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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 02/28/2008 MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 28, 2008 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms, Bunny Tinker,Chairman Ms.Anita Eisenhauer Mr, Myron Grossman Dr. Richard Moore Mr, Craig Thompson Mr.Art Zeitler MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Michelle Braselton (Excused) Mr. David Brown (Excused) Dr.James Carter (Excused) Mr. Herb Morrison (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 Ms. Bunny Tinker, Chairman. The roll was called and a quorum was not present. ACTION ITEMS: Approval of January 24, 2008 Minutes: The January 24, 2008 minutes will be approved at the March 27, 2008 meeting. Approve Master Review Committee's Recommendation Whether.to Rescind "HC" Designation on the James Belanger House at 1613 Mestina Street& Possible Removal from the Historical Listing: Ms. Tinker stated that even though action could not be taken on this item, staff with Neighborhood Services was in attendance at today's meeting to address any questions or comments commissioners might have regarding this property, Ms. Tinker continued that since the January meeting,the house suffered a fire and sustained more damage. Ms. Tinker stated since the property was "HC" designated, the commission was charged to either approve rescinding the designation or retaining it. Ms. Tinker went on to say that she hoped commissioners had an opportunity to review the additional material that was provided in the packet. For additional background information, it was continued that this house was the twin to the Gugenheim House in Heritage Park and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) submitted, in writing, the structure was eligible to be listed on the Texas Historical Register. Ms. Tinker stated Wes Vardeman, Staff Liaison, took pictures of the house after the fire and he will be showing them a little later in the meeting. Ms. Tinker requested commissioners to keep an open mind in reviewing the pictures and cautioned that commissioners did not want to get caught up again in the emotionality of a situation similar to the one regarding the 1019 Furman Avenue house, At this point, Mr. Vardeman was requested to begin the slide presentation. Mr. Vardeman stated that previously he, Ms. Tinker and Mr. Morrison reviewed the house before the fire and the findings of that review were presented at the January meeting. Ms. Tinker commented that even though the roof sustained fire damage,it maintained it integrity and there was no sign of water damage to the roof. Mr.Vardeman continued that the following pictures were taken after the fire showing damage to the interior and exterior of the house. • Picture 1 -House before the fire; Picture 2-Interior/exterior of the house after the fire; Picture 3-Rear of the house where the fire started; Picture 4-Top of the ceiling where the fire went through the roof; and Picture 5 - Rear side of the property showing major structural roof damage. The structure had three (3) layers of roofing. Mr. Vardeman stated that Joe Elliott, Acting Building Official and Robert Stoddard, Plans Review Coordinator, both inspected the house after the fire and based on their inspection, it was their recommendation that the house be torn down. Mr. Vardeman continued that Peter Salazar, Fire Investigator, with the Fire Department, stated in his investigation that the fire appeared to have started on the left side of the house and SCANNED Landmark Commission Meeting February 28,2008 Page 2 traveled up the window edge up into the attic area. Mr. Thompson stated that in looking at the pictures, it appeared that someone might have been cooking. At the conclusion of the slide presentation, Ms. Tinker requested staff to obtain a copy of the report from the Fire Department and also obtain a copy of Building Staff's findings and recommendations. After the slide presentation, the floor was turned over to Neighborhood Services Staff, Ms. Yvonne Haag introduced herself and Mr. Ronald Arispe. Ms. Haag stated she was the Director of Neighborhood Services and Mr. Arispe was one of the Property Advisors for the Code Enforcement Section of the department, Ms. Haag continued this neighborhood, where the Belanger House was located, was newly selected to be a part of the Citys Neighborhood Initiative Program. The boundary extends from Tancahua Street between the Crosstown Expressway and Agnes Street. Ms. Haag continued that the house was identified as a safety and health hazard to the community and the Police Department spent city dollars in boarding up the house and Code Enforcement spent city dollars in placing a fence around the structure to keep transients out of the house, Ms. Haag stated that in lieu of everything that has happened with the house, the Citys main concern was the health and safety of the neighborhood. Ms. Haag went on to say that it has been a constant cost to the City in trying to keep it boarded up and repairs made to the fencing. Ms. Haag continued that Mr. Thomas Gaddis,current owner, contacted their department stating he was willing to donate the house to whomever would remove it or tear it down