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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Cultural Resources Preservation Committee 09/25/2018 1Ti- 2. CITY OF PALM DESERT i �� BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT _ v n :-/1 L< INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM :�77 To: Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk From: Suzanne Cicchini, Management Specialist II Date: October 30, 2018 Subject: Submission of Approved Minutes for the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting/Public Hearing held on September 25, 2018 Attached is a copy of the Minutes of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting approved by the Committee on October 30, 2018. Please include on the next City Council agenda. Thank you Attachment CITY OF PALM DESERT !k ►►� '_ CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE 4" t . Minutes •' September 25, 2018 Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Paul Clark, Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Vice Chair called the meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee to order at 9:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Paul Clark Thomas Mortensen Kim Housken Don Graybill Juan Mireles K. Gary Olesen Also Present: Susan Marie Weber, Mayor Pro Tem Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JANUARY 30, 2018 Committee Member Kim Housken said she was sure what Suzanne Cicchini Recording Secretary reflected in the Preliminary Minutes was what was said, however, she wanted to add a clarification on page 4, the first paragraph. The home that was mentioned was a Walter White house. It was designed for Dr. Franz Alexander. This should not be confused with the developer with the same last name of Alexander in Palm Springs. Motion was made by Committee Member Kim Housken to accept the Minutes with the clarification as noted, that it was a Walter White design for Dr. Franz Alexander. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen seconded the motion. Motion carried. All accepted with Mireles, Olesen, Clark and Housken voting AYE; none dissenting. CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER - None VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATES: PROGRESS OF POTENTIAL DESIGNATIONS Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety announced that he performed the annual inspection at Shadow Mountain Golf Course for the Mills Act. They passed with flying colors. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark handed out an information sheet he received at the County Heritage Commission Workshop. The title is "Sources of Historical Information Online (Concentrating on Riverside County)" It was produced by Steve Lech, one of the trainers at the presentation. The workshop was very well attended. People from all over the County of Riverside including from the Palm Desert Historical Society and the Archaeological Society came. A copy of this will be available in the archives. Committee Member Kim Housken remarked that this will be helpful for future applicants. Committee Member Juan Mireles thanked Mr. Clark for the information. IX. PUBLIC HEARING —47869 SUN CORRAL TRAIL, PALM DESERT, CA CASE NO. CRPC 18-01 Paul Clark, Committee Vice Chair opened the Public Hearing by reading a prepared statement, presented by Staff. The property located at 47869 Sun Corral Trail is directly related with the beginnings of the Palm Desert development that came to be known as Silver Spur Ranch. It can be comfortably argued that since it was the first occupied house on Sun Corral Trail it played the largest cumulative visual role in impacting future owners of Silver Spur Properties. This 1956 private residence exhibits many stylistic markers which place it directly in the Coachella Valley's modern period. This residence is largely intact and is a superb example of mid- century architecture, and historic trend, which has helped define the Coachella Valley's architectural image. At this point of research there is no definite proof that a master architect designed this house. However, there are significant examples that it was designed with high artistic values. The interior is highly sculptural with open beams. The residence is placed at an angle on the property, is designed for privacy and environmental protection and has an angled exterior alley storm water protection wall (all features that were used by Walter S. White.) The use of clerestory windows and full view windows and sliders (features that were used by William Krisel.) Silver Spur as well as Palm Desert received substantial publicity as President Kennedy enjoyed several visits to Bing Crosby's Silver Spur estate. A cultural resource may be designated as a landmark by the City Council if, with written consent of the property owner, after completion of a certified survey and upon the G\BldgSfty\Suzanne Ciccttini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2018\2018 09 25 Minutes docx Page 2 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 recommendation of the Committee, it is determined that it retains integrity as defined in Chapter 29.20 and at a Local, State, Regional, or National level: A. Is associated with an event or events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of history; or C. 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; or F. Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth agriculture, or transportation. Paul Clark, Committee Vice Chair inquired if the property owner provided permission for the landmark designation. