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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 06/25/1992 4110 MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUNE 25, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Edwin Goodman, Chairman Ms. Cynthia Hill-McKinney Ms. Pam Lakhani Mr. Michael Shelly Ms. Bunny Tinker Ms. Mary Whitmire MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Patricia Atkins Ms. Nancy Bowen Mr. James Catron Ms. Mary Ellen Collins Mr. Les Mabrey Mr. Govind Nadkarni Ms. Alclair Pleasant Mr. Donald Victory Mr. Joe Williams STAFF PRESENT: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary Mr. Michael Gunning, Senior Planner The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by Mr. Edwin Goodman, Chairman. The roll was called and a quorum was not present. ACTION ITEM(S): Approval of May 28, 1992 Minutes: The May 28, 1992 minutes will be approved at the July meeting with the following corrections: Page 8: First paragraph, fifth sentence: "Ms. Tinker stated in order for the Commission to protect itself, the "Govatos" name was never mentioned . . . restoring the house. Ms. Tinker clarified that the sentence should state "for the Commission to protect itself in the future and to avoid the same events from happening again, the Landmark Commission should develop guidelines and criteria for naming historical structures. " Page 9: First paragraph, second sentence: "The slide review will resume at the May meeting, " the sentence should read the "June" meeting. DISCUSSION ITEM(S): State and National Guidelines For Naming Historical Designated Structures: Ms. Tinker stated she talked with Margaret Walberg, Nueces County Historical Commissioner, regarding guidelines and criteria the Nueces County Historical Commission (NCHC) used in SCANNED Landmark Commissionting June 25, 1992 Page 2 naming historical structures. Ms. Tinker continued she was informed that NCHC uses the same guidelines as outlined by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). At this point, Ms. Tinker referenced a copy of the guidelines that were distributed to the commissioners at today's meeting. Ms. Tinker continued that with some minor modifications, the Commission could adopt the guidelines as they were printed. Ms. Tinker stated that in lieu of what has happened previously in naming a historical structure in Heritage Park, hopefully, establishing guidelines will deter any future problems. Ms. Tinker added that the National Register also follows the same guidelines in naming historical structures as set forth by THC. After Ms. Tinker's presentation, the Commission concurred that criteria and guidelines should be adopted and forwarded to City Staff. A question was posed to Ms. Eisenhauer, Chairman of the Nueces County Historical Commission, regarding the guidelines in conjunction with the Jalufka House. Ms. Eisenhauer addressed the Commission. Ms. Eisenhauer expressed thanks to City Staff for sending copies of the Commission's monthly agendas and minutes. Ms. Eisenhauer continued that she applauds the Commission's efforts in many of the things that are being done. Ms. Eisenhauer stated that having some background information on naming historical structures and naming of the Jaluka-Govatos House, she felt it was important to attend today's meeting. Ms. Eisenhauer continued that due to the speed of accepting the Jalufka House, research information should have been clarified more in naming of the structure. Ms. Eisenhauer read a letter addressed to Mr. Ed Goodman, Chairman and Landmark Commission members. The letter clarified several points that were discussed at the May 28, 1992 meeting. According to the letter, a marker application has not been submitted to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) for the Littles-Martin House and research has not been completed on the house. The house appears on the 1919 Sanborn map with no proven information as to its original location, builder, or owner. The letter further clarified a statement in the May minutes in that no person's name may appear in the text of the marker unless the person's death occurred twenty (20) years previously. The Texas Historical Commission established guidelines for hyphenated names on historic properties and the Nueces County Historical Commission is requesting the Landmark Commission to use these guidelines for naming future houses accepted by the City and perform a thorough historical research and property title search of ownership prior to accepting any houses. After Ms. Eisenhauer read the letter, she continued that if proper research and title searches of property owners are completed, it makes the process easier to accomplish. After Ms. Eisenhauer's comments, Ms. Tinker stated she felt a committee should be appointed to thoroughly review the guideline list for naming structures and make modifications where they are