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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 10/25/2007 MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS OCTOBER 25, 2007 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Bunny Tinker, Chairman Mr. David Brown Ms.Anita Eisenhauer Mr. Myron Grossman Dr. Richard Moore Mr. Herb Morrison Mr. Craig Thompson MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Susan Abarca (Excused) Dr. Clifton Baldwin (Excused) Mr. Stephen Bowling (Excused) Dr. James Carter (Excused) Mr.Art Zeiler (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Mr. Wesley Vardeman, City Planner Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by Mr. Craig Thompson, Vice Chairman. The roll was called and a quorum was not present. ACTION ITEMS: Approval of September 27, 2007 Minutes: The September 27, 2007 minutes will be approved at the November meeting. Advertise to Relocate the Lichenstein House: Mr. Wes Vardeman, Staff Liaison, addressed the commission. Mr. Vardeman stated that in a meeting with several city staff members and Mr. William Bell, it was disclosed that potential buyer had been found for the A. A. Lichenstein House. A question was asked regarding the price of the house and Mr. Vardeman stated that the asking price for the house was $10,000.00. Mr. Vardeman continued that the city was given the opportunity to purchase the house, but the City does not have the funding to purchase it. Also, because of the size of the structure, there really was not an available site large enough to accommodate it on city-owned property. The house will have to be cut in half to move it. Mr. Thompson asked if there was a time line in which the housed were to be moved and Mr. Vardeman answered that in talking with Mr. Charnquist, he had indicated that he wanted the houses to be removed from their current sites by January 1, 2008. If the houses were not moved, they would be demolished. Mr. Vardeman stated that staff would like for the Park Department to be able to retrieve some of the old brick from the sites that could be possibly used as replacements. Ms. Eisenhauer asked why the site next to the Mary Carroll House would not be a good location to site the Lichenstein House and Mr. Vardeman responded that the site was too small, especially since the Mary Carroll House was sited so far back from the street and closer to the building housing the ballet. The fit would be too tight. After all comments had concluded, no action was taken. SCANNED i Landmark Commission Meeting --' October 25,2007 Page 2 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: "HC" Designations for the Old Fire Station, Downtown Pump Station and the Kinney Street Bridge: Ms. Tinker stated that at the September meeting, the commission authorized her to meet with city department heads responsible for the three proposed sites that the commission was interested in pursing for"HC" designation. Ms. Tinker continued that she spoke with Fire Chief Richard Hooks, Ms. Valerie Gray and Mr. 'Angel Escobar regarding the commission's proposal for the three sites. According to Chief Hooks, the old fire station was going to be costly in making the necessary physical changes. One of the most costly items would be removal of the lead-based paint. According to Chief Hooks, a feasibility study would have to be done to get an idea of just what the cost would entail. Ms. Tinker continued that Chief Hooks did not commit to the idea. Ms. Tinker continued that she did receive approval and support from Ms. Gray and Mr. Escobar, respectively, to pursue "HC" designation for the downtown pump station and the Kinney Street Bridge. Since the commission has received the green light for both projects, the process can be initiated after the holidays. Status Report on Oak Park Methodist Church and South Bluff Methodist Church: Ms. Tinker stated that both the Oak Park Methodist Church and the South Bluff Methodist Church were "HC" designated and she wanted to give a status report on both structures. For the Oak Park Church, members want to do some work to the interior of the church. The work would entail removing several walls and painting. Ms. Tinker clarified that the commission has no review authority over the structures' interior so they can make any changes that want to the inside of the churches. South Bluff United Methodist Church: Ms. Tinker stated that at one of the previous commission meetings, the potential buyer for the church attended the meeting and gave a brief overview of his proposal for the church. At that time, it was suggested to him that once he finalized his plans, he could come before the commission to do an in-depth presentation. Ms. Tinker continued that during this time, the church has not been purchased and the "For Sale"sign was still in place. Memberships: Ms. Tinker stated that Commissioners David Brown, Michelle Braselton and Dr. Clifton Baldwin's terms expire in November and they were up for reappointment. Commissioner Susan Abarca had served the maximum term limit and was not eligible for reappointment. Those commissioners seeking reappointment should complete the necessary paperwork so that the information