HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/01/2011, SS 5 - STUDY SESSION TO DISCUSS ALTERNATIVES FOR A FORMAL COMMUNICATION PLAN TO ADDRESS PROPERTY OWNERS OF 1
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CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O 91,14
FROM: John Mandeville, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Kim Murry, Deputy Director, Long Range Planning
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION TO DISCUSS ALTERNATIVES FOR A FORMAL
COMMUNICATION PLAN TO ADDRESS PROPERTY OWNERS OF
HISTORIC PROPERTIES AND WITHIN HISTORIC DISTRICTS
RECOMMENDATION
Consider the discussion items below and provide direction to staff.
DISCUSSION
Backgound
The Council took final action on the Historic Preservation Ordinance on December 7, 2010. At
that hearing, the Council requested that staff return with a discussion of outreach options for
owners of historic properties and within historic districts. In part, this direction was prompted by
input from property owners who expressed lack of awareness that their properties were located in
a designated district or included on the list of historic resources.
Local governments have long discussed how best to interact with the citizenry they serve. With
the advent of social media, many have turned to special web sites, moderated blogs, Facebook
Pages, email blasts or tweets in addition to more traditional communication methods in order to
engage the public. As with any communication issue, the question of appropriate tool (or tools)
is based on several items: audience, interaction goal, and resources available for the effort.
In this instance, the audience has been defined by the Council: owners of properties that are
located within historic districts or are designated as historic resources. However, this is only part
of the "audience" factor. This group of owners will have differing levels of familiarity with City
regulations and differing levels of engagement. Some owners may be well-versed in electronic
media whereas others prefer to interact in person or receive paper mailers to gain information or
to provide feedback. While having an identified audience helps determine common topics that
may be of interest, there still must be some understanding of how best to engage this group.
It is also important to understand the goal of the communication. Is it to share information or to
solicit feedback? If the latter, is there a clear process defined for how the City will respond to
feedback received? Is it a one-time effort to garner public input for a particular decision or an on-
going effort to provide information or a communication avenue?
Finally, agencies must determine what resources are available to devote to the effort. Especially
in the case of electronic media (web pages, Facebook and twitter accounts), the communication
SS5-1
Historic Properties Communication Plan Page 2
Finally, agencies must determine what resources are available to devote to the effort. Especially
in the case of electronic media (web pages, Facebook and twitter accounts), the communication
tool must be updated weekly or even daily in order for the tool to be effective. This takes a
commitment of staff resources that must be considered in light of other assignments and
priorities.
Current City Department Outreach Efforts
Several City Departments provide outreach to citizens covering a variety of topics. The Public
Works Department emails several press releases each month to local media outlets and agencies
regarding City projects and events. Weekly commuter/construction updates are posted on the
City's website and also provided to the same media outlets. In May, the Department participates
in National Public Works Week at Farmers' Market where equipment and educational displays
are set up to inform market attendees of the various ways Public Works serves the community.
The Economic Development Program sends twice monthly "e-tips" to business owners and
provides a newsletter to owners of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. After almost two
years of collecting email addresses, the list is comprised of nearly 2,500 addresses. The
newsletter is produced in response to key issues or meeting outcomes or reports. While this was
produced more frequently when the URM effort was newly underway, the newsletter is now
distributed electronically 2-3 times/year.
The Utilities Department sends out monthly utility bills and quarterly newsletters. The monthly
billings provide an opportunity to distribute short communications directly to utility customers.
The longer newsletters are professionally produced and typically focus on water, wastewater,
water quality (i.e. creeks), or storm water issues. At times, the newsletter has been used to
address non-utility related topical issues such as the Census 2010 where an article in the
newsletter encouraged residents to complete their Census materials to ensure a complete count.
Finance recently used the monthly utility billing to distribute the community budget survey
asking residents for feedback on their top priorities for the City as well as budget reduction ideas.
The Parks and Recreation Department publishes an Activity Guide three times per year and
produces a monthly newsletter to all child care users. One page hand-outs are also provided to
local schools promoting City recreation programs, and City staff participate in a radio show once
a month. For noteworthy items, the Department provides press releases and Council notes.
