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Landmark Commission Minutes - 09/30/2004MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION September 30, 2004 I, , RECEIVED IN CITY CLERK'S OFFICE Date lo-0 1.-04 By Time PRESENT: Jan Schaaf, Chairperson ■ Members Ken Dowdy, Vice Chairperson ■ Ken Birck ■ Doug James ■ Drew Hayes ■ Dianne Thueson ■ Michael Collins ■ James Esther, Jr. ■ Council Liaison Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ■ City Staff Kathy Bazile ■ GUESTS: Adam Deatherage, ADco. ■ ABSENT: Shirley Craft ■ Ralph Gibson ■ I. & II. CALL TO ORDER & REVIEW & APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Chairperson called for discussion and comments on the September 1St meeting minutes. Commission members briefly reviewed the minutes and Mr. Dowdy motioned to accept the minutes as presented. Ms. Thueson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. III. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE REGARDING LANDMARK DESIGNATION REMOVAL The Chairperson, Ms. Schaaf, stated that she was unable to attend the City Council meeting about the removal of the Landmark designation at the Marchman building. Councilor Esther stated that Council did not have an issue with de- designation after Mr. David Clark's explanation of the changes previously conducted on the exterior of the building. Ms. Schaaf discussed the issue with one of the building owners and thought they were disappointed landmark status would be removed. IV. DISCUSSION & REVIEW CLG HERITAGE VIDEO PROJECT Ms. Schaaf introduced Adam Deatherage of ADco. Ms. Gagne explained that Mr. Deatherage's advertising /production firm had provided one of the lowest cost estimates for inclusion with the grant application and he had an interest in the community's history. Planning staff stated that we haven't received an official grant approval letter from THC or the National Park Service. Mr. Dowdy inquired about the grant approval timeframe and Ms. • Gagne anticipated receiving a letter from THC by the end of September. However, Bratten Thomason, THC CLG liaison, encouraged us to continue gathering background research Landmark Commission September 30, 2004 Page 1 of 1 ti for the project anticipating that it will be approved by November. Ms. Gagne explained that the Commission and staff are ultimately responsible for narrowing the focus of the project, ie. who will conduct the research; final project steering committee; materials (photos, news clippings, narration, music, etc.) for inclusion, contacts with MSU, etc. Staff noted that the National Park Service (NPS) would not finalize project funding until late - November so the video project would not be completed until summer of 2005. Staff is aiming for the heritage preservation video to be implemented with the school curriculum in either September 2005 or January 2006 at both the City View and Wichita Falls ISD. Mr. Collins suggested staff contact the curriculum directors with each district and invite them to participate on the steering committee. Ms. Thueson agreed and suggested Commission members proceed with getting the background information organized. Ms. Schaaf questioned the outcome if THC /NPS only partially fund the video project. Ms. Thueson and staff commented that if something happens and the project isn't fully funded, the Commission could look for local, alternative funding for the project. Ms. Gagne and Mr. Deatherage asked for input from the Commission to begin developing an outline for the project. Upon approval of the grant, THC will require a signed contract and an official project outline. Ms. Schaaf re- iterated that the primary purpose of the video was to educate people about preservation efforts in Wichita Falls and illustrate local history in an interesting & informative manner. The project will consist of a 15- minute educational video that would highlight key periods in the history of Wichita Falls (ie. western frontier, arrival of railroad, oil boom, development of downtown in 1920's, redevelopment of the 1950's/60's through present activities). Mr. Deatherage asked members how the video will be presented to the community. Mr. Collins commented that it could be shown on cable channels, presentation to civic organizations and public schools. The Commission discussed that for historic preservation efforts to continue in the community, children and young adults need to be a primary target audience so values are instilled with the next generation. Educate them as to the importance of preserving the heritage of Wichita Falls. Mr. James commented that the Museum of North Texas History has a new theatre room that would be an ideal venue for showing the video. Ms. Thueson stated that there is a lot of opportunity; the local banks might sponsor a project like this and show the video in their lobby. Mr. Deatherage questioned the media resources that were available, such as old pictures, newspaper clippings and suggested including numerous 'still' images with narration, etc. (new images presented every 3 seconds to keep the viewers interest). Ms. Thueson stated that the Wichita County Archives have thousands of images of buildings and newspaper clippings. Mr. Collins commented that the Archives just received a significant donation of the Collier photo studio collection. Mr. James also suggested Mr. Edgar Shockley as one of the best resources for stories /anecdotes regarding local incidents. Ms. Gagne asked Mr. Collins if Dr. Olsen and Dr. Morrow at MSU were still interested in collaborating with the Commission on this project. Mr. Collins indicated the both he and Dr. Olsen would assist with researching the script lines and Dr. Morrow has offered to assist with performing some late 19th century, early 20th century music to help transition periods of history in the video. Commission members were appreciative of the professors' and MSU's on -going interest with the video project. • Mr. Deatherage encouraged members to brainstorm all possible ideas then funnel them into the most critical over the development of Wichita Falls. Ms. Gagne referred members Landmark Commission September 30, 2004 Page 2 of 2 to the grant application and noted a project steering committee is a THC requirement. Mr. Dowdy recommended the number of steering committee members be reduced. Ms. Thueson and Mr. James agreed and suggested 6 -7 total members. The Commission members discussed various people from the community who would be beneficial for this project. Commission members requested staff develop a revised project steering committee list and follow -up for the next meeting. V. OTHER BUSINESS a) Commission Member Reappointments for Council Consideration Ms. Gagne indicated that City Council would be considering Board & Commission reappointments in December. She provided copies of the Commission roster and noted only two members are scheduled for reappointment. Mr. Birck indicated that he did not have sufficient time to devote and requested not to be reappointed. Mr. Collins indicated a willingness and interest to be reappointed. Unfortunately, Ralph Gibson resigned from the Commission due to relocation out of state, as a result, the Wichita County Heritage Society position is vacant and will need to be filled by Council. b) Discussion of Ideas for the Texas Heritage Tourism Partnership Grant Ms. Gagne met with Lin Purtle and Bob Monaghan (Kemp Center for the Arts), Lita Watson, (Wichita County Archives) and Julie Wagner, (Wichita Falls Convention & Visitor's Bureau) to discuss the potential of submitting a grant application to the Texas Heritage Tourism Partnership. The group determined to pursue research regarding the development of a brochure and display kiosk. Ms. Gagne indicated City planning staff and Landmarks would endorse the application but didn't have sufficient time to prepare the grant for the November 15th deadline. The grant is a maximum of $5,000 and is available for small projects that are heritage related that address education, signage, interpretation, curriculum and /or development. c) Report on Progress with the Depot Square Signage Project Ms. Gagne commented that the sign design for the Depot Square Historic District was complete and endorsed by VISIONS /Downtown Development Inc. The signs will be approximately 18" x 22" posted at the boundaries of the Depot Square. Staff anticipates the City Streets /Sign Shop will have the signs produced and installed in time for the downtown CityLights festival on November 20t . d) Update on the Holt Hotel Project The Commission members arranged with planning staff and Mr. Dowdy to tour the Holt rehab project within the next few weeks. Planning staff will arrange the meeting date and contact all interested Commission members. Mr. Dowdy provided a progress report, noting that the new roof was installed, metal studs are up on almost all the floors with drywall on the upper two floors, 150 new wood windows installed on the east and south sides. The existing galvanized steel windows (rear side of building) were cleaned and new glass installed. VI. ADJOURN The Landmark ommission was adjourned at 4:15 pm. I hy • Jan Paaf, Chairperso6 Date Landmark Commission September 30, 2004 Page 3 of 3