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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRP Cmte - 06/29/2010 �.1 ����� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk �� From: Suzanne Cicchini, Administrative Secretary Date: September 28, 2010 Subject: Submission of Approved Minutes for the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting held on June 29, 2010. Attached is a copy of the June 29, 2010 Minutes of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting approved by the Committee on September 28, 2010. Please include on the next City Council agenda. Thank you Attachment C[TY COUNC[LACTiO�vi APPROVED.�. °��1�;,�:g� • -- RECEIVED�!. p_ .� �,� i�i�:i� MEETINGDATE L-l�/-�C/� �- -M� AYES: � �� �� e �D�nc/1 ' ;� i � -._ NOES: _I�1 or�P ' ABSENT: ���n�'- ABSTAIN; ` VERIFIED BY:�.—�>>�- rd Ortgina!o�File with City Clerk s O� G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Meeting Items\Memo-City Clerk-Minutes 06-29-10.doc CITY OF PALM DESERT �--�--� � � CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes June 29, 2010 Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair pon Graybill called the meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee to order at 10:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Ricki Brodie � Kent Routh Gale Broeker Don Graybill Vera Handley Kim Housken Bob Pitchford Also Present: Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety Shadow Mountain Golf Club Representatives and Interested Parties K Kaufmann, Reporter, Desert Sun Newspaper Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 25, 2010 Committee Member Kim Housken moved to accept the Minutes as presented. Committee Member Gale Broeker seconded the Motion. All were in favor and the Motion passed unanimously. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 29 2010 Note: Committee Chair pon Graybill motioned to move ahead on the agenda to Section IX. Public Hearing. Committee Member Kim Housken seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Please see Section IX Public Hearing for information on this item. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. DISCUSS HISTORIC PLAQUE FOR FIRE STATION Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety provided an update on the plaque for the Fire Station. Discussion commenced on how the Committee might move forward with a ceremony. Committee Member Kim Housken informed the Committee that the Historical Society is closed for the summer and suggested it was better to move on this in the fall. Committee Chair pon Graybill recommended that if the Committee has additional plaques they could be presented at one time. Committee Member Kim Housken would like the ceremonies to be held at the sites. If ten plaques are presented perhaps a celebration could be held at a later date to commemorate that milestone. Director of Building and Safety Russell Grance recommended having the plaque mounted with an unveiling ceremony. The plaque was shown at the meeting. The Committee thanked Committee Member Bob Pitchford for his much appreciated original sketches for the plaque design. No action was taken on this item. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. DISCUSS AND DETERMINE SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE Discussion commenced on whether the Committee would meet this summer. If a work shop were held in lieu of a regular meeting the Committee could work on their next application. Committee Chair pon Graybill moved that the July 27t" meeting be cancelled and a work shop be held in place of the regular August 31, 2010 meeting. Committee Member Gale Broeker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. VIII. OLD BUSINESS None IX. PUBLIC HEARING Director of Building and Safety Russell Grance noted that a historic district designation for Shadow Mountain Golf Club was under consideration today. Per our ordinance on June 15, 2010, this committee conducted a work shop hearing testimony from all present at the meeting. Those in attendance were in agreement with nominating the Shadow Mountain Golf Club located at 73-800 G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation CommitteeUvlinutes 2010\6-29-10 Minutes.docx Page 2 CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 29 2010 Ironwood Street for a historic district designation. The club, located in the heart of the Coachella Valley is surrounded by the Santa Rose and San Jacinto Mountains. The Shadow Mountain Golf Course was incorporated January 24, 1958. The course was designed by famed and legendary golfer Gene Sarazen. It was the first golf course in Palm Desert. It was originally affiliated with the adjacent Shadow Mountain Tennis Resort. The property is eligible for a historic district designation criteria as it "exemplifies or reflects special elements of cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural or natural history" and "reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development pattern, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation." Mr. Grance announced that a 15 minute video presentation would commence before the public hearing. The video titled Palm Desert from Dream to Reality included footage of past events and provided information about the club's history. The video was not produced by City of Palm Desert. Committee Chair pon Graybill opened the Public Hearing to Consider Historic District Designation for The Shadow Mountain Golf Club located at 73-800 Ironwood Street (APN's: 627-370-002, 630-120-008, 630,141,011, 630- 141-001, 