Sometimes post cards or marketing pieces are produced for the Jack House or Skate Park in order
to solicit donations. The Department also has a Facebook Page where upcoming events are
posted. The goal of most of these items is to promote recreational services and encourage
residents to sign up for activities.
The Community Development Department uses differing types of public outreach depending on
the topic at hand. For development projects that require a public hearing before an advisory body
or the Council, legal notices are provided in the Tribune and mailed postcards are provided to
surrounding properties. For projects that are City-wide in nature, larger newspaper ads,
workshop flyers, mailed (both postal and email) notices, community calendar entries, Channel 20
slides, Public Service Announcements; and/or information on the web site have been used to
SS5-2
Historic Properties Communication Plan Page 3
inform the public of efforts and opportunities. The Department has set up a booth at Farmers'
Market to gather input and provide information regarding things like the Climate Action Plan or
Community Planning Month. The Department has also used an open house type approach to
display planning efforts in general or to provide public viewing of the scale model of the
Chinatown project.
Various approaches have been used and are being discussed by all departments to address the
desire to provide public information and to provide a more convenient way for citizens to interact
with their local government.
Communication Plan
Staff evaluated eight different methods for communicating with the owners of historic properties.
The methods were compared to one another with respect to their ability to reach the targeted
audience, deliver the information desired, maintenance and cost. This comparison is shown in
Attachment 1. Based on the comparison, staff is recommending a biannual paper newsletter
mailed to every owner of historic property in the City. This form of communication is being
recommended because the content would be available to every property owner with a relatively
low cost in staff time to produce and a moderate cost to copy and distribute. Staff has identified
the following approach to address Council's direction:
What A newsletter to be distributed to all owners of listed historic properties (both contributing
and master list) and to all properties located within historic districts.
When: Twice per year.
How: The newsletter will be mailed to owners and also posted on the City's website. An email
list of interested parties will be notified when the newsletter is available and will be provided a
link to the newsletter on the City's website.
Content: The newsletter will provide information that pertains to historic properties or districts,
or to City efforts that may affect historic properties or districts. A draft of the first newsletter is
attached for Council review.
Content of future newsletters could contain a message from the Cultural Heritage Committee
Chair, links to historic preservation resources (such as the County Historical Museum),
description of one of the historic districts, and seismic or other information that might be helpful
to historic property owners.
Once the City has initiated this effort, it needs to be continued into the future in order to maintain
consistency and meet raised expectations. Staff efforts to correct mailing addresses for returned
mailers will be required in order to ensure targeted property owners have access to the
information provided.
SS5-3
I
Historic Properties Communication Plan Page 4
FISCAL IMPACT
Printing and postage for the newsletter will be approximately $1,500 for each mailing
($3,000/year). Staff research and writing of the newsletter will require approximately 15
hours/newsletter (30 hours/year). Maintenance of email and property addresses and website
posting are estimated to require approximately 10-20 hours/year. Resource impacts related to
questions and responses that may be generated by the newsletter ate unknown at this time.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Don't direct staff to develop outreach specific to owners of historic properties or
properties located in historic districts. While costs associated with developing and
distributing a newsletter may be minimal, diminishing staff resources will be increasingly
stressed to accomplish other priorities identified by Council and adding another
requirement may make it more difficult to complete projects.
2. Direct staff to provide historic preservation content within other City-wide
communication approaches rather than developing a separate outreach effort. This has
the advantage of educating the entire community of these efforts which may be more
appropriate given the community benefit of historic properties to community character
and property values. In addition, efforts to update the Land Use and Circulation Elements
in the near future will provide several years of outreach and engagement opportunities
that have some overlap to neighborhoods and historic districts.
3. Develop a newsletter for website posting only. Place a display ad in the Tribune to alert
residents of the location of the information. Eliminating postal mailing of newsletter
saves cost and energy.
