Alycia Hayes read the land acknowledgment.

Moved by Abbey Buckham, seconded by Alycia Hayes to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2024 Heritage Preservation Commission meeting.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Sara Dechter: This property received a grant in April, 2023. The work is completed and they need an extension in order to submit their receipts.

 

Moved by Duffie Westheimer, seconded by Abbey Buckham to approve an extension for the grant at 314 N Mogollon.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Sara Dechter: F.A Thies Home. The building has a well recorded person of significance. The property is having foundation issues. 

Greg Hadden: Explain that there are two options for the property. Currently, the foundation is all stem wall, but there is no middle beam structure so the floor is sagging. for the definitive fix, they need to support the perimeter, but also put a beam down the middle. They plan to accomplish this by using push piers. With the definitive fix option they will fix the stem wall and the center issue, which will run around $51,000. There is another option that will be closer to $20,000, but it is more of a gamble.

Emily Dale: Asked for more information on the history of the house.

Greg Hadden: Has done research but is unsure of additional details beyond what is in the historic overview. 

Duffie Westheimer: Asked for a description of the alternative option for repairs.

Greg Hadden: The alternative option does not addressing the perimeter of the building at all and just doing the push piers with a beam down the center. 

A video was then played describing how push piers function. 

Duffie Westheimer: Said that it sounds like the project plans to use a footing. Asked if there is a footing there to use. 

Sara Dechter: Explained that they plan to use the stem wall as the footing. 

Duffie Westheimer: Asked what the stem walls are made out of.

Greg Hadden: Rock and Mortar.

Sara Dechter presented photos showing the building and evidence of foundation issues.

Emily Dale: Asked if the push piers have any negative impacts.

Sara Dechter: Believes they can just be pulled back out again without negative effects.

Duffie Westheimer: Asked if any other commissioners had seen Secretary of the Interior Standards addressing this kind of repair.

Alycia Hayes: If it does not impact the integrity of the structure visually, it should not be a problem. The SOI standards for foundation and it more applies to if the project is changing the look or not doing appropriate repair of materials, which seems to not apply to this project. 

Moved by Alycia Hayes, seconded by Abbey Buckham to approve a Level 2 grant funding to complete foundation repairs to the F.A Thies Home at 803 1/2 W Aspen Ave.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Sara Dechter: Randy's Downtown Garage is to the east of Downtown Flagstaff. It has been an operating service station for the entire Route 66 period of significance. The property has a new owner, and he has applied for level one funding largely for painting and repairs to concrete and the exterior. It is a cinder block building.

Duffie Westheimer: Asked if the funding for this could come from Beautification since it has to do with image.

Sara Dechter: Explained that Historic Sign and Facade Grant money is Beautification money, coming from BBB taxes. There is know other beautification grant program that covers this in particular. 

Harry Curtin: Explained that Randy's is a staple of Flagstaff that supports the community. The project is focusing on creating a more cohesive look for the property that blends in the community well, primarily repairing cement, flower boxes, and planting local vegetation.

Duffie Westheimer: Added that the family that built Randy's had the longest Texaco contract in the nation, 90 years.

Alycia Hayes: Asked if the canopy and anything with drawings would be submitted to the city and if the acting HPO would be involved to make sure that they are historically appropriate. 

Sara Dechter: Explained that that this will be carried out through a minor commercial improvement permit.

Emily Dale: Stated that the budget wasn't clear on what repairs would be covered by the grant. 

Sara Dechter: At the time of the application there was not an estimate yet. It will be for paint, concrete repair, planter repair, the curb to continue to protect the building. 

Moved by Duffie Westheimer, seconded by Alycia Hayes Approve a Level 1 grant up to $10,000 for beautification and face improvements for 302 E Route 66.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Sara Dechter: This is an item that was continued from the July HPC meeting. The committee requested that this project be submitted for site plan and that the applicant receive site plan comments before proceeding. Explained that an addendum detailing updates since the previous meeting and a new recommended motion has been attached to the original meeting item.

Anne Mead: Presented updates since the last meeting and site plan drawings for the 15 N Park project. Commented that one of the issues encountered at the previous meeting was that that commissioners did not accept that the breezeway connecting the original house was sufficient to classify the project as an addition. They have decided to enclose the breezeway and make it part of the livable area. Another big revision is to make sure that the addition is smaller in both footprint and in height from the original structure. There is also a dedicated page in the site plan application demonstrating that minimum yard requirements are met.

