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Landmark Commission Minutes - 06/28/2011MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION JUNE 28, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Christy Graham, Chairperson ■ Members Marilyn Carper ■ Stacie Flood ■ John Kidwell ' Michael Koen I ■ Andy Lee = • Scott Stillson �° ■ Councilor Michael Smith, Council Liaisons ■ Karen Montgomery- Gagn6, Planner III ..' 0 pis ■ staff Leo Bethge, Planner II c GUESTS: James Hangar '- ■ Bob Hardy w ■ ABSENT: ®Cindy Cotton ■ Members - Diane Thueson ■ Steve Wood Norman Standerfer, Director of Community Development ■ staff I. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS Chairperson Graham opened the Landmark Commission meeting at 12:05 p.m. Guests in attendance were Mr. James Hangar, owner of 1501 Grant Street, and his general contractor, Mr. Bob Hardy. II. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MAY 24a', 2011 Chairperson Graham requested the Commission review the May 24th meeting minutes. Mr. Lee motioned to approve the May 24, 2011 Landmark Commission minutes as presented, motion seconded by Mr. Koen. Motion passed unanimously. III. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW —1500 GRANT Ms. Gagn6 introduced the applicant, Mr. James Hangar, owner of 1501 Grant, and his general contractor, Mr. Bob Hardy. After introductions she passed around photos of the rear building, copy of the floor plan, detail of the garage and a brochure illustrating the proposed windows. Ms. Gagn6 stated Mr. Hardy initially requested a modification to his garage. She signed off, via administrative review, on the interior work for the general contractor to start since it's based on improvements only to the interior ventilation system, plumbing and flooring. She felt the exterior work required review by the Commission. All of the proposed alterations are planned for the rear detached, one story apartment/garage. The building faces Avenue E as the exterior side yard with an alley to the rear of the property. Landmark Commission June 28, 2011 Page 1 Mr. Hardy explained many of the proposed alterations are for energy efficiency, windows are non- functioning and the new owner wanted to update the structure. In addition, there have been previous break -ins through the alley windows. In order to access the rear yard from the detached apartment/garage you must exit through a window. Mr. Hardy provided photos and briefly described the scope of the project, to include the following: 1. Replace two damaged, inoperable wood windows facing Avenue E, 2. Replace one small window facing Grant Street, 3. Replace one small window facing the alley, 4. Close -off two windows facing the alley and match plaster exteriors, 5. Replace one window inside the privacy fence with a door, and 6. Replace damaged exterior door with one matching existing Grant Street door. Mr. Koen questioned if the building incorporates lathe -and- plaster for the original wall construction. Mr. Hardy agreed. Mr. Koen stated he had no problem with the proposed changes. Chairperson Graham agreed with using a similar window to complement the existing house windows, including window mullions. Mr. Koen motioned to approve the plan, as presented by the applicant and general contractor. Mr. Lee seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Gagne thanked the applicant and contractor for providing a detailed plan. Staff indicated they will inform Building Inspection of the Commission's recommendation in order to issue a Building Permit. IV. UPDATE AND DISCUSSION REGARDING BUILDING CODE REVISIONS — HISTORIC BUILDINGS Ms. Gagn6 provided a follow -up from the previous meeting, noting she spoke with Mr. Teague, Building & Code Administrator, and the city attorney regarding the downloaded version of Municode. She stated this section of the building code does not have specific language from the International Existing Building Code (IEBC). Ms. Gagn6 stated Mr. Teague has tried to incorporate ® all the changes, based on the initial recommendation of the Commission and referenced several code books. The City's Code of Ordinances references the 2009 IEBC but for specific details, the IEBC code books outline the requirements. Ms. Gagne copied these changes, as side bar notes, in the current Municode version. Staff explained they want Building Inspection to point out these changes and to incorporate them prior to Council review of the amended City Code of Ordinances — Chapter 22. The second change is to include a date, based on the May 24th Landmark recommendation, to allow "historic buildings" referenced in the building code to be effective for construction pre-1945 (prior to the end of the World War If era). Ms. Gagn6 stated the 50 year provision, which is The Secretary of the Interior's national standard for considering a building /site historic, would not apply since a large portion of housing stock in Wichita Falls was built prior to 1961. Moreover, she further discussed "compliance methods" as it related to when historic buildings are proposed for expansion. The 2009 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) would go into effect when a building is planned for expansion and it provides a degree of flexibility for historic exemptions as long as there are no life, health or safety violations. Mr. Lee stated he attended a meeting in February 2010 where Downtown Wichita Falls Development Inc. invited a Dallas building official to discuss the 2009 IEBC. This official stated the 2009 IEBC, as compared to the earlier 2006 version, better clarifies many building code issues for existing buildings so a contractor can easily reference these changes in the field. Mr. Koen agreed the 2009 code was a major improvement. V. DRAFT LETTER OF INTENT — CLG 2012 GRANT SUBMITTAL — PRESERVATION PLAN UPDATE Ms. Gagn6 discussed, based on the May 24th Commission recommendation, proceeding with a Letter of Intent to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to update the 1982 Preservation Plan. Landmark Commission June 28, 2011 Page 2 Staff will submit a brief letter to THC to define the purpose and to explain the need for updating the Preservation Plan. She further stated, based on the current budgetary status of the THC, that two cost estimates are now required, to show the lowest cost; secondly, to express an interest in this project. The biggest question, she stated, is to see what happens