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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES 2008CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES 2008 MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, January 28, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Chuck Crotser, John Fowler, Lynn Landwehr, Dean Miller, Bob Pavlik, Elise Wheeler and Chairperson Barbara Breska. STAFF: Jeremiah Robbins, Planning Intern; James David, Assistant Planner, Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner; Jeff Hook, Senior Planner and Kim Murry, Deputy Director, Long -Range Planning I3TI l►lfy� On a motion by Committee member Miller, seconded by Committee member Fowler, the minutes of the December 17, 2007 regular meeting were approved on a 7:0 vote. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: Committee members revised the agenda and took items 2 and 3 ahead of item 1 to allow the project planner to be present. n 2. 1160 Marsh Street. CHCMA 153-07; Review a Mills Act contract for the historic Stover's Sanitarium; O zone; Robin Rossi, applicant. (Phil Dunsmore) Jeff Hook presented the staff report, recommending the Committee endorse the Mills Act Contract and that the Committee recommend City Council approve the contract. Rob Rossi, property owner, and Craig Smith, Architect, explained planned exterior and interior improvements intended to rehabilitate the historic building. Mr. Rossi explained his intent was to use property tax savings through the Mills Act program to return the building to a condition as close as possible to original, within building code provisions. Chairperson Breska opened the public hearing. Mike Shipsey commented that he had lived in the town all his life and was very familiar with the building. He was glad the building was being rehabilitated to its original appearance. Hearing no fiuther comment, the public hearing was closed. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Pavlik, the Committee endorsed the draft Mills Act contract and recommended that the City Council approve the contract, finding that: 1. Conservation and Open Space Element program 3.6.2 indicates the City will participate in financial assistance programs such as property tax reduction programs that encourage maintenance and restoration of historic properties. 2. Stover's Sanitarium located at 1160 Marsh Street has been recognized as an historic asset in the community by its designation as a Master List Historic Property. As such, maintaining the structure CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 2 will meet the City's goals for historic preservation listed in policies 3.3.1 through 3.3.5 of the Conservation and Open Space Element. The motion carried 7:0. 3. 1500 Eto Circle. ARCMI 185-07; Review proposed landscape improvements for the historic Solomon Forman House; R -1 -PD zone; Sue & Steve Lumm, applicant. (Brian Leveille) Jeremiah Robbins presented the staff report, recommending the Committee approve the proposed landscape improvements subject to findings and conditions that he summarized Sue and Steve Lumm, applicants, explained the project and landscape designer Stephen Roehrenbeck answered questions about the planting design. Committee members felt the design was compatible with the historic ranch house. Committee member Wheeler was concerned that the proposed minor grading could encounter subsurface historic resources, like old building foundations, privies or other historical features. She asked that conditions be added to require that the applicant retain a historical archaeologist to monitor grading and a standard condition regarding procedures to follow when historical or archaeological resources are uncovered. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Miller, the Committee voted 7:0 to recommend the Community Development Director approve the landscape plan for the historic Solomon Foreman house subject to findings and conditions: Findings: 1. The project is consistent with standards contained in the Historical Preservation Program Guidelines and the historical character of the house is not diminished or altered by the proposed site improvements. 2. The Qpuntia cactus is not considered historical and its removal will not destroy the historical relationship between the building and the landscape, consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, because it is not an original historical landscape feature. 3. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301. Existing Facilities). Conditions: 1. Applicants will submit a detailed grading plan for Community Development Director approval prior to grading or landscape construction to ensure there will be no potential impacts to cultural resources. 2. Lighting system shall be low voltage and applicants shall submit information on the light fixtures to determine appropriateness prior to construction. ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 3 3. Applicants will notify the Community Development Director if an arbor is proposed and submit detailed information about the proposed arbor to allow the Director to review compatibility with the house and gazebo. 4. Prior to grading or landscape construction, the applicant shall submit a monitoring plan, prepared by a qualified historical archaeologist, for review and approval by the Community Development Director. The monitoring plan shall include at a minimum: a) List of personnel involved in the monitoring activities; b) Description of how the monitoring shall occur; c) Description of frequency of monitoring (e.g. full-time, part time, spot checking) d) Description of what resources are expected to be encountered; e) Description of circumstances that would result in the halting of work at the project site (e.g. What is considered "significant" archaeological resources?) f) Description of procedures for halting work on the site and notification procedures; g) Description of monitoring reporting procedures. 5. Applicant shall implement the monitoring plan, to the approval of the Community Development Director 1. 3897 S. Higuera Street & 120 Tank Farm Road. ARC 170-07; Review proposed redevelopment & commercial subdivision involving the historic Long Bonetti Ranch; M -SP �. zone; Long Street Farm, LLC, applicant. (Phil Dunsmore) Phil Dunmore presented the staff report and explained this item was before the Committee to provide an opportunity for conceptual review and early comment. Project applicant, Ted Moore and representative, Carol Florence, with Oasis Associates, responded to the staff report. They explained that they feel they have "hit a roadblock" in coming up with a design approach that balances the preservation aspects with the economic and physical realities of preserving the historic structures on-site. The barn, granary, and water tower are dilapidated and may not be able to be restored or rehabilitated. The barn is located in a low spot for drainage and needs to be raised. Committee member Wheeler felt the entire property is a cultural landscape. The context and relationships of the historic buildings are important to the property's historic integrity. Committee member Landwehr noted that the property's earlier ownership needed to be documented. The property was owned by Hartford and McCoppin who sold it to Grant who owned one of the biggest import firms in San Francisco. In Grant's published memoirs, he speaks to the feel of SLO at the time of his tenure and specifically mention this property. She suggested that Grant's name be added to the title "Long-Bonetti" to more accurately reflect the earlier association and provided an excerpt from Grant's memoirs to be added to the historic file on the property. Chairperson Breska opened the public hearing. - . Bob Vessely indicated that the additional history mentioned by Committee member Landwehr is important to document and that the time these structures were developed on the property provides a ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 4 unique insight into the transition of SLO from a rural to a more urban era. The site layout is important — the historic nature of the property is more than just the buildings. He suggested adding an historian to the design team to assist with development of a concept plan (someone who is familiar with these types of projects). The buildings' structural condition needs to be analyzed and the value of the structures to the community (subjective) needs to be documented. Craig Lindeman felt that development rights were given to the previous owner of the property in exchange for entering an agreement with the City guaranteeing preservation of the farmhouse and other historic structures. This applicant is still bound by the agreement. Ted Moore explained that changes have been made to the property since the original agreement. The historic structures are sinking into the ground and there may not be anything left to preserve. He wants to be a partner with the CHC to come up with a solution that works both for the community and economically. Mike Shipsey felt that if structures are unsound, preserve the shape and context of the buildings. The original lumber isn't as important as preserving the character and configuration of the site. Reconstruction should be an acceptable preservation method. Stephan Lamb noted that only a few farm sites are left in SLO. He felt it was important to preserve the context of the buildings on the site. Jan Marx felt this was a similar situation to the farmhouse on Eto Street which the City Council C, required to be preserved as part of a residential subdivision. The project needs to preserve the buildings and site. Chairperson Breska closed the public hearing. Committee member Fowler questioned when the applicant bought the property (according to applicant, about 18-24 months ago) and expressed concern that nothing has been done to honor the preservation agreement. The CHC is charged with preserving historic properties. Context and setting are important to preserve, although as a Certified Public Accountant he understands the need for the project to be supportable economically. Committee member Wheeler asked if it were possible to keep the historic buildings in their original locations and cluster new development on the lot adjacent to Long Street. She suggested that the applicant put together a restoration team to help prepare a conceptual plan that protects the historic resources. Ted Moore responded that the site coverage is fairly low. There is not enough room to get enough square footage on single lot to make it economically feasible unless additional commercial floor area is built. He needs to look at the entire site to develop a new approach. Committee member Crotser indicated that through adaptive re -use, there may be some latitude for relocating the structures on the site. He appreciated the efforts to preserve the structures and has some specific comments: The locations of the parking lot and driveway that separates the buildings ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 5 10 and also the parking lot between the historic buildings and the streets are not appropriate and detract from the historic context of the site. He felt that building additions to the historic structures could be done if appropriately designed. Committee member Pavlik felt it was possible to do a combination of all levels of preservation on a single site depending on the specifics of each building. The CHC supports retaining the greatest amount of original building materials as possible. Committee member Miller felt the applicant's newest proposal, submitted only a few days before the CHC meeting and after the staff report was prepared, was not acceptable. The original proposal doesn't appear consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards and with City preservation policies. The project design team needs to include an historic preservation architect or specialist to help with the proposal. The applicants are not speaking the same language as the CHC and do not seem to understand the City's adopted preservation goals or terms. This is where a design professional well -versed in historic preservation could help. Committee member Landwehr suggested keeping the "whole feel and flavor" of the farm complex. Do not relocate structures. She suggested eliminating building A and internal parking. She felt that project design should reflect the historicity of site (on-site) and earlier historic associations with Grant and others. Committee member Wheeler agrees that building A needs to be deleted from current proposed location and wants to see the historic buildings reconstructed to the property's original period of significance. Otherwise, the site loses the feeling of a farm site and it compresses the setting. She suggested researching what was located there before and re-create it. Keep the buildings in place. Ted Moore stated that economic issues will drive the project design and he needs to recoup the money from the new development in order to finance the restoration/preservation efforts. Committee member Crotser suggested the developer look at the historic uses of the comer of Tank Farm Road and South Higuera Street (although Tank Farm Road wasn't always there and uses may be part of larger site that was farmed) to guide redevelopment. He was open to creative visuals showing new buildings' location, but the buildings have to fit context.. Carol Florence said they will involve a preservation architect and will work with the CHC to come up with a supportable project. How do they preserve the people -aspect associated with the site? Their stories are important. Committee member Landwehr agreed it was important to preserve the story on-site. It was also important to determine the period of significance on which preservation efforts will be geared to. The CHC should be involved in this decision. On a motion by Committee member Pavlik, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee recommended that the applicant modify the proposal to be consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and General Plan policies regarding cultural resources and continue the item to a date uncertain with the following direction: ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 6 1. Site landscaping shall be designed to respect the historic ranch. 2. All historic structures shall be rehabilitated in place rather than relocated unless specific site conditions warrant otherwise (specific site conditions include drainage problems, site distance conflicts, or other significant unavoidable conflicts). If it is determined by the CHC, on advice of a qualified historical preservation architect, that the barn, granary building or other accessory structures are not restorable, then these structures shall be reconstructed on the existing footprints using existing materials and new materials that closely match the original construction materials. 3. The proposed project shall comply with the Historic Preservation Agreement recorded with the property- 4. roperty 4. New buildings shall respect and complement the historic ranch design theme by utilizing agrarian architecture. Materials such as corrugated steel, wood (or simulated wood) siding, and related products shall be used as exterior treatment. Roof forms and massing shall represent agricultural -related buildings such as barns, silos, or other agricultural -related structures. 5. The project shall return to the CHC with conceptual architectural drawings of new buildings, detailed plans for restoring or reconstructing the historic buildings and structures, and an initial environmental study. 6. Additional research to document the historic uses and their location on the site shall be completed and provided to the CHC. 4. 1445 Santa Rosa Street. ARC 166-07; Review of modification to Mitchell Park Master Plan to construct a parking lot for the Senior Center located in the historic Kindergarten School; PF H zone; City of San Luis Obispo -Public Works, applicant. (James David) Jeff Hook provided opening comments regarding events leading up to Master plan amendment and explained the CHC's purview in reviewing the Master Plan amendment. He introduced project planner James David who presented the staff report. Chairperson Breska declared she is a member of the senior center but has no financial interest in project and will keep an open mind, listen to all testimony and participate in a well -considered decision after hearing input. She opened the public hearing. Craig Lindeman said that the game of throwing horseshoes has been around longer than parking and felt it was more important to preserve the horseshoe court behind the Senior Center rather than build a parking lot. He felt it would be a poor historical decision to replace horseshoes with cars. Mike Shipsey, a long-time city resident, said the area was grassland before it was a horseshoe pit. That was followed by bocce, lawn -bowling and other things over time. He felt that the parking lot was needed, especially to serve handicapped seniors. ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 7 Stephan Lamb felt that Mitchell Park is part of historic resource — the whole setting and environmental context are historically important. Surrounding the historic senior center with paving is not historically compatible or consistent with standards. Sherry Fontane said she agreed with Mr. Lamb. Mary Ellen Gibson opposed building a parking lot; she said the property deeded to the City for recreational use not as a parking lot. Carmy Parsell agreed with the previous speakers. Trudy Lindeman agreed with the previous speakers. Lou Carpine said his grandchildren refer to Mitchell Park as "Nana's park". This decision is not about the seniors. It is wrong to support the parking lot for many reasons: historic preservation, kids' safety and park uses. Jan Marx said the historic use of the site is as a park and playground for children. Teddy Roosevelt spoke on a bandstand in the park in 1903 and Mitchell Park is historically important as a public gathering place. The Community use of the park is the historic use. The Council decided to update the master plan in 2001 to show community gardens in this location and it was inappropriate for the Council to include the parking lot in a CII' program when it was clearly inconsistent with the Mitchell Park Master Plan. The third phase of the existing master plan is to install the garden and that is what should happen. Dick Rawl, past president of the Senior Center and current vice-president said the Senior Center has approximately 325 members from the ages of 55 to 90 plus. There are monthly luncheons, deliveries of food to distribute to low income families, and all sorts of volunteer activities. Their handicapped members have difficulty in accessing the Senior Center and the parking lot is needed. Lisa Quinn, director of SLO Regional Rideshare, said they are working with seniors to identify transportation options. It is important to use transportation services available and to be more efficient in transportation services and resources rather than having individuals in separate cars. The small van service is available for $2 each way by reservation. She felt that a 19 -space parking lot was not sufficient to meet the need. Suzanne Power — Wanted to know the status of the parking survey received in November from Public Works regarding the Old Town District. Staff member Jeff Hook responded that Public Works is still working on the survey and results are not completed. Hilyard Wood felt the ultimate historic resource is the land and it needs to be preserved. The garden and park use is the more historic use. He felt the parking lot was a "band aid approach" and that senior needs should be addressed but not by replacing a park with parking. Ginny Griffin agreed with the previous speaker. She is a neighbor and did not receive notification of neighborhood meeting. She said don't take parkland for parking. ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 8 Louis Ortega said he lives across the street from the park and loves the area. He has brought his C children and now grandchildren to the park to play. It is important to have this green area for the community and opposed the parking lot. Agatha Reardon, president of the Senior Center, noted that many seniors are able-bodied, but many have physical limitations that make it difficult for them to walk any distance even though they may not qualify for a handicap parking pass. The area around the senior center was fenced off and secluded/private to the senior center until the playground renovations were completed. Using this area for parking would not be taking away from park since it was never publicly accessible until this last round of renovations. The fence needs to be replaced. The current drive to Santa Rosa does not have a separation between the children's play area and the senior center. This is a potential safety issue for the children playing in the park. There are many volunteer activities that occur in the senior center that benefit the community at large. The seniors use both the center and the Ludwick center for some activities, although the Ludwick center is not appropriately designed to accommodate the volunteer activities nor for the senior activities. Anyone who will use the building in the future will need parking. Frank Little agreed with the previous speaker. Robert B (Ash) said that activities at the Senior Center also happen at night when bus service is limited or not available. There are safety issues where seniors who leave after dark are not comfortable walking in the dark to a remote car or bus service. The kitchen expansion will result in an increase in demand for use of the building and this demand will also lead to a demand for parking. The seniors are currently parking on the street and a parking lot will help free up those spaces. Cynthia Simmel felt the seniors' needs are great and growing as the population in SLO ages. There are other options — provide senior citizen parking permits for street parking. The problem won't be solved by provision of a small parking lot. Marie Wilson said she is in charge of the volunteers at the senior center and these workers have difficulty in getting to work at the center. The volunteers need a place to park — she supports the parking lot. Ursula Bishop said she does not support the parking lot. The City should develop a new senior center to meet the seniors' needs. Depending on how the CHC votes, she would hope a comment could be added to have the Council direct staff to find a better solution and respect the previous decision made by Council. Betty Culp said there is no grass now in the area of the proposed parking lot. All buildings in the City are required to provide on-site parking to serve the building. The need for the parking lot is large and she supported the proposed parking lot. Meg Kirkendahl said that she was a neighbor and did not receive notice of the October neighborhood meeting. She likes the original master plan and does not support a change. Installing C a parking lot is a band -aide approach and she personally doesn't like the idea of seniors driving. go The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting N you require assistance. CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 9 Steve Linder asked the CHC to preserve the historical and cultural continuity of the City. Is this primarily a park or a senior center? How much of the park should be sacrificed? Wallace Henry said he is a long-time senior center patron who supports the parking lot. The area was always fenced off and not used as parkland. Ellen Peck said she is a senior center volunteer who will be 82 years old next week. She had heart surgery and is unable to walk a long distance. She hostesses twice a week and volunteers three times per month for the food distribution to low income families. She has an ADA sticker but there are no available ADA parking places on the street. Landscaping will hide the parking and so it's possible to keep the park beautiful while still getting a parking lot for the seniors. Diane Wood objected to the parking lot. A bigger senior citizens' center is needed that meets the seniors' needs. Chris Hoover said neighborhood -wide parking is an issue. The neighborhood parking effort and the senior center effort should collaborate. Senior's exiting the driveway onto Santa Rosa Street could cause problems. Larry Hollis felt that converting a century old park into a parking lot is a bad idea. Chairperson Breska closed the public hearing. Committee member Landwehr said she worked for 5 years at San Luis Medical Center and observed that people who work downtown take up the four hour spaces around the Park. Why hasn't the City addressed this? Need to work constructively to find a parking management solution. Committee member Crotser felt there was a need to look at the problem from different angles. The master plan is a long-term vision. The amendment needs to reflect this. While the parking lot is reversible (historic preservation guidelines could support), it doesn't seem to reflect the long-term goal for the park and is only a short-term benefit. He would feel more supportive if there was a full senior center development in the works and this was a limited -time parking use. He didn't support amending the Master Plan for the parking lot. Committee member Fowler said he was not in support of the plan amendment. He agreed with Committee member Crotser. Committee member Pavlik said the proximity of parking to senior center doesn't necessarily mean a negative impact to the building itself, however the historic building is in the context of the larger park. Introducing car parking where historically it has not been before impacts the site's historic setting, feeling, and association (part of the criteria for the national registry). Other alternatives need to be