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety, confirmed that he did. Mr. Grance pointed out that the permission was noted in the application. Mr. Clark requested public and staff comments. VaLohna Wynn, Palm Desert, attended the Public Hearing today on behalf of Gary Bindman, Applicant, 47869 Sun Corral Trail, Palm Desert. Ms. Wynne mentioned that she is Gary Bindman's better half. He's the magnificent half of our duo that lives on Sun Corral. Gary is not here today, he wishes everyone well and thanks you so much for taking the time and energy to review our property. We feel strongly that our property is something of significance. We love being there and telling the story of the property. We feel that anything historical value is great for the generations to come. We want to continue that and we want to thank you for your time and consideration in this process. Eric Bergman, Palm Desert, Board Member, Silver Spur Homeowners Association mentioned that he had a couple of email exchanges with Gary Bindman, but they had not met before. He discussed this designation with the Board of Directors and they are generally aware of what we are trying to accomplish here. He noted that he certainly can't speak for all the homeowners. There are 234 homes in Silver Spur, but the people he spoke with are generally very supportive of this. He is a self-described mid-century modern freak, and indicated others there are like- minded. We tend to try to focus on maintaining that kind of atmosphere. An architectural committee monitors changes to architecture and add-ons.We don't use a big stick necessarily, to manage, but the homeowner population tends appreciate mid-century modern. He reiterated that he can't speak for all of them, but believed that the majority of the homeowners are going to be supportive of this. Paul Clark Committee Vice Chair asked if the homeowners association board has taken a position on this. Mr. Bergman noted that the homeowner's association board has not taken a formal position. Committee Member Juan Mireles asked if the board will be taking a formal position after our decision here. Mr. Bergman replied that he thinks they would; the board meeting is in 3 weeks. Paul Clark Committee Vice Chair explained that our Committee is going through its process. The next step after this would be to go to the City Council. It would not be a bad thing to allow the City Council an idea of the what the board's position would be. Mr. Bergman inquired if this would come up at the next City Council meeting. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark noted it might be several months from now. Russell Grance, Director of G:\eldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2018\2018 09 25 Minutes docx Page 3 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 Building and Safety explained that depending upon the timing, it will probably will be the last one in October, or the first meeting in November. Mr. Clark pointed out, with further notice given. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety informed that we have another public hearing, we notify the 300' radius property owners and provide other notifications in the local paper. Mr. Bergman, noting that he thinks that he can speak for the board and that they will stay involved to the extent that if they can contribute to the process, they will Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark thanked him for coming and that his involvement and interest was appreciated. Mr. Bergman remarked that he was glad to do it. Mark Zimmer, Palm Desert lives in Silver Spur Ranch and supports the effort. It's a great idea. However, he doubts that the house is a Walter White home. He has done significant research on Walter White. He believes there is only one Walter White home in the community, but there is the possibility that it's related to Palmer and Krisel. They did some initial designs for Silver Spur and there are examples of Krisel designs at Silver Spur Ranch. He thought it's worth investigating to see if that's actually a fact. He supports it and is hoping we can get more landmark designations in Silver Spur Ranch. He asked if any research was done regarding the architect. Ms. Wynn explained that Gary Bindman started the process; he has all the background information. She noted that she was the emotional side of the house. She will get Mr. Zimmer's contact information so Mr. Bindman can fill him in on it. Committee Member Juan Mireles asked if there was work on the property; any design or looking at the design, or any alterations. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety responded that there were none that he was aware of and he didn't think there are any anticipated. There are no exterior modifications that he is aware of. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark inquired if there were any changes proposed in the foreseeable future to the building. Ms. Wynn said none at all. We want to hold the integrity of this home. We love the style; historical significance for generations. My daughter and granddaughter will understand the significance of mid-century modern. No big changes. Committee Member Kim Housken inquired about the name, the "Owl house." She didn't recall hearing it referred to as the "Owl house." Ms. Wynn explained that the Owl House, Gary Bindman's nickname for the house stands for observe with love. He decided to name it that and she supports him. Committee Member Kim Housken noticed the information Jim West prepared was not with the application. Russell Grance informed that he wanted to keep the application brief. However, that was an additional attachment. It would have been very lengthy if included. Ms. Housken recommended that she would be more comfortable under number 11 if the architect's name was listed as unknown, rather than noted as William Krisel with a question mark. Jim West pretty much determined that he didn't necessarily think it was by Krisel. Her preference would also be to list the builder as unknown too. Mr. Grance was comfortable with that. Ms. Housken suggested that it should be unknown until it's determined, or if it's determined. Committee Member Kim Housken continued that under Architectural Description, two sets of palms are mentioned. However, later, in Architectural Significance, it mentioned there are 12 mature palm trees. Ms. Wynn clarified that there were 2 pair and twelve total palm trees. Two in the back, two in the front and the additional palms. Committee Member Kim Housken commented that she was comparing the Statement of Significance G SBldgSRy\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2018\2018 09 25 Minutes.docx Page 4 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 presented here to the application for the Wave House, also known as the Miles Bates House. Ms. Housken felt that it would read more easily or align better with our ordinance if the letters aligned with our ordinance. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety noted that they do not necessarily align. Mr. Bindman's submittal was verbatim. Mr. Grance did not want to change that. We would not make any substantial changes, unless the Committee felt the need to. Ms. Housken mentioned, that if everyone else thinks it's fine. A question for my fellow Committee Members. It kind of aligned with it under A, Significant Events. Mr. Grance informed that the three criterias were A, C and F, and these are from our ordinance. Those can be put in place of the Statement of Significance if the Committee wants to. Committee Member Kim Housken mentioned that after our last meeting we talked and I came up with the idea that Jerry Malone of Union 76 station had owned the house. That did not seem to be incorporated. Ms. Housken inquired if that had been confirmed. Ms. Wynn could not confirm that. Ms. Housken indicated that if confirmed, it would strengthen this application for her because he was a significant member of the public in early Palm Desert. Ms. Wynn mentioned that she could ask Gary Bindman. Ms. Housken also felt letter F of their criteria could have also applied; distinctive. Mr. Grance, agreed, those were the ones he felt were applicable also. Mr. Grance reiterated that this was Mr. Bindman's application; he merely put it in a nicer format. Ms. Housken remarked that she understood that. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark clarified, his words, retyped. Mr. Grance confirmed he did not have electronic files and did a lot of typing. Mr. Grance did not want to change Mr. Bindman's application without his permission. Committee Member Kim Housken appreciated all his effort. She recalled that in terms of the Committee's significance with the Miles Bates House, we hit the letter C in the body. It was kind of the header of what it is, and the reason why it was applied. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark noted that since this was the first one outside of the Miles Bates house that he has really looked at, besides the application for the district at Sandpiper; this will be his third one. He wanted to know if this matched formats and information for the past nomination. Mr. Grance confirmed that in his opinion, it does. Again, the additional information, Items 19, 20 or 21 are additional attachments. Mr. Grance thought he had some other information also. Ms. Housken wanted to know if this was basically number 19, and it was some of it. Ms. Housken was confused initially because she thought Jim West must have written it, but he did not. Russell emphatically declared that this was done by Gary Bindman. It was submitted in a format, but Mr. Grance wanted the format to be a little more in line of what was accepted in the past. Mr. Grance helped in that regards. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark noted that under significant person on Page 4, his concern with the overall application was that it's a bit speculative. Mr. Grance explained that is where we will take that out and put A, C and F in. If Mr. Grance understood what the recommendation was. Committee Member Kim Housken's preference was that it aligned more directly with our ordinance, so it was very clear when the letters are read. Mr. Grance acknowledged that it was a little confusing to him, but he did not want to change the application; that's where the Committee has the purview to do that. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark noted that he could see that A, C and F should follow. Mr. Clark reiterated that as it follows, it should be taken out of the application. Mr. Grance confirmed that we G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Ciccnmi\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2018\2018 09 25 Minutes docx Page 5 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 can amend the application. Mr. Clark added, on its way to City Council. Mr. Grance agreed, that was correct. Those modifications would be made based upon your vote. Mr. Clark added that it behooves the applicant to have a title report to define the chain of ownership there. Ms. Housken noted that Jerry Malone of the Union 76 station could just turn up. It's good core procedures to do that. Mr. Clark added that as his handout from the seminar would suggest, you could go to the county recorder's office to do that kind of research and that could be timely or a title company could do the work for you. Of course, they would probably charge you for it. You never know what you are going to find in that instance. Mr. Clark noted that for today, the significant person, is not significant. In this case, at least at this time. Mr. Grance reiterated that these are the actual attachments, this document and all of the photos. He pointed these out to the Committee. Mr. Clark requested any additional comments, and asked Mr. Grance if Staff understands what the direction Is likely to be. Mr. Grance confirmed the understanding. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark confirmed that Mr. Grance can make those corrections. X. CONSIDER LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 47869 SUN CORRAL TRAIL, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL. Motion was made by Committee Member Juan Mireles to authorize Staff to prepare a resolution approving local historic landmark designation for the property located at 47869 Sun Corral Trail for City Council consideration, provided we get those changes made today. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen seconded the Motion. Mr. Clark asked if there was any further discussion. Committee Member Kim Housken that she is a little on the fence. She felt that this is a little lean, and that said, she is going to give some weight to the fact that this was researched by Jim West, which holds significance to her. She wished Mr.West was here today, to defend this a little more. She will also recognize that Mr. Clark mentioned the fact that it retained integrity at a local,state regional and national level. As far as maybe locally goes, she could go along with this today. She wished it had a little more meat on the bone. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark appreciated Ms. Housken's comments and thought it would have stood up better as part of a district nomination and maybe that is where the future of where this particular neighborhood is, as a historic district. That said, we have to start somewhere. Mr. Clark knows from his own experience that it grows from the designation and the neighborhood reflects its own special characteristics. He has not personally toured it, but on Google Earth, looked at the surrounding homes, and most of them have kept the nature of the original development and are well maintained. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark requested the vote. All accepted with Mireles, Olesen, Clark and Housken voting AYE; none dissenting. G\81dgSfty\Suzanne Cicchmi\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2018\2018 09 25 Minutes.docx Page 6 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 Xl. Reports and Remarks Committee Member Kim Housken requested an update on the Wave house, also known as the Miles Bates House. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety announced that he did receive an email and he thought it might change hands with this week or next. The purchase agreement was signed but the transfer can take time. Once the buyer acquires the property, are the legal owners and have title, it will be under an LLC, then we can move forward. Mr. Grance's question for the Committee was he knows that we have discussed this in the past, and you have looked at the drawings as far as what they wanted to do for the demolition component of the phased project. Mr. Grance inquired if the Committee would be comfortable allowing him to process a demolition permit if it complies with the drawings you looked at? Would the Committee want to have look at it again and make a determination at a formal meeting? It's your pleasure. Whatever you wish. Mr. Grance knows that this is a very important home and he doesn't want to diminish the importance by excluding the Committee, so he asked for direction. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark confirmed that it was the Miles Bates House, he wanted to make sure. Committee Member Kim Housken wanted to know how does our ordinance speak to it. She knew there is ministerial, but removal, Mr. Grance remarked that due to the importance of this structure, and he is OK with doing it, but he would feel a little more comfortable with more of the Committee's involvement. A lot has been invested in it. Mr. Grance continued that he knows that it may slow down the process for them, but he just thinks, it's the Committee's pleasure. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark wanted to know what the sense of timeline was for the applicant. Mr. Grance responded that the applicant wished they could have started months ago, before they even had possession. Mr. Grance needed a deed with their name on it before he could do anything. Mr. Clark noted that would obviously stop everything, if they were not the owner. Mr. Grance confirmed that as correct. Mr. Clark inquired if there is any other impediment, or are they still in plan check. Mr. Grance responded that it is not even in plan check. He has the documents but the plans submitted are sufficient for their Certificate of Appropriateness for Phase 1 Demolition only. Mr. Grance does not have detailed drawings of how they ultimately want to do modifications to the interior or exterior; only for the demolition. Their goal is to return it as close as possible, to its former glory. Committee Member Juan Mireles asked if Mr. Grance was comfortable making the decision on the demolition himself. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety responded that he was, but he doesn't want to exclude the importance of the project and the investment this Committee has put in. That's why he was giving this up to the Committee. Committee Member Juan Mireles responded that he was comfortable with Mr. Grance making the decision on the demolition. Any other changes or whatever, should be decided by the Committee. Committee Member Kim Housken appreciated it that Mr. Grance wanted to keep the Committee in the loop. She noticed Number 12, some things that can be done by the Administrator, which is Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety. These include demolition of non-contributing or inappropriate features of a cultural resource including additions, garages, and accessory structures. Committee Member Kim Housken did G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2018\2018 09 25 Minutes docx Page 7 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 not want them to feel that they are getting slowed down or bogged down. Mr. Grance agreed. He just did not want to exclude the importance of the Committee's involvement. Ms. Housken appreciated it, and agreed with Committee Member Mireles. Committee Member Kim Housken inquired about fencing and stabilization if during an interim period, there was a delay in doing further construction. Mr. Grance responded that the ordinance requires security fencing around any construction project. There would more than likely be chain link fence with fabric attached. It will be around to secure the area during the construction or demolition. That's subsequent to Phase II. This will be when the new owners bring the plans forward for consideration before this committee for the restoration. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark mentioned he would just like to see the applicant move this expeditiously as possible. Construction fence around something like that isn't good, but it's really in their hands. Financing and everything else involved. Russell Grance noted that it's going to be a three phased project. The demolition, the restoration and then the third phase is the additional structures that planning is entertaining on development at site. There are some units and a swimming pool. Vice Chair Paul Clark encouraged staff to make sure it's secure and stable, which he presumes the ordinance would require anyway. A little more effort given its significance to the City and the community all over the valley wide. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark would not have any problem letting Mr. Grance make such a decision on the demo permit and inquired if a motion was needed. Mr. Grance responded "No." He just wanted the Committee's guidance and to keep them in the loop. Committee Member Kim Housken wanted to know if they have any plans to document the procedure. Mr. Grance hoped they do, perhaps as part of a display inside the unit once it's done. For presentation, it would be fantastic. It was suggested that Mr. Grance could drop a hint, next time he speaks with them. Committee Member Kim Housken mentioned that she met with some people last night that are trying to get the City more involved community-wise, neighborhood-wise. The Wave house came up. It would be fun to have a camera where people could see the process, or what's going on, or documenting on a website where they could follow what's happening. I know Mark introduced himself to the new owners at the auction. Since the new owners are not local, please convey to the owners that there are people out here that are very interested and happy to drive by, check on things if they need boots on the ground here in Palm Desert. Mr. Grance mentioned that documenting the process could be an excellent marketing tool, as well for their future use of the information. Ms. Housken mentioned there was a discussion of what could be done during Modernism Week. It has been a year since the sale; follow up to learn what is the status of this house. If you want to let them know that there is great interest here and people that are willing to do this kind of documenting for them that would be great! Committee Member Juan Mireles noted that's a great recommendation. Ms. Housken noted that people are very excited about this and very interested in continuing to follow what happens with it. Mayor Pro Tem Susan Marie Weber suggested a high speed camera. Committee Member Kim Housken mentioned that there was even a discussion of a documentary of the house and we have been brainstorming ideas about what could be done. Probably at no cost to these people. G\BIdgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2018\2018 09 25 Minutes.docx Page 8 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark called for any other comments, for the good of the order. There were none. Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark closed the Public Hearing. XII. ADJOURNMENT Committee Vice Chair Paul Clark called for a motion for adjournment. Motion was made by Committee Member Juan Mireles to adjourn the meeting. Committee Member Kim Housken seconded the Motion. Motion carried. All accepted with Mireles, Olesen, Clark and Housken voting AYE; none dissenting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:41 a.m. yi n n� C>��ly� Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary G:\BldgSfly\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2018/2018 09 25 Minutes docx Page 9