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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 07/22/1999 fir V MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JULY 22, 1999 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman Ms. Lisa Garza Mr. Kevin Maraist Mr. Tom Stewart Ms. Bunny Tinker MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Alan Belcher (Excused) Ms. Sharon Brower (Excused) Ms. Betsy Chapman (Excused) Ms. Grandis Lenken (Excused) Ms. Elizabeth Rentz (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Mr. Michael Gunning, Acting Planning Director 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 not present. ACTION ITEM(S). APPROVE MINUTES FOR MARCH 25, 1999 AND JULY 22. 1999 MEETINGS: The minutes will be approved at the August 26, 1999 meeting. REQUEST FOR RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT ON TEA 21 APPLICATION PROPOSED FOR SUBMITTAL BY JUSTIC. INC. (MR. D. DURRILU ON THE OLD NUECES COUNTY COURTHOUSE. Ms. Brooke Sween•McGloin introduced herself and expressed thanks to the commission for allowing her an opportunity to address the commission. Ms. McGloin began by stating that she is with the local architectural firm of McGloin + Sween. Ms. McGloin continued that their firm was retained three weeks ago by the Deverary Durrill Foundation to prepare an application for funding through TEA21, part of the Texas Department of Transportation, to restore the old Nueces County Courthouse. Ms. McGIOin continued she was at today's meeting to request Landmark Commission support for the application. SCANNED • Landmark Commission 1Reting S July 22, 1999 Page 2 Ms. McGloin read into record her presentation. As background information, Ms. McGloin stated that the City hired a consultant for S50,000 to determine if the building was repairable and the consultant's report has been completed. The consultants findings outlined in the report are: 1. Building is structurally sound. 2. Repairs are feasible. 3. The building is a significant and important architectural treasure of statewide prominence. 4. Building cannot be demolished legally until year 2018. 5. Cost to fix the building is $13.7 million. Ms. McGloin stated in historic preservation circles, there are not many large pots of money available. Ms. McGloin continued that one source of funding from the U. S. Department of Transportation is ISTEA. This program funded hundreds of millions of dollars of historic preservation work around the nation over the last six (6) years. This program has been re-enacted by Congress and renamed TEA21; which stands for The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. To be eligible, projects must be related to transportation. Two of the eligible project categories are Visitor Welcome Centers and Transportation History Museums. Ms. McGloin stated they are proposing that the courthouse building be used for these two projects. Ms. McGloin continued that the proposed uses would occupy approximately 80,000 square feet on the lower level of the large courtrooms. Ms. McGloin stated that to be eligible, the City has to own the facility, or lease the facility for a long term, and commit to providing local matching funds and operating and maintaining the facility. Ms. McGloin continued that it is expected that these funds will come from sources other than City general funds, grants, partnerships, etc. Ms. McGloin went on to say that all parts of the proposal have not been worked out, but in order to package the proposal, a lot of partnering will be required. The TEA21 funds will be administered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) and there are $128 million to be distributed statewide during this round of funding. Ms. McGloin stated the largest allocation was S14.6 million to the city of San Antonio to create the Spanish Mission trails. Ms. McGloin stated that they are requesting nearly 512 million or almost 10 percent of the total statewide allocation. Ms. McGloin continued that this request will require strong local support to be successful and there is really no alternative funding source to obtain the money. Ms. McGloin stated their goal is to put the packet together and acquire leveraging without Landmark Commission Sting S July 22, 1999 Page 3 spending city monies. After Ms. McGloin's presentation, the floor was opened for questions and comments. Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison, stated that Governor George Bush recently passed legislation that would make available federal funds to restore endangered Texas county courthouses. A question was raised regarding location of the transportation museum and what items would be included in it. Ms. McGloin responded that the museum would be established in the four (4) major courtrooms on the lower level. One (1) courtroom could be used as a movie theater that would depict the city's history, and the (3) remaining courtrooms could have a different theme on modes of transportation prevalent to the city of Corpus Christi. The proposed themes are land -- represented by the railways, sea -- represented by the Port of Corpus Christi; and air - represented by the Naval Air Station. Ms. Douglas asked if the request would be for the entire $12 million and Ms. McGloin responded that the total grant application was $16.4 million and the local match would be $4.5 million; which would