just to be rid of the liability. At one time, he had a proposed buyer willing to move the house offsite, but the sale did not go through. Complaints have been reported and documented by neighbors regarding the condition of the structure and how transients were going inside the house for warmth. The neighbors on the street over from the rear of the house were afraid the house would be burned down. Mr. Grossman explained that the Landmark Commission's function was to preserve and save structures where possible; and even though the structure was in deplorable condition, it was a structure that at one time was worth saving. The commission did not view the house as a health issue. Ms. Haag stated she understood the commission's function, but her job was to ensure the safety and welfare of the neighborhood and their efforts were concentrating on make the area safer for everyone. Ms. Tinker stated the commission was trying its best to be pro-active in this situation. The taxes were paid and it would have been great if a buyer would have been found to purchase and move the structure, but that did not happen and it most likely would not. After Ms. Haag's comments, Ms. Tinker suggested that the commission initiate the application process to rescind the "HC" designation on the property; which will allow demolition of the structure. Ms. Haag stated the City does not have the funding in place to use for demolition and because the house was designated,that was the reason this item was before the commission. In order to use federal funds,the commission has to approve rescinding the designation and removing structure from the site survey. Ms. linker stated it was very clear that the owner wants to be rid of the structure and since he is requesting the demolition,the commission is not in a position to counter it. Mr. Vardeman requested that staff be allowed to salvage some of the architectural features from the structure before the building was torn down, i.e. door frames, ballasts and windows that could possibly be used in future renovation projects. Mr.Vardeman stated he would try to get volunteers to help remove as much that could be salvaged. Mr. Vardeman continued that in order to proceed with removal of any thing from the house, a letter of permission was needed from Mr. Gaddis authorizing such removal of any artifacts. Staff will take additional photographs before the structure is demolished. Mr. Thompson commented that the neighborhood initiative program was a great program, but it was unfortunate that the program countered to what the commission was trying to accomplish. Ms. Tinker asked Ms. Haag if there was a way that Neighborhood Services could inform the commission of properties that were being considered for "fix up or tear down" before they actually came before the Building Standards Board and Ms. Haag answered that they could share a copy of the listing with the commission before it got to that stage. Mr. Thompson stated when the time came to place a perimeter fence around properties, may be that would be the time for the commission to review the listing. Ms. linker informed commissioners about a wonderful old house near the old the school on North Alameda,which is the current site of Alameda Oaks Nursing Home. The house was being rehabilitated with a new roof and repairs were being done to the house. Ms. Tinker requested Ms. Haag to keep the commission in mind when these decisions were being made with regard to substandard structures. Ms. Haag responded that the department would be glad to look at ways in which their department could partner with the commission. Landmark Commission Meeting February 28,2008 - Page 3 Mr.Arispe stated that in their review, it was determined that the structure was 66 percent substandard and it was obvious that the house had buckled. Mr.Arispe continued there was never a case initiated on the structure until after the Police Department contacted the department, An inspection of the structure was performed after it burned, It was found that the flooring and roofing were both beyond repair. Ms. Tinker stated that the commission would like a copy of their findings on the house for the commission's file and, if possible, provide in greater detail as to where exactly the fire started. Thanks were expressed to Ms. Haag and Mr. Arispe for attending today's meeting and Ms. Tinker apologized that a quorum was not present so action could be taken on this item. Ms. Tinker continued that hopefully a quorum would be present at the March meeting. Approve Nominating Committee's Recommendation for 2008 Chairman/Co-Chairman: Action will be taken at the March 27, 2008 meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Landmark Commission Awards Update: Mr. Zeitler stated the deadline for submittal of application for the awards program was fast approaching. As of today's meeting, he had received six (6) applications. Mr. Zeitler continued he would like to get the committee together to review them so recommendations can be presented at the March meeting. Ms. Tinker asked if there was a budget for the awards program and Mr. Zeitler answered no. Mr. Zeitler continued his proposal was to present certificates to the honorees since there was no