Commented that there were concerns from the commission regarding parking, but the site plan approval did accept the project's proposition for parking. They will be adding a screen element in front of the parking and pulled it all the way back to the original facade building line. There was another comment about materials, so they have reintroduced some brick to the alley facade of the addition to integrate the material palette with the existing building. The second level of the addition has also been significantly reduced to reduce the overall massing. The ridge height is lowered and the entire second level is smaller. 

Emily Dale: Stated that she still has trouble considering the project an addition. Acknowledged that Flagstaff has a broad definition for the term addition.

Sara Dechter: Clarified that the definition of addition comes from the International Building Code. Stated that it is not one of the decisions that falls within the purview of the comission because its a building official decision on what counts as an addition. 

Duffie Westheimer: Explained that while they brought the size of the addition down, it is still quite big for a small space. Also stated that there are things in the Townsite Overlay standards that are not being met.  Stated that you cannot have a front door with relationship to the alley. Also stated that the Secretary of the Interior standards mention the wall plane should not come forward of the historic house. She also feels concerned that the project eliminates two windows on the historic house in order to attach it, which could possibly be hard to reverse. She isn't clear on this, but it appears that the exterior door on the southwest corner is going to turn into a window. Asked if that is correct.  

Anne Mead: Explained that they are just trying to provide continuity from that back bedroom to the rest of the residence. This is an existing triplex and they are still proposing it be a triplex, but wanted to make sure that that was interpreted as a single unit on the lower level. This is the reason for proposing the window instead of an exterior door, so that it does not have an additional entry. 

Sara Dechter: Displayed the Townsite Overlay Design Criteria standards for "Site" for everyone to see the language.

Alycia Hayes: Asked what the square footage will be for the addition in relation to the original building.

Anne Mead: The existing structure is 2,932 square feet and the proposed addition is 2,238 square feet. 

Alycia Hayes: Asked if its footprint, in size, is about half of the original building.

Emily Dale: Stated that its footprint is around 400 square feet smaller. 

Duffie Westheimer: But it does have a second story and the original house has a half story, so the massing is very different. 

Anne Mead: Reminded that they did reduce the plate height for the addition so its not a full second story any longer and they took the footprint in significantly so that the lower level roof wraps around the upper level to diminish the scale.

Duffie Westheimer: Asked if the stairs to the upstairs unit on the historic house were going to be removed to address parking because of a post in the way.

Anne Mead: Explained that they spoke with a structural engineer that assured the post can be relocated without moving the stair. 

Abbey Buckham: Expressed appreciation to Anne Mead for considering the commissions comments from the last meeting and making changes. 

The commission then accepted public comment regarding the 15 N Park Street application.

Emily Dale: Stated that she is concerned about the addition wall touching a historic wall. There is a provision that it wouldn't be damaged, but doesn't know if that can be guaranteed. Asked if there will be two windows in that wall now facing nothing or if they might take the windows out.

Sara Dechter: Stated that it is common in other historic districts to enclose the windows as they are. AZ Bike downtown is an example in which there is a big stucco wall with a mural over it, but there's actually like 10 windows closed up in the wall. Enclosing the window can sometimes be the least impactful method and easiest to reverse. The commission could add conditions to the motion regarding this topic if they desire.

Emily Dale: Asked the architect how they will be preserving the historic wall as the addition is attached. 

Anne Mead: The plan is to repair the existing lintels and then infill them with a pressure treated wood infill panel that will not be nailed to the structure but will be snug in a way that it will stay tight despite freeze/thaw.

Alycia Hayes: Read the Secretary of the Interior standards for additions. 

Emily Dale: Stated that new legislation will call for additions and ADUs to be 75% of the original building and this is closer to 90%. Asked if that will be a problem going forward.

Wesley Welch: Explained that there are detached and attached ADUs. ADUs have to be 75% of the main structure, but this is considered multi-family so the addition doesn't relate to this standard.  

Duffie Westheimer: Asked if the parking on the west side becomes a driveway. If so, that cannot be considered in the yard calculations, but she believes it has. 

Wesley Welch: Showed that the tandem parking space on the west side is not included in the continuous yard. 

Alycia Hayes: Stated that feeling is part of the consideration though. Location, design, setting, workmanship, feeling, and association. Having this in the neighborhood has an impact on the district. That is integrity. One contributing features that has additions can have an impact on the whole. 

Duffie Westheimer: Added that what happens on one property sets a precedence, which can start to degrade the whole. 

