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Landmark Commission Minutes - 02/11/2011MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION FEBRUARY 11, 2011 HECEIVED IN MEMBERS PRESENT: '1% TY CLERK'S 0 FICE Cindy Cotton DATE: ■Members ER Stacie Flood � v� — IME: ■ Christy Graham ■ John Kidwell ■ Scott Stillson ■ Steve Wood ■ Councilor Michael Smith, Council Liaison ■ Karen Montgomery- Gagn6, Interim Planning Supervisor ■ staff Leo Bethge, Planner II ■ staff ABSENT: Diane Thueson, Chairperson ■ Marilyn Carper ■ Michael Koen ■ GUESTS: Cynthia Laney, Executive Director, Downtown Wichita Falls Dev., Inc. (DWFD) ■ Kathy Roach, President, Wichita County Heritage Society (WCHS) ■ Matt Synatschk, Coordinator, TX Certified Local Government Program (THC) ■ Leslie Wolfenden, Project Design Assistant, TX Main Street Program (THC) ■ I. CALL TO ORDER/INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSION MEMBERS & GUESTS Ms. Gagne provided a brief introduction, starting the meeting at 9:09 am. She introduced Mr. Matt, Synatschk, Coordinator of the TX Certified Local Government Program, and Ms. Leslie Wolfenden, Project Design Assistant of the TX Main Street Program, both are divisions of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). She further requested a brief introduction of each member present. With no questions following the introduction Mr. Synatschk proceeded with the Landmark Commission training session. IL TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION (THC) — TRAINING SESSION Mr. Matt Synatschk, Coordinator of the TX Certified Local Government Program, initiated the training session. He stated the Certified Local Government Program (CLG) is a Federal matching grant program that's administered by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Some of the benefits provided to local Texas municipalities are technical assistance, grant funding, and assistance to local landmark commissions. He further stated THC provides additional assistance to municipalities since they're incorporated governmental bodies that are supported by zoning and land use plans. THC urged the City to consider applying for a CLG Grant in 2012 to update the 1982 Historic Preservation Survey since an update is required every ten years. Mr. Synatschk stated a CLG designated community requires a preservation plan, a historic preservation ordinance to enforce the plan and design guidelines to protect the resources from inappropriate alterations. He noted the Landmark Commission is currently working on their 2010 CLG Grant project to update their guidelines. He added THC encourages CLG communities to Landmark Commission February 11, 2011 page 1 provide incentives to assist people with historic alterations in order to maintain local resources. State incentives to CLG communities include grants that range from $2,000 to $30,000, with the requirement for a 50% local match. Mr. Synatschk noted THC is working to amend the State regulations to potentially eliminate the community's local match requirement. THC also encourages cities to host regional conferences; in return, THC could help coordinate and fund the project. THC has three key expectations for CLG Communities, to: 1.) Ensure the Texas Open Meeting/Records Act is followed; 2.) Minutes must be submitted to THC within sixty days of the meeting date; and 3.) Commission members must attend an annual training session. The Landmark Commission would need to attend an annual training function, i.e., Preservation Dallas, in order to receive credit for the training. Ms. Gagn6 asked how to define a region for training, and Ms. Flood asked who could be invited. Mr. Synatschk responded that any municipality, such as Henrietta, could attend since there are no geographical limits, and any representative, from Oklahoma or Texas, could attend. The purpose is that THC will be consolidating annual conferences in the near future and to ensure Commission members receive training opportunities. Ms. Cotton questioned the use of the City's Tax Abatement Program since the West Floral Heights residential district contains 200 homes and the tax reduction is minimal, with only the City's portion being frozen. She stated it was too difficult for property owners to actually utilize the program. Mr. Synatschk recommended speaking to the County about an abatement program — working with local businesses, such as hardware or lumber stores, that could support an incentive program for building products. Mr. Stillson added that many corporate offices, such as Lowe's, provide a certain percentage for charitable contributions to assist local communities. Mr. Stillson questioned the status of the State Budget. Mr. Synatschk stated 80% of THC funding could be cut from the 2011/2012 State Budget. This funding reduction could affect the following state