HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-06-16 Historic District Board SummaryHISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD
`) June 16, 1997 - 5:30 p.m.
~' ~ *AMENDED AGENDA~ ~ ~
Kenai Council Chambers
Chair porothy Gray
1. ROLL CALL:
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 19, 1997
4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD:
5. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW:
a. Conditional Use Permit- Coffee House- Lot 39A, Dolchok Subdivision - 604
Peterson Way-Many Ann Alfano ~PZ97-24
6. NEW BUSINESS:
7. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Sign Grant (Update)
~ • Shk'ituk't Village Sign
• Townsite Historic District SignslRotary Club
b. Conditional Use Permits in the TSH Zone
8. REPORTS:
9. INFORMATION:
a. Memo from Clerk Freas regarding "Quorums and Cancellations of Meetings"
b. Mission Street Public Notice-June 16 at 6 p.m.
c. Memo regarding "Preservation Briefs"
d. Commission Roster
e. "Alaska Association for Historic Preservation" Newsletter (May 1997)
f. "Heritage" Newsletter (January - March 1997)
g. NAPC Letter and Information dated 5123/97
h. Council Agendas 16/4197)
i. National Trust for Historic Preservation Tax Legislation Information Flyer
10. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS:
11. ADJOURNMENT:
NOTE: MISSION STREET PUBLIC INFOR~~VIATION
MEETING AT 6 P.M. ON JUNE 16TH AFT
ER TSH
MEETING
HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD
June 16, 1997
~'~~MINUTES~~~'
1. ROLL CALL:
Members present: Gloria Wik, Ethel Clausen, Mike Huhndorf, Dorothy Gray,
Bill Kluge
Members absent: Rebecca Godek, Alan Boraas
Others present: Councilman Joe Moore, Administrative Assistant Marilyn
Kebschull
Gray explained the agenda had been amended with the main change being Item 5
and added that they would probably not be able to discuss the rest of the agenda
as there was another meeting scheduled at 6 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
WIK MOVED TO APPROVE AGENDA. AGENDA APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS
CONSENT.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 19, 1997
Huhndorf explained on Page 4, the last paragraph where Gray asked about tribal
colors that he was referring to the Intertribal Youth Practicum and their colors.
Huhndorf shared a tee shirt which was designed using the colors of Halloween
orange and light brown with the raven. Huhndorf explained that the minutes should
be changed so that the word practical reads "practicum."
Huhndorf stated that half way down on Page 5, "Huhndorf noted that Ron
Pederson is also very good but added he has been very busy good." Correct the
second good to busy.
On Page 10 regarding the walking tour, Huhndorf advised he has a revised edition.
Huhndorf stated in the second sentence he wanted to make sure that the authors
are given credit.
MINUTES APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD:
Townsite Historic District Board
Minutes
5. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW:
Page 2
June 16,1997
a. Conditional Use Permit-Coffee House-Lot 39A, Dolchok Subdivision-604
Peterson Way-Many Ann Alfano (PZ97-24)
Gray stated she would like to make it clear to the people in audience and the people
on the Board according to Townsite Historic District law, the intent of the TSH
zoning district is intended to provide for a mixed control use in a designated area
which will protect and enhance the historic character of the zone. Gray, continued
reading from code, "The goal is to manage all new development, reconstruction,
and alterations within the zone. The intent of the TSH review board is to enhance
and identify the city of Kenai's heritage, to present this heritage in a manner that
promotes civic pride, and to foster an awareness of where we as a people have
evolved." Gray continued noting the HDB is simply a review board and will forward
a recornmendation onto the P&Z which has the power to decide if a CUP is
accepted or rejected. Gray advised that as they reviewed the application that she
felt it important that the Board understand that the decision or recommendation is
not based on whether they like or dislike the idea of the proposed application but
what is stated in the law and what they are assigned as commission members to
look at and are sworn to look at. Gray asked that as they review the permit that
they carefully study what is in the application process as outlined in that part of
code on page 14-23.
