Historic Preservation Commission

City of Fresno City Hall 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, July 24, 2023 6:00 PM Regular Meeting In Person and/or Electronic City Hall, Room 2165 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 July 24, 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 City of Fresno Page 2 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 24, 2023 Commission (ADA). Anyone requiring reasonable ADA accommodations, including sign language interpreters, or other reasonable accommodations such as language translation, 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 July 24, 2023 Commission I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Hatwig called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Also present: Jennifer Clark, Janice Monroe and Myrna Rivas. Present 5 - Chair Jason Hatwig, Vice Chair James W Sponsler, Commissioner Paul Halajian, Commissioner Julie Federico, and Commissioner Elizabeth Laval Absent 2 - Commissioner Christopher Rocha, and Commissioner Don Simmons II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ 6:02 P.M. Chair Hatwig read aloud procedures. III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES III-A ID 23-1143 JUNE 26, 2023 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES. 6:03 P.M. On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Laval,the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Federico and Commissioner Laval Absent: 2 - Commissioner Rocha and Commissioner Simmons IV. APPROVE AGENDA 6:04 P.M. On motion of Commissioner Halajian, seconded by Commissioner Federico, that the Agenda be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Federico and Commissioner Laval Absent: 2 - Commissioner Rocha and Commissioner Simmons V. CONSENT CALENDAR City of Fresno Page 4 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 24, 2023 Commission N/A VI. CONTINUED MATTERS VI-A ID 23-1158 CONTINUED FROM JUNE 26, 2023 HEARING TO CONSIDER THE HISTORIC RESOURCE AMENDMENT REMOVING GULLIVER’S SHIP FROM THE DESCRIPTION OF STORYLAND PARK ON THE HISTORIC INVENTORY FORM (DPR 523A), PURSUANT TO FMC SECTION 12-1614, LOCATED AT PARCEL 45002008T (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO 890 W BELMONT AVE.) 6:05 P.M. Director Clark introduced Susan Anderson, (Vice Chairman of the Storyland Board) & CG Berg (Daniel's Woodland) who were present and available for comments/questions. Anderson apologized to the Commission for removing Gulliver's Travel's Ship without prior approval, explaining they were unaware Commission approvals were needed. Anderson explained that the ship was in disrepair and unsafe for use. She reported volunteer assistance in taking the 70 year old ship down on advice from architect, Phil Mettler. Anderson invited the Commission to visit the Park, talking about recent improvements, such as newly installed story boxes and updated security. She also invited them to attend a Board meeting to speak on the Historic relevance of Storyland to Fresno. Berg reported on the proposed plan for the new replacement exhibit, Paul's Pirate Ship. He explained to the Commissioners that the proposal would use a steel frame and rot resistant wood cladding. He went on by saying he encouraged adding original remnants in the new design, noting that the old ship's wood frame was splitting apart. Laval asked if there were any remnants that are not related to the ship. Anderson explained that the Jack 'n the Beanstalk attraction also experienced significant degredation, with a result of removal, leaving very little (frame only). Halajian asked if photos were taken of the old ship prior to removal, but Anderson admitted she was unaware of pictures of the original Gulliver's Ship. Hatwig suggested the Storyland Board and Historic Preservation Commission work together to create a 3D scan of everything that exists there now. The Commission agreed on the benefits of creating an City of Fresno Page 5 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 24, 2023 Commission interpretive exhibit that includes digital recordings of the different attractions for posterity, with a future interpretive pieced describing the history of the exhibits, like Gulliver's Ship. Federico asked Commissioners' thoughts about whether it was more important to use the remnants of the old ship in the interpretative piece, or use the pieces in the new ship. Sponsler stated that the remnants are not historic, but are significant to the era that they come from. Vice Chair Sponsler asked about the back story for Paul's Pirate Ship, and Anderson explained the proposed ship will be promoted as a general pirate ship, with no more reference to Gulliver's Travels. No public comments were made. Clark explained to Sponsler the necessary steps to add Storyland as a historic resource if the Commission edits the DPR description at this meeting. Laval motioned to modify the inventory form by removing Gulliver's Travels Ship, adding a tribute and/or interpretive display to commemorate the importance of the Gulliver's Travels Ship at Storyland, using remaining parts. The Commission also requested the applicant return with a plan to utilize remaining remnants and or a plan to pay tribute to the original ship. On motion of Commissioner Laval, seconded by Vice Chair Sponsler, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Federico and Commissioner Laval Absent: 2 - Commissioner Rocha and Commissioner Simmons VI-B ID 23-1157 CONTINUED FROM JUNE 26, 2023 WORKSHOP ON ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT GUIDELINES 6:35 P.M. Preston Her (Planner), Casey Lauderdale (Planner), and Michelle Zumwalt (Architect) were present and introduced the City's five (5) pre-approved City of Fresno Page 6 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 24, 2023 Commission plans for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). Her explained that a secondary unit is defined by having its own bath, kitchen and bedroom on same property. LEAP Grant funds were used to hire the consulting architectural firm that worked on the pre-approved plans. Lauderdale reported that the State of California created this tool to alleviate the housing crises and that the first pre-approved plan is in construction now. Halajian asked about the degradation of existing landscapes and Staff explained that the ADU must be allowed. Hatwig referenced previous projects that have come before the Commission, such as proposals in the rear of the home, replacing carriage houses that burnt down, or a garage second floor. He added that the ADU has always needed to be smaller than the original home. Sponsler asked for clarification on windows and setback requirements for homes in a historical landscape, such as Huntington Boulevard Historic District. He also stated he wanted to understand if an attached unit added to the front of the main house. Staff clarified that people can choose to change the style so it matches, but that because sliding windows are in the plans, the Commission's hands would be tied. Zumwalt stated that the window styles of an ADU must match the historic property that it is going on to. The Commission must be very explicit when stating requirements, specifying if it must be wood, two (2") inch sash, etc. Federico asked how old a house would have to be to recommend a matching ADU. Lauderdale talked to the Commission about how a house would have to be designated resource before they would recommend matching styles. Even if the ADU doesn't match the main home, because of state laws, she explained that the City has no objective design standards or objective design guidelines. The Commission & staff agreed that the guidelines should take influence from the primary home (or historic resource). Zumwalt answered questions from the Commission about people's ability to go above and beyond the pre-approved design plan. She said that as long as the home can support the structure, they can add an addendum to the pre-approved plan. City of Fresno Page 7 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 24, 2023 Commission Sponsler suggested the Commission keep an eye on the Proposed Districts that are waiting for designation, voicing concern that ADUs have already been installed in those areas. He added that the City should formally designate more Proposed Districts because he feared a point in time they would be unable to designate those districts because of the ADU's. Lauderdale stated she was looking forward to working with the Commission on the language. VII. COMMISSION ITEMS VII-A ID 23-1026 WORKSHOP ON THE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF HISTORIC WINDOWS 7:17 P.M. Chair Hatwig introduced Carolyn Searls to present the workshop. She reported on the Historic Preservation considerations when repairing and replacing windows, including Secretary of Interior Standards (focusing on Standard 6's Standard for Rehabilitation). She provided an example of set City Standards from San Francisco. She addressed how to assess existing windows and various repair options she has had experience using (including the different products used). Searls concluded her presentation with replacement considerations, such as cost for maintenance and/or repair, energy efficiency, and life cycle analysis. The Commission thanked Searls for her thorough workshop and requested a copy of her PowerPoint. They spoke about the importance of setting Historic Preservation design guidelines. Monroe confirmed an Architectural Review Subcommittee meeting would be next step to continue the discussion on design standards similar to San Francisco. Laval expressed interest in the difference between Searls' reported data on energy and weather in San Francisco compared to Fresno. A member of the public pointed out that DPR/Inventory Forms (523A) are good tools to list the details of a property for the record. Sponsler cited local examples. City of Fresno Page 8 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 24, 2023 Commission VII-B ID 23-1147 UPDATE REGARDING PROPOSED NEW CAMPUS FOR THE GOLDEN CHARTER ACADEMY, LOCATED AT 741 W BELMONT AVE. (APN 45812117 & -19). 7:57 P.M. Dan Zack introduced Karana Hatterson-Drayton (Consultant) she reported on 741 W. Belmont (Parkside Auditorium) by purchased by the Golden Charter Academy for construction on a new education facility. The building was built in 1953, there are one and two story elements on the facade. Historic research results in, the building is not historically significant the "Late Discovery Clause" remains, which means that during demolition if any artifacts appear, stop work immediately to research. Hatterson-Drayton added that lead and asbestos need to be abated, and that CEQA Demolotion Permits are administerial. All Demolition permits must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. Hatterson-Drayton concludes, that there is no evidence that building has been altered, the former Parkside Auditorium is not eligible for Fresno's local register of historic places. VII-C ID 23-776 UPDATE ON REGULAR MONTHLY TOPICS: 1. STAFF UPDATES 2. ECONOMIC INCENTIVE UPDATES 3. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE 4. ABACUS SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE 5. NAMING SUBCOMMITTEE 6. PLAQUE SUBCOMMITTEE 8:15 P.M. Clark left the meeting at 8:15 P.M. Monroe reported on the Permits that have gone through the Historic Preservation Department and the Architectural Review Subcommittee meetings. Rivas noted for the Economic Incentive Programs site visits are currently being scheduled. Sponsler and Monroe updated the Commission on the Abacus noting the City of Fresno Page 9 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 24, 2023 Commission installation and status of plaque. Monroe reported that Hatterson-Drayton is working on the finalization of the Dr. Earl Meyers & Maddie Meyers Building. Sponsler reported that the cost of proposed plaques will depend on the materials and processes used. He suggested looking in to Measure P to help with costs. VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT N/A IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS 8:20 P.M. IX. - A. Members of the Commission IX. - B. Staff 8:21 P.M. Lauderdale reported that the next Tower District Specific plan update is having a community workshop on August 26th at 11 - 1 at the Fresno City College Cafeteria. Hatwig created a subcommittee of Federico and Rocha to attend the workshop on behalf of the Commission. IX. - C. General Public 8:25 P.M. A member from the public commented on the helpful and informational workshops that were held this evening and thanked the Commission, adding more styles to the ADU catalogue and/or creating a catalogue just for historic styles. X. NEXT MEETING 8:26 P.M. Next Historic Preservation Commission meeting is August 28, 2023. XI. ADJOURNMENT City of Fresno Page 10 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final July 24, 2023 Commission Hatwig adjourned meeting at 8:27 P.M. City of Fresno Page 11