result in a 73 percent allocation with a match of 27 percent. Ms. Douglas asked if TXDOT would be willing to allocate a lesser amount than the amount requested and Ms. McGloin answered she was unsure. Ms. McGloin continued they were trying to contact Representatives Gene Seaman, Jamie Capello, and Senator Carlos Truan to request their support for the application. Ms. McGloin continued that the review process for these monies was a very political decision and all criteria had to be followed. A question was asked if TXDot would allow a partial restoration of the courthouse and Ms. McGloin stated the funds were directly related to the transportation use of the building. Ms. Tinker stated for informational purposes, several years ago, it was the consensus of the Landmark Commission for the rear add-on of the courthouse be removed. Ms. McGloin stated that the rear structure would not be removed - in order to have adequate square footage for the museum, the add-on structure would remain. Ms. McGloin continued that according to the consultants report, the building was structurally sound and all the beam and columns were oversized and the building has settled only about one-fourth ( ) Inch. Ms. Tinker asked if the consultants cost of $13.4 million was in the ballpark of previous project costs for restoring the courthouse and Ms. McGloin Landmark Commission feting July 22, 1999 Page 4 stated there were areas of several recommendations that they were not in agreement with. Ms. Macon stated that the commission could not officially take action on approving a resolution of support for Ms. McGloin's presentation, but a poll could be taken among commissioners present to get a consensus of support. After all comments and questions concluded, a poll was taken of the following commissioners who are in support of the TEA21 grant application: Deborah Douglas, Lisa Garza, Kevin Maraist, Tom Stewart, and Bunny Tinker. Ms. Douglas asked if a letter of support from the Texas Historical Commission ITHC) was included in the application packet and Ms. McGloin answered that since THC was part of the TEPACT which will review the applications, it would be a conflict of interest for the agency to support a letter of support. Ms. McGloin added that Mr. Lawrence Oakes and THC staff personally stated their support for the project. Mr. Maraist asked if previous recipients had reapplied for additional funding and Ms. McGloin answered that she attended a meeting with TXDOT officials and they are really closing the door in preventing previous recipients to reapply. Ms. Douglas expressed thanks to Ms. McGloin for attending today's meeting and giving the presentation on the TEA21 grant application. REQUEST FOR OWNER TO CLASSIFY AND LIST PROPERTY AT 1410 AS "POTENTIAL LANDMARK AND FORWARDING TO PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL: Ms. Macon stated she received correspondence from Mr. Armando Flores, owner of the house at 1410 Comanche. Mr. Flores wants his property to be listed as a "potential landmark." At this point, Ms. Macon referenced Mr. Flores' response form and the historical information that was provided by him. Ms. Macon continued that the next step is to forward the request to the Planning Commission and City Council for approval. After a brief discussion, Ms. Tinker suggested that the property be rechecked to make sure it meets the criteria. No action was taken. APPOINT SUBCOMMITTEE FOR HISTORICAL BROCHURE: Ms. Macon stated this item was briefly discussed at the last meeting and members are needed to serve on this committee to begin the preliminary work. Ms. Macon continued that members serving on this committee are responsible for creating, writing, and putting together the information into a document brochure. Ms. Macon asked if there were commissioners interested in Landmark Commission Slitting July 22, 1999 Page 5 working on the committee. Ms. Macon stated she has an example of a brochure used by another city. The sample can serve as a guide in deciding what to include in the brochure. The final product should be a document that is informational, visually enhanced, and promotes the city's historical resources. After further discussion, Deborah Douglas and Lisa Garza volunteered to work on the committee. Appoint Subcommittee for Historical Plaque Program: Ms. Macon stated that at the last meeting she asked Mr. Tom Stewart if he would chair this committee. At that meeting, informational brochures were given to Mr. Stewart to follow up and get cost estimates and other information needed to get the marker program started. Ms. Macon asked Mr. Stewart If had any information to share with the commission and Mr. Stewart answered that he contacted two (2) companies trying to gather information. Mr. Stewart continued the Southwall Company is the same company that makes the markers for the Texas Historical Commission. Mr. Stewart shared that the owners of Alamo Stamp Works also own the Stonewall Company. Mr. Stewart continued he really did not know what type of plaque the commission was interested in and he needed to get more input from the commission as the to design, dimensions, number of plaques to order, etc. Ms. Macon stated that approximately 50 to 75 plaques would be ordered In durable materials. The plaques will be placed on the exterior wall of the structure or fence. Mr. Stewart added that he