programs: Heritage Trails Program, TX Main Street Program, Visionaries Program, the marketing division, and a reduction of historic program staff from 22 down to 8 employees. The Texas Preservation Trust Fund (TPTF) would disappear along with a staff of 15 members. Ms. Laney added that she, along with others (e.g. TX Downtown Association and Preservation Texas) are pushing state legislators to maintain these programs. She also stated tourism is the 2nd largest industry in Texas. The public wants to see unique communities, such as downtown areas that are preserved. Currently, there are 87 designated Main Street Program communities in Texas. These budgetary cuts would hurt local economies and slow down development progress. Ms. Graham added that great progress was achieved in recent years to revitalize downtown Wichita Falls, and pulling these THC funds would stop this momentum. Mr. Stillson further questioned if THC talks to the Legislature about these issues. Mr. Synatschk stated THC administration is continuing discussions. Councilor Smith brought up a February 9, 2011 news article from Ft. Worth Star Telegram newspaper that Historic Ft. Worth, Inc., a not -for- profit company, is talking with the legislature about this issue. Councilor Smith further stated within 12 years, 5,800 jobs were created based on the Courthouse Program. Mr. Synatschk added the proposed state budget cuts would eliminate all state funding, and therefore jeopardize THC. Ms. Gagn6 added she could draft a letter to Senator Estes and Representative Lyne regarding the Landmark Commission's stance on maintaining funding for these important programs. Mr. Synatschk resumed and provided an overview of what is preservation, in terms of its history, what should be preserved, common misconceptions (i.e., paint colors), and how to address preservation at a local level. At the state level, there are designations for three levels: 1.) Archeological sites (SAL); 2.) Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHL); and 3.) Historic subject markers. Landmark Commission February 11, 2011 page 2 At the national level, a historic site may be designated on the National Register of Historic Places. Incentives for historic rehabilitation were discussed. Federal financial incentives include a 20% tax credit for the preservation of certified historic sites, and a 10% credit for a non- historiGnon- residential site built prior to 1936. Mr. Synatschk discussed THC assistance programs, such as TX Preservation Trust Fund, CLG, Heritage Trails Partnership Grant, History Museum Grant, and the TX Courthouse Preservation Grant. Local grants may include fagade easement grants and tax abatements. He further promoted education and outreach programs for design guideline revisions, placing articles in the local paper, events, and hosting a collaborative event for archiving historic photos at the library. Ms. Gagner mentioned the idea of the Commission hosting an event to scan historic photos at the library as a good idea to get the public interested in architecture and historic preservation. Commission members discussed the idea and were in agreement. Staff noted the Wichita Falls Leadership Class conducted a similar event to gather resources to document the 1979 tornado. Mr. Synatschk continued discussion about historic preservation and how it affects the City of Wichita Falls, based on Historic Preservation Ord. 92 -2003. He also mentioned about outreach to real estate professionals. Ms. Gagner stated the Commission worked to have a clause added to real estateltitle company closing paperwork noting a "Yes" or "No" box to check indicating whether the structure being purchased is designated as a historic landmark or located in a designated historic district. This is essentially a buyer beware clause so the public knows they're buying a designated historic structure. Mr. Synatschk continued with the session, reiterating Landmark Commission members need to base their design review decisions on findings of fact and conclusions of law which are based on Ordinance 92 -2003, and the Secretary of the Interior Standards, per Section 62 -97. He reminded staff and the Commission that local preservation = economic power, and to get partner agencies involved and the public. Discussion commenced regarding design guidelines. Ms. Graham stated building codes and design guidelines are applicable for all historic homes, for contributing or non - contributing homes. Significant discussion continued regarding contributing vs. non - contributing structures. Mr. Synatschk concluded discussion, stating the revisions to the design guidelines need to be completed by September 30, 2011 and should include a section addressing non - contributing structures. For grant processing THC will hold up to 25% of the grant until the project is fully completed. Ms. Gagn6 