Huhndorf asked for copy of code and Gray provided him with an extra copy she
had.
Gray stated that according to the application process, as stated in the code, the
applicant has filed an application with city's planning department. Gray stated they
needed to Iook at a couple of items according to the code, schematic plans of the
proposed construction, a site plan and landscaping plan, and to decide if the
development criteria fits the historic character of the area. Gray asked for a motion
to discuss this item.
WIK MOVED TO OPEN DISCUSSION. MOTION SECONDED BY HUHNDORF.
Gray asked the applicants if they had brought copies of the landscape site plan.
Mary Ann Alfano explained they have a map of the site but they didn't bring their
application. The applicants shared photographs they had brought with the board.
Mary Ann Alfano explained the dormers are not restained and have been resided
with plywood. Mary Ann Alfano clarified the interior pictures show disarray
~ because the are workin on the coffee house. Huhndorf asked about furniture and
Y g
was advised it had been purchased from antique stores in California and some of it
was in the house and was from Wildwood. Alfano added that the windows on the
Townsite Historic District Board Page 3
~ Minutes June 1 b,1997
windscreen came from the Wildwood demolition which are the same windows as in
the chapel, Huhndorf asked if the gray painted addition was something the
applicants had put on the residence and Alfano advised yes,
Gray reminded the Board that the addition to the house, structural changes, are not
the issue and that will be a separate issue. Gray stated they need to decide in the
next ten minutes if they approve of this business operating within the TSH zone.
Gray, referring to site plan which was provided by applicant, stated it is not clear
where the house is on it and was advised it doesn't show the house. (At this point
applicants were asked to step to the microphone as they had been speaking from
the floor.) Steve Liberty, applicant, stated this was the only drawing he could find
and he was trying to show the front boundary is 52 feet across because parking
was an issue. Liberty stated they need enough room for five vehicles in front
adding there is no problem with 52 feet,
Gray stated she glad they brought up the issue of parking because that is
something that will probably be continued on in the next meeting about the Mission
Street paving. Gray stated that to access that parking there is planned to be a curb
~ there for a arkin lot for the Cha el arkin . Libert stated there are three
p 9 p p g Y
different styles of curb in the plans. Liberty stated it is not a 6 inch curb as Gray
had described prior. Liberty stated it is just a water gutter and you can bring grade
up to it. Gray asked how people are going to pull into the coffee shop parking and
then people pull behind for the chapel parking, they will get blocked in. Gray stated
they will be double parking. Alfano responded that they had talked to the man who
was planning the project and he didn't seem to think there was any conflict with it.
Gray stated this was her understanding adding she has the map showing proposed
parking in front of lot 39A is parking extended. Gray, pointing to the map, showed
parking adding that as she understood it the parking spaces would be right in the
first corner. Alfano noted they have plenty of available parking behind the house is
they chose to use it, Gray stated that she is saying if people park here for the
chapel that could block their parking. Alfano stated they have to have an
easement. Gray continued saying if some people park in here, they could get
blocked in. Alfano stated they consulted with ~inaudible) and they cannot be
blocked in, Liberty stated that if you are going to put stripes there and say it's
been used for how many years, 30 or 50 years adding he has no idea how many
years, but after 7 years time you cannot stop people from using it. Gray stated
there is a driveway to the property. Alfano noted that is all they will need for
access. Alfano noted that at the last meeting Gray had stated there would be a 6
inch curb and they wanted to clarify that because they hadn't heard about that
) , . . ..
adding that no one seemed to know about this. Gray stated that Mike Tauriainen
had told her that when she had called his office. Gray stated he had explained
there are different styles of curbs adding that he is the engineer for the project.
Townsite Historic District Board
Minutes
Page 4
June 1 b,1997
Gray stated they had seven minutes and needed to continue the discussion and
make a decision.