received copies of markers used In the cities of Denton, Fort Stockton, and Tyler, Texas. A question was asked if the plaques would have a design or a special logo and Ms. Tinker suggested placing the letter "L" in the center of the plaque for "landmark? Ms. Tinker also suggested sponsoring a contest through the school district and let students design a logo for the plaque. After further discussion, Mr. Stewart stated a lot of information is still needed to compile before the committee could make any recommendations. Mr. Stewart continued he also wanted to receive information from several other cities; and then after all information is received, the committee will be able to meet. After all comments and discussion concluded, it was decided that the committee would meet after the August meeting. Ms. Macon stated she would bring additional plaque information to the August meeting. Landmark Commission Sting V July 22, 1999 Page 6 DISCUSSION ITEM(S): Comments on Meeting with Texas Historical Commission Staff on June 3 1999 in the Watergarden Room at the Corpus Christi Museum: Ms. Macon stated that on Thursday, June 3, 1999, Commissioners Sharon Brower, Deborah Douglas, Bunny Tinker, and she met with THC staff, along with other historical groups from the city and surrounding cities. Ms. Macon continued that Mr. Lawrence Oakes, THC Director, moderated the meeting. Mr. Oakes' purpose of conducting the community meeting was to get the different CLGs together to let us know what is available as far as staff support. The meeting was broken into different sessions and topics. Ms. Douglas stated she attended three different sessions and basically the information she received was that THC wanted to hear from the local groups as to what the needs may be and how they can help meet those needs. Basically, THC staff was there to listen. Ms. Douglas continued that representatives were also from Kingsville, Alice, and San Diego. Ms. Tinker stated she attended a session on cultural diversity and education. The session was very informative and it allowed the different groups to come together for a common goal. Ms. Tinker continued some of the participants were nterested in genealogy and the group might be a good pool to get members for the commission. Update of Financial Incentive Subcommittee Meetings: Ms. Macon stated that at the last commission meeting, commissioners were briefly updated on what the Financial Incentive Committee had accomplished. Handouts were distributed showing tax savings for both city and county taxes for the twenty-seven (27) properties listed as "potential landmarks" and the four (4) properties zoned "HC? Ms. Macon continued that according to the information provided, if an owner receives a tax incentive based on 100 percent of its tax value, the total tax savings would be approximately $66,000. Ms. Macon reiterated again that the commission should keep in mind to develop a simple process to implement. Ms. Tinker stated a study was conducted on tourism and she wondered if part of this study could be used in calculating a tax incentive. Ms. Macon answered that Mr. Maralst will continue researching this item and determine what it will cost the city. This financial incentive project is something the commission can continue to work on. Designation of "HC" Property at 1613 Mestina Street: Ms. Macon stated that the Landmark Commission initiated the zoning case for the 1613 Mestina Landmark Commission /hiking July 22, 1999 Page 7 Street property. The case was presented to City Council and approved. The applicants were mailed a copy of the ordinance approving "HC" zoning designation overlay. They will be contacting THC to receive more information on funding available for historical properties. Ms. Macon continued they have not presented any plans for the commission to review. The owners will be doing a lot of the work themselves. OTHER MATTERS: Ms. Tinker stated she received information from the state of New Jersey where they adopted a rehabilitation code for their building codes. Ms. Tinker continued the rehabilitation codes were established because modern building codes were too stringent for the older structures. Ms. Tinker cited as an example where the rehabilitation code would be used is in older structures the porch railing is 36 inches and in modern building codes the railing has to be 42 inches. Ms. Tinker asked if state codes overrode local building codes and Mr. Gunning answered that the Code Enforcement Department uses the Southern Building Codes. Mr. Gunning continued that if a property owner wanted an exception in building codes they would have to appeal to the City's Building Standards Board. Ms. Tinker suggested that staff obtain a copy of the New Jersey Rehabilitation Codes to see if they can be tailored to use in our local building codes. Mr. Gunning stated staff will forward Ms. Tinker's request to Art Sosa, City Building Official. Mr. Gunning continued it would be a good idea to invite Mr. Sosa to the next meeting so he can present the city's building codes on historical properties. Mr. Gunning went on to say the city might have in place codes that are similar to the state of New Jersey. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. n ,76e, LautCr Lin a Williams ~ - Fafyce G$gppde- acon, CityPranner Recording Secretary Staff Liai n to Landmark Commission IH:NNULMIN99.DOC)