Attachments:
1. Draft Newsletter
2. Matrix of Communication Methods
G:\CD-PLAMIKMURRY\City Council Reports\HistoricPropCommunicationCAR.doc
SS5-4
ATTACHMENT 1
FebruVolum 1,Issue
11 Historic Happenings
Volume 1,Issue 1 i,
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city of
sm lues ompo
City Adopts Historic Preservation Ordinance
After months of working ordinance and guidelines htto://www.slocity.org/com
on the language in a to make them friendlier munitvdevelopment/Histori
proposed new ordinance, and easier to understand. c%20Preservation.aso
the City Council adopted The new documents are
1 of cu,i:un„wyp+
the Historic Preservation
Ordinance and updated
being printed and will be the Historic Preservation available in hard copy at
Program Guidelines in the Community
December 2010. Thanks Development Department 'op'Pi
counter soon. In the ^s:
to the hard work of the
Cultural Heritage meantime, anyone
Committee and dedicated interested in reviewing the
members of the approved versions of the a !,
community who documents can download
them from the City's
participated, changes website at:
4.
were made to the
Lead-Based Paint
Many buildings that were renovation, repair and paint prior to conducting
constructed prior to 1978 painting projects that paint-disturbing work, or
have paint that contains disturb lead-based paint in can test the building to
lead(called lead-based pre-1978 homes to be ensure that any future
paint). Lead from this certified by the EPA. work will not be subject to
paint in the form of chips These firms should use special requirements
or dust from sanding or lead-safe practices while associated with removal of
remodeling can pose working on your home; lead-based paint.
serious health hazards if keep records to For more information,
not taken care of properly. demonstrate how they please review the County
Lead-based paint have complied with the
poisoning affects over 1 EPA regulations;and website at:
million children nationwide provide information to you, h_ttp://www.slocounty.ca.g
annually. the homeowner,that ov/planning/Ordinance C
New Federal standards shows the firm has been ompliance and Enforcem
were adopted by the certified by the EPA. ent/lead.htm
Environmental Protection Homeowners can either Lead-based paint
Agency(EPA)that now presume their older information may be found
require firms performing building has lead-based on the EPA website at:
hftp://www.epa.gov/lead/
SS5-5
ATTACHMENT 1
Historic Happenings Page 2 of 4
Focus on Old Town
Each newsletter will focus desirable one for the these older homes which
on one of the City's City's emerging merchant are characterized by
±. historic neighborhoods class and leading citizens street setbacks of 20 feet
and provide some general due to its convenient or more. The houses
background. The Old location close to the were typically raised 2-3
�. . Town Historic District was Downtown commercial feet above the finished
one of the first historic district. It was also a grade—perhaps to avoid
districts to be recognized desirable area because it any possibility of the
by the City in 1987. It is was located uphill from flooding that was
also one of the oldest the downtown area that occurring nearby.
residential neighborhoods flooded and accumulated Architectural types seen in
in the City consisting of mud in the winters. The this area include Victorian,
_ ���►� _ five subdivisions recorded wide streets and regular Queen Anne, Italianate,
00!Q1__ \ in the years between grid pattern of the area Stick and Gothic Revival
- � Q� R aG == • 1873-1903. This lends an orderly feeling to as well as row houses and
neighborhood was a Craftsman Bungalows.
�aM' Rewiring your historic home
Historic homes were built 100 amps is considered avoid damage to
long before the advent of unlikely to meet the other services
many of the appliances electrical needs of most ("Ask Twice, Drill
and technological gadgets households. The Old Once").
Examples of two existed that we now take House Journal provides
houses in the Old Town for granted. Upgrading these 10 tips for rewiring 6. Always put things
Historic District the electrical systems in success: in writing but
an older home can be a leave flexibility.
much-needed but 1. Do an electrical Older homes
challenging effort in order inventory of the almost always
not cause irreparable devices you'll use have surprises.
and where you
damage to historic 7. Find an electrician
Other resources for historic building. want to use them. who knows and
property information may 2. Check out local understands older
be found at the History Houses will sometimes let codes and obtain buildings.
Center of San Luis Obispo you know it's time to
County: rewire when breakers trip building permits.
