Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-11-95 HLC MinutesA meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission was held on September 11, 1995 with the following members present: Chairman Sam PulIig Commissioner Albert Ebow Commissioner Elmer Embs Commissioner Bruce Hamilton Commissioner JoAnn Stiles Commissioner Walter Sutton Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Terrence Holmes Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioners absent: Commissioner Dorcy Waller Vice Chairman Becki Stedman Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Secretary; Vanessa Smith, Recording Secretary; Kimberly James, Planning Technician Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos; Councilmember Lulu Smith APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Embs to approve the minutes of the August 14, 1995 public hearing and was seconded by Commissioner Broussard. Motion to approve carried 7:0. PUBLIC HEARING 1) File CA-125 (a)(b): Request for (a) Certificate of Demolition to remove several buildings and structures and (b) a Certificate of Appropriateness for renovations and additions to several buildings and structures, construction of a new parking lot and construction of a new open air pavilion. Chairman PulIig questioned Mr. Richardson on the necessity of Commissioner Broussard abstaining from the vote due to her involvement in the Beaumont Heritage Society. Mr. Richardson stated he saw no need for Commissioner Broussard to abstain. Mr. Richardson requested combining Item #1 and Item #2 as a subject, but vote separately. All proposed changes will eventually go on to the Planning Commission and the City Council for approval. The Beaumont Heritage Center wishes to make a number of improvements to the John J. French Museum to make it much more user friendly. Improvements will include the demolition of mannES Historic Landmark Commission Seplember 11, 1"5 the existing administrative offices, the carport, an out building and a number of drives and sidewalks. In addition, one small building is to be moved across the street from its current location, a new parking lot is to be built on the David French home site and a 425 ft. addition is to be built on the rear of the David French house. The Heritage Center is also proposing an open air pavilion to be built on the David French property. Mr. Richardson recommended approval of both CA-125 (a)(b) and 1283-P. Councilman Cokinos inquired on the number of total acreage. Mr. Richardson stated there are just over 4 acres, for the entire Museum site. In discussion of the open air pavilion, Mr. Richardson stated there will be an ADA approved restroom and storage facility built on the end, the roof will be shingled to match what is on the David French house. The pavilion will be constructed of treated lumber. Mr. Richardson stated the proposal includes a screening fence along the East, North, West and Southwest sides of the museum. Commissioner Hamilton asked if it would be a chain link fence. Mr. Richardson stated it will bean 8' tall cypress fence. The fence will be put in place to help buffer the residents from the museum. Mr. Richardson concluded his presentation and recommended the approval of both items. No questions from the Commission to the staff. S12eaking in Favor David Grove 250 Circuit Beaumont, Texas Commissioner Hamilton questioned Mr. Grove on whether the gift shop will be incorporated into the new structures. Mr. Grove indicated it would be. Commissioner Hamilton also questioned Mr. Grove on whether there are any plans to enhance the walkway to the cemetery. Mr. Grove indicated that it would eventually happen, but it is not being proposed at this time. Commissioner Embs asked about the proposed timetable for the project. Mr. Grove indicated that they have not held any fundraisers as of yet, since they were awaiting approval from the Historic Landmark Commission, the Planning Commission and the City Council. They have no money in hand, but will begin upon final approval. The project could take a couple of years, 2 MURI S Historic Landmark Commission September 11, 1995 but Mr. Groves indicated they will begin as soon as possible. Chairman Pullig requested that when the David French home is renovated that it should be done in such a way that it can also receive a local designation. Commissioner Hamilton motioned to approve CA-125 (a)(b). Commissioner Ebow seconded the motion. Motion carried 7:0. Commissioner Hamilton motioned to approve 1283-P. Commissioner Ebow seconded. Motion carried 7:0 Chairman Pullig closed the public hearing. REGULAR MEETING 1) Endorsement of 1996 CLG Grant Application Chairman Pullig reminded the Commission that the CLG Grant application must be turned in to Austin by September 29th. He and Mr. Richardson have previously discussed