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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-13 Historic District Board SummaryHISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD October 13, 1997 - 7:00 p.m. J ~~~ AGENDA~~~' Kenai Council Chambers Chair porothy Gray 1. ROLL CALL: 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 19, 1997 4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: a. Cary Graves, City Attorney- KMC 14,20.105 5. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW: a. 508 Mission Avenue ~Wilson) -Addition 6. NEW BUSINESS: 7. OLD BUSINESS: a. Sign Grant Final Report ~ ,. , . . • Shk ituk t Village Sign • Townsite Historic District Signs/Rotary Club b. Walking Tour c, Mission Street Project 8. REPORTS: 9. INFORMATION: a. Council Agenda (10/1 /97) b. Preservation Advocate News c. "The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation" Newsletter (Sept. 97) d. National Trust For Historic Preservation Notice dated 9/29/97 e. TSH Board Newsletter 10. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: 11. ADJOURNMENT: NOTE: MEETING DATE HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD \~ October 13, 1997- 7:00 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 Members Absent: Alan Boraas Also Present: Marilyn Kebschull, Councilman Joe Moore, Contract Secretary Barb Roper 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AGENDA WAS APPROVED AS PRESENTED. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - August 19, 1997 Wik pointed out the second sentence of the first paragraph was incorrect, it should read Kluge will contact the Chamber of Commerce regarding the proper verbiage for the sign at Moose Meat Johns. Gray requested that Historic D~strict follow Old Towne in the second sentence of the third paragraph on page three. MINUTES WERE APPROVED WITH THE CORRECTIONS NOTED. 4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD a. Cary Graves, City Attorney, KMC 14.20.105 Graves attended the meeting to answer any questions the Board may have regarding Ordinance KMC 14.20.105. Graves indicated that he is available at anytime to answer questions, his number is 283-3441. Gray requested clarification of the Ordinance, speci~cally page 14.23, Items 8 and 9-d. Gray pointed out the application process requires some things that are not required by Planning and Zoning. She used the coffee house review as an example of the problems encountered as a Historic District Board October 13, 1997 Page 1 result of the different requirements. Gray asked how intense should the Historic Board's review be. Graves thought the plans brought before Planning and Zoning were for areas outside the Townsite Historic District and those within the historic zone would require more information. Graves further stated the Planning and Zoning requirements were written before the development of the Historic District Board so this may be an area that should probably be better defined. Kebschull stated this was a difference of opinion as the Historic District Board was not required to review conditional use permits so the requirements listed in Item d were not necessary. Graves agreed but pointed out he was referring to plans in general. The Historic District Board will review landscaping plans for a building permit. Gray commented on the article in the paper regarding the proposed changes to the land use table. She stated the Ordinance requires this Board to review any changes to the zoning law and she hasn't seen anything regarding the proposed changes. Graves agreed that was one of the listed duties in the Ordinance and the process will need public hearing before Planning and Zoning. It may also have to come back to the Historic District Board because it does cover some changes that vcrill affect Townsite Historic District. Kebschull stated there were changes in the entire Land Use Development Table but most of those related to Townsite were changes as a result of the Ordinance where the blanks were filled in. Graves stated he did not recall any changes but he thought there may have been some blanks that were filled in. He will research this for clarifcation. Graves stated when the Ordinance was written the intent was for the Historic District Board to regulate building and not necessarily use. This could be the reason why this Board does not review conditional use permits. Gray indicated this issue has been unclear and some type of change is required. She went on to say there is very little rema.ining of historic value in the Townsite Historic Zone and felt this Board should be able to review conditional use permits as they can change the nature of the historic area. Kluge reported that one of the problems with not getting a quorum at these meetings is the fact that members don't feel like they are carrying any weight in their decisions. Kluge continued by stating this Board agrees with Council and would like to see development in Old Towne but this Board should be the entity that critiques the designs for proposed renovations, new structures, and signage si.nce it is the responsibility of this Board to assure the historic nature and character is maintained. Kluge stated the Ordinance should be changed to allow this Board more authority with regard to development and/ or renovation in Old Towne. Historic District Board October 13, 1997 Page 2 \ ~ Graves stated the decision to change the Ordinance is a political l decision that must be made by Council. He further stated this Board reviews items referred by Planning and Zoning as long as it did not conflict with Council's desire to expedite the permitting process as the applicant should not be expected to wait too long for a reply. Kluge stated the Historic District Board comments are sent to Planning and Zoning for consideration rather than being