Historic Preservation Commission

City of Fresno City Hall 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, March 27, 2023 6:00 PM Regular Meeting In Person and/or Electronic City Hall, Room 2165N 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 March 27, 2023 Commission THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WELCOMES YOU TO ROOM 2165A, LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2ND FLOOR, 2600 FRESNO STREET, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93721. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – 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. Public participation during Fresno City Historic Preservation Commission meetings is always encouraged and can occur in one of the two following ways: 1. Participate In Person: Room 2165, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721 a. To speak during a Commission meeting in person: You may approach the speaker podium upon the Chair’s call for public comment. 2. Participate Remotely via Zoom using the following link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cAUGlBe2SYygn3isiCuy4w a. The above link will allow you to register in advance for remote participation in the meeting via the Zoom platform. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing additional details about joining the meeting. b. To speak during a Commission meeting while attending remotely in the Zoom application, click on the icon labeled “Participants” at the bottom of the screen. Then select “Raise Hand” at the bottom of the Participants window. Your digital hand will now be raised. You will be asked to “unmute” when your name is called to speak. You will not be visible via video and there will be no opportunity to share your screen. All public speakers will have up to 3 minutes to address the Commission pursuant to Rule No. 13 of the Historic Preservation Commission Bylaws of the City of Fresno (available in the City Clerk’s Office). VIEWING PLANNING MEETINGS (non-participatory) – For your convenience, there are ways to view Historic Preservation Commission meetings live: 1. Community Media Access Collaborative website: https://cmac.tv/ 2. Cable Television: Comcast Channel 96 and AT&T Channel 99 Should any of these viewing methods listed above experience technical difficulties, the Commission meeting will continue uninterrupted. Commission meetings will only be paused to address verifiable technical difficulties for all users participating via Zoom or in the Chambers. The City of Fresno’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Anyone requiring reasonable ADA accommodations, including sign language interpreters, or other reasonable accommodations such as language translation, City of Fresno Page 2 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final March 27, 2023 Commission should contact the office of the City Clerk at (559) 621-7650 or clerk@fresno.gov. To help ensure availability of these services, you are advised to make your request a minimum of 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. City of Fresno Page 3 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final March 27, 2023 Commission I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 6:01 P.M. Also present, Jennifer Clark, Janice Monroe and Myrna Rivas Present 5 - Chair Jason Hatwig, Vice Chair James W Sponsler, Commissioner Christopher Rocha, Commissioner Don Simmons, and Commissioner Elizabeth Laval Absent 2 - Commissioner Paul Halajian, and Commissioner Julie Federico II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ Procedures were read aloud by Chair Hatwig. 6:02 P.M. III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES 6:03 P.M. III-A ID 23-95 February 27, 2023, Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes. On motion of Commissioner Rocha, seconded by Commissioner Laval,the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha, Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico IV. APPROVE AGENDA 6:04 P.M. Commissioner Sponsler amended the agenda by pulling Items V-A and V-B. On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Simmons, that the above be APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha, Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico City of Fresno Page 4 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final March 27, 2023 Commission V. CONSENT CALENDAR 6:06 P.M. V-A ID 23-203 REVIEW AND ADOPT CITY’S CLG 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO FMC 12-1606(b)(16). 6:06 P.M. During Commission Items, Sponsler lead a discussion with Staff and the Commissioners on the 2 CLG reports that were pulled from Consent. V-B ID 23-373 REVIEW AND ADOPT CITY’S CLG 2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO FMC 12-1606(b)(16). 6:06 P.M. Commissioner Sponsler noted that he didn't see a 2019-2020 CLG Annual Report. Director Clark responded stating she would confirm with Staff on the status. Sponsler asked Staff to confirm details in the Report, such as the total number of Mills Act properties and his attendance at a Symposium on 11/6/21. Chair Hatwig added that his attendance in the 2021/2022 CLG Annual Report should be corrected to reflect that he was in attendance at the July, August and September 2022 meetings. Clark reported Staff will correct these items and report back. She informed the Commission that each of the CLG Reports will be on April's agenda. Hatwig asked the Commissioners to review the reports and send an email to staff to clear up any questions or errors. On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Laval, the Items V-A & V-B will hereby be CONTINUED AS NOTED. The motion duly carried following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha, Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico City of Fresno Page 5 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final March 27, 2023 Commission V-C ID 23-138 HEARING TO CONSIDER proposed alterations from Development Permit application P22-04417 to the Radin-Kamp Department Store (HP#124), located at 939-959 Fulton St (APN 46828101). 