Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Cultural Resources Preservation Committee 03/26/2019CITY OF PALM DESERT BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk J `� From: Suzanne Cicchini, Management Specialist II Date: October 29, 2019 Subject: Submission of Approved Minutes for the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting held on March 26, 2019 Attached is a copy of the Minutes of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting approved by the Committee on October 29, 2019. Please include on the next City Council agenda. Thank you Attachment CITY OF PALM DESERT CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes March 26, 2019 Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Paul Clark called the meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee to order at 9:00 a.m. Item VI. New Business, A. Swearing in of new Committee Member David Toltzmann, proceeded ahead of Item I. Call to Order on the agenda. Mr. Toltzmann was sworn in prior to the meeting by Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk, City of Palm Desert. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Paul Clark K. Gary Olesen Don Graybill Kim Housken Juan Mireles Thomas Mortensen David Toltzmann Also Present: Susan Marie Weber, Mayor Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety Merilee Colton, Palm Desert Historical Society Board Member Diedre Lopez, Palm Desert Resident — Sandpiper Condominiums Tanya Walton, Palm Desert Resident — San Rafael Avenue Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS MERILEE COLTON, Salt Cedar Street, Palm Desert resident and Palm Desert Historical Society Board Member informed that one of their younger members discovered and documented that an original Silver Spur model home, a Krisel design was moved. It was relocated to Larrea Street. It's partially fire damaged. The owner is willing to give it away, if someone will just move it off of the property. The land is now commercial property and it peaked their interest. She plans to speak with Russell Grance about the bungalows at the corner of San Pablo and San Gorgonio, which are Walter S. White buildings. They heard that these would be destroyed at some future time by the owner, or possibly, by the City of Palm CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2019, Desert as part of the San Pablo improvement project. They wrote a letter to the City and received one back. The upshot is that the City is going forward with their letter to the owner. They hope to work on preserving those buildings or at least the majority of them, whichever is practical. She wants these placed on the Committee's unofficial historic list. She thought it was already on an old list of potential historic sites for the City. She suggested it would be great if this could be rushed forward. She mentioned she wasn't sure what the process was, if they had to have the owner's permission or if someone else had to bring it forward. In the latter case, the Society would be happy to do so. Committee Chair Paul Clark inquired whether Russell Grance Director of Building and Safety had a comment on the process. Mr. Grance noted that we cannot do anything. It's got to be the homeowner or property owner. They are commissioned to move forward with the designation, insuring property owner rights. Mr. Grance indicated that we would reach out to them to see if they are interested. Committee Member Kim Housken inquired if a letter has already been sent. One had not been sent. Committee Vice Chair Juan Mireles inquired how many units there were. Ms. Colton mentioned that she had not been inside. She asked if anyone knew how many units there are. These are built around a circle around a pool. Tanya Walton, Palm Desert resident asked if Ms. Colton was talking about the Loving All Animals property at the corner of San Pablo and San Luis Rey. She clarified there are 6 units. 4 on the outside and 2 on the inside. Paul Clark, Committee Chair made a procedural comment that he wished to have this placed on next month's agenda whether it be a regular meeting or workshop, so this can be discussed, and so a little more information can be provided about exactly where these are and what the condition is. One had a fire, and that could be a major problem. Committee Member Don Graybill remarked that they just refer it to staff. Committee Chair Paul Clark clarified that we are on Oral Communications and we can't take action. We have to defer it to a future meeting. Mr. Grance confirmed this. Ms. Colton thanked the Committee. Mr. Clark remarked that he appreciated it that Ms. Colton brought this to their attention. A little more information from the Historical Society would be great. We like to work with you a lot. Committee Member Kim Housken mentioned former Committee Member, Bob Pitchford, who has passed away. He was the one who informed our group many years ago that the model home had been moved to the address on Larrea Street. When people were