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Minutes
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Monday, August 28, 2017
Regular Meeting of the Cultural Heritage Committee
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee was called to order on
Monday, August 28, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 990 Palm Street, San
Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Papp.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee Members Sandy Baer, Thom Brajkovich, Damon Haydu, Craig Kincaid,
Glen Matteson, Vice-Chair Shannon Larrabee, and Chair James Papp
Absent: None
Staff: Senior Planner Brian Leveille, Assistant Planner Walter Oetzell, Contract Planner
Emily Creel, and Recording Secretary Jennifer Hooper
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Regular Cultural Heritage Committee Meeting of July 24,
2017 and Special Meeting of August 14, 2017:
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BEAR, SECONDED BY
COMMITTEE MEMBER KINCAID, CARRIED BY A 7-0 CONSENSUS, the Cultural Heritage
Committee approved the Minutes of the Regular Cultural Heritage Committee Meeting of July 24,
2017 as presented.
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BEAR, SECONDED BY
COMMITTEE MEMBER KINCAID, CARRIED BY A 7-0 CONSENSUS, the Cultural Heritage
Committee approved the Minutes of the Regular Cultural Heritage Committee Special Meeting of
August 14, 2017, as amended:
Page 3: Clarify Committee Member who motioned Agenda Item 2, “MOTION BY COMMITTEE
MEMBER MATTESON…”
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
Minutes – Cultural Heritage Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 2
--End of Public Comment--
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
1. 862 ISLAY STREET. ARCH-0852-2017; Construction of a new garage and utility building
to replace an existing non-historic garage (to be demolished) at the rear of property
designated as a Contributing List Historic Resource in the Old Town Historic District
(Exempt from environmental review); R-2-H zone; Jerry & Kim Scott, applicants.
Associate Planner Walter Oetzell provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Applicant Representative, Ken Haggard, Architect, made a brief presentation and provided
a visual guide for Committee Members. He subsequently responded to Committee Member
inquiries.
Public Comment
None.
--End of Public Comment--
Committee Members discussed the project.
ACTION: UPON MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER LARRABEE, SECONDED BY
COMMITTEE MEMBER BRAJKOVICH, CARRIED BY A 7-0 CONSENSUS, to adopt a
Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the San Luis Obispo Cultural Heritage Committee finding
the demolition of an accessory structure and its replacement with a new garage and utility
building on a contributing list property at 862 Islay Street to be consistent with the City’s
Historic Preservation Ordinance and with the Secretary Of The Interior Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties (ARCH-0852-2017).”
2. 12165 AND 12393 LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD. SPEC-0143-2017; Conceptual review
of plans for the multiple structures comprising the Froom Ranch Historic Complex, in
association with the Froom Ranch Specific Plan; Madonna on LOVR Specific Plan Area 3;
John Madonna, applicant.
Contract Planner Emily Creel provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to
Committee inquiries.
Applicant Representatives, Pam Ricci and Victor Montgomery of RRM Design Group, and
Robert Chattel of Chattel, Inc., provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to
Committee inquiries.
Applicant, John Madonna, provided brief commentary.
Minutes – Cultural Heritage Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 3
Public Comment
Resident, Neil Havlik commented that he appreciated the study effort that has gone into the
structures, but does not support the concept. He stated the historic preservation effort is part of a
much larger effort and is in the context of other policies and that the concept falls short since
development is proposed above 150 feet, the Urban Reserve Line, and is inconsistent with
policies to protect and enhance Froom Creek. He stated that the rural character of the historic
complex would be impacted since development would be right around the complex and would be
next to a busy street. Mr. Havlik stated that the applicant’s request to go above 150 feet could be
justified as a public amenity if the complex were moved higher up the hill to provide a setting
that is less busy and would protect the rural character while also providing access to the
trailhead. He stated that the relocation of the complex should be integrated with other City
policies and be informed by the EIR analysis.
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Papp asked for clarification on the project alternative analysis in the EIR which includes
an “actionable alternative” for keeping development below the 150 foot elevation within the
existing URL.
Emily Creel responded that the Council-authorized initiation included direction to include the
alternative to evaluate development below 150 feet.
Committee Member Larrabee summarized the CHC’s purview to provide feedback and
commented that the buildings are clearly in bad shape and that previously the CHC focused on
the Dairy Barn and the more significant features. She commented that she appreciated the
direction of the project in keeping the spacing of the structures, and that is a respectful
reimagining of the structures and the plan helps ensure they will be utilized for years to come.
Committee Member Baer stated that the revised plan from the previous conceptual review was
much improved and progress has been made although there are still issues. She noted concerns
about integrity with moving the buildings. She liked the open arbor plan for the house end of the
creamery.
Committee Member Brajkovich commended the applicants for the revised plan. And he stated
agreement with the three most significant structures being retained. He noted the common
features with other farm complexes and how changes are made to accommodate. He wanted to
wait for EIR analysis and peer review to provide final comments. He stated he appreciates the
proposed new location due to easy access from LOVR and proximity to trailhead.
Committee Member Matteson noted he was not on the CHC during previous review but he
thought that the response appeared adequate. He stated that he would not support moving the
historic complex above the 150 foot elevation line and that keeping development below the
urban reserve line is very important. He also inquired on a motion to endorse the general
Minutes – Cultural Heritage Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 4
proposal of the historic complex but that it does not include endorsement of the overall project
proposal.
Chair Papp noted that the CHC’s was being asked for conceptual feedback and asked staff
whether the CHC should pass a formal motion.
Brian Leveille noted that based on the current discussion it would be possible to just take the
CHC’s comments into account in the minutes and move forward.
Committee Member Kincaid appreciated the response to previous CHC comments and noted that
he thought Neil Havlik’s comments were important and should be considered in future
discussions.
Committee Member Haydu also said he thought Neil Havlik’s comments were important. He
also stated he really wants to see the EIR, peer review, and technical studies. He brought up the
importance of cumulative impact analysis of impacts to historic complexes.
Committee Member Papp referenced the Long-Bonetti Ranch project which was considered
significant as a ranch complex and that in this case for Froom Ranch there were individually
significant buildings and significance as a complex. He noted that with Dalidio there was an
issue with setting but because the agricultural buildings were going to be moved next to the
agriculture area and would not be surrounded by development that they would be able to retain
their setting. He commended the applicant for focusing on the most historically significant
buildings and retaining their configuration. He noted his concern that the buildings will lose their
setting as a ranch complex with their proposed location adjacent to development and that there
are options to preserve the setting by relocating the complex in a location that would preserve the
rural character. Chair Papp stated the granary is also important to understanding the function of
the dairy.
John Madonna, applicant, said the granary was for planting and is not feed for the dairy.
In response to John Madonna’s question, Chair Papp explained the ranch could be moved
slightly higher close to the existing location to preserve the rural character and be closer to the
existing trailhead. He explained that it shouldn’t be a huge expense to also preserve the granary
and that it is relevant. Chair Papp noted he thought that the proposal would impact its ability to
qualify for the National Register.
Committee Member Haydu noted his experience with similar projects and that loss of
contributing elements may have an impact on its eligibility.
Chair Papp noted that all of the things said by different Committee Members should be adequate
for staff and the applicants and asked if staff could sum up the feedback or if single direction
would be preferred.
Brian Leveille stated he heard some helpful comments that could go into the EIR analysis for
cultural resources and that there was general support for the proposal to move through the review
Minutes – Cultural Heritage Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 5
process and the CHC had provided some helpful suggestions for elements that could be included
in the project and alternatives to explore which may be feasible. Chair Papp confirmed that he
also heard from the CHC that there was general discomfort with making a commitment without
the EIR.
Emily Creel confirmed that it was understood the CHC’s feedback is support in moving the
proposal forward into the EIR process and that there could be changes in the CHC’s evaluation
based on the analysis in the EIR.
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
1. Appointment of a subcommittee to assist staff in the preparation of ministerial review
criteria for accessory dwelling units on historic properties and in historic districts and
explore the scope of needed updates to the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines.
Committee Members:
Chair JAMES PAPP
Committee Member DAMON HAYDU
Committee Member GLEN MATTESON
2. Agenda Forecast & Staff Updates
Senior Planner Leveille provided an agenda forecast.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m. The next Regular Cultural Heritage Committee meeting
is scheduled for Monday, September 25, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room, 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
APPROVED BY THE CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE: 10/23/2017