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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-19 Historic District Board SummaryHISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD ,~ ~ August 19, 1997 - 7:00 p.m. ~ ~ ~ AGENDA~ ~ ~' Kenai Council Chambers Chair porothy Gray 1. ROLL CALL: 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 21, 1997 4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: 5. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW: 6. NEW BUSINESS: a. Review process guidelines for Historic Board Review 7. OLD BUSINESS: a. Sign Grant (Update~ • Shk'ituk't Village Sign 1 • Townsite Historic District Signs/Rotary Club b. Walking Tour 8. REPORTS: 9. INFORMATION: a. ~ouncil Agenda (8/6/97) b. Resignation letter to Rebecca Godek dated 7/17I97 c. 1997 Grant Funds Letter d. Signage Grant Quarterly Report 10. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: 11. ADJOURNMENT: ~ • ~~~ f HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD ~, August 19, 1997- ?:00 p.m. Kenai City Hall Council Chambers Chair porothy Gray *** MINUTES *** 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairperson Gray called the meeting to order at approximately 7:05 p.m. Members Present: Dorothy Gray, Ethel Clausen, Michael Huhndorf, Gloria Wik, Bill Kluge (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) Members Absent: Alan Boraas Also Present: Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull, Councilman Joe Moore, Contract Secretary Barb Roper Note: Discussion was held between the Historic District Board and staff regarding the number of Board members required for a quorum. It was pointed out since there are nine seats on the Board, five members must be present in order to establish a quorum. Mr. Kluge arrived at 7:10 p.m. and a quorum was then established. 2. APPR4VAL OF AGENDA Gray requested the requirement for additional board members be added under Old Business. With that addition the agenda was approved. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. June 16, 1997 - WIK MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JUNE 16, 1997. MOTION SECONDED BY HUHNDORF. MINUTES OF JUNE 16, 199? APPROVED AS WRITTEN. b. July 21, 1997 - Unofficial meeting - MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS WRITTEN. 4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD - None Historic District Board August 19, 1997 Page 1 5. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW - None b. NEW BUSINESS a. Review Process Gu~delines for Historic Board Review Gray reported that it was very difficult for this Board to make a fair judgement during the last Historic Board review due to time constraints and the fact a copy of the conditional use permit was not ava.ilable. As a result, Kebschull was asked to provide samples of forms to use in establishing guidelines that will assist in the review process. A lengthy discussion took place on developing a check list and the following suggestions were made: 1. Gray suggested items 1, 2, 3 and 4 be taken directly from Ordinance 14.20.105 (d) and included at the top of the review checklist. Gray thought this would be most helpful as not all Board members bring the Ordinances to each meeting. Gray added, these items would also be directly in front of Planning and Zoning when they do their review. It was also noted this checklist could benefit the applicant as the form will outline what they would need to bring to a review. 2. Gray suggested a space for additional comments. This area could also be used for the Board's recommendation to Planning and , Zoning. 3. Kebschull suggested the "Approved/Denied" signature line be changed as this is an advisory Board and only makes recommendations to Planning and Zoning. Moore suggested the form have three options for the Historic District Board; Yes, No, or Yes, with modifications. Kebschull also recommended the criteria in section E of the Ordinance be used when determining whether or not an application should be approved. 4. Kebschull indicated the checklist and application could be on one form. This could be given to the applicant vcrith the normal conditional use permit and when returned, will provide this Board access to both forms. Gray thought the fiownsite Ordinance slightly differed from that of Planning and Zoning as it requires additional information and it directs the Board to review all building permit applications. Gray asked if the attorney reviewed the Ordinances before they were adopted. Kebschull answered the attorney gave a determination of what this Board was Historic District Board August 19, 1997 Page 2 actually required to do and that is to serve as an advisory board. It was unlikely it could be challenged. A lengthy discussion was held on the Board's actual responsibilities. Gray reported the Ordinance allows the historic preservation commissions to review local proj ects that will potentially impact historical resources within their boundaries. Gray added, the ordinance enables the Board to consider potential impacts and to also be a part of the decision making process. Gray went on to say that since there are only seven properties remaining in the district it seems reasonable that this Board have a recommendation on conditional use permits. Gray recommended a letter be drafted to Council requesting a change in the Ordinance. Moore responded by stating that probably would not happen as Council does not want to hamper development within the City of Kenai. Moore further stated the Historic Board was created to provide advice and/or recommendations, not be another road block on the way