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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC 2.16.2021 Agenda PacketCITY OF BAKERSFIELD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 2020 MINUTES Chair Stussy called the regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to order on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. at the First Floor Conference Room, 1715 Chester Avenue, Development Services Building, with Commissioner Stussy, Butler, and members of City staff joining via Zoom. Roll call was as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT: Cathy Butler Stephen Humphreys Stephen Montgomery Susan Stussy MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Cecelia Griego Joshua Rudnick Christina Oleson Jason Cater PUBLIC STATEMENTS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Motion to approve minutes from the February 18, 2020 meeting. Minutes approved: Motion made by Commissioner Humphrey; Second by Commissioner Butler. APPROVED: All Ayes 2. Motion to approve minutes from the September 15, 2020 meeting. Minutes approved: Motion made by Commissioner Butler; Second by Commissioner Humphrey. APPROVED: All Ayes CLOSED SESSION: None CORRESPONDENCE: None PUBLIC HEARINGS: None REPORTS: None OLD BUSINESS: 1. Current Historic Preservation Commission Committee Members Staff informed the Commission that this item was being presented to clarify any questions regarding committee membership and whether or not committees were established. Staff provided the Commission with an overview of the membership of each committee. No further discussion was had and the item was received and filed. 2. Mills Act Letter of Support Staff provided an updated version of the Mills Act support letter for the Commission to review. Members of the Commission stated they had a chance to review the updated version and agreed it was ready to be sent out to business owners. Commissioner Montgomery requested that staff date the versions of the letter in order to track the updated versions. Additionally, he requested that staff include an attachment with information on the Mills Act to accompany the letter to provide educational information to property owners. Staff agreed to provide additional information with the template letter. Motion: Accept the letter as presented and attach supporting information to educate property owners about the Mills Act. (MCS Butler as presented/Montgomery) 3. Historic Preservation Commission Education and Outreach Updates Staff informed the Commission that the intent of this item was to review Historic Preservation Commission outreach materials. Items discussed include the following: - Updates to the Bakersfield Rehabilitate Right Handbooks: Commissioner Montgomery informed the Commission he did not have any updates at this time, however he is prioritizing it and will keep the Commission updated on his progress. - Website: Commissioner Stussy requested that staff and Commissioners periodically review the webpage to ensure the information is up-to date and revisions be made as needed. Commissioner Stussy asked staff when the webpage was updated, noting some of the content was out of date, including the roster of Commissioners. Staff informed the Commission that the City Clerk’s Office updates the roster of all City Boards and Commissions and staff updated Historic Preservation Commission webpage. Commissioner Stussy also asked for an update on filling the currently vacant Commissioner seat. Staff informed the Commission that three applicants applied for the open Commissioner seat and the vote was set for November 18, 2020. - Distribution of Brochures: Commissioner Stussy requested that we consider having two of our brochures, Downtown Bakersfield Plaque Tour and Stepping into the Past, at the Bakersfield Visitor Information Center (Visit Bakersfield). Additionally, she requested a review of our education programs to see if we have other material which could be available at Visit Bakersfield. Staff supported the idea of putting brochures at Visit Bakersfield and also recommended the above-mentioned brochures be sent out brochures to Visit Bakersfield staff to see if they can redesign them. The Commission was in support of the updates as well as seeing if we can consolidate/redesign other outreach materials as part of an effort to enhance the Commission’s educational material. Staff confirmed that they would reach out to David Lyman at the Visit Bakersfield to see if his graphic designer could upgrade the content and layout. Staff agreed to provide an updated timeline for the redesign once they hear from David Lyman. NEW BUSINESS 1. Historic Preservation Commission Consultation Letter – Jastro Park Stage Restoration. Staff presented a draft consultation letter to the Commission for review after collecting Commissioner input at the September 15th, 2020 meeting on an undertaking proposed by the Recreation and Parks Department to rehabilitate the Jastro Park Stage. Commissioner Humphrey informed the Commission that, through additional research, he verified that the original structure was natural limestone and was not painted. He voiced his support for returning the structure to its original look. In addition, he requested the ADA ramp be added to the back of the structure and incorporate balusters which match the existing structure. In doing so, the ramp would match the structures integrity and design. Commissioner Montgomery supported these ideas, stating the paint can be removed to reveal the natural