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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-12-99 HLC Minutesa 0 HISTORICLANDMARK COMMISSION July 12, 1999 City Council Chambers - 3:30 p.m. . The July 12, 1999, Historic Landmark Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman Tracy Richardson. Commission members present: Chairman Tracy Richardson Commissioner Dale Hallmark .Commissioner Leonie Bodin Commissioner Jamie Cradle Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioner Shaheen Farah Commissioner Denise Shelton Commission members absent: Commissioner Philip Long Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Terrence Holmes Commissioner Cathy Belt Commissioner Michael O'Rear Councilmembers present: Councihnember Andrew Cokinos Councilmember Lulu Smith Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Planning Director, Cheryl Robinson, Senior Planner, Adina Abshire, Planning Technician and Nancy Nicholas, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Chairman Tracy Richardson asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of the June 14, 1999 meeting. There being none, the minutes were accepted as mailed. Councilman Andrew Cokinos introduced the new City Manager, Stephen Bonczek, to the Historic Landmark Commission. REGULAR MEETING 1) CA-389: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a front porch on a single family house Location: 665 N. 6th Applicant: Mike Washington HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MEMNO MINUTES AXY 12,1999 Mr. Steve Richardson presented the staff report. The. property owner, Mike Washington, wishes to demolish the existing metal awning roof over the font porch of his house at 665 N. 6th. The existing porch roof does not compliment the house. In 'its place, Mr. Washington wishes to construct a new permanent wooden roof and columns that would blend in with the style of the house. In addition, the short brick wall around the front porch will be replaced with railing. . Mr. Richardson stated that the applicant was in the audience to answer questions. Chairman Richardson asked if there were any questions or comments for Mr. Richardson or Mr. Washington. Commissioner Hallmark stated that he was glad to see the roof and columns being replaced. With no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion on CA-399. Commissioner Farah made a motion to approve CA-389 and Commissioner Hallmark seconded the motion. The motion carried 7:0. 2) CA-390: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove an inappropriate addition and paint house Location: 2145 Hazel Applicant: Ralph and Virginia Jordan Mr. Steve Richardson presented the staff report. The property owners, Ralph and Virginia Jordan, wish to demolish an inappropriate addition made to their house at 2145 Hazel. The addition was made in the 1940's. In addition Mr. and Mrs. Jordan would like to paint the house a light brown with cream trim and green accents. The addition is not compatible with the architectural style of the original house and is in disrepair. Once the demolition is complete, the house will be restored to its original condition. The concrete and tile slab will be returned to its original function as a patio. Interior French doors on the second level will be replaced with exterior French doors, opening to a railed balcony approximately 30-36 inches deep and as wide as the French doors. Mr. Richardson stated that Mr. and Mrs. Jordan were in the audience. Chairman Richardson asked if there were any questions for Mr. and Mrs. Jordan or Mr. Richardson. There being none, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion on CA-390. Commissioner Levy made a motion to approve CA-390 and Commissioner Shelton seconded the motion. The motion carried 7:0. HISTORIC LANDMARKCGMMISSION MEETING MINUTES AMY 12, 1999 3) Revolving Loan Fund (Financial Report) Mr. Steve Richardson stated that approximately $25,000 is available in the Loan Fund. Mr. Richardson also stated that he had spoken with Tyrone Cooper, the Assistant City Attorney, regarding the Gulf Sierra property. It was. noted that Mr. Saleme has surrendered the building and it is not involved in the bankruptcy anymore. Mr. Richardson said that Mr. Cooper would take the proper steps to settle the matter, 4) Chairman's Report Chairman Richardson stated that he had attended a committee meeting at Lamar Universityin which the Beaumont Spindletop Celebration was discussed. The committee was formed by Lamar employees and professors. This committee will involve the living history portion for the January loth celebration day. Chairman Richardson also stated that the committee will meet with Mr. Paul Doucette on Tuesday, July 13, 1999. Chairman Richardson announced that the July Beaumont Spindletop Committee Meeting was canceled and will be scheduled at a time to be announced. Councilman Cokinos thanked Chairman Richardson for his efforts in relocating the Spindletop Monument. Chairman Richardson introduced Rebecca Woodlands, Continuing Education Department, Lamar University. Ms. Woodlands presented a project summary of the improvement project for the Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown Museum. Ms. Woodlands stated that a visitor's center is planned and will provide a gateway to the Gladys City Complex. This area will contain an office for museum docents, gift shop, restrooms, kitchen and storage area. Site interpretation included primary parking and spaces for approximately 100 cars. Other considerations proposed include a new owner identification sign, site lighting, fencing, and landscaping. In addition, trash disposal will have city pick-up and a drainage system designed to facilitate drainage through subsurface pipe to the storm sewer. Interpretation of exhibits may include, but are not limited to, building/thematic signage, collection labels, artifact identification, static displays, interactive exhibits, computer kiosks, audio tour enhancers, additional derricks, self -guided tour booklets, docent manuals, living history re-enactments, docent guided tours, hands-on history programs and guided school tours. Sketches of the proposed environment were also presented. Mr. Steve Richardson will provide a letter of endorsement with Chairman Richardson's signature MEMNo MFNUfES JMY 12.1999 Commissioner Credle wanted to know if all the new structures would have an historic appearance and if provisions will be made for their care. Ms. Woodlands stated that all new structures will be historic reproductions and complimentary to the existing buildings. Ms.Woodlands added that some artifacts are historic, but not many. Commissioner Hallmark wanted to know how traffic would be drawn to the facility and if billboard advertising will'be used. Ms..Woodlands told the Commission that along with the physical improvements, a long range Master Plan will include additional staff, a Board of Directors, fundraising entities and advertising. 5) Appointment of Historic Conference Committee Mr. Richardson stated that a volunteer committee needs to be appointed to host an Historic Conference in conjunction with the CLG conference. This event should take place in September 2000. Commissioner Credle stated she would be glad to be on the committee. Chairman Richardson asked Mr. Richardson if he will contact members not present. Mr. Richardson will also contact Ms.MaryJane Butrill. 6) Discussion of Demolition of Historic Structures Mr. Richardson distributed a section of the city.ordinance that regulates structures and omission of repairs on structures that have the City's local HC-L historic designation. Mr. Richardson stated that he had spoken with the Assistant City Attorney Tyrone Cooper about amending the ordinance to include all historic districts. This change would help prevent possible neglect and demolition. If the ordinance is added to the historic regulations, then the commission can enforce the regulations. Chairman Richardson stated that he was not in favor of the idea. He stated that a better solution might be to remain aware of structures that might be in danger. If the need arises, then the structure could have an HC-L Designation placed on it. If a designation were placed on the structure and the owner was financially strapped to repair the structure, monies might be secured (a historic loan, grant, e.g.) to repair the structures. Ms. Abshire, Planning Technician, is currently reviewing the SPARE structures in the historic district that may be in danger. Mr. Richardson stated that a list of such structures will be forthcoming. Ms. Abshire stated that Ms. Nancy Staub had obtained a Certificate of Appropriateness at the previous Historic Landmark Commission to paint her house. It was noted that she did not adhere to the colors approved. In keeping with district regulations, Ms. Staub will need to reapply to have the new paint colors approved. Ms. Abshire will follow up. Commissioner Credle stated she had attended the Historic Landmark Designation ceremony for the Sprott Clinic. ADJOURN With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. 4 i