interested in Silver Spur, we wanted to know where this model home was. Bob Pitchford was an important person to us. He and I walked around the bungalows. There are 4 original ones done by Walter White and there are some that were added to the north. The ones that surround the pool are Walter White's; the ones to the north are a cheapened version of the Walter White type of design. Since the question was asked, Ms. Housken wanted to report what she knew about it. Committee Chair Paul Clark asked Tanya Walton, Palm Desert resident about her comment. Ms. Walton responded that she also has a Walter White on the corner of San Rafael Avenue and San Gorgonio Way. She walks past that property all the time. She reported that there are pictures of it listed in the Walter White book, Item 51, listed as an unknown address. Hers is 80% original and she is hoping G \BldgSfty\Suzanne Gcchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2019\2019 03 26 Minutes.docx Page 2 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2019. to restore it back to the way it was. She wants to take all the 1990's tile away. Mr. Clark inquired if she was representing the item on the agenda? She responded that her address is 44476 San Rafael; she placed her address on the sign in sheet. It's a family property and her Dad talked about cutting off beams and knocking walls down. She has been fighting for a year to get it back, and he's finally seeing that it's a really cool property in a very beautiful condition. She would like to get it recognized, but is not really sure which direction to go. She would like to get in touch with any reference points for UCSB so she can find the original blueprints, so she doesn't screw it up more. Ms. Walton commented that she tried to use the City of Palm Desert Contact Us site but the email came back error 404. She wanted to touch base and find information. Committee Chair Paul Clark suggested she contact the Historical Society. Ms. Colton pointed out that Ms. Walton has been there. Mr. Clark recommended that she go to Russell's staff for a description of the actual process of how applications for the official list is done and also for the Mills Act. That could have a positive effect on property tax. Mr. Clark suggested that this be included on the agenda for the next month. Ms. Walton would like that. She wanted to know if there was any particular department at the City she should talk to. Committee Member Don Graybill suggested that she can pick up an application today or obtain one online. Committee Chair Paul Clark clarified that Russell Grance is our Building and Safety Director. They are the lead agency with regard to this committee and he invited her to visit his counter and visit with him afterwards. Committee Member Kim Housken provided her contact information and offered to assist Ms. Walton with the archives. Ms. Walton thanked her. Mr. Clark offered that we can all give you some assistance, and suggested she could stay after the meeting for assistance. Ms. Walton agreed to do that. Mr. Clark inquired if there were any other items, seeing none, moved forward to the Consent Calendar Minutes from the meeting of January 29, 2019. Mr. Clark inquired if there were any corrections. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JANUARY 29, 2019 Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair Juan Mireles to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion was seconded by Committee Member Don Graybill. Speaking to Committee Member Don Graybill, Committee Vice Chair Juan Mireles said that "I think you made a good point about the Minutes today. They are very well done." Suzanne Cicchini thanked Committee Vice Chair Juan Mireles. Committee Chair Paul Clark asked if there was any further discussion, seeing none, called for a vote. Motion carried by a 6-0 vote with Graybill, Mireles, Clark, Mortensen, Toltzmann, and Housken voting AYE; Olesen ABSENT; none dissenting. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER — None G:\BldgStty\Suzanne Occhin Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2019\2019 03 26 Minutes.docx Page 3 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES VI. NEW BUSINESS MARCH 26, 2019 A. SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMITTEE MEMBER, DAVID TOLTZMANN New Committee Member, David Toltzmann was sworn in before the meeting. Mr. Toltzmann is retired, and he moved here from San Diego three years ago. He bought a house in Borrego Springs prior to living here. He always liked the desert and at one point during his career he owned a hotel in Palm Springs. He has always been involved in the desert. He has a degree in horticulture and is an avid gardener. Mr. Clark remarked that they will get him busy on the smallest park, tallest palm tree. It's on Portola near Highway 111. Mr. Clark welcomed Mr. Toltzmann to the Committee. B. