HomeMy WebLinkAboutHist Presv Cmte - 07/31/07 �'��'� CITY OF PALM DESERT
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BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT
, INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk
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From: Suzanne Cicchini, Administrative Secretary
Date: October 30, 2007
Subject: Submission of Approved Minutes for the Historic Preservation
Committee Meeting July 31, 2007
Attached is a copy of July 31, 2007 Minutes of the Historic Preservation Committee
approved by the Committee on October 30, 2007. Please include on the next City
Council agenda.
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�PPROVED DENIED
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
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� � HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
MINUTES
J U LY 31, 2007
Administrative Conference Room
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kim Housken called the meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee to
order at 10:04 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Dan Kaiser None
Gale Broeker
Vera Handley
Kim Housken
Jan Holmlund
Bob Pitchford
Kent Routh
Don Graybill, Alternate
Also Present:
Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Committee Member Kent Routh moved to approve the Minutes of the June 26,
2007 meeting. Committee Member Jan Holmlund requested that a correction be
made to the minutes to clarify an item noted in Section VII, Public Comments on
Items not on the Agenda. The minutes accurately reflect what was said.
Committee Member Jan Holmlund did indicate that she had been asked to be on
the Committee, however, she wanted to clarify that she was asked by a staff
member of the City of Rancho Mirage to submit an application to be considered to
join the Historic Preservation Committee in that city. She was not asked to be on
the Historic Preservation Committee in Rancho Mirage. Committee Member Kent
Routh moved that the minutes be approved as corrected. Committee Member
Vera Handley seconded the motion. It received unanimous approval 6-0.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
A. CHAIR REPORT
1. Kim Housken introducted Dan Kaiser, New Acting Secretary. He has
been involved with historic preservation for a number of years and in a
number of jurisdictions such as City of Rialto, City of Calabasas, City
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE July 31, 2007
of Corona. Dan Kaiser also teaches the state historical building codes
to building officials and building inspectors throughout the state. He
noted he was happy to be here and offered his help.
2. Chair Kim Housken thanked everyone for coming to Former Director of
Building and Safety, Amir Hamizadeh's going away party. Thanks to
Bob Pitchford's for his efforts on the beautiful drawing that was framed
and given to Mr. Hamidzadeh.
3. On Thursday, August 2, 2007, California Preservation Foundation is
hosting a workshop in Berkeley, California. The subject is: The
Identification, Evaluation, Planning and Treatment of Cultural
Landscapes.
4. In San Jose, California on August 23, 2007, the California Preservation
Foundation is holding a workshop on Use and Application of the
California Historica{ Building Code. Dan Kaiser, Acting Secretary noted
that he had a friend at the Foundation and he could contact her to
request having something represented by their organization in this area.
B. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Chair Kim Housken announced the need for subcommittees for
educational activities and brochures. Committee Member Kent Routh
volunteered for the Public Relations subcommittee which will include
publications and brochures. Committee Member Vera Handley agreed
to work with Committee Member Kent Routh on this subcommittee.
Committee Member Vera Handley noted that it is very important the
public be aware that this committee exists. She has a number of ideas
about this, including inviting prominent desert residents to Historic
Preservation Committee events. Committee Member Kent Routh
reminded the committee of the idea for a reception and a viewing of the
film Desert Utopia. Chair Kim Housken noted she and Committee
Member Jan Holmlund were very interested in the education
subcommittee. All Committee Members can help with these
subcommittees. A discussion commenced about the various options
under consideration for publication such as a tri-fold brochure or a
booklet. Committee Member Jan Holmlund mentioned three books she
brought with her today: Clues to American Architecture by Marilyn
W.Klein & David P. Fogel printed by Starrhill Press; Interpetation of
Historic Sites by William T. Alderson and Shirley Payne Low; Historic
Preservation in Albuqueraue, prepared by The Planning Department of
The City of Alburquerque and Jim Baca, Mayor. Committee Member
Jan Holmlund noted that the bus tour handouts could be refined and
built up and include architectural comments. She believes a booklet
could be established quickly. Committee Member Bob Pitchford
expressed his desire to keep whatever publication is prepared simple.
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE July 31, 2007
C. INDIVIDUAL COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS
1. Colleqe of the Desert Campus Chanqes Update — Committee Member
Kent Routh announced that the College of the Desert Meetings had
been cancelled for July and August. Committee Member Kent Routh
noted that he'll be contacted about the September, 2007 meeting.
2. Cove Communities Update — Committee Member Jan Holmlund
announced that there was no meeting of the Rancho Mirage Historic
Preservation Commission for the month of July, 2007. No meeting will
be held for August, 2007. The Commission meets again in September.