needed, but the end result would be to adopt them as guidelines and distribute them to City Staff. Ms. Eisenhauer stated that many dollars are paid for the National Landmark Conmissioneting June 25, 1992 Page 3 Register to formulate their guidelines, and if we follow the established guidelines of THC that are already in place in naming structures, it makes the whole process simple. For review, Ms.Eisenhauer passed around a copy of the rules/handbook publication by THC for local County Historical Commissioners to follow in naming houses. The publication can be ordered for $5.00. Mr. Shelly, Landmark Commissioner, asked how far back should the title search go and Ms. Eisenhauer answered that once the title search has been reviewed and the property owner(s) are known, the title search should reveal the period in which the house was built and if there were any liens against the property. Ms. Eisenhauer stated that the pieces should fit together as a puzzle in doing this type of research. Ms. Eisenhauer added that sometime the title searches reveal very little information and other sources such as the Sanborn maps are used in gathering information. Ms. Eisenhauer indicated that the County Historical Commission has run into several roadblocks in title searching the Littles-Martin House. The money is available at the County level for the historical marker, but at this point, there is not enough information to complete the research. Ms. Eisenhauer continued that the County Historical Commission requests funding each year for four (4) historical markers to be researched and submitted. It is very difficult to find people who are willing to spend the time to do the indepth research required for a marker. The entire process takes approximately eighteen (18) months to complete. Mr. Shelly addressed the Commission. Mr. Shelly is Branch Manager for Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation. Mr. Shelly stated in the company's records, they have the original Guaranty Title Abstract Plant. Most of the titles in the plant date back to sovereignty. Mr. Shelly offered assistance to continue the title search for the Littles-Martin House. Ms. Eisenhauer expressed thanks to Mr. Shelly's offer and stated Ms. Margaret Walberg conducted the research on the Littles-Martin House. Ms. Walberg stated that the Littles-Martin House was given by the John Kennedy Family to the Littles Family. The house was included on the 1919 Sanborn map, but the problem is that there are three (3) different stories as to where the house was originally sited. The house has since been moved to Heritage Park. Ms. Walberg expressed that the County Historical Commission has run into a dead end of locating its original site. Mr. Shelly stated since the house has been moved, it may or may not appear in the real property records. Mr. Shelly stated he would be willing to search the records for the Littles-Martin House once he receives the needed information. Ms. Eisenhauer stated she would get the information to him. Ms. Macon stated information is also available in the Planning Department. Ms. Tinker asked why couldn't the research go forward from 1919 and Ms. Walberg answered that it could, but it has not been seventy-five years since the structure appeared on the 1919 Sanborn map. Ms. Walberg added that even if the research is completed, the marker Landmark Commissionlbting June 25, 1992 Page 4 cannot contain the "Martin" name since Ms. Martin has not been dead for fifty (50) years. Only the "tittles" name could appear on the marker. Ms. Hill , Landmark Commissioner, asked what rules and guidelines were the County Historical Commission referencing and Ms. Eisenhauer stated the guidelines as set forth by the Texas Historical Commission and the National Register. Ms. Hill asked were the guidelines presented at today's meeting included in the County Historical Commission's referenced book and Ms. Eisenhauer stated they might not be listed in this book. Ms. Eisenhauer added there are specific things about a RTHL designation (Recorded Texas Historic Landmark); which is the hardest designation to obtain on one of the markers placed in Heritage Park. The criteria is very explicit. The house is not to be moved from its original site, and the house has been moved. Through conversation and correspondence stating the house was to be demolished, the rule was waived at that particularly time. Ms. Walberg clarified that because of the change in guidelines, houses cannot be moved and remain eligible for a RTHL designation. Ms. Eisenhauer stated since the Littles-Martin House has been in the works for a while, the change in guidelines would not affect submittal of the application once the research is completed. If a new structure was to be moved into Heritage Park, it would not qualify for a RTHL designation. Ms. Hill asked if the five items listed were ranked in priority and if all