Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 07/23/2009 MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JULY 23, 2009 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. David Brown, Chairman Ms. Mary Lou Berven Ms. Kris Cardona Ms. Kim Charba Ms. Marie Guajardo Ms. Susan Kesler Dr.James Klein Mr. Herb Morrison Mr. Leo Rios Ms. Susan Rucker Mr. Craig Thompson Ms. Bunny linker Mr.Art Zeitler MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms.Anita Eisenhauer (Excused) Ms. Randy Evans (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Mr.Andrew Dimas, Planning Technician Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 4:37 p.m. by Mr. David Brown. The roll was called and a quorum was not present. Mr. Brown welcomed and introduced the new commissioners -- Kim Charba, Kris Cardona and Susan Kesler. Ms. Charba is a consultant with American Dairy Queen and fills the competency of a regular member, Ms. Cardona is with Stewart Title of Corpus Christi and fills the competency of real estate and Ms. Kesler is a recent retiree from CCISD and fills the competency of a regular member. ACTION ITEM: Approve May 28 &June 25, 2009 Minutes: The May 28, 2009 minutes were approved as distributed and the June 25, 2009 minutes were approved with the following corrections: Page 1, Master Review Committee's Recommendation: Second paragraph, third sentence should read: "The structure was a concrete and wood frame on a pier and beam foundation. , . The sentence omitted concrete and wood frame." Page 3, Second paragraph from the bottom, last sentence should read: Ms. Berven stated that at the June Rotary meeting , , , man named Mr. Gregory First. The sentence corrected to read"Gregory Perks." Master Review Committee's Recommendation regarding property located at 1503 Stillman Avenue: Mr. Herb Morrison, Vice Chairman, addressed the commission. For benefit of the new commissioners, Mr. Morrison provided a brief description of the Master Review Committee's function as part of the Landmark Commission. Mr. Morrison continued that the committee's primary function was to review the physical condition of properties that are "HC" designated or listed on the City's historical survey that are up for review for possible demolition. The committee's findings determine whether a designation is removed from the property versus finding an alternative to demolition and those findings are presented to the full commission for action. At this point, Mr. Morrison requested staff to show the power point presentation for the 1503 Stillman property. Mr. Morrison stated that the house was built in 1910-1912 and at an earlier time, it was possible that the structure could have been saved, but because of the severe deterioration and the cost to repair, it was not be SCANNED Landmark Commission Meeting July 23,2009 Page 2 feasible to do so. The structure is a Iwo story stucco residence with altered windows and porch. The structure has a flat roof with exposed rafter ends and a concrete archway on the south side of the house. The presentation included the following slides: Slide 1 -An overall frontal view of the northwest corner of the house that also included a small portion of the columns located at the rear of the house, the second floor balcony with the flat roof over the balcony area. This picture was taken from street at the intersection of Stillman and Koepke Street. Slide 2-A closer frontal view of the house taken from in front of the structure. View was partially blocked by several large trees in front of the house and behind the fencing. Slide 3 - Northwest corner of the structure that showed stucco missing from the bottom half of the house exposed rotted wood with large holes visible in the side of the house. Slide 4 - Northwest corner of the house second floor balcony and windows. Window frames were rotted and missing. The column connecting the railing to the ceiling of the covered balcony revealed deep cracks in the concrete column. Slide 5- Deep cracks in the concrete columns supporting the second floor balcony. Slide 6 - Southeast corner of the second floor balcony where part of the railing was broken and missing. The smaller columns supporting the railing were also missing and both windows were boarded up. Slide 7 - Northwest corner of the bottom half of the structure where stucco siding was completely missing exposing the rotted wood. Through the fencing, complete overgrowth of high grass. Slide 8 - View of the sidewalk from the rear of the properly showed a line of concrete columns on both sides of the sidewalk. Horizontal beams had fallen off several of the columns. Slide 9 - Rear view of the house where the back door had been pushed in. The exposed wall showed the shell Crete interior wall had deteriorated and the stucco adhered to the concrete wall had fallen off possibly causing the door frame to loosen. The bottom portion of the house had lost all of the stucco siding leaving the wood exposed. Slide 10-Large piles of the stucco siding that had fallen off the house showing rotted wood and rust. Slide 11 -A second floor bedroom had been used to store discarded furniture. Slide 12-Landing on the second floor and partial stairway. Slide 