limestone. Commissioner Butler supported these recommendations. Commissioner Humphrey presented photos from the 1960’s showing vandalism removed sections of the original balusters, which the City replaced with cement blocks to prevent vandalism. The Commission voice its support for removing those blocks and replacing them with balusters which match the original structure. Commissioner Montgomery added that structural improvements, such as running rebar through the center of the balusters, could prevent vandalism and protect the structures historic character. Commissioner Butler asked for next steps. Staff advised staff that they would take the comments made in today’s meeting, make edits based on input, and then email the updated letter to the Commission to review and approval. Motion: Return the letter to staff to make Commissioner recommended modifications and additions before submitting comments to Recreation and Parks Department. Motion: Commissioner Butler, Second: Commissioner Humphrey Vote: All Ayes. COMMISSION STATEMENTS: Commissioner Montgomery provided an update on the Abode House at Hart Park. He informed the Commission and staff that the County of Kern is working on drawings for the buildings renovation to convert the facility to a public outreach and information center. The Kern River Parkway Foundation will be responsible for providing staff and volunteers to operate the facility. Commissioner Stussy asked if Commissioner Montgomery had any update on the East Bakersfield Historic Survey. He stated that he was having some technical difficulties with his computer and, as such, progress on this item was delayed. Commissioner Stussy requested that we consider options for hiring a professional surveyor to complete the historic survey due to the time associated with the undertaking. Staff advised that a budget request could be submitted by January 2021 for funding consideration in the upcoming budget cycle to procure those services. Commissioner Montgomery added that Caltrans just completed a survey of the properties surrounding the 23rd and 24th Street widening project and requested the survey be incorporated into the Commissions inventory. Staff will look into it and see if they can provide a link to the survey from their webpage. The Commission requested that staff get quotes from qualified consultant to potentially complete the update to the East Bakersfield Historic Survey. Staff agreed and will request quotes from prospective consultants to get a budget request submitted in January. CM Stussy asked if staff knew when the Commission would be meeting in-person. Staff informed the Commission they are following City protocol given current COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Stussy also asked staff if the Commission would be meeting next month. Staff informed the Commission they would most likely not be meeting in November due to staff workload and a lack of items requiring immediate action. Commissioner Stussy also asked about attending City Council meetings. Staff provided the different options for providing public comments as well as watching the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 4:49 p.m. by Commissioner Stussy. A D M I N I S T R A T I V E R E P O R T Meeting Date: February 16, 2021 Agenda Section: Old Business Agenda Item: H -1 TO: Historic Preservation Commission FROM: Economic and Community Development Department DATE: February 10, 2021 SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Commission Education and Outreach Updates RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation: Staff recommends discussion. BACKGROUND: Commissioner requested items related to Commission education and public outreach efforts for discussion: - Updates to the Rehabilitate Bakersfield Right Handbook - Website updates - Distribution and redesign of brochures: Downtown Bakersfield Plaque Walking Tour, Stepping into the Past, and others S:\EDCD_Shared\ED Projects\ED HPC\HPC Meetings\2021\HPC 2.16.2021\Education and Outreach Update.docx A D M I N I S T R A T I V E R E P O R T Meeting Date: February 16, 2021 Agenda Section: Old Business Agenda Item: H - 2 TO: Historic Preservation Commission FROM: Economic and Community Development Department DATE: February 16, 2021 SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Commission Consultation Letter – Jastro Park Stage Restoration RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation: Staff recommends review and submission of the consultation letter to the City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department. BACKGROUND: In accordance with powers and duties in Bakersfield Municipal Code 15.172.040, the Bakersfield Historic Preservation Commission is authorized to review and correspond with City departments to matters as they relate to the cultural resources of the community. Within the scope of this authority, the City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department presented at the September 15, 2020 Commission meeting to request input and recommendation from your Commission on an undertaking being considered for the Jastro Park Stage. At the October 20, 2020 Commission meeting city staff provided a draft consultation letter for the Commission to review. Multiple members of the Commission recommended modifications and additions to the letter. Since then, staff has updated the letter consistent the Commission’s recommendations. Attached is a revised draft letter summarizing the recommendations of the Commission for review and submission to the City of Bakersfield’s Recreation and Parks Department. 