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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-14-18 HLC Minutes * M I N U T E S * HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION May 14, 2018 City Hall, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas A Regular Meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission was held on May 14, 2018 and called to order at 3:37 p.m. with the following members present: Chairwoman Paula Blazek Commissioner Dohn LaBiche Commissioner Judy Linsley Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Gretchen Hargroder Commissioner Thomas Sigee Commissioner Jessie Davis Commissioner Janelle Templeton Commission Members absent : Commissioner Marty Craig Commissioner Carol Fernandez Commissioner Lynda Kay Makin Commissioner Jason Cansler Councilmembers present: Councilmember Virginia Jordan Councilmember Mike Getz Councilmember Bill Sam Also present: Kyle Hayes, City Manager Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney Chris Boone, Director of Planning and Community Development Adina Josey, Senior Planner Fran Malvo, Recording Secretary Anna Varela, Code Enforcement Officer APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Hargroder made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on April 9, 2018. Commissioner Sigee seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 8:0. REGULAR MEETING 1) CA-2886: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint an existing concrete Historic Landmark Commission May 14, 2018 driveway with terra cotta paint. Applicant: Eric Lloyd Ardoin Location: 2655 Harrison Street Mrs. Josey presented the staff report. Eric Lloyd Ardoin has requested a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint his driveway at 2655 Harrison with BEHR, Deep Terra Cotta PFC- 10, concrete paint. In July of 2017, Mr. Ardoin requested to skim coat, level and paint his driveway with BEHR, Silver Gray PFC-60, concrete paint. The CA was approved as the color very closely matches a standard color of concrete. At some point, the sidewalk leading to the front door was painted with the Deep Terra Cotta paint and Mr. Ardoin would now like to paint his driveway to match the sidewalk. The Beaumont Code of Ordinance states that within a Historic District, paint colors must be, ". . . based on their appropriateness to and compatibility with the structure, block face and the historic district." Staff recommends denial of the request as the color is not compatible with the structure, block face and the historic district. The house is not listed in the SPARE Beaumont Survey. Mr. Eric Ardoin, 2655 Harrison addressed the Commission. A brief discussion followed. Mr. Ardoin stated that he loves his home and the neighborhood. Chairman Blazek thanked Mr. Ardoin for his compassion about his home and neighborhood but that the color choice Deep Terra Cotta would not be compatible with the structure nor the historic district. Commissioner Sigee made a motion to deny the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint an existing concrete driveway with Deep Terra Cotta paint as requested for CA-2886.Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Denial of the request carried 8:0. 2) CA-2887: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to create a parking space in the front yard. Applicant: Ricky and Elizabeth Martinez Location: 2590 Gladys Avenue Mrs. Josey presented the staff report. Ricky and Elizabeth Martinez have submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new driveway at 2590 Gladys Avenue. The driveway was installed without a Certificate of Appropriateness, but applied for due to notices received that the driveway is in violation. The parking spot created by widening the driveway is partially located in the front yard of the property as well as in front of the structure, when the driveway approaches from the side street. The Beaumont Code of Ordinance states that within a Historic District, "Within front or side yards, off-street surface parking is not permitted on grassed areas. Said grassed areas may 2 Historic Landmark Commission May 14, 2018 not be paved or otherwise destroyed without a certificate of appropriateness." Staff recommended approval of the request with the following condition: 1. A minimum six (6) foot wood or masonry privacy fence to be installed from the front corner of the house across the newly paved area, west to the property line at 10th Street, creating a screen from the front yard for parking and leaving a paved walkway in front of the fence. The house is not listed in the SPARE Beaumont Survey. A brief discussion followed. Mr. Martinez addressed the Commission. Chairman Blazek suggested that they use something less than six (6) feet. Discussion followed. Mr. Martinez stated he will do whatever is required of him. Vice-Chairman LaBiche stated a landscaping screen would look much better than any type of wood fencing. Mrs. Josey explained the types of trees Mr. Martinez can plant according to the city’s ordinance. Vice-Chairman LaBiche suggested crepe myrtles. Vice-Chairman LaBiche made a motion to approve a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to create a parking space in the front yard as requested for CA-2887 with the following conditions: 1. A four (4) foot tall wall, to match the wall in front of the house, be installed across the entire width of the new parking area. 2. Install a landscaped buffer to meet city perimeter landscaping requirements for parking lots. Buffer must be installed by the end of October, 2018. Commissioner Linsley seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 7:1 (Sigee opposed). 