HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-2026 CHC Minutes
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Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes
February 23, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Cultural Heritage
Committee Members
Present:
Member Benjamin Arrona, Member David Blakely, Member
Sabin Gray, Member Ivan Simon, Vice Chair John Ashbaugh,
Chair John Tischler
City Staff Present: Principal Planner Brian Leveille, Deputy City Clerk Sara Armas
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1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee was
called to order on February 23, 2026 at 5:31 p.m. in the Council Chambers at
City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Tischler.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
James Papp
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 CULTURAL
HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Motion By Vice Chair Ashbaugh
Second By Member Gray
To approve the Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of the September 29,
2025 Special Meeting.
Ayes (6): Member Arrona, Member Blakely, Member Gray, Member
Simon, Vice Chair Ashbaugh, and Chair Tischler
CARRIED (6 to 0)
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4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.a REVIEW OF A REQUEST TO ENTER INTO A HISTORICAL PROPERTY
PRESERVATION CONTRACT (MILLS ACT) FOR THE LANDMARK
“MEREDITH HOUSE” PROPERTY (1421 GARDEN STREET)
Vice Chair Ashbaugh noted his Ex Parte Communications regarding the
project.
Assistant Planner Eva Wynn presented the staff report and responded to
Committee inquiries.
Applicant representatives James Papp and Beau Narragon provided a
brief overview of the project and responded to questions raised.
Chair Tischler opened the Public Hearing
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Tischler closed Public Comment
Motion By Vice Chair Ashbaugh
Second By Member Simon
Recommend the City Council approve a Mills Act historic property
preservation contract between the City and the owners of the property at
1421 Garden Street.
Ayes (6): Member Arrona, Member Blakely, Member Gray, Member
Simon, Vice Chair Ashbaugh, and Chair Tischler
CARRIED (6 to 0)
4.b REQUEST TO DESIGNATE THE PROPERTY AT 571 PISMO STREET,
CURRENTLY LISTED AS A LOCAL REGISTER RESOURCE, AS A
LANDMARK IN THE CITY’S INVENTORY OF HISTORIC RESOURCES
Assistant Planner Eva Wynn presented the staff report and responded to
Committee inquiries.
Applicant representatives James Papp and Benjamin Winter provided a
brief overview of the project and responded to questions raised.
Chair Tischler opened the Public Hearing
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Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Tischler closed Public Comment
Motion By Vice Chair Ashbaugh
Second By Member Arrona
Recommend to the City Council the property at 571 Pismo Street is
qualified to be included in the City’s Inventory of Historic Resources as a
Historic Landmark.
Ayes (4): Member Arrona, Member Gray, Vice Chair Ashbaugh, and Chair
Tischler
Noes (2): Member Blakely and Member Simon
CARRIED (4 to 2)
5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a STAFF UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Principal Planner Brian Leveille provided an update of the following:
• No items scheduled for the March 23, 2026 Regular Meeting
• Tentative items scheduled for the April 27, 2026 Regular Meeting
• The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art project will be brought before
the Committee in the future, specifically regarding a reconstruction
of the façade which will be reviewed for compliance with Design
Guidelines
• Another Landmark designation application will also be brought for
review by the Committee soon
• The Fremont Theater sign was determined to be in poor condition
after recent portions crumbled due to weather; Community
Development is working with property owners to assist in restoring
and reconstructing the sign to Secretary of Interior standards
• The Committee has three positions open for applications due to
vacancies and expiring terms
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Vice Chair Ashbaugh updated the Committee regarding the celebration of
the Semi Quincentennial and a proposed sign of the Anza expedition.
Member Simon updated the Committee of upcoming speaker Cameron
Jones for the Carnegie Hall Series at the History Center of San Luis
Obispo. He also wanted to recognize the work put in by the owners of
1116 Pismo Street, the "Vollmer House", which had previously come
before the Committee for review.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the
Cultural Heritage Committee is scheduled for March 23, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
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APPROVED BY CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE: 04/27/2026