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Landmark Commission Minutes - 10/25/2011MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION OCTOBER 25, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Christy Graham, Chairperson ■ Members Cindy Cotton ■ Stacie Flood ■ John Kidwell ■ Andy Lee ■ Steve Wood ■ Councilor Michael Smith ■ council Liaison Karen Montgomery- Gagn6, Interim Planning Supervisor ■ staff Leo Bethge, Planner II ■ GUESTS: Holly Crampton, representative /attomey for applicant (Berry Brown House) ■ Marcia McCoy, applicant (Berry Brown House) ■ Eric Russell ■ • ABSENT: Marilyn Carper ■ Michael Koen ■ Scott Stillson ■ Diane Thueson ■ I. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS Chairperson Graham opened the Landmark Commission meeting at 12:15 p.m. II. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2011 Chairperson Graham requested the Commission review the September 2r meeting minutes. Mr. Wood motioned to approve the September Landmark Commission minutes as presented, motion seconded by Ms. Flood. Motion passed unanimously to approve the September 27th meeting minutes. III. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW — BERRY BROWN HOUSE —1400 TRAVIS Planning Staff introduced this item and referred Commission members to the application and proposed bid specifications. Ms. McCoy, applicant and owner of the Berry Brown House, discussed her continuing efforts to maintain the property at 1400 Travis. She stated she's sketching a line drawing to show the original architectural aesthetics of her family's 1910 residence. The line drawing will show the original porch design and color of steel gray -blue with white accents. Chairperson Graham determined the most efficient method to review the application was to discuss 10 each line item proposed for restoration/rehab on the bid specification form. Discussion ensued and Commission members reviewed the following items and noted conditions as outlined: 1) Gutters — replacement — metal gutters required that fit the architectural style /period Landmark Commission October 25, 2011 Page 1 2) Trim — replacement where needed — wood trim required 3) Siding boards — replacement all where needed — wood board required 4) Lattice — replace around bottom of house — lattice wood — pattern - tighter weave acceptable 5) Front Porch — refurbish — replacement handrail height as required by Building Codes; new wooden porch floor and replace steps. Chairperson Graham recommended, for rehabilitation purposes, for the porch woodwork design to now include a handrail for safety and code compliant reasons. 6) Ceiling on Porch - replace with bead board not plywood 7) Support Pole to top patio - support pole on porch comer shall be square 8) Decorative brackets/Gingerbread Trim — replace with wooden pieces & add where missing 9) Rear Porch — completely redo — replicate front porch design (wood platform & concrete steps) 10) Screens — restore — retain and repair where necessary 11) Seal/fasten all boards in place — repair /replace wooden siding as necessary 12) Paint — scrape, pressure wash, prime entire exterior — paint not reviewed by the Commission; suggested caution with surface cleaning to protect wooden siding Chairperson Graham stated the proposed building color is of the applicant's choice since the Commission cannot dictate a particular color. Staff referenced the Polly Cox watercolor photo as an example of the previous color pallet. Ms. Flood raised the concern of cleaning the exterior using a power washer and cautioned it may destroy the original wood siding. 13) Roof — replace — remove asphalt shingles and repair plywood decking where necessary; retain metal roof drip edge, new metal flashing in all valleys, around fireplace, composition shingles match existing color Discussion about roof repairs lead to questions from Mr. Wood. He questioned the use of the original metal downspouts. Ms. Crampton stated they would be retained. Shingle layers will be removed to the original decking and replaced with the installation of a similar roof. Mr. Wood addressed the fence issue, and inquired if Ms. McCoy could find out the cost and style of the original Victorian fence. Ms. Gagne stated this is an entire exterior renovation with an estimated value of $35,000. Prior to this request, based on staffs knowledge, the City had authorized only one historic tax freeze. Staff will assemble a packet, including the Landmark Commission's determination, recommending to City Council that a historic tax freeze on the City's portion of the property tax bill be authorized, at the pre - restoration rate, for a maximum of eight years. After thorough review, the Commission unanimously recommended to approve the restoration /renovation plans and recommend the historic tax freeze provision. Mr. Kidwell motioned to approve the full rehabilitation plans for the Berry Brown House, located at 1400 Travis and encourage application for the historic tax freeze provision. Mr. Lee seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. IV. DISCUSSION AND ENDORSEMENT OF THE FINAL REPORT — DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS HISTORIC LANDMARKS AND HISTORIC DISTRICTS Ms. Gagne received the final digital document