Historic District Meetings

November 21, 2019 Page 1 of 8 MINUTES CITY OF LEAGUE CITY HISTORIC COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. City Council Chambers, 200 W. Walker Street I. Call to Order and Roll Call of Members of Historic Commission David Hake opened the meeting at 6:05 pm. Members present: Members absent: David Hake, Chairperson J’Nean Henderson Susan Pierce Elizabeth Schroeder Hetico Michael Hendershot Daniel Henn Janna Keever Ric Pearson City Representatives: David Hoover, Executive Director of Development Services Frankie Legaux, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Kris Carpenter, Planning Manager Masood Malik, Senior Planner II. Approval of Minutes A. October 17, 2019 Mr. Henn moved to approve the October 17, 2019, minutes. Mr. Pearson seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0-0. III. Citizen Communication The privilege of speaking at this time is limited to the following persons: residents, persons having an ownership interest in property or a business within the City, or their attorneys. A statement of no more than 3 minutes may be made. There will be no yielding of time to another person. State law prohibits members of the Historic Commission from commenting on any statement or engaging in dialogue without an appropriate agenda item being posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings act. Comments should be directed to the entire Historic Commission, not individual members of the Historic Commission or staff. If addressing a specific agenda item, speakers must keep their remarks specific to the items being considered by the Historic Commission. Any speaker making personal attacks or using vulgar or profane language shall forfeit his/her remaining time and shall be seated. IV. New Business A. Approval of the 2020 Historic Commission calendar of meetings. Kris Carpenter, Planning Manager, presented the 2020 Historic Commission calendar of meetings. November 21, 2019 Page 2 of 8 Daniel Henn made a motion to approve the 2020 Historic Commission calendar of meetings. Janna Keever seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0-0. B. Update on modifications to the Burdhouse. Mr. Carpenter gave a presentation on the modifications done to the Burdhouse. C. Update on proposed plan for Heritage Park. Mr. Carpenter requested the item be postponed until the end of the meeting. Ric Pearson made a motion to postpone item C. Ms. Keever seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0-0. D. Update on street signage within the Historic District. Mr. Carpenter gave a presentation for the City of League City over the need of new street signage within the district and the potential design of the signage. Mr. Hake stated that there were multiple similar comments in the survey discussing how respondent’s streets didn’t have a specific designated sign, so they didn’t know they were part of the Historic District. He questioned if this was true. Mr. Carpenter stated that all signs will be changed out but this is currently true about some streets within the district. Mr. Hake stated that it would be appropriate to change out the signs to indicate whether someone is within the Historic District. Larry Millican, Council Member, questioned if there were variations of the Historic District signs currently and referenced Satsuma and Wisconsin Street. David Hoover, Executive Director of Development Services, stated that there was a thought to replace all the signs with black signs at one moment in time but it was never finished. Now, after having spoken with the public works department on what options would be acceptable, the Historic Commission is deciding on the new signage. Mr. Millican questioned whether the new signs would be ornate looking signs that were powder coated metal like the existing. Mr. Hake stated that he did not recall what type of signage was present. Mr. Carpenter stated that the existing signs were black. Mr. Henn stated that if there were no other black and white signs elsewhere in the city then the Historic District should adopt them in order to designate the district. Mr. Hake questioned whether this meeting was more of a workshop rather than a regular meeting. Mr. Hoover stated that the workshop was structured so that if the Commission wanted to vote on an item they would have the ability to do so. Otherwise the meeting was for discussing the various items on the agenda. Mr. Henn made a motion to approve the new Historic District signage to that shown. Susan Pierce seconded the motion. Mr. Hake questioned what the Historic District boundaries would be changed to and whether the signs would be changed before or after the updated boundaries were adopted. Mr. Hoover stated that the new signs would be changed once the updated Historic District boundaries were established. November 21, 2019 Page 3 of 8 The motion passed by a vote of 5-0-0. Michael Hendershot joined at 6:13 p.m. E. Update of Historic Commission cases from 2018-2019. Mr. Carpenter gave a presentation over the various cases throughout 2018-2019. Mr. Pearson stated that Mr. Carpenter’s presentation was very good and thanked him. F. Discussion on processes in place to limit mistakes. Mr. Carpenter gave a presentation for the City of League City. Mr. Pearson questioned whether the Building Department coordinated with the Planning Department during the permitting process