Huhndorf stated he had discussed this with Steve (Libertyl and talked with you
(Gray) on the phone about a week ago stating that one, he doesn't have a problem
with the use as much as with the appearance of it. Huhndorf stated he had told
Steve that he would suggest calling OHA to see if it meets code. Huhndorf stated
he doesn't believe in inhibiting personal property rights even if he doesn't like what
they are doing. Huhndorf stated that as far as he is concerned if they can keep the
appearance it can help and bring attention to the historic district as long as
appearances are kept up. Huhndorf noted the addition was painted gray and that
structure is new itself. Huhndorf was advised by Shannon Fallacaro 11002 Inlet
Woods, Kenai- that it was painted to match the existing house so it vuould not
detract from the house. Alfano advised they had planned to side it afterwards with
a siding that matched the house even better. Huhndorf noted this is one of seven
properties that create the historic district. Alfano advised they understand that.
Kluge stated he was curious when the addition was done to the building, to the
original building? Alfano advised that was done, noting she had gotten the
information from Emil Dolchok, and Dolchok lived in the house 35 years and it is at
least 35 years ago. Group discussion about the additions and clarification about
the time that the additions were added. Huhndorf noted that even with the
addition it was given the kind of review it was by the survey. Fallacaro advised she
lived in the house four years ago and that was there then.
Gray, noting there was another meeting to follow this meeting, advised they
needed to continue discussion about whether this CUP application has a
recommendation by this board or not.
Huhndorf asked if they would move to close the last motion. INik, noting that
everyone is in a hurry, stated she has questions on the parking. Wik stated they
made reference that you would park behind the house. Alfano stated they don't
want to park behind the house but could as there is plenty of space between the
church property and the house. Alfano stated that this was brought up by her
landlord, Mike Carpenter, who had stated that parking is not a problem and that
there is ample parking. Alfano added that Carpenter had advised if there was a
question about parking they could park behind the house. Alfano stated she would
like not to obstruct the landscaping by having cars park there.
) Kluge stated he cannot comfortably make a recommendation on this project toni ht
9
noting one, they are pushed for time, two asked if there is an asbuilt survey
showing the building location on property. Kluge asked if they had an asbuilt of the
Townsite Historic District Board Page 5
Minutes June 16,1997
property. Alfano stated they don't have it with them. Kluge stated he is speaking
of the interest of pursuing the project and to do it correctly they should have an
asbuilt survey to show the building and then Iook at parking and look at what's in
the best interest of the property with the space available. Kluge stated that
without that he could not make a judgment whether there is adequate parking or
not and what the game plan is. Kluge advised he doesn't have enough information
to make a decision.
Kebschull advised that the code doe not require asbuilt and an asbuilt would only
be required if a building permit was required. Kebschull noted they were not
required a building permit. Kluge stated that when you run a business in the city of
Kenai it is in the zoning ordinance they are required to show parking. Kebschull
reiterated they are not required an asbuilt adding they would be asking for
something not required in the code. Kluge stated that to show parking as required
by the zoning ordinance, one needs to know where the property lines are in relation
to the building. Alfano offered to get the information and Liberty advised he has
taken measurements noting it is 30 feet from the front property line to the closest
section of the house. It is 50 feet across. Liberty stated they have a 30 by 50 feet
area to park cars. Fallacaro advised she felt they have what Kluge was asking for.
Moore stated he appreciates Kluge's comments adding they were educated
comments. Moore continued stating that according to the application that
regardless of what this board does, P&Z will hear this at their meeting on June 25tn
meeting and will make a decision, yes or no, Moore stated he didn't feel they could
put this off adding that P&Z will not put it off. Moore stated that the Board needs
to send a message one way or another on their feelings.
Kluge stated that maybe his concerns were misplaced and should say that
personally he feels this occupancy can be compatible with Old Town if it is done
tastefully and feel that P&Z should verify that the zoning ordinance been complied
with in regards to snow removal, parking requirements, and landscaping. Kluge
noted that he doesn't believe that landscaping comes in until they do a certain
amount of work. Kluge stated that parking is required by zoning ordinance for an
occupancy and unless they have sufficient parking for the occupancy and the
square footage of their facility, then it doesn't meet the code.
