HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/21/24 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION POSTED ON
5 h li 17-4 CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
by City Clerk's Office
City of HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Bakersfield
by MEETING OF MAY 21, 2024
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AGENDA
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REGULAR MEETING 4:00 PM
City Hall North
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield California
First Floor Conference Room B
A. ROLL CALL
B. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
1. Agenda Item Public Statements
2. Non-Agenda Public Statements
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the March 19, 2024, meeting for approval.
D. CLOSED SESSION
None
E. CORRESPONDENCE
None
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
G. REPORTS
None
H. OLD BUSINESS
None
1. NEW BUSINESS
1. Presentation to Susan Stussy for 21 years of service on the City of Bakersfield
Historic Preservation Commission.
2. Selection of Historic Preservation Commission Chair and Vice-Chair.
Recommendation: To be determined by a Group Vote of the Commission for each
appointment.
3. Selection of Historic Preservation Commission committee members.,
a. Ordinance and Bylaws Committee
b. Cultural Resource and Architectural Committee
c. Ad Hoc Committee on Mills Act
Recommendation:To be determined by a Group Vote of the Commission.
4. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals
Recommendation: Review and discuss goals.
J. COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS
K. ADJOURNMENT
Respectfully submitted,
L Je n n ife(r"M,,"Byers,
Economic and Com unity,(Developmenf'Director
If anyone wants more information on any of these agenda items, call Cecelia Griego, Economic Development
Principal Planner; Economic&Community Development Department at(661)326-3788.
In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you have a disability and require assistance or
reasonable modification in order to participate in this public meeting, please contact the event organizer: Monica
Medve at 661-852-7018 or e-mail at iLTnLril_q,dv,e(qlbalee.r.s.6.ieldc it,LLis 2 no later than 72 hours before the meeting to
make your request. The City will make every effort to meet the expectations of the requestor's preferred
modification but reserves the right to propose an alternative reasonable modification.
SAEDCDShareMEconorn1c DevelopmanMistodc Preservation\HPC Meetirt9s120241HPG 319.2413.19.24 HPC Agenda.docx
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MEETING OF MARCH 19,2024
MINUTES
Chair Stussy called the regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to order
on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 4:00 P.M. at Conference Room 8 of City Hall North. Roll
call was as follows:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Cathy Butler
Eileen Diaz
Mike McCoy
Stephen Montgomery
Susan Stussy
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jennifer M. Byers
Cecelia Griego
Martin Ledezma
Monica Medve
Gina Robles
Joshua Rudnick
PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
1. Agenda Item Public Statements
a. None
2. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
a. None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Motion to approve minutes from the October 17,2023 meeting.
a. Minutes approved: Motion made by Commissioner Montgomery to
accept;seconded by Commissioner McCoy; APPROVED:5-0.
CLOSED SESSION:
1. None
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Chair Stussy opened the public hearing at 4:04 PM.
a. Principal Planner Griego presented the staff report for the Woolworth's
Building with a staff recommendation to approve the building permit for
the Woolworth's Building restoration project. Principal Planner Griego
explained when a building permit causes alteration to a designated culture
resource, it is required to be heard before this Commission to ensure historic
features as specified in the designation are preserved.
b. Chair Stussy requested for those in opposition of staff's recommendation to
speak; no one spoke.
c. Chair Stussy requested for those in favor of staff's recommendation to
speak. Daniel Cater, architect, and building owners Emily Waite and
Sherrod Waite spoke in favor of the project.
d. Commissioner McCoy inquired about the mixed-use component for the
building.The owners and architect explained this is referenced on page 20
of the plans. The project includes preservation of the monumental
staircase, sound practice rooms, recording studio, Moneywise offices on
the second floor, practice rooms, and a bar. The first floor is a half lunch
counter, half retail store. it is anticipated outdoor seating will be added,
with additional offices and conference rooms on the second floor.The third
floor is envisioned to be executive suites with potential residential living with
rooftop access; four main businesses to run out of this building: a music
store, a music event space, the Woolworth's lunch counter, and
Moneywise.
e. A member of the public spoke in favor of the project and is thankful the
historic nature of the building is being preserved.
f. Commissioner McCoy spoke in favor of the project.