of the guidelines applied or some of them, and Ms. Eisenhauer stated that all of the guidelines applied. During discussion, it was stated by Ms. Tinker that all of the items listed would not apply to every property. After further brief discussion, Mr. Goodman stated he wanted clarification as to what the Landmark Commission's task would be in developing criteria and guidelines for naming historical houses. Ms. Macon stated that in the past, when the City accepted the houses, under pending demolition, readily available research was used in naming the houses. Mr. Goodman asked who has the authority in naming the houses. Ms. Macon answered that in this particular situation, the City with the advise of the Landmark Commission, accepted the houses and the Commission's further research of the structures and restoration involvement came later. Ms. Macon continued that accepting Ms. Tinker's recommendation in utilizing criteria and guidelines established by THC could assist in naming future houses. In the case of naming the Jalufka House, it was assumed the Jalufka Family was the only family that lived in the house, but when more indepth research was needed for the marker, it was found that the Govatos' Family also lived in the house. Ms. Macon continued that the State has the authority to include both names or just one. Ms. Eisenhauer stated the County Historical Commission is not trying to direct the Landmark Commission on what to name the houses, but when research is done for a marker, the Landmark Commission should follow the THC guidelines. After further discussion, Mr. Goodman Landmark Commission ting June 25, 1992 7 Page 5 suggested that several Landmark Commissioners and several members from the County Historical Commission come together to help formulate guidelines for the City to use in naming historical houses. Ms. Macon interjected that the City could accept other houses before the guidelines are in place; and a name is selected. Ms. Macon gave as an example the Woods' Houses -- these houses were donated to the City by the Woods' Estate, but indepth title search has not been done to know for sure their proper naming. Ms. Macon continued that all houses accepted by the City are not based on the family name -- some were accepted because of their architectural significance. Ms. Tinker added that sometimes houses were accepted quicker due to pending demolition. Ms. Tinker continued that based on this fact alone, a "Disclaimer" should be stated that when accepting a house, everybody involved in the process should be aware that the house will be referred to generically until proper research is completed. Ms. Eisenhauer informed Commissioners that when museums accept properties from donors, the donors are required to provide funding to maintain it for a period of time, also the donor is responsible for the research and any appraisal work associated with it. Ms. Eisenhauer continued in order to assist the Landmark Commission, when property is donated, the owner donating the property should provide the needed information. Ms. Macon stated that Ms. Eisenhauer's recommendation is a valid recommendation and it would be ideal if proper research could be done on a structure before it is accepted, but that is not always the case. Ms. Macon continued that she concurs with Ms. Tinker's suggestion of referring to a structure by a "generic" title or by an address until further research is done on the property. Ms. Hill stated she agrees that a committee should be appointed to create the guidelines and after they are formulated and adopted, they can be distributed, with a cover letter from the Landmark Commission, to City Staff. After all comments had been received, a committee was appointed with the following members: Michael Shelly, Convener, Mary Whitmire, and Bunny Tinker from the Landmark Commission and Anita Eisenhauer and Margaret Walberg from the Nueces County Historical Commission. The committee will meet to review and formulate .guidelines that will be presented at the July meeting. Mr. Goodman expressed thanks to Ms. Eisenhauer and other members of the County Historical Commission for attending today's meeting. Task Force Report on 1914 County Courthouse - Due to the absence of Mr. James Catron, the report will be given at the July meeting. Report on Use of CDBG Funds For Rehabilitation of Historical Structures In Low Income Areas: Ms. Tinker stated she talked with Kelly Elizondo, Director of Community Development, before today's meeting and informed him that the Landmark Commission discussed, at the May meeting, appointing a committee from the Commission to work with Staff in Neighborhood Improvement on the low income housing program. The target areas specifically in mind are from Coleman Street to Park Avenue and Staples Street to Tancahaua. Mr. Elizondo Landmark Commission ting June 25, 1992 11110 Page 6 agreed to meet with the