630-120-007, 630-120-006, 630-120-003, 627-370-003, 630-120-004, 639- 050-027) as a Local Historic District for City Council approval. Jan Holmlund, 46 Santo Domingo Drive, Rancho Mirage. Former Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Member. Educated in history, teaching and public administration she worked in Historic Preservation in Florida. In New Mexico, she helped preserve historic adobe churches. She was asked by Ed Mullins and a local newspaper editor to come to Palm Desert to help invigorate the Historical Society. Ms. Holmlund came to know a lot about the history in California and particularly Palm Desert through her work for the County as Head of their Museum Department and from working with the Historical Society. She was appointed to the Archives Commission for Riverside County. She indicated she loved Palm Desert and thought what they are doing was admirable. She was impressed to see so many people wanting to look after both preservation and development of their city. Quite often people don't understand that preservation is their key to the future and does wonderful things for development. Ms. Holmlund stated that Shadow Mountain Golf Course was the first historic golf course in Palm Desert. The renowned person who developed it has passed away and that was the only work which would have made it doubly historic. Sometime after, the course was renovated. She did not know the details of that renovation. She was hesitant to declare the original work still historically valid. The planning and layout might be, but the course has changed a great deal. Her understanding of historic districts is that they meet the qualifications. The recommendations of the federal government and historic districts are extremely important to cities that have them. She noted the City of Palm Desert ordinance would be helpful. Historic districts benefit a historic area. It doesn't have to be contiguous, but it does have a number of historic items within that historic designation. Ms Holmlund hopes that it becomes a very important historic district and believes Shadow Mountain is a very good candidate. Desert Magazine and Jillian's restaurant are notable as well. A famous architect did a great many things in Palm Desert. She suggested the Committee G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation CommitteeUulinutes 2010\6-29-10 Minutes.docx Page 3 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 29 2010 designate the golf course as a historic city site first, and then pursue a historic overlay zone. The region under a historic overlay zone does not change its zone plan. There are a few additional matters that anyone wanting to change historic facades would need to do. Check with the City and ascertain permission. The Cultural group and the Planning Department in the City would have to determine the boundaries of that historical overlay zone. It could include a district called Shadow Mountain District 1, the very famous swimming pool, the home of the Lieutenant Colonel who cleaned up General Patton's vehicle station, and a number of private homes. The Committee would have them if the overlay zone is put over both the Golf Course, swimming pool, and other historic areas to be determined. There would be time to set up the boundaries of a historic district and talk to the people who must acquiesce to that. She believes that they would have a larger, more important, more serviceable, very valuable historic district for the City. Generally speaking, historic overlay zones do not require a vote. The City council can do that. They can simply install the overlay zone over the area that is determined to be important. She recommended the Committee take their time and designate the first golf course, as a historic site. She offered to help to make that happen. Ms. Holmlund requested that the Committee consider her recommendation strongly before taking any action on naming just a golf course a historic district. Ms. Holmlund thanked the Committee. Synova Wilcox, 73620 A Street #A, Golf Course Lane expressed that it was interesting talking about the golf course being designated and then an overlay zone. She inquired whether these would both happen at the same time or does the golf course come first, then an overlay. Former Committee Member Jan Holmlund responded that a site designation would come first because people already agreed to that. The overlay would take time and approvals from the Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety and the City Council. Ms. Wilcox asked if there was a possibility that the overlay zone would not come to be. Ms. Holmlund responded that it was perFectly possible. But it does not close the door on declaring a historic district. Ms. Wilcox thanked the Committee. Michael McFarland, 45-750 San Luis Rey, along with Cindy Calquhoun own Shadow Mountain Resort, including the often referred to pool portion of all of this. He inquired if this becomes an overlay would approval of the people within the zone be required? Ms. Holmlund answered that it's entirely a city matter. Usually it depends on how the ordinance is written and Russell Grance is the person who can answer your question. Mr. McFarland wanted to know if it was made an overlay zone, if the resort was included and made that part of that overlay zone would any further development be stopped. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety responded that he was not sure where in our ordinance it speaks to overlay zones. The Cultural Resources ordinance speaks to districts. It speaks to landmark sites. The overlay zone is not within our purview. In our ordinance, we look at either a district or an individual landmark. Mr. Grance noted one very key component of our ordinance is that it requires property owner approval. To say that the Council can automatically put an overlay zone (which I am not familiar with) and include your property is probably not correct information. Within the structure of our ordinance those are the finro items that we can only look at with G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2010\6-29-10 Minutes.docx Page 4 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 29 2010 this Committee; an individual site, landmark site or a district. This is a local ordinance it's not a federal or state dealing with historic properties. When discussing federal or state, they may have overlay zones. It is not within our current ordinance. Ms. Holmlund commented that generally it relies on the City Planning Department. Mr. Grance agreed. Ms. Holmlund stated that overlays only have the power to do that, rather than this Committee. Mr. Grance responded that she was correct. That would be the function of a Planning Department. It would go through a series of ineetings and possibly a public hearing if it was considered at all. Mr. McFarland inquired whether this was something this group could decide upon today. Mr. Grance indicated that it wasn't. Mr. McFarland replied "O.K. perfect." Mr. McFarland thanked the Committee. Committee Member Kim Housken indicated that along Highway 111 there was a scenic preservation overlay zone which might cause a harder look at development on Highway 111 to preserve the views of the surrounding mountains. Ms. Holmlund (speaking from the back of the room) apologized and thought it was in the ordinance that they asked to be put in when she was a member of the Committee. (Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary asked Ms. Holmlund if she could please come to the microphone) Ms. Housken thought that it was mentioned in the ordinance but reiterated Mr. Grance's belief that the Planning Department would initiate an overlay zone. Ms. Holmlund noted that it was initially in the ordinance but was taken out which meant that the Planning Department would be in charge of that. Ms. Holmlund did believe that property would still be protected to some degree under a historic site. She thought that if one was concerned about development there are things that will protect the property owner. She mentioned that the zoning ordinance would give the overlay zone tax benefits for commercial property for renovations. Ms. Holmlund noted that golf courses are not only green spaces but are also commercial properties. She suggested they explore this with the Planning Department. She apologized again and asked everyone to take the time and opportunity to study the ordinance and work with Mr. Grance on what could be done to make sure their properties are saved. She encouraged them to look at overlay zoning because she believes there is no question about the benefits. Committee Chair pon Graybill inquired if there were any further questions or comments that would be appropriate at this time? Mr. Graybill requested Committee Member comments. Committee Member Gale Broeker commented that she had hard feelings and difficulties coming to grips with a district which is basically 10 lots. It's a building and a golf course. She opined that this was a site not a district, regardless that it is a Clubhouse and a golf course of whatever acreage. Calling it a district never felt right to her. She encouraged the Committee to start it out as a historic site and as other things are added on it, it would evolve into a district. Committee Member Ms. Housken mentioned that she had the same questions and she mentioned this to Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety. It could be argued either way. Ms. Housken offered In May, 2010 that she would try to research historic golf courses and there are historic golf courses on the national registry. A miniature golf course is also on the national register. There is one in lowa which is part of a golf course considered a historic district. Another G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2010\6-29-10 Minutes.docx Page 5 CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 29 2010 golf course that is a historic district is in Atlanta, Georgia. IYs the oldest planned golf course and country club so she thought it would be easier for her if we were tying in the homes around it. Ms. Housken understood why they were not doing that. Perhaps it would not include all of the homes anyway. There is a precedent for it. Ms. Housken definitely sees the significance of Shadow Mountain Golf Course and she agrees with the designation of it as a historic entity. It typified what our city is built on; the tourism and recreation industry. She is definitely moving forward with it. She liked the idea of the overlay zone and she thought Ms. Holmlund's suggestion to look into it was a good one. Perhaps they could begin to tie in the pool and reunite the finro parts. Committee Member Kim Housken acknowledged that it was a different way to go and not really tying us in at this point. Committee Member Bob Pitchford inquired if a district had boundaries? Committee Chair pon Graybill responded affirmatively. Mr. Pitchford inquired if they were dimensioned boundaries? Mr. Graybill cited that they are parceled. Director of Building and Safety Russell Grance informed them of the map, they are legal