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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-14-00 HLC MinutesHISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION August 14, 2000 City Council Chambers - 3:30 p.m. The August 14, 2000, Historic Landmark Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman Tracy Richardson. Commission members present: Commission members absent: Councilmembers present: Chairman Tracy Richardson Vice Chairman Dale Hallmark Commissioner Lconie Bodin Commissioner Denise Shelton Commissioner Shaheen Farah Commissioner Ralph Jordan Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Philip Long Commissioner Cathy Belt Commissioner Terrence Holmes Councilmember Andrew Cokinos Councilmember Lulu Smith Stall present: Stephen Richardson, Planning Manager, Nancy Nicholas, Recording Secretary; Adina Abshire, Planning Technician APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Chairman Tracy Richardson asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of the July 10, 2000 meeting. There being none, Commissioner Farah made a motion to accept the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Shelton and motion carried 8:0. REGULAR MEETING 1) CA-500: Request for a certificate of appropriateness to construct/install chain link fence in front yard. Location: 740 3rd Street Applicant: Felipe & Socorro Iglesias Mr. Stephen Richardson, Planning Manager presented the staff report. Mr. and Mrs. Felipe Iglesias wish to construct a four (4) foot tail chain link fence in the fi-ont yard of a rental house located at 740 3rd Street. The house was broken into and a crime was committed against a former tenant. Therefore, the applicants would like to construct a chain Historic Landmark Commission Meeting Minutes August 14, 2000 link fence to provide protection. Staff had explained to Mrs. Iglesias that a four (4) foot picket or wrought iron fence would be allowed. Slides were presented of the house and yard. There being no questions for Mr. Richardson, Chairman Richardson asked Mr. or Mrs. Iglesias to address the Commission. Mrs.Iglesias, 490 Norvell, stated the reason they wanted the chain link fence was for protection. Commissioner Jordan asked Mrs. Iglesias if other options had been considered. She replied that Mr. Iglesias felt a wooden fence would be easily broken. Commissioner Hallmark asked if the current tenants were fearful of the same kind of incident occurring. Mrs. Igelias replied that they were afraid that the same person might by to commit the same offense again. Commissioner Hallmark stated that he had observed no security (i.e, open gates, no locks) on many of the chain link fences in the neighborhood. With no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commissioner Hallmark made a motion to deny CA-500 to install a chain link fence. Commissioner Shelton seconded the motion. The motion to deny CA-500 was approved 8:0. If Mr. and Mrs. Iglesias wish to make an application for a wooden or wrought iron fence that would be permissible. 2. CA-506t Request for a certificate of appropriateness to paint a house. Location: 2540 North Applicant: Curtis and Jennie Dixon Mr. Richardson presented the staff report. The applicants wish to paint the exterior of their house at 2540 North a pale green with white trim (sample was distributed at the meeting). They had begun to paint the house but were told to stop by staff. It was also noted that several houses in the area are similar in color. Slides were presented of the subject property. Chairman Richardson asked if there were any questions for Mr. Richardson. "there being none, Mrs. Jennie Dixon, 2540 North, applicant, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Dixon stated that she was aware of the requirement of a certificate of appropriateness and that her husband had started the painting. Chairman Richardson asked Mrs. Dixon if a property search had been done on the property to alert the buyer that the house was in the Oaks District. She stated that a property search had not been done. Commissioner Jordan stated that most of the house is shingle sided and that the paint is only on the exterior of the shingles. He wanted to know if the shingles would be covered completely. Mrs. Dixon stated that they would. With no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commissioner Broussard made a motion to approve CA-506. Commissioner Levy seconded and the motion to approve CA-506 carried 8:0. 2 Historic Landmark Connnission Meeting Minutes August 14, 2000 3. C_ A-509: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the placement of a portable office building in the backyard of an existing office building. Location: 2350 Broadway. Applicant: Carol Marino Mr. Richardson presented the staff report Beaumont Home Health Services currently offices in a two-story building at 2350 Broadway. They have been at this location for over twenty years. The firm recently applied for a building permit to move a 10' x 44' portable office building to the rear of the main structure. The structure was moved in prior to the issuance of the building permit. The building is not hooked up to utilities or occupied at this time. The property abuts commercial uses to the south, a residential care facility to the west and apartments to the east. Trees and shrubs partially screen the building from the street and the apartment building to the east. Slides were shown of the subject property Mr. Richardson recommended that the building be allowed to remain subject to an eight or ten foot screening fence placed to the south and east of the building property line. Discussion followed regarding portable buildings versus trailers being allowed within the city limits. Mr. Richardson informed the Commission that trailers built for commercial use are permitted within the city. Mr. Richardson stated that Ms. Marino representing Beaumont Home Health was in the audience to answer questions. Ms. Carol Marino, 5315 Avie Lane, addressed the Commission. Parking issues were voiced and she stated that ample parking space is available. Additional parking is also available on property belonging to Mr. Relte Browning. A copy of the parking contract is available in the file. In addition, a question was asked as to how long the trailer would be on the property. Ms. Marino stated that the portable