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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Cultural Resources Preservation Committee 12/12/2017 ,.++�-.ate _wY•y... (.f''j f f /Af . ............ CITY OF PALM DESERT ;."-N //I� BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT •' fir /* . INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk $&r- From: Suzanne Cicchini, Administrative Secretary Date: February 16, 2018 Subject: Submission of Approved Minutes for the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Special Meeting/Public Hearing held on December 12, 2017 Attached is a copy of the December 12, 2017 Minutes of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting approved by the Committee on January 30, 2018. Please include on the next City Council agenda. Thank you Attachment G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Meeting Items\2018 02 16 Memo-City Clerk-Minutes 12-12-17.doc CITY OF PALM DESERT " ` CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE ..c� "'� Minutes — Special Meeting-Public Hearing =.. December 12, 2017 Council Chambers Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Pam Williams called the meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee to order at 9:00 a.m. I1. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Paul Clark Susan Marie Weber, Council Member Don Graybill K. Gary Olesen Kim Housken Thomas Mortensen Pamela Williams Also Present: Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary Gale Broeker, Palm Desert Resident Merilee Colton, Palm Desert Resident Wayne Longman, Palm Desert Resident III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 02/28/17 Committee Chair Pamela Williams asked for a motion to approve the Minutes. Motion was made by Committee Member Kim Housken to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion was seconded by Committee Member Thomas Mortensen. Motion carried by 5-0 vote with Williams, Mortensen, Graybill, Clark and Housken voting Aye; Noes: None, Absent: K. Gary Olesen, Abstain: None V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER - None VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS — None CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 2017 VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATES: PROGRESS ON POTENTIAL DESIGNATIONS - None IX. PUBLIC HEARING — 73697 SANTA ROSA WAY, PALM DESERT, CA CASE NO. CRPC 17-01. Committee Chair Pamela Williams opened the Public Hearing for 73697 Santa Rosa Way. She read a prepared statement about the property. The Miles C. Bates house, located at 73-697 Santa Rosa Way was designed by Walter S. White. Walter White was an American modernist architect and industrial designer who worked in the Coachella Valley in the 1950's. Walter White is considered by many to be Palm Desert's architect, having designed over 65 structures here, many of which are still in existence. White is considered notable for his influence in early Palm Desert, California and his innovative roofing and window systems. The Miles C. Bates house is eligible for landmark designation by meeting the following criteria of PDMC Section 29.40.010 C, D and F, of the Palm Desert Cultural Resources Ordinance. It embodies distinctive characteristics, or is one of the few remaining examples of a style, type, period or method of construction or possesses high artistic value. The Miles C. Bates house is eligible for designation for its distinctive roller coaster roof that exemplifies high artistic value. Although White patented the innovative wood roof system that alternated the use of wooden dowels with complementary biconcave elements to achieve the unique wave shape, the Bates house is believed to be the only home in existence that used this system. Additionally, White appears to have considered the siting of the home in relation to the Santa Rosa Mountains in the distance, as the rolling roof line follows the profile of those southern mountains. It represents the work of a master builder, designer or architect. The exemplary design of the Bates house by White "embodies his lifelong ambition to push architecture in new directions, restlessly searching for solutions that integrated dramatic form making with a pragmatism born of respect for material and their capabilities amidst the demanding conditions of the desert. The house also shows off White's ability to synthesize a harmonious relationship between common, humble products such as rough-faced concrete masonry units and upscale materials and technologies such as steel and glass sliding windows and terrazzo floors." It reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation. Wayne Longman, resident of Palm Desert, commented in the application, the description of the property didn't indicate that the historically significant portion of the property is actually much smaller. Mr. Longman referred to a map. The map indicates the building is 43.6 square feet by 23.8 square feet, however the historically significant portion of the original building is about 950 square feet. He assumes that the appraisal is wrong because the appraisers were not given access to the building, did not take traditional measurements, and could not see the portion that was the original building in order to assess the deterioration of the interior. It was also appraised as an income property. There is nothing wrong with the appraisal as it's done for the purpose it was done for, but he indicates that it is totally misleading for G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2017\2017 12 12 Minutes-Special Meeting-Public Hearing.docx Page 2 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 2017 someone who may be interested in purchasing the property for historical significance. He estimated the value of the historically significant portion to be about $95,000.00. Mr. Longman's research of four sales since January, 2017 estimate an average value of approximately $150,000.00. The $320,000.00 value has been made public and he feels it should be corrected. The condition, age, and surroundings will mislead any investor who does not personally inspect the property. Mr. Longman