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO 72539 EL PASEO, UNIT 1003 Paul Clark Committee Chair noted that the Committee Members had a set of plans that was distributed to them and Diedre Lopez introduced herself and informed the Committee that she was there on behalf of herself and her husband. They are the owners of 72539 El Paseo, Unit 1003, and she referred to the book that was sent to the Committee. Committee Chair Paul Clark mentioned they had seen the book, but if she had some highlights that would be very appropriate. Mrs. Lopez and her husband purchased the unit last February and fell in love with the Sandpiper units precisely because of the architecture and they wanted to make some minor changes to what had already been changed in their unit. She referred to the book and it showed that there were already significant changes made to the unit. They are simply asking to finish those changes. They went to the Homeowners Association first, and that is information you may not have. In August, 2018 they told them the original Krisel design of the unit was changed before the new owners moved in. Part of the atrium had already been made into another small room. The new owners seemed to want to make the leftover portion of the atrium into part of the living room. The changes they are requesting are internal and the owner does not need a variance to change the interior of this unit, as it does not affect any exterior views of the property. They had no problem with the roof. They would love to know how high the skylights will be, and should any change be considered to the front door, it must be approved by the Sandpiper architectural committee members. They not changing the front door at all. They decided to submit an application to the City of Palm Desert and were granted a permit. They committed $25,000.00 towards the changes requested. After that, they discovered they needed to come before this Committee. Mrs. Lopez wants to explain the changes and submitted a book with pictures. She directed the Committee to the first picture in the book and explained that the C Unit of the Krisel Sandpiper Buildings has an atrium. The copies prepared for the Committee did not have the tabs that the original book had, but the Committee was able to find what they needed using the page numbers. Page 17, the first GABldgSfty\Suzanne Occhin Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2019\2019 03 26 Minutes.docx Page 4 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2019 exhibit, had a picture of the atrium she wanted the Committee to see. The original model has an atrium where half is actually enclosed with the roof and the other half has beams across it. In 1992, the previous owners remodeled it and enclosed most of the atrium with the exception of 21 square feet. They turned that into a third bedroom. They also borrowed some space from the Master Bedroom with the closet to make that into a third bedroom. They pushed out the Master Bedroom into the patio space on the back of the unit so the patio space was eliminated. Committee Member Don Graybill wanted clarification for the locations of the master bedroom and the atrium. Russell Grance Director of Building and Safety pointed it out and provided clarification. The Committee discussed the location so they all had an understanding of it. Mrs. Lopez showed a photo of the atrium now enclosed, and pointed out the wall. She drew their attention to the fountain and noted that the only open space is the tiny space. She showed them a photo that indicated what it would look like if one was on the roof. They are requesting to close that portion off and make it part of the interior and put a skylight in there. The skylight being used is 4 Y2" deep. Mr. Grance remarked that it had a low profile. Ms. Lopez agreed, it has a very low profile, lower than most of the other ones. It will not show above the facade that is above the front door. There will be no visual interference. Their unit stands above other units that view their unit from the back. They would have to look up to see it. There is no way they would be able to see anything. They also have part of the clerestory windows and those raise up even more so that when it's on the pool side, the people across from them can't see anything either. Everything is hidden. Enclosing the atrium would not interfere with any of the external views or any of the materials. To make the third bedroom they rolled up part of the atrium and they included part of the Master Bedroom and pushed that out. Usually C Units, from the back of the unit, have the bathroom wall. She pointed out the master and guest bedrooms, the laundry room, and showed how one has to walk outside to the do the laundry. The previous owners pushed the master bedroom out four feet, and they are requesting to push the guest room out, so the entire back wall is flush. They are using Millgard sliders; everything will be the same. They want to enclose the laundry room and Mrs. Lopez noted that other Sandpiper units, specifically 915 and 1115 have done this already. More photos were shown to the Committee. Both of