explored. Committee member Miller felt other solutions could make the situation better than it is now, even if they wouldn't completely solve the problem. Under the Secretary of the Interior Standards, placing ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 10 parking directly adjacent to an historic building is not recommended. A delivery area exists and van l` service can be used. He does not support the amendment to accommodate a parking lot. Committee member Pavlik suggested using public parking structures and a shuttle service to make it easy for seniors to access the center. Look at other solutions. Committee member Wheeler had nothing more to add to the discussion — she agreed with points being raised by other committee members. Chairperson Breska felt that Mitchell Park is an historic landscape. It has transitioned from a children's school to a community park. She cannot support the parking lot and feels a community garden is the more appropriate use for this area in terms of historical character. Committee member Landwehr felt that adding a parking lot is not compatible within the historic context of the park. On a motion by Committee member Pavlik, seconded by Committee member Wheeler the Committee voted 7:0 to recommend that the City Council deny an amendment to the Mitchell Park Master Plan to construct a parking lot, based on the following findings: The project is not consistent with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties because it significantly alters the setting of the historic property by introducing an element (parking lot) that is not consistent with the historical context of the site. The project detracts from the Old Town Historic Preservation District because the amendment to the Mitchell Park Master Plan does not promote the historic character of the area. DISCUSSION ITEM 5. City -Wide. Update the Contributing Properties list; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. (Jeff Hook) Jeff Hook presented the staff report, noting that the Contributing Properties List needed updating because some historic buildings had been removed and some property addresses had changed since the historic list was adopted. Committee member Miller asked about the historic status of 1256 Mill Street. He questioned whether it was on the updated Contributing Properties List but not on the original list. Mr. Hook said he would check on that property and get back to the Committee. On a motion by Committee member Wheeler, seconded by Committee member Crotser, the Committee voted 7:0 to recommend that the City Council: 1. Remove the following addresses from the Contributing Properties list: 1153 Buchon, 585 Dana, 595 Dana, 969 Islay, 1228 Mill, 680 Monterey, 970 and 972 Nipomo, 1419 Osos, 1423 Osos, 1249 Palm, 1302-06 Palm, 1334 Palm, 1352 Palm, 1365 Palm, 533 Pismo, 1020 Pismo, 1028 Pismo, 1036 Pismo; ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. CHC Minutes, January 28, 2008 Meeting Page 11 2. Add 1022 Church to the Contributing Properties List; and 3. Replace 1018 Islay with 1022 Islay. COMMUNICATIONS: Agenda Forecast — Staff Staff provided an agenda forecast. Due to the late hour, the Committee unanimously decided to continue the following items to the February 25, 2008, meeting: ■ Historic Plaques ■ Historic Survey Status o Contributing Properties List Maintenance ■ Committee The meeting ADJOURNED at 9:15 p.m. to the next regular meeting on Monday, February 25, 2008, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Approved by the Cultural Heritage Committee on February 25, 2008 g/minutes/CHC2008/ 1-28-08 ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, February 25, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Chuck Crotser, Lynne Landwehr, Dean Miller, Elise Wheeler, and Vice -Chair Robert Pavlik Absent: Chairperson Barbara Breska and John Fowler Staff: Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, Kim Murry, Deputy Director of Community Development, and Michelle Lakey, Recording Secretary. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Commissioners or staff may modify the order of items. MINUTES: On a motion by Committee member Landwehr the minutes of the January 28, 2008 meeting were amended as follows: Page 3 second to last paragraph: John Hartford's name was spelled wrong and From page 9, San Luis Medical Center should say San Luis Medical Clinic Motion seconded by Committee member Miller, the minutes of January 28, 2008 regular meeting were approved as amended on a,5:0 vote. PUBLIC COMMENT: No further public comment PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 782 Hieuera Street. ARCMI 5-08; Fagade remodel and accessibility improvements to tenant spaces; C -D -H zone; Naman Family Trust, applicant. (Phil Dunmore) Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner, presented the details of the staff report and showed renderings of the proposed buildings. Planner Dunsmore felt the project would dramatically improve the current condition of the buildings. Planner Dunsmore will check and see if there are exterior wall materials that are worth preserving and bringing back as the stucco is removed. Pierre Rademaker, applicant, hoped to find some materials behind stucco to restore. The C applicant presented renderings of the exterior of the buildings to the committee members. The applicant explained that they will not tear up the Porch, Home and Garden store. The dimensions are taken from the historical pictures to recreate them accurately. Mr. Rademaker explained that the brick work might need to be recreated to get the correct spacing, depending on CHC Minutes February 25, 2008 Page 2 O what is found when the stucco is removed. The Pet Boutique remodel is being used as their model. Tim Ronda, architect, explained that seismic retrofitting is the primary goal of this plan. Their client chose to update these buildings and tie them back to the Johnson Building on the comer. The applicant would not like to change the first floor of the first building at this time (Porch, Home and Garden) due to the fact that the space is currently occupied. Only the upper portion of the store would be retrofitted and the other two store fronts currently proposed. The goal is to make it look as close to the original structure as possible. The appearance of the building will be upgraded through this retrofitting project. Vice -Chair Robert Pavlik opened the public hearing. Hearing no public comment, the public hearing was closed. Committee Member Crotser, supports giving flexibility to the architect and designers. He favors the project as proposed. Committee Member Miller approved of the signage and approves the project as is. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Miller, the Committee voted 5`.0 to recommend the Community Development Director approve the proposed remodel based on the findings and conditions: O Findings: 1. The proposed removal of stucco plaster and restoration of the fagade is consistent with the architectural theme of adjacent buildings within the vicinity and will significantly improve the street appearance of the building. 2. As conditioned, the project is consistent with goals contained in the Community Design Guidelines since the project incorporates a series of features encouraged in the Guidelines including transom windows, a bulkhead, recessed entry doors, and detailing of the cornice and wall features. 3. As conditioned, the project is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines since the project is designed to complement the Downtown Historic District and adjacent buildings. 4. The project is exempt from environmental review under Class 1, Existing Facilities, Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines. CHC Minutes February 25, 2008 Page 3 Conditions: C� 1. Demolition of the building shall be limited to the removal of exterior windows, storefront and stucco on the Higuera Street side. No other exterior, character defining features of the building shall be removed without prior consultation and approval from the Community Development Department. 2. Where possible, materials removed from the portion of building to be demolished shall be preserved for future use on the building for repairs, etc. This includes brick and other character defining materials and features of the building. 3. Planning staff shall be consulted once demolition work has commenced. Applicant shall report on the feasibility and progress of the front fagade restoration. No painting, sandblasting, or other destructive measures shall be incorporated into the remaining brick on the front or rear fagade, unless specific prior approval for such work has been obtained from the Community Development Department. 4. Colors and materials shall be indicated on the construction plans. 5. A sample of the bulkhead tile shall be reviewed by the Community Development Department (Planning Staff) prior to approval of the construction permit. 2) 1546 Chorro Street. ARCMI 161-07; Review of 3 -car garage and 1 -bedroom apartment above; R -2-H zone; Joann Quaglino, applicant. _(Brian Levedle) Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, Presented the details as illustrated on the staff report. The applicants are not adding a historic building but complimenting the current building with another building. They are proposing a wood carriage door for the garage. The garage doors would have lights above them. Member Crotser, expressed concern with the distance the building would be to Islay Street. It appears to be less than sixteen feet. Kim Hatch,Applicant, Addresed the fact that the drawing appears to show the building less than sixteen feet from Islay street. It shows it is thirteen and a half feet. Mr. Hatch explaine that they will take out the pop -out of the dining room and move the building back two feet and take off six inches from the building in general to meet the sixteen feet requirement. Applicant Hatch explained further details that are listed in the staff report to help the two buildings compliment each other in regards to color, trim, siding, etc. The site planning of this was directed by the shape of the lot, being long and narrow. The applicant feels that this plan is the only one that would allow them to have the required four parking spaces for the proposed buildings. Matt Quaglino, applicant, Explained that there will be brown copper gutters on the house. No public comments. CHC Minutes February 25, 2008 Page 4 On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Miller, the C Committee voted 5:0 to recommend the Community Development Director approve the proposed structure based on findings and conditions: Findings: 1. The project is consistent with standards contained in the Historical Preservation Program Guidelines; project does not involve the demolition or substantial modification of a historically significant structure, the project will be complementary to the Flueger Home, and will be compatible with surrounding structures. 2. The project is consistent with General Plan Policy LU 2.2. 10 for compatible development and Housing Element policy HE 3.13.1 since the project is consistent with the neighborhood character. 3. The project is categorically exempt under Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, of the CEQA Guidelines. Conditions: 1. The applicant shall submit modified plans noting gutter details to match the Flueger Home to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director. J 3) 1544 Broad Street. ARCMI 164-07; Review remodel and upstairs addition to residence in historic district; R -2-H zone; Steven Matejcek & Giulio D., applicant. (Brian Levedle) Jeff Hook, Senior Planner Presented the details of the staff report. Mr. Hook feels that this is an appropriate design solution for the historic preservation of the building. Marilyn Farmer, representative for the architect, Presented the details of the materials proposed in this plan by showing examples of the various colors and samples of textures. Ms. Fanner explained that the foundation repairs need to be done regardless of if there is a second floor added. Presented renderings of the home to explain where the proposed solar panels would be placed on the roof. The solar panels would be black so that they would not be so obtrusive. Farmer plans to add a brick veneer to only part of the building to add variation and texture to the building. The building would have three different types of siding. Ms. Farmer explained that the brick will be subtle and is similar to what has been done at Peet's Coffee in downtown San Luis Obispo. Vice Chair Pavlik, Feels the brick veneer would not add to the project and should be excluded. Chair Pavlik approved of the solar panel and energy efficiency used in this plan. No public comments. Committee Member Crotser, Feels like wood siding would be better than the brick veneer in the position that it is proposed to be used. Committee Member Crotser approved of the square windows proposed in the architects rendering. Feels the positioning and style of solar panels are very nice and fully approves of them. Moved to make a motion to approve the proposal by CHC Minutes February 25, 2008 Page 5 removing the brick veneer, modifying the square windows on the north and south elevation per the modified drawing of the architect and eliminate condition number three as stated in the staff report. Committee Member Miller, did not support use of brick as proposed on the building. Member Miller feels it is a very nice project aside from that position. Member Miller approves of the usage of the solar panels on the roof. Member Landwehr supported the energy efficiency proposed in this plan. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Wheeler, the Committee recommended modifying the square windows on the north and south elevation per the modified drawing of the architect and to eliminate condition number three as stated in the staff report. The committee voted 5:0 to recommend to the Community Development Director that the proposed modifications to the single-family residence be approved based on findings and conditions: Findings: 1. The project is consistent with standards contained in the City's Historical Preservation Program Guidelines; project does not involve the demolition or substantial modification of a historically significant structure and the project will be compatible with surrounding structures and will complement the architectural character of the area. 2. The project is consistent with General Plan Policy LU 2.2.10 for compatible development and Housing Element HE 3.13.1 since the addition and remodel is consistent with the neighborhood character. 3. The project is categorically exempt under Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, of the CEQA Guidelines. Conditions: 1. The applicant shall submit modified plans with the following revisions to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director or consistent with Cultural Heritage Committee direction: (1) Remove the brick veneer on elevations and replace with horizontal siding consistent with the rest of the structure. (2) Modify the square windows along the top of the second floor addition to better coordinate with the house's overall design by reducing the number of windows and redesigning to be a similar style with other windows on the structure (3) Relocate solar panels to a less visually prominent location and/or pursue options to minimize visibility. COMMUNICATIONS: A) Agenda Forecast- Staff Jeff Hook, Senior Planner provided an agenda forecast and overview of the items to be on March 24, 2008 meeting agenda. The following items will be on the next meeting agenda: CHC Minutes February 25, 2008 Page 6 O • Wendy Nettles will be here to address the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) of the Garden Street Terraces project. • Pierre Rademaker's plan on Mill Street will be presented. B) Historic Plaques- Committee members Miller and Crotser explained the rendering of a plaque program for contributing property owners. Logo is there to act as a brand and to be recognizable. City logo could be used instead of writing out `San Luis Obispo.' Committee agreed to change the terminology on the plaque to read "Historic Resource" instead of "structure". The use of security screws when installing plaques for safety was proposed by Committee Member Miller. The Committee discussed whether or not to put an abbreviation for circa or not at all. The majority agree that some abbreviation of circa needs to be on the plaque. C) Historic Survey Status- Intern Kevin Waldron is preparing chain of title reports on properties in the Monterey Heights neighborhood that will be given to the committee next month. This will be reviewed in a public hearing at a later date. The Committee's recommendation will then go to the City Council. D) Contributing Properties List Maintenance will be going to the City Council in April. E) Committee- no issues were brought up. The meeting ADJOURNED at 7:50 pm to the next regular meeting on March 24, 2008, at 5:30 pm, in the Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Respectfully submitted by, Michelle Lakey Recording Secretary • a - . 11: 0010, rA t�'�' , CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES C� Regular Meeting of March 24, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Chuck Crotser, Lynne Landwehr, John Fowler, Dean Miller, Elise Wheeler, Vice Chair Robert Pavlik and Chairperson Barbara Breska Absent: None Staff: Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, and Kim Murry, Deputy Director of Community Development, Tyler Corey and Michael Codron, Associate Planners and Michelle Lakey, Recording Secretary. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Commissioners or staff may modify the order of items. MINUTES: Minutes of February 25, 2008. On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Miller, the minutes of February 25, 2008 were approved as amended on a 7-0 vote. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: Chairperson Breska announced that she had a conflict of interest for items #1 and #2 and [eft the room. 1266 Mill Street.'CHCMA 10-08; Request to add the Shipsey House to the Mills Act Program; R -2-H zone; Matthew Quaglino, applicant. Jeff Hook presented the staff report. Staff recommended the Committee support the request for a Mills Act contract for the Shipsey House and that the Committee recommend City Council approval of the contract. He indicated the proposed garage addition is consistent with the Historical Preservation guidelines and could be approved by the Community Development Director as "Minor or Incidental" if supported by the CHC. Pierre Rademaker, applicant's representative and designer, explained the project. Committee member Landwehr noted that there appears to be a page missing from the Historic Resources Inventory section of the staff report. Mr. Hook said that this will be addressed for the report that is considered by the City Council. CHC Minutes, March 24, 3008 Page 2 Acting Chairperson Pavlik opened the public hearing, and hearing no public comment, closed the hearing. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Committee members discussed the amount of detailing on the proposed garage addition and felt the garage's exterior elevations should be simplified so that the garage is distinguishable from the historic residence but still compatible with the architectural style. Committee member Crotser suggested deleting the "sunburst" detail on the garage elevations and slightly reducing the amount of fishscale shingles. Committee members expressed appreciation for the restoration work on the house and delight that there are so many original materials still intact and able to be restored. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Miller, the Committee voted 6-0 (Chairperson Breska - recused) to recommend approval of the Mills Act Contract to the City Council, and to recommend the Community Development Director approve the proposed garage structure based on the recommended findings and conditions. Findings: 1. Conservation and Open Space Element program 3.6.2 indicates the City will participate in financial assistance programs such as property tax reduction programs that encourage maintenance and restoration of historic properties. 2. The Shipsey House located at 1266 Mill Street has been recognized as a historic asset in the community by its designation as a Master List Historic Property. As such, maintaining the structure will meet the City's goals for historic preservation listed in policies 3.3.1 through 3.3.5 of the Conservation and Open Space Element. 3. The proposed single car garage is consistent with standards contained in the Historical Preservation Program Guidelines; project does not involve the demolition or substantial modification of a historically significant structure, the project will be complementary to the historic Shipsey House and will be compatible with surrounding structures. 4. The proposed single car garage is consistent with General Plan Policy LU 2.2.10 for compatible development and Housing Element policy HE 3.13.1 since the project is consistent with the neighborhood character. 5. The project is categorically exempt under Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, of the CEQA Guidelines. Condition: 1. Simplify the architectural details on the garage structure, to the approval of the Community Development Director. CHC Minutes, March 24, 3008 Page 3 2. 1333 Mill Street. CHCMA 143-07; Request to change the historic designation of the property from Contributing Property to the Master List and consideration of a Mills Act contract request; R -2-H; Pierre and Terri Rademaker, applicant. Jeff Hook presented the staff report. He reported that the Committee had requested the applicant return with additional information related to property's environmental setting to address remaining criteria for Master List recommendation, and added that the applicant had responded with the information contained in the Committee's agenda packet. Staff recommended the property be placed on the Master List of Historic Resources and that the CHC forward a nomination to the City Council and recommend approval of a Mills Act Contract. Pierre Rademaker, applicant, explained that the large setbacks are part of the environmental character of the Mill Street neighborhood and that his house has the largest setback on the street. The materials are typical of Craftsman homes. Mr. Rademaker suggested that the home be called the "Burch House" because of the impact that Mr. Burch had on the community. Acting Chairperson Pavlik opened the public hearing, and hearing no public comment, closed the hearing. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Committee member Crotser appreciated that the interior of this home is intact and supports Master List designation and Mills Act Contract Committee member Fowler asked staff to follow up at a later CHC meeting to explain procedures for ensuring property owner compliance with Mills Act contract terns and requirements, and staff acknowledge the information would be scheduled for an upcoming CHC meeting. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Miller, the Committee voted 6-0 (Chairperson Breska — recused) to recommend the property be placed on the Master List of Historic Resources and to forward the recommendation for both the nomination and the Mills Act Contract to the City Council subject to the following findings. Findings: 1. The property qualifies for nomination to the Master List of Historic Resources based on listing criteria of Environmental Design Continuity (eligibility criteria V.) and the Building Design Criteria (criteria In of the Historic Preservation Guidelines, since the property is consistent with the Mill Street Historic District's character of large front and side yard setbacks built with structures of various architectural expressions. 2. Conservation and Open Space Element program 3.6.2 indicates the City will participate in financial assistance programs such as property tax reduction programs that encourage maintenance and restoration of historic properties. 3. With nomination to the Master List of Historic Resources the property located at 1333 Mill U Street has been recognized as a historic asset in the community. As such, maintaining the CHC Minutes, March 24, 3008 Page 4 structure will meet the City's goals for historic preservation listed in policies 3.3.1 through 3.3.5 of the Conservation and Open Space Element. Chairperson Breska returned to the meeting. 3) 1052 Islay Street. CHC 27-08; Request to add a Contributing Property in the Old Town Historic District to the Master List of Historic Resources; R -3-H zone; Leanne Singleton, applicant. Jeff Hook presented the staff report. Staff recommended the Committee recommend that the City Council add the property located at 1052 Islay Street to the Master List of Historic Resources and remove it from the Contributing Properties List. Leeann Singleton, applicant, gave some history of the residence. Acting Chairperson Pavlik opened the public hearing, and hearing no public comment, closed the hearing. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: The Committee members expressed support for the restoration work done so far, and for the historic research that was done as part of the application package. — On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Fowler; the Committee voted 7-0 to recommend that the City Council add the property located at 1052 Islay Street to the Master List of Historic Resources as the historic "Kaufman House", and remove it from the Contributing Properties List, subject to the following findings: Findings The structure is an excellent example of a Neo -Classic Roughhouse architectural style, and has been restored and its original architectural style and structural integrity have been maintained. 