Gray stated she wanted to pass on a message to the board that she had spoke with
Steve Peterson who is one of the directors of the National Park Service in
Anchorage. Gray stated he had phoned her today about this permit and said that
he is very concerned about types of businesses that would operate in close
~ proximity to National Historic Landmarks and he is preparing a letter to send to P&Z
about the propriety of businesses that exist in historic zones. Gray stated, as he
put it, that exist to exploit the traffic generated by a National Historic Landmark.
Townsite Historic District Board
Minutes
Page 6
June 16,1997
Gray stated they need to make some sort of recommendation because P&Z is
expecting some recommendation. Gray stated it can be combined a combined
recommendation, we approve of this but ask for more information on something
else.
Huhndorf stated that if this is the National Park Service he doesn't know what the
rules would be. Huhndorf noted he had just visited the Smithsonian and that he
doesn't know how historic the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial are,
noting they were only built about 100 years ago. Huhndorf noted there are things
like book stores right off the monuments themselves run by the National Park
Services itself. Huhndorf stated that he thinks even places like Gettysburg and
Colonial Vllilliamsburg have shops that do commerce, Huhndorf stated he was not
being contentious but to look at what he saw adding he is not sure how tnese line
up with each other.
Fallacaro asked to be allowed to speak. Gray asked that it be kept brief. Fallacaro
advised she lived in the house in the summer of '93. Fallacaro noted that what
was enjoyable was that tourists that would go visit the chapel would wander up
and talk to her while she was reading and come in the house wanting to know if it
was still a coffee house. They were very interested in getting a cup of coffee or in
the area,
Alfano stated the point Fallacaro is trying to make noting she has been living in the
house for three years and there seems to be a lack of information. Alfano stated
they had always planned to put history books about Kenai in the shop and serve
the community and the locals. Alfano stated she gets asked constantly about
things that happened to the point where she has had to read so that she can
answer questions. Alfano noted that people come to try to take photos inside the
house. Alfano stated they have no privacy living there. Alfano noted the house is
privately owned. Alfano noted this is unfortunate for the historical society. Alfano
stated that very few people would want to live in that house because of the lack of
privacy adding it suits the purpose. Alfano stated she originally planned this for the
locals and as far as exploiting tourism she would close down some months in
summer as she has been forced to now. Alfano stated she is here as a resident of
Alaska and is concerned about friends who like to have a place to go noting people
could come over in the evenings and just do art work there and that they love the
atmosphere and it is conducive to that kind of thing. Alfano stated if the board
approved the permit, they would like suggestions, how can they make it palatable
to everybody, also with the church. Alfano stated she has read all the articles
about Steve Paloza and going against the church. Alfano advised she and Steve
~ were raised Catholic and have no interest in oin a ainst the church. Alfano
9 9 g
stated she is almost superstitious about it adding it is true and that the board must
know about "Liki Lyras" stating she was shocked with the whole thing with the
Townsite Historic District Board
Minutes
church.
Page 7
June 16,1997
Gray noted there was a motion on the floor for discussion only adding she would
like to call question on that motion. Gray stated they would need a motion to
accept the application for the CUP,
UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO CLOSE MOTION ON DISCUSSION.
KLUGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROJECT CONTINGENT UPON IT MEETING
THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KENAI. HUHNDORF SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Huhndorf stated his only discussion is that the appearance of the house stay right
adding he doesn't like porch and addition. Huhndorf stated he may have a certain
propriety attitude with the history in the area but added he has a certain respect for
personal property rights. Huhndorf stated that if he had a house in the historic
district he wouldn't like people controlling what he could do with his stuff.