regarding the Historic District homes. Mr. Carpenter responded that they do because properties are georeferenced and the Planning Department is notified when properties are within the Historic District boundaries. Mr. Carpenter stated that the creation of unique signage for the Historic District, along with yearly mailouts would help to distinguish the Historic District boundaries in the future. Mr. Hake stated that in 2019 all projects in the Historic District came through the Historic Commission and that can possibly show that the actions already being taken have been successful. Mr. Carpenter stated that the education of residents in the district has really helped develop the district. Mr. Hake stated that he was concerned about staff changes and what the city is doing to keep the new staff members familiar with the Historic District’s goals, boundaries, and limitations. Mr. Carpenter stated that the system is not biased. Each planner or planning manager that is hired is informed about the Historic District. He added that the city would like to revise the current zoning and overlays to create one complete district that is easier to understand. Mr. Hake stated that he had previously wanted to look at zoning over time within the Historic District and was not able to see all the changes that occurred each year. Mr. Carpenter stated that not all the maps are on the city website, although the Planning Department does have records of each year’s changes by request. Mr. Hake stated that he had tried to review the zoning changes that he wasn’t familiar with and didn’t recall when certain changes occurred. Mr. Carpenter stated that if the question at hand was when the changes occurred, the city can answer those questions for him. Mr. Hake stated that he had no further questions in that case and the meeting could move onto the next item. G. Hold a workshop to discuss potential ordinance amendments and the results of the Historic District survey. Mr. Carpenter gave a presentation for the City of League City. Mr. Hake stated that he needed to refresh his memory on the new recommended boundaries for the Historic District. Mr. Carpenter stated that the 2017 survey recommended new Historic District boundaries in order to remove areas such as the wastewater plant and township. The city wanted the Commission’s feedback on this recommendation. November 21, 2019 Page 4 of 8 Ms. Pierce stated that they may postpone this topic so the Commission may refresh before discussing. Mr. Hendershot questioned if it would be possible for a mechanism in the ordinance that allows for the review of additions to the Historic District be created and how that would work. Mr. Hoover stated that it would be possible. Residents would attend the Historic Commission Meetings with their potential additions and the Commission would have a checklist of requirements for approval. Possibly within a two-block radius, which can be further discussed. Staff doesn’t expect the members to have the survey or ordinances memorized but this subject was meant for open discussion prior to future amendments being brought in by the city. Mr. Pearson stated that he believes Walter Hall Park, being archeological land, should be included but the property is not contiguous with the Historic District. It is a major piece of League City’s history though and should be preserved. Mr. Hoover stated that they could create a separate designation for recognition. Mr. Hoover stated that they could possibly have a local versus state recognition because what is special to League City may not be recognized by Texas. Mr. Hendershot questioned if new districts were created, would that fall under the same Historic Commission, a new committee, or how would the city handle that. Mr. Pearson stated that he’s seen this in Abilene, Texas. Mr. Hendershot questioned who would be on the new board, as this is very important to address. Mr. Hake stated that adding a midcentury 40-60s styled district that’s nice and intact would be positive for the city as this was a significant time period for the city. He added that they could review the code for the Historic District as it refers to the character and atmosphere of the district being the reason it was formed to begin with. The people liked the feel of the area and the Commission needs to stay consistent. Mr. Carpenter stated that instead of cherry picking the area, maybe it would be possible to have the surrounding areas come up to standards. Mr. Hake stated that if the standards were raised and the area was viewed as a whole, then the Commission could tap into some good aspects. Mr. Hendershot stated that they need to assess the boundaries of the district. Mr. Hake stated that he has a struggle with any changes being made to the boundaries because the district should be the original town site. Mr. Pearson stated that they’ve discussed the township a lot. Mr. Carpenter stated that based off the responses to the survey, the boundaries need to be clarified and appropriate guidelines need to be created to better distinguish the district. Mr. Pearson stated that fencing is going to need to be discussed as well. Mr. Hake stated that he agreed. Mr. Hendershot stated when the review process happens the new guidelines and the Handbook of American Houses should be referred to. Mr. Pearson stated that everyone should have a copy of the Handbook of American Houses. Mr. Carpenter