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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 10 29 Agenda Public Hearing Cultural Resources Preservation Committee Meeting` I. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Paul Clark called the meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee to order at 9:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Paul Clark, Committee Chair Don Graybill, Committee Member Kim Housken, Committee Member Juan Mireles, Committee Vice Chair Thomas Mortensen, Committee Member K.Gary Olesen, Committee Member David Toltzmann, Committee Member Also Present: Susan Marie Weber, Mayor Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARCH 26, 2019 Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair Juan Mireles to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion was seconded by Committee Member Thomas Mortensen. Committee Member Kim Housken would like to point out that although our last official meeting was March 26, 2019, that we’ve had workshops in the intervening time. Motion carried by a 7-0 vote with Housken, Clark, Graybill, Mireles, Mortensen, Olesen and Toltzmann voting AYE; none dissenting. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER – None CITY OF PALM DESERT CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes October 29, 2019 Administrative Conference Room CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES ___________________ _ OCTOBER 29, 2019 G:\BldgSfty\Latisha Booker\Cultural Resources Meetings\Agenda - 2021\August\2019 10 29 Minutes.docx Page 2 VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS – None VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATES: PROGRESS OF POTENTIAL DESIGNATIONS Russell Grance Director of Building and Safety reported on the Tallest Tree/Smallest Park. Randy Chavez from Public Works Landscape Division ordered a Class 1 Assessment on the tree on Highway 111 and Portola. He is waiting for the results. Mr. Grance spoke with Mr. Preston, a representative of Sandpiper Circle 3. They are having a homeowner association meeting to consider joining that district. Committee Member Don Graybill asked if that was the only HOA that is not yet included. Mr. Grance replied that only Circle 3 is considering a designation. Committee Chair Paul Clark commented that there are a lot more of the circles. Mr. Grance reported that we have 5-10 and 11-12 designated; that leaves Circles 1-4 and Circle 3 is considering it. Committee Member Kim Housken informed that there are some higher numbered circles, but she did not think these were designed by William Krisel. IX. PUBLIC HEARING – KINGS POINT AT PALM DESERT - SHADOW COVE CASE NO. CRPC 19-01. Committee Chair Paul Clark read a statement prepared by City of Palm Desert Staff. He clarified that the statement doesn’t necessarily reflect his opinion or the opinion of the Committee, in as much as the public hearing is only beginning. Kings Point was designed in the mid-century modern style by Hugh Michael Kaptur in 1974 and built by Kings Point Development, Robert Grundt and David Green over two- years from 1974 to 1976. Kings Point at Palm Desert is the only multi-family complex designed by Kaptur and built by Grundt and Greene in the City of Palm Desert. It is also the largest example of his work in the City. The 36, one story, two and three-bedroom condominiums, are in a six-plex format of reflected floorplans. Each cul-de-sac comprises three six-plex units. Both the design and construction of the units ensured the properties followed the natural lay of the land. It was important to Kaptur and the developers to ensure uninterrupted sightlines, therefore all services were installed underground. Hugh Michael Kaptur, AIA is known as one of the most creative and innovative architects of the Palm Springs School. His designs of the William Holden and Steve McQueen homes are two of hundreds of projects he has completed over the years. He is deemed to be the last living mid-century modern architect in the western United States. In 2014, Hugh Kaptur was honored with a "Golden Palm Star" on the famed, Palm Springs Walk of Stars in downtown Palm Springs. The Kings Point Condominiums meet the following designation criterion as contained in the City's Cultural Resources Ordinance, and is hereby worthy of preservation and designation as a Local Historic District. B. Is identified with persons or events significant in history; or C. Embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; or D. Represents the work of master builders, CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES ___________________ _ OCTOBER 29, 2019 G:\BldgSfty\Latisha Booker\Cultural Resources Meetings\Agenda - 2021\August\2019 10 29 Minutes.docx Page 3 designers, or architects; or; E. Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agricultural, or transportation. Paul Clark, Committee Chair opened the matter for discussion for members of the Committee for any comments, questions or concerns. There were none, and Mr. Clark opened the Public Hearing. He invited members of the public to speak in favor of or in opposition to the proposal. Vicky Madler of Cactus Ct., who was present, assisted with a cell phone call from Canada from Juleen McElgunn. She lives on Cactus Ct. Ms. McElgunn and Martin Cattermole prepared this application. Ms. McElgunn wanted to be available to respond to questions because she could not attend the meeting. Ms. McElgunn wanted to know if anyone had any questions. Lora Marullo resides on Mesquite Ct. She and Ms. Madler are Homeowners Association Board Members at Kings Point. There was some trouble with the cell phone connection. Paul