CITY OF SANTA ROSA CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2009

2:30 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Chair Much called the regular meeting of the Cultural Heritage Board to order at 2:30 p.m. on this day of Wednesday, June 3, 2009.

Present:          Flock, Garrett, Jessen, Much, Nieto, Stoural

Boardmember DeBacker arrived shortly after roll call.      

 2. PUBLIC APPEARANCES

Duane DeWitt, Berkeley and Roseland, spoke about:

1. The Church of One Tree. He would like to see it open to the public on one day for free tours.
2. Historic designation for properties in Roseland, specifically a West Avenue barn built in 1928 which was converted to a residence.
3. The California Environmental Quality Act. He stated it is one of the few tools that gives the public a voice in development issues.
4. The importance of addressing greenhouse gas issues.

Boardmember Flock responded regarding Item 1. He concurs about having the Church of One Tree open to the public. Recreation and Parks is working on restoration. They would be the primary contact for any questions or requests.

Chair Much responded regarding item 2. He suggested Mr. DeWitt contact staff and himself to discuss historic designations.

Ralf Konietzko, 551 Mendocino Avenue, requested that the Board reconsider an item that came before the Board in May, 225 Hendley Street. The applicant, Mike Schwartz, and he have arrived at a proposal which they think meets both the applicant’s needs the Board’s concerns about the project.

Ex parte disclosure

Chair Much met with Mr. Schwartz, Mr. Konietzko and staff to discuss the project. At the meeting, he saw a design that he believes the Board will view favorably.

Staff indicated that an appeal of the May 6 decision has been filed and will proceed if this request for reconsideration is denied.

MOVED by Chair Much, seconded by Boardmember Flock, and carried with the following vote:

• AYES:             (6)        DeBacker, Flock, Garrett, Jessen, Much, Nieto
• NOES:             (0)
• ABSTAIN:        (1)        Stoural
• ABSENT:         (0)       

to reconsider, on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, the denial of the landmark alteration permit for exterior remodel and repair of the residence located at 225 Hendley Street.

3. STATEMENT OF ABSTENTIONS BY BOARDMEMBERS

None

Ex parte disclosure

Boardmember Garrett has spoken with the applicant in Item 5. She does the architectural review for the neighborhood and lives on the same street. She is familiar with the property and has been in the house.

4. PRESENTATION – California Environmental Quality Act / Greenhouse Gas Update

City Planner Gillian Hayes gave a presentation on new State legislation affecting regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, including changes to the California Environmental Quality Act. She also outlined current County and City actions and regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5. CONCEPT REVIEW – KAY ADDITION – Concept review of existing exterior remodel of the Preston House, a single-family home located at 721 McDonald Avenue in the McDonald Preservation District – LMA 09-012

City Planner Gillian Hayes gave a presentation. In 1960 the previous owner made several additions to the house illegally, without permits. In 2007 in response to a code enforcement complaint, the applicant attempted to legalize the 1960 additions. To do so requires that the additions meet all current regulations. A complicating factor is ongoing litigation concerning the position of the carport on the site; it encroaches onto the adjacent property.

Boardmember Garrett was able to supply a pre-1960 photograph of the house to staff and the Board.

The applicant addressed the Board. He has been trying to comply and is eager to move forward. His preference is to tackle the project in sections so that it is not delayed by yet-to-be resolved issues.

Board Comment

1. There is unanimous support for the gazebo being shifted to a location that provides the proper setback from the surveyed lot line.
2. The Board is uncomfortable with the project in terms of how long ago the changes were made. While the Board would not approve these changes now, it does not want to place an undue burden on the applicant.
3. There are dissenting views: that some of the alterations (awnings, porch enclosures, and changes visible from the front) need to be examined in greater detail.
4. The Board is under the impression that only the lot line and garage placement on the southern boundary are at issue.
5. The Board suggests that the applicant have an architectural historian assess the property to determine when the various changes were made, since it appears there was a period of construction and not a single event.
6. In 1977 the building was deemed by architectural historian Dan Peterson to be of historic significance, even with the 1960 changes. Specifically, the porte cochere was mentioned in that assessment as in keeping with the Craftsman style.
7. After the litigation is resolved, the Board should make a site visit before giving further feedback.

6. DISCUSSION ITEM – Final 2009/2010 Workplan

Ms. Hines and the Boardmembers discussed and finalized the Workplan.

7. CONTINUED DISCUSSION ITEM – Potential Local Landmarks

Chair Much and the Board revisited the topic of potential local landmarks.

8. DISCUSSION ITEM – Certified Local Government Program

Ms. Hines and the Boardmembers discussed the Certified Local Government Program. For the City to be eligible, some zoning code revisions will need to be made. She will request that this be addressed during the upcoming zoning code update.

A resume from each Boardmember is another requirement for eligibility. Ms. Hines requested that Boardmembers who have not supplied a resume do so now.

9. DISCUSSION ITEM – Merit Award Nominations

Ms. Hines and the Boardmembers discussed the Merit Award Nominations. At the next meeting, on June 17, each Boardmember will bring a possible nomination for discussion. The nomination deadline is August 31, 2009.

10. BOARDMEMBERS’ REPORTS

The Boardmembers made announcements and reported on items of interest to the Board.

11. DEPARTMENT REPORT

Ms. Hines reported on items of interest to the Board.

12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Cultural Heritage Board minutes of May 6, 2009 were approved as corrected.

13. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business before the Cultural Heritage Board, Chair Much adjourned the regular meeting at 5:12 p.m. to the next regular meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 2009.