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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 08/23/2001 L+ V MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUGUST 23, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman Ms.Susan Abarca Mr.Alan Belcher Ms.Sharon Brower Mr. Michael Cleary Mr. Myron Grossman Mr.Tom Kreneck Ms. Grandis Lenken Mr. Mark Luddeke Mr. Kevin Maraist Dr. Richard Moore Mr.Terry Orf Mr. Elmon Phillips Mr.Tom Stewart Ms. Bunny Tinker STAFF PRESENT: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, City Planner Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. Ms. Douglas stated she was really excited to see the Landmark Commission was back to full membership status and all vacancies were filled. New commissioners were welcomed and commissioners and staff were asked to introduce themselves. The new commissioners welcomed were Ms. Susan Abarca, Mr. Myron B. Grossman, Dr. Richard Moore,and Ms. Bunny Tinker. Ms.Abarca is a Title Plant Manager with Stewart Title and she fills the competency of Title Search. Ms. Abarca filled the unexpired term of Lisa Garza. Mr. Grossman is a real estate agent with ERA Windward Properties and fills the competency of Real Estate. Mr. Grossman fills the unexpired term of Elizabeth Rentz. Dr. Moore is a Professor of History at Del Mar College and fills the competency of a historian. Dr. Moore fills the unexpired term of Betsy Chapman. Ms. Bunny Tinker was welcomed at the August 23, 2001 meeting and fills the competency of a regular member. Ms. Tinker filled the unexpired term of Jerry Waggoner. ACTION ITEMIS): Approval of May 24, 2001 Minutes: The minutes for the May 24, 2001 meeting were approved as distributed. Schedule Landmark Commission Workshop for October 25, 2001: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison, addressed the commission. Ms. Macon stated that each year; the commission tries to have a workshop to plan its annual agenda of projects. Ms. Macon continued that for the past two or three years, the workshop has been held here at city hall, but for this year, it has been proposed that the workshop be held off-site. Ms. Macon stated previously, several workshops were held off-site and she thought it would be a great idea and change for this years workshop to be held at an alternate location. Ms. Macon continued she spoke with Ms. Tinker about hosting the workshop at her family farm site located in Flour Bluff and she agreed that the commission could meet at the farm site. Ms. Macon stated that staff would not be able to provide transportation to the site, but maps would be provided. SCANNED ir+ V Landmark Commission Meeting August 23,2001 Page 2 Ms. Tinker added that the farm is located at the end of Waldron Road close to the Barney Davis Power Plant. Ms. Macon asked commissioners if they wanted to leave from where ever they were or depart from city hall. It was decided that commissioners would meet at the farmhouse in Flour Bluff at the same scheduled meeting time of 4:30 p.m. Mr. Phillips asked what has been done at previous workshops and Ms. Macon answered that the workshop provided an informal setting where commissioners brain storm about activities they would like to achieve and prioritize an agenda for the following year's projects. After all comments and discussion concluded, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED MR. MARAIST AND SECONDED BY MR. CLEARY THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION'S OCTOBER 25, 2001 MEETING BE A WORKSHOP INSTEAD OF A REGULAR MEETING AND SUCH WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE FARMHOUSE OF MS. BUNNY TINKER. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Viewing of Forest Glen TV Productions Video - A Proposal for Corpus Christi: Ms. Macon stated for about the last ten years, a production company has been courting the Landmark Commission and trying to encourage the commission to do a video production of historical tourism for our area. A while back, several commissioners mentioned that for this funding cycle, may be the commission could consider producing a historical video. Ms. Macon continued that since that conversation, she has received another video from the production company and would like the commission to review it. The video is approximately fifteen minutes long. Ms. Macon stated that she spoke with Mr. Glen Ely and briefly discussed the production costs of the video. To produce a 30-minute video, the estimated cost is $28,000. Ms. Macon went on to say that normally Mr. Ely suggests that a 60- minute video be produced with Parts 1 and 2. Ms. Macon continued that his reasoning for this Is that the video can be used as an educational tool within the schools. As far as a producing a tourism video, Mr. Ely suggested a 12-minute video. Ms. Macon stated if a 60- minute video package is produced, along with the 12-minute tourism video, the estimated cost is $48,000. With either scenario, the package includes teachers' manuals, 100 student workshop books, which are reproducible, and approximately 100 DVDs that can be distributed to different schools, both public and private, as well as other entities that the commission identifies. Ms. Macon continued that as part of the package, Mr. Ely also secures funding for production of the video. Mr. Ely has tentatively scheduled meeting with the commission at the September meeting if the commission approves the concept of producing the video. He wants to discuss the possibility of producing a video for Corpus Christi's history. According to Mr. Ely, he meets with the private sector, along with a subcommittee from the Landmark Commission, and gives a presentation on "why, when, and how"this can be done. Mr. Ely's success rate in obtaining funding has been very good. If the money is not secured, then the video will not be done. Ms. Macon continued that in the meantime, she spoke with staff from the Texas Historical Commission (INC) regarding the estimated cost of producing the video. In the past, the funding allocated to the city has never been above $10 to $15 thousand. Ms. Macon stated she told them