8. Make demolition
hftp://histoacentersio.orq or fuses blow on a regular 3. Determine if you and
basis or when wire casing will run just reconstruction an
or coating has electrical, or data, integral part of the
Free podcasts for historic deteriorated to the point of fire and security job.
walking tours are also exposing bare wires. as well.
available for self-guided Oder houses were 9. Identify areas
tours of historic locations constructed at a time 4. Use your list to where a wire runs
in the City: when 60 amps was create a detailed directly from a
http://itunes.apple.com/us/ considered plenty of plan of action. circuit breaker to
p electrics for a residence. Create a punch an outlet with no
downtow -san-tori electricity list for your other devices on
downtown-san- Now, most new homes
luis/id402064507?ion- are built with anywhere electrician. the breaker in
mot=uo%3D4 from 100-200 amp service 5. Watch for existing
—and anything less than infrastructure and cont. on page 3
SS5-6
ATTACHMENT 1
Historic Happenings Page 3 of 4
Rewiring your historic home, continued
Continued from page 2
order to reduce Watch out for decorative
loads. Create a I
molding—they are very
balanced system. vulnerable to damage. _
10. Integrate switches Don't let anyone hammer ,and plates into the holds in walls. Make sure
historic look of the a hole saw is used-this
house. simplifies repairs.
Minimizing destruction as Make repairs a condition
you rewire requires that of the work.
you be explicit with your
contractor before work Never let anyone cut
begins. On 2 story through a structural beam
houses,wire the first floor to add wiring.
from below and the , '
second floor from abovea _
Information from the
through the attic. If you
have 3 stories, plan how Old House Journal,
you will address the February-March 2011. -
middle floor before www•oldhouseonline.com
allowing any holes to be
cut.
Mills Act—Tax Savings for Historic Properties
The Mills Act is a A property is eligible to Mills Act contracts have a
California State law that enter into a Mills Act minimum term of 10 years
allows cities to enter into Contract with the City if it and are automatically
contracts with owners of is designated as a"Master renewed annually until the
designated historic List" historic property on City or the owner files a
properties who agree to the City's list of historic notice of non-renewal. Some properties have
preserve, maintain, and resources. Eligible One a Mills Act contract is experienced tax savings
improve their property in properties can include terminated the property of 50% or more!
exchange for property tax residential or commercial owners taxes increase to
savings. structures. To find out if the level they would have
The City launched a Mills your property is on this been prior to the Mills Act
Act program in 1997 and list, please contact the contract.
allows up to 10 new Community Development Please contact
contracts per year for this Department site
781-7170,
visit our website at Community Development
tax savings program.The www.slocitv.orq/communit Department staff for more
property tax savings are vdevelooment,or visit our information.
tied to the property and offices located at 919
hence they transfer Palm Street between the
between property owners hours of 8 am-noon or 1-
when the property is sold. 3 pm.
SS5-7
- ATTACHMENT 1
Historic Happenings Page 4 of 4
Communis
Development Historic Windows—replace or repalrP
Department There are two important sustainable aspect of by retaining older
919 Palm Street elements when historic windows. windows: Infiltration of
San Luis Obispo CA 93401 considering the outside air rather than
p Natural ventilation can
alternatives to replacing reduce the need or size of heat lost through the glass
PHONE: historic windows: is the principal culprit
(805)781-7170authenticity and mechanical ventilation and affecting historic window
repairing historic materials
sustainability. One might efficiency. Restoring
FAX: can reduce the need to
not automatically think of windows and
(805)781-7173 harvest live trees and
sustainability when incorporating some retrofit
E-MAIL: considering historic other natural resources to components(such as
pdunsmore@slocity.org windows but there is produce replacement weather stripping and
products. Energy
evidence that supports the efficiency can be achieved seals)can meet the same
efficiency of replacement
units.
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We're on the Web!
See us at:
www.slocity.org
If you have an idea for an article or have a topic of
interest that you believe other property owners might
enjoy, please let us know.
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
COMMUNITY DEV DEPT
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
ADDRESSEE
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From: Joseph Carotenuti Bacjs@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 8:40 AM
To: Murry, Kim
Cc: Cano, Elaina; Chippendale, Sue; Dan Carpenter; Ashbaugh, John; Jan Marx
Subject: Re: Historic Properties/Districts Communication
RED FILE
MEETING AGENDA
Thanks Kim DAT ITEM # 5S 5-
A citywide communications plan with most any individual/group
involved in various aspects of local history certainly is needed...and
not just on structures. It would a grand way to underscore the city's
interest in its heritage. However, given the City's budget, it needs to
be via email. Those without computers can subscribe to receiving a
print copy.
