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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 03/28/2002 MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 28, 2002 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms.Deborah Douglas, Chairman Ms. Sharon Brower Mr. Michael Cleary Ms. Grandis Lenken Dr. Richard Moore Mr.Terry Orf Mr. Elmon Phillips Mr.TO Stewart Ms. Bunny Tinker Mr. Alan Wahlers MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms.Susan Abarca (Excused) Mr.Alan Belcher (Excused) Mr. Myron Grossman (Excused) Dr.Thomas Kreneck (Excused) Mr. Kevin Maraist (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, City Planner Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Appointment of Sub-committee to Work On Video Production: Ms. Macon stated that at the February meeting, commission members discussed establishing a subcommittee to work on the video production. Ms. Macon continued that three members volunteered to serve-Mr. Grossman, Dr. Moore, and Ms. Tinker. Ms. Macon continued she felt more people should be Involved In deciding what should be included in the production. The sub-committee would also work with the Sesquicentennial Committee and more people are needed to work. Ms.Tinker stated she would like to know when the next meeting would be since she had not heard from the Sesquicentennial Committee. Ms. Tinker continued that the Committee wanted to be sure that they have enough people on the committee, but they have not raised any money and she was really concerned. Ms. Macon stated that if the Sesquicentennial Committee did not begin its fundraising effort soon, nothing could be done without the additional money. Ms. Macon continued that the revised grant has been received from THC and it is ready to be forwarded to City Council for their approval to accept the grant. A question was raised about the regular meetings for the Sesquicentennial Committee and Ms. Tinker responded that the meeting dates keep changing. Ms. Tinker continued she has missed two of their meetings. Ms.Tinker explained that she received notification for one of meetings at the last minute and could not attend. Ms. Tinker continued that part of the problem also was the method of notification for meetings. The agendas are e-mailed so only those members who have access to computers are notified. Ms. Tinker suggested contacting staff for the Park and Recreation Board to find out what has been done In their meetings regarding raising funds for the Sesquicentennial Celebration. SCANNED Landmark Commission Meetingi March 28,2002 Page 2 Ms. Douglas informed commissioners that due to time restraints and work commitments, she resigned from the Sesquicentennial Committee and a replacement was needed so that the Landmark Commission would have three members on the committee. After further discussion, Mr. Michael Cleary volunteered to serve on the Sesquicentennial Committee. Ms. Macon stated Carol Scott was to get In contact with Ms. Douglas so that a meeting could be scheduled. Dr. Moore asked if the Sesquicentennial Committee had any money to work with and Ms. Macon answered that City Council allocated S10,000 for the Sesquicentennial Committee to use for the celebration. Ms. Macon continued that Mr. Glen Ely, President of Forest Productions, has done the fundraisers for his productions. Carol Scott and a few other committee members were to be the City's representatives for fundraising efforts with Mr. Ely, if he was hired, to contact the community. It was understood from Management that the City should be the leader in soliciting money from the community and not outside sources alone. After further discussion, the following action was taken on Mr. Cleary serving on the Sesquicentennial Committee: IT WAS MOVED BY MS. TINKER AND SECONDED BY MS. LENKEN THAT MR. MICHAEL CLEARY IS APPOINTED TO THE SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE TO REPLACE DEBORAH DOUGLAS. MOTION PASSED. Ms. Tinker stated that in order to take care of Item A on today's agenda regarding appointment of the sub-committee to work on the video production, she recommended the following action be taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MS. LENKEN AND SECONDED BY MR. CLEARY THAT THE TWO APPOINTMENTS ON THE SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE ALSO SERVE ON THE SUB- COMMITTEE FOR THE VIDEO PRODUCTION. MOTION PASSED. "Brainstorm On Format Of Video Production As Provided by Commission Members: Ms. Tinker stated she wanted to obtain a copy of the Nueces County Historical Commission's survey that was completed In the 70s. The survey has a very good description of the history of Corpus Christi and it is very comprehensive. Ms. Tinker continued that the survey would be an excellent resource to use for the video. Ms.Tinker stated in viewing some of the clips of Mr. Ely's productions,there were parts of the format she did not like-they were kind of "generic"and did not say a lot. Ms.Tinker went on to say that when the sub-committee got together, she felt that Murphy Givens should also be asked to work on the sub-committee for the video. Mr.Given's vast knowledge of the history of Corpus Christi would be an asset. In brainstorming, several commissioners offered their opinions and comments on the video production previewed by the commission in a previous meeting. Ms. Douglas stated she wanted the video to be more exciting and the presentation should be snappy and upbeat without any country western music. Dr. Moore stated the documentary entitled "History of Nueces County" sponsored by the Nueces County Historical Commission contained a lot of history and was very Informative. The documentary was shown on the PBS station. Mr. Phillips added there was also a book on the history of Corpus Christi published by Eugene Briscoe that was very good. The book could be purchased for about S100.00. Mr. Phillips continued that Mr. Briscoe was a local teacher. Landmark