Clark, Committee Chair welcomed Mayor Susan Marie Weber. Ms. McElgunn called back and thanked the Committee for their time and attention and learning provided to her and her husband and the homeowners association as they worked through this process. It has been very helpful and beneficial for them to learn more. The links provided at the committee meetings were very, very helpful. Having a better look, and a deeper look at Kings Point and the development of it, is really appreciated and she knows the homeowner’s association does as well. Committee Chair Paul Clark thanked Ms. McElgunn for her comment. He inquired if there were any questions. He thanked Ms. Madler, and noted that is all the Committee needed. Ms. Madler thanked the Committee. Ms. Judy Garland, resides on Citrus Court, and lives in Kings Point, but is not part of the wonderful Kings Point Shadow Cove HOA. Ms. Garland inquired if there was any projection of grandfathering in any of their units into this designation. They have 4 streets, 3 of them are on Shadow Mountain. They are on Frontage and they are up for adoption. They really like Shadow Cove. Committee Chair Paul Clark asked if she was continuous to the project that is being considered. Ms. Garland responded, “Yes.” but is located within a separate homeowner’s association. Mr. Clark clarified, but within the same development. He wanted to know if it was designed by Hugh Kaptur. Ms. Garland did not know. She noted that they looked the same. It was her understanding, but she was not sure. Committee Chair Paul Clark informed that we are well down the road with this particular application. It would be a good sign if it does get approved. It does take an action, which he hopes will happen by this Committee, and a referral for final action by the City Council, and a hearing at that level. To add you would disrupt. Ms. Garland clarified that she was thinking once they were approved, perhaps they could. Mr. Clark recommended that she speak with City of Palm Desert Building and Safety Staff. Russell will explain what the process is. It would require a separate application, and it would go forward separately. You will need homeowner association approval. If there is any objection, that is why we’ve had this second of three public noticed meetings/hearings. We hope there won’t be any objection; that is why we have these hearings. People are noticed in the mail. Ms. Garland thanked everyone and appreciated their time. She also thanked Staff. Committee Member Don Graybill asked if this would this be a district as opposed to a landmark or building. Mr. Grance informed that yes, the one under consideration right now is a district. Mr. Clark added, more than one property. Mr. Graybill asked if anybody else would be included in that district, at a period of time. Mr. Grance explained, that yes, just as we did with Sandpiper. Mr. Graybill CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES ___________________ _ OCTOBER 29, 2019 G:\BldgSfty\Latisha Booker\Cultural Resources Meetings\Agenda - 2021\August\2019 10 29 Minutes.docx Page 4 reported that it would be designation number 10. Mr. Grance noted that it would stay the same, just as Sandpiper’s designation number stayed the same. Mr. Clark asked if Mr. Grance would please provide a quick synopsis of the benefits that this designation could give the property owners. Mr. Grance responded preservation, pride of ownership of the project in question. It also opens up opportunities should the homeowners like to participate in the Mills Act program. They can get up to 50% reduction of property taxes. There is a catch. It is a 10-year contract and those property tax savings have to be spent towards preservation. When entering into that contract there is a whole list of items that are acceptable as projects for preservation and the property owner has an annual inspection. They have to provide receipts to show how they spent those tax savings toward preservation projects. These can include interior and exterior improvements. It’s all about preserving the property. Lora Marullo, Board Member at Kings Point Homeowners Association, resides on Mesquite Ct. She inquired if the Mills Act program is individual or through the homeowner’s association. Mr. Grance informed that these are contracts with individual property owners. Each individual property owner within that district has the opportunity to get into a Mills Act contract. It is a contract between the City and the individual. The Riverside County Assessor manages that amount of property tax savings. They have a formula. Committee Chair Paul Clark closed the public hearing. X. CONSIDER LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN KINGS POINT – SHADOW COVE: 72720 CACTUS COURT A TO F, 72750 CACTUS COURT A TO F, 72755 CACTUS COURT A TO F, 72730 MESQUITE COURT A TO F, 72760 MESQUITE COURT A TO F, AND 72765 MESQUITE COURT A-F, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL. Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair Juan Mireles to authorize staff to prepare a resolution approving local historic landmark district designation for properties located within Kings Point/Shadow Cove for City Council consideration. Committee Chair Paul Clark asked if the motion includes the findings indicated in his previous statement. Mr. Mireles responded, “Yes.” Committee Member Kim Housken seconded the motion. She commented that they learned so much through the informal workshops and subsequent public hearings and thorough application that she did not have any comments today. She didn’t want our Minutes to look blank. We’ve become so educated about the property, and that’s why she was comfortable moving forward without discussing this. “I’m discussing that I’m not discussing.” Motion carried by a 7-0 vote with Housken, Clark, Graybill, Mireles, Mortensen, Olesen and Toltzmann voting AYE; none dissenting. When Mr. Clark asked when this would hit City Council, Mr. Grance could guarantee it would not be November 14th. That meeting has a pretty heavy agenda. It will be in December or end of January. CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES ___________________ _ OCTOBER 29, 2019 G:\BldgSfty\Latisha Booker\Cultural Resources Meetings\Agenda - 2021\August\2019 10 29 Minutes.docx Page 5 XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS Committee Member Don Graybill inquired whether the next meeting would be a workshop or meeting. Mr. Grance explained that if we don’t have anything we need to act on, it can be a workshop, unless something comes up. Discussion commenced. The November meeting will be cancelled and the next meeting scheduled for December 31, 2019 will be cancelled because City Hall will be closed. Mr. Grance remarked that in January, 2020, the Committee will be voting for Committee Chair and Vice Chair of this Committee. Susan Marie Weber, Mayor, recalled that the City Council voted that the timeframe for Commissions and Commissions will be changed to tie to our fiscal year, July 1st. A study will be done that may change the selection of officers too. Discussion commenced. Mayor Weber explained that they realized everybody was rushing around in December and January and it was always a struggle. Mr. Grance agreed that getting together at that time of year is a challenge. Letters will be sent out in April or May for effective dates of July 1, 2020, instead of January 1. Committee members with terms expiring will receive letters asking them to extend their term to June 30, 2020. Mr. Grance noted that we only have two Committee Members, Juan Mireles and K. Gary Olesen with terms expiring at the end of 2019. Mr. Grance suggested delaying the election of officers to coincide with the same timeframe. There are three Committee Members with terms expiring in 2020. Thomas Mortensen, Don Graybill and Paul Clark. Committee Members Kim Housken and David Toltzmann’s terms expire in 2022. Discussion commenced. The process will become more clear after the letters are sent out. Committee Vice Chair Juan Mireles asked if we could do a motion now, but Committee Member Don Graybill noted that the item was not on the Agenda. Mayor Weber will go back and look at her notes about what they decided and about how to do that process, and she will follow that process. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety announced that new building codes will be adopted January 1, 2020. Committee Member Kim Housken asked Committee Member David Toltzmann what he thought, as a newcomer, of the Coachella Valley Preservationists meeting. Mr. Toltzmann said he thought it was good. There were familiar faces there and he is attending a lecture in November. Ms. Housken remarked that we had a lot of Palm Desert representatives at the last meeting. Committee Chair Paul Clark raised that there were four Committee Members in attendance, which was a quorum. Ms. Housken asked Mayor Weber to weigh in on this. Ms. Housken used the example of Committee Members attending a Chamber of Commerce or Rotary meeting. The Mayor responded that when it’s a public meeting, it’s assumed that the people are watching. It’s those backroom meetings that are of concern. Breakfast meeting huddles. She said that they have been told, because they go to a lot of functions, all five of the City Council Members can attend, as long as they are not sitting huddled and chatting. Those in attendance of a meeting should not discuss City of Palm Desert business. Paul CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES ___________________ _ OCTOBER 29, 2019 G:\BldgSfty\Latisha Booker\Cultural Resources Meetings\Agenda - 2021\August\2019 10 29 Minutes.docx Page 6 Clark, Committee Chair pointed out that they provide a report for the informal gathering of historical societies and preservation groups across the valley. They provide reports of activity going on in City of Palm Desert. Coachella Valley Preservationists is not a decision-making committee. Mr. Grance explained that you are not discussing any items that may be brought before this committee for consideration. If you were talking about a potential designation and the four of you were having a roundtable discussion with other people, that would be considered a violation of the Brown Act. As long as you are not discussing anything that would come before this committee at a public hearing. Discussion commenced. Mayor Weber used the example of four committee members discussing this meeting. Mr. Grance specified if you were discussing an item on the Agenda. Mayor Weber added and the item was going to be the subject of a public hearing. Ms. Housken explained that they talk about things that have happened. Mayor Weber announced that since there will not be any more meetings for the rest of the year, the Committee gift certificates from the City Council will be mailed. When she hands these out in person, she likes to say thank you on behalf of the City Council. She is very appreciative that they are serving on this committee. This has been a significant committee in the last four years. Russell and Suzanne have done things. She thanks them all the time; you know they put a great amount into doing this. We can’t do it without the Committee’s input. We cannot do it without you meeting. She loves the workshops and it’s so wonderful that they take the time to do the workshops and