13 - Bottom view of the stairs leading to the second floor. Several steps on the stairway were rotted posing a safety hazard in trying to reach the second floor. Slide 14 - Four views of two of the four bedrooms on the second floor. Bedroom located on the northwest corner of the house indicated ceiling material had fallen down leaving holes in the ceiling and wall areas. Bedroom on the southeast corner of the house showed stress cracks in the wall and exposed wood. Slide 15- Northwest view of the main bathroom on the second floor. Interior walls were molded and floor tiles were broken. Southeast view of a second bathroom had debris and garbage on the floor. Bathroom fixtures had been removed,shower walls had collapsed and the window removed. At the conclusion of the power point presentation, Mr. Morrison summarized the Master Review Committee's recommendation. Mr. Morrison stated that based on the visual tour of the property which verified the abovefindings shown in the power point presentation, and the fact that the life span of the house was established the day it was built, the Master Review Committee recommends removing any designations from the properly freeing it up to be demolished. After further discussion,the following action was taken: Landmark Commission Meeting July 23,2009 Page 3 IT WAS MOVED BY MR. MORRISON AND SECONDED BY DR. KLEIN THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION ACCEPTS THE MASTER REVIEW COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE ANY DESIGNATIONS FROM THE PROPERTY AT 1503 STILLMAN AVENUE AND REMOVE IT FROM THE LANDMARK COMMISSION'S POTENTIAL LISTING CLEARING IT FOR DEMOLITION. MOTION PASSED. Approve Landmark Commission's Vision Plan 2009 for the Development of Heritage Park: Discussion ensued regarding the next step to be taken in moving forward with the development plan. Mr. Brown stated he met Mayor Joe Adame on July 13, 2009 and briefly shared the commission's vision plan for Heritage Park, Mr. Brown continued that it was discussed what the Landmark Commission needed to do in beginning the task in initiating "HC" designations for the park. Mayor Adame requested additional information on the properties surrounding Heritage Park. Mr. Brown continued that he shared with the Mayor that the group had met with Park and Recreation Staff regarding the development plan and they were in agreement with the plan. Mr. Brown went on to say that the Mayor was supportive of the plan. Mr, Brown continued that the next step for the Landmark Commission was to present the plan to the Park Board, but before it was presented, the graphics needed to be redone in a more professional manner. Mr. Brown continued that at one time, Ms. Gavlik indicated that it might be possible to use the services of John Dykema to create the renderings, but with current budget restraints, it was unsure whether they will be able to fund it. Mr. Brown stated the creation of the 501 c for a nonprofit entity working with the commission would be great if it was in place and the group would be able to do fundraisers to help in projects like this. Mr. Zeitler stated it would be great to have an operating organization from the Landmark Commission to qualify for a 501 c designation. The purpose of the group would be to work with both the Landmark Commission and Park Board. There are people who are willing to support and donate money for various causes. Mr. Zeitler gave examples of two City Departments associated with local nonprofit groups with 501 C status--the La Retama Library the Museum of Science and History. Because of these groups and their fundraising efforts, a lot of their projects have been funded because they can accept donations from other groups. Mr. Zeitler continued that Greg Perks has agreed to work with the commission in establishing a nonprofit group with a 501C designation. Mr. Zeilter went on to say that a board would have to be established for the group and volunteers were needed to serve on it. Mr. Zeitler stated he was interested in coordinating the effort and he had a sign-up sheet for anyone interested, Ms. linker asked why did the Landmark Commission need a 501C designation and Mr. Zeitler responded that some groups did not want to give money directly to government because they felt the money would be used for other items rather than what was anticipated. Mr. Zeitler continued that many people felt that by giving to government, there was no flexibility or control on what the funding would be used for. Mr. Morrison added that by establishing a 501C nonprofit group would give the commission the ability to move beyond the scope of what the commission could accomplished. Mr. Brown stated that because of the Friends of the Museum's group, the group was able to provide funding to meet so many of the Museum's needs that the City budget could not fund. Because of the nonprofit group, the City and the Museum have greatly benefited. By having an established group for the Landmark Commission,the raised funds will be for the projects the Commission would establish. Ms. Rucker commented that the name of the group should not be associated with Park and Recreation, but rather a historical name. Mr. Brown