group and another meeting will be scheduled in the very near future. Ms. Tinker stated she would contact Mr. Elizondo after today's meeting to schedule a convenient meeting date and time. After a brief discussion, the following commissioners were appointed to meet with Mr. Elizondo: Bunny Tinker, Ed Goodman, Pam Lakhani , and Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison. Ms. Tinker stated she feels the committee should meet to discuss some of the information that was provided at the fall preservation conference and formulate a strategy before a formal meeting is scheduled with Mr. Elizondo. Preservation Plan: Review of Policies: Mr. Goodman reviewed Policy A.1 on page 8, of the Preservation Plan regarding the function of the Landmark Commission. For informational purposes, Mr. Goodman read items 1 through 5 which specifically states the Commission's tasks: 1) Consider specific sites, structures, and districts for designation as historic landmarks; 2) Communicate with property owners to rehabilitate potential landmarks as an alternative to demolition; 3) Promote preservation through education; 4) Update a resource survey; and 5) Promote preservation through the Planning/zoning process. Ms. Macon stated the Preservation Plan is the document that Planning Staff and the Landmark Commission developed and was adopted by City Council this year. Ms. Macon requested commission members to bring their copy of the plan to each meeting since it will be used as a working document. Continued Slide Review of the South Bluff Park - of the Historical Survey: Mr. Goodman stated he spoke with Staff regarding changing the method of reviewing the slides. Mr. Goodman polled Commissioners to see if they wanted to continue viewing a selective number of slides at each meeting, or if a special meeting should be scheduled to review all of the slides at one time. Mr. Goodman stated if a special meeting was scheduled, the slide review would be the only agenda item. Ms. Macon stated there are approximately two hundred to two hundred-fifty (200 to 250) slides left to be reviewed. Ms. Macon offered a suggestion that a sub-committee could be appointed to review the slides and make the determination as to the priority level and report back to the entire Commission. It was the consensus of members present that the entire Commission should be involved in the slide review. After a brief discussion, the Commissioners recommended that a special meeting be scheduled to Landmark Commissionlbting June 25, 1992 1110 Page 7 review the remaining slides. Ms. Macon added that at the August or September meeting, the Commission will review the tentaive RFPs for the consultant to conduct Phase II-A of the survey. The grant packet is currently in Mr. Utter's office for review and will be forwarded to Mr. Garza for his review and signature at the City Council public hearing. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus to have a special meeting in August to review the slides. Staff will find a meeting place after a date has been selected. Ms. Hill asked what was the packet of information passed out at today's meeting and Ms. Macon answered it was historical information that came in while she was on leave and she felt the information would be of benefit to the Commissioners. Two articles were copied that referenced the National Register programs, the National Register itself and historical districts. The Texas Historical Commission is urging CLGs to become more active in the National Register program through initiating nominations. Ms. Macon presented a preservation reference book that Mr. Brandol Harvey, Planning Director, purchased for Staff and the Commission's use. Mr. Goodman stated it was discussed at the May meeting about placing items on the agenda. Mr. Goodman stated if commissioners had items for discussion, they should be reviewed ahead of time so they can be scheduled for the next agenda. This method will eliminate long drawn out discussions and help to stay on task. Ms. Macon asked if Mr. Goodman wanted all items to be cleared before being placed on the agenda and Mr. Goodman answered yes. Ms. Tinker stated that at the April meeting, Pat Atkins brought up the item of historic bus tours and, since that time, RTA has implemented a new route known as #73 Scenic Trail on the B Trolley. The route includes Heritage Park, Port of Corpus Christi , Art Museum of South Texas, Seawall , Art Center, Corpus Christi Museum, Watergarten, Convention Center, Marina and T-Heads, and Harbor Playhouse. Ms. Tinker requested Staff to send the brochure to Ms. Atkins. Ms. Lakhani asked about the awards ceremony. Ms. Macon stated a new sub-committee should be appointed to work with Ms. Lakhani , since most of the members are no longer on the Commission. The awards ceremony should probably be scheduled for fall . There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.