building is currently on tease for one year. Mr. Chris Arnold, 5290 Rose Lane, a GELCO representative, addressed the Commission. He stated that all permits had been acquired. The axle and hitch will be removed from the building. If and when the business relocates, the portable building would be removed. Mr. Arnold also stated that power sources have been obtained and the structure will be properly anchored and skirted. With no f ether discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commissiontr Hallmark stated that the building was not very visible from the street. He then made the motion to approve CA-509 with the stipulation that the screening fence be placed to the south and east of the portable building. Commissioner Farah seconded the motion and the motion to approve CA-509 with specific conditions carried 8:0. Historic Landmark Commission Meeting Minutes August 14, 2000 OTHER BUSINESS Tom Sibley - Dumpsters Mr. Richardson presented a brief overview of the improper placement of dumpsters in the Historic District. He stated that it is city policy that the owner is to be notified of the violation. The Conunission had stated that the ordinance should be enforced, Mr. Tom Sibley, representing the owners of 2465 and 2480 Laurel, requested the opportunity to discuss the problem his clients are having in relocating dumpsters and asked for guidance in this matter. Chairman Richardson asked for photographs of the property. Slides were shown of the subject property. Mr. Sibley stated the apartments are currently being refurbished. The photos reveal that there is absolutely no space for a dumpster except in the right-of-way or the front of the building. Individual trash cans for each apartment was discussed, but the city will not pick them up. Screening of the dumpsters is not feasible because of the inability of the dumpster to be picked up without damaging the screening materials. Commissioner Broussard asked about grand fathering the placements of the dumpsters. Councilmember Smith stated that the problem should be addressed. She suggested a meeting with Tom Warner, Tom Sibley and Steve Richardson to perhaps arrive at a solution. j; Chairman Richardson stated that he felt maybe a constitutional violation had occurred and should be addressed. Commissioner Hallmark questioned the fact that several places are using individual garbage cans and the city is providing service. Mr. Richardson stated that he will discuss the issue with the City Manager and schedule a workshop with the City Council. 2. Staff - Sign and Parking Lots In 1998, the Planning Department notified all the property owners listed in a memo of the end of the four year amortization period for nonconforming sign. and parking lots. In September of that year letters were sent to all of those property owners. There were five property owners who applied for variances from the Board of Adjustment. During this time, it was thought by a number of people that the Commission needed to revisit the regulations as to size, height and setback. Also there were questions as to why these signs and parking lots needed to go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Discussion followed on who should govem the setbacks in the Historic District and if there was a need to revise the sign ordinance. Commissioner Farah requested a copy of the sign ordinance that was written in 1993. The Commission will be provided with copies of the June, 1993 meeting. It was suggested that a committee be formed to review and possibly revise the sign ordinance for the district. Adina Abshire, Planning Technician, presented slides of various signs that are not in compliance with the sign ordinance. Historic Landmark Conunission Meeling Minutes August 14, 2000 325 7th Street - Historic Designation The Commission has discussed the possibility of designating 325 7th Street a local historic landmark. W. Richardson spoke with Richard Verrett, the owner, about designating the property. He expressed interest in the possibility. Discussion followed regarding the attachment of a historic designation on homes to prevent complete deterioration. Commissioner Farah asked for a history on the subject property. Mr. Richardson replied that the only history available was from the SPARE survey. Mr. Richard Vcrett, property owner, addressed the Commission. He stated that when he purchased the property, he intended to restore the home. However, financial problems have prevented him from doing so. He also stated that any form of financial aid would be beneficial. The applicant also questioned the responsibility and placement of a privacy fence around the property. Mr. Richardson explained the ordinance requires that when a multi -family use abuts a single-family zoning district, the apartment complex must install a privacy fence. However, the property is zoned RCR and is not applicable. Commissioner Broussard questioned the soundness of the structure. Mr, Verrett replied that the only problem was some deterioration of the front porch, but the home itself was a very solid structure. Mr. Richardson stated that W. Verrett was eligible to apply for a Historic Loan. A tax exemption would be availablewith a local historic designation. The Commission instructed W. Richardson to proceed with the steps necessary to designate 325 7th Street a local historic landmark. 4. Limitations on Certificates of Appropriateness The Commission has discussed the possibility of putting a time limit on certificates of appropriates. Mr. Richardson stated that building permits have a six month time frame and is recommending the same for certificates of appropriates. This matter will be placed on the September 1 I th agenda, 5. FYI 2001 CLG Grant Apnlication The grant request from the Texas Historical Commission has been received. Mr. Richardson asked if anyone had any specific project that needed funding. There being none, Mr. Richardson recommended submitting a travel request for next year. The Commission agreed with the request, 6. Revolving Loan Fund Mr. Richardson stated approximately $52,000 was available for funding. 7. Chairman's Report Copies of the CLG conference packet were distributcd for the Commission's perusal. Mr. Richardson stated that the conference preparations were proceeding as scheduled. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. i