those circles are already designated. That is where they got the idea to do this. It would not interfere with maintaining the historical designation. Committee Member Don Graybill clarified that Sandpiper Circles 11 and 12 were the first to be designated, and Circles 5-10 came in to the historic district more recently. The precedent for the house is pretty basic to him. Committee Member Kim Housken wanted to confirm that there is still an exterior patio. It just encloses the covered portion of the patio. Mrs. Lopez mentioned there was a walkway; Ms. Housken noticed that there was a little path back there. Mrs. Lopez informed that it doesn't change the roof line at all. Mrs. Lopez clarified the location of the skylight for Ms. Housken. It's in the middle, just the way it looks right now. Ms. Housken pointed out that the open space would be enclosed and the skylight is in the middle. The two smaller GABldgSfty4Suzanne Qcchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2019\2019 03 26 Minutes.docx Page 5 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26. 2019 openings, the little gaps, would be enclosed also. Russell Grance Director of Building and Safety confirmed that all of this is solid, they are just filling in those existing openings. Ms. Housken inquired about the addition of the new roof, and on the first page it mentioned that it would enclose 92 percent, however, on the next page it mentions 85 percent. Mrs. Lopez reminded that it was already cut in half. Ms. Housken remarked that it was smaller to begin with. Mrs. Lopez explained that it's still 21 square feet. The original was 265 square feet. Now it's 133 square feet. Mrs. Lopez apologized for the confusion. Committee Member Don Graybill had a question about the air conditioner photo. He wanted to know if it was showing the back. Mrs. Lopez noted that it was. Mr. Graybill inquired if that is what is seen from the street. Mrs. Lopez illustrated noting from a photo, the location of the front door and the pathway. They are above and one would look up to see their unit. Mr. Graybill noticed that all the backs are along the little path. Committee Chair Paul Clark noticed that all were along the back on the ground, and mentioned that he could see why they have a block wall there to keep the noise down a little bit. Ms. Housken inquired if staff had a recommendation about this application. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety apologized because staff overlooked that this property -was designated historic and issued the permit prior to having the owner appear before the Committee. He mentioned staff is working with new software that will be able to flag all our historic sites and districts so that when an application does come in, it automatically warns the front counter staff. Right now, this software has been unable to do that for us, and things were missed. It's unfortunate and he apologized. He spoke with his staff, reiterating what the applicant has said and that there has been a precedent that was set. There is very minimal exterior modification that will be visible. Staffs recommendation is to approve as presented on the plans. Committee Chair Paul Clark asked if he didn't see any problems with the Mills Act. Mr. Grance responded that this particular unit is not under the Mills Act. Mr. Clark inquired what if they were. Mr. Grance responded that it would not affect it at all. They are in a historic district. Any exterior modifications have to be reviewed. It does not mean that they are automatically denied and they can't alter the exterior. They have to come before this Committee for approval. Mr. Clark reminded that if it had the Mills Act, they would be getting property tax relief and would not want to affect that. Mr. Grance informed that the only thing that would affect the Mills Act is the property value may go up, but again that's the Assessor's doing because we are looking at what used to be uninhabitable space, becoming habitable. The Assessor's formula might change as far as their total property tax assessment. Committee Member Don Graybill commented that the Assessor would be interested in that. Mr. Grance mentioned that the Assessor would make that determination whether there would be an incremental jump on the property tax. Mr. Clark remarked that it sounds as though it would affect any property. Mr. Grance reminded that it was out of their purview, reassessment of taxes and a reassessment of the amount of savings they would get on their property tax bill. Mr. Clark noted but at the moment, they are not doing that. Committee Member Kim Housken pointed out G:\BldgSttytSuzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Commdtee\Minutes 2019\2019 03 26 Minutes.docx Page 6 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2019. that these things can be done administratively, so in theory this could have been approved administratively at Building, but she does appreciate it that this was brought to them. Mrs. Lopez thanked the Committee for letting her present it to them. Mr. Grance mentioned that there was a learning curve for staff, and we are making sure we are transparent by bringing this before the Committee. Committee Member Don Graybill remarked that it was a lot of work. Mr. Clark appreciated it that Mrs. Lopez came before the Committee, knowing that it slowed them down, but in the end it will probably look very good. Motion was made by Committee Member Don Graybill to approve, which was seconded by Committee Vice Chair Juan Mireles. Motion carried by a 6-0 vote with Graybill, Mireles, Clark, Mortensen, Toltzmann, and Housken voting AYE; Olesen ABSENT; none dissenting. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS — None Vill. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATES: PROGRESS OF POTENTIAL DESIGNATIONS Russell Grance Director of Building and Safety reported on the Tallest Tree/Smallest Park. He reached out to the Public Works Department again and they provided an aerial. It shows an odd public right of way as it relates to the corner where the tree is located. He was going to proceed, but the day after he received it, Public Works informed me that that was an old document; the right of way had changed. Mr. Grance is waiting to hear what new information reveals in order to see which way to proceed. If it is in the right of way, the City will need to move forward with it. If it is on private property, they will need to work with the property owner. The Committee discussed the unusual situation. Mr. Clark noted that if there is a sidewalk there, we would have to have some sort of public right of way. Mr. Graybill remembered there used to be a lot more of a hump in the road, now it is more straight. Mr. Grance is hoping when it comes back that it is located in the right of way, which will make our process a little bit easier. Mr. Clark informed that right of way is sort of a general term. There are several different types of right of way; the city might own the property in fee simple. There are not very many streets that way, but there are some. They may have some kind of City controlled easement. There are private easements and who knows what. It would seem that if there is a sidewalk built there, that is maintained by the City. There has to be some sort of legal overlay place for that. Mayor Weber remarked that she will remain optimistic. Mr. Clark wanted to know how tall the tree is. Mr. Grance informed that through that process, if it is in the right of way, then we will hire the necessary people to make sure we get the measurement. It will be part of the staff report and the whole thing. Mr. Clark remarked that before we go that far and hire people find out if it's ours or not. G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Gcchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation CommitteeWinutes 2019\2019 03 26 Minutes docx Page 7 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2019 IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS Paul Clark Committee Chair appreciated and acknowledged the March 21, 2019, State of the City of Palm Desert luncheon invitation he and other Committee Members received from Mayor Weber. He inquired about Committee badges. The badges were discussed. Mayor Weber liked the idea of the wearing the badge because when you pass people they will read it and ask what you are doing and where you are going. Suzanne Cicchini will check with the City Clerk's Office on the current status of Committee badges. Committee Member Thomas Mortensen noticed the photos that were on the Desert Sun online of Mayor Weber and Committee Chair Paul Clark. Mr. Mortensen complimented Mayor Weber on a great job. Mayor Weber acknowledged that David Hermann writes their speeches. He tries to get all the information in. She mentioned that Committees and Commissions are her passion. They took the opportunity to honor them on the backs of the Chamber's fundraiser. Committee Chair Paul Clark complimented the good job the Chamber did. Mr. Clark announced that in 2023 the City will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary. People might think it's a long ways away and that we don't have to worry about it. He has been in communities where 6 months before the date they are suddenly scrambling to put something together. He suggested keeping an eye on that anniversary and consider updating the list of historical structures. The City might want to invest in a professional inventory of historic and other cultural resources. He estimated it might cost around $20,000 t0 $50,000, but he hasn't looked at that too closely lately. He served on an effort for the City of Orange about 30-40 years ago. The City still uses it. It is a resource people use to find out about the history of their houses. Mr. Clark suggested that the Chamber of Commerce would also be a lead entity that would be involved. For historical purposes anniversaries are a good thing to keep an eye out for. Mayor Weber recalled when Indio