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 WITH CONDITIONS: Application P22-04417 to the Radin-Kamp Department Store (HP#124), located at 939-959 Fulton St (APN 46828101). On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Simmons, that the CONSENT CALENDAR be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha, Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico VI. CONTINUED MATTERS VII. COMMISSION ITEMS VII-A ID 23-421 HEARING TO CONSIDER the proposed new security fencing at the Old Fresno Water Tower located at 2444 Fresno St. 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 P22-02936 for the installation of fencing at the Old Fresno Water Tower HP#001 located at 2444 Fresno Street. (466-09-301T & a portion of 466-09-305T) with conditions. City of Fresno Page 6 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final March 27, 2023 Commission 6:11 P.M. Clark gave a brief history of the Old Fresno Water Tower, explaining that in August 2022, the Commission asked for the final design of the security fencing and return for final approval. Brian Barr, Director General Services Department, addressed fencing details, including the design that mimics the architectural details of the Old Fresno Water Tower. The fence is a manufactured product that is low maintenance, less intrusive, and compliments the historic nature of the Water Tower with rounded corners. A member of the public requested a similar fence be put across the street at Fresno Memorial Auditorium, since the museum lacks security. Sponsler asked about funding and timeline of this project and Barr explained the status of both. On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Laval, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha, Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico VII-B ID 23-290 WORKSHOP regarding landscape maintenance and improvement of the H.H. Brix Mansion (HP#89) located in the St. John’s Cathedral District at 2844 Fresno St (APN46603501). 6:23 P.M. Representatives of the project Gabriella Golick and Lindsey Russel presented plans for landscape maintenance and design improvements at the Brix Mansion. Rocha expressed his appreciation of how the landscaping plan beautified the home. City of Fresno Page 7 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final March 27, 2023 Commission Gollick explained to Laval that the best time for planting is now, before it gets too hot. Chair Hatwig confirmed with Clark that this item would not have to come back to the Commission for further review. VII-C ID 23-288 UPDATE regarding the demolition due to fire at the Fagbule Glass House, located at 1930 E Shields (APN 44503132) and the preservation of the Clement Renzi tile mosaic. 6:30 P.M. Monroe reported that Code Enforcement is monitoring the Renzi Tile Mosaic. Clark added that after years of no graffiti, we now have significant damage. She informed everyone that they can report their concerns via 311 or the FresGo App and that it is a great way for residents to stay engaged. Code Enforcement submitted pictures and expressed concern in their reports. Clark asked if there was an owner or representation in attendance, however there was not. Clark stated that City has offered the owner a protected location to hold the tiles whether intact or in pieces. She reminded the Commission that the mosaic is not a listed resource. VII-D ID 23-540 UPDATE on Regular Monthly Topics: 1. Staff Updates 2. Abacus Subcommittee Update 3. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update 4. Misc. Subcommittee Updates 6:35 P.M. Sponsler reported a representative of Cushman Wakefield has met with the Abacus Review Subcommittee to determine the color, language, and image for the plaque. The City Attorney's Office is assisting with parts of the recommended language. Sponsler reported that the Plaque Subcommittee is working on obtaining quotes for the cost estimate of the new 8"x 8" design. City of Fresno Page 8 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final March 27, 2023 Commission Monroe reported the Historic Preservation Month subcommittee is currently scheduling meeting times to plan for a month long event. Sponsler also reported that a meeting with the Fresno-Klette Medical Center is scheduled to discuss the naming of the proposed historic resource and to propose additional options. VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT N/A IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS IX. - A. Members of the Commission N/A IX. - B. Staff 6:40 P.M. Clark asked the Commission to confirm their attendance to the California Historic Preservation Conference to staff. She reminded the Commissioners to follow the Brown Act when attending. Rocha asked what costs were covered for the Conference. Clark clarified that room, travel, food, and conference costs are covered by the City. Clark then explained to Commissioners that if they are ill, an option to Historic Preservation Commission meetings remotely (via Zoom) is an option through the end of the year. IX. - C. General Public 6:43 P.M. Three members of the public spoke on the renaming of Kings Canyon, Ventura and California streets to Cesar Chavez Blvd. They voiced concerns of City Council changing these street names and asked for policy information and direction with the process of street naming. City of Fresno Page 9 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final March 27, 2023 Commission On behalf of the Commission, Clark said she can reach out to CIty Attorney's Office for guidance. Chair Hatwig clarified the Commission has the ability to name monuments, buildings or districts but not streets. X. NEXT MEETING Next meeting date is April, 24, 2023. XI. ADJOURNMENT Chair Hatwig adjourned the meeting at 6:53 P.M. City of Fresno Page 10