3) CA-2892: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the roof/ceiling structure, wood doors and window sashes of the Tyrrell Park Community Building. Applicant: Beaumont Facilities Maintenance Director Location: Tyrell Park The City Manager, Kyle Hayes addressed the Commission. Keith Folsom, Facilities Maintenance Director for the City of Beaumont, is requesting to remove the roof/ceiling structure, wood doors and window sashes of the Tyrrell Park Community Building. Enclosed is the scope of work. The roof of this structure was damaged extensively during Hurricane Rita. A large portion of the roof has collapsed. Due to a lack of funding, the structure has not been repaired. In order to stabilize the structure, the City of Beaumont is requesting permission to remove all parts of the structure that are wood. In addition, there are plans to fill in the 2 fountains at this location. The purpose of this request is to stabilize the building until such time that funding and a use for the building can be secured. Staff recommended approval of the request. 3 Historic Landmark Commission May 14, 2018 Mr. Hayes gave a brief history of the Tyrrell Park Community Building. The facility never had an air conditioning unit, and when Hurricane Rita hit, there was significant damage to the structure and thereafter, Hurricane Ike and most recently Hurricane Harvey. Mr. Hayes stated that the building is an embarrassment to the City of Beaumont. After Hurricane Rita, drainage projects, street projects and general improvement projects all competed for the same monies and the greater the needs were; the dollars went towards that particular project. He stated the City would like to make the facility safe to the public and remove the chain link fence around the structure, salvaging and saving as much of the structure as possible. Eighty percent (80%) of the roof has collapsed. The administration presented the plan to Council in February, 2018. Council granted the project to move forward and there was an estimate of approximately $125,000- $130,000 to remove the roof. With that in mind, they intend to save as many walls as possible. Unsuccessful efforts to raise monies to repair the building did occur, he stated. Commissioner Linsley asked were the original beams and supports still intact. Mr. Hayes replied, he believed so. Vice-Chairman LaBiche questioned were there intentions to remove the entire roof. Mr. Hayes replied yes, because 80% of the building was unsafe. Keith Folsom, Facilities Maintenance Director for the City of Beaumont addressed the Commission. Mr. Folsom stated that he was uncertain as to how stable the building and the interior walls were but stated they may have to be torn down. Chairman LaBiche asked about stabilizing the building. Mr. Folsom stated a structural engineer would have to be involved. Discussion followed regarding exterior and interior walls. Commissioner Linsley stated that the entire building was constructed by hand by men of the CCC organization. Discussion followed regarding the scope of work. Mr. Folsom stated several years ago the plumbing was modified, doors widened and the restrooms were made ADA accessible. Chairman Blazek spoke on her dissatisfaction of the building and the lack of attempts to make repairs. Mr. Folsom stated the roof would still need to be removed in order to make the structure safe. Vice-Chairman LaBiche stated that as much as possible of the original fixtures need to be saved in order for the structure to remain a historical structure. Chairman LaBiche stated a special historic contractor should be sought in order to preserve the original fixtures. Chairman Blazek asked was it the intent of the City to leave the building as a stone hinged type, open structure and to make it safe as possible for people to use during good weather. Mr. Hayes replied that it is currently the plan. Councilman Getz stated there needs to be a vision for the building rather than have it look like a stone hinge type structure. He stated that he feels that certain individuals would like to see it returned to its original state for historical purposes. He also stated a use for the building must be identified before any monies are spent on the building. Mr. Hayes stated several organizations expressed concerns about possibly salvaging and revitalizing the structure but did not deliver. He recommends the building’s aesthetics are improved and made safe for the time being until a plan is brought forth. He encouraged the Commission to present a plan to Council for them to approve in order to salvage the building. Mr. Hayes also