Commission Meetin March 28,2002 Page 3 Ms. Macon responded to the various comments regarding Mr. Ely's video production by stating that In all fairness to Mr. Ely, the presentation shown was representation of the community that hired Mr. Ely to produce the video. The city's video production would include whatever the sub-committee and the Sesquicentennial Committee decided what was to be featured. Mr. Ely would be under the direction of the group. Ms. Macon stated, to the Landmark Commissioners serving on the Sesquicentennial Committee, that at their next meeting, it should be discussed when Mr. Ely would be hired to assist City representatives In the fundraising for the video production. ACTION ITEM: Approval of Minutes for January 24, 2002 and Februry 28, 2002 Meetings: The minutes for the January 24,2002 and February 28,2002 meetings were approved as distributed. OTHER MATTERS: Mr. Phillips referenced the packet of information received from Mr. Leland Johnson and the Gold Star Court Committee and wanted to know if he should respond to the Information since some of the facts were not stated correctly. Ms. Macon stated that a response from the Landmark Commission was not necessary since Mr.Johnson's comments were directed to Mr. Phillips. Mr. Phillips stated he attended the Planning Commission public hearing regarding the CDBG funding. Staff recommended that $50,000 be allocated to the Old and new Bay View Cemetery. Staff requested $35,0000. Approximately $261,000 was reprogrammed for other projects. Mr. Phillips stated he would like to start a letter writing campaign requesting that staff to restore the amount of$50,000 for continued improvements to the Bay View Cemetery. Mr. Phillips continued that various programs were funded and the CDBG proposals will be presented to City Council In April. Many requests were denied. Ms. Tinker stated she wanted the application requesting a "Potential Landmark" designation for property located at 1008 Furman Avenue to be moved forward. Ms. Macon stated she was waiting to receive two others applications, making a total of three, to present to City Council instead of submitting one. Ms. Macon stated she met with the pastor of Temple Beth El Synagogue and they want to submit an application for"HC designation. The designation would be for the original Temple Beth El Synagogue on Craig Street, not the new facility on Saratoga Boulevard. Ms. Tinker stated that the marker in the Gold Star Court still has not been dropped. Ms. Tinker continued that the commission made the recommendation to the Gold Star court Committee that the marker be placed down and we need to follow up to see what can be done to get the marker placed down. Ms. Macon stated she would call Tony Cisneros to see what the timeline would be for getting it done. Ms. Tinker shared information with the commission regarding the Church of Christ Church building located at the corner of Staples Street and Furman Avenue. Ms. Tinker stated that the building is no longer used as a church, but it was currently known as a private facility. Ms. Tinker continued the Police Department boarded the building because of Illegal activities that were taking place and also because of the physical condition of the building. Ms. Tinker stated that it was determined that 50 percent of the building was deteriorated and should be torn down. Ms.Tinker continued that the Furman Avenue Block Association contacted the owner of the building. Ms. Tinker stated she would like for commission approval t0 have one of our engineers tour the building and make a determination if the building is sound or not. Landmark Commission Meedng� S March 28,2002 Page 4 Mr. Phillips stated that at one time, Patrick McGloin was thinking about purchasing the building and using It as offices, but he determined that the structural soundness of the building was not good. Ms. Macon responded that the commission should look at the findings from city staff's perspective;which was that the building was not In very good condition and something had to be done by the owner to repair or demolish. Ms. Macon continued that even if an engineer does an inspection, most likely their Inspection will be representative of the City inspector's report. Mr. Stewart asked what would an engineer look for in doing an inspection on the building and Ms. Tinker stated that she wanted a realistic report to be conducted on the soundness of the building. Ms. Douglas stated she would talk to one of the engineers In her firm to see If they would be willing to do an inspection on the structure. Ms. Macon reminded the Landmark Commission of Govind Nadkarni, an engineer and a former member of the Landmark Commission as a contact person. After further discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. PHILLIPS AND SECONDED BY MR. CLEARY THAT MS. BUNNY TINKER PURSUE FINDING AN ENGINEER WHO WILL PREPARE A WINDSHIELD EXAMINATION OF THE CHURCH OF CHRISTI BUILDING LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF FURMAN AND SOUTH STAPLES STREETS. MOTION PASSED WITH MR.STEWART AND MR. ORF ABSTAINING. Mr. Orf stated that there was a structural engineer that lived in the building; and possibly if you have someone who has a vested interest in the block, something could be accomplished. Ms. Tinker stated she did not want to totally rely on the city's Inspectors to determine the fate of the structure. Ms. Tinker asked If It was possible to invite Herb Canales from the Central Library to attend the April meeting to give his historical presentation on the Old Bay View Cemetery. The presentation provides Indepth history of the cemetery. Ms. Macon stated she would contact Mr. Canales to see if he would be available for the April meeting. There being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. N� 1 s oo• ! I��rit l' .- Lin Williams Faryce GOO•••-Ma le,City Planner Reco ding Secretary Staff Llalso $. Landmark Commission (H WNOA\WORD ANDMARKJAARO2MIN5000