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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-14-97 HLC MinutesA meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission was held on April 14, 1997 with the following members present: Chairman Sam Pullig Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Terrence Holmes Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioner Michael O'Rear Commissioner Tracy Richardson Commissioner Denise Shelton Commissioner Dorcy Watler Commissioners absent: Commissioner Cathy Belt Commissioner Albert Ebow Staff present: Murray Duren, Senior Planner; Maria Trapp, Planning Technician; Jill Cole, Recording Secretary; Nancy Nicholas, Recording Secretary Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos Carolyn Howard, Main Street Beaumont APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Levy made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 10, 1997 meeting and was seconded by Commissioner O'Rear. Motion to approve carried 8:0. Commissioner O'Rear made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 10, 1997 meeting. Commissioner Watler seconded the motion and motion to approve carried 8:0 It was noted that Councilman -at -large Cokinos made a correction to the April, 1997 packet with regards to Item HCD 1.14 (Historic Preservation Loan).. Correction is as follows: Benjamin Shipley was listed as a City Clerk, but in fact was a Jefferson County Commissioner under B.B. Johnson. MINUTES Historic Landmark Commission April 14, 1997 REGULAR MEETING Chairman Pullig called the Regular Meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and roll was called. 1) File CA-178: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness at 1645 Orange. Applicant: David Bicnvenue Murray Duren reported that the Secretary to the Commission recommended approval on File CA-178 for the Certificate of Appropriateness, recommended approval of the Historic Preservation Loan in the amount of $30,000 for exterior renovation of the house and garage. This will constitute a payment of $357.00 per month for a period of 84 months or seven years. He has also recommended approval for the Tax Exemption (10 years) on the present appraised value of $47,000. Total improvements planned will amount to $72,000. The owner of the property introduced himself to the committee and stated that the property would be restored for his personal residence. Carolyn Howard asked Chairman Pullig to clarify the procedure for Tax Abatement. He stated that the Commission would inspect the property when the repairs were made in order to certify that the work had been completed. Then the owner would be then be granted the Tax Abatement through approval of the City Council. Commissioner O'Rear brought it to the Commission's attention that MCI has installed unsightly fiber optic cable covers on many of the casements in Beaumont. Chairman Pullig asked that this matter of business be presented when the Commission returned from their inspection of the property. Chairman Pullig adjourned the meeting in order for the Commission to go to the property site for inspection. The meeting reconvened in City Council Chambers at approximately 4:30 p.m. It was noted that Commissioner Holmes was not present as he had a prior appointment. File: CA-178 - Chairman Pullig asked for a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 1645 Orange Street. Commissioner Broussard made a motion for approval with Commissioner Richardson seconding to approve File CA-178. The motion to approve carried 7:0. It was also noted that the home already has a local Historical Marker provided by previous owner. 2. File HCD - 1.14 Request for a Historic Preservation Loan on 1645 Oran e: Information was previously presented for obtaining the loan in the amount of $30,000 with payments being $357.00 per month on a 0 balance rotating loan. The homeowner was present and provided information with regards to repairs on the home. Attached to the recommendation was a listing of all repairs with MINUTES Historic Landmark Commission April 14, 1997 dollar amounts which in fact is a bid. The applicant affirmed that this was true. The applicant stated that he had not signed a contract, but the contractor had agreed to the prices bid and Mr. Bienvenue further stated that he was also seeking other bids on some of the items in order to get a better price. Commissioners expressed concern with regards to the stabilization of the foundation and the repairs to the roof as to the building becomes sealed to the weather. The applicant stated that these two areas would be the first items to be repaired. He also stated that the home would be restored as closely as possible to the original flavor. Commissioner Watler questioned the size of the foundation blocks as to whether they were appropriate in size for the home to be properly stabilized. It was noted that some of these will be repaired and there will also be some new ones added to the back part of the house. This will have to be approved by the Building Codes Department. Commissioner Watler made a motion to approve the loan as requested with Commissioner O'Rear seconding the motion. The motion carried 7:0. 3.) Tax Exemption - T.E.D.-10 for 1645 Orange: The staff recommends approval of the tax exemption for the home which is appraised at $47,170. The purchase price of the house was $30,000. The applicant stated that the dollar amount for added renovations will be approximately $75,000 above the $30,000 Joan request.. The applicant also stated that he will be selling his current home along with other owned rental properties. He further stated that renovation will be completed within a year. The Commission will then revisit the site to certify that the work has been completed. A motion was made by Commissioner O'Rear to approve the tax exemption for 1645 Orange and Commissioner Richardson seconded the motion.. Motion carried 7:0. Chairman Pullig reiterated to Mr. Bienvenue that the last two items that were voted on has to go before City Council for final approval. The monies will then be paid as specified in the tax exemption with warranties being provided to the city. He also reminded Mr. Bienvenue to provide complete documentation for all work done. 2. REVOLVING LOAN FUND Chairman Pullig reviewed the Historic Preservation Loan Fund Status Report. He noted that if the current loan is approved, the amount available for loans will be depleted for a while until all the repays are being made. He asks that Steve Richardson provide the Commission with specifics,( i.e., length of contract and renewal date) on the contract with regards to the KCS Depot. It was also questioned as to which house Dr. Jack McNeil was selling and was determined that the house in question did not have MINUTES Historic Landmark Commission April 14. 1997 a preservation loan against it. The loan to Bruce Irvine is being paid back by the estate. It was also determined that all loans are current. 3. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Chairman Pullig updated the Commission on the progress of Spindletop 2001 recommendations and anticipate a memorandum to the Mayor within the week. No other report per say. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner O'Rear reported to the Commission that MCI has placed two fiber optic markers in each block between 11 th Street and ist Street. This is within the boundaries of the Oaks Historic District. They are extremely unattractive. The Chairman asked the staff to investigate the requirements with reference to this type of utility marker. Mr. Duren said the staff would investigate the matter and report back to the Commission. Chairman Pullig reminded Commissioner O'Rear that it was his responsibility to remind the committee of this matter at the next meeting. With no further business, the meeting adjourn at 5:00 p.m..