Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

DocuSign Envelope ID: CC2FF02C-DAF5-4277-903E-B4D8FBF2E1E9 MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Thursday, May 12, 2022 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND TELECONFERENCE MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Members Present: Chair O’Neil, Vice-Chair Smith-Crivello* (4:18pm), Collum*, Dawson*, Hambaro*, Rath Members Absent: Rodriguez *participated remotely by videoconference Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Roveri, Senior Associate Planner Schmidt, Recording Secretary Barrera This meeting was held with a combination of in-person and teleconference attendance, pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act, Calif. Government Code section 54953(e)(1)(C) and the Monterey City Council’s Resolution authorizing virtual participation in public meetings given the COVID-19 pandemic. 1. Meeting Procedures CALL TO ORDER Chair O’Neil called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 2. April 14, 2022 ACTION: Approved as submitted. On a motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Collum, and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission approved the April 14, 2022 HPC minutes as submitted, by the following vote: AYES: 5 MEMBERS: O’Neil, Collum, Dawson, H ambaro, Rath NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Smith-Crivello, Rodriguez ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC HEARING DocuSign Envelope ID: CC2FF02C-DAF5-4277-903E-B4D8FBF2E1E9 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 12, 2022 3. Consider 525 Polk Street; Historic Permit HP-22-0059 to Allow Exterior Alterations including a Detached Trellis Structure and Outdoor Fire Pit, and Adoption of Historic Preservation Report, for the Cooper Molera Property; Applicant Duke Kelso; Owner: National Trust for Historic Preservation; PC-D-H1 Zoning Designation; Public/Semi- Public General Plan Designation; Exempt from CEQA Requirements per Article 19, Sections 15303 and 15331, Classes 3 and 31 ACTION: Approved Historic Permit HP-22-0059 To Allow Exterior Alterations Including a Detached Trellis Structure And Outdoor Fire Pit, And Adoption Of Historic Preservation Report, For The Cooper Molera Property At 525 Polk Street. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Senior Associate Planner Chris Schmidt presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioner questions. Commissioner Rath questioned if the trellis is free standing or attached. Mr. Schmidt answered it is freestanding. Vice-Chair Smith Crivello announced herself present. Chair O’Neil asked if the trellis posts would need to be dug in. Mr. Schmidt stated there are 8 posts that would need to be dug in, roughly 18” inches and an archaeologist’s presence is required. Applicant Comments Applicant, Kirk Probasco shared information on how he became involved with the restaurant and explained the necessity to have the outdoor trellis. Mr. Probasco detailed the trellis material and construction timeline. Vice Chair Smith-Crivello voiced concern over the modern design of the fire pit. Mr. Probasco said it is a simple smooth concrete fire pit but eventually they would like to cover it in Carmel Stone. Vice-Chair Smith-Crivello argued that Carmel Stone is not in the design and is unsure if it is a commitment. Chair O’Neil suggested making Carmel Stone a condition of approval. Mr. Probasco agreed. Public Comments None. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Dawson spoke in favor of the trellis design and offered to make a motion with the condition of Carmel Stone being added to the fire pit. Commissioner Collum seconded the motion. Commissioner Hambaro expressed concern regarding the condition of Carmel Stone and suggested the project come back to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) before the veneer is added to the fire pit. Principal Planner Roveri explained it would need to be conditioned with a time frame to come back before the HPC. Kent Seavey, Historic Architect suggested a condition of appropriate material. Commissioner Hambaro suggested more flexibility with material because Carmel Stone isn’t always available. DocuSign Envelope ID: CC2FF02C-DAF5-4277-903E-B4D8FBF2E1E9 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 12, 2022 Mr. Schmidt interjected suggesting the project builder, Duke Kelso be consulted. Mr. Kelso concluded he has enough Carmel Stone to complete the project. Commissioner Hambaro exclaimed she would like more material options to distinguish the fire pit over time. Mr. Kelso offered plastering the outside with bits of stone that would resemble surrounding buildings. Commissioner Hambaro stated resembling seems more like copying and would prefer to see it distinguished as a modern condition that is compatible with the historic design. Chair O’Neil suggested the applicant come back with examples of different materials. Mr. Probasco recommended a meeting at the property to compare the use of Carmel Stone in the delineated flower beds. Vice-Chair Smith-Crivello expressed satisfaction with Carmel Stone being on hand and being able to be added to soften the modern look. Douglas Wiele, managing member of Cooper Molera Preservation spoke in support of the proposed project. Mr. Wiele added that the proposal and its design details have been fully vetted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Architectural Resources Group. Mr. Wiele pointed out that he is open to Carmel Stone, but concrete is one of the oldest building materials and it is used on the site in subtle ways. Commissioner Rath said she is in favor if the fire pit is compatible but differentiated. Commissioner Dawson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Collum, to approve HP-22-0059 with the condition that Carmel Stone is added to the fire pit at 525 Polk Street. With Smith-Crivello and Collum voting yes, and O’Neil, Dawson, Hambaro, and Rath voting no, the motion did not carry. On a motion by Commissioner Rath, seconded by Commissioner Hambaro and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission approved Historic Permit HP-22-0059 to allow exterior alterations including a detached trellis structure and outdoor fire pit, and adoption of Historic Preservation Report, for the Cooper Molera property at 525 Polk Street: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: O’Neil, Smith-Crivello, Collum, Dawson, Hambaro, Rath NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Rodriguez ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 4. Consider 603 and 605 Hoffman Avenue; Historic Permit Application HP-22-0046 for Alterations to the Historic Dwelling and Adoption of Historic Preservation Report; Applicant Susana DeFatima Silva; Owner Donald A and Rosanne M Whitaker; R-3-5- H-2 Zoning District; Medium Density Residential General Plan Land Use Designation; Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301 and 15331, Class 1 and 31 ACTION: Approved Historic Permit Application HP-22-0046 for Alterations to the Historic Dwelling and Adoption of Historic Preservation Report at 603 and 605 Hoffman Avenue Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Principal Planner Fernanda Roveri presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioner questions. DocuSign Envelope ID: CC2FF02C-DAF5-4277-903E-B4D8FBF2E1E9 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 12, 2022 Commissioner Dawson questioned why it has taken two years for the Historic Preservation Report to be completed and asked for an outline of completed maintenance to date. Ms. Roveri explained that a series of letters have been issued to the applicant last year, but their application was submitted this year. Ms. Roveri referred to applicant for explanation of the length of time and maintenance done to date. Chair O’Neil asked for clarification on the maintenance schedule. Ms. Roveri explained year one was last year, and that the applicant has rehabilitated the porch but recommended the applicant share details. Applicant Comments Applicant, Don Whitaker explained that tenants were living in the property and were unable to vacate due to Covid. Mr. Whitaker cited a fire and waiting for insurance money as another reason they have not completed required maintenance. Mr. Whitaker elaborated the colors being proposed for the house, trim, and doors. Chair O’Neil pointed out the colors submitted do not match the colors being proposed by the applicant. Ms. Roveri explained the colors received were believed to be the most recent design. Mr. Whitaker provided color swatches and shared with the Commission. Mr. Whitaker explained the doors will be a blending of the other colors and Chair O’Neil expressed concern over only seeing description of colors. Mr. Whitaker clarified it’s three basic colors. Chair O’Neil asked for guidance on how the City should deal with colors regarding the permit. Ms. Roveri explained that the removal of siding and replacement of windows and doors are considered alterations which require HPC review, but paint is maintenance that can be approved administratively by Staff. Ms. Roveri said the HPC can request the applicant work with Staff on colors. Commissioner Dawson questioned what maintenance work has been done to date. Mr. Whitaker explained they removed fire damage and installed stairs and since the home is now vacant, they plan on completing the rest of the needed maintenance. Commissioner Dawson stated the fire damage was more recent and asked how many maintenance items have been completed. Mr. Whitaker explained the property was occupied and work could not be completed. Commissioner Dawson asserted that Covid prevented exterior work only temporarily and that siding and windows are exterior work. Mr. Whitaker disagreed. Commissioner Hambaro stated she understands rehabilitation cannot be done with tenants and despite the cost, the applicant will work on compliance. Commissioner Hambaro asked if the property is a duplex. Mr. Whitaker answered yes and stated it will remain a duplex. Public Comments None. Commissioner Comments Vice-Chair Smith-Crivello spoke in favor of the project. DocuSign Envelope ID: CC2FF02C-DAF5-4277-903E-B4D8FBF2E1E9 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 12, 2022 On a motion by Vice-Chair Smith-Crivello, seconded by Commissioner Hambaro and carried by the following vote, the Historic Preservation Commission approved, with the added condition that the applicant work with City staff on exterior paint colors, Historic Permit Application HP-22-0046 for Alterations to the Historic Dwelling and Adoption of Historic Preservation Report at 603 and 605 Hoffman Avenue: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: O’Neil, Smith-Crivello, Collum, Dawson, Hambaro, Rath, NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Rodriguez ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None PUBLIC APPEARANCE 5. Receive Report on Certified Local Government 2020-21 Annual Report (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) ACTION: Report Received. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Hambaro said she would follow up with Ms. Roveri on completed training. Commissioner Dawson questioned if there have been context statements or surveys done during this period and if any properties were removed from the reconnaissance survey list. Ms. Roveri answered there have been properties taken off the reconnaissance survey list, but they are not required to report them. Commissioner Rath added training from the Monterey Library. Chair O’Neil said she would add the state park training. Vice-Chair Smith-Crivello commended Ms. Roveri on capturing Commissioner training and suggested credit for preparing inventory and progress made on Mills Act properties. Ms. Roveri clarified it can be added to next year’s report. Commissioners discussed which trainings are relevant to the Commission and shared relevant bachelor’s degrees completed that would qualify them as professionals. Commissioner Dawson suggested looking at Mills Act contracts and penalties for non- compliance at a future meeting. Commissioner Dawson asserted regardless of occupancy, a contract was signed, money was collected, and very little went back to historic preservation. Vice-Chair Smith-Crivello agreed with Commissioner Dawson but understands the pressures of Covid on landlords and tenants and could have impacted ability to move forward with materials. Vice-Chair Smith-Crivello noted other properties have been out of compliance for longer and in comparison, two years with Covid isn’t that long. Vice-Chair Smith-Crivello added information about La Merienda. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 6. Planning Office Update DocuSign Envelope ID: CC2FF02C-DAF5-4277-903E-B4D8FBF2E1E9 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 12, 2022  Update received. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:24 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Project Planner Chair Historic Preservation Commission