to development. Gray reiterated there are only seven buildings left, four of them owned by the Russian Orthodox Church. If the remaining three buildings are allowed to become commercial, then this Board may as well not exist because there will be nothing left to protect or enhance historically. Gray went on to say the intent of Old Towne Historic District was to foster economic development in the City by enhancing tourism mainly because people came to see a non-renewable resource. Once it is all commercial, it will all be gone. Gray also pointed out this Board was not out to encumber economic development in the City. Kebschull stated that time is a consideration as the application process now takes three weeks before it gets to Planning and Zoning. This is due to required advertising, etc. Kebschull continued, if this Board were added the time would be increased to at least five weeks in order to cover both the Historic Board and Planning and Zoning meetings. An applicant should not be expected to wait that long for a permit. Kebschull further pointed out that at this time, if an application is received before a Historic Board meeting it will be added to the agenda, if not then this Board is notified by mail. Moore suggested the Board consider attending the Planning and Zoning meetings to make public comment or hear testimony. Moore added, there is a way to circumvent this Board by turning in an application immediately after a Historic Board meeting. Discussion was held on vc~hether or not a joint meeting with Planning and Zoning would be feasible. Kebschull stated it could probably be accomplished as it would Historic District Board August 19, 1997 Page 3 be easy to add the Historic Board or the Chairperson to the agenda. However, it would take a real commitment from this Board as Planning ~ . . and Zoning meets tv~nce a month. Moore did not feel the Ordinance would be changed based on what he hears from Council. There is concern with this Board meeting on a regular basis and having a quorum. Moore pointed out the permit approval process could face real problems if it were to come through this Board and the quorum difficulties continued. Kluge said one of the reasons a quorum was difficult to establish is the fact that three members are missing from the Board. Discussion was held on reducing the number of inembers of the Board. Moore pointed out the grant requires a nine member Board so it is unlikely the number could be reduced without affecting the grant. Gray indicated that she would check this out for the next meeting as the Ordinance states the provisions will govern the Board's activities through the State of Alaska Local Government Program and the grant was drawn out of the CLG requirements. Discussion continued on the Ordinance and the areas that required clarification. Kluge recommended the attorney review the ordinance and make suggestions to remove some of the vagueness. The Board agreed the review did not have to be accomplished immediately as filling the vacancies should have priority. Kluge suggested these minutes be taken into consideration when review and clarification of the Ordinance is made. KLUGE MOVED THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY MEET WITH THE HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD IN OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER TO DISCUSS THE TOWNSITE HISTORIC ZONING DISTRICT ORDINANCE AND TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS ON HOW SOME OF THE VAGUENESS CAN BE CLARIFIED. WIK SECONDED THE MOTION. VOICE VOTE TAKEN. MOTION PASSED WITH NO OBJECTION. Gray stated the application process urill be postponed until the Ordinance is clarified. 5. OLD BUSINESS a. Sign Grant ~Update) • Shk'~tuk't V~llage Sign • Townsite Historic District Signs/Rotary Club Kebschull made the following report: Historic District Board August 19, 1997 Page 4 Budget: The budget was included in the packet but until the cost for materials, labor and installation of the signs is provided a final figure could not be provided. Panels: There were changes requested to the artwork and text at the last meeting. The text was changed but the vendor could not change the original artwork. Huhndorf stated the contractors need to see the panels and identify locations before they could start work. Kebschull stated she will contact Huhndorf as soon as the panels arrive, which should be early next week. Extension: The grant requires all work to be complete and photographs of the finished product provided by September 1. It is unlikely this work could be accomplished by then so a sixty day extension needs to be requested. Discussion continued and it seemed reasonable that the work could be completed within 60 days if an extension is granted. Townsite Signs: Kluge showed members a sample of the sign and what the medallions would look like once installed. The group expressed their satisfaction with the signs. Kluge reported the estimate from Malston for the brass plates and engraving is between ~300 and ~400, they anticipate completion within two weeks. Kebschull stated a purchase order was required and she will have one ready by tomorrow afternoon. Kluge pointed out the areas on the sign where the brass plate and medallions will be placed are recessed to prevent someone from prying them off. Kluge pointed out that it was vital the numbers on the signs match those on the walking tour map developed by Huhndorf. After a lengthy discussion is was decided that Huhndorf will meet with Kluge to assure the numbers correspond. Kluge indicated that he had two extra signs. After discussion it was decided