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Landmark Commission Minutes - 11/23/2010MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION November 23, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Dianne Thueson, Chairperson ■ Members Cindy Cotton ■ Stacie Flood ■ John Kidwell ■ Councilor Michael Smith ■ council liaison Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Interim Planning Supervisor ■ staff Leo Bethge, Planner 11 ■ staff ABSENT: Marilyn Carper ■ Christy Graham ■ Michael Koen ■ Jim Newsom ■ Scott Stillson ■ Steve Wood ■ 1. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS Chairperson Thueson called the Commission to order at 12:55 pm. II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER ST", 2010 The Chairperson noted that without a quorum a vote could not be considered for the November 5t' meeting minutes. Ill. DISCUSSION & REVIEW OF IDEAS FOR THE CLG 2010 DESIGN REVIEW GUIDELINE PROJECT Chairperson Thueson initiated discussion regarding the design review guidelines. She stated the current grant is based on developing revised design guidelines. The existing guidelines were last updated seven years ago in 2003. This project would assist the public by: 1) providing an educational tool, and 2) creating a sense of consistency when reviewing applications for alterations to historic buildings. Ultimately, the Commission could provide recommendations to the Council about design- related issues for historic structures such as how to address "grandfathering" and inconsistencies between the building codes and the historic guidelines that may impact property owners. Ms. Gagne stated the current design guidelines are too generic and don't address specific issues such as masonry coatings, fencing or windows. She noted there is a need for consistency, to incorporate additional details within the guidelines. This level of detail could address alteration issues with "how it can be done" along with local examples for various (common) architectural styles. Chairperson Thueson recommended for the next meeting on January 25, 2011 that a State representative be invited for training purposes to discuss opportunities for creating design review guidelines. She asked "What will the consultant expect from the Commission ?" based on topics, Landmark Commission November 23, 2010 page 1 guidelines, ideas, and sources. Ms. Gagn6 stated this is the purpose of the work session, to determine what the Commission wants included in the final product. She further stated that Mr. David Moore, of HHM, Inc. will need to address key issues such as masonry treatments, consider building code requirements, and to provide photo examples of "do's and don'ts." Chairperson Thueson stated the Commission needed to prioritize design - related issues, such as windows, fencing, etc. to maximize discussion with Mr. Moore in January. Mr. Kidwell questioned if the revised guidelines will differ for each historic neighborhood similar to the examples from other Texas cities. Ms. Flood replied, that guidelines need to be appropriate for the district/area that it's in (e.g., residential vs. commercial historic districts). Ms. Cotton questioned other design issues, such as how does design relate to siding, fencing in front yards or windows? Ms. Flood stated there is always a question about siding materials, as compared to the use of original materials. Other questions Ms. Flood discussed are how to properly maintain physical building materials, as compared to preserving them. She stated the guidelines need to provide both good and bad examples and why those examples were chosen. The Commission was in agreement not to specifically point out addresses of bad examples as it may offend property owners. Chairperson Thueson stated we need guidelines that state "why ?" (the philosophy for guidelines) and then how to properly address a specific issue. Ms. Cotton raised a point, that today's homeowners can't afford retrofitting, restoring or rehabbing older homes to fit stringent design and energy efficiency standards. Ms. Gagn6 stated the Council has designated individual landmarks and historic districts based on their value /importance within the community and with that comes basic requirements for the property owner. Owners are required to adhere to the policies outlined in the Design Review Guidelines manual in order to protect the structures deemed by City Council as being significant in the historic of the community. Staff indicated if a homeowner does not agree with the guidelines or a Landmark decision, they can appeal to City Council. Ms. Cotton continued discussion regarding poor examples of historic design. Many homes and neighborhoods are loosing character. The question that stands is how to live in and afford a historic home but not take away from the character of the original design or neighborhood. Ms. Flood noted some homeowners can't afford new energy efficient products. Ms. Gagne introduced the idea of working with Building Inspection to propose an amendment to the energy code standards for historically designated structures. She agreed that some homeowners are caught in the middle — of wanting to restore, with use of custom windows, but the new energy efficient codes dictate use of commercially produced products that have an approved energy rating. Chairperson Thueson reiterated the Commission needed a training session with the regional State Review Board representative to discuss design standards from a preservationist's perspective. The Commission should review what the State calls out as the "minimum standards," for siding, windows, masonry, etc. The Commission should provide the State contact a list of concerns so they can explain to the Commission the State's perspective regarding design standards and preservation. Ms. Flood stated the Wichita County Heritage Society (WCHS) is also looking for experts to help. The State reviewer will need to research speck topics that relate to issues in Wichita Fails. Ms. Flood will check into this issue and mentioned that she Iiked the format of the Table of Contents for Grapevine's Design Guidelines with each subject noted. Councilor Smith questioned if there is a better way to review historic areas, whether it's based on appearance or physical materials. The Commission continued discussion and Chairperson Thueson stated "Should the merits of a historic area be based