stated the discussion of the 501 C was not scheduled as an action item, but he wanted to get a consensus of members present of moving forward in trying to establish the designation. After further discussion, it was the consensus of members present to move forward in establishing a 501C nonprofit group associated with the Landmark Commission. Ms. Berven asked if the name would be limited to Heritage Park and it was answered yes. Mr. Rios asked if the 501C would be available before the annual Jazz Festival and it was answered that most likely it would not be available. After all discussion and comments concluded regarding the plan and the possible establishment of a nonprofit group with 501C designation,the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MS. RUCKER AND SECONDED BY MS.TINKER THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION APPROVES THE LANDMARK COMMISSIONS' 2009 VISION PLAN FOR THE HERITAGE PARK COMPLEX AS IT CURRENTLY IS. Landmark Commission Meeting July 23,2009 Page 4 MOTION PASSED. Mr. Brown stated that the next step would be to present to the plan to the Park and Recreation Board. At this time, not meeting date has been determined. Ms. Tinker asked if a multi-type building could be look like a warehouse. Ms. Tinker commented that in viewing the old Cotton Club - the building would make an excellent multi-type building. Ms. Tinker continued that most likely in the very near future,the Commission could be requested to review the building for possible demolition. Mr. Zeitler reemphasized how important it would be to the presentation to have a new site plan done professionally that included pictures showing how the commission's vision would be incorporated into the existing layout of Heritage Park. It was briefly discussed about the possibility of having the presentation ready for the Park Board's October meeting. Mr. Thompson stated based upon what is currently in place would it be feasible to think the renderings would be completed by October and it was answered probably not. After further discussion, no further action was taken. Continued Discussion on the Kinney Street Bridge and Pump Stations for "HC" Designations: Mr. Dimas stated he spoke with Faryce Goode-Macon,Assistant Director of Development Services/Planning, and was told that the Landmark Commission Chairman should write letters to the City Manager and Engineering Services Director informing them that the Landmark Commission wanted to pursue"HC"designation for the Kinney Street Bridge and both pump stations. Mr. Dimas continued that Ms. Macon emphasized that even though previous leadership were in agreement in pursuing the designations at that time,the letters should be written to make sure current leadership were on board with the commission's pursuit. Mr. Dimas continued that he would contact Tom Stewart and Vernon Wuensche to see if he could obtain a copy of their 2004 presentation on the Kinney Street Bridge. After further discussion, no action was taken. Presentation on Proposed Projects for Bond Work in Heritage Park: Mr. Brown stated in speaking with John Dykema, who will be working with the City Park and Recreation Department in doing the bond work, he was requested to attend today's meeting to give a short presentation on the proposed work to be done in Heritage Park. Mr. Brown stated Mr. Dykema could not be at today's meeting, but Mr. Jerry Hunt,Architect with the firm,was here to give an overview of what work was to be done. At this point in the meeting,the floor was turned over to Mr. Hunt. Mr. Hunt stated his purpose for attending today's meeting was to give an update and summary of the proposed work included in the bond project for Heritage Park. Mr. Hunt continued that the team visited each site in the park and, as a result, created a scope of the work to be done. At this point in the meeting, Mr. Hunt provided two handouts - one titled "Heritage Park Cultural Center Historical Preservation/Restoration," which itemized the scope of work to be done on seven (7) of the nine (9) houses in the Park. No work was included for the Jalufka- Govatos House or the Merriman-Bobys House. The second handout titled "Summary of Major Items of Work" categorized the type of work to be done with the name of the houses that were listed under each category. In discussing the preservation/restoration list with the commission, Mr. Hunt stated the most extensive work would be done on the Ward-McCampbell House. The list included: • Painting the exterior • Porch repair/deck replacement :• New railing to match the existing one on the back • Refinish the front door • Provide new capitals on columns and bases • Replace two(2)columns • Paint the two north rooms :• Replace heat pumps • Repair/replace windows .• Install shutters and .