g. Commissioner Buter expressed concerns about the proposed outdoor
seating. Mr. Cater explained the sidewalk setbacks and why outdoor
seating would be possible,
h. Commissioner Diaz inquired how the lunch counter would be preserved in
the future.Mr.Waite explained that they are in the process of being added
to the National Register of Historic Places and this project is their love letter
to the city;they intend for the lunch counter to be present always.Principal
Planner Griego explained as part of the designation process, records like
the lunch counter would be recorded on title which would stay with the
property for preservation even if the owners change.
i. Mr. Cater spoke on the scale of the restoration being undertaken and
compared this building to others in the Downtown Corridor, including the
Sill Building. Mr. Waite explained the elevator is being replaced with a
preserved shaft and alley access will remain.
j. Commissioner Montgomery spoke in support of art moderne architecture.
k. Commissioner Stussy closed the public hearing at 4:37 PM.
I. Motion by Commissioner Montgomery to approve the proposed alterations
for this project; seconded by Commissioner Buter; APPROVED 5-0.
REPORTS:
1. None
OLD BUSINESS:
1. None
NEW BUSINESS
1. None
COMMISSION STATEMENTS:
1. Commissioner Butler spoke in support of the terrazzo the preservation in the
Woolworth's restoration project and commented it would be great to see all the
art in the Downtown Corridor tied together with neon signs upon entering the area.
2. Commissioner McCoy spoke about a historic 150-year-old home that was recently
relocated to the Kern County Museum; it is being converted to an Italian kitchen,
children's garden, and wine bar.
3. Commissioner McCoy commented that the Kern County Museum now has 40
neon signs with 3 more in storage.
4. Commissioner Montgomery spoke about the importance of improved security in
preserving historic properties due to recent fires in the Downtown corridor.
a. A member of the public spoke about preserving arts and culture
Downtown.
b. Commissioner Butler spoke about security efforts by the Downtown Business
Association in the Downtown Corridor.
5. Chair Stussy inquired about a status on the Historic Context Statement.
a. Principal Planner Griego explained the contractor's contract has been
extended to September 2024 and more information and reports are
upcoming.
6. Chair Stussy inquired if the walking tour brochure is being reprinted.
a. Principal Planner Griego explained this is upcoming in the next fiscal year
and a few updates are being made to the brochures before printing.
b. Commissioner Stussy requested more brochures be printed.
7. Commissioner Montgomery commented he is working with Robert McCoy and
archiving his life's work at the university. Plans are being digitized by California
State University Bakersfield.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m. by Chair Stussy.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Meeting Date: May 21, 2024 Agenda Section: New Business I Agenda Item: 1. 3.
TO: Historic Preservation Commission
FROM: Economic & Community Development Department
DATE: May 14, 2024
SUBJECT: Selection of Historic Preservation Commission committee members:
a. Ordinance and Bylaws Committee
b. Cultural Resource and Architectural Committee
c. Ad Hoc Committee on Mills Act
RECOMMENDATION.
To be determined by Commission: Group Vote.
Comment: Action requires a motion to select candidates and approval of the entire
Commission.
BACKGROUND
At the November 19, 2019, Historic Preservation Commission meeting, the Commission
requested the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee on the Mills Act.
The Ad Hoc Committee on the Mills Act will provide guidance on the formation of a
Mills Act program and gather community support from eligible property owners. Due to
the requirements of the Brown Act, selection and action on forming the Ad Hoc
Committee was delayed until it could be placed on a later agenda for consideration.
Section 5 of the By-laws of the Bakersfield Historic Preservation Commission includes two
"Standing" committees to review ongoing issues. The standing committees have the
following duties.
1. CULTURAL RESOURCE AND ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE
• The Committee shall review cultural resource inventory surveys and issues
pertaining to non-designated properties.
• The Committee shall review and investigate any building, structure or physical
object in the City which is under consideration as a designated cultural resource
or historic district.
• The Committee shall also review demolition requests as they pertain to
designated cultural resources and historic districts.
• The Committee shall render advice and guidance, upon request of property
owner or occupant, on the restoration, alteration, decoration, landscaping or
maintenance of any eligible property.
• The Committee shall also develop guidelines for interpretation and preservation
of the architecture for a designated historic district or cultural resource.
• The Committee shall also review permit-required actions to designated cultural
resources and historic districts as stipulated in the historic district or cultural
resource architectural review guidelines.