2. The property is located in a highly visible location of the Old Town Historic District and reflects and reinforces the unique "rowhouse" setting of that part of the City. 3. The property is associated with prominent citizens who have made significant contributions to the City through their association with government, the railroad or civic groups, namely: Howard Kirtland, Charles, Gates, James Leavitt, and Albert and Mary Kaufman. 4. The property serves as an example of structures in the Old Town Historic District which were home to many of San Luis Obispo's citizens that worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and occupies its original site. Committee took a break at 6:25 pm. Meeting resumed at 6:40 pm. 4. 712, 720, 722, 728, 736, 742 & 748 Marsh Street & 1119, 1123 1125 1127 1129 & 1137 Garden Street. ARC/ER/U/R/TA/TRY 124-06; Discuss the Cultural Resource CHC Minutes, March 24, 3008 Page 5 section of the Draft EIR proposed for the Garden Street Terraces Project; C -D -H zone; Garden Street SLO Partners, applicant. Committee members Fowler and Crotser indicated that they met with the applicant to discuss the project prior to the meeting. Tyler Corey, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. He recommended that the committee take public testimony and provide input to City staff and EIR consultants on any additional analysis or data needed to adequately evaluate environmental issue areas. Mr. Corey noted that subsequent to the EIR analysis the owners of the property located at 742 Marsh Street have indicated that they are no longer a part of the project. As a result, project statistics reflected in the Draft EIR as well as the design itself will need to be revised accordingly. Barry Price, Applied Earth Works, spoke about the methods used in the Cultural Resources section of the Draft EIR. He noted that the research and analysis contained in the Cultural Resources section of the document supplements a previous study for the project, which was submitted by the applicant and completed by PAR Environmental Services Inc. He gave an overview of the history of downtown San Luis Obispo along with a discussion of the Downtown Historic District. Each affected property and building on the project site was discussed in detail, including specific impacts and proposed mitigations. Carole Florence, Oasis Associates, spoke on behalf of the project applicant. She requested that a process be put in place that would allow a modified project to be reviewed within the framework of the EIR. She noted that the existing historic resources have defined the current project design and that incorporation of all historic buildings into the project was not feasible for the applicant. George Garcia, project architect, explained that Garden Alley and Bubble Gum Alley are not apart of the project site. However, improvements are proposed to Garden Alley, including consolidated trash storage, decorative paving and traffic control (e.g. bollards), that would improve its function and appearance. He explained that the project is trying to integrate new construction with the old by preserving some of the historic features of the buildings. Robert Chattel, Preservation architect for the applicant, indicated that the project would address the Secretary of Interior Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties with project modifications being considered by the applicant. The applicant will provide alternative mitigation measures to be considered at a later time. Mr. Chattel feels that the committee should consider removing 742 Marsh Street from the City's Contributing List of Historic Resources given its current condition. He discussed project impacts on the historic district and didn't think that the district boundaries need to be revised. PUBLIC COMMENT: Gary Fowler, 777 Mill Street San Luis Obispo, 93401, feels this project detracts from the cultural heritage and historic nature of the downtown area. He expressed that the alley ways should be preserved to aid in trash pick-up and deliveries. He indicated that the development will block views of Cerro San Luis as illustrated in KAVA -4 of the Draft EIR and supports retaining the current historic structures. CHC Minutes, March 24, 3008 Page 6 Elizabeth Thyme, 1420 Woodside Drive, San Luis Obispo, expressed that the development will destroy the feeling and cultural ambiance of the downtown historical district. She indicated that the proposed project did not respect the older Garden Street buildings and once the buildings are gone, there is no going back. She encouraged the Committee to support the environmental superior alternative listed in the EIR. Allan Cooper, 756 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, indicated that consumers yeam for authenticity and that the project would leave downtown San Luis Obispo with a lack of authenticity. He expressed that the Draft EIR was well done and felt that the project is inconsistent with the General Plan, Community Design Guidelines and the Conceptual Physical Plan for the City's Center. He noted that there are additional negative impacts to Garden Alley and cumulative impacts to all of downtown. He supports the environmentally superior alternative listed in the Draft EIR. Vangeli Evangelopoulis, PhD, indicated that Garden Street has a special character and that the cultural ambiance of the area will be lost with this project. He stressed the beautiful ambiance and authenticity of the current downtown area and indicated that the project will result in a loss of locally -owned stores and the quiet feel of Garden Street. He questioned how the City could protect this unique natural landscape. David Brodie, Chorro San Luis Obispo, requested that the Committee support the environmentally superior alternative listed in the Draft EIR. He indicated that alleys are important cultural assets and does not want to see any of the alley ways disappear, especially Garden Alley. He expressed that the shadow patterns of such a large project will make the alley dark, windy and uninviting. No further comment from the public. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Chairperson Breska stated that the committee's focus is on the Draft EIR and not on the project and that no action will be taken tonight. She noted that the Draft EIR is a high quality document and is not missing anything. Committee member Miller feels like the Draft EIR is well done and that nothing is missing. Committee member Crotser feels that the Draft EIR is quite thorough and well done. He would like to see if there is more flexibility that can be worked into the process. Committee Landwehr expressed that the report is thorough and that there is no mitigation available to reduce impacts to historical resources proposed for demolition to less than significant levels. She indicated that the closure of Garden Alley will create traffic impacts on surrounding streets. Committee member Fowler feels that there is some information that the committee does not have and would like to understand how the process works to evaluate mitigations and revisions to the project that the applicant referenced. U CHC Minutes, March 24, 3008 Page 7 Committee member Pavlik feels that the project should avoid or minimize the impacts described in the Draft EIR. He explained that some photo documentation may be needed and is interested in how the historic buildings could be incorporated in the project. Committee member Wheeler expressed concern about whether the impacts to the cultural context of the location where some of the buildings are proposed to be moved had been evaluated (Old Edna area of the county). Overall she feels that the Draft EIR is complete and adequately identifies, evaluates and mitigates environmental impacts of the project. The Committee made no further comments. 5. ANNX/GP/R/SP 209-98; Barbara Parsons, applicant. Michael Codron, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending that the CHC should take the following actions relative to this item: Receive a presentation on the Orcutt Area Specific Plan and discuss Section 2.5 of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan and Section 4.5 of the Draft EIR. 2. Continue consideration of the item until the April meeting for discussion and deliberation. (In April, the CHC will be asked to provide staff with direction on any changes identified by the Committee that should be incorporated into the Plan or EIR to insure consistency with the City's General Plan and Archeological Resource Preservation Guidelines). He explained that the current OASP is a Public Hearing Draft, and should be considered a working document. The main goal of the sections described above is to provide long-term protection of cultural resources. Mr. Codron has initiated conversations with local Native American tribal leaders to make sure that their input is taken into account. Mr. Codron provided information about the development envisioned by the Specific Plan and addressed the next steps for the OASP. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Committee member Miller inquired if the committee members need to go and physically see the site. Committee member Landwehr requested that staff look into why the area is called "Orcutt". No further comments were received on the item. The hearing was continued to the April 2801 CHC meeting. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 6. CHC Survey- South Broad Street Corridor Planning Area. GPI 49-06 Jeff Hook presented the project as stated in the staff report. He recommended that the CHC review the information provided by Committee members Crotser and Miller and 1) determine CHC Minutes, March 24, 3008 Page 8 which properties, if any, meet criteria for possible historic nomination to the Contributing Properties List or Master List of Historic Resources, and 2) schedule the candidate properties for possible nomination at an upcoming CHC public hearing. The Committee went through each listed property and recommended that all of the surveyed properties listed in the staff report, except the three properties on Woodbridge that are already listed and one additional `vernacular box style" house that has been highly modified, return to the Committee at its April 2008 meeting for possible nomination as Contributing properties. Committee members agreed that several properties require more research prior to a nomination being made to the City Council. 7. Historic plaques for Contributing and Master List Historic Properties: Discussion of design and placement alternatives. Chairperson Breska felt that all the plaques for both Contributing and Master List Properties should be the same. The Committee agreed that the plaque should read, "Historic Resource" with a small "C" with a date and resource name for Master List properties and "Historic Resource" with a date and no name for the Contributing properties. The plaque material will be different for Contributing and Master List properties. On a motion by Committee Member Pavlik, seconded by Committee Member Wheeler, the Committee voted 7-0 to 1) recommend to the City Council approve an expanded Historic Plaque Program to include historic plaques for Contributing Properties and an upgraded plaque design for Master List Properties, and 2) endorse new historic plaque designs for Contributing and Master List Properties. 8. Consideration of establishing historic district signage in the Mill Street Historic District. Jeff Hook explained that staff recommended the CHC 1) approve the proposed sign design and preliminary installation plan, 2) recommend the Community Development Department establish a pilot district sign program for the Mills Street Historic District, and 3) thank Pierre Rademaker for his contribution of design services. Pierre Rademaker explained that he plans to design signs for other historic districts in San Luis Obispo. The inspirations for this district sign was early 20`h century stamped book covers. He feels the signs should be placed right where the district boundary lines begin. Committee member Miller felt that calling the district "Mill Street Historic District" may not be historically appropriate as there are other historical factors in the area that should be considered and a name change should be considered to Fremont Heights. He would like the sign(s) to be put just outside the district boundaries so that it is leading into the district and could accommodate a larger district in the event that the boundaries are expanded. Committee member Crotser feels that "Mill Street" is a limiting name for the historical district and would support a name that would be more inclusive of the area that the district incorporates. OCommittee member Pavlik feels the size and detail of the sign are nice. Chairperson Breska feels the sign is beautiful and likes the size being proposed. CHC Minutes, March 24, 3008 Page 9 On a motion by Committee Member Wheeler and seconded by Chairperson Breska, the Committee voted 6 -1 (Miller against) to install the sign as designed at the locations being proposed and reflecting the current name of Mill Street Historic District. 9. Schedule CHC retreat. Chairperson Breska will be out of town during the currently scheduled retreat. Deputy Director Kim Murry will try to schedule the retreat for April 29, 2008 in the evening. COMMUNICATIONS: A) Agenda Forecast- Staff Jeff Hook, Senior Planner provided an agenda forecast and overview of the items to be on April 28, 2008 meeting agenda. B) Historic Survey Status C) Committee ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm Respectfully submitted by, Michelle Lakey Recording Secretary the Cultural Heritage Committee on April 28, 2008 SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES Working Meeting of Tuesday, April 28, 2008 Oath of Office: City Clerk Audrey Hooper administered the oath of office to new Committee member Katy Davis. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Dean Miller, Elise Wheeler, Charles Crotser, Katy Davis, Lynne Landwehr, John Fowler, and Chairperson Barbara Breska Absent: None Staff: Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the agenda. Items raised are generally referred to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting. The action of the CHC is a recommendation to the Community Development Director, another Oadvisory body, or City Council and, therefore, is not final and cannot be appealed. ELECTION: Election of Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson Chairperson Breska nominated Committee Member Wheeler to the position of Chairperson. The vote to appoint Committee Member Wheeler to the position of Chairperson was unanimous. Committee Member Crotser nominated Committee Member Fowler to the position of Vice - Chair. The vote to appoint Committee Member Fowler to the position of Vice -Chair was unanimous. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Commissioners or staff may modify the order of items. Hearing item #3 was changed to become item #2, and item #2 became item #3. Item #5 became item #4 and item #4 became item #5. (The changes are reflected below.) MINUTES: Minutes of March 24, 2008, regular meeting. The minutes were approved as amended. The change came from page 4, under findings 1 and 2, changing `roughouse' to `rowhouse.' PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 752 Buchon Street. ARCMI 35-08; Request to add a detached garage to the historic Stanton House property; R -2-H zone; Michael and Dianne Draze, applicants. (Phil Dunsmore) CHC Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 2 Phil Dunmore, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Staff recommended the Committee determine that the proposed new accessory structure is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and General Plan Policies regarding new construction in historic districts, and recommended the Community Development Director approve the project as Minor or Incidental subject to the recommended conditions. Michael Draze, applicant, stated that there was a deck that was attached to the house. The proposed project would include building a deck on top of the garage. He stated that the parapet wall would never be seen. He stated that, due to the difficulty of maneuvering a car into the garage, he would need to build a double -wide door. He stated that, with a double -wide door on the garage, building requirements say that a 24 inch wall on both sides of the door is required, with a minimum of 18 inches. He asked the Committee to change condition 5 in the staff report from "2.5 to 3 feet" to "2 feet." PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: On a motion by Committee Member Breska, seconded by Committee Member Crotser, the Committee voted 7:0 to determine that the proposed new accessory structure is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and General Plan Policies regarding new construction in historic districts, and recommended the Community Development Director approve the project as Minor or Incidental subject to the recommended conditions with a change to condition 5 to read, "the separation between the garage and the residence shall be a minimum of 2 to 3 feet." 2. 3897 S. Higuera Street & 120 .Tank Farm Road. ARC 170-07; Review proposed commercial development on the historic Long-Bonetti Ranch Property; M -SP zone; Long Street Farm, LLC applicant. (Phil Dunsmore) Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Staff recommended the Committee determine that the conceptual site plan, with recommended revisions, is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and the adaptive reuse plan for the property and continue the item to a date uncertain to return with complete project details. Carol Florence, Oasis Associates, stated that she is trying to determine if this property is a part of the Mills Act Program, based on the property's approved Historic Preservation agreement. She stated that she would like to present a more formal plan to the City providing more information about the historical resources. She has provided the Committee with an updated site plan detailing the historic resources on the property. She stated that the house and formal garden will be rehabilitated, the barn will be disassembled and re -built, but other historic buildings are not salvageable and will need to be reconstructed. C, CHC Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 3 Ted Moore, applicant, stated that he had to reduce the size of the project to conform to recommendations from staff. He stated that he will look at the landscaping to see how he can better preserve the Wisteria vine, Cypress trees and other key landscape elements. He stated that the barn is currently stabilized, but in poor shape. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Landwehr stated that she would like to see the history of land use on this property- Committee rnPerty Committee Member Breska stated that she would like to see it opened up more. She expressed a desire to have the plants preserved as much as possible. Chairperson Wheeler stated she would like Building B moved behind Building A and D to preserve the landscape. Vice -Chair Fowler stated that some of the agreements in the preservation agreement have not been followed. He stated that he does not feel the agreement has been honored. He stated that the seven conditions staff has come up with for the applicant is putting the plan into the right direction. He expressed his appreciation with the applicant's work on the site plan. Committee Member Crotser stated that the applicant has done a good job improving the site plan. He expressed his desire to put the plan on hold until more detailed design drawings were available. Committee Member Davis stated that Building B needs to be changed, but is not sure how it should be articulated. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser and seconded by Vice -chair Fowler, the Committee voted 7:0 to determine that the conceptual site plan, with recommended revisions, is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and the adaptive reuse plan for the property and continued the item to a date uncertain, with the applicant to return with plans showing project details. 3. 750 Pismo Street. CHC 25-08; Request to add the former Fire Station #1 to the master list of historic resources; O zone; Robin L. Rossi Living Trust, applicant. (Brian Leveille) Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Staff recommended the Committee forward a nomination to the City Council to add the Old Fire Station Building to the Master List of Historic Resources. He stated that this building was the first in the area to be devoted entirely to fire fighting. He stated its history and importance to the City. He presented the historic CHC Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 4 resource criteria to the Committee. He stated that the current owner hopes that the property will one day be under the Mills Act contract. Donna Meyers, applicant, stated that the ivy on the building is less invasive than other types. She stated that Mr. Rossi would like to put up a flag pole on the property someday. She stated. that Mr. Rossi tries to preserve the building's historical nature. She stated that Rossi has sandblasted the paint off the building to expose the brick. PUBLIC COMMENT Sharon Lovejoy, SLO, stated that the type of ivy on the building is non-invasive to the building. No further comments from the public. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Landwehr stated that the report presented by historian Betsy Bertrando is exceptional, and asked staff to make the report available to the County Historical Museum and the San Luis Obispo City -County Library. After a brief discussion, and on a motion by Committee Member Crotser and seconded by Committee Member Breska, the Committee voted 7:0 to forward a nomination to the City Council to add the Old Fire Station Building to the Master List of Historic Resources and include findings 1 and 2, and based on the following Master List Eligibility Criteria: Architectural Criteria I. Style The two-story WPA offices and Fire Station No. 1 embody traditional, vernacular and/or eclectic influences that represent a particular social milieu and period of the community, and reflect the uniqueness of hybrid styles and how these styles are put together. The structures have maintained their architectural integrity, based on an assessment of alterations and their overall condition. H. Design The structures have notable attractiveness with aesthetic appeal because of their uniqueness, artistic merit, details and craftsmanship. Historical Criteria VI. History — Person The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department, comprised of dedicated men, women and fire horses (e.g. "Frank and Rowdy"), made contributions which directly and indirectly, had a beneficial effect on the community. �VII. History — Event CHC Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 5 1. Construction of the City's first "modern" fire station represents a landmark, famous, or first -of -its -kind event for the city — regardless of whether the impact of the event spread beyond the city. VIII. History — Context 1. As a former, principal public building and fire station, the structures are associated with early, first, or major patterns of local history, regardless of whether the historical effects go beyond the city level, that are intimately connected with the building. 2. The structures, built in 1941 and in continuous use for public purposes for over 55 years, occupy their original site on their original foundations. 4. Monterey Heights Neighborhood. CHC 94-04; Consideration of nominating properties located at 285, 405, and 495 Buena Vista, 2102, 2122, 2140, 2160, and 2190 Loomis, 326 Santa Maria, 398 San Miguel, and 2243 Santa Ynez to the inventory of historic resources; R-1 zone; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. (Kevin Waldron) Kevin Waldron, Planning Intern, presented the staff report. Staff recommended the Committee recommend the City Council add 1) 285, 405, and 495 Buena Vista, 398 San Miguel, 2102, 2122, 2160 Loomis, and 2243 Santa Ynez to the Contributing Properties List, 2) Determine that 2190 Loomis is Potentially Contributing, and 3) Determine that 2140 Loomis and 326 Santa Maria do not meet eligibility criteria for historic listing due to significant changes that have affected the properties original historical nature. He provided the Committee with the historical background on the area. He stated four reasons for the purpose of historic listing. He stated that staff did not know if Julia Morgan had a part of the construction of the 2102 Loomis house. Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, explained that being on the Master List usually applies mostly to the exterior of the building. PUBLIC COMMENT Jeff Prostovich, San Luis Obispo, wanted to know if the property at 2102 Loomis was a Julia Morgan design. Sharon Lovejoy, San Luis Obispo, stated that she knows the owner at 326 Santa Maria and feels the house may have always had the same eaves as are on there now and would like to see more research done. Star Jenkins, San Luis Obispo, lives at 285 Buena Vista. He stated that the insurance company found a crack on one of the chimneys and therefore it has been taken down recently. Bill Swanson, 2243 Santa Ynez owner, he wanted to know what was included with being a part of the Master List. He stated that the house was on two lots and wondered if in the future the lot could be split if it was put on the Master List. There was no further public comment. 0 CHC Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 6 COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Breska stated that she agrees with staff's recommendations on the property. Committee Member Davis is in agreement with staff's recommendations. Committee Member Crotser stated that he feels 2243 Santa Ynez should be on the Master List. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser and seconded by Committee Member Miller, the Committee voted 7:0 to accept staff recommendations 1 to 3 with a change under recommendation 1 that property 2243 Santa Ynez be a Master List property. 5. Orcutt Area Specific Plan and EUL SP/ER 209-98: Review and discussion of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan and Draft EIR; Barbara Parsons, applicant. (continued from March 24, 2008) (Michael Codron) Michael Codron, Associate Planner, continued his presentation of the staff report. He stated the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP) goal, policy, and program. Staff recommends a survey be done to the trail areas before the area is open to the public. Staff recommends the following: 1) CHC update the draft OASP with a discussion of the historic significance of the Righetti Ranch House complex;. 2) Direct staff to incorporate a new policy into the OASP that will reference Section 4.30 (Mitigation Methods — Avoidance) of the City's Archeological Resource Preservation Guidelines; and 3) Add a policy to the specific plan to require consultation with tribal representatives as part of the process to create an open space management plan for Righetti Hill. Staff met on-site with Fred Collins, Northern Chumash Tribal Council Spokesperson, on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, to receive his recommendations for the site. He recommended avoidance of archeological sites, view corridors to the hill top, and information regarding the living history of Chumash settlers of the site. Tribal council meeting held on 4/26, and staff is waiting for additional input from Fred Collins and members from the Tribal council meeting. Mr. Codron provided the Committee with historical background of the area, including information about Jacob H. Orcutt. PUBLIC COMMENT Andrew Merriam, Wallace Group, hopes to have walkways and corridors to incorporate the overall character of the property. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Landwehr stated that Jacob Orcutt's place used to be called Laurel Hill Fane. She stated that as a connection to Mr. Orcutt, it would be nice to plant Laurel trees on the property. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser and seconded by Committee Member Breska, the Committee voted 7:0 to: 1) update the draft OASP with a discussion of the historic significance of the Righetti Ranch House complex; 2) to direct staff to incorporate a new policy into the CHC Minutes April 28, 2008 Page 7 OASP that will reference Section 4.30 (Mitigation Methods — Avoidance) of the City's Archeological Resource Preservation Guidelines; and 3) add a policy to the specific plan to require consultation with tribal representatives as part of the process to create an open space management plan for Righetti Hill. DISCUSSION ITEM: 6. Introduction to updated Archaeological Resource Preservation Program Guidelines. (Jeff Hook) Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, introduced the updated Archaeological Resource Preservation Program Guidelines and recommended the Committee review the Draft Guidelines, discuss and provide comments or suggest changes as appropriate, and continue the item to the May 27, 2008, CHC meeting. COMMUNICATIONS a. Agenda Forecast - Staff Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, provided an agenda forecast and overview of the items to be on the May 27, 2008, meeting agenda. Committee Member Landwehr asked that, when a property is presented to the Committee to be included under the Mills Act, the Committee be aware of how many properties have been included in the Act to date. Chairperson Wheeler announced that the Second Cultural Landscape Conference will be on May 10, 2008, at the Historical Society and Old Edna. b. South Broad Street/Little Italy Historic Survey Status update c. Committee ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Michelle Lakey Recording Secretary Approved by the Cultural Heritage Committee on May 27`h, 2008. Senior Planner C SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES Working Meeting of Tuesday, April 29, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. at Novo Restaurant, 726 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL: Committee Members Chuck Crotser, Lynne Landwehr, Barbara Breska, Dean Miller, Katy Davis, Vice -chairperson John Fowler, and Chairperson Elise Wheeler Absent: None Present: John Mandeville, Community Development Director, Kim Murry, Deputy Director Long Range Planning; Jeff Hook, Senior Planner ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Commissioners or staff may modify the order of items. The agenda was accepted as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. STUDY SESSION: 1. Citywide. Role and responsibilities of the Cultural Heritage Committee and identification of training needs or areas of improvement required to have more efficient meetings. What inspired you to join CHC and what do you hope to contribute? Desire to give back to community and protect SLO's sense of place and historic resources. Public education — get people excited about our community's history and help make history "fun." Bring a different layer of understanding to the decision-making process. Allow for the future while protecting the past and the City's "uniqueness." To address the "business part" of the Committee's services. Be "other -centered". Discussion of Role of CHC: Provide constant vigilance ("watch dog'); protect City's historic resources; advise the Council; Raise Council and public awareness of historic resources; provide a "buffer" between experts and lay people; Apply and interpret the City's General Plan ("the road map"); Be the.face of the community. Individual Committee Member Roles: Know how to interpret policy and law Each member brings a broad or specific perspective and strength CHC develops and creates information Appreciate views of the applicants and give them a structure within which to look at details. C. CHC Minutes, April 29, 2008 Special Meeting Page 2 Respectfully navigate/negotiate approvals Ask "tough" questions to get to the facts Consolidate information and make information sharing open and fair Use staff reports as resource Listen objectively and in a neutral way Challenges: It's difficult to be proactive due to lengthy CHC meeting agendas (feels like CHC is just reacting . Job takes a lot of time Helpful to know where CHC is going and how they will get there — useful for staff to remind the Committee of General Plan goals and priorities Not enough "collective time" for CHC to consider pro -active items Need some tools to be efficient — set meeting goals so Committee doesn't drift How to be more Effective/Efficient Be pro -active. Keep historic resources list up-to-date (maybe put this on agenda on a quarterly basis?). Use sub -committees to get things done Prioritize work program assignments Learn how to make motions so that more members feel comfortable doing this Learn meeting protocol and procedures "Manage" comments from the public by going through the Chair If there isn't a lot to talk about, skip comments and go directly to a motion. Include time estimates for items on the agenda so that CHC can identify anticipated time or "weight" of item (can be flexible if needed) Use a Consent Agenda for simple items (i.e. Minutes or easy items) Staff to contact chair and discuss agenda items to see if questions or additions desired If committee members have expressed your idea or intent, express agreement rather than reiterating points already made. Base decisions on policies — make defensible decisions Consider additional special meetings if needed Be effective with existing meetings Motion -making is just the start of the discussion — motions can be modified and staff can help. Motion can be as simple as moving the "staff recommendation." CHC individual challenges to achieve more effective meetings Consensus is desirable but not essential — only majority of voting members present is needed to take an action. Are members too polite to disagree? Respectful disagreement is ok. Are members intimidated by the expertise of others? All have a valuable perspective to share. Dissenting voices are "heard" — Minutes and vote reflects discussion. Wait for a motion to be made before starting comments — time for questions after staff presentation, but comments should be reserved until after public input. Ground comments in policies and findings. CHC Minutes, April 29, 2008 Special Meeting Page 3 Items Committee Members have difficulty with or questions about *Making motions — how to present a good motion — good training topic Chair indicates she can choose committee members at random to make motions so that everyone gets a chance and gets more comfortable with activity. Knowing if motions are defensible What level of detail is appropriate to ask applicants during the hearing? OK to ask questions of staff in advance of the meeting. Staff appreciates this as it allows staff and Committee to be better prepared and organized at the meeting. *Sound/acoustics in the hearing room are not good — how can this be improved? Committee members have trouble hearing the public and each other. Impressions: Members agree that increased meeting efficiency is a desired goal. Members agree to speak up more. Members bring good skills and commitment. Supportive committee — make motions! Council Hearing Room 9 acoustics need improvement. Making motions skills training would add comfort and empower members. Call staff with questions — staff is here to help CHC. Staff reports should include key sections of the General Plan that CHC needs to use to evaluate project. CHC has enthusiasm and commitment — it is a unique committee with a lot of passion. Members were heard and want to be more effective as an advisory body. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. to the regular meeting of the Cultural Heritage Committee scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room #9 of City Hall, 990 Palm Street. Respectfully submitted by, Kim Murry Approved by the Cultural Heritage Committee on May 27`h, 2008. �'r."'or Planner SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting of May 27, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Katy Davis, Lynne Landwehr, Dean Miller, Vice Chair John Fowler, and Chairperson Elise Wheeler Absent: None Staff: Senior Planners Pam Ricci and Jeff Hook, Deputy Director of Community Development Kim Murry, Planning Technician James David, Associate Planner Phil Dunmore, and Recording Secretary Michelle Lakey MINUTES: Minutes of April 28, 2008 regular meeting and the April 29, 2008 retreat were approved as amended on a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENT: David Brodie, SLO, expressed that the City's historic buildings positively impact the economic climate of the City and that the CHC provides a very important function in the process. He was concerned that the CHC was being asked to make decisions about new development in the Downtown Historic District without having an up-to-date Downtown Conceptual Physical Plan to guide those decisions. He indicated that the Leitcher Building proposal is an example of how proposals aren't responding to the plan and urged the CHC to update the plan. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1) 1429 Osos Street. CHCMA 48-08; Request for Mills Act Contract for the Historic Mitchell House in the Old Town Historic District; R -2-H zone; Stephen Linder/Cynthia Semel, applicants. (James David James David, Planning Technician, presented the staff report recommending the CHC forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and adopt the draft Mills Act contract. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: 10 On a motion by Committee Member Davis, seconded by Committee Member Crotser, the Committee voted 7:0 to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the CHC Minutes May 27, 2008 Page 2 applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and adopt the draft Mills Act contract. 2) 1617 Santa Rosa Street. ARCMI 26-08; Request to remove and rebuild a chimney and add 70 s.f to a Contributing historic property in the Old Town Historic District; R -3-H zone; Elaine Simer, applicant. (James David James David, Planning Technician, presented the staff report recommending the Committee determine the proposal to replace the chimney and construct an addition is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and General Plan Policies regarding new construction in historic districts and recommend the Community Development Director approve project alternative #2. He stated that the applicant has considered using the original bricks in constructing the new chimney, but explained that it would be difficult to make it seismically strong enough. Elaine Simmer, San Luis Obispo, she stated that she wanted a wood -burning stove and that is how this project came about. She preferred alternative 41 over alternative #2 because of its lower cost. She stated that she does not think that there are any aesthetic differences between alternatives 1 and 2. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Committee Member Davis stated that cost should be taken into consideration as a motion is made. She felt the applicant should have the choice of whether to re -use the original chimney brick. Vice -Chair Fowler stated that he would like the chimney to be re -built with all brick. He felt that the Committee should provide guidance on how to use the brick from the chimney that will be torn down. On a motion by Committee Member Landwehr, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee voted 5:2 (Committee Members Wheeler and Fowler) to determine the proposal to replace the chimney and construct an addition is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and General Plan Policies regarding new construction in historic districts, and to recommend the Community Development Director approve project alternative design #1, subject to the following fmdings and conditions: Findings 1. The project is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines because O proposed materials and architectural detailing will complement the historic structure and add to the historic character of the surrounding neighborhood. CHC Minutes May 27, 2008 Page 3 2. The scale and siting of the proposed addition is appropriate for this Medium -High Density U residential site. 3. The project is designed to complement the Old Town historic district and the design complements adjacent residences in the neighborhood. 4. The original chimney is not historically significant and replacement will not detract from the historic character of the Contributing property. 5. The project is exempt from environmental review under Class 3, new construction or conversion of small structures, Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines. Conditions 1. The replacement chimney shall match the size, design, and dimensions of the original chimney. 2. The replacement chimney cap shall match the original chimney cap with brick detailing. 3) 1321 and 1327 Osos Street. ARC 102-07; Review of a new mixed-use project with about 8,800 s.f. of office space and 11 residential units; O zone; Mission Medical Partners, applicants. (Pam Ricci) Pam Ricci, Senior Planner, presented the staff report requesting the CHC recommend to the ARC that the project be approved, based on findings, and recommended conditions. Carol Florence, Oasis Associates and agent for the applicant, noted that she has contacted neighbors of the project and has secured the support of members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She stated that the project has been dramatically changed since its initial submittal to the City. She felt the project complemented the surrounding neighborhood. Hamish Marshall, applicant, acknowledged that the elevator tower was out of proportion with roof features and that it was overlooked when presented to the ARC. He stated that the elevator tower is being redesigned based on the ARC's recommendations. PUBLIC COMMENT: Steve Linder, San Luis Obispo, requested clarification of the number of parking spaces proposed. There was no further public comment. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Committee Member Landwehr stated that she would like to know the height of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in relation to this project and asked for a building elevation that shows the historical church in relation to the project, showing scale and massing. CHC Minutes May 27, 2008 Page 4 O Committee Member Crotser stated that he is comfortable with the height of the proposed project. He suggested that the applicant work with the ARC on the details of the windows to coordinate with the architectural style. On a motion by Vice -Chair Fowler, seconded by Committee Member Breska, the Committee voted 7:0 to recommend to the ARC that the project be approved, based on the following findings, and subject to the following conditions: Findings 1. The building style, character, and roof form of the new structure recall and pay homage to the Master List Seventh Day Adventist Church at 1301 Osos Street, and complement the character of the surrounding Old Town Historic District. 2. The proposed project is consistent with goals included in the Community Design Guidelines of looking to the best nearby examples of architecture and preserving the historic character, scale and ambiance of the surrounding area. Conditions Modify the design of the elevator tower to be more in keeping with the roof forms of the building.. 2. Submit refined building elevations for final architectural review that clearly call out all materials on plans and include details of windows, railings, and other ornamental features, including dimensions to indicate their size and depth. 3. Modify the window styles to be more in scale with building walls and more characteristic in form and details to the Victorian architectural style. Plans shall include window details indicating the type of materials for the window frames and mullions, their dimensions, and colors. Windows systems shall be wood or wood -clad composite materials with true divided lights. Vinyl or aluminum windows are prohibited. 4. Consider roofing and siding materials that complement the Victorian architectural style such as a slate -appearing shingle or a decorative composition material for the roof, and horizontal board for the siding. 5. Utilize the brick material to a greater degree as a foundation or bulkhead element. 4) 1010 Broad Street. ARC 111-02; Review of the proposed demolition of the Art Center building and reconstruction of a larger facility in the Downtown Historic District; PF -H zone; San Luis Obispo Art Center, applicant. (Phil Dunsmore) Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the CHC: Determine that the proposed new construction is not consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and with General Plan Policies regarding new construction in historic districts, and; CHC Minutes May 27, 2008 Page 5 2. Recommend to the ARC that the project be denied. Bruce Fraser, member of the design team for the art center, stated that they have responded to the comments of the various commissions, councils, and committees that they have presented their plan to, and would have liked to have other alternatives offered in the staff report. He stated that the Downtown Association has given their support and approval to this project. He stated that he feels that it would be a tragedy to have the Art Museum design match surrounding buildings. He explained that they are proposing to break up the wall surfaces and that a new art center would be a great addition to the City. He explained that he is willing to consider increasing the building setback on Monterey Street to allow for more landscaping. He asked the CHC not to continue the project nor to request further documentation, but to support the proposed design in recognition of the unique place of the Art Center in the community. Russ Seacat, member of the design team also addressed the Committee in support of the project. PUBLIC COMMENT: Diane Blakeslee-Brocoto, San Luis Obispo, stated that she feels the Art Center stands out from the historic architecture in the area and should be allowed to have a different style of architecture. She explained that people remember what is unusual and unique about a place, and it does not have to detract from the historical nature of the surrounding neighborhood. Joe Timmons, a member of the Art Center Board, felt that the proposed project would complement the area nicely and add to the corridor along Monterey Street. Karen Kyle, Art Center Director, she stated that she supports the project and would like the CHC to consider a contemporary design. David Brodie, San Luis Obispo, stated that this project does not have to replicate the surrounding district, but should be designed to complement it. Transitions are critical between this project and the adjacent historic buildings. Barbara Lees, San Luis Obispo, stated she has observed this phenomenon at Universities. She stated that adding different styles of buildings can enhance a neighborhood and reflect the time during which the building was constructed. Tom Brajkovich, architect, felt the project makes a historical statement for this time we are in. He stated it is refreshing to see new types of designs. Muara Johnson, Asst. Director of the Art Center, gave examples of how buildings with varied architecture in other cities, such as along the Mall in Washington D.C., have enhanced those cities. Debra Cash, Administrator for the Downtown Association, felt that it is time to move forward �\ with this project. She stated that the old and the new can serve the community well. Vangelis Evangelopoulos, San Luis Obispo, stated that the design of the proposed project is critical for compatibility and to pull together the old and the new designs in the Downtown CHC Minutes May 27, 2008 Page 6 Historic district. This building needs to relate not just to the Mission, but also the street, the creek C and other buildings. There was no further public comment. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Vice -Chair Fowler left the meeting at 7:10 p.m. during public comment on this item. Committee Member Davis stated support for the design but would like it to complement the area better. She felt that the ARC could make suggestions that would allow the project to stay within the guidelines. Committee Member Breska stated that the design is beautiful, but is not compatible in this location. She felt that the site is extremely sensitive as it is situated between the Old Mission and the Historic Camegie Library. She felt that the direction that the CHC gave the applicant last November should have been addressed but wasn't. She would like to see another design proposed for the building to better fit the context of the area and does not feel the project is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines. Committee Member Miller stated he does not want the Art Center to match the design of the adjacent historic buildings but felt it should complement them. He stated that the building needs to appear smaller so that it doesn't dwarf pedestrians and the historic buildings in the district. Committee Member Crotser referenced the guidelines that the Committee needs to consider when making a decision. He felt that it was possible to make a case the project meets standards, by interpretation, but he still has questions with the building design and quality. He felt a model was needed, and building siting was still not clear. High quality design, exquisite detailing, and pedestrian scale are essential. Committee Member Landwehr indicated that the proposed building has not addressed bulk, scale, massing, proportion and height concerns and that the design is not yet consistent with the Historic District. A motion was made by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Davis to determine that the proposed new construction is conditionally compatible with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and the Downtown Historic District and that the project will complement adjacent historic properties based on specific findings. Such findings and conditions should address consistency with the district, site context, building quality, and consistency with the General Plan. Conditions could be crafted to require a building setback from Broad and Monterey Streets, additional variation in exterior materials, additional wall articulation, and window treatment that is complementary to other historic buildings, with the applicant to provide a 3D model for the ARC's review. The motion failed to carry on a 3:3 vote (Committee Members Breska, Landwehr, and Miller Cvoted no; Committee Member Fowler was absent). A motion was made by Committee Member Breska, seconded by Committee Member Landwehr that the proposed new construction is not consistent with the Historic Preservation Program CHC Minutes May 27, 2008 Page 7 Guidelines and General Plan Policies regarding new construction in historic districts and to recommend to the ARC that the project be denied. The motion carried on a 4:2 vote (Committee Members Crotser and Davis voting no; Committee Member Fowler was absent). Committee took a 5 -minute break at 8: 00 p.m. 5) Citywide. Introduction to updated Archaeological Resource Preservation Program Guidelines (Continued from April 28, 2008, meeting) (Jeff Hook) Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, presented the staff report recommending the CHC review the Draft Guidelines, discuss and provide direction as appropriate, and recommend Council approval of the updated guidelines. As an alternative, he suggested the Committee review the public comments in the body of the report and respond to them at the next meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. COM HTTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Crotser noted on page 17 of the staff report that the definition of "Cultural Place" is too narrow when it specifies "Native American" cultures only and he felt it should be more inclusive to other cultures. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Davis the Committee voted 6:0 (Vice -Chair Fowler absent) to continue this item to the next meeting in June. 6) City-wide. GPI 49-066; Review potential historic resources in the South Broad Street Corridor planning area; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. (Continued from April 28, 2008, meeting) (Jeff Hook) Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, presented the staff report asking staff to review the information provided by Committee members Crotser and.Miller and: 1) determine which properties, if any, meet criteria for possible historic nomination to the Contributing Properties List or Master List of Historic Resources; and 2) schedule the candidate properties for possible nomination at an upcoming CHC public hearing. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. COMMITTEE COMMENTS On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Wheeler, the Committee directed staff to schedule the following properties for possible historic nomination: -743, 774, 796 and 797 Caudill Street CHC Minutes May 27, 2008 Page 8 -778 Francis Avenue -781 Humbert Avenue -2502, 2546, 2663 and 2691 Victoria Avenue -2950 McMillan Street -753 Woodbridge Street The motion carried on a 6:0 vote (Committee Member Fowler absent) ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm. Respectfully submitted by, Michelle Lakey Recording Secretary by the Cultural Heritage Committee on June 23`a, 2008. Planner SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting of June 23, 2008 ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Chuck Crotser, Lynne Landwehr, Dean Miller, Barbara Breska, and Katy Davis Absent: Vice -Chair John Fowler and Chairperson Elise Wheeler Staff: Kim Murry, Deputy Director of Community Development, and Record' g Secretary Michelle Lakey ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: No modification to the agenda was made. Barbara Breska volunteered to act as Committee Chair for the meeting in the absence of the Chair and Vice -Chair members. MINUTES: Minutes of May 27, 2008, were approved as amended. A correction was noted to the spelling of Mrs. Cash's first name on p. 6 paragraph 3 from Debra to Deborah. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 1443 Osos Street. CHC 58-08; Review of proposed changes to the Avila House to add new garage doors, remodel the garage, and install a planter wall along the sidewalk; R -2-H zone; James and Diane Duenow, applicants. (Phil Dunsmore) Kim Murry presented the staff report recommending the Committee to determine that the proposed remodel is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and General Plan Policies regarding new construction on historic buildings and in historic districts, and to recommend the Community Development Director approve the project as Minor or Incidental. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Committee Member Miller stated that the garage is a character -defining feature of this house and asked the applicant if there were any plans to re -use the doors. He stated he has no concerns with the project. He supported the changes that are being proposed. He recommended deletion of wording after `vicinity' on finding #1. CHC Minutes June 23, 2008 Page 2 Committee Member Crotser agreed with Committee Member Miller's comments about the project. He fully supports the request by the applicants. Committee Member Davis fully supports the project being proposed. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee voted 5:0 to determine that the proposed remodel is consistent with the Historical Preservation Program Guidelines and General Plan Policies regarding new construction for historic properties and in historic districts and recommends the Community Development Director approve the project as Minor or Incidental with the recommended change to finding #1. Findings 1. The proposed rehabilitation of the garage is consistent with the architectural theme of the existing residence and adjacent buildings within the vicinity. 2. As conditioned, the project is consistent with the City's Historic Preservation Program Guidelines since the project is designed to complement the Old Town Historic District and the design complements adjacent buildings in the neighborhood. 3. As conditioned, the project is consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards for the rehabilitation of a historic building. 4. The project is exempt from environmental review under Class 1, existing facilities, Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines. Conditions 1. Demolition of the garage and breezeway shall be limited to the removal of existing garage doors and portions of the south facing wall to facilitate new garage doors and to address wood -rot damaged structural and trim features. All other exterior stucco and wall features shall be retained. No other exterior, character -defining features of the building shall be removed without prior consultation and approval from the Community Development Department. 2. Materials removed from the portion of building to be demolished shall be preserved for future use on the building for repairs, etc. This includes windows, doors, and other character -defining features of the building. 3. Existing original roof tiles shall be re -used on the roof following completion of roof repairs. Matching roof tiles shall be utilized for the addition on the north side of the garage. CHC Minutes June 23, 2008 Page 3 4. The design and materials for the wall and gate shall be complementary to the existing residence and shall be of a quality and finish that is true to the style and period of the architecture. 5. Colors and materials shall be indicated on the construction plans. 2. 1443 Osos Street. CHCMA 55-08; Request for Mills Act contract for the Historic Avila House; R -2-H zone; James Duenow, applicant. (Tyler Corey) Kim Murry presented the staff report recommending the Committee to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and endorse the draft Mills Act Contract. She clarified that this would be the seventh property considered for a Mills Act contract this year. James Duenow, applicant, stated that a lot of the work that needs to be done is just deferred maintenance to help preserve the home. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Committee Member Miller expressed concerns about the Mills Act Contract process due to the unknown result of the improvements specified in the contracts. He indicated that often the CHC doesn't know what the building will look like when the endorsed modifications are completed and whether those modifications will change the eligibility of the property to be on the Master List of Historic Resources. Other committee members discussed examples of changes to historic properties and how these changes have impacted the character of the properties. Committee Member Landwehr requested that staff return with an item at a future CHC meeting to report on the Mills Act program in general, including information regarding enforcement, monitoring, and reporting requirements. All Committee members agreed with the request. On a motion by Committee Member Landwehr, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee voted 5:0 to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and endorsed the draft Mills Act Contract. CHC Minutes June 23, 2008 Page 4 Findings: Conservation and Open Space Element program 3.6.2 indicates the City will participate in financial assistance programs such as property tax reduction programs that encourage maintenance and restoration of historic properties. 2. The M. F. Avila House, located at 1443 Osos Street, has been recognized as a historic asset in the community by its designation as a Master List Historic Property. As such, maintaining the structure will meet the City's goals for historic preservation listed in policies 3.3.1 through 3.3.5 of the Conservation and Open Space Element. 3. The Cultural Heritage Committee has reviewed and approved the proposed site and building changes, which are incorporated into the Mills Act Program for the property. 3. Citywide. Review of updated Archaeological Resource Preservation Program Guidelines; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. (Continued from May 27, 2008, meeting) (Jeff Hook) Kim Murry indicated that Chairperson Wheeler expressed interest in participating in the discussion but could not make the meeting tonight due to illness. She specified that the CHC could consider the item since a quorum was present or could act to continue the item to a time when Chairperson Wheeler could participate. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Committee Member Landwehr stated that she did not feel comfortable with discussing the proposed updates to the archaeological guidelines without Chairperson Wheeler, who is a professional archaeologist, present. The Committee discussed the possibility of appointing a subcommittee but agreed that continuing the item to a date when all Committee members were present would be appropriate. The Committee directed staff to consider scheduling a special meeting of the Cultural Heritage Committee to review the proposed update. PUBLIC COMMENT Fred Collins, Northern Chumash Tribal Council, stated that he does not mind coming to a future meeting to participate provided he still has the right to make comments at that time. There were no further public comments. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Landwehr, the Committee voted 5:0 to continue this item to a date when Chairperson can be present. Staff is to work with the Committee members to set a date for this discussion and will notify the public of the date and time of the study session. CHC Minutes June 23, 2008 Page 5 COMMUNICATIONS: a. Agenda Forecast — Kim Murry provided a forecast of the next meeting to be held on July 28, 2008. She gave a brief description of the four items that are currently scheduled for the agenda. b. Committee — none. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Michelle Lakey Recording Secretary Approved by the Cultural He Committee on July 25, 2008. 1�/ �/moi .- • '. - �_- g/cd-planlminutes/chc/2008/60-2308 SAN LUIS OBISPO U CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting of July 28, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Chuck Crotser, Lynne Landwehr, Dean Miller, Barbara Breska, Katy Davis, and Chairperson Elise Wheeler Absent: Vice -Chair John Fowler Staff: Senior Planner Jeff Hook, Associate Planner Phil Dunsmore and Recording Secretary Michelle Lakey ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Commissioners or staff may modify the order of items. MINUTES: The minutes of June 23, 2008, were approved as amended. PUBLIC COMMENT: -` There were no public comments. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 1052 Islay Street. CHCMA 78-08; Request for Mills Act contract for the historic Kauffman House located in the Old Town Historic District; R -3-H zone; Michael Singleton, applicant. (James David) Jeff Hook presented the staff report recommending the CHC forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and adopt the attached draft Mills Act Contract. This property was added to the Master List on May 6, 2008. He explained the maintenance and other improvements the owner plans to do on the house. He stated that if approved the Kauffman House would be the eighth house added to the Mills Act this year. He noted the house's chimney was finished with concrete, which was not original to the house. He asked the Committee to discuss the chimney and possible restoration measures. Leeanne Singleton, daughter of the applicant, responded to the staff report and explained that the chimney was brick in the house's attic. She said her family planned to strengthen and restore the chimney to its original appearance, and also clarified that the replacement of the wood window screens had already been done and that the balustrade replacement on the front porch would be limited to the front stair hand rails. C. Committee Member Crotser asked if the rear garages were considered historic, and Mr. Hook said based on their age and single-wall, corrugated -metal construction, it was likely the garages originally served the adjacent historic Adriance Apartments and should be considered historic CHC Minutes July 28, 2008 Page 2 "accessory structures." Ms. Singleton said a portion of the garages was located on the adjacent property to the west and that the garages were in poor condition. Miller expressed concerns about the Mills Act Contract process but supported the proposed contract for this particular property. PUBLIC COMMENT Chairperson Wheeler opened the public hearing. There was no public comment. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee members agreed the garages should be considered historic and supported restoring the chimney to its original brick design. On a motion by Committee Member Landwehr, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee voted 6:0 to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and to endorse the draft Mills Act Contract. 2. 530 Islay Street. ARCMI 73-08; Review of second -story addition to a Contributing Historic property in the Old Town Historic District; R -2-H zone; Mark Grondin, applicant. (Phil Dunmore) Phil Dunsmore presented the staff report recommending the Committee determine that the proposed remodel is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and General Plan Policies regarding new construction for historic buildings and in historic districts, and recommending the Community Development Director conditionally approve the project as Minor or Incidental. He showed slides of the property and summarized the recommended approval conditions. Mark Grondin, applicant, responded to the staff report and noted that they had replaced most of the original wood sash windows with vinyl windows without a building permit only three years ago, and that replacing the windows with wood sash windows would be a financial hardship. He said they didn't know a permit was required, and did the replacement work without a building permit. PUBLIC COMMENT Chairperson Wheeler opened the public hearing. Gordon Edmonds, 535 Islay, stated that the home at 530 Islay was built in the late 1940s. Monique Grajeda, felt that as long as an owner is upgrading their windows that they did not need a permit. She asked the Committee about different types of window options. Stacy Edmonds, 535 Islay Street, neighbor, hoped that the Grondins would be able to have their U plans approved and remodeling done on their home. There were no further public comments. CHC Minutes July 28, 2008 Page 3 Chairperson Wheeler closed the public hearing. �' CONMTTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Landwehr likes the proposed changes. She would like to eliminate condition #6. She felt that the CHC should not ask the applicant to replace his windows, again. Committee Member Miller felt there may have been a mistake in listing the property as "Contributing," since his research showed the property was built in the 1940s and not the 1920s as stated in the staff report. He felt there were procedural questions regarding the house's age and architectural style that needed to be resolved before getting into detailed discussion on window replacement and architectural details. He added that additional information was needed. Committee Members Davis and Crotser did not feel window replacement was justified, but felt it was unfortunate the original windows had been replaced with vinyl -type windows. They asked that staff develop ways to better communicate to the public the need for permits for window replacement emphasizing the need to preserve and repair, rather than replace, original wood sash. windows. Committee Member Breska felt the two medallions on the house gable ends should be replaced with attic vents to be more consistent with the house's architectural style. Other members agreed. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee voted 6:0 to recommend the Community Development Director approve the project as Minor or Incidental with the following findings and conditions: On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee voted 4:2 to recommend the Community Development Director approve the project as Minor or Incidental with the following findings and conditions: Findings 1. The project is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties because proposed materials and architectural detailing will complement the Contributing Historic structure and the surrounding neighborhood. 2. The scale and siting of the proposed addition is appropriate for this Medium -High Density residential site. 3. The project is designed to complement the Old Town Historic District and the design complements adjacent residences in the neighborhood. 4. The project is exempt from environmental review under Class 3, new construction or �J conversion of small structures, Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines. 5. CHC Minutes July 28, 2008 Page 4 Conditions 1. The front porch entry shall be constructed perpendicular to the house to better align with architectural styles of the early twentieth century and the surrounding neighborhood. 2. Proposed windows shall match the design and materials of the existing vinyl windows, to the approval of the Community Development Director. 3. Architectural medallions shall be replaced with vents, to the approval of the Community Development Director. 4. Window shutters shall be deleted from plans. Window trim shall match original detail and materials, to the approval of the Community Development Director.. 5. The proposed Jacuzzi shall be relocated outside of the required five-foot rear -yard setback or removed from project plans. 6. The applicant shall include a landscape plan and fence details on project plans prior to building permit submittal. 3. 667 Monterey Street. ARC 74-08; Conceptual review of a new mixed-use project on the historic Leitcher House property; O -H zone; Shear Edge Development LLC, applicant. (Phil Dunmore) Phil Dunmore presented the staff report recommending the CHC determine that the proposed new construction is not consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines or with General Plan Policies regarding new construction on historic properties in historic districts and recommend the project be modified to comply with these policies. He stated that the property includes three lots. He stated that Open Space Element Policy 3.3.4 says, "...new buildings in historical districts, or on historically -significant sites, should reflect the form, spacing, and materials of nearby historic structures." He stated that Staff and the ARC are charged with interpreting policy rather than interpreting what good design is. City Policy Guidelines and Ordinances require new buildings in this location to reflect historic features of the surrounding neighborhood. Committee Member Landwehr noted that property's historic background report had recommended the Leitcher Apartments be added to the Master List and wondered why that was not being addressed. Staff answered that issues of demolition and design of the new buildings had postponed initiating Master List nomination. John Belsher, applicant, said the Planning Commission had directed that the project's mass, scale, and design should be complementary to other historic properties on Monterey Street. He stated that this included the Mission and now staff is recommending not to include features from the Mission. He felt confused by both of these directions. He stated that the Leitcher apartment house has to be moved from it's location to build the other buildings on the property. Mike Hodge, engineer, said that if the Leitcher Apartments could not be moved, it could not be rehabilitated as part of this project. CHC Minutes July 28, 2008 Page 5 Ricky Mason, Architect, stated that with the change of zoning he started designing a project that would best display the Leitcher apartment house. He felt that he has limited that style of his designs to only one style but with multiple materials. He felt that moving the Leitcher apartment house forward and toward the Bella House allows for more space to build other buildings on the property, provide more space between buildings, and emphasize the Leitcher Apartments. He stated that to coordinate and complement the surrounding Historic District they have decided to use building materials that are on other historic buildings in the neighborhood. He did not agree with staff recommendation 1 regarding Spanish/Mission themes. Committee Member Crotser asked the architect where the "flat arch" design of the upper windows came from. Mr. Mason noted that the design was not patterned after any specific building, but that he felt the design worked with the overall project architecture. He added that the project was a single design but with multiple materials. PUBLIC COMMENT Chairperson Wheeler opened the public hearing. Vangelis Evangelopoulos, San Luis Obispo, felt the proposed windows in the new buildings were too large and not compatible with the historic house. He felt that greater visual screening/separation was needed between the historic house and the much taller new building to the rear. He also felt the paseo is a good idea to connect to the creek area. He would like to see a plan view with the surrounding buildings to see how they relate to this property. Dave Hannings, 642 Monterey Street, said he lives across the street from the Leitcher Apartments and security for the historic property is a continuing problem. The main gate into the property remains open, and he's concerned about neighborhood safety. He felt the proposed buildings were too large and that the plans showing proposed building elevations were misleading in that they made the proposed buildings look smaller than they would really appear. He said the new buildings would set the scale for future development on the rest of the block and felt upper windows of the proposed building facing the street were too large. He also felt the garage would not be compatible with the rest of the neighborhood as no one has garages near the street in that block. He felt that the proposed buildings will be huge and not complementary to the neighborhood and questioned whether the Leitcher Apartments building was structurally sound enough to be moved. He liked the paseo idea. He felt the proposed buildings would be too close to the street. Theresa Smith, San Luis Obispo, did not feel that the proposed building has any Mission Style architectural elements. Bruce Silverberg, San Luis Obispo, felt the building mass and scale was appropriate but the architectural design was a "pastiche" of many different styles, creating a theme park appearance. He questioned whether this might result from various architects actually trying to follow the City's guidelines and suggesting that City Council and staff reconsider what it is they are asking owners and architects to do in the first place. He felt the City needed to reexamine and revise its development policies and guidelines. Chairperson Wheeler closed the public hearing. CHC Minutes July 28, 2008 Page 6 i J COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Miller felt that half -arched windows on the extra proposed buildings should be changed to better match the windows on the Leitcher apartment house. He felt the "Mission Style" architecture should be de-emphasized, but was okay with the battered walls in the "paseo." He stated the project design needs to harmonize more with nearby historic buildings. Committee Member Landwehr said she would like to initiate adding this property to the Master List. She felt that the proposed buildings on this property would not help to display the Leitcher apartment house and that the proposed buildings would be out of scale with Master List buildings in the vicinity. She thought the Leitcher Apartments would be overshadowed by the taller buildings to the side and rear. Committee Member Breska liked the rehabilitated Leitcher Apartments, but felt the bulk and scale of the new buildings overshadowed the historic building. She would like to see the project reduced from 4 to 3 -story. Committee Member Crotser felt the proposed buildings appear to overshadow the Leitcher apartment house and that the project's streetscape treatment could be more sympathetic with the Leitcher Apartments. A transition area between the back of sidewalk and the proposed veranda on the historic building was needed. The existing public artwork at the rear of the site needed to be lowered so that it continued to be easily seen and touched by the public. He felt the "flat arch" windows were not appropriate and should be reconsidered to be more consistent with the Leitcher Apartments window design. Chairperson Wheeler felt the project was out of scale relative to the Leitcher Apartments and the adjacent neighborhood which included several historic structures. She felt the proposed buildings should be reduced in height by one story. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee voted 6:0 to determine that the proposed new construction is not consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and with General Plan policies regarding new construction on historic properties in historic districts, and recommended the project be continued to a date uncertain, with direction to the applicant to: a. Reduce the mass and scale of the building to increase neighborhood compatibility. b. Reduce the Spanish/Mission influence from the building design including canales, plaster finishes, angled wall planes, and other features that contrast with the Lietcher building. c. Consider the use of a veranda feature at the Monterey Street side of the building to reduce the apparent mass of the building, provide for increased human scale, and complement the Lietcher apartment building. �' d. Unify the streetscape improvements on the Monterey Street side. CHC Minutes July 28, 2008 Page 7 e. Reduce the scale of the windows and incorporate windows that match the size, rhythm, and general design of the windows on the Lietcher apartment building. f. Utilize horizontal siding with a dimension that matches the Lietcher apartment building as the dominant exterior treatment. g. Redesign the underground parking entry at the Monterey Street side of the building or consider the use of garage doors that match the character of the historic district. h. Maintain Lietcher Apartment relationship to Monterey Street with a minimum of 8 feet available for landscape, and re-establish original or period -appropriate landscaping along Monterey Street. The CHC took a break from 8:15 p. m. - 8: 20 p. m. 4. Citywide. Review of updated Archaeological Resource Preservation Program Guidelines; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. (Continued from June 23, 2008, meeting) (Jeff Hook) Jeff Hook presented the staff report recommending the Committee provide direction on key issues and public comments and continue the item to the Committee's August 25, 2008, meeting. Chairperson Wheeler opened the public hearing. Barry Price, archaeologist with Applied Earthworks, and Ethan Bertrando, archaeologist with Bertrando and Bertrando, addressed some -- of the public comments listed in the staff report and expressed interest in reviewing future drafts of the Archaeological Guidelines Update, particularly on technical details of archaeological methods and standards. Seeing no further comment, Chairperson Wheeler closed the public hearing. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee continued the item to its September 22, 2008, meeting with direction to revise the document and to work with community representatives to provide technical assistance. The motion carried, 6:0. COMMUNICATIONS: A) Agenda Forecast - Jeff Hook provided a forecast of the next meeting to be held on August 25, 2008. He gave a brief description of the five items that are currently scheduled for the agenda. He reminded the CHC that quarterly there is a Mayor's luncheon and he would like to have a representative from the CHC there. B) Committee - Committee Member Crotser invited committee members to visit the Shipsey house, on the corner of Johnson and Mill Street, now being restored. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. CHC Minutes July 28, 2008 Page 8 Respectfully submitted by, Michelle Lakey Recording Secretary the Cultural Heritage Committee on August 25h, 2008. 0 SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting of August 25, 2008 U The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Katy Davis, Dean Miller, and Vice Chair John Fowler. Absent: Committee Member Lynne Landwehr and Chairperson Elise Wheeler Staff: Senior Planner Jeff Hook, Senior Planner Pam Ricci, and Recording Secretary Michelle Lakey ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Commissioners or staff may modify the order of items. MINUTES: The minutes of July 28, 2008, were approved as presented. PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no public comments. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1) 1460 Mill Street. CHCMA 88-08; Request for Mills Act Contract for Historic Mugler House; R- 2 zone; Dora Drexler, applicant. (James David Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, presented the staff report recommending the CHC forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and adopt the attached draft Mills Act Contract. Staff recommended that the brick paving be reset in the front of the home and that the carriage house in the rear of the property be re -enforced since it is leaning. Staff recommended that Item #3 of Exhibit A to the contract be amended to read: "Repair and repaint all wood or stucco portions of the exterior fagades, to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director, including exterior stickwork at the rear of the house." Dora Drexler, applicant, stated that she has no problems with the staff recommendations. She is excited to participate in the program and looking forward to improving the house. She noted that the brick fence needed repairs. Committee member Miller was concerned about the brick fence, since it was an important part of the property's historic character. He hoped that owners of both properties bordering the fence would participate in its repair. PUBLIC COMMENT Vice -Chair Fowler opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. �HC Minutes August 25, 2008 Page 2 COMMITTEE COMMENTS On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Breska, the Committee voted 5:0 to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and adopt the attached draft Mills Act Contract, subject to the following findings: Findings: 1. Conservation and Open Space Element program 3.6.2 indicates the City will participate in financial assistance programs such as property tax reduction programs that encourage maintenance and restoration of historic properties. 2. The Mugler House, located at 1460 Mill Street, has been recognized as a historic asset in the community by its designation as a Master List Historic Property. As such, maintaining the structure will meet the City's goals for historic preservation listed in policies 3.3.1 through 3.3.5 of the Conservation and Open Space Element. 2) 1546 Chorro Street. CHCMA 91-08; Request to enter into a Mills Act Contract for the Fleugar House, a Master List historic resource; R -2-H zone; Joann Quaglino, applicant. (Brian Leveille) Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, presented the staff report recommending the CHC forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act - Historic Preservation program and adopt the attached draft Mills Act Contract. JoAnn Quaglino, applicant, and Matt Quaglino, representative, supported staff's recommendation. PUBLIC COMMENT Vice -Chair Fowler opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. COMMITTEE COMMENTS On a motion by Committee Member Davis, seconded by Committee Member Miller, the Committee voted 5:0 to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and adopt the attached Mills Act Contract, subject to the following findings: Findings: 1. Conservation and Open Space Element program 3.6.2 indicates the City will participate in financial assistance programs such as property tax reduction programs that encourage maintenance and restoration of historic properties. 2. The Flueger House, located at 1546 Chorro Street, has been recognized as a historic asset in the community by its designation as a Master List Historic Property. As such, maintaining the structure will meet the City's goals for historic preservation listed in policies 3.3.1 through 3.3.5 of the Conservation and Open Space Element. CHC Minutes August 25, 2008 Page 3 3) 2238 Broad Street. ARC 70-08; Review revised, previously -approved mixed-use development project located in Railroad Historic District; C -N -H zone; Rick Moses, RMD Development, applicant. (Pam Ricci) Pam Ricci, Senior Planner, presented the staff report recommending the CHC recommend to the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) that it find the project consistent with the Railroad District Plan (RDP) and with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines "Principles of Historic Preservation," based on findings, and subject to a condition. She stated that the amount of commercial square footage has increased and the residential square footage has been decreased. She provided the Committee with the recommendations made by the ARC. Debbie Rudd, RRM Design Group, stated that Mr. Moses will submit the plans for LEED Neighborhood Development Green Points to improve sustainability. She explained the designs were inspired by old brick warehouses in the Railroad Historic District. She stated that she would like the project to be named "The Station." Jeff Dillon, project architect, described the architectural design of each of the buildings being proposed. He explained that building E, the signature building, is designed after the historic Railroad Roundhouse building. Rick Moses, developer, stated that their goal is to make a good project even better. He stated that the current layout is better then previously proposed. He explained that some of the changes are to add more brick to the buildings. He stated that the ARC has provided good ideas that they are applying to their plans. The residential units have changed from condos to rental units. He felt that the sidewalks should be accented with brick and not wood. He explained that the project's name has changed because people did not know what Maymont was. He felt that he has addressed staff's recommendations in the current proposal. PUBLIC COMMENTS Vice -Chair Fowler opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Miller felt that the project is well done. He preferred the lights that are offered in the architectural guidelines. Committee Member Crotser felt the current proposal is much better than the original. He felt that it would fit in well with the Railroad Historic District. He fully supported the project. Vice -Chair Fowler liked the changes made by the applicant. He supports the idea of keeping the boardwalk on Roundhouse Avenue and not on Emily Street. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Breska, the Committee voted 5:0 to recommend to the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) that it find the project CHC Minutes August 25, 2008 Page 4 consistent with the Railroad District Plan (RDP) and with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines "Principles of Historic Preservation," based on findings, and subject to a condition:. Findings: 1. The proposed building materials, such as brick and smooth -troweled plaster, and the forms, bulk, scale, and architectural detailing of proposed buildings are consistent with the architectural guidelines contained within the Railroad District Plan and will promote the character of the Railroad Historic District. 2. The design of Building E, the Signature Building, has a curved fagade and arch forms which are reminiscent of the historic railroad roundhouse structure that stood near the site. 3. The proposed mix of residential and commercial uses is consistent with land -use patterns discussed in the Railroad District Plan that promote developments that allow people to live near work places and services. Condition: 1. Boardwalk -style sidewalk as called for in the Railroad District Plan shall be installed along the project's public street frontage on Roundhouse Avenue and shall be reflected on plans submitted for final review by the ARC. 4) 2963 S. Higuera Street. ARC 103-07; Review of a new two-story; approximately 3,500 square feet, commercial building (veterinary office); C -S zoned Dean and Linda Powers, applicants. (Phil Dunsmore) Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the CHC determine that: 1) the existing structure meets the definition of a Contributing Historic Resource; 2) that the proposed demolition is not consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines; and 3) recommend the project be modified to comply with the Secretary of Interior Standard for Rehabilitation. He stated that the building has been used as a veterinary office since 1965. He stated that the proposed changes would add some Spanish- style influences to the building. He stated that the applicant should provide a structural report to help the CHC understand if any of the current structure could be saved and if the proposed driveway would be wide enough to meet the proposed needs. Brian Starr, architect, he explained that he did not understand why Staff was comparing it with three other older homes that are not very close by. He did not understand how the preservation of this building will provide a context to this area. Dean Powers, owner, purchased the building in 1989. He stated that the building had a bad infestation of termites when purchased and ever since. He would like to improve the condition of the building. He described the building's condition and stated that it is in very poor condition and cannot see how to salvage the structure. He stated the proposed parking in front of the building would be to facilitate the needs of his clients. Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, provided some history on the South Higuera Street corridor, Old State Highway 2, and why the Committee had previously considered this area a City gateway. CHC Minutes August 25, 2008 Page 5 PUBLIC COMMENT Vice -Chair Fowler opened public hearing. There were no public comments. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Member Miller felt that the front half of the structure should be maintained and that an addition could be added onto the back half. He stated that if it is in poor condition and cannot be saved he could accept that. He felt the building is a part of our history. Committee Member Crotser felt that the applicant brought up many good points. He would like to see the front of the building be preserved. He does not feel that the surrounding area would be compromised by the demolition of the structure. He stated that the project might need to be continued to a later date to have staff come up with some findings for the Committee to vote on. Committee Member Breska felt it would be a shame to lose the building. She would like to see the front of the building saved and an addition to be added on to the rear of the structure. She stated that it has potential to be a contributing property. Committee Member Davis felt that preserving the front of the house would be the best choice if it is structurally feasible. Vice Chair Fowler agreed that this building could be a possible contributing property. He would support Staffs recommendation. Committee members did not feel there was enough information to evaluate the demolition request and asked the applicant to provide specific structural information to accurately describe the building's structural condition and feasibility of incorporating the building's fagade into the new project. On a motion by Committee Member Miller, seconded by Committee Member Crotser, the Committee voted 5:0 to continue the project to its September 22, 2008, meeting. 5) 1204 Ninomo Street. ARC 1-07; Conceptual architectural review of a new mixed-use building with 2,836 square feet of ground floor commercial space and four residential units; C -D zone; Jules Rogoff, applicant. (Brian Leveille) Jeff Hook, Senior Planner, stated that the item needs to be continued to a date certain. COMMITTEE COMMENTS On a motion by Committee Member Miller, seconded by Committee Member Crotser, the Committee voted 5:0 to continue to item to the Committee's September 22, 2008, meeting. COMMUNICATIONS:. a. Agenda Forecast — Jeff Hook provided a forecast of the next meeting to be held on September 22, 2008. He gave a brief description of the four items that are currently scheduled for the agenda, and provided Committee members with information about "The Making of a City: A CHC Minutes August 25, 2008 Page 6 Community Academy." He announced that the California Council for the Promotion of History is holding its 28th annual conference in San Luis Obispo on October 23-25 at the Embassy Suites Hotel with an opening reception at the Dallidet Adobe. b. Committee ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Michelle Lakey Recording Secretary Committee on September 22, 2008. Senior Planner SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting of September 22, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Dean Miller, Vice Chair John Fowler, and Chairperson Elise Wheeler Absent: Katy Davis, Lynne Landwehr Staff: Senior Planner Jeff Hook and Recording Secretary Janet Miller MINUTES: Minutes of August 25, 2008, were approved as amended PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no public comments. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 785 Buchon Street. CHCMA 107-08; Request for Mills Act Contract for historic Marshall House; R -2-H zone; Jennifer Blomfield, applicant. (Brian Leveille) Jeff Hook presented the staff report and recommended the Committee forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request. Mr Hook showed slides of the home's architectural character and features, typical of the Queen Anne Victorian architectural style. He noted that Exhibit A of the draft Mills Act contract should include a list of proposed repairs or property improvements that relate directly to the historic property, and he suggested added detail might be appropriate for item "d" on the proposed Exhibit A. David Booker and Jennifer Blomfield responded to the staff report and agreed with staff -recommended minor changes to "Exhibit A" of the draft contract. There was no public comment. Committee Comments Committee Member Fowler was interested in clarifying Exhibit A describing work to be done under the contract. He also questioned if Exhibit A listed work items in order of priority. Committee Member Crotser was pleased to see the house's interior included in the slides and the report along with the house's exterior design. David and Jennifer Booker, applicants and owners of the property, said that most of the house's restoration work had been completed. They also explained that the interior has been refinished i in keeping with its original character. In addition, they felt the maintenance of the sidewalk and driveway should be included and noted this site has been recognized by Obispo Beautiful. CHC Minutes, September 22, 2008 Page 2 On a motion by Committee Member Breska, seconded by Committee Member Miller, the Committee voted 5:0 to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the applicant's request to be part of the Mills Act Historic Preservation program and to endorse the draft Mills Act Contract with Exhibit A, item "d" revised to provide additional detail on how the landscape would be maintained to a "high standard," to staff approval. 2. 2963 S. Higuera Street. ARC 103-07; Continued review of a new two-story, approximately 3,500 square feet, commercial building (veterinary office); C -S zone; Dean and Linda Powers, applicants. (Phil Dunsmore) Jeff Hook presented the staff report recommending the Committee determine that the existing building does not meet the criteria for listing as a Contributing property or Master List Historic Resource, and that signature design elements of South Higuera Street building fagade be included in the new construction, with a recommendation to the Architectural Review Commission for conditional approval. Applicant Dean Powers and project architect Brian Starr responded to the staff report. Jerry Moore, San Luis Obispo resident, acknowledged that the building was cute, but that it was no longer representative of the historic context of State Highway 2, southern City gateway. Most committee members agreed the building did not meet eligibility criteria for historic listing and, consequently, original building elements like arched windows and entry portico did not need to be incorporated into the new building. Committee Member Miller stated that it does have a pleasing facade and roof tiles should be re -used if possible. He would trust the architect to use a pleasing design that will suit the building. Committee Member Fowler felt that the building does not meet the historic guidelines and supports the demolition and redevelopment as proposed. Changes made over the years have compromised the building's original character, and reuse or reconstruction of signature architectural elements did not appear to be warranted since the building was not historically or architecturally significant. Committee Member Crotser supports the project and hoped the roof tiles could be re -used. Dean Powers, owner of the property, appreciated staff's time and effort. He felt the placement of the building, with customer parking in front, was critical. He would like to see incorporation of historic elements but was concerned with safety and function. He said the architectural design concept was to be of a Spanish style theme/character. Committee members encouraged the applicant to reuse the roof tiles, to the extent feasible. After lengthy discussion, on a motion by Committee Member Fowler, seconded by Committee Member Crotser, the Committee voted 4:1 (Committee Member Wheeler voting no) to forward a recommendation to approve the project as submitted, and that, prior to demolition, the building be photo -documented consistent with City policies. DISCUSSION ITEM: n 3. Goal Setting & the Budget Process. Identify the Cultural Heritage Committee Goals & �J Programs as part of the City's 2009-2011 Financial Plan & Budget (Jeff Hook) Jeff Hook presented the staff report describing the goal -setting and budget process. Committee CHC Minutes, September 22, 2008 Page 3 - members reviewed the status of 2007-2009 CHC goals and identified additional community priorities for cultural resource preservation and education. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Miller, the Committee voted 5:0 to identify the following CHC program goals for 2009-2011, with goal 1 being the highest priority, and to forward these to the City Council with a request for resources to complete the work during the 2009-2011 budget cycle: 1) Historic Preservation Ordinance: Prepare a Historic Preservation Ordinance, pursuant to General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element Program 3.30.10, and provide funding for the preparation of a historic character assessment of City historic districts. 2) Historic Resource Inventory: Retain a historic survey coordinator, using private contributions in whole or part, to lead a community -staffed historic survey to update and maintain the Citywide Historic Resource Inventory of Master List and Contributing properties, including potentially -historic neighborhoods cited in the Lovell Historic Survey Report, annexation areas, and threatened structures. 3) Historic Adobes: Stabilize initially and, as funding allows, rehabilitate the City -owned historic adobes: Rodriguez, Butron, and La Loma Adobes. 4) Southern Pacific Freight Warehouse: Provide funding to complete the rehabilitation of the historic Southern Pacific Freight Warehouse within the two-year budget cycle to allow public use as a transit facility and Railroad Museum. S) Historic Plaque Program: Provide funding to continue the Historic Plaque Program at current levels. 6) Public Education Tours: Sponsor or co-sponsor an annual historic buildings fund- raiser tour with local non-profit organizations and use proceeds for historic education outreach to local schools. 7) Historic Downtown Light Standards: Continue the replacement of "modern " street light standards with historic street lights to improve Downtown safety and aesthetics. Committee Member Crotser suggested the possibility of a "sketch crawl" tour that would encourage people who enjoy sketching and painting to visit and sketch historic buildings, and then produce a booklet with the sketches to be sold to raise funds for community educational programs. Under Other Community Needs, Committee Member Miller felt that design studies and public improvements were needed at the intersection of Chorro and Monterey Streets. He felt this effort might be included in the Chinatown Project, a portion of which abutted that intersection, across from Mission Plaza. Several members supported the idea but suggested that it be broadened to cover additional Downtown street intersections. Committee members asked that this item be scheduled for discussion at the CHC's October meeting. COMMUNICATIONS: CHC Minutes, September 22, 2008 Page 4 Staff gave an agenda forecast for the October CHC meeting and reminded Committee members they were invited to the California Council for the Promotion of History reception at the Dallidet Adobe on Thursday evening, October 23rd, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. He noted that the Chinatown Mixed -Use Project, Little Italy historic survey, and Mills Act Update were tentatively scheduled for the Committee's October meeting. He also showed a proposal for a new street light on the historic Carnegie Library (Historical Museum) site, and the Committee directed that the item be placed on an upcoming CHC agenda for discussion. Committee members agreed that Committee Member Crotser would represent the CHC at the Mayor's Quarterly luncheon meeting on October 9th. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Janet Miller Recording Secretary Approved by the Cultural Heritage Committee on October 27, 2008. SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting of October 27, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Dean Miller, Katy Davis, Lynne Landwehr, Vice Chair John Fowler Absent: Chairperson Wheeler Staff. Jeff Hook Senior Planner, Pam Ricci Senior Planner, Kim Murry, Deputy Director Community Development, Leeann Singleton, Planning Intern, Caitlin Morici, Planning Intem, and Recording Secretary Janet Miller ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as presented. MINUTES: The minutes of September 22, 2008 were approved as submitted. PUBLIC COMMENT: Bob Vessely, 743 Pacific Street, expressed concern about excavations going on at the former "Johnsons for Children" building, the historic Wade building located at 1026 Chorro Street. He noted that large holes were being dug for new seismic walls and, due to the building's sensitive location near the Mission, was concerned that the City's ministerial permit process did not address the need for an archaeological monitor. CONSENT ITEM: 1) 696 Monterey Street. Review new public street light standard at the historic Carnegie Library building; PF -H Zone; SLO County Historical Society, applicant. Staff Recommendation: Approve with Conditions. (Jeff Hook) On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Breska, the project was approved on consent on a 6:0 vote, subject to the following findings and conditions: Fmdme 1. Installation of the light standard would be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties, since it would be historically compatible with the historic character of the building but is clearly a new, modern standard and not a historic feature. CHC Minutes October 27, 2008 Page 2 Conditions The light standard base shall be mounted no higher than six inches above finished grade. 2. A qualified archaeologist and a Native American site monitor shall be retained by the Museum to oversee any trenching and grading. If any evidence of cultural resources is uncovered, all work in the vicinity of the find shall cease and the Community Development Director shall be notified to determine additional measures necessary to protect the cultural resources. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 2) 1120 Morro Street. ARC 77-08; Review of new, four-story mixed -used building in the C -D -H zone; SLO Investments, LLC, applicant (Pam Ricci). Pam Ricci presented the staff report and Carol Florence, applicant's representative, responded to the staff report. No public comments were provided. Committee member Landwehr expressed concern with the building height compared with the Downtown Center across the street and felt it might create a "canyon effect" on Morro Street. She would like to see the third story fagade set back to allow more light at the street and to reduce the building's apparent mass. Staff explained that the project met height requirements and that offsets to the street facade were created by upper floor balconies. Committee member Crotser was comfortable with the building's height and design, and felt it met the City's historic district goals. Committee member Fowler agreed with Committee member Crotser but felt a third story setback was a good idea. Committee member Miller supported the project but expressed concerns about the quality of the building's exterior architectural details and materials. He wanted to see conditions of approval requiring more detailed, quarter -scale drawings of iron work on window and balconies. He felt the project quality was critical in terms of its design compatibility and appearance at the pedestrian level. Committee member Crotser agreed with the need to provide drawings of the ironwork, gate and other details. He indicated that the historic projecting sign was non-descript and should be offered to the SLO County Historical Society, rather than required to be included in the project. On a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee approved the project on a 6:0 vote subject to the following findings and conditions: CHC Minutes October 27, 2008 Page 3 Fmding_s 1. The building materials, style, character, and form of the new structure promote the architectural character, style, form, and materials of the Downtown Historic District and complement the character of the surrounding buildings and area. 2. The project is consistent with standards contained in the Community Design Guidelines for the downtown, which encourage projects that are pedestrian -oriented and have proportions and design details that complement surrounding structures. Conditions 1. Plans shall include window details indicating the type of materials for the window frames and mullions, their dimensions, and colors. Windows systems shall be wood or wood -clad composite materials with true divided lights. Vinyl or aluminum windows are prohibited. 2. Plans shall include the materials and dimensions of all lintels, sills, surrounds, recesses, and other related window features. 3. Plans shall clearly show the depth of molding features, final finishes, and storefront details. 4. Construction plans shall include a''/a" = 1 foot scaled Morro Street elevation which shows the architectural details at the pedestrian level to accurately depict their quality. 5. Consistent with the Archaeological Preservation Program Guidelines, the applicant shall retain a qualified archaeologist and Native American site monitor to be present during site - disturbance activities associated with the construction project. If excavations encounter significant paleontological resources, archaeological resources, or cultural materials, then construction activities which may affect them shall cease until the extent of the resource is determined and appropriate protective measures are approved by the Community Development Director. The Community Development Director shall be notified of the extent and location of discovered materials so that they may be recorded by a qualified archaeologist. If pre -historic Native American artifacts are encountered, a Native American monitor should be called in to work with the archaeologist to document and remove the items. Disposition of artifacts shall comply with state and federal laws. 6. The projecting "Granada Hotel' sign shall be carefully removed, protected, and offered to the San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum or other non-profit preservation entity for preservation and/or restoration, to the approval of the Community Development Director. 3) 8479 8619 863 & 877 Palm Street; 840, 844, 848, 8869 868 & 870 Monterey Street; 984 & 986 Chorro Street; and 955 Morro Street. ARC 69-05 Review of a Historic Structures Report prepared by the applicant's consultant regarding remaining character -defining features of the Sauer Bakery and the Blackstone Hotel as directed by the City Council and a City peer review of that report in conjunction with the Chinatown Project; C -D -h zone; �' SLO Chinatown, LLC applicant. (Pam Ricci) CHC Minutes October 27, 2008 Page 4 Pam Ricci, presented the staff report, recommending the Historic Structures Report prepared by the applicant's consultant with the recommended modifications of the City's consultant be accepted and incorporated into the revised project design, based on findings and with one condition. The applicant hired Carey & Co. Inc. of San Francisco to prepare a Historic Structures Report to evaluate the feasibly of incorporating remaining character defining features of the two buildings in the proposed mixed-use project. Staff stated the historic reports focused on the feasibility of retaining the Blackstone Hotel's Swiss/Italian fagade, and the historic Sauer Bakery building's original oven. Committee member Committee member Breska questioned why staff was not recommending preservation of the Blackstone Hotel's Art Moderne fagade on Monterey Street, as recommended in the Peer Review report addendum. She felt the Blackstone Hotel should be acknowledged as architecturally significant. Pam Ricci noted that the EIR had concluded that both the Blackstone Hotel and Sauer Bakery buildings were historically significant. She added that the EIR also acknowledged the architectural significance of the early Streamline styling of the Blackstone hotel; however, she pointed out that the City Council had not recommended that this component of the building be further evaluated for preservation in the Historic Structures Report. Committee member Landwehr noted that the dates in the historic survey report should be corrected to show that the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1895, not 1873, and that "Swiss - Italian" is the correct expression of that particular style, rather than Italian/Swiss. Mark Rawson, applicant, responded to the staff report and introduced historian Alice Carey, who discussed the significance of the bakery oven. She further stated the Blackstone's bricks were not rare and indicated the rounded building corner and the porthole windows on Chorro Street were notable. Carey & Co. HSR recommended the following: 1) The pre -1913 Italian Swiss fagade of the Blackstone Hotel building should not be incorporated into new construction. 2) The Blackstone Hotel's 1926 fagade need not be incorporated into construction. 3) Blackstone Hotel's Ah Louis bricks are not rare and need not be retained, but if they are retained that they should be used in an indoor setting. 4) The fagade of the Sauer Bakery need not be rehabilitated, restored, or incorporated into new construction. 5) The Sauer Bakery oven is historically significant and relocation would expose it to a substantial risk of damage. The engineers therefore recommended that the oven be left in place to preserve its historic material. PUBLIC COMMENT: Alex Gough, owner of the historic Sauer -Adams Adobe, 964 Chorro, felt that the City was confusing architecture with history for the old Blackstone Hotel. He indicated that this corner is very important and a prominent part of the community's cultural history. Bob Vessely, San Luis Obispo, stated that the project seemed to be rushed through the public process. Mr. Vessely expressed concern regarding the feasibility analysis and felt that the Carey CHC Minutes October 27,.2008 Page 5 & Company report was not a "historic structures report" (HSR) as provided by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for treatment of Historic structures. He felt the report skips over key questions about the remaining building features and details of the Swiss -Italian portion of the Blackstone Hotel. He noted that the architectural integrity of the building may have been diminished, but the report should recognize its importance to early San Luis Obispo culture. Allan Cooper, San Luis Obispo, urged the Committee to take more time for review. He felt that the required "rehabilitation/feasibility study" had not been done as intended by the Council. He felt there needed to be more evaluation of viability, cost and benefit, and feasibility. He added that the Blackstone was one of only two Streamline Art Moderne structures in San Luis Obispo. Joseph Abrahams, San Luis Obispo, was concerned with the potential loss of authenticity and did not believe the Carey & Co. report was adequate. Elizabeth Abrahams, San Luis Obispo, stated that a cost/benefit analysis and structural rehabilitation feasibility analysis were requested by the CHC and that these haven't been provided. She felt the HSR was not "independent and unbiased. Gary Fowler, San Luis Obispo, echoed comments of previous speakers. He also expressed concern regarding preservation of the brick oven during demolition and construction. John Ashbaugh, Planning Commissioner, stated that the study did not appear to meet the standards the committee required. He requested the Committee give specific direction to address the re -use of bricks and other character -defining features of the buildings to the Council. Pam Ricci provided clarification that the consultant's report addressed the scope that staff had approved as originally defined by the City Council. She noted that the evaluation was allowed to be phased with the first phase identifying whether there were specific character -defining features of the two buildings that needed to be retained. She added that later phases would be conducted if determined to be necessary with the second phase looking at the structural feasibility of retaining character -defining features and the third phase being a fiscal feasibility, cost -benefit analysis. Mr. Rawson stated that the study's authors addressed many of these concerns and outlined numerous structural problems with the buildings. He stated that uncovered details were investigated inside the Sauer Building, and that the Blackstone Hotel building had been sufficiently studied to show that it does not have historically significant, uncovered building details that warrant preservation. The public hearing was closed. Committee member Breska noted that the City's consultant had described the Streamline Moderne fagade of the Blackstone Hotel as a significant feature. She stated that the facade was a character -defining feature that was extremely important and that the building should be redesigned to integrate this facade into the new construction. Committee member Crotser concurred with recommendations #1-#5 of the Carey & Co. report. CHC Minutes October 27, 2008 Page 6 Committee member Miller did not feel the report was made available to Committee members and the public in a timely manner for review. He was concerned that this project was likely to appear sterile and resemble the Downtown Center or Court Street. The project needs to restore a sense of place to the corner of Monterey and Chorro, and he supported reconstruction, not demolition to preserve the bricks. Committee member Landwehr understands the constraints of the project. She wanted to see the project evoke history in response to the public input that does not support a modem design. Ah Louis bricks may be common place but are not readily viewable in other buildings. The Blackstone Hotel building is iconic and its bricks need to be incorporated into the project design. The little historic fabric that remains — the bakery ovens -- should be addressed, considered and treated as a large, important artifact. Staff reminded the Committee that this will not be the last time the Committee will see this project. More detailed drawings would return to the Committee after the Council has reviewed the reports and provided direction. Committee member Breska agreed with all of the consultant's report recommendations except #2. She felt the Blackstone Hotel Moderne facade should be retained in the project. Vice -Chairperson Fowler felt the HSR was deficient and that due diligence was not addressed to the level expected; key questions were left unanswered. He felt we needed to do more than simply save bricks; that the Blackstone Hotel was a cultural icon and the fagade should be integrated into the project. Committee member Crotser moved to recommend Carey and Company's five recommendations, with staff's condition #1 regarding preservation of the Ah Louis bricks be substituted for Carey and Company's recommendation #3. Committee member Davis seconded the motion. On a tie vote, the motion failed. (yes - Committee members Miller, Davis and Crotser). Committee member Breska moved the same motion as above, but with a modified condition #2 to preserve the Blackstone Hotel's Streamline Modeme 1926 fagade to be incorporated into the new construction, if structurally feasible. Committee member Crotser seconded the motion. After lengthy discussion, the Committee voted 6:0 to recommend to the City Council the recommendations of the Historic Structures Report prepared by the applicant's consultant, with the staff -recommended modifications from the City's consultant be accepted and incorporated into the revised project design, based on findings and with these conditions: Finding The applicant has responded to the direction of the City Council and commissioned a Historic Structures Report for the Blackstone Hotel and the Sauer Bakery buildings by Carey & Co. Inc., which provides a development history and evaluation of the two buildings CHC Minutes October 27, 2008 Page 7 including the historical background, chronology of development and use, and description of remaining character -defining features. 2. The CHC has reviewed and considered the content and recommendations of the Carey & Co., Inc., report along with the peer review completed by Galvin Preservation Associates and finds that the two reports adequately address the issues regarding the remaining character -defining features that the Council requested further information and analysis on through amended mitigation measures in the Final EIR per City Council Resolution No. 9946 (2007 Series). Conditions 1. That the pre -1913 "Italian Swiss" fagade of the Blackstone Hotel building not be incorporated into new construction. 2. The Blackstone Hotel's c. 1926 fa*e is a significant example of Streamline Moderne architecture and shall be incorporated into new construction, if determined to be structurally feasible. 3. The Ah Louis bricks in the Blackstone Hotel building shall be salvaged as part of the deconstruction project and reused within the project as shown on revised plans to the review and approval of the Architectural Review Commission and City Council, and with the recommendations and review of the Cultural Heritage Committee. 4. That the fagade of the Sauer Bakery need not be rehabilitated, restored, or incorporated into new construction. 5. That the Sauer Bakery oven is historically significant but that a plan to relocate the oven would expose it to a substantial risk of damage. The oven shall be preserved in place to preserve its historic material and shall be fully accessible to the viewing public. 4. 1204 Nipomo Street and 464 Buchon Street. ARC 1-07; Review relocation of the historic Parsons House and proposed demolition of accessory structure; C -D & R-2 zones; Jules Rogoff, applicant. (Brian Leveille) Brian Leveille presented the staff report and recommended the Committee continue the item to a date uncertain, pending completion of an initial study prepared pursuant to CEQA guidelines. The initial study would include complete and independent analysis of the Parson House property's potential qualification under historic resources criteria, including the proposed relocation of the Parsons House and demolition of the detached accessory structure. Randy Dettmer, architect and Jules Rogoff, property owner and applicant, responded to the staff report. He said he did not understand the procedure(s) required to proceed with project. He felt the house is worth preserving, and has proposed relocation of the structure in order to allow commercial development on the commercially -zoned property. The project does not require an EIR. While the garage has not been previously discussed, it was not built at same time as house and does not have significance as he understands historic significance. CHC Minutes October 27, 2008 Page 8 Vice -Chairperson Fowler asked for clarification on the garage and the analysis made for `— consideration of moving the house and garage/bedroom. Jeff Hook acknowledged that the garage did not come up in initial discussions with the applicant, since it appeared to be attached to house, built of similar exterior materials at about the same period and assumed to be historically significant. He added that the historic information prepared by the applicant's consultant was not complete and additional historical evaluation was needed to meet CEQA requirements. Brian Leveille said that the City intended to contract with another historian to complete the historic information and CEQA evaluation. PUBLIC COMMENT: Lauren Poe, Trustee of property adjacent to the Parsons house, spoke in support of the applicant's request. She saw no reason to save or move the garage. Committee member Miller didn't feel relocation is an acceptable mitigation measure under CEQA. He said the proposed location for the house was an interior lot, different from the house's historic comer location with two sides visible to the public. Committee member Miller moved to continue the item to a date uncertain, with direction to staff to consider possible alternative corner locations in the City that might accommodate the house as part of the initial environmental study. As an example, he cited community garden across from Episcopal Church on Nipomo Street Committee member Crotser seconded the motion. The motion failed on a 3:3 vote (yes - Committee members Miller, Fowler, and Landwehr) Staff clarified that an analysis of project alternatives is only available through preparation of an EIR. If the historic evaluation did not determine that a significant impact would result from demolition of the garage, an EIR would not be prepared. Committee member Breska moved the staff recommendation (no review of alternative sites), and Committee member Crotser seconded the motion. On a 6:0 vote, the Committee continued the item to a date uncertain. 5. 7439 774, 796 & 797 Caudill Street; 778 Francis Avenue; 781 Humbert Avenue; 2502, 2546, 2663 and 2691 Victoria Avenue; McMillan Street; and 753 Woodbridge Street. Consideration of nominating properties in the South Broad Street Corridor Planning area to the Contributing Properties or Master List of Historic Resources; City of San Luis Obispo, Applicant (Jeff Hook) Caitlin Moricci, Community Development Department intern, presented the staff report and showed slides of the candidate historic properties: 743, 774, 796 & 797 Caudill Street; 778 Francis Avenue, 2505, 25461 2663 & 2691 Victoria Avenue; 2950 McMillan Street and 753 Woodbridge Street to the Contributing Properties list. She noted that the City Council had CHC Minutes October 27, 2008 Page 9 already determined that 774 Caudill did not meet eligibility criteria for historic significance, so it was not included with the other candidates for consideration. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. & Mrs. Hillshire (email), San Luis Obispo, owners of 2643 & 2691, do not believe their properties are historic resource location. Nancy Harris (email), San Luis Obispo, (email) owner of 778 Francis believes location is commercial in use not historic. Ms. Harris does not wish restriction under historic resource location. Terry Boyer, San Luis Obispo, owner of 2950 McMillan Road felt that this property has nothing to do with Little Italy nor is this a historic location or a historic house. He felt historic designation would be detrimental to his livelihood, and did not want encumbrances on property. Steven Soenke, Architect, agreed with Mr. Boyer and did not feel that 2950 McMillan met the criteria for historic listing. He felt 774 Caudill was excluded from historic listing for the same reason that this property should be excluded. Tonia Harrell (Silva family), San Luis Obispo, 796 Caudill, owner. She stated she did not want 796 Caudill historically listed, and felt that historic status may adversely affect their ability to sell the property. Rick Wadsworth (San Luis Obispo), son of owner, Rodney Wadsworth (King City), did not want 753 Woodbridge added to the historic list and indicated that requiring these houses to remain will impede re -development of the area. Mike Caney Jr., 797 Caudill, still runs a meatpacking business in this area. He did not support historic listing of this property or 743 Caudill and felt Cattaneo Brothers' business would be hindered by putting the properties on a historic list George Garcia, San Luis Obispo, owner of 774 Caudill, does not support historic listing for his property. He said he purchased property with the intention to remove the old house and redevelop and relied on the determination by the Council that the property did not qualify for historic listing. The public hearing was closed. Committee members requested clarification of the zoning in the area and the limits of the area listed as "Little Italy". Staff clarified the location of the area included in the South Broad Street Corridor Planning Area and the area known as "Little Italy." Committee members requested clarification of the consequences of historic designation on the use of property. Staff replied that historic designation does not limit allowed uses, and that. Contributing Property status can have benefits. For example, historic properties often don't meet current Zoning Regulations and if damaged by flood or fire, may be rebuilt just as they were before the damage. They are also eligible for use of the Historic Building Code, which allows CHC Minutes October 27, 2008 Page 10 greater flexibility in meeting certain code requirements. Historic designation does require greater evaluation when demolition or modifications to the property are proposed. After discussion, and on a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Davis, the Committee voted 5:1 (Committee Member Miller dissenting) to: 1. Recommend that the City Council update the Inventory of Historic Resources by adding properties 743, 796, and 797 Caudill Street; 778 Francis Avenue, 2505, 2546, 2663, & 2691 Victoria Avenue; 2950 McMillan Street; and 753 Woodbridge Street to the Contributing Properties list; and 2. Determine that property located at 781 Humbert does not meet the eligibility criteria for Contributing Property, and that 774 Caudill has been determined by the City Council to be ineligible for listing as a Contributing Property. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 6. Mills Act Program Evaluation. Update on the status of historic properties with Mills Act contracts. Leeanne Singleton, Community Development Department intern, presented the staff report and showed slides of several historic properties in the Mills Act program with maintenance issues needing attention. The Committee thanked staff for the survey, evaluation, and report and felt periodic review of the Mills Act Program, possibly on an annual basis, was a good idea. They supported staff's findings and directed staff to follow up with property owners by sharing the results of the evaluation with them. Committee member Landwehr thanked staff for the report, and suggested staff use diplomacy to address bicycle parking and landscaping at the historic Esquar House on Marsh Street. PUBLIC COMMENT: Dan Carpenter, San Luis Obispo, indicated support for the Mills Act program. His property is part of the program and he supports increasing the number of allowed contracts per year to more than 10. Vice Chair Fowler felt it was important for staff and the Committee to stay on top of properties' condition and compliance with "Exhibit A" within the required time frame, and asked that Staff report back to CHC at yearly intervals. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 11 pm. Respectfully submitted by, ' Janet Miller Recording Secretary CHC Minutes October 27, 2008 Page 11 Approved the Cultural Heritage Committee on December 15, 2008. SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEEMINUTES Regular Meeting of November 24, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee members Barbara Breska, Dean Miller, Lynne Landwehr, Vice Chair John Fowler, Chairperson Wheeler Absent: Committee members Crotser and Davis Staff: Tyler Corey, Associate Planner; Jeff Hook, Senior Planner; Kim Murry, Deputy Director, Long -Range Planning; and Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: At staff's request, the agenda was modified to move item number 3 to the beginning of the meeting, since it was intended as a brief presentation item, without the need for discussion. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment PRESENTATION ITEM: 1. 1590 Lizzie Street; 466 Dana Street;. and 1341 Purple. Sage Lane. GPI 99-08; Adobes — Presentation regarding process to seek public input regarding priorities for restoration and possible options/uses for three adobes; R-1 zone; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. (Shelly Stanwyck) Shelly Stanwyck presented slides summarizing the status of the three City -owned historic adobes and describing the public outreach process designed to help prioritize maintenance and preservation actions for the adobes. She explained that staff is working with Creative Mediation to help facilitate public meetings. She described the most recent outreach meeting was held on October 17, 2008, at which 20 persons attended. She added that an agenda report would go the Council in January 2009, summarizing public input and requesting Council direction on the next steps as part of the budget process. Vice -Chairperson Fowler asked about timing between last adobes status report and preparation of new report regarding any event as a trigger for this new report. It has been 10 years and time for a review. A conditions assessment that would be provided in a Council staff report aims at assisting in prioritization. He asked if there were any gift restrictions when the City acquired the adobes. Committee Member Wheeler asked for definition of "neighborhood" in terms of the adobes' geographic setting. Ms. Stanwyck replied that neighborhood was interpreted to mean a large area around the adobes. Adobes are for the public at large and staff encourages the public to CHC Minutes November 24, 2008 Page 2 participate. She added that the City Attorney was reviewing the property deeds and conveyances to determine if there were any gift restrictions. Committee Member Fowler asked when the CHC might have an opportunity to provide input, and Ms. Stanwyck explained that a generalized report will go to the Council first, for staff direction as part of the financial planning process. Depending upon the direction received, the item may return to the CHC for its input. Committee members thanked Ms. Stanwyck for her presentation. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 2) 1424 Mill Street. CHCMA 124-08; Request to enter into a Mills Act Agreement for the Historic Maino House; R-2 zone; Conrad Young, applicant (Tyler Corey) Tyler Corey showed slides and presented the staff report recommending approval of the request to add 1424 Mill Street to the Mills Act Program. Property owner Conrad Young provided historical background on the property. Vice -Chairperson Fowler noted that phased timeframes for improvements were referenced by the letter written by the applicant and wondered if completion dates should be included in Exhibit A of the Mills Act Contract. He felt that if the CHC is going to be asked to prioritize the improvements, the Committee would need additional information from staff regarding the condition of the site and buildings, along with clear recommendations of the work needed and suggested priorities. Mr. Hook responded that a time frame could be included and designated in a specific manner. This time frame could be communicated to the board. A specific improvement and completion date can be included in Mills Act contracts, with direction from the Committee. Committee member Landwehr asked for clarification on the required visibility of a historic resource, noting that due to setback and landscaping, the historic building was difficult to see from Mill Street. Mr. Hook explained that the property met eligibility standards for Master List status due to its association with an important local business and family (Main), apart from its architectural merit and visibility. He cited the nearby historic Mugler House on Mill Street as a Master List property with only limited visibility from the street. He added that under the Mills Act contract, the property owners were encouraged, but not required, to allow occasional public tours. PUBLIC COMMENT: Dora Drexler, 1460 Mill Street, explained that her property adjoined Mr. Young's property and noted that a large Redwood tree on the Young's property was damaging a brick wall that followed their common property line. She recently entered into a Mills Act contract that required she repair and preserve the wall and asked the CHC to include repair of the wall as part of the Young's Mills Act contract. Hearing no further comment, Chairperson Wheeler closed the public hearing. Committee member Miller questioned why the fence was not addressed in the historic Maino House Mills Act Contract. Mr. Corey explained that Ms. Drexler had an approved Mills Act CHC Minutes November 24, 2008 Page 3 contract and that contract already required her to repair the brick wall. It appears the wall is part of her property and she had agreed to that repair as part of the contract; there was no need to reopen the issue. Committee Member Miller said he could not support the contract until a property survey was done showing the location of the wall. Most committee members felt the Redwood tree and wall repairs were a "good neighbor" issue, most effectively resolved outside of the Mills Act program. On a motion by Committee Member Fowler, seconded by Committee Member Breska, the Committee recommended that the City Council approve the Draft Mills Act Contract for 1424 Mill Street as attached to the November 24, 2008 CHC staff report, subject to the following findings: Findings 1. Conservation and Open Space Element program 3.6.2 indicates the City will participate in financial assistance programs such as property tax reduction programs that encourage maintenance and restoration of historic properties. 2. The Maino House, located at 1424 Mill Street, has been recognized as a historic asset in the community by its designation as a Master List Historic Property. As such, maintaining the structure will meet the City's goals for historic preservation listed in policies 3.3.1 through 3.3.5 of the Conservation and Open Space Element. 3. The Cultural Heritage Committee has reviewed and approved the proposed site and building changes, which are incorporated into the Mills Act Program for the property. The motion carried, 4:1 (Committee Member Miller voting no). Committee members asked staff to provide "boilerplate" language to include with Mills Act Contracts describing what was expected of owners to maintain building and landscaping in "high-quality condition." Mr. Hook said staff would return at the December CHC meeting with draft contract language. 3) 1118 Palm Street. CHC/ARC 36-08; a) Request for property to be included on the Master List of Historic resources; and b) Review plans to add a 2,373 square -foot addition to accommodate a 15 -bed elderly care facility; O zone; Richard and Jan Carsel, applicants. Tyler Corey showed slides and presented the staff report recommending approval of the request to add the property to the Master List of Historic Resources, and to recommend approval of a 12 - bedroom addition to a historic building to accommodate an elderly care facility. Architect Steve Puglisi, Elizabeth Prater, and Property Owner Richard Carsel responded to the staff report and agreed with the recommendations. There was no public comment. Committee member Landwehr asked staff to explain the differences in historic significance listing categories between the Bertrando historic report and the City's Historic Preservation Program Guidelines categories. Committee Member Miller asked why the proposed building needed a height exception and asked if it was necessary to ensure compatibility with the historic building. Staff explained how CHC Minutes November 24, 2008 Page 4 site grading, drainage and building height were interrelated, and noted that staff supported the - height exception, since it was relatively minor and would be compatible with the historic building. Steve Puglisi explained that the roof height exception was necessary, in part, to allow the new building's roof pitch to match that of the historic building. Mr. Carsel stated that he has restored the house since purchase and does not want to jeopardize its architectural character. The project is going to be an advanced level Alzheimer's and dementia care facility. Following discussion, the Committee took two actions: A. Historic Nomination: On a motion by Committee Member Landwehr, seconded by Committee Member Miller, the Committee voted 5:0 to recommend the City Council add 1118 Palm Street to the Master List of Historic Resources, subject to findings: Findings 1. The property qualifies for nomination to the Master List of Historic Resources based on Historic Criteria (eligibility criteria I, H, III, VI, VII and VIII) of the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines. 2. With nomination to the Master List of Historic Resources, the property located at 1118 Palm Street has been recognized as a historic asset in the community. As such, maintaining the structure will meet the City's goals for historic preservation listed in Conservation and Open Space Element Policies 3.3.1 through 3.3.5. B. Building Addition: On a motion by Committee Member Fowler, seconded by Committee Member Miller, the Committee voted 5:0 to recommend the Architectural Review Commission approve the proposed addition, subject to the following findings and conditions: Findings As conditioned, the proposed colors, materials, and architectural details of the addition are compatible with the historic building and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. 2. The project is consistent with the City's Historic Preservation Program Guidelines because the proposed addition complements the architectural style of the historic building. 3. The addition has been designed in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the form and integrity of the historic building would be unimpaired. CHC Minutes November 24, 2008 Page.5 Conditions 1. The historic building shall be incorporated into the project consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and Conservation and Open Space Element Policies 3.3.2 and 3.3.4. 2. The proposed addition shall complement the historic building's architectural details, materials, and ornamentation, including siding material, window and trim style and materials, roof pitch, forms and materials, while maintaining a visual distinction between the historic and new buildings. 3. Any new or replacement windows on the building, including the proposed addition, shall be matching wood frame double -hung windows. 4. The proposed addition shall have matching wood horizontal siding material. Any replacement siding material on the building shall be matching wood horizontal siding. 5. Consistent with the Archaeological Resource Preservation Program Guidelines, the applicant shall retain a qualified archaeologist and Native American site monitor to be present during site disturbance activities associated with the construction project. If excavations encounter significant paleontological resources, archaeological resources, or cultural materials, then construction activities which may affect them shall cease until the extent of the resource is determined and appropriate protective measures are approved by the Community Development Director. The Community Development Director shall be notified of the extent and location of discovered materials so that they may be recorded by a qualified archaeologist. If pre -historic Native American artifacts are encountered, a Native American monitor should be called in to work with the archaeologist to document and remove the items. Disposition of artifacts shall comply with state and federal laws. COMMUNICATIONS: a. Agenda Forecast — Staff gave a brief agenda forecast for the December 15, 2008 CHC meeting. b. Recap of October 27, 2008 meeting. Committee members and staff discussed the results of the lengthy October 27, 2008 CHC meeting and suggested ways of improving meeting flow, effectiveness, and motion -making. Staff asked the Committee to identify training and staff support needs and provided tips on parliamentary procedures and effective communication. Committee Member Landwehr found the Chinatown mixed-use development discussion confusing, and felt the CHC had been asked to provide direction without having a historic r� structures report or rehabilitation feasibility report as the Committee had previously requested. She felt the CHC needed a clear explanation from staff on the implications of alternative actions. Recommended conditions should be separately explained. CHC Minutes November 24, 2008 Page 6 Staff replied that there had been a feasibility report provided which was possibly different than the Committee had been expected. A vast amount of information was provided, but due to the size of the agenda packet, the information may not have been evident. Committee Member Miller agreed that an extraordinary amount of information was provided to the Committee, and that agenda packets needed to be provided much earlier to Committee members to allow sufficient time for review. He suggested that more than the current four day lead time was needed for particularly large or complex projects, and felt a staff summary would help. Chairperson Wheeler suggested that a consent agenda be used for simple items to expedite meetings. She felt the CHC should establish reasonable limits on applicant presentation time. Staff replied that this could be tactfully addressed. Committee member Landwehr suggested that staff provide a clear explanation of where a project is in the approval process in CHC agenda reports, perhaps by using a flow chart. Committee member Fowler explained his concerns about ensuring staff reports reflected complete and consistent staff analysis, and asked staff to make sure that the CHC's purview was made clear at the beginning of a staff report. He asked if other Committee members felt they had an opportunity to provide input into the City adobes discussion. Committee members felt that it was important to provide Council with input on the City -owned adobes, and'discussed ways to do so. He suggested communication/meeting with the Council to discuss expectations. Staff replied that one approach may be to first meet with CHC's Council liaisons' to discuss the points raised. On motion by Vice -Chairperson Fowler, seconded by Chairperson Wheeler, the Committee voted 5-0 to direct staff to return at the December 15, 2009 meeting with a draft memo to the City Council supporting initial adobe stabilization efforts, and requesting Council direction on how the CHC can be involved in setting priorities for adobe participation. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Janet Miller Recording Secretary by the Cultural Heritage Committee on December 15, 2008. SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting of December 15, 2008 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL: Present: Committee Members Barbara Breska, Chuck Crotser, Katy Davis, Dean Miller, Lynne Landwehr, Vice -Chair John Fowler, and Chairperson Elise Wheeler Absent: All Committee members were present. Staff: Associate Planners Jaime Hill and Brian Leveille, Senior Planner Jeff Hook, and Deputy Community Development Director Kim Murry MINUTES: Minutes of October 27 and November 24, 2008; were approved as amended. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. 1804 & 1814 Osos Street. ARC 45-07; Review of a modified proposal to alter the Alano Club, a Contributing Property, and the adjacent non-contributing structure, and to develop the adjoining vacant property with a four-story building in the Railroad Historic District; C- R -S -H zone; Michael Hodge, applicant. (Jaime Hill) Jaime Hill presented the staff report and provided a brief background on the project. Ricky Mason, architect, and Michael Hodge, applicant, explained the project design and responded to the staff report. After extended discussion, and on a motion by Committee Member Crotser, seconded by Committee Member Miller, the Committee determined that the proposed modifications of the historic Alano Club building and new construction in the Railroad Historic District were consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and with the Railroad District Plan, provided that the project incorporated specific changes and additions, and recommended the Architectural Review Commission approve the project with incorporation of specific design changes and additions. The motion carried, 7:0, with the following findings and conditions: Findings: 1. With incorporation of refinements identified in the conditions below, the proposed modification of the historic building and new construction are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines, and the Railroad District Plan. 2. With incorporation of refinements identified in the conditions below, the materials and architectural detailing of the proposed buildings are consistent with the architectural CHC Minutes December 15, 2008 Page 2 guidelines contained in the Railroad District Plan and will be compatible in style with the historic building at 1814 Osos Street, while not detracting from its prominence on the site. 3. The proposed mix of residential and commercial uses is consistent with land use patterns discussed in the Railroad District Plan that promote developments that allow people to live near work places and services. 4. Any significant archaeological resources discovered during project construction will be appropriately handled consistent with the Archaeological Resource Preservation Program Guidelines. Conditions: New windows, trim, and siding used on the Alano Club Building shall match the style, dimensions, and materials of the original structure. 2. The new building shall incorporate additional materials and architectural details identified in the Railroad District Plan. a. The new building shall incorporate materials and architectural details identified in the Railroad District Plan. These may include wood clapboard or smooth -textured, horizontal hardboard board siding such as Hardiplank or equal, less than six inches (6") wide lap, brick, plaster wainscots, exposed eaves, or other details described in the Plan. b. Roof should utilize composition shingles and traditional, two-piece, clay ban:el roof tiles. c.Emphasize the foundations and ground levels with plaster or wood wainscots, where appropriate. d. Use double -hung or fixed windows, with wood or plaster trim. New windows on the existing buildings shall match the style, design, and materials of the original windows. e. Modify the new building's massing by eliminating the top story entirely. 3. Protective measures shall be taken to ensure the stability of the Alano Building during construction of new walls below grade, demolition of non -historic elements, and approved remodeling. 4. Applicant shall comply with the Archaeological Resource Preservation Program Guidelines, to the approval of the Community Development Director, by submitting appropriate documentation verifying the following: a. Prior to issuance of construction permits, the applicant shall submit a monitoring plan, prepared by a subsurface -qualified archaeologist, for the review and approval by the Community Development Director. The monitoring plan shall include at a minimum: i. List of personnel involved in the monitoring activities; CHC Minutes December 15, 2008 Page 3 ii. Description of how the monitoring shall occur, iii. Description of frequency of monitoring (e.g. full-time, part time, spot checking); iv. Description of what resources are expected to be encountered; V. Description of circumstances that would result in the halting of work at the project site (e.g. what is considered "significant" archaeological resources); vi. Description of procedures for halting work on the site .and notification procedures; vii. Description of monitoring reporting procedures. 5. During all ground -disturbing construction activities, the applicant shall retain a qualified archaeologist (approved by the Community Development Director) (and Native American) to monitor all earth -disturbing activities, per the approved monitoring plan. If any significant archaeological resources or human remains are found during monitoring, work shall stop within the immediate vicinity (precise area to be determined by the archaeologist in the field) of the resource until such time as the resource can be evaluated by an archaeologist and any other appropriate 'individuals. The applicant shall implement the mitigation as required by the Community Development Director. 6. Upon completion of all monitoring/mitigation activities, and prior to occupancy or final inspection (whichever occurs first) or final approval of tract improvements, the consulting archaeologist shall submit a report to the Community Development Director summarizing all monitoring/mitigation activities and confirming that all recommended mitigation measures have been met. (If the analysis included in the Data Recovery program is not complete by the time final inspection or occupancy will occur, the applicant shall provide to the Community Development Director proof of obligation to complete the required analysis.) 7. Plan shall show the location of wood boardwalk, to the approval of the Community Development Director. 2. 720 Upham Street. O 156-08; Request to add a property to the Contributing Properties List; R-2 zone; Jeanne Kinney, applicant. (Jeff Hook) This item was withdrawn by the applicant. Consequently, no action was taken. 3. 1957-1993 Santa Barbara Avenue and 784 & 786 High. Street. ARC 118-08; Review of a proposed mixed-use project located in the Railroad Historic District; C -S -H zone; Quaglino Properties, LLC, applicant; (Brian Leveille) Brian Leveille showed slides and presented the staff report recommending the Committee determine that three detached houses proposed for demolition did not meet eligibility standards for historic listing and recommending the Architectural Review Commission approve the proposed project subject to findings and recommended conditions. The majority of Committee members supported staff's finding that the three houses to be demolished did not qualify for historic listing under City standards, and supported the project design, as proposed, as being consistent with the Railroad District Plan. On a motion by Committee Member Fowler; seconded by .Committee Member Crotser, the Committee determined that the houses located at CHC Minutes December 15, 2008 Page 4 1957, 1965, and 1977 Santa Barbara Avenue were not historically significant and could be demolished and recommended the Architectural Review Commission approve the project subject to findings and conditions. Findings: 1. The buildings located at 1957, 1965, & 1977 Santa Barbara Avenue to be demolished do not meet eligibility standards for historic listing because the properties do not meet historic significance criteria of the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines or the California Register of Historic Resources. 2. As conditioned, the proposed colors, materials, and architectural details of the buildings are consistent with the architectural guidelines contained within the Railroad District Plan. 3. The project is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines because the architectural style of the buildings promotes the historic character of the Railroad District. 4. The proposed mix of residential and commercial uses is consistent with land use patterns discussed in the Railroad District Plan that promote developments that allow people to live near work places and services. Condition: 1_. Final plans submitted for architectural approval shall note that signs will be either non illuminated signage, or illuminated with down spot lighting if needed. Signs should also be monument type, or painted or individual letters applied directly on building walls. Internally -illuminated cabinet signs or channel letters will not be appropriate. COMMUNICATIONS: a. Agenda Forecast - Staff Staff provided an agenda forecast. b. Committee Committee members reviewed a draft memo to the City Council on adobe stabilization and CHC participation in the discussion of the adobes' future. After a brief discussion, Committee members endorsed the memo and asked staff to prepare the memo for the Chairperson'sinitials and to forward the memo to Council. Committee Member Crotser suggested a public educational tour of historic resources in the spring of 2009. He suggested that CHC members could help organize the event and lead tours and that the event could also invite community members to sketch historic buildings and the sketches could be collected and bound, possibly, as a fund raiser for adobes. The CHC Minutes December 15, 2008 Page 5 Committee supported the idea and members Crotser and Fowler agreed to serve on a subcommittee to further explore the idea. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Jeff Hook Recording Secretary by the Cultural Heritage Committee on February 23, 2009. Planner