could be forwarded to the City Secretary's office for scheduling on the City Council agenda. Commissioners were encouraged to actively recruit potential members since several vacancies need to be filled. Commissioners were also reminded that because of the CLG status, different competencies had to be met. The name of Susan Rucker was submitted as a potential member. A letter will be sent to Ms. Rucker to see if she is interested in serving on the commission. Other Reports: Corpus Christi Caller Times Home Section: Mr. Thompson stated he initiated this project and because of time restraints and work schedules, the project was phased out. Mr. Thompson stated that initially when he proposed the concept, he was working with Stephanie Jordan, who was temporarily working with the Home Section of Caller Times, since Diana Mireles, was on leave. Mr. Thompson continued that one of the things discussed with Ms. Jordan was that may be the commission could provide historical information on various structures and other points of interest around the city that would accommodate a one-fourth (1/4) page in the Sunday Home Section. Ms. Jordan requested the commission to provide information and pictures for ten to twelve structures that could be featured in the column. Mr. Thompson continued that he did refer Ms. Jordan to the commission's website of "HC" designated structures, but he did not follow up with her regarding the information she requested. Mr. Vardeman added it would be great to have the newspaper coverage on relocation and siting of the Ropes' House. The coverage could include before and after articles. After a brief discussion, it was Landmark Commission Meeting - October 25,2007 Page 3 disclosed that were several houses that could also be featured in the newspaper, especially the "HC" designated houses along Clifford Street. Landmark Commission Awards: Ms. Tinker stated that the awards committee had met and formulated guidelines and a process for the commission's awards program. Ms. Tinker stated since Mr. Zeitler could not attend today's meeting, she would present the committee's recommendations for the commission's consideration and approval. The recommendations are as follows: A. Follow up Implementing Awards Procedure Proposal: 1. A committee will be appointed each year by the Landmark Commission from among its members (Awards Nomination Committee). 2. Between January 1 and February 28 of each year, members of the Landmark Commission shall recommend potential recipients for the Architectural Heritage Recognition Awards. 3. In March, the Awards Nomination Committee shall select one to five nominees for consideration of the Landmark Commission. 4. The Landmark Commission shall consider the nominees for the awards at its March and/or April meetings, including those recommended by the Awards Nomination Committee and select one to five recipients for the awards. The recipients may be individuals, organizations or other entities. 5. The Awards in the form of an attractive certificate shall be presented at an appropriate public event to the recipients in May. *6. The awards should be expanded to include more than just architecture. Recommend "Historical/Cultural." *Item 6 was added by Ms. Bunny Tinker, Landmark Commission Chairman. Designation of City Limits through City Parks & Recreation: Mr. Grossman stated he and Ms. Tinker went to the Central Library local history room and researched old documents dating back to the 1850s that showed zones of the city that were not included when the city was first incorporated. Mr. Grossman continued that he and Ms. Tinker would be meeting with Parks and Recreation staff in a joint effort trying to identify four potential sites for placement of a historical sign/marker. The markers would be placed where the city limit was before the city was incorporated, city limit at the time of the 1852 incorporation as a city, a site 10 years after incorporation, and a site 20 years after the incorporation. Mr. Grossman went on to say that they had discussed installing painted signs/markers or curbs for each site stating the city limits at that particular time. The signs would be placed about 20 feet away from the curb and the color selected for the sign would be color- coordinated so there would be no conflict with colors of existing city signs. Mr. Grossman stated there were three (3) definite areas that go back to 1928. Dr. Moore stated he has located maps dating back to 1832 and in looking at the maps, a lot of information was provided. Dr. Moore provided brief chronological information regarding streets and subdivision developments. The map included the 1852 recordation of the city's incorporation, and showed the boundary of Morgan Avenue to Water Street to the Port, 1852 - 1925 - approximately twenty- five or thirty new subdivisions were established from Morgan Avenue to Louisiana Parkway. Dr. Moore continued the maps were very informative. Landmark Commission Meeting - October 25,2007 Page 4 • After all comments concluded, no action was taken. Discussion Items: Item A - Proposed Projects for 2007/2008 will be discussed at the November meeting as outlined. For this agenda item, a