• Provide a new roof In the handout titled "Summary of Major Items of Work,"the list includes the structures under each category as listed: • Landmark Commission Meeting July 23,2009 Page 5 Paint Exterior :• Ward-McCampbell s• Grande-Grossman •: French-Galvan • Julius Lichenstein • Simon Gugenheim New Wood Shingle Roofing :• Ward-McCampbell • Grande-Grossman • French-Galvan + Sidbury • Littles-Martin • Carriage House(includes new copper gutters/downspouts) Replacement of Windows • Ward-McCamobeli(all) • Grande-Grossman (1) •• Julius Lichenstein(all) • Simon Gugenheim (1) New Wood Shutters + Ward-McCampbell • French-Galvan •• Julius Lichenstein • Simon Gugenheim + Grande-Grossman Repair to Porches + Ward-McCampbell • French-Galvan :• Sidbury Replacement of Column Capitals&Bases • Ward-McCampbell New Exterior Sheathing,Weather Barrier, Insulation&Fiber Cement ❖ Ward-McCampbell Replacement of A/C Outside Units • Ward-McCampbell Site Work to be Completed •• New storage building • Repair/level walks and pavers • Extend pavers at the Lichenstein house to solve accessibility issues • New fenced dumpster enclosure at a new location •• Extend site electrical service and add additional service points • New wood screening fences at existing electrical services • Repair roofs,rotted wood and paint(3)gazebos In reviewing the extensive lists, discussion ensured regarding the type of materials that would be used, especially in the replacement of the windows. Ms. Tinker asked if historical glass would be used and Mr. Hunt answered the glass would be insulated glass that looks identical to what is currently in place. Mr. Hunt continued that the little windows were also scheduled for replacement and wood shutters will be added to some of the houses. Mr. Morrison asked how would the wood flooring be sealed and Mr. Hunt answered the flooring will be iced with plastic. Mr. Hunt added that the siding would be replaced with sheeting and wood to prevent further rotting. Landmark Commission Meeting July 23,2009 Page 6 Mr. Zeitler asked if the landscaping shrubbery inside the circle would be removed because it blocks the view of the stage area and Mr. Hunt stated the landscaping was not part of their scope of work. Park and Recreation staff will handle the landscaping. In addition, the department is thinking about relocating the Crepe Myrtle trees to another location within the park. Ms. Tinker stated before Mr. Hunt continued with his presentation, she wanted to ensure that he and the commissioners were aware that the Landmark Commission should have been included in the forefront review of any work that was to be done in Heritage Park. Ms. Tinker emphasized that the Landmark Commission was the CLG agent through the Texas Historical Commission for the City of Corpus Christi. With CLG status, that means the commission has direct control over what takes place in the park. Ms. Tinker continued that before any changes or modifications are made to the park, the Department of Interiors Guidelines must be used in determining what materials are acceptable to ensure the"HC"designation would not be jeopardized. Ms. Tinker added the Ward-McCampbell House was minus two (2) chimneys - it was approved with the proviso that the second chimney would be added. Ms. Tinker asked how soon it would be before the bond program got started and Mr. Hunt answered that the bids have been let and were ready to go to City Council for final approval. Mr. Hunt continued that construction will start within the next 60 to 90 days. Mr. Hunt stated the work to be performed in the Park is to make the structures stronger and more modern. Mr. Zeitler stated this project was become a sliding slope whereby the commission was being circumvented in the process. Mr. Zeitler continued that by the time the commission becomes involved,all decision making has been determined. Based upon what has happened in this project and with others before, it seems that City staff does not fully understand what the commission's function was with regard to historical preservation. Again, the question was asked if this item was already scheduled before City Council and Mr. Hunt stated he did not know the date of the council meeting date, but he felt it would be in the very near future since construction was scheduled to begin within the next 60 to 90 days. Ms. Rucker commented that with the proposed replacement on only one window, she felt it would be difficult to match the replacement with the other cladded windows. Mr. Hunt stated the windows would all be wood. After further discussion, no action was taken on Mr. Hunt's presentation. After further discussion, Mr. Dimas was requested to follow up with Ms. Gavlik and Mr.Anaya informing them a meeting should be scheduled with the Landmark Commission's Master Review Committee to review the construction plans before the project is scheduled for City Council action. Thanks were expressed to Mr. Hunt for attending today's meeting and providing an update on the proposed bond work to be done in Heritage Park. Presentation on the Sutter Park Indian Burial Grounds proposed for National Register Nomination: Mr. Larry Running Turtle Salazar addressed the commission. Mr. Salazar expressed thanks to Dr. Klein and the Landmark Commission for the invitation to be at today's meeting to talk about an endeavor that was very important to him and to all Native Americans, past and present. Mr. Salazar continued he was born in San Antonio, Texas and moved to Corpus Christi at the age of seven. Mr. Salazar went on to say that he was considered to be a Holy Man in his Native American tribe. Mr. Salazar went