with the application. The City will need to provide a local match, possibly in the 2012 budget year. Chairperson Graham felt this was a good idea. Commission members discussed future preservation projects. Mr. Lee recommended the Commission look at components of the Depot Square Historic District, to see which buildings need to be saved and consider District expansion along Indiana. He stated property owners need some guidance on how to preserve their buildings. Ms. Gagn6 stated we don't need a grant to work with design review applications, but we need the grant to work with property owners to assist in preparing a revised Preservation Plan. After the design guidelines are approved, the winter of 2012 can be used to prepare for the preservation plan. She stressed again the concern that everything with THC is "in flux," with the potential loss of services. Councilor Smith asked if TIF funds could be used for historic preservation. Ms. Gagn6 stated if it's part of the mission, and stated as such, for the TIF #4 Plan, funds could then be used to address essential needs within the TIF district. It could also be used to complete several downtown projects. VI. UPDATE & DISCUSSION REGARDING CLG DESIGN GUIDELINES PROJECT — PROJECT FORUM, ETC. Ms. Gagn6 stated the Planning Division received approximately 49 completed questionnaires. These were reviewed and couriered to HHM, Inc. for their analysis. She stated the date for a second public forum is recommended for August 23d, at 6:00 p.m., to meet at an accessible location (i.e., Wichita Falls Library). She requested Commissioner's thoughts about setting up a time before the second public forum, to review the draft design guidelines, and if there are any pending applications for review. Ms. Flood requested the opportunity to review the draft guidelines before the second public forum. Mr. Kidwell followed, stating the Commission needs to meet in July, to review the draft. Chairperson Graham asked when the Commission would be receiving a copy from the consultants. She recommends that an e-mail be sent out to inform Commission members once the draft is received. Ms. Gagn6 added staff would also like to review the draft document and hoped a copy would be available prior to the July meeting. She will speak with Ms. Payne at HHM, Inc. to ask when the city will receive this draft document, and how will it be sent - such as receiving it in sections via e-mail. Ms. Flood asked if the draft can be posted for public review before the second public forum. Ms. Gagne stated staff will post the draft on the city website and mail postcard invitations to all property owners of City- designated historic buildings. Staff will also advertise the second public forum, by way of Times Record News or Channel 3. Staff also anticipates Mr. Matt Synatschk, CLG representative of the Texas Historical Commission to attend the forum. VII. OTHER BUSINESS a) West Floral Heights Historic District — Monthly Report Ms. Carper stated the West Floral Heights Historic District sign is now erected in Buchanan Park. She stated the former Buchanan Terrace sign frame was cleaned and repainted to hold the new sign. There was a good turn out for the unveiling of the sign. She noted, as a service to the district, her husband created an address template for those that want their address on the curb. This service is free for current West Floral Heights Neighborhood Association members and $15 for new or renewing members. b) Staff Administration Design Review Items for June 2011: 600 Ohio and 1504 Hayes Chairperson Graham stated, based on reviewing a photo of the new mural at 600 Ohio, it is similar to work by Ralph Steams. She stated the building houses B & C Printing Co. Mr. Lee considered this work as graffiti and should be tagged by code since it's within a historic district, and further questioned the connection of the mural to a historic district. He stated that it should be removed as Landmark Commission - June 28, 2011 Page 3 it's within a National Register District. Ms. Flood stated the new mural has covered up a historic wall sign. She stated the mural was painted on a crumbling and cracked wall. She was not sure if this is what B & C Printing would want or if they authorized this work. Ms. Gagne questioned how Ask this would help in maintaining the wall. She wanted to bring this to the attention of the Commission prior to informing the Code Enforcement Division. According to the City Legal Department graffiti is defined as: "...any marking, including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings made with a graffiti implement on tangible property without the effective consent of the owner of the property. (City Code Section 78 -116) Mr. Koen questioned the stability of the wall, if it needs to be tuck- pointed and appropriately sealed. Councilor Smith stated if the city painted over the mural, it would be at the cost of the city. Chairperson Graham stated the building was built approximately 1904, with the use of soft mortar. Mr. Stillson stated this matter should come back to the July meeting for follow -up action. Staff will contact B & C Printing and the building owner to discuss the situation. Ms. Gagn6 stated the owner of 1504 Hayes was previously approved for a roof replacement. C) Articles & Periodicals — Preservation (July /August) Chairperson Graham noted a section in Preservation that addresses America's most endangered buildings. The Berry Brown House in Wichita Falls was listed as one of Texas' most endangered historic buildings in 2006 (Preservation Texas, Inc.). She stated this residence is one of the oldest in the city and is in dire need of repair. Currently, there is a hole in the roof. She questioned if the Code Enforcement Division could get involved to inform and require the owner to patch the hole. Ms. Gagne followed up, stating Code Enforcement was notified, the division is currently obtaining a search warrant so they can review the condition of the building interior. Councilor Smith stated the Commission needs to review options of better maintaining historic buildings. Staff will follow -up with the Legal Department and Code Enforcement. d) Next Regular Meeting — July TBA; August 23rd, 12 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Public Forum to review draft guidelines Vill. ADJOURN Chairperson Graham adjourned the meeting at 1:06 p.m. Chairpersondbriham - Landmark Commission June 28, 2011 Page 4