stated that the Handbook of American Houses would be used for the creation of the Historic District guidelines. Mr. Hendershot stated that they have design guidelines of styles that don’t necessarily exist but with the Handbook of American Houses the commission can specify what is desired. Ms. Legaux stated that design guidelines for commercial structures could also be included as well. Mr. Pearson stated that he agreed with Ms. Legaux. Mr. Hendershot stated that they’ve addressed the commercial with form-based code so the area is uniform. Mr. Pearson questioned what happened with the form-based code. Mr. Carpenter stated that it was approved by council and it encompasses the main street block. November 21, 2019 Page 5 of 8 Ms. Pierce stated that they need to keep it simple. Mr. Henn stated the uses permitted should be stated and there is no need for residents to come to the Commission for “like for like” replacements. Mr. Hendershot stated that he believes an ordinance would allow for the city to have the ability to designate those permits. Mr. Henn stated that this method would depend heavily on the homeowner to be honest of what changes they’d be making to their homes and if they weren’t honest then who would regulate that. Mr. Pearson stated that any Historic District home changes would be sent directly to Kris Carpenter or Masood Malik. Mr. Carpenter stated that the homeowner would still have to go through the Planning Department prior to being issued a building permit. Mr. Henn stated that he believed this method would be helpful. Ms. Pierce stated that timing is important to her with regards to this process because a resident shouldn’t have to wait in order to replace their roof. Mr. Hoover stated that issues such as that would be permitted by the city with the new process and the commission would be notified within their packets the following meeting. Ms. Pierce stated that it would be a good idea. Ms. Legaux stated if staff had any questions, they would include the item in the following Historic District Commission meeting. Mr. Henn stated that something that would be considered in the grey area would be a good item to bring to the Commission. Mr. Pearson stated that a perfect example of this would be if a resident wanted to change something to a higher standard. This would be an item for the Commission. Mr. Hake questioned the uses permitted in the district. Mr. Carpenter stated that the uses permitted depended on what the Commission wants to see in the area. The city imagined limited commercial and the potential for mix use but they wanted the Commission’s feedback on this. Mr. Hendershot questioned if Special Use Permits would be distributed for commercial uses. Mr. Pearson stated that all commercial items would need to come to the Commission. Mr. Carpenter stated that currently the layout is that Main Street is all commercial, Second Street has several limited commercial, but mostly residential uses, and the southside permits commercial uses. Mr. Pearson stated that anything on Second Street needs to come to the Commission due to the residential uses on the street. Mr. Hake questioned if the uses are taken care of through the overlays within the district. Mr. Pearson stated that any commercial uses need to come to the Commission because some heavy uses can affect buffers, but he has no problem with commercial uses within the district. Mr. Hake agreed with Mr. Pearson and questioned what the commission can do regarding commercial uses since that is based on zoning. Mr. Carpenter stated that the city wants the Historic District and the Planning & Zoning Commissions’ recommendations for the area, as well as the final approval from City Council. Mr. Pearson stated that they should get rid of the overlays and RNC but all the items in question should come to the Commission for approval. Mr. Hendershot questioned how the zoning would work for Second Street. Mr. Pearson stated that everything would need a Special Use Permit prior to development. Mr. Hoover stated that he agreed with Mr. Pearson and the city had previously discussed the process. They wanted to begin with the normal Historic District zoning, which would have its designated rules for residential, commercial, and mixed uses. These mixed uses would include instances such as a tea November 21, 2019 Page 6 of 8 room being located across the street from a home. They feel this instance doesn’t fit perfectly into any one category so this item would be brought to the Historic District Commission. Mr. Pearson stated that it could be set up on a case by case basis and eventually become a homogenized district. Mr. Hendershot stated that the idea was that they would talk through the ordinance regulations and make decisions. Mr. Pearson stated that they would use the ordinance as the guidelines for the decisions being made. Mr. Henn questioned if they had accomplished what they had wanted. Mr. Carpenter stated that the goal was to get the Commission’s feedback. Mr. Henn stated that he sees commercial and residential use mix mainly on 2nd Street. Mr. Pearson stated that the fire station could be the differentiating point between residential and commercial uses but he didn’t want to completely get rid of the residential uses on 2nd Street. Ms. Pierce stated that the survey showed how the residents desired quaint small town establishments along with the residential