Minutes from the December 18, 2023 meeting

Historic Site Designation - 601 North Causeway Drive

The clerk introduced the Historic Site Designation at 601 North Causeway Drive.

The City Attorney explained the Quasi-Judicial Hearing procedures. Chairman Hayek called the proceeding to order. 

The clerk confirmed the City complied with the advertisement requirements. 

Chairman Hayek inquired with the Board regarding ex-parte communications and asked the Clerk to call the roll:                                                        

Ms. Theuns - no
Ms. Anicito - no
Ms. Starke - no
Mr. Westbury - no
Chairman Hayek - yes
 
Chairman Hayek opened the public hearing.

The clerk was asked to swear in those wanting to speak during this Quasi-Judicial hearing. Individuals in the audience intending to speak on the item were asked to stand, raise their right hand, and administered an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

Staff Presentation:
Maria Lewicka, Historic Preservation Planner, stated the City Commission requested staff to process a Historic Designation application and asked the Historic Preservation Board to provide a recommendation of approval for the property, known as Little Jim Bait & Tackle, as a historic property and a locally significant site based on the designation criteria of significant event and architectural significance. Ms. Lewicka provided background on the site and detailed information on the significant events and architectural significance. Ms. Lewicka concluded by saying the staff recognizes the site as significant in its long-time contribution to Fort Pierce's commercial, military and community history and heritage. 

Board questions for staff: Mr. Westbury asked how the historical designation protects the site. Ms. Lewicka stated the building cannot be demolished without approval from the Historic Preservation Board.

Applicant Presentation: none

Board questions for Applicant: none

Public comment: Donna Qvarnstrom, owner and operator of Little Jim Bait and Tackle, sworn, thanked the Board for helping with the Historic Designation.  She said she is very excited it has gotten this far and there will be an 80th birthday party for Little Jim Bait and Tackle in June. She noted that Little Jim Bait and Tackle has a good rapport with the Navy SEAL museum.

Staff final comments: none

Chairman Hayek, seeing no one else, closed the public hearing. 

Comments by the Board: Mr. Westbury said he has been an advocate for Little Jim Bait and Tackle for years.  He said it is a special place and one of a few with an old Florida background.  Mr. Westbury stated he was pleased to see the city stepping up.

Motion was made by Mr. Westbury and seconded by Ms. Starke to approve the Historic Designation of Little Jim Bait and Tackle at 601 N. Causeway Drive.  

Ms. Hedges suggested the motion be withdrawn because the Historic Preservation Board needs to provide a recommendation for the Historic Designation to the Planning Board, if a zoning change is needed, and if not, then the recommendation goes directly to the City Commission.

The motion was withdrawn by Mr. Westbury.

Certificate of Appropriateness #24-03 - Monument Sign - 616 Orange Avenue

The clerk introduced Certificate of Appropriateness 24-03 for a monument sign located at 616 Orange Avenue.

Chairman Hayek called the proceeding to order. 

The clerk confirmed the City complied with the advertisement requirements. 

Chairman Hayek inquired with the Board regarding ex-parte communications and asked the Clerk to call the roll:                                                        

Ms. Anicito - no
Ms. Starke - no
Mr. Westbury - no
Ms. Theuns - no
Chairman Hayek - yes
 
Chairman Hayek opened the public hearing.

The clerk was asked to swear in those wanting to speak during this Quasi-Judicial hearing. Individuals in the audience intending to speak on the item were asked to stand, raise their right hand, and administered an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

Staff Presentation:
Maria Lewicka, Historic Preservation Planner, provided the history and architectural significance of the First United Methodist Church.  She said the applicant is requesting approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a new freestanding, monument sign with an electronically illuminated message center.  Ms. Lewicka stated the proposed sign is to be placed on one of the most attractive streets of downtown and the Peacock Art District. She said the proposed sign is to be located on the church property; however, the line between the church and the public sidewalk is invisible. Both properties are integrated by using consistent, continuous pattern pavers. Looking from the pedestrian perspective, the sign will be installed in the middle of the sidewalk, which will create an obstacle to pedestrian traffic and a visual impediment to the street view. Ms. Lewicka highlighted that the design scheme of the sign lacks consistency and compatibility with the very distinctive architecture of the church.

Board questions for staff: Ms. Theuns asked if the sign dimensions meet code.

Applicant Presentation: Greg Rosslow, Chairman of Trustees for First United Methodist Church, sworn, explained the sign is three colors that match the church.  He stated he has been working on this sign for over a year and has had several meetings with the Planning department on how to incorporate Spanish architecture into the sign.  He noted the sign and traffic box are on church property, even though both are technically on the sidewalk. Mr. Rosslow said the reason for the sign is to inform the public of the church location and events going on at the church.  He said they tried their best to blend the sign in with the building. Mr. Rosslow stated he had asked the Planning department and the sign company to come up with a sign that looked like Spanish architecture. Mr. Rosslow noted the sign also has to meet hurricane standards.

Board questions for Applicant: Ms. Theuns asked Mr. Rosslow to come up with something more like the 1700s Spanish style. Ms. Anicito asked about requesting a Variance to make the sign look more like the church. Mr. Westbury asked if there were any carpenters in the congregation that could create a wooden sign that reflects the architecture. Ms. Starke asked if the church could search for another sign company.

Public comment: none

Staff final comments: Ms. Lewicka said the height limit is 8-feet. She stated it would be reasonable for the Board to grant a Variance if the height was extended due to architectural features.

Chairman Hayek, seeing no one else, closed the public hearing. 

Comments by the Board: Ms. Theuns suggested the church check with the sign company used for the Backus Museum. Mr. Hayek suggested using stone trim on the top of the sign and a stone trimmed picture frame around the address numbers.  Mr. Hayek also provided a stucco contact. Mr. Westbury suggested Project Lift make the sign cabinet with architectural features.  Board discussion ensued on whether to deny, table or ask the applicant to withdraw the application.

Ms. Hedges explained the different possibilities.  

Mr. Rosslow requested to withdraw the application.

Administratively Approved Certificates of Appropriateness - December 2023