HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-10-97 HLC MinutesA meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission was held on February 10, 1997 with the
following members present:
Chairman Sam Pullig
Commissioner Tracy Richardson
Commissioner Marie Broussard
Commissioner Julia Levy
Commissioner Cathy Belt
Commissioner Dorcy Watler
Commissioners absent: Commissioner Terrence Holmes
Commissioner Michael O'Rear
Commissioner Albert Ebow
Commissioner Denise Shelton
Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Planning Director; Maria Trapp, Planning
Technician; and Vanessa Golden, Recording Secretary.
Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos; and Councihnember Lulu
Smith.
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Pullig called the Regular Meeting to order at 3:50 p.m. and roll was called.
Chairman Pullig suggested that the Commission move to item number two on the agenda since
there was not a quorum for item number one. He began an introduction on possible historic
designation sites when Commissioner O'Rear arrived. Chairman Pullig stated that the
Commission would return to item number one since there was now a quorum. He then opened
discussion on CA-173.
1) FILE CA-173: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow an addition to
a residence at 2020 Harrison.
Stephen Richardson gave the staff report stating the applicant wishes to make additions to the
east side of the house. The home is c 1922 and is in good condition. Staff showed slides of the
house. Mr. Richardson stated that both the homeowner, Mr. Jess Williams and the contractor
were present for questions.
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Historic Landmark
Commission
February 10, 1997
The Commission had no questions for staff, however Mr. Williams was asked to step up to the
podium for questions. He stated that he has been the property owner for 20 years and that the
addition of a second bathroom is the main addition he and his wife are concerned with.
Chairman Pullig questioned the contractor, Mr. Dennis, about the house conforming to the Oaks
Historic District Ordinance when it is completed, Mr. Dennis stated that the house will
probably conform to the ordinance more after the additions have been made.
Commissioner Wader made a motion to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness
for additions to the house at 2020 Harrison. Commissioner O'Rear seconded the motion. The
motion carried 7:0.
Commissioner Broussard excused herself after the vote to attend another meeting.
Steve Richardson introduced Cathy Belt as a new commissioner and welcomed her to the
position. Chairman Pullig stated that Ms. Belt is Councilman Cokinos' appointment.
2) Discussion of Possible Historic Designations
Chairman Pullig continued his earlier discussion on identifying structures, people, plots of land,
etc. that might deserve and be capable of handling a landmark designation. He asked
Commissioner Richardson about what the cost to the property owner is to receive a state
historical marker. Commissioner Richardson stated it ranges between $400-850. He stated that
the property owner is not always responsible for the cost, sometimes there is a sponsor, or the
property deals with another family and that family would cover the cost involved.
Chairman Pullig suggested that each commissioner review the list of properties that have
historical markers currently. He recommended that each commissioner come back to the next
meeting with at least one prospect, and noted that a copy of the application form is included in
packets.
Commissioner Richardson stated that there are currently two markers in the works now - one
for St. Mark's Church and the other for Camp Spindletop, which was a 1936 marker that is
being moved to a different site.
Chairman Pullig asked Commissioner O'Rear if there was anything he could think of
Commissioner O'Rear stated that on a local level, he recommends Shepherd's Cleaners on the
corner of Thomas and Gladys, and noted that letters have been sent out.
Commissioner Watler stated that he had given a couple of prospects to Commissioner
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Historic Landmark
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February 10, 1997
Richardson, Temple of the Brave being one of them. He suggested adding the Old Phelan
residence and Our Lady of Mercy Church.
Chairman Pullig suggested the adobe style church off of the Avenues. Commissioner Watler
noted that would be Cristo Rey Church. Chairman Pullig asked about the Hebert House.
Commissioner Levy stated her agreement with that recommendation and offered to contact the
family. Chairman Pullig also suggested the Amelia School. Commissioner Richardson
questioned what would happen to the markers currently on schools that are being torn down.
He suggested using the markers in a historical presentation for the school from which it came.
Chairman Pullig restated the goal for the next meeting: each commissioner is to come back with
at least one prospect for a marker.
3) Revolving Loan Fund
Mr. Richardson made a report on the Revolving Loan Fund. He explained the process of the
loan program for the benefit of Commissioner Cathy Belt. Chairman Pullig requested a copy
of the criteria for a loan be placed in the packets for the next meeting. Mr. Richardson stated
that the loans are at 0% interest, with payback in 10 years. He stated that there have been
several inquiries and applications sent out, but not a lot of response at this time.
3) Chairman's Report
Chairman Pullig stated that he and Mr. Richardson have an upcoming meeting with Mayor
Moore to discuss the Spindletop Celebration coming up in 2001, and to get the Mayor's feeling
on setting up a local committee to handle preparations for the celebration. Dr. Smith stated that
there has been some discussion during council workshops but nothing definite has been decided.
Chairman Pullig stated that there will need to be a commission set up after the meeting with the
Mayor and suggested appointing JoAnn Stiles to the commission. Commissioner Richardson
stated that the Jefferson County Historic Commission has been talking with the state
commission concerning the possibility of holding the state conference in Beaumont that same
year to coincide with the Spindletop Celebration.
Mr. Richardson discussed a training session in reference to the CLG Conference he and
Commissioner O'Rear attended in December. He will be calling to find out some basic
information - fee, date available, etc.
Dr. Smith commented on the downtown preservation and renovation activities and noted that
the Hotel Beaumont is shaping up nicely. She also stated that there should be some estimates
to completely renovate die Jefferson widiin the next 4-6 months - the business plan is complete.
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Historic Landmark
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February 10, 1997
Chairman Pullig questioned the future development on Park Street by Greg Saleme. Mr.
Richardson reported that the $40,00 in the loan fund reflects the money loaned to him, however
we have not cut the check ye[, since he is still trying to get everything in order. Mr. Richardson
said that he will get in contact with Mr. Saleme to find out the status of the project.
Carolyn Howard reported that the Second Beaumont Preservation Awards are coming up and
requested that since the Historic Landmark Commission was a sponsor last year, would the
commission be interested in being a sponsor again this year. The Awards committee will need
two representatives to work on the preservation awards which will be given in May, 1997,
during Preservation Week. Mr. Steve Richardson volunteered to assist as did Cathy Belt.
OTHER BUSINESS
With no further business, Chairman Pullig adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m..
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