uses. Mr. Pearson stated that he enjoys being able to walk to dinner and that sort of stuff. Mr. Hake questioned how they see item three moving forward. Mr. Hoover stated that they plan on discussing this further with the commission two or three more times including any new ideas to give the Commission the opportunity to make decisions on what they feel should be done. Mr. Pearson said that the city was made of band-aids that needed to be taken off and truly repaired. Mr. Hoover replied that the city needed to be healed. They need to work to develop those critical areas in town to make the community come together. Bo Bass walks each day and has said that there’s not fifty people outside along with him. Hopefully the Commission will come up with ideas to bring the rest of the community out. Mr. Hake stated that he has visited areas within cities that had been restored and faded quickly after. The areas are abandoned now and he feels that the restoration must happen organically. He added that Park Street is developing organically as it should be. Ms. Pierce questioned if the return of responses for the survey sent out were what the city had expected. Mr. Hoover stated that it was what they expected it to be. Ms. Pierce stated that they should do another survey and the goal should be to receive a lower response of people not knowing they’re a part of the Historic District. Mr. Hoover agreed. Beginning with the addition of distinctive signage and getting feedback within the year to see the effect. Along with the survey they could also possibly include an informational piece. There’s room for improvement. Ms. Pierce questioned if using a column in a public entity such as Connection Magazine discussing a chosen topic would be beneficial. Additionally, not everyone moving into the district knows about it. Mr. Hoover stated that getting that connection started would be beneficial. C. Update on proposed plan for Heritage Park. This item had been previously postponed. Mr. Hoover stated that Clark Condon has been involved in the entirety of Heritage Park and they’re working in coordination to have them come speak with the Commission. Now is the time to make the decisions for what to add in the different areas of the district.  November 21, 2019 Page 7 of 8 Mr. Hoover stated that Kevin Holland was going to speak on behalf of the Ghiradi House construction because they are facing some difficulties with placing a staircase on the left side of the home. Mr. Hendershot may be familiar with this but essentially the railing for the stairs is coming up to the window. Ms. Pierce asked if he could repeat himself again. Mr. Pearson stated they were discussing the stairwell section on the left side of the house. Mr. Hendershot stated that Mr. Pearson was correct. Mr. Hoover stated if the Commission wanted to have a connection of the railing to the home it was going to look odd the way that it was planned right now. This issue was arising from the porch not extending to the edge of the home so the railing was intersecting with the window. Another option would be to place the stairs in the front of the home instead of the side. Mr. Pearson questioned if the stairs could be extended further out. Mr. Hendershot stated that it may be too short even with the extension. Mr. Hoover stated if they decide to extend the ground to the edge of the home then drop the stairs it could work. Ms. Pierce stated that with this change she didn’t believe the stairs would look bad. Mr. Hake stated that he didn’t like the stairs. Ms. Pierce questioned what happened with the placement of the column on the home they had discussed previously. Mr. Hoover stated that they added another column to make the porch symmetrical. Ms. Pierce stated that was good with her and that she prefers the staircase on the left side. Mr. Hoover stated that if everyone agrees with the staircase on the left side of the home being extended out then dropping down the stairs then he would let Mr. Holland know. Additional updates on this home include the electrical work that will be done during the Thanksgiving holiday. After that is done, windows, trim, and stairs will be added. The house, when it is finished, will be white with black trim and potentially a grey porch if you all like that idea. Ms. Keever stated that she likes the grey porch. Mr. Hoover stated it would be steel grey in color. Mr. Pearson questioned how far the new post is from the original center post and would it be possible for two more posts to be added to each end of the porch as well. Ms. Pierce stated with the additional posts it would look purposeful and not just a fix. Mr. Pearson stated that the spacing for each pair of posts would need to be the same. Mr. Hoover stated that they can add those posts with the same spacing between each pair and they would do grey paint for the porch. Mr. Pearson stated that they need to get the boundaries updated and start working from there. Mr. Hoover stated that he agreed and thanked the Commission for being there as this process would be very difficult without them. V. Commissioner’s Comment’s No Comments VI. Staff Comments No comments VI. Adjournment Mr. Hake adjourned the meeting at 7:29 p.m. November 21, 2019 Page 8 of 8 _______________________________________ _____________________________________ Kris Carpenter Mr. David Hake Planning Manager Chair, Historic District Commission