solely on aesthetics only or how an area is maintained by the use of its original materials." Ms. Cotton stated that many homes are sacrificing there original craftsmanship. Based on this, Chairperson Thueson questioned what is considered historic preservation - is preservation to simply preserve, or to build something new, like master planned Disney communities (i.e., Celebration, FL), that look historic down to the detail, such as the appearance of a Craftsman Bungalow but are just replicas. Ms. Cotton interjected, questioning the purpose, if "districts" are based on historic accuracy of an architectural style or if the Landmark Commission November 23, 2010 page 2 purpose is to preserve the physical integrity of structures. Chairperson Thueson stated about 90% of the West Floral Heights District falls into the realm of historical integrity with contributing homes. However, the homes that have gone ahead with inappropriate alterations or violated a design review application within the district are now categorized as non - contributing. Chairperson Thueson further questioned the definition of a "contributing" home, as compared to a "non- contributing" home, since most historic districts are not fully comprised of contributing buildings. In addition, she discussed if there are any factors that could disqualify a contributing home, i.e., using aluminum windows and siding. Mr. Kidwell also questioned what should the Commission consider as minimum design standards? Chairperson Thueson stated the Commission needs to approach these issues as a united group and, in her opinion, must uphold the minimum standards (Department of Interior Secretary Standards). The Commission will need to use local examples versus just national standards, to assist in putting together our local design guidelines. The Chairperson continued noting if the Commission opts not to follow the national, minimum standards then arras will be designated as "historic" in Wichita Falls that would otherwise not qualify for historic status in any other community. Ms. Gagn6 commented the Guidelines were last updated in 2003 and at that time Council was very concerned about the WFH District. The guidelines were revised and diluted so it was difficult to enforce penalties for violations. Chairperson Thueson added the City needs to include the "ideal standards" in the guidelines then negotiate as a Commission based on what's brought forward for review. Ms. Gagn6 also mentioned City Building Inspection will require the client to meet all minimum building codes, so certain modifications will be met. The Council can also put additional requirements in the guidelines during their review of the draft document. Ms. Flood recommended a tiered system, starting on the local level with review by a neighborhood design committee, then the City Building Inspection Department, followed by the Landmark ® Commission. An example — sending out notices to each neighborhood design committee and making the revised guidelines accessible to allow the historic neighborhood groups an opportunity for review & comment. Posting the guidelines at the library is also a good venue to allow for public review. Chairperson Thueson followed up, stating the Commission would need to be consistent and specific in working with historic properties. The future, revised design guidelines need to be specific, along with the Commission's interpretation, to prevent neighbors fighting over different determinations. Neighborhood design committees need to decide first to create a mind -set of protecting historic resources. The Commission needs a variety of standards based on the design of the buildings. Ms. Flood added the Commission needs to make the process as easy as possible for the public to understand and to spell out all ramifications for not following the guidelines. Chairperson Thueson concluded the Commission needs to hear from a state preservation representative, and for the Commissioners to do their homework by reviewing the Secretary of the Interior Preservation standards. This would help in the creation of the educational tool to use the national model as a resource. Staff indicated they would contact the Texas Historical Commission to discuss training opportunities and a possible date in either January or early February. IV. OTHER BUSINESS: a.) Update — Heritage Tourism Brochure Media Launch Ms. Gagn6 indicated there was adequate turn out, including a good response from the local media. The City received 150 cases, with 500 brochures per case. One case was delivered to each museum, except for the Police and Fire Museum, along with the Chamber and numerous copies provided to the Library and the Hotter 'n Hell Hundred (HHH) organization. Councilor Smith recommended adding a brochure to the welcome basket for all incoming permanent party soldiers ® at Sheppard AFB. Chairperson Thueson added there are only 75,000 copies therefore the Commission needs to consider other cost effective printing sources since a reprint will be necessary in the near future. Ms. Gagne stated the Commission could consider a 2012 grant for a reprint, Landmark Commission November 23, 2010 page 3 E however, in this case the State may require a different format for the brochure, such as a booklet, to include the revised architectural and design guidelines, or with additional historic information and supplementary photos. b.) West Floral Heights Historic District — Monthly Report Ms. Cotton stated the Turkey Trot was planned for Thanksgiving Day, November 25t' at 8:00 am, at 1300 Tilden, for a run/walk around the neighborhood. The information was posted on the West Floral Heights website and she encouraged everyone from the Commission to participate. c.) TDA — Austin School Lofts Winner 2010 Best Adaptive Reuse Category Ms. Gagn6 discussed the Times Record News (TRN) article from November 1r, noting the Austin School Lofts was named winner of the Best Adaptive Reuse category, as declared by the Texas Downtown Association. Ms. Gagne discussed another article by TRN, dated November 18th, that Susan Campbell, longtime Main Street Bowie director and city economic development officer, was named Downtowner of the Year posthumously by the Texas Downtown Association. VII. ADJOURN Chairperson Thueson adjourned the meeting at 2:20 pm. I Am hi 0 " 4-1, 111 A Dianne Thueson, Chairperson Landmark Commission November 23, 2010 page 4