that the City could not really match the grant with staff's in-kind services because of pending projects in the Planning Department. Ms. Macon continued that after speaking with THC staff, she was told that if the commission applied for funding, they were confident that an allocation would be granted that would help cover the cost of supplies associated with the production. After Ms. Macon's presentation, the floor was opened for questions before the video was shown. Mr. Phillips asked if City Council approval would be needed to start the process and Ms. Macon responded that approval from the Planning Director, along with the Deputy City Manager, would be needed before the proposal would proceed to council. Once approval to proceed Is obtained, a presentation by Mr. Ely will be given to City Council letting them 2 IMO Landmark Commission Meeting August 23,2001 Page 3 know that he would be seeking funds within the private sector community. Another reason Mr. Ely thought this would be excellent timing to address the commission is because he is producing a video for the King Ranch and, at this time, he is also speaking with officials from the City of Victoria. Ms. Brower asked who would define what grade levels to be used in the video and what subject matter would be geared to it and Ms. Macon answered all of that information would be decided by the subcommittee. Mr. Grossman asked if the subject matter was consistent from year to year and Ms. Brower answered not always, and the State of Texas mandates what the curriculum will be. Ms. Brower stated that in third grade, students study about Corpus Christi and Mr. Belcher added that also seventh graders do a study on Corpus Christi. Mr. Belcher continued that Ms. Dixie Binford, Social Studies Consultant for CCISD, would be an excellent resource person for the subcommittee to work with. Mr. Belcher stated he would provide staff with the appropriate information on how to contact Ms. Binford. The question was asked if the video would be geared more towards education or toward tourism and Ms. Macon answered that the video would be geared to both focal points. Ms. Macon continued that Mr. Ely did inform her that if the video would be used mostly as an educational tool, most cities overlap it with the 12-minute video that could be as historical tourism. It Is his feeling that most tourists will not want to watch a 30-minute video, but they would be more inclined to watch a 12-minute one possibly located in one of the kiosks. Dr. Moore asked if a story line had to be written and Ms. Macon answered that Mr. Ely would take care of everything involved in producing the video. After all comments had been received, the commission viewed the video. At the conclusion of the video, further discussion ensued regarding what should be included on the video. Ms.Tinker asked Staff if anything has come before the Landmark Commission regarding the Centennial House celebration for next year and Ms. Macon answered no one has contacted her. Ms. Tinker continued that she would like to know why the commission has not been asked to participate. Ms. Douglas stated she had not heard anything about the celebration. Ms. Macon asked if a date for the celebration had been scheduled and Ms. Tinker stated all she knew was the celebration was scheduled for next year, but she did not have a definite date. After further discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. PHILLIPS AND SECONDED BY MS. LENKEN THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION INVITE MR. GLEN ELY TO THE SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING TO HEAR HIS PRESENTATION REGARDING PRODUCING A HISTORICAL VIDEO. IN ADDITION, THE COMMISSION WILL FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. DISCUSSION ITEM: Review of Completed Historical Web Site: FOr benefit of new commissioners, Ms. Macon provided background information on the historical web site project. Ms. Macon stated that the Landmark Commission entered into a joint venture with the Texas Historical Commission and submitted a grant proposal for development of a historical web site; which the commission completed With the review process of what was to be included on the web site. The consultant for the project was Farenthold, Inc.and they created the web site with input from the Landmark Commission. Ms. Macon continued that as of today, 961 visitors had accessed the web site and she has received twenty-two (22) calls about it. Ms. Macon stated that a lot of the inquiries have been about the archeological sites. Specific locations of the sites were not given, but a general description was provided. Approximately half of the inquires were interested in finding the specific sites. Ms. Macon continued that other inquiries were interested in knowing where other links for historical sites were located throughout Texas and we were able to provide that information. 3 V Landmark Commission Meeting August 23,2001 Page 4 Commissioners were given a final review of the completed web site. Commissioners were provided the address and information on how to access the web site through the City of Corpus Christi's home page. Ms. Macon continued that most of the photographs used In the web site were part of the McGregor photograph collection and the site survey that was done in 1968. In reviewing the web site, it was suggested that the picture of Braslau furniture building be replaced with another photo. Ms. Macon stated any additions or Changes will probably be made at a later date and as money Is available. Ms. Tinker recommended that City Council be made aware of the web site and review it. Ms. Tinker stated the project was great and she was really excited that it Is completed. Ms. Macon stated that the Farenthold group would be responsible for maintaining and updating the web site. Dr. Moore asked why there were no pictures of the Port or of any refineries and Ms. Macon answered that the consultant designated the perimeters of houses/structures that were built in 1945 would be included in the survey. Also, because of budget restraints at that time, the consultant selected the