rating sheet was Included in the packets for commissioners to rank each item and return to staff, Proposed Abandonment of Two Parking Lots located at the Southwest/Northwest Corners of Heritage Park That Were Originally Planned as Home Sites: Mr. Vardeman stated he had spoken with Park and Recreation staff about the possibility of turning the two parking lots in the Heritage Park complex back to sites for placement of historical structures. Mr. Vardeman continued that they were very protective of the two parking lots and, at this time, they are not willing to relinquish them. It was their contention that the lots were needed for parking and event serviceability, since the houses generate money through various rentals and activities. Mr. Vardeman went on to say that at some point, they maybe agreeable to releasing a portion of the lots. Mr. Vardeman stated he believed the two parking lots were included in the original Master Plan for Heritage Park. As an update to other matters regarding Heritage Park, Mr. Vardeman stated in speaking with Chris Semnter, Mr. Semnter shared with him the department's concern of the increased cost of maintaining the houses in Heritage Park. The increased cost of repairs has led them to using alternative materials for repairs to siding and wood. They are proposing to use a material that has a fiberglass base that would provide the same look as the siding but with longer durability. It also seems that the low bearing columns are causing excessive wear on the window ledges in some of the houses. Update on the Relocation and Placement of the Steamboat House: Mr. Brown provided a brief update on the status of the project for the relocation and siting of the house. Mr. Brown continued he met with staff and they visited the proposed site for the relocation between the Seamen Center and the Buddy Lawrence. They walked the site and staked out the footprint of where the house would be placed. As more information becomes available, the commission will be kept abreast of what's going on with the project. Mr. Vardeman added that it was first thought that the house could be placed further back on the lot, but because the site to the back of the lot had been committed for the Veteran's Band gazebo/band shell; the house would be placed closer to the front of the property. Mr. Vardeman continued that it was disclosed by staff that $25,000 had been allocated for construction of the band shell. The Buddy Lawrence House was set further back onto its lot so that when you came out of the house, one would be able to see the band shell and any activity that was happening in that area. Mr. Vardeman stated that a meeting was scheduled for Friday, October 26, 2007, 10 a.m, for the group to meet at the proposed site to stake the placement of the house. The placement would not be any different from what was proposed at the September meeting. Mr. Vardeman continued that the city is running out of land to place any additional structures. Under the leadership of former Assistant City Manager Tom Utter, an overall master plan for the park was created. Mr, Vardeman continued he would like to visit with staff that was involved in the original creation of the plan to get a better understanding of what the original concept was and report back at the next meeting. Ms. Tinker stated that the Junior League organization, Bob Kip, member of the Landmark Commission, worked together along with City staff (Malcolm Matthews, Bob Shattuck and Mic Raasch) in putting together the original master plan. Ms. Tinker emphasized again the importance of the commission having an overall development plan for the new two-block area where the structures were being placed. As an added update on Heritage Park, Ms. Tinker stated she was told that work was done on the Merriman Boby's House with regard to ADA requirements for the bathrooms and ramps and with regard Landmark Commission Meeting October 25,2007 Page 5 • to the Master Plan, it should not only address and identify potential sites for placement of structures, but it should also include tree placement. There will be a proposed landing to be placed at the Arts and Science Park and having a plan in place would be most useful. It should also be noted that the Master Review Committee needs to be involved at the onset of this project. As an added note, Mr. Vardeman stated the vacant site near the old Moore's Auction House and between the Mary Carroll House would be an excellent site for an "old shotgun" house. Mr. Vardeman continued that were approximately four(4) additional sites in the two-block area. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. odj- A(---.7dtAat' t(14;4 4/44 Linda Villiams Wesley Vardeman, City Planner Recor ing Secretary Staff Liaison to Landmark Commission (H:PLN-DIR\LINDA\WORD\LANDMARK\MINUTES\OCT2507.MINS) SUMMARY SHEET LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 25, 2007 1. Ms. Bunny Tinker gave a status report on her contact with City Staff on possible "HC" designation for the downtown pump station, the Kinney Street Bridge and the Carancahua Fire Station. Approval and support were given on the downtown pump station and the Kinney Street Bridge.