on to say that he had been working with trying to get the burial ground on Ennis Joslin Road designated for some time. Mr. Salazar continued that in 1933,approximately one hundred fifty (150) bodies were washed up when the area was flooded. Mr. Salazar stated that this site was the second largest burial ground in Texas. During that time, Corpus Christi was one of the certain places that Native Americans gathered foods and medicines. A lot of them died on their journey. The Ennis Joslin site was chosen because sun rose in the east. The most recent recovery happened in 1994 - where the body of a young Comanche girl was found. They were able to determine which tribe she was apart of through the funeral objects found on the body. Mr. Salazar continued that the body is currently at the University of Texas in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Salazar went on to say that he had been trying for the past fourteen years to get the remains reburied. Mr. Salazar stated he has been working on this latest project in trying to honor his ancestors, in working with Dr. Fred McGhee, Mr. Ray McMurray, Mr. Dave McGary and the South Texas Alliance of Indigenous People, by building a bronze sculptured monument to be placed at the site of the historical burial ground. Mr. Salazar stated once this site was designated, it would become the second largest Indian burial ground in the state of Texas. Dr. Klein asked if the monument would be placed in the Sutter Park area and Mr. Salazar answered the monument site Landmark Commission Meeting July 23,2009 Page 7 would be on Ennis Joslin Road up to the Botanical Gardens. Mr. Salazar stated the proposed site was known as 41 NU2 by the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory because of its historical and archeological significance. Mr. Salazar went on to say that of the remains uncovered in 1930 and 1932, 87 percent were found in clay dunes on their sides facing the east where the sun rose over the water, representing spiritual significance of sunrise blessings. Mr. Salazar stated the Alliance was trying to raise $28,000 to help with this historical event. To have the monument erected would be a great landmark and people will want to drive to Corpus Christi to see it. Mr. Salazar continued that a lot of ceremonies are currently held in the park. Mr. Brown asked how the project was going for interring the bodies and Mr. Salazar responded that they were still trying to get the bodies returned. Mr. Salazar went on to say that the first monument was located in Houston,Texas where the Astrodome was located. Ms. Tinker asked who would be on site when Texas A & M began digging and if there would be any one there from the Texas Historical Commission and Mr. Salazar responded he was unsure on would be present when the actual digging was begun. Mr. Salazar stated that as a holy man, he would love to do a 10 to 15 minute ceremony for each body that is recovered. Mr, Salazar continued he requested the Texas Department of Transportation to let him go to the area where the bodies would be once the digging started, but his request was denied. Mr. Salazar stated that in 1990, he attended NAPR conference in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Salazar continued he attended the conference to voice his concern about what was happening here in Corpus Christi and it was revealed that the problem was the same all over. Mr. Salazar ended his presentation by extending an invitation to commission members to attend a press conference sponsored by the South Texas Alliance of Indigenous People and the Gulf Coast Indian Confederation promoting the Native American Monument project. The press conference will be on Wednesday,July 29, 2009 at the Corpus Christi Art Center at 10 a.m. Mr, Brown expressed thanks to Mr. Salazar for attending today's meeting and for his presentation on the Native American monument project, Ms. Tinker informed the commission that stimulus money $55 million had earmarked renovations and preservation and it would be great if the city received some of those funds. Thanks were expressed to Mr. Rios for making an inquiry as to the cost of having the site survey scanned and placed on the city's website. The cost to have all of the binders scanned totaled $800.00 and according to Mr. Rios,the bulk of the cost was shipping the binders. No action was taken. There being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. 4111 Lindo Williams Andrew Dimas, ' anning Technician Rec4'rding Secretary Staff Liaison to Landmark Commission (H:PLN-DIR\LINDAUNORDWINDMARK\MtNUTESJOL2309.MINS) RECEIVE* AUG 2 6 2009 SUMMARY SHEET LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING oily SECRETARY'S OFFICE JULY 23, 2009 1. The Landmark Commission accepted and approved the Master Review Committee's recommendation to remove any designations from the properly located at 1503 Stillman Avenue and remove it from the Landmark Commission's potential listing clearing it for demolition. 2. The Landmark Commission accepted and approved the Landmark Commission's 2009 Vision Plan for the Heritage Park complex, The plan will be presented to the Park and Recreation Board at a future meeting. SCANNED