Alycia Hayes: Explained that she is wondering if this addition is appropriate in that neighborhood. 

Sara Dechter: Stated that Staff's recommendation is that it meets the criteria. Certificates of Appropriateness are always up to the discretion of the commission, staff cannot approve them.

Duffie Westheimer: Said that in the neighborhood, converting garages into additional units is most consistent historically. If the addition were unattached and smaller it would fit better. Stated that there are options that would follow historic patterns. 

Emily Dale: Asked if there is a reason that the applicant went with this version instead of an ADU.

Wesley Welch: Accessory Dwelling Units are not allowed unless it is a single family house. 

Wilbert Odem (Homeowner): Explained that a smaller unit will not be sufficient to house his family. Stated that the project has been sure to follow guidance and standards provided by the City. Also stated that the decision on how to connect the addition was based on guidance provided by City staff. 

Sara Dechter: Explained that the guidance was provided by former Heritage Preservation Officer, Mark Reavis. 

Emily Dale: Clarified that Alycia Hayes was referring to the term feeling because it is a designation in the Secretary of Interior standards. Less feelings of sad or happy and more in a well defined way relating to government preservation. 

Emily Dale: Explained that the main sticking point for the commission is that the size still feels overwhelming. 

Emily Dale: Asked if 75% of the original structure is a reasonable size difference to include as a condition for approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness.

Abbey Buckham: Stated that it is reasonable.

Alycia Hayes: Agreed. 

Duffie Westheimer: Stated that she would need to consider how it would be done. 

Abbey Buckham: Stated that it is a small percentage and could be difficult to reduce the square footage from the 76% of the original home to 75%, so she can be happy with the 76% that is currently planned. 

Anne Mead then provided a 3D model of the proposed addition. 

Anne Mead: Explained that the addition was completely clad in siding during the last meeting and there was a question of compatibility which is why they are now showing brick on the addition. It seems like there's also a question of if that benefits the project in differentiating the addition based on Secretary standards.

Emily Dale: Stated that in the original proposal the addition was not as obviously connected, but now that they are joined its important where the original building was and where the new building begins.

Sara Dechter: Asked if there are any modifications the commission would like to make to the conditions of approval or if there are commissions  that should be added. 

Abbey Buckham: Added by asking what the commission is comfortable approving today. Do they like the recommended actions, would they like to see the materials come forward? Is that the change that should be made to what's been recommended?

Emily Dale: Explained that Michelle McNulty and Sara Dechter recommended that the materials come to the commission at a later time because it comes further along in the project. 

Sara Dechter: Stated that this could be accomplished by changing condition three of the recommended action. 

Moved by Abbey Buckham, seconded by Alycia Hayes to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the remodel and addition at 15 N. Park St. with the conditions that:

1. the interior yard requirements be demonstrated in all plan sets.
2. the attachment of the addition not destroy historic materials that characterize the property.
3. the new work be differentiated from the old in the color, texture and orientation of materials and colors pending further preservation to the Heritage Preservation Commission.

Vote: 3 - 1

NAY:

Duffie Westheimer

Sara Dechter: In April a Certificate of Appropriateness was approved for the England House for  foundation and deck repair and repair of some of the unique Coconino Sandstone. The top of the chimney has had freeze/thaw impacts to the sandstone and caused it to flake off. A quarry in Ash Fork has been found that has a very similar material. The chimney wall will also need a new cap. The applicants want to expand the Certificate of Appropriateness so that they can complete the rock work before the winter. 

Emily Dale: Asked if this is impacting their ability to fulfill the grant work that was approved. 

Tom Phelan: Stated that there will already be masons on site working that will do the work and the chimney will look exactly the same as it looks now. 

Duffie Westheimer: Asked if they had considered a cap that would keep the water from running down the porous sandstone.

Tom Phelan: It was not considered, because the HPO did not want to see it on the face all the way around the top. It will be be a heavy-duty galvanized cap, and once the new stone is put in place and the mortar joints are re-pointed completely it will get the same amount of exposure as the rest of the building. 

Moved by Alycia Hayes, seconded by Duffie Westheimer to approve the addendum to the Scope of the Certificate of Appropriateness to include repair of missing and damaged rocks on chimney and new cap with the condition that the HPO monitor the work and ensure it conforms with the Secretary of the Interior's standards and The Building Code.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Sara Dechter: After today, of the $165,000 of FY25 funding, the commission will have $15,000 available for distribution. She anticipates there will be grant applications in excess of $15,000 at the next HPC meeting. Also stated that there are already people calling and asking when they can submit for FY26 grant funding. Asked the commission if they have a sense of when they would like to receive applications for FY26 funding. She also asked for feedback on how to follow up with property owners who have not yet submitted for permits. 