2. ORDINANCE AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE
• The Committee shall review and recommend amendments to the Municipal
Code Section 15.72 (Historical Preservation).
• The Committee shall develop, monitor and amend bylaws of the Commission.
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ComrrtHtees.docx
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Meeting Date: May 21, 2024 1 Agenda Section: New Business I Agenda Item: 1. 4.
TO: Historic Preservation Commission
FROM: Economic & Community Development Department
DATE: May 13, 2024
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals: HPC review of the FY 24-25 Goals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends review and discussion of FY 24-25 Goals.
BACKGROUND
In preparation of Fiscal Year 24-25 attached are updated draft goals for the Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC) to help guide HPC activities for the upcoming year and
to identify action items in implementing the HPC's goals and objectives. Staff are
requesting the HPC to review the goals and discuss any changes. Included in these
goals are accomplishments made from fiscal year 2023-2024.
ATTACHMENTS•
0 Draft Fiscal Year 24-25 Goals
S.\EDCQ-Shared\Economic Development\Hlstok Preservatlon\HPC Meet!n9s\2024\HPC 5.21.24\Admin HPC Goals,docx
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CITY OF BAKE RSFIELD
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
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Draft Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals
Per the City's Municipal Code, the object of this Commission is to promote the public
health, safety, and general welfare by providing for the identification, protection,
enhancement, perpetuation, and use of improvements of buildings, structures, signs,
objects, features, sites, places and areas within Bakersfield that reflect special elements
of the City's architectural, artistic, cultural, engineering, aesthetic, historical, political,
social and other heritage. Each of the following goals and action items align with
Commission purpose and objectives as stated in the Municipal Code.
Goal 1: Establish a Mills Act Program
Actions:
• Develop a Mills act program, per California Government Code, for
historically designated properties
• Create program materials (application, agreement, guidelines, brochure)
about the City's Mills Act program
• Recommend to City Council Legislative and Litigation Committee for
consideration
Goal 2: Preserve Historic Neon Signs
Actions:
• Consult With City Planning Department regarding sign ordinance
• Develop criteria on what is considered a historic neon sign
• Develop parameters to create two historic sign districts in the City of
Bakersfield-Downtown and Old Town Kern
• Promote incentives for the re-creation or preservation of historic neon signs
Goal 3: Conduct New and Update Neighborhood Surveys
Actions:
• Research areas where 70%of homes are over 50 years old
• Pursue grant funding for neighborhood surveys
• Conduct neighborhood surveys per established guidelines
Partner with BHS Driller Service Academy to assist in the update of
neighborhood surveys
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Goal 4: Public Education and Encourage Historic Pride In Bakersfield
Actions:
• Attend community events to educate the community about the City's
historical resources and properties
• Partner with Kern Historical Society and Kern County Museum in organizing
walking tours of historical sites
• Enhance and update website as needed
• Conduct outreach presentations to community organizations
• Support public art which celebrates our historic character
• Encourage the reuse of historic buildings
• Partner with Kern Historical Society and DBA to develop an award system to
property owners that successfully repurpose historic buildings
• Update the Rehabilitate Bakersfield Right guidebook
Goal 5: Identify Potential Grants and Partnerships with Non-profits to fund Historic
Preservation Projects
Actions:
• Research grant opportunities and develop a working document of funding
sources
• Contact non-profits to partner on historic preservation activities
Goal 6: Establish Historic Districts/Neighborhoods
Actions:
• Conduct outreach to gauge residents' support for a historic district
• Recruit more property owners to join the Historic Register
• Develop recommendations to amend and improve the historic district
component of the Bakersfield Municipal Code
• Establish new historic districts within the City of Bakersfield
Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Accomplishments:
I. Update Neighborhood Surveys:The City contracted With Historic Resources
Group to create a Historic Context Statement and administer cultural resource
surveys in four target areas. A final report and presentation are anticipated soon.
2. Historic public education: a downtown walking tour brochure has been printed
and distributed at numerous outreach events.
3. Historic public education: interest letters for the Bakersfield Register of Historic
Places were mailed to multiple properties, including the Big Shoe.
4. Historic Sites:Approved the Woolworth's Building as a cultural resource and
approved the building's restoration project.
5. Public Recognition: ECD Staff assisted in creating and distributing Historic
Preservation recognition certificates for properties on the Bakersfield Register of
Historic Places.
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