parcels. Mr. Pitchford wanted to know where the boundary between Shadow Mountain Golf Club and the Country Club occurred. Mr. Grance referred him to the site map. A proposed boundary map was up on the board (at the front of the room). Mr. Grance mentioned that early on in discussions with Dan Pederson, Councilman Kelly and himself, they discussed whether Shadow Mountain Golf Club would be a district or a site. Looking at the ordinance, it really is not clear. They reviewed the definition of a historic district versus a site. The district does not have to have contiguous boundaries, meaning there could be different spacing within a different geographical area. This fit more into a district rather than a historic landmark site. There are twelve lots; they are not all contiguous. It fit better into the historic district process and it allowed per the ordinance, additional workshops versus a landmark site where workshops do not have to be conducted. This selection provided a more comprehensive thorough review to obtain public input. It was the impetus of going with a district rather than a landmark site. Committee Member Ricki Brodie commented that she was very much in favor of it. It's well thought out and well done. Committee Member Kim Housken motioned she was for authorizing staff to prepare the resolution to approve the historic designation for the Shadow Mountain Golf Club at 73800 Ironwood Street. Committee Member Vera Handley seconded the motion. Committee Chair pon Graybill called for a vote on the motion; the motion passed unanimously. Director of Building and Safety Russell Grance requested a show of hands so that the historic moment could be documented in a photograph for Shadow Mountain Golf Club. G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2010\Cr29-10 Minutes.docx Page 6 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 29 2010 X. REPORTS AND REMARKS Committee Member Gale Broeker inquired what site the Committee would be working on at the next work shop. Director of Building and Safety Russell Grance responded that it was the Portola Community Center. Committee Member Kim Housken opined that she discovered errors in the video presentation. She wondered if we might try to fix those before showing it again. Mr. Grance indicated that it was not the City of Palm Desert's video and he could not fix it. Some committee members expressed concern about the accuracy of the video especially the lack of inention of significant people. Clifford Henderson was mentioned throughout the video, but his brother Randall was not. Committee Member Vera Handley cited that Chuck Aston was not mentioned. There was no discussion of the Desert Magazine. It is noted that the information within the video was basically true, with the exceptions the Committee raised. The video was not recently produced and was not created by the City of Palm Desert. Mr. Grance expressed that the video illustrated that Shadow Mountain was very important in the development of Palm Desert. Committee Member Kim Housken agreed that it was the heart of the community. Reporter K Kaufmann announced that this would be her last meeting as the Palm Desert beat reporter. Her assignment has changed to the business desk where she will cover green technology and some retail. She will still be writing some Palm Desert stories but she is not the lead reporter on the beat anymore. Her successor has not been chosen yet. She noted it was a pleasure coming to these Committee meetings. She noted that her successor will do an equally good job. The Committee thanked K Kaufmann for a job well done. Committee Member Kim Housken inquired whether anyone was going to the California Preservation Sustainability Conference on June 30, 2010. No one had planned on attending. Committee Member Vera Handley inquired whether Mr. Grance thought they were proceeding well. Mr. Grance thought they were doing an excellent job. Ms. Handley commented that she thought that also and thanked him for all of his work. Mr. Grance noted that huge steps were being made and it benefits City of Palm Desert and property owners. He thought this was what Council envisioned; preserving our past with people's permission. In some jurisdictions their historic ordinances do not provide flexibility. Ours is unique and it brings more cohesive participation. Committee Member Gale Broeker inquired when the staff report would be ready for Council. Mr. Grance indicated the staff report and resolution were finished. The matter will be presented to Council at the August 26, 2010 City Council meeting which starts at 4:00 p.m. Mr. Grance noted that it will be a Public Hearing and will be noted in the Desert Sun newspaper. Mr. Conrad Kauble of Shadow Mountain Golf Club, 46080 Burroweed Lane wished to thank the Committee and especially Director of Building and Safety Russell Grance on the ease of this process and the professionalism and extreme interest in the history of Palm Desert that was shown. Mr. Kauble noted that it was pleasure working with all of them. Committee Chair pon Graybill wanted to thank G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2010\6-29-10 Minutes.docx Page 7 CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 29 2010 the members of the Shadow Mountain Group for their interest and initiative in this process. It was good to see it coming from the group themselves. XI. ADJOURNMENT Committee Chair pon Graybill adjourned the meeting and Public Hearing at 11:03 a.m. � � �.�_��� Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2010\6-29-10 Minutes.docx Page 8