educate ourselves and the public. It is her regret that she will not be the Mayor when the designation comes before City Council. She said as far as she knows she will still be on the City Council in January; those things won’t change. She thanked the Committee very, very much for their service. If there is anything that we can do to assist you, she hoped they will speak up and not be shy because they appreciate their comments and things of that nature. She encouraged the Committee to email comments to the City Council, especially about the anticipated fiscal year change and their views about it, if it’s easier for them at the end of the year. Committee Member Kim Housken thanked the Mayor for the gift cards, and Committee Chair Paul Clark thanked the Mayor for her assistance and for attending here. Mayor Weber thanked Committee Member Don Graybill for changing the meeting time, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. She has another meeting after this one and appreciated the flexibility because she would not have been able to attend. She felt very special that it was done for her. She said that history is very important to everyone, not just her. She was very thankful. Committee Chair Paul Clark mentioned the Palm Desert Historical Society Lecture series. Mayor Weber thanked Mr. Clark for his lecture and was sorry that she missed it. She hoped it went well. Mr. Clark commented that it was the first. It was a good crowd but it was not a big crowd, but that was OK. Mayor Weber noted they are getting accustomed to getting back to their Friday night schedule. These were changed to coincide with another group. Mr. Clark’s lecture was CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES ___________________ _ OCTOBER 29, 2019 G:\BldgSfty\Latisha Booker\Cultural Resources Meetings\Agenda - 2021\August\2019 10 29 Minutes.docx Page 7 about the development of wind energy. He checked his records and he had given a lecture on a similar topic about 1½ to 2 years ago, but things change and a lot of people apparently didn’t recognize it or hadn’t heard it. We had some good questions, Mayor Weber recalled that the Palm Desert Historical Society is to send an emailed reminder notice to City of Palm Desert Staff about the Friday Lecture Series. Mr. Grance has not seen these emails. Mayor Weber wants to follow up on that to make sure those get sent out. Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary inquired if we should follow up with the Palm Desert Historical Society, but Mayor Weber clarified that she will find out why they haven’t sent these to City Staff. Committee Chair Paul Clark reminded that the Archaeological Society of the Coachella Valley is meeting with a lecture on November 8th at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Weber reminded everyone to check the Brightside Newsletter for upcoming events and speakers for the Palm Desert Historical Society. Committee Member Kim Housken reported that the Miles Bates House is really looking good. The cactus and the landscaping is really looking great. Committee Member Don Graybill said you have to get out of your car and look through the fence. Mayor Weber mentioned that she is working on a proclamation. One of her last proclamations will be to honor the Miles Bates House for bringing the midcentury modern team in to view it, because that helps the City of Palm Desert. Committee Member Kim Housken would like to attend. Mr. Grance mentioned that if he sees it on the Agenda, he will have Suzanne Cicchini contact everybody. Mayor Weber was happy to hear that. It would be nice. It’s a wonderful thing. Mr. Grance mentioned that they put a lot of time and money into it. Mayor Weber said that Committee Member Housken learned a lesson not to be quiet when she told everyone about the Miles Bates House. She was so quiet about repeatedly telling people about the house. Ms. Housken remarked that she was a squeaky wheel. Mr. Clark remarked that she was persistent, but not shrill. Ms. Housken commented that these people had the vision; it wasn’t anything like it is now. Mayor Weber remarked that things unfold in their own time when it works out. They might not have been in place if we had done it two years sooner. It sure did turn out well. Committee Chair Paul Clark reminded that Modernism Week is February 13-23, 2020. Mayor Weber noticed that the Miles Bates House was listed as one of the homes on the tour. Mr. Grance hoped the fence would be down. Mr. Graybill noticed that they are just getting started on the buildings that are behind it. Mr. Grance remarked that they could take the fence down from the front. Mr. Clark commented that it was good that Modernism Week is including other cities other than Palm Springs. When the Bates House was highlighted a few years ago, that brought people down to this part of the valley. Indian Wells is beginning to take some interest too. Mr. Graybill thanked Mayor Weber and remarked that it was an honor to have her here. Mayor Weber responded that she is clearly pleased to be here. CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES ___________________ _ OCTOBER 29, 2019 G:\BldgSfty\Latisha Booker\Cultural Resources Meetings\Agenda - 2021\August\2019 10 29 Minutes.docx Page 8 XII. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Committee Member Thomas Mortensen to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Committee Member K. Gary Olesen and carried by a 7-0 vote with Housken, Clark, Graybill, Mireles, Mortensen, Olesen and Toltzmann voting AYE; none dissenting. Meeting adjourned at 9:46 a.m. ____________________________________ Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary