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Minutes for Heritage Preservation Commission

MINUTES
DRAFT
 
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY
MARCH 20, 2024
  STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
             4:00 P.M.
 
 
1.
Call to Order
NOTICE OF OPTION TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the Heritage Preservation Commission and to the general public that, at this regular meeting, the Heritage Preservation Commission may vote to go into executive session, which will not be open to the public, for legal advice and discussion with the City’s attorneys for legal advice on any item listed on the following agenda, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3).
Chair Emily Dale called the meeting to order at 3:58pm.
 
2.
Roll Call
NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means.
Present:
EMILY DALE, CHAIR
SHELLI DEA, VICE CHAIR
ABBEY BUCKHAM
ALYCIA HAYES
DUFFIE WESTHEIMER
AMY HORN
BERNADETTE BURCHAM
 
3.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Heritage Preservation Commission humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
Chair Emily Dale read the land acknowledgment.
 
4.
Public Comment

At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject within their jurisdiction that is not scheduled before the Commission on that day. Due to Open Meeting Laws, the Commission cannot discuss or act on items presented during this portion of the agenda. To address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please wait for the Chair to call for Public Comment at the time the item is heard.
None.
 
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
A.
Approve the minutes of the February 21, 2024 Heritage Preservation Commission.

REQUESTED ACTION:
Review and possible approval of minutes.
Commissioner Duffie Westheimer noted a couple of grammatical and spelling errors. In addition, requested adding the statement made by Lindsay Schube with Gammage and Burnham Attorneys at Law that historic preservation cases run with the land and not the landowner pertaining to ongoing maintenance of the plaque if the land gets sold.
 

Moved by Abbey Buckham, seconded by Alycia Hayes to approve the minutes of the February 21, 2024, Heritage Preservation Commission with the grammatical and spelling corrections, and adding Lindsay Schube's (Gammage and Burnham Attorneys at Law) statement regarding that historic preservation cases run with the land and not the landowner; noted by Commissioner Westheimer.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
6.
PUBLIC HEARING
 
A.
Yogaert Facade Grant Extension
  
Address:  3 E. Aspen Ave
Type of Approval:  Facade Grant Extension
Staff: Sara Dechter 
Sara Dechter, Comprehensive Planning Manager shared with the commission a grant was issued to a recently opened business (at the time) last year but hasn't been unable to execute the grant yet. The business has an assigned contractor but hasn't been able to get their full matching funds pulled together as of today.
Sara stated she does have a formal request in writing from the business asking for a one-year extension which is part of the grants and agreements guidelines, and the business is eligible to request the extension. Sara noted that after speaking with the business they do still plan on completing the work.
Sara Dechter fielded questions and comments from the Commissioners before Chair Emily Dale entertained a motion from the commission.
 
 

Moved by Amy Horn, seconded by Abbey Buckham to approve the one-year grant extension for the facade repair at Yogaert.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
B.
Townsite Overlay Review - Schiefer Home
Address:  601 W Cherry Ave
Assessor's Parcel Number: 100-12-016  
Property Owner:  Schiefer
Applicant:  Aude Stang for Schiefer
City Staff: MR HPO 

The applicant has requested that the home be modified and improved to be more compatible in its appearance with other historic homes in the Townsite. This work includes Stucco over the CMU, malpais stone on the chimney and base.  The project would also add decorative brackets on the eaves. A small roof addition at the side Bonito Street (east) entry is also proposed. The addition of exterior insulation and stucco allows CMU construction to be more efficient while improving compatible appearance.
 
Approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 601 W Cherry Ave conditioned on the submitted plans for improvements.
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) may:
(1) Approve per the staff recommended motion  – or –
(2) The Commission could request modifications to the proposal and include them as conditions of approval, such as including a letter report prior to demolition – or –
(3)Continue the HPC review to a date certain and ask the applicant to come back with a modified proposal that meets those conditions – or -
(4) Deny Certificate of Appropriateness and require Certificate of Economic Hardship or submittal of an alternative design that meets all Townsite Overlay Requirements.
 
Not contributing to Townsite Historic District, but in Townsite Overlay
 
Mark Reavis, Heritage Preservation Officer (HPO), introduced the agenda item and provided details of the proposed modifications and improvements to the home.
Aude Stang from Architectural Design Studio, the applicant’s representative, shared a presentation of the proposed modifications/concept that included a background of the home, structure, and property, objectives, and goals of the improvements. Aude Stang’s presentation also included images such as 3D views of the home, site plan, location and neighboring homes, before/after floor plans, before/after roof plans, exterior color palette, and before/after 360 degree elevation imagery.
Mark Reavis, HPO and Aude Stang, Architectural Design Studio fielded questions and comments from the commissioners.
There were two members of the public, neighbors to the 601 W Cherry Ave property who expressed their support and welcome the changes that are being considered.
 
 

Moved by Shelli Dea, seconded by Bernadette Burcham to approve a certificate of appropriateness for 601 W Cherry Ave conditioned on the submitted plans for improvements.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
C.
Townsite Overlay - Collier/Houk 824 W Cherry Ave
Address:  824 W Cherry Ave
Assessor's Parcel Number:  100-01-003
Property Owner: Michael Collier/ Rose Houk 
Applicant:  Collier/Houk
City Staff: MR HPO 

The applicant has requested that the home be improved to be more compatible in its appearance with other historic homes in the Townsite. This work includes 6” reveal horizontal siding and new fenestration trim. Soffits replaced with smooth hardiboard fiber cement product. Work also has the benefit of fire resistance within a forested area.
 
Approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the submitted application for improvements to 824 W Cherry Ave.
 
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) may:
(1) Approve per the staff recommended motion -or-
(2) The Commission could request modifications to the proposal and include them as conditions of approval, such as including a letter report prior to demolition – or –
(3) Continue the HPC review to a date certain and ask the applicant to come back with a modified proposal that meets those conditions – or -
(4) Deny Certificate of Appropriateness and require Certificate of Economic Hardship or submittal of an alternative design that meets all Townsite Overlay Requirements.
Mark Reavis, HPO introduced the agenda item and provided details with the applicant’s request. Details included staff recommendations and findings, intent, and scope of work. The applicants would like to make their home more compatible in appearance. It’s currently cited in T1-11 and are proposing a 6 inch, reveal horizontal siding and of the new fenestration trim soffits. The applicant is also proposing using a cement fiber board to enhance their fire protection.
Mark Reavis also noted that the home is not listed and is outside the boundary of the National Historic Landmark district and is within the Townsite design review boundaries.
 
The homeowner, applicant was present at the meeting and provided more information and details pertaining to the project.
There were three neighbors in support of the applicant and their project. One neighbor who is in support of the applicant was present at the HPC meeting. The two other neighbors in support wrote separate emails expressing their support to the commission.
 
 

Moved by Alycia Hayes, seconded by Bernadette Burcham to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the submitted application for improvements to 824 W Cherry Ave.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
D.
Facade Grant - Match request, level 1- for Collier/Houk home
Address:  824 W Cherry Ave
Assessor's Parcel Number:  10001003
Property Owner:  Michael Collier/Rose Houk
Applicant:  Collier/Houk
City Staff:  MR HPO

The applicant has requested a $10,000 Match (level 1 funding) Historic Facade Grant for a $ 36,000+ project to install work to provide a more historic appearance to a simple mid-century Vernacular Home within the Townsite Overlay. The grant request is to complete historically appropriate work to the home’s façade.
 
RECOMMENDED MOTION
Approve a grant match request for the submitted plans for improvements to 824 W Cherry Ave, with consideration of the home’s non-historic status in the amount of $____________ (to be determined by HPC) that improves compatibility by meeting the Townsite’s Design Criteria, Townsite Historic Design Review Overlay District Design Standards and Guidelines.
 
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) may:
(1) Approve per the staff recommended motion
(2) The Commission could request modifications to the proposal and include them as conditions of approval, such as including a letter report prior to demolition – or –
(3)  Continue the HPC review to date certain and ask the applicant to come back with a modified proposal that meets those conditions – or -
(4) Deny Certificate of Appropriateness and require Certificate of Economic Hardship or submittal of an alternative design that meets all Townsite Overlay Requirements.
Mark Reavis, HPO, introduced the agenda item which is a façade grant for the improvements at 824 W Cherry Ave. Their contractor estimated the cost of their improvements in the range of $34,000.00. The applicant requested a $10,000.00 match. HPO Reavis mentioned it is a level one funding because it’s not a historic property listed. HPO Reavis shared that the HPC does have available match funding. HPO Reavis fielded questions and comments from the Commissioners including clarification that the HPC funds run on a fiscal year (07/01 – 06/30), not a calendar year. In addition, the guidelines say prioritize historic listings however, the property is contributing to a National Historic District and is within the overlay.
 
 

Moved by Amy Horn, seconded by Bernadette Burcham to approve a grant match request for the submitted plans for improvements to 824 W Cherry Ave, with consideration of the home's non-historic status in the amount of $10,000.00 that improves compatibility by meeting the Townsite's Design Criteria, Townsite Historic Design Review Overlay District Design Standards and Guidelines.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
7.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
 
A.
Mark Reavis, Heritage Preservation Officer, visited the Church of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary located at 16 W Cherry Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 on Wednesday, 03/06/24.
Mark Reavis, HPO, shared details and an update from his recent trip to the Church of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mark Reavis reminded the Commissioners the HPC did provide grant money to assist with the property’s restoration and improvements. The church developed a form to redo the gargoyles. Mark Reavis mentioned the project may seem slow going however, there are technical problems that are associated with the deterioration of the cast stone, which is complex. In addition, making sure the stained-glass is being restored accurately and staying intact. A representative from the church is willing to attend an HPC meeting and give a presentation on the ongoing restoration project when HPC has a shorter agenda.
 
B.
Regional Plan Participation.
Michelle McNulty, Planning Director, updated the Commissioners on the 2045 Regional Plan participation schedule. During Michelle’s update, she included the different chapters (elements) and their meeting dates. Michelle also shared the table breakdown which included element topic, packet due date, committee review date, boards and commissions, and other government partners.
Michelle suggested to the Commissioners that they organize themselves to have a representative(s) at the specific meeting while keeping in mind to avoid grouping as a whole to quorum.
 
 
C.
Commissioner Duffie Westheimer suggested public participation/comment should be extended from three minutes to five minutes. Michelle McNulty will follow up with City Clerks pertaining to that policy.
Commissioner Westheimer expressed interest in learning more about contributing versus noncontributing national register district versus overlay. Mark Reavis shared he can provide more information at a future meeting.
Commissioner Westheimer said a past City Council member decided production housing after WWII should not be considered historic. Commissioner Westheimer would like to have a discussion at a future HPC meeting to potentially bring this topic back to City Council and have the code changed.
 
8.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Emily Dale adjourned the meeting by unanimous consent at 5:38pm.

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