Alycia Hayes: Asked if someone receives an extension and does not fulfill the work, does it come back to funding for the current year.

Sara Dechter: Explained that she would like to get a better explanation on that at the next meeting because they are meeting with the finance team to have those conversations. 

Duffie Westheimer: Asked if there is a way to automate grant monitoring to make lessen the workload involved. 

Sara Dechter: Explained that often making a phone call and following up is often the most effective way to monitor. Reiterated that good communication takes time. 

Duffie Westheimer: Asked if staff could be more clear on the grant monitoring spreadsheet about what time period funding applies to. 

Emily Dale: Suggested that April seems reasonable to begin accepting applications for FY26.

Alycia Hayes: Agreed with this. 

Abbey Buckham: Also agreed. 

This agenda item was presented following the approval of the August HPC meeting minutes. 

Kevin Fincel: Explained that Prop 207 gives property owners the ability to seek compensation for the diminution of value of their property as the result of a land use law.

Duffie Westheimer: Asked if the property owner has to show they have a diminution of value?

Kevin Fincel: They have to claim a diminution of value, it can be rejected, and then the claim would go to litigation.

Went on to explain that there are land use laws that are exempt from Prop 207. Also explained that cities cannot violate Prop 207 and can still enact land use laws, but may have to compensate land owners for diminution of value. If a property owner makes a claim, a city can deny the demand, pay or negotiate the demanded amount, amend or repeal the land use law, or issue the landowner a binding waver of enforcement of the land use law. A claim has to be made within three years of the land use law being enacted.

Duffie Westheimer: Asked for clarification on what is meant by a binding waiver.

Kevin Fincel: Was not sure about the specifics around the binding waiver. 

Kevin Fincel and Sara Dechter then presented maps showing properties with Prop 207 waivers in Flagstaff historic districts.

Sara Dechter: BNSF is moving a communication tower that currently sits on the north side of their office building. The tower is in the line of the Rio De Flag Flood Control Project work so they are moving that tower closer to the new BNSF building. They have selected a location with large trees that are screening it from surrounding homes. SHPO has provided concurrence with this. They are meeting all of the Federal Communication requirements. The tower has a very similar lattice structure two tower signs along Phoenix Avenue, so it will not be out of character with other towers on the street. 

Sara Dechter: The visitor center has a little alleyway or pathway. Originally the first 10 feet of it between the fence line and the building had an electrical snow melt system that has failed. We are looking at a longer term solution of putting in a hydronic snow melt system along the north side of that building to avoid slips and falls and can remove ice from the FUTS trail. All of the equipment will be stored in the basement of the building. There is an existing gas line that goes into the building that may need to be up-sized, but there is enough room to do that without disturbing any more brick or original materials. It will go up through the roof and down through a janitor's closet to a boiler in the basement. In the basement there is an opening that probably used to be some kind of mechanical exit. It will be opened up and used for the output and intake pipes. The current concrete slab is actually right against the Portland cement foundation and freeze/thaw have been pushing it into the foundation causing damage. There will be an expansion joint which is going to help protect the Portland cement. 

Her preference is not to require a certificate for this. She has approved the building permit using the exemption for operation and maintenance improvements because its not actually attached to the building except for existing openings. 

Alycia Hayes: Asked if there will be any exposed conduit.

Sara Dechter: The only thing that will be visible is the gas connection that is required to be on the outside of the building. 

Emily Dale: Thinks NAU has a similar system.

Update on hiring of the Senior Planner - Comprehensive Planning (HPO)
Sara Dechter: Interviews were conducted yesterday and today for and there will be a second round of interviews for the Heritage Preservation Officer vacancy. There has been about nine applicants.

Duffie Westheimer: Asked if Sara could summarize the credentials of people that are interested in such a position. 

Sara Dechter: Stated that there is a mix of planners. They really only interviewed people that had neighborhood planning or historic preservation experience. There were a few people who had historic preservation credentials specifically as well. 

Regional Plan 2045 Update
Michelle McNulty: The last Regional Plan Committee meeting will be Monday, September 30 at 6:00 PM at the Public Works building. If the draft of the Regional Plan is endorsed, it will go to the 60-day public review on October 20.