implemented. In order to preserve what little historic character is left in Old Towne this Board must be an additional step in the permitting process. If the applicant knows in advance what steps are required for development in Old Towne then perhaps they can start their permitting process sooner than they would if development was taking place in another part of town. This Board would like to have Council address this in the Ordinance. Graves attempted to outline the problems involved should the Historic District Board take over the conditional use process. Kluge stated it was not the intent of this Body to take over the conditional use permitting process as it is a zoning issue. Kluge added, this Board cares little about what the property is being used for, Planning and Zoning will consider that. However, the Historic District Board's concern is to assure that any property is historic in nature by preservation of an existing building or is historic in resemblance in the way of new development. Graves reiterated that when the Ordinance was written the focus was on the building permit aspect because use was not a concern. The concern as the exterior more than the interior. Kluge agreed but rather than this Board making a final decision it has to go to Planning and Zoning. Kebschull reminded the group that Planning and Zoning does not review building permits. Graves added, the process where the application comes to the Historic Distr~ict Board then to Planning and Zoning was a sort of political compromise as some members on the Planning and Zoning Commission did not want to give up that authority. It was unclear whether or not the feeling is the same with the present Planning and Zoning Commission members (regarding giving up authority) . Kluge felt the Historic District Board is fractured at this point and in order to have a steady quorum they need to feel like they are accomplishing something. Graves stated he understood where it can be difficult to get volunteers to turn out if they don't feel like they are accomplishing anything. Historic District Board October 13, 1997 Page 3 Discussion took place on the sign ordinance and Gray pointed out a new `~ sign code was developed last year but the change is not reflected in the ~ Ordinance being reviewed at this meeting. Kebschull noted the code was currently being updated and added that sign permits are only approved by the building official. Graves reported that Council believes commercial development is needed in Old Towne in order for it to thrive and they also believe it can be done in a manner that encourages the historic nature of the area. Kluge stated this Board and the historical requirements in Old Tovcme should not be a deterrent for development. Moore stated he felt there was a procedural problem in the application process as an applicant can circumvent the Historic District Board by submitting their application the day after a Board meeting, fihe only way this Board would be aware of an application is through certified mail and the only opportunity to express concern would be at a Planning and Zoning meeting. Graves pointed out this process was a compromise as Administration did not want to delay the application another month. Kluge reiterated that it is not the intent of this Board to become involved in zoning issues but he would like to see two separate entities doing separate reviews for development and/or work in Old Towne. Council needs to be made aware this Board is not trying to stop development in Old fiowne but wants to assure any work is done properly and that historic character is preserved. Huhndorf stated there is criteria listed in the State Historic Preservation manuals with regard to historical sites. Old Towne has seven buildings that are eligible for the National Register but this can be affected if any work changes the elements that make these buildings historic. Graves stated that one term that he and Administration struggles with is "exterior architectural alteration". This needs to be clarified as it could mean several things. A lengthy discussion took place on the architectural alterations and what type of restoration or renovation work is allowed in Old Towne. Discussion also took place on what Old Towne is currently zoned for with regard to dwellings and the type of businesses that are not allowed. With no further questions, Graves again asked members to call or stop by to see him if they had any concerns. Moore offered to take the Board's concerns to Council. Gray stated this Board should at least have the opportunity to give some input. Wik added, if given the opportunity to give input then at least listen to what Historic District Board October 13, 1997 Page 4 this Board has to say and not say we don't have any authority. If we \~ don't have any authority then why do we donate our time. Moore will ~ take these concerns to Council. 5. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW a. 508 Mission Avenue (Wilson~ - Addition Kebschull handed out photos of the existing building and pointed out a building permit was required due to the size of the addition. It was noted the application had to be corrected to state a building permit was required. Wik asked if cost or size constituted a building permit. Kebschull replied it depends on the type of work which may include square footage, electrical, anything that would change the structure, anything over ~ 10,000.00, fence size, etc. The building official will have to determine what those are. KLUGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE ADDITION TO 508 MISSION AVENUE PROVIDED IT MEETS UBC REQUIREMENTS AND THE EXTERIOR FINISHES MATCH THE EXISTING BUILDING. SECONDED BY WIK. It was noted that since the addition was going to be in the back of the existing structure it would not alter the historic nature as long as the exterior finishes matches the existing building. VOTE Boraas Absent Clausen Yes Huhndorf Yes Kluge Yes Wik Yes Gray Yes MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY Moore stated this recommendation will go to Planning and Zoning next week for final approval. Kluge commented that if this Board did not approve the addition, Planning and Zoning could run it through anyway. Moore confirmed that Planning and Zoning makes the ultimate decision, Gray suggested the application have a proposed start and completion date included. 