funding available to purchase special plaques. Mr. Zeitler stated since he did not know how the awards program was handled in the past, he was proposing the certificates. Ms. Tinker commented that for past awards presentations, the commission presented certificates and special plaques. The plaques were made by local artist Bill Wilhelmi, owner of Wilhelmi Art Gallery, Ms.Tinker continued she was not sure if the plaques were still available. Mr, Zeitler stated since there was no budget in place for a formal ceremony or presentation; he had an alternate idea for the commission to consider, Mr. Zeitler stated that at one of their upcoming monthly meetings, the Rotary Club was hosting a program on Heritage Park. Members from the City Park Board and the Landmark Commission were being invited to participate in the program to discuss how the Heritage Park concept came about and the future goals and ideas for the park. Mr. Zeitler stated he was willing to ask the Club if the Landmark Commission could be allowed to present the awards at that meeting, since it would all lie in with the overall program. The cost of the luncheon would be $15.00 for attendees. Mr. Zeitler stated this meeting was scheduled for the second Thursday in May, tentatively May 8th, but he would confirm the date. Mr. Zeitler went on to say that this particular program would tie in with the Landmark Commission's effort in promoting preservation and provide a joint effort that could possibly generate some positive coverage and he would let the commission know of the Club's decision. Staff informed Mr. Zeitler that the Landmark Commission had certificates created for the original awards program and those certificates could possibly be used for this year's recognition. Staff was requested to send one of the certificates to Mr. Zeitler before the next meeting. After Mr. Zeitler's presentation, Ms. Tinker expressed thanks to Mr. Zeitler for his hard work in getting the awards program going again and she was excited about the idea of having the presentation during the Rotary Club's meeting. Mr. Grossman stated he would sponsor the cost for two people to attend the luncheon. Chairman's Report: Ms. Tinker stated she met Bob Nix, the new Assistant City Manager for Development Services, Ms. Tinker continued that the meeting was productive and she discussed some of the commission's concerns in trying to get things accomplished in the area of preservation. Ms. Tinker stated she discussed establishing possible funding to hire a Preservation Officer that would be available to help the commission in ways current staff has not been able to because of work commitments. Ms. linker went on to say that he listened to her concerns and requested that she write a letter to him as a follow up to their meeting. Ms. linker stated a copy of the letter was included in the packet and if commissioners had not had an opportunity to read the letter,they were encouraged to read it before the next meeting. Ms. Tinker stated she wanted to make sure the next submittal deadline for the THC grant was not missed. Ms.linker continued that the grant funding would be used to place the site survey onto the city's website. Landmark Commission Meeting February 28,2008 Page 4 For the next meeting, the commission would be at Its full membership; which is fifteen (15). Ms. linker continued that at the January meeting, the commission submitted recommendations for five appointments and City Council approved them. Mr, Scott Harris, one of the five appointments, opted to serve on the Park & Recreation Board -- leaving one more vacancy to fill. The four (4) appointments were Randi Evans, Leo Rice, Reagan Sahadi and Susie Rucker. Ms. Tinker commented that Susan Abarca, former commissioner, also submitted a name to City Secretary that could fill the competency of title searcher. A letter was sent to the Texas Historical Commission, along with a membership listing, requesting that commissioners be added to the THC database to receive the bi-monthly Medallion publication, Discussion Item: Ms. Tinker briefly referenced the priority ranking for the Landmark Commission's 2008 proposed projects. Ms,Tinker stated the ranking was based on the results of the survey that the commissioners completed in November 2007. Further discussion would take place at the March meeting. There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. • • L,111a) t-tALLI Aittaj inde Williams Wesley Varc` man,City Planner Recording Secretary Staff Liaison to Landmark Commission • • NAN-0N4WDAWORDWIDMMNW MIESFEB21308 M.Sj SUMMARY SHEET LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING `ft MAR 2008 FEBRUARY 28, 2008 7 tili Lh.CI 'ti\', J p 1, Yvonne Haag, Director of Neighborhood Services Department, gave a brief pres Attjon of their findings on the Belanger House at 1613 Mestina Street. 2. Mr. Art Zeitler, Chairman of the Awards Committee, gave an update on the Awards Program. Mr. Zeitler presented an idea for the awards presentation. No action was taken. 3. The City Council approved the Landmark Commission's recommended appointments of Randi Evans, Scott Harris, Leo Rios, Susan Rucker and Reagan Sahadi. Mr. Scott Harris opted to serve on the Park and Recreation Board.