Landmark Commission Minutes - 12/19/2003MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
December 19, 2003
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CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
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PRESENT:
Jan Schaaf, Chairperson ■ Members
Ken Birck ■
Loraine Blackwood ■
Michael Koen ■
Dianne Thueson ■
Dave Clark, Director, Community Development ■ City Staff
Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ■
GUESTS:
Ralph Gibson, Curator, Kell House Museum ■
ABSENT:
Michael Collins ■
Shirley Craft ■
Ken Dowdy ■
Douglas James ■
James Esther, Jr. ■ Council Liaison
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Chairperson called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.
II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MINUTES
The Chairperson asked if there were any corrections to the October 9th meeting minutes, there being no
amendments or corrections, Ms. Blackwood introduced a motion to approve the meeting minutes as
presented and seconded by Mr. Koen. Minutes unanimously approved.
III. DISCUSSION & REVIEW of POTENTIAL PRESERVATION PROJECTS for the CLG GRANT
APPLICATION
The Chairperson introduced this item and requested Planning staff outline the proposal. Ms. Gagne
outlined three areas of interest in this community for a CLG grant project: 1) educational awareness for
Commission members, 2) training for Commission members at the Annual THC Conference, or 3)
Updating the 1982 Historic Preservation Plan (Ellen Beasley study). She indicated that there are
approximately 51 CLG designated communities within Texas and each has the opportunity to apply for
the annual grant funds. The Texas Historical Commission receives approximately $80,000 for the CLG
Grant program - CLG's that have never received a grant or very limited funding receive additional points
from THC in the scoring process. Typical grant projects range from $250.00 to $10,000. Staff noted that
the key component that's held them back from submitting the paperwork is the match component - for
cash a local 40% contribution to 60% grant match or with in -kind services at a 50/50 match.
Mr. Clark outlined the possibility of obtaining an intern from MSU that could work with the Landmark
Commission, planning staff and the Wichita County Heritage Society in revising the 21 -year old
Preservation Plan for Wichita Falls. Ms. Thueson recommended that based on the preservation activities
over the past year community awareness should be a major goal of the Commission prior to attempting
any update of the Preservation Plan. She explained that she had previously worked with a committee to
develop an educational video in another community over a 2 -year period that was utilized to promote the
Landmark Commission December19, 2003 Page 1 of 2
a
preservation of historic resources, which proved highly effective and was later used by the Chamber of
Commerce and Visitor's Bureau. The video /information was presented to every community /non-
profit/fraternal organization to increase community awareness. Commission members inquired about
project costs, length of video, etc. Ms. Thueson recalled that the video was approximately 12 minutes
(VHS and slide format) and was $6,200 to develop /produce. However, if produced today with advanced
technologies and possible assistance from the MSU Mass Communications students the cost would be
significantly reduced. The Chairperson recommended staff contact Ms. Carla Bennett at MSU to discuss
the project's potential and Ms. Blackwood commented that SAFB may be interested in participating with
the recent renovation of the Little Adobe building. Ms. Thueson introduced a motion to endorse staff to
research the potential for developing an educational video as a project submittal for the 2004 CLG grant,
seconded by Mr. Koen. Motion passed with unanimous support.
IV. RECOGNITION OF LANDMARK COMMISSION MEMBERS
Mr. Clark and staff recognized Ms. Blackwood and Mr. Koen for their contributions to the Landmark
Commission. Ms. Blackwood was most recently appointed to the Commission in June 1995 and has
provided many volunteer hours assisting the Commission on projects. Mr. Koen was appointed in 2001
and unfortunately has resigned due to increased workload at his architectural firm. Planning staff and
fellow Commission members expressed appreciation for their volunteer service to the City.
V. UPDATE REGARDING COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS to the COMMISSION
Mr. Clark informed members that City
vacancies at the December 16th meeting.
curator, as the representative from the
appointed in the category of architectural
for attending the meeting. Mr. Hayes is
attend.
Council considered applications for Board & Commission
He noted that Council appointed Mr. Ralph Gibson, Kell House
Wichita County Heritage Society and Mr. Drew Hayes was
expertise. Mr. Clark recognized Mr. Gibson and thanked him
an intern architect with Secord & Lebow and was unable to
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
Other information in the meeting packet of interest to the public and Commission members:
a) Holt Hotel - Mr. Clark provided a progress report, outlining that the construction phase of the
project could begin January 5th with Electra Construction. Currently finalizing the bank loan
with a consortium of financial institutions.
b) Southland & West Floral Heights — Ms. Gagne reported that the Association would begin
working on a small historic district application in early 2004. The West Floral Heights
group is actively working with new property owners, noting that many have stated they
chose the area due to the strong Association and proposed historic district process. They
requested training from Planning staff for the local nomination committee — tentative
meeting — Jan. 4th @ 3pm — anticipate a district application by summer.
c) January Meeting Date — Tentatively — January 22nd at 3:30 pm
VII. ADJOURN
Mr. Clark and Ms. Gagne thanked the Commission for their hard work and long volunteer hours during
the past year. Meeting was officially adjourned at 3:46 p.m.
Jan Schaaf, Chairperson Date
Landmark Commission Decemberl9, 2003 Page 2 of 2