stated he is not pleased with the state of the building but would rather salvage what is left until the decision is made of what will become of the structure. The decision to move forward with the structure depends on how much money will be spent, for what purpose and how will the public benefit from the expenditures. He stated it would cost approximately $130,000 to repair the roof. Vice-Chairman LaBiche asked would it be possible to allow the Commission to have a supervisory role during the repairing process. Mr. Hayes replied that is not the Commission’s role but however, it is Council’s role. He said that the Commission can suggest to Council about appointing a citizen’s group. He ensured that there would be someone on site 4 Historic Landmark Commission May 14, 2018 everyday working with a contractor to make sure the preservation process is properly done. Mr. Folsom stated he is not certain how bad the building is until he actually removes the roof. He added that a structural engineer would be available to assist with the project in order to stabilize the structure. The public hearing opened. Laurie Leister, 1240 Wilchester Circle addressed the Commission. Mrs. Leister stated the building is very significant and that if the building was restored she feels that it would be utilized. Theresa Goodness, representing Jefferson County Historical Commission addressed the Commission. Ms. Goodness stated she would like to vote against removing the roof, asked that Council put more thought into options for the building and reach out to the public for input regarding the building. Ed Touchet addressed the Commission. Mr. Touchet is a resident of Austin, Texas but is from Beaumont. Mr. Touchet stated he recently purchased the Hinchee House. He also stated that he would like to propose the Commission vote to give the building a ninety (90) day stay of execution and allow the Beaumont Preservation Society (the LLC that he formed) to get interested parties together and reconvene after ninety (90) days with a plan to restore the building. He asked if the building has been placed on the National Registry. Commissioner Broussard replied no, the City hasn’t applied for it and that the owner (the City) has to apply for it. Mr. Touchet stated he would need the ninety (90) days to apply for it and to get it on the National Register and get a state marker so it will be protected. Kathy Hughes, 1220 Glen Oaks Street, employee of the Ben Rogers Regional Visitors Center addressed the Commission. Ms. Hughes stated that tourists pass through daily to inquire about the history of the area and want to view the building. Approximately 5,000 visitors are seen each month. She also stated that she is embarrassed to see the condition the building is in, and that the tourists are bringing money to this area and to not tear the building down but to restore it. Sarah Bellian, 2480 Laurel, addressed the Commission. Ms. Bellian is the curator of the Museum of the Gulf Coast, and the Historic Preservation Officer for Jefferson County. Ms. Bellian stated if there was a way to promote what the building stood for in the past and what it can stand for in the future there would be more support of the building from the public and that people would be more apt to rent it out for a reasonable fee. Bruce Hamilton, 7730 Chelsea Place, representative of Jefferson County Historical Commission addressed the Commission. Mr. Hamilton stated that he would strongly urge the Commission to do what they can to have the building preserved. Rick Browning, 890 Nichols, addressed the Commission. Mr. Browning stated the structural integrity of the architectural elements of the building needed to be evaluated. Jennifer Trenbeath, 6260 Colton, representative of the Jefferson County Historical Commission, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Trenbeath stated she is in charge of the organization’s Facebook page. She stated that it is embarrassing to see the building and urged Council to see what can be done to move forward. Joe Sasser, 3305 Redwood addressed the Commission. Mr. Sasser passed around a photo taken in 2006 shortly after Hurricane Rita. He stated a friend of his who was a POW was interested in the historical aspect of the building and offered to replace the roof of the building. Mr. Sasser stated he took the request to the third floor and someone by the name of Judy took the request, but to no avail, she was uncooperative. He stated he would like to see the building renovated. Virginia Sasser, 3305 Redwood addressed the Commission. Mrs. Sasser stated that she did not understand why the building was not included in the National Register because the building is a vital part of Beaumont’s History. She stated that she and her husband are more than willing to form a committee and solicit the funds in order to restore the building. Steven Lewis, 540 Campus addressed the Commission. Mr. Lewis stated he is a photographer and he is 5 Historic Landmark Commission May 14, 2018 working on pictorial history of Beaumont. He stated the structure was built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). Mr. Hayes