stated the consultant will submit the revised design guidelines in sections to ensure its' completeness and accuracy and the City will, in return, submit quarterly billing statements. Mr. Synatschk also requested a minimum of two public meetings on the draft guidelines and THC be notified in order to attend. Ms. Leslie Wolfenden, Project Design Assistant, TX Main Street Program, provided the second half of the training session. Ms. Wotfenden started by addressing the Secretary of Interior Standards and tips to aid in good design, such as commercial and residential design, maintaining character, signage, lighting, and new construction. She provided handouts and recommended other resources available through the University of Texas PCL Library, for Sanborn Maps, and University of Georgia (Owens School of Design), for a design guideline source. Other municipalities, such as Galveston and Grapevine, TX were mentioned as good design guidelines. Other significant design factors were discussed that must be addressed during the City's guideline update. These factors include the following items: • To use the structure as it was designed for, historically speaking, or to use as a new use with minimal changes; • Each property must be recognized as a physical record of its time; • What's historically significant must be retained and preserved; • Distinctive materials, features, finishes, etc. must be used; • Repairing, versus replacing is always recommended; Landmark Commission February 11, 2011 page 3 • Use the gentlest treatment to preserve the structure, when using physical or chemical treatments; Differentiate new construction from an historic structure, by way of a physical separation or Qsetback. Based on Ms. Wolfenden's training session Councilor Smith questioned if there are any grants available for the consolidation of the Fire & Police Museum. Mr. Synatschk questioned the use of CLG funds, only if the museum were to be designed as the original — including the use of original brick and mortar. He suggested contacting the National Park Service for a ruling on this topic. Ms. Wolfenden discussed specific elements in preserving a building and how to promote strong aesthetics in historic areas. These elements include windows, masonry, murals, mortar, siding, signage, fencing and secondary structures such as carports. She dispelled many myths that today's construction and architectural material industry is better than using local craftsmen to help preserve an existing product, such as historic windows, doors and signage. She also provided examples of current materials, as compared to preserving existing materials, and how maintaining original materials promotes strong architectural aesthetics of shadow lines, definition and symmetry. The use of vinyl windows and vinyl siding, for example, covers the original design and architectural uniqueness of a structure. She advocated removal of non - historic siding only if the original fagade is in good condition. Ms. Wolfenden further discussed the use of historic Sanborn Maps, originally used for fire insurance purposes, as an excellent source for referencing the location of historic principle or accessory structures. Discussion commenced regarding the use of metal carports in the front yard of historic properties, and how the use of material, style and size may not be compatible with the style of historic properties. Mr. Synatschk recommended the City maintain a database of regional craftsmen, (e.g. a list of contractors that specialize in working with historic buildings), to support local craftsmanship instead of relying on purchasing new modular architectural products. Councilor Smith asked if there is a state committee the City can share concerns over the proposed THC budget cuts. Ms. Laney recommended THC support requests be directed to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. III. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Gagn6 reminded Commission members to pull together any questions regarding items for inclusion with the design review guidelines project for our consultant prior to our next meeting. Ms. Flood discussed the need to add a request for design review improvements at the Kell House on the next agenda. Likewise, Ms. Cotton requested design review for placement of a West Floral Heights Historic District entry sign at the 10th Street median park. Ms. Gagn6 stated she will include both items on the next agenda - meeting scheduled for February 22, 2011. Commission members were in agreement. In conclusion, staff and Commission members thanked Mr. Synatschk and Ms. Wolfenden for coming to Wichita Falls and providing such an informative training session. IV. ADJOURN Ms. Graham adjourned the meeting at 12:08 pm. J - Ms. Christy Graham Date Vice Chairperson Landmark Commission February 11, 2011 page