celebrated their 75th or 80th Anniversary they budgeted and accumulated the money prior to it. They celebrated the whole year long. They had pins out at every function for this particular anniversary. It is costly to plan ahead for, but it's beneficial to plan ahead for it. The Mayor liked Mr. Clark's idea that the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee could maybe take a lead. The ball is in Russell's court to present it to the agency which we all know takes a long time, so planning ahead this length of time is not long at all. Mr. Clark remarked if we start celebrations off in 2022, that's soon. He would think that the City Marketing Committee and others could be involved in this as well. Mayor Weber noted that the 40th Anniversary was not celebrated because times were really tough; there just was not a lot of money or interest. Everyone was just trying to survive. She suggested having people from every single department involved, similar to the San Pablo project. The City gets more ownership in it when every department in involved and she liked that. This is significant. Mr. Clark commented that the Historical Society would find it useful to participate. Mayor Weber mentioned that there were 5 people running for the board and previous board members, so she thinks the Historical Society would very much want to be a part of this and share the good word about the 50th Anniversary. GABldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2019\2019 03 26 Minutes.docx Page 8 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26. 2019. Committee Member Don Graybill just visited the Wave house, also known as the Miles Bates house. They were testing three different shades of blue paint. It is coming along so nicely. The roof is beautiful. The wall will be painted one of those colors. It will be quite interesting. They are really doing a good job. Committee Member Tom Mortensen was impressed with the attention to detail. Mr. Clark remarked that they are not slap dabbing the paint on there. They are testing which ones work. Mr. Graybill noticed that the doors have been plugged in so nicely. He was sure that was such a hassle. Mayor Weber acknowledged, that once again, we need to say thank you to Kim. So many years ago she brought their attention to this little house that we should look at. At the next meeting, she brought the house up again. Committee Member Kim Housken still credits Bob Pitchford to say there was this crazy guy Miles Bates who drove around Palm Desert in a Ferrari. It all goes back to Bob. Ms. Housken picked up the torch. Committee Chair Paul Clark inquired if there are any other structures out there that might be similar that we don't know about yet. Committee Member Don Graybill remembered that Bob Pitchford had an idea for the Bates House, as an architectural library and the City owned part of the property behind that strip, the weed patch, all the way back. It includes what used to be the Bates property. That is the only nationally recognized property we have. There is the possibility that the Desert Magazine building could qualify, but that would be down the road. He would like to see the property used appropriately, to somehow tie in with Bob's wishes rather than using it as a parking lot or something like that. Discussion commenced about the property and the status of the ownership of that property, but Russell Grance Director of Building and Safety was not sure who owns it now, whether it was the City or the Joslyn Senior Center. Ms. Housken thought that the intent was always for the expansion of the Joslyn Senior Center. Mr. Graybill suggested that the Joslyn Senior Center might not be interested in it. The wall ties in much more directly with the Bates elevation. It's such a neat spot that whole approach from San Pasqual. That is the only way you can access that, especially when they go out to the property and move along that wall that will continue westerly, and the Wave house and block it even more. Mr. Graybill really hates to see that wall built because it was really a part of the original property. He did a little project survey himself. There were just a few trees along there going north and south. Ms. Housken remembered that there once was a building on that property by all those trees. They shaded the house. Discussion commenced about the house and Mayor Weber remembered the two story house. She had been in it a long time ago. She had a client and recalled that it was owned by the person's father and it was going to be sold. Committee Member Kim Housken went to a lecture on Herbert Burns during Modernism Week. He designed the distinctive sandstone building located at 45350 San Luis Rey Avenue, located on the northeast corner of San Luis Rey Avenue and Larrea Street. The Desert Art Collection, south of the old bank building that burned down, is on the unofficial list. It started out as the residence of Edith Eddy Ward, a realtor for the Henderson's. She had a smaller house there and it was later expanded and became Sun and Shadows Lodge. She had a similar property in Palm Springs called the Hideaway; Ms. Housken attended a reception there. It's a hotel now. It G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne CicchinMord Files\Cultural Resources Preservation CommitteeMnutes 2019\2019 03 26 Minutes.docx Page 9 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26. 