insists that the right thing to do is have the property appraised as a landmark historical property and there should be a demolition of the property to restore the outlines of the original property. The cost would have to be reduced by at least the demolition costs and provide some allowances for restoration. In closing, he submits that the City should ask for a new appraisal based on the fact that this is being designated as a landmark, and the landmark property is smaller than the property previously appraised. Committee Member Paul Clark inquired if Mr. Longman was a local real estate agent or appraiser. Mr. Longman responded, "Yes." Mr. Clark asked Mr. Longman how he arrived at the 950 square foot size of the property. Mr. Longman responded that it was taken off the drawing (contained in the Palm Desert Historical Society application.) Committee Member Paul Clark understood that for this meeting the Committee would simply be acting on the historical value; the appraisal is a separate matter, as he understood it, unless he was told otherwise by Staff. Mr. Clark noted that while the information provided by Mr. Longman was useful, and certainly the size of the building perhaps is incorrect, an amendment to the application would be appropriate. Mr. Longman's feeling on the issue of the appraisal might be better directed to the City Manager, or to the City Council as a whole. Mr. Longman understands that it is not within the Committee's purview to make any changes to the (Palm Desert Historical Society) application, but he wanted the community to be aware of it. Mr. Longman believes that the incorrect information may mislead purchasers of the property. It could lead to its destruction because the property value itself, the structures and the appraisal make it unattractive to those who want to restore it. It counters the Committee's activity here. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety had no comment. Committee Member Kim Housken confirmed that Mr. Longman arrived at the measurements he had from the plans. Ms. Housken's main concern was that the square footage Mr. Longman came up with. Committee Member Paul Clark mentioned that he was looking for the size of the home in the application that was misrepresented. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety clarified that it was not noted in the application from this Committee. Committee Member Kim Housken noted that this Committee's application noted additions, but not square footage. Mr. Longman mentioned that the appraisal shows 1,930 square feet, and the numbers don't match what is found in the public record. Mr. Longman reiterated that the reason was the appraiser was not given access and couldn't verify interior living space. The appraiser wasn't told to do the footprint as is done for a historic appraisal. Committee Member Paul Clark inquired if there is a garage. Sometimes that number is included in the size of the structure. Committee Member Kim Housken mentioned that she thought that it was 1,000 square feet larger, taking into account the enclosed patio on the west end and the two room bump out on the north side. The additions in 1963 and 1965 were 1,660 square feet. Ms. Housken wondered if that could be the difference. The G:\BIdgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2017\2017 12 12 Minutes-Special Meeting-Public Hearing.docx Page 3 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 2017 number could be accurate and all a part of the original home that the Committee wants to see rehabilitated. Ms. Housken noted that they would like to see the other parts taken off; that would be accurate. Mr. Longman noted that footprints in historical don't normally include external construction; patio cover construction is not considered. Committee Member Housken acknowledged that the City's is just following the directive of the State of California, Department of Finance, which is to sell the property for the highest price possible. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety reminded that the appraisal was developed to see what the market value was and if there was the possibility of designating it as a historic landmark, and to learn what the property would be worth in that scenario. This was just to give the agency information in order to sell the property. Committee Member Kim Housken recalled that the Committee was not happy with the high value of the appraisal. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety would not think that the Committee would be happy with the high value. The appraisal is outside of the purview of what the Committee is doing today. The information could be and should be brought to the attention of Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works, in charge of liquidating all the former Redevelopment Agency's assets and the appropriate venue for that. Committee Member Kim Housken noted that it might be worth it to look at the first appraisal that was done to determine if the appraiser had access, and whether it was the same appraiser used. Mr. Longman wanted to add another point of interest, outside of the Committee's purview. It is his understanding that the subdivision on the property separate from that portion, is going to be given to Joslyn Center. It was done before the City had decided to make a historic application for it. Mr. Longman thinks that perhaps that decision should be reviewed again too. He didn't know on what basis it was made, and what was meant, but he didn't think it was considered that the City was going to do anything with it, other than auction it. There may be a reason to retain it for the City or have it attached to the Joslyn Center as a public facility. Committee Member Paul Clark commented to Mr. Longman, "Setting aside your issues on the appraisal and the size of the building, do you have any objections to the historic designation?" Mr. Longman responded, "No." Mr. Longman thinks the appraisal has to be accurate. Committee Member Clark appreciated that. Committee Chair Pamela Williams inquired if anyone had any questions. Committee Chair Pamela Williams expressed her appreciation and thanked