JACarotenuti
From: "Murry, Kim" <kmurry@slocity.org>
Cc: "Chippendale, Sue" <schippen@slocity.org>
Sent: Wed, February 23, 20118:19:29 AM
Subject: Historic Properties/Districts Communication
During the last hearing on the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the City Council asked staff to return to
them with options to consider for regular communication to property owners of historic properties and
within historic districts. The item is scheduled as a study session before the Council on March 1st and
your input and feedback is important. The Council will benefit from hearing from you regarding the best
way to reach owners of these properties with information that is of interest.
The staff report may be found at the link below.
http://www.slocity.ora/ciiyclerk/agendas/2011/0301 1 1/ss5communicationpla nhistoric.pdf
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!
6ae+d cogn Imant .
O COUNCIL o CDD DIR
Kim Murry a CrPvMGR 0FITDIR
Deputy Director, Long Range Planning a ASS[CM o MECHMF
City of San Luis Obispo , Community Development o ATMPMY a PWDiR
CL MMIUG G POLICE CHIEF
91.9 Palm Street c rPRtBUNe o IPA &RECDM
San Luis Obispo CA 93401 RECEIVED a �� a HRDIR
Ph: 805-781-7274 FAX: 805-781-7173 a SLOCTIYNM aCoUriaL
Web: w6 sloci .or a arym R
c CLER[
Email: kmur yr @slocity org FEB 2 3 2011
SLO CITY CLERK
2/23/2011
\ i
i
!r From: Mike Wise [mailto:yyyguys@yahoo.com] RED FILE
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 20119:33 AM MEETING AGENDA
To: Murry; Kim DAT / // ITEM #
Cc: Dan Carpenter
Subject: Re: Historic Properties/Districts Communication
Kim,
Thank you for this outreach. Our pioneer anscestors have been in San Luis Obispo
County since 1865 and owned the "Payne House", 1144 Palm Street, since shortly after it
was built in 1913. We applaud the city's interest in encouraging the retention of the old
homes in San Luis Obispo. The newsletter is terrific. Email is good. I don't do social
media.
We are so relieved that the fines, penalties and sanctions proposed last Fall were
dropped; they would have created angst and resentment from the property
owners. Normal planning guidelines can preserve the historic houses.
I believe that flexibility in zoning and land use for remaining historic homes is needed
in view of zoning changes which were made prior to the 1980's; zoning changes which
now prevent compatible,but prohibited uses, such as "Bed and Breakfast". The
earlier zoning changes (usually to "Office") allowed mundane offices and apartments to
replace the two nicest homes on our block, an ornate Victorian and a Spanish home. But
for the cities encouragement in the 1970's, those beautiful homes would still be here and
the block would still be Magnolia lined with striking homes on each lot.
I hope the city acknowledges the value in maintaining original ownership and original
uses or compatible uses, by allowing zoning variances. Encourage policies which allow
for the old timers to stay. There aren't many of us left who remember San Luis Obispo
with a soda fountain at Woolworths,New Years at Sinsheimers, Richard Chong's candy
shop... before the college crowd and a collection of boutique stores downtown (neither
bad,but not historic). I hope the city recognizes value not only in the historic structures,
but the value in accomodating long term residents, traditional values, private property,
and compatible land uses and zoning variances in changing neighborhoods to maintain
houses in the family.
This is not a specific request for our property,but an encouragement for the city to
establish a policy to accomodate owners of historic homes who find themselves an island
in the middle of a office zone.
Cordially, RECEIVED
Mike Wise FEB 2 3 TOIL
--- On Wed, 2/23/11, Murry, Kim <kmurry@slocity.org>wrote: SLO CITY CLERK
From: Murry, Kim <kmurry@slocity.org>
Subject: Historic Properties/Districts Communication hard C ° emait:
To: o �'
cffyMrA o FrfD>t
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Cc: "Chippendale, Sue" <schippen@slocity.org> o �RM o DM
Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 8:19 AM a CUMMRtc a PWCEC1UU
a PI& a PARKS&RECDIR
a MUBM o UMDIR
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During the last hearing on the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the City Council asked
staff to return to them with options to consider for regular communication to property
owners of historic properties and within historic districts. The item is scheduled as a
study session before the Council on March 1s'and your input and feedback is important.
The Council will benefit from hearing from you regarding the best way to reach owners of
these properties with information that is of interest.
The staff report may be found at the link below.
http://www.slocity.org/cityclerk/agendas/2011/0301 1 1/ss5communicatibnplanhistoric.pdf
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!
Kim Murry
Deputy Director, Long Range Planning
City of San Luis Obispo , Community Development
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Ph: 805-781-7274 FAX: 805-781-7173
Web: www.slocitv.org
Email: kmurry(a slocity.org
RECEIVE®
From: Randy Dettmer, AIA [mailto:rcdettmer@charter.net] FEB 2 8 2011
Sent: Friday, February 25, 20118:21 AM
To: Murry, Kim SLID CITY CLERK
Subject: RE: Historic Properties/Districts Communication
Good morning Kim,
Thank you for touching base, and requesting input regarding communications to historic property
owners.We are in support of the method proposed in your staff report for a bi-annual newsletter
mailed to all historic property owners, along with email announcements for those on the email list,
and posting on the city website. Good luck with your presentation to Council on March 151. If you
have questions, or would like further input, please contact me at your convenience. Thanks.
Randy Dettmer, AIA, NCARB
Director of Legislative Affairs. RED FILE
American Institute of Architects Central Coast Chapter
- MEETING AGENDA
PATE4L//-/L ITEM # SSS
Hi Kim,
Thank you for allowing us to review the ideas presented to increase communication and
awareness of individuals who live in historic districts. Rachael Greenlee from our office came up
with some additional comments:
I think the newsletter option that they are proposing is the best alternative and the sample they
have put together looks very nice. I especially like the additional information on how to repair
historic structures without destroying integrity.
My suggestion would be to encourage the residents of the historic districts to form community
groups(if it hasn't occurred already), such as the Old Town Historic District group, that would
meet once every month or two. These were very popular in some of the historic neighborhoods in
Indianapolis. They served as part Neighborhood Watch, part social gathering for the residents. If
anything, they may create a sense of community within the historic district and encourage
residents to maintain their historic properties. Ideally, a member of the community group would
volunteer to create and maintain a Facebook page/website/blog, etc., thus relieving that burden
from the SLO city staff.
Hope these comments are useful, hard w .
Rachael
0 CGUKU 0 CDD Dut
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Rachael Greenlee, M.S. 0 AMCM 0 ME CHEF
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Historical Archaeologist 0 CLERMMG o POUaCHU
Garcia and Associates (GANDA) o PM 0 PAW&RECDM
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Carole Denardo, M.A., RPA °cRYMc�R o ta.mtx ,
Cultural Resources Manager
Garcia and Associates (GANDA)
(805) 350-3134
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From: Allan Cooper [mailto:allancoope@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 20114:56 PM
To: Murry, Kim
Subject: Re: Historic Properties/Districts Communication
Dear Kim-
I will be out of town on March I st. I will urge our supporters to attend this workshop
however. Could you forward my letter to the Council? Thanks for all of your good work!
- Allan
September 26,2011
Kim Murry-
Save Our Downtown supports the concept of a hard copy City Newsletter to be mailed bi-annually to all property
owners who reside in and/or who own historically-listed properties or are located in an historic district.The newsletter
will also be posted on the City's website.The latter proposal(i.e.,City website posting)is especially important to us as
many of us feel invested in the preservation and restoration of historic properties in San Luis Obispo even though we
may not own an historic property or reside in an historic district.
We also believe that tenants of historic properties,whether they be residential or commercial,should also be copied this
newsletter in order to raise their awareness of the importance of historic preservation.This is because tenant
improvements,particularly with regards to commercial properties,may not always be sensitive to preserving the
authentic decor or historical style of the building interior.
We congratulate the City staff and the City Council in it's on-going effort to further enhance open communications with
it's citizenry.
Allan Cooper,Chair
Save Our Downtown
F ) FILE
V " MEETING AGENDA herd co e,afl.-
DATE.!/-0/ ITEM # ss� ° Co NCIL °CDDDIR
° CRYMGR °PRDIR
From: Kevin Bright [mailto:kevin_bright_99@yahoo.com] ° A'CM o ME CHIEF
ATIORNEY Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 12:57 PM n G
o PwDm
POLICE CHIEF
To: Murry, Kim u DUNE 13 PARKS&RECDIR
Subject* Re: Historic Properties/Districts Communication ° NEW TaM o HR IR
° SLI)CRYNM °COUNCIL
°CRY MGR
Ms Murry, °CUM
Thank you for providing information on the proposed notification of the Historic
Properties Ordinance. I have read the letter outlining the recommendations.
