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Home My WebLink About08-24-2015 CHC MinutesCultural Heritage Committee Minutes !r Monday, August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Cultural Heritage Committee CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee was called to order on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Hill. ROLL CALL Present: Committee Members Sandy Baer, Craig Kincaid, James Papp, Vice -Chair Thom Brajkovich, and Chair Jaime Hill Absent: Two Positions Vacant Staff Present: Senior Planner Phil Dunsmore, Assistant Planner Kyle Bell, Supervising Civil Engineer David Athey, and Deputy City Clerk Heather Goodwin ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. MINUTES By consensus, the Committee approved the Minutes of the Cultural Heritage Committee meeting of July 27, 2015, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON - AGENDA ITEMS There were no members of the public desiring to speak. PUBLIC HEARINGS 624 Grove Street. HIST- 1633 -2015; Historic significance determination of a potentially - contributing structure, with an exemption from CEQA (General Rule); R -1 zone; David Spiegel, applicant. Assistant Planner Bell reviewed the contents of the staff report, recommending that the Committee adopt a resolution recommending the City Council place 624 Grove Street on the Contributing List of Historic Resources. Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of August 24 2015 Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS David Spiegel, Applicant, reviewed the condition of the structure, pointing out that the craftsmanship is poor and there have been several additions; advised that there are no known photos of the structure prior to 1989. Kurt Spiegel, Owner, stated that the porch addition was likely constructed after 1927; opined that the property does not have any historical significance and therefore the property should not be added to the Contributing List of Historic Resources. In response to Committee inquiry, Mr. Spiegel advised that he acquired the property in 1997; explained that he remodeled the front porch due to deterioration and will remodel the side porch in the future. There being no others desiring to speak, Chair Hill closed the public hearing. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Senior Planner Dunsmore explained that by adding the property to the Contributing List of Historic Resources, staff would work with the applicant to ensure future upgrades would not destroy character defining features and that it complies with historic preservation guidelines. During the course of discussion individual members of the Committee concurred that the property should not be added to the Contributing List of Historic Resources, noting that several additions have been constructed over the decades which detract from the original structure. In response to Committee inquiry, Senior Planner Dunsmore noted that any future redevelopment of the property will be subject to the Community Design Guidelines. There were no further comments made from the Committee. On motion by Commissioner Papp, seconded by Commissioner Baer, the Committee found that modifications made to the structure have significantly compromised the architectural integrity of the residence and therefore the property does not meet the criteria of the Historic Preservation Ordinance for being added to the Contributing List of Historic Resources, AYES: Committee Members Bear, Brajkovich, Hill, Kincaid, Papp NOES: None RECUSED: None ABSENT: None The motion carried on a 5:0 vote. Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of August 24, 2015 _ Page 3 2. 1504 Santa Rosa Street. ARCH - 1664 -2015; Review of an approximately 80 square foot addition on a Contributing historic property, with a categorical exemption from CEQA; R- 2-H zone; Catherine Sheel, applicant. Assistant Planner Bell reviewed the contents of the staff report, recommending that Cultural Heritage Committee approve the project, based on findings and subject to conditions. PUBLIC COMMENTS Steven Soenke, Project Architect, advised that the applicant desires to construct an addition at the rear of the structure to expand the master bedroom; advised that there are historic structures in the backyard which limits the addition to the side yard. There being no others desiring to speak, Chair Hill closed the public hearing. COMMITTEE COMMENTS In response to inquiries, Mr. Soenke advised that the applicant prefers a hip roof rather than a gable roof to prevent encroachment onto the property line; explained that the original window cannot be reused per the California Building Code. There were no further comments made from the Committee. On motion by Commissioner Kincaid, seconded by Commissioner Baer, the Commission adopted a resolution recommending the Community Development Director approve the construction of an addition to a Contributing Historic Property at 1504 Santa Rosa Street. AYES: Committee Members Bear, Brajkovich, Hill, Kincaid, Papp NOES: None RECUSED: None ABSENT: None The motion carried on a on a 5:0 vote. 3. Railroad Historic District. PDEV- 1445 -2015; Establish a new Engineering Standard for the boardwalk sidewalk area in the Railroad Historic District to replace the current design, with a categorical exemption from CEQA; City of San Luis Obispo — Public Works Dept., applicant. Senior Planner Dunsmore and Supervising Civil Engineer Athey reviewed the contents of the staff report, recommending that the Committee amend the Railroad District Plan to allow greater flexibility in the use of materials for the boardwalk and recommend Public Works Director Grigsby revise the engineering standards for boardwalks in the Railroad Historic District. Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of August 24 2015 Page 4 In response to Committee inquiries, Supervising Civil Engineer Athey advised that the current board walk is constructed with green- treated hemlock fir; noted that stamped concrete is durable and requires low maintenance. PUBLIC COMMENTS Glen Matteson, San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, San Luis Obispo, conveyed support in installing durable sidewalks; stated that existing boardwalk is not an authentic feature of the Railroad District. There being no others desiring to speak, Chair Hill closed the public hearing. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Vice -Chair Brajkovich opined that pressure treated wood is not durable for a boardwalk, recommending use of stamped concrete when replacing sections of the boardwalk; suggested that the Railroad District Design Guidelines be modified to eliminate the term "wood." Committee Member Baer suggested that the guidelines be modified to eliminate the terms "wood" and "boardwalk" to allow for the greater flexibility in selecting sidewalk materials such as bricks or pavers. Chair Hill spoke in support of discrete concrete sidewalks and a disability access ramp; pointed out that stamped concrete sidewalks can be difficult to maintain and match. Committee Member Papp voiced support for modifying the guidelines to eliminate the terms "wood" and "boardwalk "; opined that stamped concrete resembling railroad tracks would not be appropriate. Vice -Chair Brajokovich spoke in favor of stamped concrete which resembles railroad tracks; opined that the Rail Road District needs more character - defining features. Chair Hill noted that the existing sidewalk is narrow, suggesting that a detached sidewalk with landscaping be installed to enhance the Railroad District's pedestrian atmosphere. There were no further comments made from the Committee. On motion by Commissioner Papp, seconded by Commissioner Kincaid, the Committee adopted a resolution recommending amendments to the Railroad District Plan and options for the Public Works Director to approve modifications to the Engineering Standard for sidewalks. AYES: Committee Members Bear, Brajkovich, Hill, Kincaid, Papp NOES: None RECUSED: None ABSENT: None The motion carried on a on a 5:0 vote. Cultural Herita e Committee Minutes of Au ust 24 2015 Page 5 COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 4. Staff: a. Agenda Forecast Senior Planner Dunsmore provided an agenda forecast of upcoming projects. Committee: Chair Hill noted that she is unable to attend the Mayor Quarterly meeting; advised that Vice -Chair Brajkovich will be attending in her absence. Committee Member Papp inquired about the Phillips 66 oil transportation by train; stated that transportation of oil by train through a historic district can have negative impacts. Senior Planner Dunsmore explained that the Council has taken a stance in opposition to the Phillips 66 Rail Road Spur project; noted that letters were sent to the County in response to the environmental document and project referral; stated that staff will bring forward an update at a future meeting. Committee Member Papp summarized his discussion with Assistant City Attorney Ansolabehere regarding PB Companies proposed San Luis Square project, noting that they discussed the roles and responsibilities of being a Committee Member. Chair Hill announced that Advisory Body interviews took place last week regarding the Committee's two vacancies; noted that two candidates are recommended for appointment. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Heather Goodwin Deputy City Clerk App,oved by the Cultural Heritage Committee on September 28, 2015. Anthony J. City Clerk