Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Thursday, April 12, 2012 FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS COUNCIL CHAMBERS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Petty, Castagna, Fletcher, McLain, O'Brien, O'Neil, Palminteri Commissioners Absent: None Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Caraker, Senior Planner Ebbs, Senior Associate Planner Hopper, Recording Secretary Hanes CALL TO ORDER Chair Petty called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. CONSENT ITEMS On a motion by Commissioner O'Brien, seconded by Commissioner McLain, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission approved the CONSENT ITEMS: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Petty, Castagna, Fletcher, McLain, O'Brien, O'Neil, Palminteri NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Approval of Minutes 1. February 9, 2012 ACTION: Approved as submitted. Other Consent Items 2. Establish Resolution Numbering System ACTION: Adopted a Resolution establishing resolution numbering system. ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC HEARING 3. 851 Cannery Row –Approve Historic Permit 12-032 for Construction of a Storage Building; Applicant Bob McIntyre; Property Owner Christopher Shake (Exempt from CEQA Requirements)  Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 ACTION: Adopted the Resolution approving the Historic Permit for the construction of a storage building. Staff Presentation and Commission Questions: Forrest Ebbs presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners' questions. Applicant: None. Public Comment: None. Commission Comments: Commissioner McLain motioned to adopt the Resolution approving Historic Permit 12- 032 for the construction of a storage building located at 851 Cannery Row. Commissioner O'Neil seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner McLain, seconded by Commissioner O'Neil, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission adopted a Resolution approving the Historic Permit for the construction of a storage building: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Petty, Castagna, Fletcher, McLain, O'Brien, O'Neil, Palminteri NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 4. 426 Alvarado Street – Approve Historic Permit 11-318 for Exterior Alterations and Site Improvements; Applicant Alem Dermicek of Eric Miller Architects; Property Owner Alpha Beta Investors (Exempt from CEQA Requirements) ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving the Historic Permit 11-318 for exterior alterations and site improvements. Staff Presentation and Commission Questions: Forrest Ebbs presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners' questions. Applicant: Eric Miller, Eric Miller Architects, said they are attempting to clean-up the rear elevation of the property and in answer to Commissioner Fletcher's question, he said the entire rear of the building will be re-stuckoed and none of the facade will significantly jet out from the building. Public Comment: None. Commission Comments: Commissioner Fletcher complimented the project and said it is a nice plan to clean up the rear of the property. Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 2  Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 Commissioner McLain made a motion to adopt the Resolution approving Historic Permit 11-318 for exterior alterations and site improvements located at 426 Alvarado Street. Commissioner Castagna seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner McLain, seconded by Commissioner Castagna, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission adopted a Resolution approving the Historic Permit 11-318 for exterior alterations and site improvements. AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Petty, Castagna, Fletcher, McLain, O'Brien, O'Neil, Palminteri NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 5. Consider Requests for Exclusion of 501 Figueroa Street, 511 Figueroa Street, 539 Figueroa Street, 527 Van Buren Street and 398 East Franklin Street from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for Recommendation to City Council. Exempt from CEQA (Section 15308). ACTION: Recommendation that the City Council deny the requests for exclusion from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for the properties at 501, 511 and 539 Figueroa Street. Staff Presentation and Commission Questions: Christine Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners' questions. Properties at 501, 511 & 539 Figueroa Applicant: Rosemarie Aiello, co -property owner, said it was difficult to located pictures of the original structures and listed some of the changes that have been made to the properties: 501 has had windows, doors and the garage door replaced and the roof has been redone; 511 has also had windows replaced and changes to the back porch; and, 539 has a change in the original location of the front door as well as a removal of the back porch. She said the properties are commercial and all located on one lot and expressed concern about being able to sell the properties with a historic designation because the prospective buyer might not be able to demolish if so desired. Commissioner McLain gave a brief explanation of the benefits of owning a historic property specifically related to the tax savings. Ms. Hopper also explained some of the benefits indicating the potential for a Mills Act Contract and no restrictions on lot coverage and said staff could meet with property owners and explain such benefits on a one on one basis. Commissioner McLain questioned staff on the guidelines for acquiring a demolition permit for a historic property if desired. Ms. Hopper responded indicating that a historic survey would be required and the City would work with applicants on a case by case to determine an appropriate mitigation for demolition or an alternative solution. Public Comment: None. Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 3 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 Commission Comments: Commissioner Oneil said the properties should remain on the list because they are a wonderful collection of the historic houses people lived in in the neighborhood. Commissioner Castagna said the houses should remain on the list and made mention that once a property is designated as potentially historic, it is difficult to remove it from the list. Commissioner Fletcher concurred and said the City should work on eliminating properties from the list that are not potentially eligible for historic designation before they are included in the survey list and does not agree that the property owner should have the burden of proving their house is not eligible. Ms. Hopper informed the Commission that all properties over 50 years of age would be required to get an intensive survey and the Reconnaissance Survey is a quicker way to get the City surveyed. Commissioner Oneil motioned to recommend that the City Council deny the request for exclusion from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for the 501, 511 and 539 Figueroa properties. Commissioner Castagna seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner O'Neil, seconded by Commissioner Castagna, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission recommended that the City Council deny the requests for exclusion from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for the properties at 501, 511 and 539 Figueroa Street: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Petty, Castagna, Fletcher, McLain, O'Brien, O'Neil, Palminteri NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ACTION: Recommendation that the City Council deny the requests for exclusion from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for the properties at 527 Van Buren Street. 