readdressed the Commission. He stated he knows that the City needs to better the building and continue improving Tyrrell Park. He explained the process for the Commission and City Council when voting on the request. He stated it is possible that Council may form a committee in the future. Chairman Blazek explained the voting process for the Historic Landmark Commission. She reiterated that City Council ultimately has the last say so. Commissioner Templeton asked Mr. Hayes about the timeframe for the project to go to bid. Mr. Hayes responded approximately 90 days. He said hopefully in the next two weeks the project will be presented to Council. Commissioner Hargroder stated that she feels removing the roof will be the demise of the building. Discussion followed. LaRue Rougeau, Operations Manager of the Ben Rogers Visitor Center addressed the Commission. She stated that they send visitors to Tyrell Park frequently, almost on a daily basis. She would like to know why does the tarp remain on the structure and she would like to see something done with the building. Vice-Chairman LaBiche addressed the scope of work for the Tyrrell Park Community Building. He made a motion to revise conditions 6,8,10,11,13,15 and 16 to read as follows:  6. Extreme care must be taken to ensure that the interior and exterior walls are not damaged or knocked down-Chairman LaBiche proposed that they are to be repaired to the pre storm condition, before they were damaged.  8. The small fountain and large fountain shall be filled in with a light 60/40 select fill material and compacted-Chairman LaBiche proposed that the Botanical Gardens consider a project to enhance this portion of the site.  10. Protect all existing sidewalks and porch slabs from any damage caused by this selective demolition process-Chairman LaBiche proposed to repair/replace those components if damaged.  11. Wood support beams at porch trellises shall be removed-Chairman LaBiche proposed to remove and salvage them for later use.  13. Any walls that appear to be unstable after the roof system is removed will be addressed under a change order-Chairman LaBiche proposed that the walls should be addressed before the roof system is removed; they should be stabilized prior to demolition of the roof.  15. All interior and exterior wood doors and frames shall be removed and disposed of offsite-Chairman LaBiche proposed that all exterior wood doors, trim and the frames shall be saved offsite and not disposed of.  16. All existing window sashes are to be removed and disposed of offsite-Chairman LaBiche proposed that the existing windows, frame, sashes and trim are to be saved offsite and not disposed of. Mr. LaBiche stated that he would like all original components kept of the windows. Chairman Blazek suggested to the Commission that they can consider one of two motions. The first motion for the Commission would be to choose from a denial of the request due to insufficient planning of the structure and the removal of the roof. The City will in turn appeal the motion to City Council as they make the final decision. The second motion would be to honor the City’s current proposal, add Vice-Chairman’s LaBiche revised conditions to the scope of work, and add the 6 Historic Landmark Commission May 14, 2018 recommendations that Council appoint a working committee comprised of interested members of Council, City staff, representatives from the Beaumont Heritage Society, Jefferson County Historical Society and members of the Historic Landmark Commission per Council’s recommendation, and within ninety (90) days submit a proposal of what should be done with the structure moving forward, with estimates of the costs to have the building repaired. Vice- Chairman LaBiche made a motion to modify numbers 1 through 17 of the general notes, and have City Council appoint a Commission to help plan the demolition of the roof system within ninety (90) days so that the structure can be salvaged for future use. Commissioner Linsley seconded the motion. Mr. Boone asked Chairman Blazek to clarify the role of the Committee. She stated that the City appoint a committee that will offer guidance to the proposal Vice- Chairman LaBiche offered, and within ninety (90) days submit a proposal of what should be done with the structure. Discussion followed. The motion tied 3:3 (Hargroder, Templeton & Davis-opposed):1(Broussard-abstained).Commissioner Broussard decided not to abstain, so the motion failed 3:4. Commissioner Broussard made a motion to deny the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the roof/ceiling structure, wood doors and window sashes of the Tyrrell Park Community Building as removal of the roof may cause more deterioration. Commissioner Hargroder seconded the motion. Motion to deny the request carried 4:3 (Linsley, Davis & Broussard). A brief discussion followed regarding the item going to City Council. 4) Historic District Code Enforcement Report Mrs. Varela stated that she included three months of reports. No further discussion. OTHER BUSINESS None. THERE BEING NO OTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:47 P.M. 7