The methods' recommended are haphazard and treat notification as a necessary
inconvenience or as an afterthought.
The methods proposed'all assume property owners are PC savvy and read all the "junk
mail" and unsolicited correspondence they receive. These assumptions are invalid.
Each homeowner should not be required to be computer literate, have time and
interest to read unsolicited mail or email, etc.
Instead, each property owner should be considered unique, busy and concerned about
their investment in real property subject to your Ordinance. Each should be provided
the t espect of direct service by the City of this Ordinance.
Notification should be as follows:
Each homeowner is personally "served notice", by the City.
Notification would be the same level of documentation as required for a subpoena with
a city employee/official, police officer or process server attesting service to each
homeowner.
Each homeowner would receive a copy, delivered by hand, of the Ordinance and a
details outline of the procedures to appeal or challenge any enforcement by the City.
A first step to a property being subject to this Ordinance would require the city to show
the homeowner had been notified as described.
This ordinance materially impacts the rights of the property owners as well as the
marketability of their property. Accordingly, the City of San Luis Obispo's encroachment
of these rights must respect the homeowners rights by providing specific notification to
the people involved.
Today,the City faces significant budget deficits. How many employee hours and
resources have been spent on this Ordnance already? What is the:forecasted costs of
litigation?Administration? Notification as I have described? The memo and earlier
documentation provide a very cursory estimate of expenses incurred and some
forecasting too. A much more thorough estimate must be developed before anymore
TAXPAYER FUNDS are expended on the Ordinance.
Enactment of this Ordinance was unilateral and discretionary by the City. San Luis
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SLO CITY CLERK
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Obispo has flourished for years without this encroachment on property owner rights.
Because of the current budget crisis and the additional cost of administration/litigation
this discretionary Ordinance will incur I recommend the entire notification process and
effective date of this Ordinance be postponed until a balanced city budget is achieved
or at least until next fiscal year funding is determined.
Thank you for the opportunity to present my views.
Kevin Bright
RED FILE
MEETING AGENDA
From: Susan Coward[SMTP:SUSAN@MRCOWARD.COM] DATE-3 ITEM # �
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 3 :47:11 PM
To: Council, SloCity; Murry, Kim
Subject: Alternatives for a formal communication plan to address
property owners of historic properties and within historic districts.
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear Mayor Marx and City Council Members,
So sorry for the late correspondence. Childcare issues are keeping me
from attending this evening's meeting. I 'm writing regarding the last
item on tonight's agenda, the study session regarding alternatives for
a formal communication plan to address property owners of historic
properties and within historic districts.
Perhaps my vision of an actively involved historic community goes
beyond the city's own vision. If the goal is to merely "address
property owners" (as indicated by the title of the study session) a
newsletter twice a year might be a nice something. But addressing
people is one-way communication.
Has the city contacted other cities known for their vibrant historic
districts? Have they been asked about the role of citizen involvement
in building community, increasing pride of ownership and opening doors
to continued improvement? I'm guessing the answers involve open
communication with property owners and ways for them to participate and
be heard.
If we want to see these districts thrive, we must INVOLVE, ENGAGE and
INSPIRE. property owners. If we want to help property owners create and
maintain a proud and responsive historic community, a newsletter twice
a year won't do that.
Of course, I welcome a newsletter above the alternatives on page SS5-4
of the staff report, but have you asked:
1) Will it be effective?
2) will it be enough?
3) What will it accomplish?
4) How will it answer the question in everyone's mind in the split
second in which they decide if they'll take the time to read something:
"Will reading this benefit me, and in what way?"
I'd love to be part of future discussions. I just heard about this
agenda item last Wednesday by e-mail and the neighbors I spoke with
hadn't heard about it at all. So I guess we've shown once again that
improved communication really is necessary.
I know staff time is valuable and money is short. Please remember there
are a whole lot of citizens out there who could help this city do a
whole lot of good if given the opportunity to do so. And that kind of
involvement, of course, is both valuable and priceless.
Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts,
Susan Coward hard co = ermaill:
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