and four final revised paper copies, though additional copies need to be printed for Council's review. Councilor Smith recommended using a paper copy. Ms. Payne, Architectural Historian with HHM, Inc. apologized for including the wrong maps in the prior version. Ms. Gagne stated HHM did the best they could based on the original contract, time allocated and funding. She stated the final copy is not posted on the city website since Council has not officially reviewed/approved the final document. In addition, she noted a disclaimer statement needs to be Incorporated, to state that the Texas Historical Commission (THC) requires a 60-day notice prior to starting any work on any state Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHL) or nationally designated historic structures, which may potentially affect the historic properties in Morningside. Landmark Commission October 25, 2011 Page 2 A new motion was requested by Ms. Gagn6 based on the issuance of the revised Design Guidelines, which now include the revised photos in lieu of sketches. Ms. Flood motioned to approve the revised, final copy of the Design Guidelines for the City of Wichita Falls Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts, including the recommended disclaimer statement as requested by Ms. Gagn6, for City Council review. Mr. Wood seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Council review date is yet to be determined. Mr. Wood stated it's best to get the product right prior to proceeding to Council and Councilor Smith agreed. V. OTHER BUSINESS: a) West Floral Heights Historic District — Monthly Report Ms. Cotton stated the historic brick street in the 1400 Block of Hayes was patched with asphalt. Ms. Looney contacted the City Streets Department secretary about the laying of asphalt. Ms. Gagnd stated that someone in the neighborhood must have requested the repair otherwise the City Streets Department would not have worked on the street. Councilor Smith stated this is a temporary fix. He received a call from Mr. Krugle in the Streets Department. Councilor Smith was told Hayes is hard to drive on due to the eastern side of the street having potholes, so the department leveled it out. City engineers will go out and review the streets in the immediate area. Because of this issue Councilor Smith requested Hayes be added to the street review cycle. Councilor Smith was further told the street needed to be "scored" to determine priority for a full repair. If the city budget will allow, the water line might need to be replaced. It runs under the eastern side of the street. Ms. Cotton offered the services of the neighbors, however, Councilor Smith explained due to liability reasons neighborhood volunteers cannot be accepted. Ms. Cotton stated she doesn't care for the asphalt on Garfield and the areas of Hayes that now have asphalt. She further explained Floral Heights is a historic neighborhood and people were very upset with the asphalt repair. She would like to retain the historic flavor of the area with brick streets. She discussed the 2011 Turkey Trot scheduled for November 24th starting at 8:30 am, near 1300 Tilden. She further mentioned a potential violation of the City's Zoning Ordinance — Home Occupation since there appears to be a business running out of a house within the 1600 Block of Hayes. b) Pending Design Review Items: Ms. Gagn6 discussed that she's still working with the Building Inspection Department regarding 1411 Garfield. The applicant has added a new metal roof over the original composite shingled roof and covered the rafters with aluminum. Ms. Gagn6 stated this issue is being investigated. Staff is now required to review state /national designated sites as outlined in the CLG contract. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) requires owners give 60 -day notification in advance prior to any alteration of a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL). The state requires property owners obtain THC approval prior to any significant alteration /addition to a state /national historic site or district — these properties were not previously reviewed via the local, city design guidelines unless the property maintained a dual City of Wichita Falls designation. This new review requirement would apply to designated properties in Momingside, such as foundation repairs, replacing fences, window replacement, etc. Ms. Gagn6 stated that an agreement with the Department of the Interior and THC (for CLG communities) outlines this additional review but was only pointed out to City staff when THC attended the August 30"' Design Guidelines public forum. This would add a significant addition to the state's review. She stated that planning staff can continue to sign off on minor alterations and will try to make this "workable" for residents, such as for maintenance and repair issues. Until now, City staff was not aware of the requirement to review exterior alterations to AOL state /national sites unless it was brought to Landmark's attention by the owner for a major IP alteration. She expressed a concern for the 60-day hold -up from the state, though she understands the need for a check- and - balance system. Chairperson Graham stated she needs to add a red flag in