structures that best represented that time period. Ms. Tinker commented that hopefully more property owners could be added as "potential landmarks." Ms. Tinker asked what was the status on the property owners that have expressed an interest in being designated as"potential landmarks" and Ms. Macon answered that she had anticipated to have the applications submitted to Council in September, but that deadline was not feasible. For approximately three weeks, the council did not meet because of vacation. Once council reconvened, zoning cases and text amendments that were pending council action were given priority. Ms. Macon continued that the other reason for the delay was because, in the midst of the bread and breakfast development, Claude D'Unger, former Landmark Commissioner, has also taken on the task of canvassing the Del Mar neighborhood to find property owners interested in designating their properties as "potential landmarks" to receive the small plaque, or designate the property was the "HC-Facade" designation; which means the facade of the house is designated only facing the street right-of-way. Mr. Phillips asked where was the bed and breakfast located and Ms. Macon answered she really did not know the exact location of the one on Del Mar, but there was one located on Atlantic Street. Ms. Macon stated that in the midst of this issue, she was trying to wait to see what Mr. D'Unger will bring in within the next couple of weeks. Ms. Macon stated she received several phone calls from owners In the Del Mar neighborhood asking what Mr. D'Unger was doing and she explained what he was trying to accomplish. Ms. Macon expressed thanks to commissioners who served on the subcommittee to review and edit the verbiage contained in the web site and a special -thanks" was expressed to Ms. Brower who did a fantastic job of editing and proofing the text. Other Matters: Ms. Macon stated she received a call from Carol Halter of the Texas Historical Commission. Every year THC schedules a preservation workshop in the city of one its CLG5. They have scheduled a workshop for Thursday, November 15, 2001 at the Museum of History and Science. They are requesting the Landmark Commission to host the workshop. Ms. Macon continued that the commission's November meeting always fall on Thursday, and she was wondering if the commission wanted to have the November meeting on an alternate date or use the preservation mini-conference as the November meeting. Mr. Phillips stated that he also received a call from THC and he did not feel any money was involved, but he told them the County Commission would be willing to do anything that can 4 V Landmark Commission meeting August 23,2001 Gage 5 be done to help out. Mr. phi Hips added that Larry Oaks, Executive Director of THC, came last year. Ms. Macon stated she would like the commission to take action on whether or not the Commission wanted to use the THC preservation "mini-conference" as the November meeting. After a further discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. GROSSMAN AND SECONDED BY MS. TINKER THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION CANCEL THE NOVEMBER 22, 2001 REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AND IN LIEU OF, COMMISSIONERS ATTEND THE NOVEMBER 15, 2001 "PRESERVATION MINI-CONFERENCE" SPONSORED BY THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Macon stated that more detailed information would be provided to the commission once it is available. Mr. Phillips stated he received a call from the Texas Parks and Wildlife and they will be submitting a grant to the Texas Historical Commission to do archeological work at Fort Lilliputian. Mr. Phillips stated that he feels the Landmark Commission should show support of the project and he is asking the commission to write a letter of support or a resolution. After further discussion,the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. PHILLIPS AND SECONDED BY MS. TINKER THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION WRITE A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION IN SUPPORT OF THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE SUBMITTING A GRANT PROPOSAL TO DO ARCHEOLOGICAL WORK AT FORT LILLIPUTIAN. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Tinker asked if there was a follow up to the last meeting held with Park and Recreation Staff regarding the Gold Star Court and Ms. Macon answered that she missed the last meeting because she was attending the Texas Historical Commission meeting. Various comments were expressed about the aesthetic of the Gold Star Court and how displeased the commission was with the result. The improvements installed were not in line with what was approved. After further discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. GROSSMAN AND SECONDED BY MS. TINKER THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION WRITE A LETTER TO TONY CISNEROS REQUESTING THAT THE TOMBSTONE PLACED IN THE GOLD STAR COURT BE REMOVED AND PLACED IN STORAGE UNTIL THE CORRECT MARKERS CAN BE INSTALLED. A COPY OF THE LETTER SHOULD BE SENT TO THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Maraist and Mr. Grossman will draft the letter to be sent to Mr. Cisneros. Mr. Stewart stated he heard that change is underway to close the road leading to Airheart Point. Mr. Stewart continued that if that is indeed a possibility, he feels the Landmark Commission should have some input into the final decision. Ms. Macon stated she would look into it before the next meeting. Mr. Kreneck stated he would like to know if the proposal to locate a bombing range near the King Ranch Is a dead Issue. If it were not, he would like for the Landmark Commission to write a letter stating that the group is not in support of the project. After a brief 5 Landmark Commission Meeting August 23,2001 Page 6 discussion, it was disclosed that the proposal to locate the bombing range in this area was indeed a dead issue. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. �,. k L (- C -�. Linda illiams Paryce Good acon, City Planner Record g Secretary Staff Liaison to Landmark Commission 6