3. Committee Member Jan Holmlund updated the Committee regarding
the status of the letter supporting the nomination of the Cavanaugh
House in Indian Wells as a primary historic structure. This letter was to
be sent to the owners as indicated in the Minutes from the June 26,
2007 meeting. Even though Director of Building and Safety, Amir
Hamidzadeh had called but not made contact with the City of Indian
Wells before he left to begin his new position, Acting Secretary, Dan
Kaiser did not believe this committee was overstepping their boundaries
by sending one. He recommended that the Committee draft a letter as
an adjacent jurisdiction historical preservation committee. He indicated
that if the letter is written in that respect, it will be taken as such.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Ordinance/Mills Act — Dan Kaiser, Acting Secretary informed the committee
members that there was no new information regarding the progress of the
ordinance, and that The City Attorney is still reviewing it. Committee
Member Jan Holmlund expressed her concern about the length of time it has
been taking to see the ordinance. She indicated it is very important that the
committee see it soon. Dan Kaiser, Acting Secretary told the committee he
would have a more definitive answer for them next time they meet.
B. Prospective Properties - Chair Kim Housken noted that there are four
properties that have been nominated and she wanted to be prepared to
provide the information to Acting Secretary, Dan Kaiser as soon as the
ordinance is in place. Amir Hamizadeh had done one sample report for the
Shindler Residence. The three remaining properties are The Desert
Magazine Building, Jillian's, and the Bergen Residence. Committee Member
Ken Routh did some work in connection with these properties, but more
information is needed. Committee Member Kent Routh provided location,
history and connection to local personalities. Committee Member Jan
Holmlund commented that Committee Member Gale Broeker's expertise in
research could provide the missing information. Committee Member Kent
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE July 31, 2007
Routh noted that there was a question on Jillian's. There was a question
about the number of apartments and rooms. Committee Member Jan
Holmlund noted that she had photographs of the Bergen Residence,
however the photos were dark and not easily reproduced. She had photos,
measurements and title information. Chair Kim Housken had the sample
report that Director of Building and Safety, Amir Hamidzadeh had done and
will bring it to the next workshop. His sample was prepared under the current
ordinance.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Forms - Chair Kim Housken had a number of examples of forms from other
jurisdictions. These included types of simple, user-friendly forms with
procedures and steps needed to nominate a property for historic
preservation. Committee Member Jan Holmlund indicated that having the
address, a photograph, age and other basic information would work well.
Chair Kim Housken noted that she would like to the see all the information
up front, so that the applicant would only have to make one trip to the City of
Palm Desert. Committee Member Jan Holmlund commented that a Historic
Preservation Officer would be helpful to put together a history of the property
and get all the information. She expressed her concern over the lack of this
officer. Acting Secretary Dan Kaiser indicated that the Committee has the
right idea on thinking about how to approach app{ications and forms, but he
indicated it was a little premature to go ahead with anything further than
ideas at this time because the committee has not seen the ordinance. Dan
Kaiser, Acting Secretary responded to Committee Member Jan Holmlund's
concern over the lack of a Historic Preservation Officer. He indicated that he
would act in that capacity. If a property needs to be evaluated, he would
take care of it. Whether he did it himself or contracted it out, he assured
them he would take care of it in accordance with state laws and the city
ordinance. Acting Secretary Dan Kaiser reminded the Committee Members
that their function was to advise the City Council on what actions to take with
respect to historical properties, structures, areas and airspace. Any forms
developed should be viewed as a Council Member would. Consider how
might The City Council direct and guide the applicant. If it appears that it
would be beneficial to route the application to other City of Palm Desert
Departments, then it would be appropriate to have the Council be aware that
this applicanYs request may impact other City Departments. Acting
Secretary, Dan Kaiser's position was to put these kinds of decisions on hold
until the ordinance has been adopted. Chair Kim Housken inquired how to
provide guidance to an applicant now. It was Acting Secretary Dan Kaiser's
recommendation that they work with the ordinance that is in place now.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE July 31, 2007
VIII. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
A. Committee Member Kim Housken commented that plaques should be the
subject of a future agenda. She was concerned about Committee Member
Bob Pitchford having to deal with the cost aspect of it. Acting Secretary Dan
Kaiser noted that it would be City staff's responsibility to take care of that.
Chair Kim Housken mentioned that Bob Pitchford could provide sketches.
B. Committee Member Vera Handley reminded the committee of the intention
to recognize Edith Morre. Committee Member Jan Holmlund mentioned that
Hal Rover, President of the Palm Desert Historical Society was supposed to
send someone to interview her.
C. Committee Member Gale Broeker invited everyone to the Desert Alliance for
Community Development (D.A.C.E.) Office for a meeting regarding Dos
Palmas tonight at 6:00 p.m. at 53-990 Enterprise Way, Suite 1, Coachella,
California. Telephone: (760) 391-5050. Committee Member Gale Broeker
described the location as 54th and Highway 86 in Coachella.
IX. CONFIRM NEXT MEETING DATES AND ADJOURN
Workshop — Friday, August 17, 2007, 10:00 a.m. — Council Chambers
Conference Room.
Regular Meeting —Tuesday, August 28, 2007, 10:00 a.m. —Administrative
Conference Room.
Chair Kim Housken adjourned the meeting at 11:18 a.m.
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