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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Historic Preservation Committee 01-30-2006CITY OF PALM DESERT BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk From: Mary C a P, rinistrative Secretary Date: March 9, 2006 Subject: Submission of Approved Minutes for the Historic Preservation Committee Meeting January 30, 2006 Attached is a copy of January 30, 2006 minutes of the Historic Preservation Committee approved by the Committee on February 27, 2006. Please include on the next City Council agenda. Thank you Attachment GABIdgSfty\Mary ClarklWord data\Historic Preservation CommitteeWinutesWemo Minutes for Gty Counal.dot CITY OF PALM DESERT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 30, 2006 Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kent Routh called the meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee to order at 10:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Bonnie Bowie Gale Broeker Jan Holmlund Kim Housken Bob Pitchford Kent Routh Jim West Vera Handley (alternate) Also Present: Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building and Safety Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager Spencer Knight, Public Works Landscape Manager Hal Rover, President Historical Society Mary Clark, Recording Secretary Ill. SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBER — Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk, swore in Vera Handley, as an alternate member to the Historic Preservation Committee. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Committee Member Jan Holmlund moved to accept the minutes of the November 28, 2005 meeting with corrected spelling from Hanson back to Hansen. Committee Member Bob Pitchford seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved 7-0. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. CHAIR REPORT — Kent Routh 1. Review of January 19, 2006 Study Session with City Council — Chair Kent Routh said he felt the meeting with City Council was very successful. He thought Jim West and Jan Holmlund should be congratulated for their presentation. He said that one of the main items of the meeting was to ask for assistance for research and update of Ordinance 401. GAB1dgSfty\Mary ClarklWord data\Histodc Preservation CommitteeWinutesWinutes 013006.doc HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes JANUARY 30, 2006 Committee Member Jan Holmlund said a very nice lunch was provided and members had an opportunity to sit and talk with Council. Ms. Holmlund also provided Committee Members notes from her portion of the presentation to City Council. Chair Kent Routh also pointed out for the record that a packet was created by Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building and Safety, to give to the City Council, which included the ordinance, Mills Act, and other information about the Committee and was very helpful for their presentation. B. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT Ordinance Subcommittee Report — Committee Member Jan Holmlund provided a copy of a "Draft of Ordinance Interests List", which lists the elements that the Committee has indicated are items that need to be covered. Ms. Holmlund asked the Committee Members to review the list and let her know if items need to be added or removed, and said it will be placed on the February 27, 2006 agenda for approval. C. INDIVIDUAL COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS Committee Member Jim West provided general information about activities that are occurring over the next month which are related to preservation and architecture in the Coachella Valley involving various groups. Mr. West mentioned a tour being conducted from the College of Extended Learning next Saturday. He also mentioned the article in 92260 on both the apartments and the Desert Magazine building. Chair Kent Routh noted that the Sunday Desert Sun Magazine had an article about Albert Frey and that February has been named mid-century modern month. Committee Member Jim West mentioned the article where the City of Palm Springs honored the architect Don Wexler on the occasion of his 80t" birthday. He indicated that in the future the Committee might want to think about publicly recognizing certain individuals. Committee Member Vera Handley reported that she was asked to contact Lisa May, widow of Cliff May, Architect. Cliff May designed three houses on the unofficial list. Ms. Handley wrote to Ms. May, who now lives in Calabasas, asking if she would look through Cliff May's items to see if there was anything on the three houses. She hasn't heard from her yet. She is also researching homes on Fiddleneck and Joshua Tree. 2. Committee Member Jan Holmlund reported on the January 23, 2006, meeting that she and Committee Member Kim Housken attended regarding the changes that were proposed at the College of the Desert, G:1BldgSfty\Mary Clark\Word data\Historic Preservation CommitteeMnutesWinutes 013006.doc HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes JANUARY 30, 2006 and provided a list of scheduled meetings. Ms. Holmlund also provided a Campus Standards Handbook on CD from the College of the Desert. Committee Member Jan Holmlund informed the Committee that the University of New Mexico has an Italian experience for professionals in historic planning. They have a graduate study program in Italy. Ms. Holmlund provided a contact name and number for those who are interested. Committee Member Kim Housken said that they found out at the 11t' hour that the COD meeting was taking place, and she attended more as a community member. Ms. Housken indicated that she thought this might be something that the Committee would like to follow up with perhaps a recommendation to City Council. Committee Member Jim West suggested that this item be placed on the February 27, 2006 agenda for further discussion since it could involve Site #5 and Site #18 on the unofficial list. It was also suggested that a representative from the College of the Desert could be invited to their next meeting. Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building and Safety, introduced Spencer Knight, Public Works Landscape Manager, who was invited at the request of the Historic Preservation Committee. Mr. Hamidzadeh indicated that Mr. Knight is also involved with the College of the Desert as well as landscaping for the City of Palm Desert. Spencer Knight, Public Works Landscape Manager, indicated that the Committee is correct in their assumption that they are behind the eight ball in introducing their request, and said he would encourage them to formalize their request and be relative assertive players in the mix. Mr. Knight said the process is very fluid right now because they are at the concept stage and C.O.D. is very attuned to the City. VI. OLD BUSINESS Chair Kent Routh said that he would change the order of old business to begin with Item C. — Recommendation Palm Desert Lodge — 74527 Highway 111, Palm Desert, California. 1. Mr. Michael Noto, property owner, said that he has been a resident of Palm Desert for over 30 years and owns the controlling interest in the Palm Desert Lodge with family members. He indicated that because of the seriousness of the matter before the Committee, he felt it necessary to hire experts who will speak to the issue. 2. Mr. Tom Slovak, Attorney, Slovak Baron & Empey LLP, referenced his letter to the Historic Preservation Committee dated January 25, 2006, which summarized the testimony to be given at this meeting (attached). Mr. Slovak pointed out that the issue before the Committee is should or should not the G:\BldgSfty\Mary Clark\Word data\Historic Preservation CommitteeWlinutes\Minutes 013006.doc 3 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes JANUARY 30, 2006 property be designated as a historic site under the Palm Desert Municipal Code. He said that Mr. John Criste, Principal, Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc. would discuss the historical significance of the property. Mr. Slovak said that Mr. Dan Brush of the accounting firm of Godecke Clarke would speak to the present lack of economic viability of the property, and Mr. Dick Baxley, independent real estate broker, would address the inability to sell the property with a cloud on it. Mr. Slovak requested that the Committee render a decision or recommendation in a timely fashion. He indicated that he hoped that the recommendation from the Committee would be that it is not a historic site and then the cloud is off the title and they can move on with the sale of the property. 3. Mr. John Criste, Principal, Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc. provided copies of a letter to the Historic Preservation Committee, dated January 26, 2006. He said that he has been living in the desert since 1979 and a practicing planner since 1981. Mr. Criste pointed out that his letter outlines the State and Federal criteria for historic properties and the local ordinance at it now stands. Mr. Criste discussed at length the property evaluation, which can be found on page 3 of his letter (attached). He stated that "the subject property does not, either individually or in the aggregate, have elements of distinction that rise to the level of significance." Mr. Criste also addressed the land use compatibility and economic viability of the property. He pointed out that the hotel/motel lodging market has evolved significantly over the past decade in the Coachella Valley, and the location of the Palm Desert Lodge has put it at a competitive disadvantage. Mr. Criste suggested that the Committee consider a lower classification for the property in the range of a Class 1 or Class 2, and that the Community Development Department require that prior to any demolition, change of use or modification that there be good documentation of the building with regard to its history and any other pertinent information. Then it can be assembled for permanent record with the City of Palm Desert, including a good photographic record. 4. Mr. Dick Baxley, independent real estate broker, mentioned several motels along Highway 111 that have been knocked down because they were older styles and poorly maintained. He pointed out that this property is well maintained for a building of this age. Mr. Baxley said that a new owner of the Palm Desert Lodge would have spend $150,000 to hook up to sewer, which is a very significant impact. He continued to say that prospective buyers are not interested in buying it as a motel, but as vacant land. As vacant land it has a five million dollar ($5,000,000) value, and there are a number of people, as recently as late December, who are interested in buying this property but are on the sidelines pending the decision of the City. 5. Mr. Dan Brush, with the accounting firm Godecke Clarke, said that he and Mr. Noto had discussed several