1 7 1 5 C h e s t e r A v e n u e, B a k e r s f i e l d, C a l i f o r n i a 9 3 3 0 1 February 16, 2021 To: Darin Budak Asst. Director of Recreation and Parks City of Bakersfield 1600 Truxtun Avenue, 3rd Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 Re: Jastro Park Stage Restoration Project Dear Mr. Budak: Thank you for presenting the Bakersfield Historic Preservation Commission the opportunity to provide input as the Recreation and Parks Department considers renovations and ADA improvements to the Jastro Park Stage. We look forward to continue offering feedback and to work in partnership to enhance and protect this architectural treasure. The Commission recommends the following considerations: - Original structural components, such as balusters, granite stairs on both ends of the stage, railing, and any ornamental design should be preserved to protect the facilities historic integrity. - If ADA access ramps are installed as part of the project, they should minimize their impact to the integrity of the original structure. Removing original items, such as railing, balusters, and ornaments should be avoided when possible. Further, the access ramp should enter from the back of the structure and include baluster railing consistent with the structure. - Paint should be removed from the limestone portion of the structure to match the look of the original design. We recommend that, with further research, any elements which were not painted when the structure was built be returned to their natural look. - Cement blocks appear to have replaced balusters on the structures western railing as a result of vandalism. We recommend consideration be given to replacing the cement blocks with balusters which match the original structure to help restore the structures historic character. Engineering considerations should be given to provide reinforcement for the structures elements to protect them from vandalism, such as running rebar through the center of the balusters to prevent them from being kicked out. The Commission thanks you for the opportunity to provide its input. Jastro Park is a part of the history of our community and is a valuable cultural resource. We strongly support this undertaking and efforts to restore and preserve this historic character of this amenity. Sincerely, Susan Stussy, Chair Bakersfield Historic Preservation Commission BAKER STREET PUBLIC LIBRARY Established 1915 A D M I N I S T R A T I V E R E P O R T Meeting Date: February 16, 2021 Agenda Section: New Business Agenda Item: I - 1 TO: Historic Preservation Commission FROM: Economic & Community Development Department DATE: February 10, 2021 SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Commission Committee Member Review and Updates RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends discussion. BACKGROUND: At the November 19, 2019 Historic Preservation Commission meeting the Commission voted to appoint two members to the Ordinance and By-Laws Committee. Subsequently, appointments to the Cultural Resource and Architectural Committee and Ad Hoc Committee on Mils Act were approved at the February 18, 2020. Current committee assignments are as follows:  Ad Hoc Committee on Mills Act: Commissioners Cathy Butler and Stephen Humphreys  Cultural Resource and Architectural Committee: Commissioners Cathy Butler and Stephen Humphreys  Ordinance and By-laws Committee: Commissioners Stephen Montgomery and Susan Stussy Since the appointments were made, Commissioner Mike McCoy joined the Commission, providing an additional member to serve on one or more of the three committees. Staff recommends the Commission discuss current committee assignments, including an update on each committees’ activities, and consideration be given to modifying the current appointments. Staff Recommends any Committee appointments be determined by a group vote of the Commission. S:\EDCD_Shared\ED Projects\ED HPC\HPC Meetings\2021\HPC 2.16.2021\Historic Preservation Committees.docx A D M I N I S T R A T I V E R E P O R T Meeting Date: February 16, 2021 Agenda Section: New Business Agenda Item: I - 2 TO: Historic Preservation Commission FROM: Economic & Community Development Department DATE: February 10, 2021 SUBJECT: Updates to the East Bakersfield and Downtown Historic Surveys RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends discussion. BACKGROUND: At the October 20, 2020 Historic Preservation Commission meeting, the Commission requested staff look into a comprehensive update to the East Bakersfield Historic Resources Survey. Since that time staff, in communication with Commissioner Montgomery and Commissioner Stussy, staff has researched opportunities to also update the Downtown Bakersfield Historic Resources Survey and to survey two additional neighborhoods: Oleander and Westchester. Staff is in the process of collecting cost estimates for the abovementioned surveys from qualified parties, including consultants who specialize in historic preservation and a history professor at Cal State Bakersfield who is interested in leading a student assisted endeavor. Staff is requesting an allocation of funding in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget to undertake a portion of these efforts and will use the remaining estimates for future endeavors. Maps of the survey areas and a list of addresses is attached. S:\EDCD_Shared\ED Projects\ED HPC\HPC Meetings\2021\HPC 2.16.2021\Historic Survey Updates.docx