Huhndorf reiterated that he doesn't like the porch but added it can be taken off or
assuaged later with OHA,
WIK PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT ON THE PARKING TO MAKE SURE THAT
PARKING IS SUFFICIENT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
Kluge stated that is what he was referring to in the zoning ordinance. Kluge stated
there are requirements in the zoning ordinance based on the square footage of a
facility that require a certain number of spaces. Kluge stated that if they added on,
that increases the parking requirements as well.
Gray stated that the applicant has mentioned working with the church stating she
thought it would be a good recommendation of the board to have a written
proposal drawn up that would honor the hours that the church is in session
beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday night through at least noon on Sundays where the
coffee house would not be operating. Gray stated that she would also hope that
the approval of this as a coffee house would, asked Councilman Moore what if
alcohol were to be served on the premises at a later date? Gray asked if this would
be a separate issue. Moore asked if th~e applicants had a liquor license. Alfano
responded that she didn't know how that rumor got started. Gray stated she was
just asking if that by approving this now it would allow for expansion at a later
date. Huhndorf commented that if approved now, it wouldn't allow for a liquor
license later. Moore noting that Kluge had mentioned that you cannot have a liquor
license that close to a church or a day care center.
Gray asked if Kluge would accept that as a friendly amendment. Kluge stated he
Townsite Historic District Board Page 8
~ Minutes June 16,1997
would adding he felt it was a good amendment.
Gray noted that the amendment was that the Board would approve the CUP with
the, asked Kebschull to read the amendment. Kebschull read Wik's amendment on
parking. Gray asked about the agreement with the church. Kebschull advised that
she didn't know that was a motion adding she didn't believe the chairperson could
make a motion. Gray stated she asked Kluge if he would make a friendly
amendment, Kebschull stated she thought Kluge was accepting Wik's amendment.
Huhndorf asked if they needed a motion. Wik stated that Kluge had noted her
amendment was already included in the motion. Wik stated Gray's was an
amendment on the hours of operation.
Kebschull asked for clarification if Kluge made an amendment to your motion.
Kluge stated that Gray had asked if he would accept the amendment and he had
agreed that he would accept it. Kebschull advised the chairperson cannot make a
motion adding that someone else would need to do so.
WIK MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION LIMITING THE COFFEE HOUSES
OPERATIONS FROM 6 R.M. ON SATURDAY NlGHT TO NOON ON SUNDAY AS
PREVIOUSLY NOTED BY GRAY. HUHNDORF SECONDED THE AMENDMENT.
VOTE ON AMENDMENT:
WI K YES
HUHNDORF YES
CLAUSEN YES
KLUGE YES
GRAY YES
Gray asked for amended motion to be read. Read by Kebschull.
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED:
WIK YES
HUHNDORF YES
CLAUSEN YES
KLUGE YES
GRAY NO
MOTION PASSED 4 TO 1.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
Townsite Historic District Board
Minutes
7. OLD BUSINESS:
a, Sign Grant ~Update)
• Shk'ituk't Village Sign
• Townsite Historic District Signs/Rotary Club
b. Conditional Use Permits in the TSH Zone
8. REPORTS:
9. INF4RMATION:
Page 9
June 16,1997
a. Memo from Clerk Freas regarding "Quorums and Cancellations of Meetings"
b. Mission Street Public Notice-June 16 at 6 p.m.
c. Memo regarding "Preservation Briefs"
d. Commission Roster
e. "Alaska Association for Historic Preservation" Newsletter (May 1997)
f. "Heritage" Newsletter (January - March 1997-
g. NAPC Letter and Information dated 5123/97
h. Council Agendas (6141971
i. National Trust for Historic Preservation Tax Legislation Information Flyer
10. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS:
Gray advised they will consider the other agenda items at their next meeting on
July 21St. Huhndorf asked these meetings could be planned so they are no so
pushed. Gray explained that we had a short agenda until the CUP application was
put on the agenda.
11. ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
1
~~.
~
Maril n Kebschull
Administrative Assistant