6. NE~V BUSINESS - None Historic District Board October 13, 1997 Page 5 7. OLD BUSINESS ,~ ~ a. Sign Grant Final Report • Shk'ituk't Village Sign • Townsite Historic District Signs / Rotary Club Kebschull handed out a copy of the TSH signage grant report. Kebschull pointed out the only item that went over budget was the personal services. The signs were placed but will come down soon for the winter. The Shk'ituk't sign was designed and built so that it can come down. The final report is being drafted and will be sent to Anchorage on Monday. Photos of all the signs were ava.ilable for the Board to review. Moore will take the photos to the next Council meeting so they can see the completed work. Gray thanks Kebschull for keeping the budget in order. Gray also thanked Kluge and Huhndorf for their efforts in this proj ect. b. Walking Tour Huhndorf stated that he would have the final narrative for the walking tour available at the next meeting. He indicated discussion is still taking place on having a condensed version of the narrative which can be ava.ilable as a free handout for those taking a tour and a lengthy version available for sale. The Visitor's Center will work with Huhndorf on pricing, printing, and having the materials ava.ilable at the Visitor's Center. They will also put the walking tour information in their next newsletter. c. Mission Street Pro~ect There was memo included in the packet which addressed DOT's desire to use colored concrete on the sidewalks on Mission Street. After a group discussion it was decided that Kebschull would get more information on the color of concrete to be used, where it will be placed, if it would be stamped, and whether or not it is an ADA requirement. This information will be available at the next meeting. 8. REPORTS - None 9. INFORMATION a. Couacil Agenda ~ 10/ 1/97) b. Preservation Advocate News Historic District Board October 13, 1997 Page 6 c. "The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation" Newsletter ~~ (Sept. 97~ J d. National Trust For Historic Preservation Notice dated 9/ 29 / 9? e. TSH Board Newsletter Gray pointed out the TSH Board Newsletter is actually the AAHP newsletter. 10. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS Huhndorf stated that at one time the group discussed the possibility of a park like structure at Shk'ituk't. The problem with going forward with this proposal was the possible contaminants left there by FAA and a proposed archeology study. Huhndorf asked what the status was on these issues. Kebschull answered that there is still no information from FAA confirming that the antennas were moved. It was noted that anyone can call FAA to get status information. Kebschull further stated that she understood money was budgeted this fiscal year to remove the antennas. The City did not want to do any digging in the area until FAA moved their equipment in case there were some contaminants. Moore commented that the FAA buildings were offered to the City and it is possible that a couple were selected. He will follow up with Council on this. Discussion took place on the archeology survey of the area and various funding sources. Kluge stated that once money from other sources was obtained then this Board was going to Council to ask them for a match. Work will continue on this issue. Gray stated this Board needs to finish the preservation p1an. She suggested an informal work session be held prior to a regular meeting to take individual parts of the plan and finish it. It was noted that there are about six sections and the education portion left to do. Kebschull suggested the work session be held after the regular meeting since the meetings are public and the times are published. If the work session is held before it has to be advertised and it may require permission from Council. Graves confirmed that public notice was required for a special work session. The public notice could state that a work session will immediately follow the regular 7:00 p.m. meeting. Graves recommended an advertisement be placed in the paper to announce the work . session. After discussion it was noted the next regular meeting is scheduled for November 17, 1997 at 7:00 p.m., the work session will begin at 6:00 p.m. Gray reported that she did some research on the actual number of inembers required on this Board and was unable to confirm what that was. She will contact Judy Bittner in Anchorage and ask what the State requirements are. Historic District Board October 13, 1997 Page 7 - The concern was if the number of inembers on this Board was reduced it may ~ endanger the CLG status. ~Vik asked how the Shk'ituk't sign would be dismantled and expressed concern about vandalism. Kebschull answered that the panels are designed to be removed and the posts will remain where they are. It was noted the sign placement was temporary until the actual park is in place and wild flowers are planted. Wik asked if the posts were damaged would the City take the responsibility to replace them. Kebschull answered, No, Planning and Zoning would have to budget for the repair and ma.intenance. 11. ADJOURNMENT MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, D Barbara Roper, C ract Secretary Historic District Board October 13, 1997 Page 8