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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-23-2015 CHC Draft Minutes of 09-28-2015 Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes Monday, September 28, 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, September 28, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Hill. OATH OF OFFICE Deputy City Clerk Goodwin administered the Oath of Office for newly-appointed Committee Members Shannon Larrabee and Leah Walthert. ROLL CALL Present: Committee Members Craig Kincaid, Shannon Larrabee, James Papp, Leah Walthert, Vice-Chair Thom Brajkovich, and Chair Jaime Hill Absent: Committee Member Sandy Baer Staff Present: Senior Planner Brian Leveille, Assistant Planner Walter Oetzell, Planner Januar Saptono, Planner Kyle Van Leeuwen, and Recording Secretary Sarah Reinhart ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA The agenda was accepted as amended. MINUTES By consensus, the Committee approved the Minutes of the Cultural Heritage Committee meeting of August 24, 2015, as amended. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS There were no members of the public desiring to speak. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. 1940 and 1960 Santa Barbara Avenue. ARCH-1540-2015; Review of a pole sign and three signs on the Historic Southern Pacific Warehouse building (Railroad Museum), with a categorical exemption from environmental review (Section 15301); C-S-S-H and PF-H zones; SLO Railroad Museum, applicant. Planner Saptono reviewed the contents of the staff report, recommending support for the location and the proposed signs. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of September 28, 2015 Page 2 In response to Committee inquiry, staff clarified questions regarding height, sight plans, and materials used for the proposed signs. PUBLIC COMMENTS Pierre Rademaker, Project Designer and member of the Railroad Museum, explained the rationale behind the type of signage being proposed and the height exemptions; stated that the building lacked visibility from Santa Barbara Street; stressed that the signs and height exceptions were appropriate given building’s historic significance; explained the materials used, noting that the sign on the pole will be made of metal; explained that the pole will incorporate the use of a “semaphore” which is a historic artifact, noting that another sign on the building will be made of high-density foam or a metal face sign; pointed out that an interpretive display would be constructed near the pedestrian entry describing the historic artifacts used in the pole sign and around the property. Glen Matteson, San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, clarified that the sign is positioned in a manner that indicates that there is no railroad crossings at that location. There being no others desiring to speak, Chair Hill closed the public hearing. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Papp spoke in favor of displaying historical artifacts and suspending the signage rule; spoke against naming the display as a sign; suggested the spelling of Semaphore be S-E-M-A-P-H-O-R-E when describing the artifact. Vice-Chair Brajkovich voiced support for the awning, entrance signs, and for having clear signage. Chair Hill thanked the applicant for clarifying the use of materials; spoke in favor of calling the semaphore a sign, noting that the sign would have been considered public art and the approval process would be much longer; affirmed liking the signage. There were no further comments made from the Committee. On motion by Vice-Chair Brajkovich, seconded by Committee Member Papp, the Committee adopted a resolution recommending the Community Development Director approve the signs for the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum. AYES: Committee Members Kincaid, Larrabee, Papp, Walthert, Vice-Chair Bajkovich, and Chair Hill NOES: None RECUSED: None ABSENT: Committee Member Baer The motion passed on a 6:0 vote. 2. 1005 Islay Street. ARCH-0896-2015; Review of the construction of a new accessory structure (a two-car garage with workspace above) on property designated as an historical City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of September 28, 2015 Page 3 resource, including a categorical exemption from environmental review (Section 15303); R-3-H zone; Cynthia Becker, applicant. Chair Hill announced that she is recusing herself because she owns property within 500’ of the subject property; left the Council Hearing Room at 5:45 p.m. Planner Walter Oetzell, presented the staff report recommending the approval to the Community Development Director of an Accessory Structure (2-Car garage with accessory space above) located behind a contributing list historic resource in the medium- high density residential (R-3-H) zone with historical preservation overly, based on findings and subject to conditions. In response to Committee Member Kincaid’s inquiry, Planner Oetzell advised that additional language could be included in the final conditions that would specify the garage door being more consistent with the historic character of the home; suggested using a non- steel door with windows. PUBLIC COMMENTS John Valasario, Applicant Representative, provided an overview of the project. In response to Committee inquiry, Mr. Valasario noted that budget constraints were a factor in opting out of the addition of a restroom; answered questions regarding architectural changes of the roof, window materials, driveway size, house elevation, and scope of fence; noted that only a section of the fence would be re-done as it is non-conforming; clarified that the existing oak tree will not be affected and will require minimal trimmings. There being no others desiring to speak, Chair Hill closed the public hearing. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Papp spoke in support of the proposed project; pointed out that the property is obscured due to the fence; expressed concerns with the accuracy of the measurements of the existing building, noting that incorrect measurements were submitted previously; opined seeing the proposed project as conforming due to the historic nature of the neighborhood. Committee Member Larrabee opined that proposed project is an upgrade to the existing structure; expressed concern as to why the applicant chose to build a faux garage instead of a studio. In response to Committee inquiry, Mr. Valasario clarified that the applicant did not have the monetary means to build a studio and was not interested in the potential re-sale value added by the studio; noted that the fence will be upgraded when budget allows. Committee Member Kincaid inquired as to why the applicant created the height and look of a garage when it is not intended to be one. Mr. Valasario pointed out that parking limitations of the site make it difficult to get buildable area for the accessory space; noted that the applicant could potentially still use the space as a garage. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of September 28, 2015 Page 4 Committee Member Walthert, voiced no concerns with the project; and noted that the building blends in with the neighborhood. Committee Member Papp suggested that the additional language regarding the garage door specifications not being metal should not be included since the garage door will not be visible. Vice-Chair Brajkovich spoke in support of including the additional language that requires the garage door to have historical design elements. Senior Planner Leveille explained that there is a possibility that the garage doors may become visible in the future; pointed out that the Public Works Department has not resolved the issue of allowing a gate or fence on the driveway leading out to the required parking spaces. Vice-Chair Brajkovich stated his preferences with the proposed project which include window trim casings, a three foot fence, and details to the garage doors. In response to Committee Member Papp’s inquiry, Mr. Valasario stated that the applicant would not be opposed to using wood material in lieu of vinyl on the windows. There were no further comments made from the Committee. On motion by Committee Member Papp, seconded by Committee Member Kincaid, to recommend approval to the Community Development Director of an Accessory Structure (2-Car garage with accessory space above) located behind a contributing list historic resource in the medium-high density residential (R-3-H) zone with historical preservation overly, based on findings and subject to conditions, with the following revisions: A. Action 6. The applicant shall upgrade the garage doors from metal to be more compatible with the historic district and update the four windows facing Osos Street to be more compatible with the historic district. New proposed fencing details shall be included in the building permit. AYES: Committee Members Kincaid, Larrabee, Papp, Walthert, and Vice-Chair Brajkovich NOES: None RECUSED: Chair Hill ABSENT: Committee Member Baer The motion passed on a 5:0 vote. Chair Hill returned to the Council Hearing Room at 6:28 p.m. 3. 536 Marsh Street. ARCH-1856-2015; Review of removal of a non-historic elevator addition and restoration to original appearance, with a categorical exemption from environmental review (Section 15331); C-D zone; City of San Luis Obispo – Parks and Recreation Dept., applicant. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of September 28, 2015 Page 5 Vice-Chair Brajkovich announced that he is recusing himself on this item; left the Council Hearing Room at 6:29 p.m. Planner Van Leeuwen reviewed the contents of the staff report, recommending that the Community Development Director approve plans to remove a non-historic elevator enclosure from the Jack House building and restore the building to the historic appearance at 536 Marsh Street, downtown-commercial zone (C-D), based on findings and subject to condition. In response to Commissioner Kincaid’s inquiry, staff clarified that the new bay window would mimic the existing window near the front porch. PUBLIC COMMENTS Michael McGuire, Applicant Representative, stated that the elevator enclosure is the only non-architectural feature in the structure; noted that new windows are being fabricated to perfectly match the existing windows. In response to Chair Hill’s inquiry, Mr. McGuire clarified that the elevator shaft was added to the bay window, noting that there would be no changes to the first floor; stated that the interior trim, moldings, and wallpaper will be made to match the existing features. In response to Committee Member Larrabee’s inquiry, Mr. McGuire indicated that the allocated budget for this project was $44,000; explained that half of the funds were donated by the Jack family and the remaining came from Measure G funding; noted that construction will begin January 2015 and should be approximately 4-6 weeks long; stated that the goal is to be completed by April 2015 so the Jack House can be ready for weddings and other receptions that are coordinated through Parks and Recreation Department. Toni Kincaid, San Luis Obispo, spoke in support of the project; stated that the Jack family members who donated the funds for the renovation are eager to see the project complete. Kathy Settle, Jack House Committee Chair, voiced support of the renovation; spoke on her experience on being a part of the transformation from conception; stated that she is eager to see the house restored to its original beauty. Susan Updegrove, Parks and Recreation Committee Member and Jack House Committee Liaison, spoke in support of the restoration project. Eva Ulz, Jack House Committee Member, expressed support for the restoration of the Jack House; opined that renovating of the home would be an asset to the City. There being no others desiring to speak, Chair Hill closed the public hearing. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Papp disclosed that he is President of Friends of the Jack House, ex- officio Committee Member of the Jack House Committee, and authored attachment four of the staff report; stated that attachment four was written based on oral history prior to the 1908 photograph emerging at the History Center of San Luis Obispo County; opined that a City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of September 28, 2015 Page 6 major condition of the restoration was documentary evidence and that the photographs prove that the elevator was an addition; urged the Committee to approve the restoration of the Jack House. There were no further comments made from the Committee. On motion by Committee Member Larrabee, seconded by Committee Member Walthert, to recommend approval to the Community Development Director to approve plans to remove a non-historic elevator enclosure from the Jack House building and restore the building to the historic appearance at 536 Marsh Street, Downtown-Commercial Zone. AYES: Committee Members Kincaid, Larrabee, Papp, Walthert, and Chair Hill NOES: None RECUSED: Vice-Chair Brajkovich ABSENT: Committee Member Baer The motion passed on a 5:0 vote. Vice-Chair Brajkovich returned to the Council Hearing Room at 6: 54 p.m. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 4. Staff a. Agenda Forecast Senior Planner Leveille provided the agenda forecast of upcoming projects; noted the upcoming review of a single family residence on Islay Street and a secondary dwelling unit on Buchon Street. 5. Committee In response to Committee Member Papp’s inquiry, staff explained that the John Madonna Froom Ranch project will be agendized at a future meeting; stated that the project will also be presented at both the Planning Commission and City Council. Chair Hill encouraged new members to discuss items they would like agendized for discussion at a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Sarah Reinhart Recording Secretary City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Cultural Heritage Committee Minutes of September 28, 2015 Page 7 Approved by the Cultural Heritage Committee on XX, XX, 2015. John Paul Maier Assistant City Clerk