this matter, as well as the discussion held by the Commission at the workshop held on August 28th. Mr. Richardson presented the request to the Commission for the endorsement of the City of Beaumont's CLG with the Texas Historical Commission. The application is a request to fund travel for three commissioners and one staff person to attend annual CLG Conference, which is tentatively scheduled for Dallas. Additionally, funding is being requested for Phase VI of the SPARE Beaumont. Phase VI would be done in the Chariton Pollard neighborhood and would coincide with the revitalization efforts that are now being done by the city in this particular neighborhood. It seems to be an appropriate time to undertake this SPARE. Various phases were conducted in this neighborhood in 1977,1990 and 1992. At that time there were approximately 200 structures surveyed. Since that time, there has been a lot of demolition, so this would be a good time to take a second look at that area. This would also tie in with the commissions CBDG request in that this might be able to help us identify some structures that the Historical Commission would then .like to request CBDG funding to renovate. Numbers are not generated at this point, but will be forthcoming. A key element of this request is who will be used to do the surveys and what kind of volunteer work can be obtained from some of the Commissioners. Discussion at the workshop centered on using Lamar University History Major students and some of the Commission members offered their assistance in helping staff with this survey and in helping with MINUTES Historic Landmark Commission September 11, 1995 the students. The time frame from last year was approximately 260 hours in the request from last year. Mr. Richardson questioned the possibility of the same amount for this year. Chairman Pullig asked if this would be for next summer. Mr. Richardson indicated it would be. Chairman Pullig volunteered his services, as well as Vice -Chairman Stedman, Commissioner Stiles, and Commissioner Hamilton. The Chair addressed each commissioner that was present to volunteer as well. Commissioner Sutton questioned consideration for security since there were problems last time. Mr. Richardson suggested surveying during daylight hours with at least two people. Chairman Pullig stated that 260 hours would be a workable figure. Commissioner Embs questioned the dollar amounts on the two proposals. Chairman Pullig stated that these amounts cannot be plugged in until the number of hours has been established/approved. Mr. Richardson stated that the typical match is 60-40. The city paying 40%, the state paying 60%. However, when we do in kind, that match goes to 50-50. They also want to fund everyone who wants to attend the annual conference, so basically that would be a 60-40 match. Chairman Pullig stated that because of the way it works, the funding for the annual conference should not present any problems. But the only way to get the entire funding for the SPARE work is for Beaumont to be rated number 1 out of 30 applicants. The Historic Commission agreed unanimously to endorse the CLG Grant Application. 2) Revolvint? Loan Fund - Financial Report Chairman Pullig asked for questions from the Commission. Commissioner Hamilton asked if payments were being received on the KCS depot in the form of rent. Mr. Richardson stated yes, at $806.00 per month. Commissioner Sutton asked who is responsible for upkeep. Mr. Richardson stated that it is the city's responsibility. Chairman Pullig stated that money doesn't come out of the loan fund. 3) Chairman Pullig deferred the Chairman's Report until the next meeting date. 4) Chairman Pullig introduced Mr. Pat Harrigan of Lamar University. Mr. Harrigan gave his presentation on the history of the streets and subdivisions of Beaumont. MR41im Historic Landmark Commission September 11, 1995 (Commissioner Terrence Holmes arrived) (Commissioner Stiles arrived) OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Hamilton introduced Mr. Tracey Richardson, current chairman of the Jefferson County Historical Commission. Chairman Pullig pointed out an addendum to the packet which is a listing of Texas Historical Markers. Several are also Recorded Texas Landmarks. Also included in packets is calendar for the next few months. Mr. Richardson pointed out that the Preservation Conference in Fort Worth, Ti. in October; the APA Conference will be going on at the same time. Chairman Pullig questioned the HLC's October meeting. It was decided, dependent upon the conference schedules, that the regular meeting will either be postponed for one week or will be cancelled. Mr. Richardson will monitor cases as they come up and make a decision on the necessity for a meeting at that point. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED. 5