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.
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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
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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
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July 22, 1999
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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
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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.
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July 22, 1999
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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
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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.
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Lin a Williams ~ - Fafyce G$gppde- acon, CityPranner
Recording Secretary Staff Liai n to Landmark Commission
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