2019 reminded her of the College of the Desert library situation, how the library was designed to be the heart of the college campus, and then the satellite, and then they wanted it back where it was. It would be neat if this property could go back to its original roots. It could do very well. Ms. Housken inquired if we ever reached out to the property owner. Mr. Grance responded that we probably have not. Ms. Housken wanted to reach out to the property owner so the Committee could find out what their plans are for the property, and it will be discussed further at the next meeting. Committee Member Kim Housken wants to discuss at a future meeting the website that Luke Leuschner and another interested person developed, "Becoming Palm Desert." "BPD" is the shortened version. The Historical Society was just voting on this. Ms. Housken didn't know if they were tying in with the Historical Society yet, but everyone can look at the site. They wanted to develop a sense of community within different neighborhoods of the city, similar to the way Palm Springs has different neighborhoods such as Las Palmas and the Movie Colony. Ms. Housken demonstrated it on her tablet. She thought it would be neat if we had the same sense of community here in Palm Desert. Somewhere down the road little street sign toppers could be acquired. Mr. Grance mentioned that next workshop we can put this website up on the big screen. Ms. Housken mentioned a free historical symposium in Palm Springs on April 14-15, 2019, titled Preservation Matters 2019 by the Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board. If tickets are available there are tours and workshops. California Preservation Foundation is having their yearly meeting May 8-11, 2019. They are seeking volunteers. Volunteers can attend workshops for free based on their volunteering. Mr. Graybill remembered volunteering before and it rotates between Northern and Southern California. Ms. Housken had nothing specific to report about the Coachella Valley Preservationists, but explained that this group has members from different cities. They help each other out and assist with their growing pains. Help in terms of getting an ordinance passed, getting a group off the ground and what not. It is a really good group. The author, Steven Keylon of the book about Herbert Burns, attends the meetings. Mr. Clark remembered a discussion about Rancho Mirage and one of the structures inside a country club. Ms. Housken informed that it was the cottages in Rancho Mirage. She announced that City of Cathedral City developed an ordinance and are looking for committee members for their newly launched Historic Preservation Committee. Committee Member Don Graybill heard that Jim West, a former Committee Member of this Committee has not been doing well. He was very instrumental in the formation of this committee. Mr. Graybill requested we keep him in our prayers. Jim and Karen did so much work forming the committee. Mr. Graybill also acknowledged the contributions of Committee Member Kim Housken who has been instrumental in the formation and has been here a long time. Ms. Housken expressed her thanks. Mr. Graybill updated about the Cliff Henderson home. It is being worked on again. A new owner is dealing with how it looks from the street. The home could easily be recognized, regardless what they do to it. It would hardly G.\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation CommitteeMnutes 2019\2019 03 26 Minutes.docx Page 10 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2019, make a difference just because it was Cliff's home. The same for Hopalong Cassidy's home. He has been trying to get in touch with the owners. Committee Chair Paul Clark thanked Mr. Graybill and wished him the best. Mr. Clark remarked that there is something about the history of this committee for historians. He acknowledged that he knew so little about the background of this Committee and requested that perhaps someone write something up. Mr. Graybill recalled that this Committee reaches back before 2004, but officially since 2004. X. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Committee Member Thomas Mortensen to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Committee Vice Chair Juan Mireles and carried by a 6-0 vote with Graybill, Mireles, Clark, Mortensen, Toltzmann, and Housken voting AYE; Olesen ABSENT; none dissenting. Meeting adjourned at 10:02 a.m. ,�c n nu- Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary G:1BldgStty%uzanne Cicchini\Word FIes%Cultural Resources Preservation Comn i teelMinutes 20l9VOl9 03 26 Minutes.doCx Pagel l