Historic Preservation Commission

City of Fresno City Hall 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, November 27, 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 - Paul Halajian, AIA Commissioner - Don Simmons, PhD. M.A. Commissioner - Julie Federico M.A Commissioner - Elizabeth Laval Commissioner - Sarah E. Johnston Staff: Jennifer Clark, Director; Lisha Chen, Historic Preservation Specialist; Janice Monroe, M.A. II; Myrna Rivas, Administrative Clerk Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Commission I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 6:00 P.M. Chair Hatwig called meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Also present were Director Jennifer Clark, Dr. Lisha Chen, Janice Monroe and Myrna Rivas. Director Clark welcomed new Commissioner Sarah Johnston. Present 7 - Vice Chair James W Sponsler, Chair Jason Hatwig, Commissioner Paul Halajian, Commissioner Don Simmons, Commissioner Julie Federico, Commissioner Elizabeth Laval, and Commissioner Sarah Johnston II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ 6:02 P.M. Chair Hatwig read the Procedures aloud. III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES N/A IV. APPROVE AGENDA 6:05 P.M. On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Halajian,the above Agenda was APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Vice Chair Sponsler, Chair Hatwig, Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Federico, Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Johnston V. CONSENT CALENDAR V-A ID 23-1560 Consideration of the Fresno City Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Schedule for Calendar Year 2024 6:05 P.M. On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Laval, City of Fresno Page 2 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Commission Consent Item was APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Vice Chair Sponsler, Chair Hatwig, Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Federico, Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Johnston VI. CONTINUED MATTERS VI-A ID 23-1634 CONTINUED FROM October 23, 2023 HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on the request to remove the Dale Bros. Coffee Can Sign (HP#247), located at 1420-1432 H St. Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take one of 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: Request to donate the Sign to the Fresno County Historical Museum with the condition that the applicant develop a preservation plan including but not limited to the relocation of the resource, the restoration of the resource, and the ongoing preservation of the resource along with the written approval of the Fresno County Historical Museum for the placement of the resource. Or: 2. DENY: Request to donate the Sign to the Fresno County Historical Museum. 6:06 P.M. Commissioners Halajian and Vice Chair Sponsler recused themselves. No representative of the applicant was present for questions. Clark made a brief presentation on the Dale Brothers Coffee Can sign and the request for relocation by the property owners. Clark received a letter in September asking for consultation for restoration of the sign. In October another letter was received stating the owner would no longer be able to City of Fresno Page 3 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Commission keep the sign, citing recommendation from insurance broker that it cannot be insured in its current condition. The letter requested consideration of donating the sign to the Historical County Historical Museum located at the Fairgrounds. Clark reminded the Commission that one of the four findings have to be met to approve request. Laval asked who will bear the cost of moving the resource. She wanted a guarantee of funds available to move the resource. No public comments. Hatwig suggested sending City officials to inspect condition of the sign. Federico commented that the sign once moved will lose its historic integrity. Item was continued to December 18, 2023 with the condition that the applicant develop a preservation plan, restoration plan, relocation plan and ongoing preservation plan and written approval from the Fresno County Historical Museum for placement of the resource. Item was continued to December 18, 2023 with the condition that the applicant develop a preservation plan. On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Laval, that the above Action Item be CONTINUED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Chair Hatwig, Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Federico, Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Johnston Recused: 2 - Vice Chair Sponsler and Commissioner Halajian VII. COMMISSION ITEMS VII-A ID 23-1624 Hearing to consider and make findings on structural repairs necessary to stabilize the masonry wall at the Roessler Winery (HP#29) applications B23-02970 & AD23-04969 for the repair of masonry wall located at APN 49429107t (including but not limited to 1902 n winery). 6:26 P.M. City of Fresno Page 4 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Commission Clark introduced the Roessler Winery repairs. The structural report created by Ransom Brothers documented the current state of the property and structural issues . The report suggested tying the building together with an installation of interior skeleton system of strategically placed beams and posts. Summer Brooks was present with a team from the Parcs Department to answer any questions or comments by the Commission or public. She stated they were very excited about the bracing frame, and that they felt it was integral in saving this property. Halajian and Simmons asked if it was possible that the Architectural Subcommittee work with the committee heading this project. No public comments On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Federico, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Vice Chair Sponsler, Chair Hatwig, Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Federico, Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Johnston VII-B ID 23-1662 DISCUSSION ON HISTORIC PROPERTY DISCLOSURE OPTIONS. 