HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-13-95 HLC Minutes3:00 p.m.
The Historic Landmark Commission met at 2355 Harrison to inspect the completed work on
the house. This inspection is a requirement of the tax abatement request by Dean
Terrebonne and Rusty Chimeno.
Council Chambers
City Hall
4:00 p.m.
The February 13, 1995 Historic Landmark Commission meeting was called to order at 4:00
p.m. by Vice -Chairman Jessica Foy.
The following Commissioners were present:
Vice -Chairman Jessica Foy
Commissioner Sam Pullig
Commissioner JoAnn Stiles
Commissioner Walter Sutton
Commissioner Darcy Watler
Commissioner Becki Stedman
Commissioner Debra Kay Johnson (arrived 4:05 p.m.)
Commissioner Terrence Holmes (arrived 4:15 p.m.)
The following Commissioners were absent:
Commissioner Raymond Chaison
Commissioner Bruce Hamilton
Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Secretary; Patsy Ellis, Recording Secretary;
Kimberly James, Planning Technician.
Also present: Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos; Carolyn Howard, Beaumont
Main Street; Former Chairman Mary Jane Buttrill.
MINLrn3S
Landmark Commission
]Meeting
January 9,1994
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Pullig to approve the minutes of the January 9,1995
meeting with amendments as suggested by Commissioner Pullig.
Commissioner Watler seconded the motion.
The motion passed 7:0.
PUBLIC HEARING
1) File 33-HC: Request to delete and remove the HC-L(Historic-Cultural Landmark
Preservation Designation) from the property located at 1835 Pennsylvania. Owner:
Rose Marie Owens.
Stephen Richardson stated that this. request came before the Commission for a
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Certificate of Appropriateness at the last meeting for aluminum windows to be
placed in this structure at 1835 Pennsylvania. He stated that there is a local historic
designation on the house. Ms. Owens received the HC-L designation on her
property in 1986. Since that time the residence has undergone several renovations
and alterations. Ms. Owens is proposing additional alterations to the property, one
of which is the aluminum windows. At that meeting, Ms. Owens asked that the
Historic Landmark Commission consider the removal of the HC designation. Mr.
Richardson stated that it is Staffs recommendation that the Commission approve
this request.
Ms. Rose Marie Owens stated that she appreciates the Commission considering her
request and she just wants to get on with the work to be done.
Commissioner Watler made a motion to accept Staffs recommendation to remove
and delete the HC-L designation from the property at 1835 Pennsylvania.
Commissioner Pullig seconded the motion.
Motion passed 7:0.
2) 95-TE-6: Request for a tax abatement for a single family residential property located
in a HC-L Overlay District and the Oaks Historic District. Location: 2355
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MURUES
Landmark Commission
Meeting
January 9, 1994
Harrison; Applicant: Rusty Chimeno and Dean Terrebone.
Stephen Richardson stated that the applicants received the HC designation on this
property in September, 1994. Improvements have been made to the house in the
amount of $35,566. The tax abatement is for improvements only. The tax abatment
would be on the $35,566. The current appraisal on the structure is $101,620. This
request will then be forwarded to City Council for their final consideration. If the
City Council approves this request, the Historic Commission will then vote in March
on whether the applicants have completed the work in an appropriate manner.
Mr. Richardson stated that when someone asks for a tax abatement they make
application to the Historic Commission with the proposed improvements. The
Historic Commission then makes a recommendation to City Council. City Council
then approves or disapproves a certification for exemption and they do that in
resolution form. If approved, the applicant makes the improvements and then an
application is made to the Historic Commission for verification. A tour is made to
see if the improvements have been substantially completed. The secretary then
notifies the tax appraisal district to apply the tax exemption status.
Mr. Richardson showed the Commission colored pictures of the home before the
renovations were made.
Mr. Richardson then discussed with the Commission the merits of the tax abatement
and reminded them that the current appraised value of the home ($101,620) would
be the basis of the abatement.
Mr. Dean Terrebonne stated that none of the labor by himself or Rusty Chimeno
was included in the cost of the improvements to the structure. Mr. Terrebonne also
suggested that more up-to-date information should be made available to anyone
contemplating applying for a tax abatement. He stated that in some areas parts of
the information made available to him was conflicting information.
Vice -Chairman Foy closed the Public Hearing at this point, and asked the
Commission for discussion on the matter.
Commissioner Pullig asked Mr. Richardson if he agreed that this case would not set
a precedent for future tax abatements. Mr. Richardson stated that a precedent would
not be set.
Commission Pullig then made a motion to accept Staffs recommendation to approve
the tax abatement at 2355 Harrison.
Commissioner Stedman seconded the motion.
} MINUTES
Landmark Commission
Meeting
January 9, 1994
Vice -Chairman Foy stated that her concern would be setting a precedent that this
request does not technically follow the ordinance in that there obviously wasn't
substantial need for rehabilitation or restoration according to the terms of the
ordinance and the definitions of the ordinance.
Commissioner Stedman and Commissioner Stiles also voiced concerns about setting
a precedent for future tax abatements.
Motion passed 5:4.
REGULAR MEETING:
1) Historic Commission Application Forms:
Stephen Richardson reviewed forms from the "Basic Documents" book with the
Commissioners.
2) CLG Conference - March 10-11, 1995:
Stephen Richardson stated that the request is to send three (3) Commissioners and
a staff person to the CLG Conference in Austin on March 10-11, 1995. Mr.
Richardson asked if anyone was interested in going to the conference.
3) Revolving Loan Fund - Financial Report:
Stephen Richardson stated that there is $30,425.22 in the Regular Fund and
$3,052.83 in the Oaks Fund for a total of $33,478.05.
4) February/March Calendar of Events:
5) Chairman's Report:
No report.
OTHER BUSINESS
1. Vice -Chairman Foy asked Mr. Richardson for a brief update on the status of some
of the buildings that have been designated for demolition. Mr. Richardson stated
that it is his understanding that negotiations are continuing on the LaSalle Hotel.
Mr. Richardson stated that he has received approval from the State Historic
Commission for demolition on the St. Therese Hospital, At the last meeting,
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Landmark Commimion
Meeting
January 9, 1994
Commissioner Pullig had mentioned that several people were interested in
purchasing and rehabilitating that building. But after further studies, they decided
that it would not be feasible.
2) Commissioner Waller gave a report on the status of several historic buildings in the
area.
3) Vice -Chairman Foy gave a brief discussion on Preservation Week, May, 1995. She
stated that the Commission should come up a project this year. She asked Carolyn
Howard to give a brief report on what Beaumont Main Street is planning for the
week.
Ms. Howard stated that she hopes to give the tours of buildings in downtown
Beaumont as was done last year in February.
4) Commissioner Embs reminded Vice -Chairman Foy that several of the commissioners'
terms of office have expired. Ms. Foy reminded the commissioners that most of the
positions are renewable, but she asked Mr. Richardson if there were any news oa the
re -appointments or appointments of new commissioners.
Mr. Richardson stated that he would write a memo to the City Manager, but
reminded the commissioners that it takes a long time for appointments.
5) Vice -Chairman Foy presented a Certificate of Appreciation to former Chairman,
Mary Jane Bultrill.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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