that one sign will be placed by the Rectory which would point out the church across the street and the other will be placed by Moose Meat Johns. Kluge will contact the Chamber of Commerce regarding the proper verbiage for the sign at Moose Meat John's and also get permission to place it. It was pointed out the signs would need numbers and they should be included in the walking tour. Kluge asked if anyone was planning a trip to Anchorage because the signs needed to be transported to his contractor. The signs are too bulky and delicate to be shipped by air. Historic District Board August 19, 1997 Page 5 Time: Kebschull requested that Kluge and Huhndorf keep track of the ~` time spent on the signs as the grant requires it. Additionally, this ~ . . . . .. could be counted as ln-kind services and the City may be elig~ble for a credit. Kebschull also requested that she be notified before the signs are placed on the posts as a purchase order is required, Gray recommended that City Council be given an opportunity to see a completed sign before placement as not all members will have a chance to visit Townsite. Gray thought the Shk'ituk't Village sign should also be shown as well since the City paid for half of it. Kebschull suggested a motion be made to approve the two additional signs (the Rectory and Moose Meat Johns) understanding the cost will not be part of the grant. HUHNDORF MOVED TO ADD THE TWO ADDITIONAL SIGNS AT M~OSE MEAT JOHNS AND THE RECTORY UNDERSTANDING THE COST WILL NOT BE PART OF THE GRANT. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY WIK. VOICE VOTE TAKEN. MOTION PASSED WITH NO OPPOSITION. KLUGE MOVE TO HAVE ADMINISTRATION REQUEST A 60-DAY EXTENSION FOR THE GRANT. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY HUHNDORF. VOICE VOTE TAKEN. MOTION PASSED WITH NO OPPOSITION. Kebschull recommended that the holes be dug before it freezes in order to meet the 60-day extension. Kebschull added, the grant cannot go past the end of the fiscal year which is in March. Discussion was held on sign placement and it was noted that property owners in the area have not indicated their preference. It was decided that the signs would be placed on the right-of way to prevent trespassing. Moore left the meeting at 8:25 p.m. and thanked the Board for attending. b. Walking Tour Gray edited the walking tour and will give those to Huhndorf after the meeting. Gray also suggested it be condensed for the brochure. Kluge recommended the printer provide a quote for formatting, printing, etc. Discussion was held on the walking tour brochures and it was suggested the detailed brochure be sold at the Visitor's Center and a condensed version be provided with the tour. b. Board Members ~added Agenda item~ Gray indicated that Board applications were provided to all members. Historic District Board August 19, 1997 Page 6 Discussion was held on the total number of inembers and the number of ' residents required on the Board. It was determined that five out of ~ , , , seven members must be residents of the City of Kena~.. Gray asked members to recommend candidates for the Board. 6. REPORTS ?. INFORMATION a. Council Agenda ~8/6 J9?) b. Resignation letter Rebecca Godek dated 7/ lfi/97 c. 1997 Grant Funds Letter d. Signage Grant Quarterly Report 8. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS Huhndorf asked if the new grants could be applied for with a seven member Board. Kebschull answered that she was unsure but would get clarification from Freas. Kebschull reported that Mission Street will be advertised beginning August 20, 1997. The bid opening is scheduled for September 10 so it is unlikely the work would be complete this year. Gray stated it was possible the sewer and underground work could be completed this year. Huhndorf asked if we were going to apply for another grant. Kebschull answered, the City Manager advised that if the matching funds are not in the budget now it is unlikely they would be included. Gray asked if the matching funds had to be from the City or could they come from another source. Kebschull verified that it had to be a municipal government. Gray stated the coffee house had a roof and a neon sign and both are not permitted under the new sign code for Old Towne. Kebschull explained that if the coffee house moved the roof sign down 6" and attached it to a piece of wood that was not vertical then it would be acceptable. With regard to the neon sign, it is inside the building and the City has no control over interior signage. Kebschull reported the coffee house owners may apply for a variance outside the ordinance. If that happens, this Board will be notified. Gray reiterated the ordinance states electrical signs or roof signs were not permitted, nor are portable or changeable signs. Kebschull explained another problem the City has with regard to code violations is there is no code enforcement officer. However, once a person outside the code is noti~ed, they usually come within the code. If that doesn't happen then the City's only option is to turn it over to the city attorney. The attorney will file the necessary legal forms and usually Historic District Board August 19, 1997 Page 7 ~ ~ • ~ it's not worth the time and money to pursue. Gray asked if a sign permit was '~ required before a sign is placed. Kebschull verified that it was and a lot of people don't realize this permit is required. 9. AJOURNMENT Gray thanked members for attending. The next meeting will be held on Monday, September 15, 1997. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Roper, Contract Secretary Historic District Board August 19, 1997 Page 8