6:39 P.M. Clark and the Commission discussed creating a Historic Property Disclosure for when historic properties are bought or sold in Fresno. Clark said the City Manager's Office is fully supportive of this idea. Once there is language, the amendment will go on the Fresno Municipal Code and add a Historic Property Disclosure. Staff's goal is to bring this forward to the City Council in January. Clark suggested creating an ad hoc subcommittee that can work on creating the language and submission to the City Council. Sponsler, Laval and Federico volunteered on working together on this item. Sponsler explained City of Fresno Page 5 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Commission that some forms aren't noticed at signing because of the volume of paperwork that is being dealt with at a property's closing. VII-C ID 23-1726 UPDATE REGARDING HISTORIC “G” SIGN LOCATED AT OLD GUARANTEE BUILDING (HP#167), LOCATED AT 1177 FULTON MALL. 6:45 P.M. Christine Miktarian was in attendance to give the Commission an update on the G Sign. The State School Board approved the contract with Cen Cal to remove the G sign on Saturday, December 9th. They are working on permits with the City to get approval. She noted that the Fresno Fair is very interested in taking the G sign upon removal. She reported the design process with Darden architects and Fresno Neon. She reported that she would be back next month with more information There were no questions from the Commission. VII-D ID 23-1725 UPDATE REGARDING THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE JOSE GARCIA BREWER ADOBE BUILDING (HP#227) LOCATED AT 5901 W SHAW 6:47 P.M. Clark gave a status update on the condition on the Jose Garcia Adobe building. Last year the site was evaluated for use in a community building. Main objective was to protect and preserve the building. The City covered the building with a large tarp. Staff visited the site and took photos in December 2021, there have been significant rainstorms since. Preservation method is and should be required during the construction phase of this project. Clark asked Eric Frampton, (Licensed Engineer Manager) to show the current status. Frampton noted that the construction fencing was removed without notice and the lack of maintenance for the tarping is evident in the pictures. If the roof element is continued to be open to the elements, he said it will have a detrimental effect to the wall, and that if it is not protected from the public, it could fall on whomever is walking by. City of Fresno Page 6 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Commission Frampton reported that the southern elevation, eastern end of the wall shows a significant amount of damage due to rain runoff to the part of the roof that was damaged due to removing the carport roof (an un-permitted project). The interior wall is degrading due to water, causing significant damage (likely fall inwards or outwards), therefore it is imperative that the roof and walls be protected with the tarp and construction fence. Clark was working with Code Enforcement and this building is part of a Planning entitlement. She added, the property owner and the architectural subcommittee should meet and resolve these issues. The Commissioners had a long discussion with Frampton. They discussed a new tarp and the liability to the property owner for not having it fenced off. They would like to have the owner come forward and voice their intentions. They are glad Staff now includes a Historic Preservationist that can stay on top issues like this. Hatwig requested monthly reporting to stay on top of these buildings. VII-E ID 23-1613 UPDATE ON REGULAR MONTHLY TOPICS: 1. Staff Updates 2. Architectural Review Subcommittee Update 3. Economic Incentive Subcommittee Update 4. Plaque & Naming Subcommittee Update 7:17 P.M. Clark reintroduced Lisha Chen. Currently Staff is finalizing Mills Act Contracts. They will come to the Commission for approval in December's meeting and be Recorded at the Assessors office. Clark reported the CLG report for year 22/23, a lot happened in the years post COVID and they are excited to be reporting, lots of training and some new designations. City of Fresno Page 7 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Commission Monroe reported that the Abacus is completed. She showed pictures of the plaque installed but noted the landscaping was outside the scope of work. The Architectural Subcommittee reported 2 fence replacements. They decided the demolition should come before the Commission for vote. Halajian the signage for Hardy's Theatre and he commends them on a great job. The LED rope lighting mimics the illumination down to the color, very good work. Laval asked the Commission if there were any other properties that are in bad shape that should be looked at. She would like to know if there are contractors around that can recreate historic articles and details of a different time. She suggested creating a list of resources to help our property owners. VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT 7:28 P.M. N/A IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS IX. - A. Members of the Commission 7:28 P.M. Hatwig reported that they have lost a huge supporter of the Historic Community. Roger Taylor passed away recently. IX. - B. Staff N/A IX. - C. General Public 7:30 P.M. A person from the public would like to bring attention to the Roeding Log City of Fresno Page 8 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Commission Cabin. They emphasized the need to preserve the cabin in case it is to be moved. They also voiced concern it is structurally sound. They announced a future tour. Jan Chafee will attend and hoping to speak on this item at the Comission's January meeting. X. NEXT MEETING 7:36 P.M. Next meeting will be Monday December, 18th. XI. ADJOURNMENT Chair Hatwig adjourned meeting at 7:37 P.M. City of Fresno Page 9