Landmark Commission Minutes - 11/17/2004MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
November 17, 2004
PRESENT:
Jan Schaaf, Chairperson ■ Members
Ken Dowdy, Vice Chairperson ■
Shirley Craft ■
Drew Hayes ■
Doug James ■
Dianne Thueson ■
Dave Clark, Director, Community Development ■ City Staff
Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ■
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GUESTS:
Susan Koch, resident, West Floral Heights ■
Carolyn Looney, past - president West Floral Heights Neigh. Assoc. ■
ABSENT:
James Esther, Jr. ■ Council Liaison
Ken Birck ■
Michael Collins ■
I. & II. CALL TO ORDER & REVIEW & APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Chairperson called for discussion and comments on the October 26th meeting minutes. There
being no discussion or issue with the minutes, Mr. Dowdy motioned to accept the minutes as
presented. Ms. Craft seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
III. DISCUSSION & DETERMINATION OF PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR REVIEW OF
THE WEST FLORAL HEIGHTS HISTORIC DISTRICT APPLICATION
Planning staff provided a brief update regarding the application time line. The Commission
accepted the application as 'complete' on October 26th and based on the Council endorsed policies
for nominating a historic district; it gives the Landmark Commission up to 60 days to review an
application. The deadline for the Commission to review the application falls on December 24th. The
Chairperson, Ms. Schaaf, requested clarification regarding the public hearing time frame. Ms.
Gagne indicated that the Commission is required to hold a public hearing during the 60 -day review
period. Mr. Clark stated that staff tentatively considered scheduling the public hearing with
Landmarks on December 9th pending determination by the members. Ms. Gagne indicated that the
required public notices would need to be mailed at least two weeks prior to the date set by the
Commission for a public hearing in order to provide sufficient notification. Ms. Craft inquired
whether the public hearing would be scheduled during the daytime. Mr. Clark responded that staff
considered the option of either a day or evening meeting. Staff has initially arranged for an evening
(7:00 p.m.) meeting in an attempt to allow more people the opportunity to participate.
• Planning staff asked members present if Thursday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers would work for the public hearing. Members reviewed their schedules — staff noted that
it is critical a majority of the Commission attend the meeting. As of October and Mr. Gibson's
resignation, there are only eight Commission members. A minimum quorum of five members is
necessary to conduct the meeting.
Landmark Commission November 17, 2004 Page 1 of 1
Mr. Clark noted that the vacant position was for a representative from the Wichita County Heritage
Society (WCHS) and if any Commission member knew someone qualified for this vacancy, to have
him or her contact the City. Staff indicated that City Council would be considering Board and
Commission appointments at their December 7th meeting. Ms. Craft suggested Ms. Carole
Woessner or WCHS past - president Mr. George Adams. Mr. Dowdy inquired whether Mr. Jim
Newsom would again be willing to serve on the Commission. Ms. Gagne informed members that
she already checked on Mr. Newsom's status and according to City Clerk records he doesn't quality
for re- appointment for another year. Mr. Clark noted the Heritage Society Board recently hired new
staff for the positions of Executive Director and Kell House Curator. Members suggested that if
qualified, the Heritage Society board might consider nominating either of the new employees for the
Landmark vacancy.
Mr. Clark and staff conducted a 'windshield' survey of the proposed application area (Buchanan —
Hayes /Garfield and 10th Street to Ave. H) to assess and review the general condition of the
structures along with architectural significance. Staff noted additional 27 non- contributing buildings
due to lack of character and loss of architectural detail. Mr. Clark referred to application handouts
referencing 'Contributing and Non - Contributing,' based on the work conducted by the applicants the
only non - contributing sites (12 properties) were entirely based on age of construction (less than 50-
years). Ms. Craft questioned the 50 -year requirement and Mr. Clark explained that the City policies
reflect national standards — 50 -years is the minimum standard for considering a structure or site
historic.
Mr. Clark highlighted the basic application statistics: 214 properties - 183 indicated 'In Favor'
(85.5 %), 12 'Opposed', 19 'Non- Response' which includes 2 vacant city lots. Ms. Thueson
commented that for a National Register District, architectural character is reviewed and numerous
homes with siding would be excluded due to inappropriate alteration. Ms. Schaaf questioned
whether the applicants could still submit for National Register recognition in the future. Ms.
Thueson stated nomination is accepted but fewer properties will be considered 'Contributing' to the
historic nature of the area.
The Chairperson addressed agenda item V prior to adjourning for the scheduled bus tour of the
proposed West Floral Heights Historic District application area. Members were in agreement with
the change in agenda format.
V. OTHER BUSINESS
Planning staff provided copies of the THC publication 'The Medallion' for members of the
Commission. Mr. Dowdy inquired how they could be added to the State's mailing list. He indicated
trying to request the publication via the THC website but didn't have any success. Other
Commission members suggested he contact the THC marketing division to request the publication.
IV. COMMISSION TOUR OF WEST FLORAL HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD
Commission members and staff met with Ms. Susan Koch and Ms. Carolyn Looney on Buchanan
Street to discuss the architectural character and styles of the buildings in the proposed area for
district nomination. The bus tour began at 10th and Buchanan and allowed Commission members
an opportunity to review each property and ask questions.
VI. ADJOURN
The Landmark Commission adjourned the formal portion of the meeting at 3:35 pm. The bus tour of
the West Floral Heights neighborhood began at 3:45pm and ended at 5pm. The next meeting was
scheduled as the public hearing for the historic district application set for Thursday, December 9th at
• 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. The Commission members in attendance agreed to hold
their next regular fneeting on Monday, December 13th at 3:00 p.m.
Jan chaaf, C airpersoU Date
Commission November 17, 2004 Page 2 of 2