Building Inspection's system for all the state/nationally designated sites. Members discussed and Landmark Commission October 25, 2011 Page 3 agreed that the red flagged notation reference 'the applicant must contact THC prior to proceeding with a request for issuance of a building permit.' Commission members requested staff require HHM to revise the language to address the additional statetnational review. Ms. Gagne stated HHM, consultants of the Design Guidelines, had essentially worked "no charge" since September 23'd to assist in revising the Design Guidelines as the project and subsequent revisions were beyond the scope of the original contract. For planning staff to request HHM incorporate any additional information is not recommended. Ms. Flood added the state only looks at the buildings' exterior - if its a state designated historical building. Ms. Gagne received a request by Mr. Eric Russell, 1409 Tilden, for an informal review of future rehabilitation work on his historic house. He is aware that a design review application was not filed by the deadline. Staff explained based on agenda posting requirements by the state, a formal review and determination cannot be rendered. He stated nothing was done on the house for 20 years and it's currently in a "hodge podge" state of non - historic style. Mr. Russell recently purchased this home, circa 1919, and is planning to replace the windows with 6" x 6" single -hung windows to resemble a north fagade window. The 1970s windows around the house, excluding the original front windows, will be replaced. The columns are original, though the post support base and steps are rotten and cracking. Porch supports are brick. His plan is to redo the brick and make it structurally sound. Planters are to be fixed and changed out with flat concrete steps with brick in a semi - circular pattern. The front door includes a mail slot. Mr. Russell plans to replace the center panel with a craftsman style door. The detached garage was added in 1998 and the driveway is broken and in poor shape. He requested suggestions from the Commission for the first round of rehabilitation. Mr. Russell noted he would return at a later time for a formal review. He stated his intent is to convert the aesthetics back to a craftsman or colonial revival based on the original style of homes in the immediate area. Chairperson Graham stated the windows will require review, along with the porch and steps. Mr. Russell is allowed to paint his home and fix the driveway. She further stated adding a semi - circular step was a concern. Mr. Wood suggested that Mr. Russell needs to maintain the shape of the historic porch. Chairperson Graham recommended brick for the existing porch and side caps. Ms. Cotton recommended replacement of the columns with same style columns. Ms. Flood asked if the columns were hollow, and if yes, then additional review is required if they'll be replaced with wood or fiberglass. She was curious if there were, at one time, center columns, and if these columns might have been removed. Ms. Gagne stated she received a request from the Wichita County Archives for the current listing of city, state, and national historic sites and buildings. The purpose was to keep their data current. Councilor Smith inquired if the owner has made any progress on removing the painted mural at 6th and Ohio. Ms. Gagne stated THC recommends certain types of paint. The owner will need a certain product to remediate the mural. Staff noted it's difficultrnappropriate as city employees to obtain bids for remediation. City employees recommended the owner obtain project bids. Ms. Gagne was not sure of who would be a good resource to repoint the brick. Mr. Wood recommended a few potential vendors. Mr. Lee raised the concern of downtown safety after dark due to insufficient street lighting. Ms. Flood noted the Wichita County Heritage Society (WCHS) is interested in expanding the Depot Square Historic District, possibly up to Indiana. Staff noted this is a long term goal and hoped the Commission would support the initiative. Ms. Flood also noted WCHS is in support of the proposed downtown TIF District. In conjunction, Councilor Smith raised a concern expressed by residents concerning the TIF #4 public meeting held on October 24th. Landmark Commission October 25, 2011 Page 4 a v E��] C) Articles & Periodicals Ms. Gagn6 provided a copy of Common Ground and Preservation to review and pass around the table. d) Upcoming Meetings: City Council, November 16th - 8:30 am, tentative for Design Guidelines Next Meeting - November 22nd -12 pm Staff asked Councilor Smith if City Council had a preference for a digital or paper copy of the Design Guidelines. Councilor Smith requested paper copies for Council review due to the detail and length of the policy report. Chairperson Graham encouraged Commission members to attend the Council meeting to support the acceptance of the document. Staff indicated they would keep members informed when the Guidelines were scheduled for Council review. VI. ADJOURN Chairperson Graham adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m. lo2- /3- o2 0// Date - - - - -- - ----- - - - - -- Landmark Commission October 25, 2011 Page 5 CLERK' s OF)glyE GUY -,T I BY'.