. Simmons suggested using flags with a replica of plaques to easily identify historic resources. Halajian suggested the plaque be larger than 7"x 7". They all agreed size and cost will be determined after receiving quotes for the proposed designs. VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT N/A IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS IX. - A. Members of the Commission 7:22 P.M. Commissioners had no news to report IX. - B. Staff 7:22 P.M. City of Fresno Page 8 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2023 Commission Janice Monroe stated that remaining Commissioners needed to meet regarding the Brown Act training. IX. - C. General Public 7:23 P.M. No public comments were made. X. NEXT MEETING Next meeting is March 27, 2023 XI. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Sponsler adjourned the meeting at 7:23 P.M. City of Fresno Page 9