527 Van Buren: Applicant: Joe Ansel expressed concern about the historic designation and the difficulties to demolish the property once it is designated unless the applicant has money to put something in its place. He said the house was moved from its original location and listed several changes that have been done, including windows, doors, roof lines, addition of a bathroom and porch changes. He requested that the Commission remove the property from the list to eliminate the requirement to hire a historian for an intensive survey. He also expressed concern that the property value will decrease with the designation and is concerned about the cost to refurbish the house. Ms. Hopper responded to concerns and indicated that historic surveys are an independent judgment not based on the opinion of City staff. Public Comment: None. Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 4 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 Commission Comments: Commissioner Oneil said the benefits of owning a historic property are not well known and suggested staff compile a one page hand out with a description of the benefits of owning a historic property. Ms. Hopper informed the Commission that the Communications department is working on detailing this on the City’s website and the information should be available soon and suggested the Commission agendize this topic for a Work Program item for next year. Commissioner Castagna suggested staff inquire with current Mills Act recipients to see if they would be available to applicants for their personal testimony about the process and the benefits they have received. Commissioner O'Neil motioned to recommend that the City Council deny the requests for exclusion from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for the property at 527 Van Buren Street. Commissioner McLain seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner O'Neil, seconded by Commissioner McLain, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission recommended that the City Council deny the requests for exclusion from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for the properties at 527 Van Buren Street: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Castagna, Fletcher, McLain, O'Brien, O'Neil, Palminteri NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Petty RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ACTION: Recommendation that the City Council deny the request for exclusion from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for the property at 398 East Franklin. 398 East Franklin: Applicant: Jerry Flores asked staff about the cost associated with being on the list and requested the Commission remove the property from the list. He expressed concern that he will not be approved for a demolition permit and remodeling the building with a historic designation will cause additional costs. Public Comment: None. Commission Comments: Commissioner Palminteri suggested the Commission revisit the importance of Automobile Industry buildings in the City of Monterey. Ms. Hopper said the Commission could consider removing the Development of the Automobile Industry in Monterey as a category on the Reconnaissance Survey if the Commission does not find an appropriate context for it to fit within. Commissioner Castagna said he concurs with Commissioner Palminteri and does not see a reason to include the Automobile Industry category in the Context Statement. Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 5 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 Commissioner O'Neil said the decision to exclude a property from the list should be a decision made by a qualified historian. Commissioner Castagna said the property fits the current criteria of the Context Statement and therefore should remain on the list. Commissioner O'Neil motioned to recommend that the City Council deny the request for exclusion from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for the property at 398 East Franklin. Commissioner O'Brien seconded the motion. On a motion by Commissioner O'Neil, seconded by Commissioner O'Brien, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission recommended that the City Council deny the request for exclusion from the Downtown Area Reconnaissance Survey for the property at 398 East Franklin: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Petty, Castagna, Fletcher, McLain, O'Brien, O'Neil, Palminteri NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ACTION: Recommendation that the City Council direct the Historic Preservation Commission to study the specific context statement theme pertaining to the Development of the Automobile Industry in Monterey. Commissioner Castagna motioned to recommend that the City Council direct the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to study the specific context statement theme pertaining to the Development of the Automobile Industry in Monterey. Commissioner Palminteri seconded the motion. Commissioner McLain said the decisions to remove or not remove the subject properties from the list was difficult because of the lack of evidence from the property owners and said more discussion on the properties could be appropriate. Ms. Hopper suggested a Commissioner represent the HPC at the next City Council meeting to properly express their concerns and opinions. Commissioner Petty suggested staff and the Commission meet periodically for a Study Session about various topics to assure the Commission is fully aware of details and has the proper information available. On a motion by Commissioner Castagna, seconded by Commissioner Palminteri, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission recommended that the City Council direct the Historic Preservation Commission to study the specific context statement theme pertaining to the Development of the Automobile Industry in Monterey: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Petty, Castagna, Fletcher, McLain, O'Brien, O'Neil, Palminteri NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 6 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 COMMISSIONER COMMENTS  Commissioner Petty said he would discuss with staff about scheduling a study session.  Commissioner O'Neil asked staff if the Commission should have been able to review the flags that were painted on the side of the French Conselate which is a historic building. Ms. Hopper said she was unaware of the addition of the painted flags on the building and will look into the topic.  Commissioner McLain asked staff about the upcoming Historic Buildings Code Meeting on April 27, 2012, and wanted to know if the City had any passes. Ms. Hopper informed the Commission that there were passes available and encouraged the Commission to attend. She also said that information about the meeting was emailed to the Commission. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:25 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Elizabeth Caraker Chair Principal Planner Historic Preservation Commission Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 12, 2012 7