Mr. Longman. Merilee Colton, Palm Desert resident commented that she was here to support the Committee's efforts. Merilee Colton is a citizen of Palm Desert, and as Secretary of the Board of the Historical Society of Palm Desert, she supports this community's efforts in every way possible for a local landmark designation for the Bates House. Committee Member Kim Housken announced that Gale Broeker used to be on the Committee. Gale Broeker is a resident of Palm Desert Greens Country Club in Palm Desert, and a Board Member of the Historical Society in Palm Desert. Ms. Broeker noted that she and Ms. Colton are both Board Members of the Palm Desert Historical Society. Ms. Broeker is here to observe and applaud the historic designation of the Bates house. Committee Member Don Graybill also pointed out that Ms. Broeker was a former member of this committee. Ms. Broeker mentioned that she had spent seven years on this committee. The property was not on the 1981 list of historic properties that the County of Riverside did. It was way before City of Palm Desert G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2017\2017 12 12 Minutes-Special Meeting-Public Hearing.docx Page 4 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 2017 had a historic preservation committee. The home was on the Cultural Preservation Committee's 2006 list, so it's been on the list a while and now it's come to fruition. Chair Pamela Williams thanked all who spoke at the public hearing. Committee Chair Pamela Williams announced that we conducted the public hearing to receive testimony and authorize staff to prepare a resolution for local landmark designation for the property located at 73697 Santa Rosa Way for the City Council's consideration. Committee Member Don Graybill mentioned that he was certainly looking forward to the possibility of it being recognized nationally and he knows it's going to be quite an extensive endeavor for someone who is so inclined to have it recognized. Mr. Graybill noted that this landmark designation is something quite unique in our nation. Committee Member Tom Mortensen noted that he feels the same way as Committee Member Don Graybill does, and he hopes it will become a historic site. Committee Member Paul Clark appreciated the comments by Wayne Longman. Mr. Clark clarified that the size of the unit doesn't necessarily disqualify it as a local historic landmark. It's a good idea to double check the size, for the national register application, but for our purposes today, it's a single family home; that's the key issue here. As far as the size and the historical nature, in his opinion, it's an appropriate application. Committee Member Kim Housken commented that this is a long time coming, for many, many years. We sought to have this property recognized and I am very delighted today that we are taking this step. It's almost in honor of former Committee Member Bob Pitchford. (Committee Member Bob Pitchford passed away recently.) Bob was the first one to introduce the Committee to who Walter White was about 15 years ago or so. Committee Member Bob Pitchford was the one who originally pointed out this house to us. He should be with us today. Committee Chair Pamela Williams commented, "He is." Committee Member Kim Housken continued that we always talked about Walter White being the unofficial Palm Desert Architect (even though he was a designer) she hopes that this will lead to more Walter White homes and perhaps a Walter White historic district. It does not have to be a contiguous district, but a district of Walter White homes. Committee Chair Pamela Williams is thrilled that we are at this point and agrees and believes that Committee Member Bob Pitchford is looking down on us and is very pleased that this is happening today. Although she is a newcomer to this committee, Committee Chair Pam Williams commented that it's great to see this happening, and she is happy. [The local historic landmark application under review by the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee is a different application than the one referred to by Mr. Longman, which was prepared by the Historical Society of Palm Desert for a national historic designation.] G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2017\2017 1212 Minutes-Special Meeting-Public Hearing.docx Page 5 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 2017 X. CONSIDER LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 73-697 SANTA ROSA WAY, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL. Motion was made by Committee Member Paul Clark that staff be authorized to prepare the resolution approving historic landmark designation for 73697 Santa Rosa Way for City Council consideration. Committee Chair Pamela Williams seconded the Motion. Motion carried by 5-0 vote with Williams, Mortensen, Graybill, Clark and Housken voting Aye; Noes: None, Absent: K. Gary Olesen, Abstain: None. Xl. REPORTS AND REMARKS The next meeting is scheduled for January 30, 2018. Committee Member Kim Housken mentioned that the City has been looking in to how many meetings are necessary for groups and she knows the Committee is cognizant of Staff's time. Ms. Housken inquired if we did scale back, and an application comes in, could a special meeting be scheduled as we did today. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety appreciated that and recommended that we have a meeting in January for election of officers. The need for a meeting will be considered on a month by month basis. Committee Chair Pamela Williams thanked Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety and Recording Secretary, Suzanne Cicchini. XII. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Committee Member Thomas Mortensen to adjourn the Meeting. Committee Member Don Graybill seconded the Motion. Motion carried by 5-0 vote with Williams, Mortensen, Graybill, Clark and Housken voting Aye; Noes: None, Absent: K. Gary Olesen, Abstain: None. Committee Chair Pamela Williams adjourned the meeting at 9:27 a.m. a l -Lj tan►U..- Cam` Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2017\2017 12 12 Minutes-Special Meeting-Public Hearing.docx Page 6