exit strategies so that Mr. Noto could retire. They considered selling the lodge outright; raising the lodge and building a commercial building; developing or selling the vacant lot to the east; or a G:\BldgSfty\Mary Clark\Word data\Historic Preservation Commiftee\Minutes\Minutes 013006.doc 4 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes JANUARY 30, 2006 ground lease and still maintain the property. Mr. Bush said that if the Committee designates this property as a historical landmark then all of their ideas are out the window and Mr. Noto might be financially hurt in a very significant way. 6. There was discussion by the Historic Preservation Committee members and it was determined that they could not vote at this meeting because proper notification of property owners and advertisement had not been done for public hearing. Action: Committee Member Kim Housken moved to put this item on the next agenda, and take the proper steps in terms of opening it as a public hearing, receiving public testimony, and notifying the local property owners. Committee Member Jim West seconded the motion. It received unanimous approval 7-0. RECESS — The Committee took a brief recess and reconvened at 11:55 a.m. A. Report on Request for Fees from Consultant, Janet Hansen, LSA Associates, Inc. — Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building and Safety, said that he received a qualification letter from Janet Hansen; however, it was the only one received. Mr. Hamidzadeh indicated that he needed more specific information from the Ordinance Subcommittee before preparing a Request for Qualifications. He said that the "Draft Ordinance Interest List" provided by Committee Member Jan Holmlund might have the information he needs. Mr. Hamidzadeh said that he hoped to have a Request for Qualifications prepared before the next meeting. Chair Kent Routh suggested that this item be placed on the next agenda for an update from Amir Hamidzadeh. Placquing Design — Chair Kent Routh said that the Committee would like to ask Committee Member Bob Pitchford for his expertise on this item. Mr. Pitchford asked the Committee for their input. After discussion, by the Committee, it was suggested that the following items should be considered as part of the plaque: name, identifying number, year built, City seal, and either a cast or stamped circle as suggested by Mr. Pitchford. Committee Member Jim West suggested the idea of historical reflector dots wherever the City would allow them. Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building and Safety, said that he could check with the Public Works Department, and it might be possible on local streets but State roads would probably not be possible. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Equipment Request — The Committee members indicated they needed cameras and computer equipment for presentations (laptops and projector). Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building and Safety, pointed out that these items are available in the City and with prior notice could be used by the Historic Preservation Committee. G:1BldgSfty\Mary ClarklWord data\Historic Preservation CommitteeWinutesWinutes 013006.doc HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes JANUARY 30, 2006 B. Joint venture with Palm Desert Historical Society and Historic Preservation Committee regarding recognition for historic remodeling. Chair Kent Routh asked that this item be continued to the February 27, 2006 meeting. In the meantime Mr. Routh indicated that he would obtain information from the League for Historic Preservation and meet with Hal Rover, President, Historical Society, to fine-tune this proposal. Committee Member Jim West also suggested that they visit the psmodcom.org web site for additional information. Committee Member Bonnie Bowie said that the Historical Society has traditionally held a spring and fall luncheon and that could be an excellent forum for awards. C. Committee Member Jim West said that the Committee should move forward with the historic photographs that are located in the lobby near the Planning Department and other areas in the City. It was suggested at an earlier meeting that Don Graybill take the pictures. if he hasn't taken the pictures then hire a professional photographer to take the pictures to be stored electronically so they can be used for research. There was discussion that Mr. Graybill may have taken the pictures. Committee Member Kim Housken said she would like to go to the UCLA collection to see what other photos could be used for the Committee's research collection. D. Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building and Safety, said that he would like to have the Committee's contact information updated and that we would be contacting them. In addition, Mr. Hamidzadeh asked the Committee to make sure that their research information on properties in the City is given to him so that it can be made a part of the files that are held in the Building and Safety Department, so that when there is a request for information the materials are available. Vill. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None IX. CONFIRM NEXT MEETING DATE AND ADJOURN The Historic Preservation Committee's next meeting is Monday, February 27, 2006, 10:00 a.m. Chair Kent Routh adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m. G:\BldgSfty\Mary Clark\Word data\Historic Preservation CommitteeWinutes\Minutes 013006.doc