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Home My WebLink About11/19/24 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION RCITY OF BAKERSFIELD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION _ - MEETING OF NOVEMBER 19, 2024 � U to I AGENDA — z M REGULAR MEETING 4:00 PM 1 N W r City Hall North 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield California First Floor Conference Room B A. B. C E. F �l H POSTED ON N 1115 / 2 by City Clerk's Office City of Bakersfield by 0- ROLL CALL PUBLIC STATEMENTS 1. Agenda Item Public Statements 2. Non -Agenda Public Statements APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the August 20, 2024, meeting for approval. CLOSED SESSION None CORRESPONDENCE None PUBLIC HEARINGS None REPORTS None OLD BUSINESS 1. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals Recommendation: Discuss implementation activities of goals and action items. 2. Update on Cultural Resource Surveys Project Recommendation: Review and discuss sites and recommended districts. NEW BUSINESS None J. COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS K. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully submitted, Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development 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 mmedve(a�bakersfieldcity us 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. SAEDCD_Shared\Economic Development\Historic Preservation\HPC Meetings\2024\HPC 11.19.24\11.19.24 HPC Agenda.docx CITY OF BAKERSFIELD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2024 MINUTES Chair Montgomery called the regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to order on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 4:00 P.M. at Conference Room B of City Hall North. Roll call was as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT: Cathy Butler Mike McCoy Roger Mobley Stephen Montgomery MEMBERS ABSENT: Eileen Diaz STAFF PRESENT: Cecelia Griego Martin Ledezma Monica Medve Gina Robles Paula Rubio Elizabeth Villanueva 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 May 21, 2024, meeting. a. Minutes approved: Motion made by Vice Chair McCoy to accept; seconded by Commissioner Butler; APPROVED: 4-0. CLOSED SESSION: 1. None CORRESPONDENCE: 1. None PUBLIC HEARINGS: Public Hearing before the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Bakersfield to consider the revised building permit application with proposed alterations to the "Woolworth's Building" listed on the Bakersfield Register of Historic Places. The site is located at 1400 19th Street, Bakersfield, California, and owned by W.A. Consulting LLC. a. Chair Montgomery opened the public hearing at 4:02 P.M. b. Principal Planner Griego provided an administrative report on changes to the Woolworth's building permit; original use included residential with roof access; now plans changed to office use with no roof access. The understanding is all other permit aspects are otherwise the same; images in the agenda packet are provided to show the new layout, including elevations (same as previous), now with no rooftop terrace detail. c. Chair Montgomery asked the commission if they were in favor or not in favor of reapproving the changes to the building permit. Mr. Mobley asked if a building permit had already been issued. Principal Planner Griego confirmed a building permit had been previously issued, but not for revisions from the third floor up, and that the change in use requires different code requirements. Mr. Mobley commented that the second floor appears to be constructed space and not cubicles and assumes the third floor will require future permits, Principal Planner Griego commented the third floor may be built to suit and any structural change will require a future building permit. Commissioner Butler inquired if a rooftop plan is in the future. The project owner responded it may be a future improvement, it was cut at this time due to budget constraints. d. Deputy Attorney Villanueva closed the public hearing. Motion made by Commissioner Mobley to approve the revised building permit; seconded by Vice Chair McCoy; APPROVED; 4-0. REPORTS: 1. None OLD BUSINESS: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals a. Commissioner Butler inquired about an update on the Mill's Act. Principal Planner Griego explained it is still a work in progress; Commissioner Mobley held a committee meeting regarding this topic and Staff has received approximately seven to eight letters of support. Commissioner Mobley commented the Mill's Act is a tool and it is a possibility it could be adopted and never used. Principal Planner Griego commented the Mill's Act has City and Staff support behind it. b. Vice Chair McCoy commented on FY 24-25 Goal #2: "Preserve Historic Neon Signs" - that this may not be a viable goal, as it is very difficult to do unless it involves reproductions. Vice Chair McCoy is very aware of each original neon sign left in the area. Commissioner Mobley suggested that the goal be revised to include all signage that "contribute to historic character." Vice Chair McCoy commented that the Kern County Museum also has many signs that are non -neon (i.e. Padre Hotel, Milt's Sign). Commissioner Butler commented on the importance of preserving and creating signs to designate historic districts. Commissioners discussed various signs and features throughout the area. c. Principal Planner Griego commented on FY 24-25 Goal #3: "Conduct New and Update Neighborhood Surveys" —update provided by consultant. Maps have been provided of recommended historic sites and listed by address if site meets local or national historic site recommendation; to review and provide comments to us at a later date. East and Old Town Kern Map provided; Oleander and Westchester still in progress. Map coding as follows: green = already designated state, local or federal, light green - meets the criteria but isn't registered. Principal Planner Griego commented this resource will guide what properties to reach out to for the Mill's Act, as properties must be designated before qualifying for the Mill's Act. Commissioner Mobley clarified if this is as an individual or district registration; Principal Planner Griego responded it may be as either or both. i. Commissioner Butler inquired if the Padre Hotel and Niles Theatre are on the Bakersfield Register of Historic Places; Principal Planner Griego stated they are not. ii. Principal Planner Griego explained the historic designation process and that the historic resource contractor performed extensive research to determine eligibility recommendations for the historic registry, even researching historic as well as cultural significance for properties. iii. Vice Chair McCoy inquired what is occurring with the Narducci property (600 block of East 21st Street). Principal Planner Griego explained this is a recipient of an Economic Opportunity Area grant and is currently undergoing improvements. iv. Commissioners expressed comments and questions if any sites were missed in the survey. Principal Planner Griego informed commissioners all designated sites are present, any comments regarding properties will be followed up with historic resource contractor; please review lists and provide any comments for staff follow up. ci. Discussion on FY 24-25 Goal #4: "Public Education and Encourage Historic Pride in Bakersfield" i. Vice Chair McCoy commented on a walking tour and wants City support; he commented that Ken Hooper is a good resource for walking tours, as is Dr. Patrick Leung in Chinatown. ii. Commissioner Butler commented Third Thursday is in October. iii. A member of the public is interested in the Oleander community receiving historic designation. NEW BUSINESS 1. None COMMISSION STATEMENTS: 1. Vice Chair McCoy spoke about the Bakersfield Museum of Art doing a mod series in the fall. 2. Chair Montgomery commented that "Bakersfield Built," a symposium and home tour on architecture of the 1950s is occurring next month. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. by Chair Montgomery. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Meeting Date: November 19, -[-Agenda Section: Old Business Agenda Item: H. 1. 2024 TO: Historic Preservation Commission FROM: Economic & Community Development Department DATE: November 12, 2024 SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends discussion of implementation activities of goals and action items BACKGROUND: The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) goals help guide HPC activities for the upcoming year and identify action items that accomplish the goals. Goals were revised based on feedback from August 20, 2024, HPC meeting and includes accomplishments made from fiscal year 2023-2024. This agenda item is for the HPC to discuss the implementation of action items under each goal. ATTACHMENTS: • Adopted Fiscal Year 24-25 Goals S:\EDCD_Shared\Economic Development\Historic Preservation\HPC Meetings\2024\HPC 11.19.24\Admin Revised HPC Goals 1 1.12.24.d ocx BAKfTh9PICLD 1118TOPIC MrMVATION COMM" CITY OF BAKERSFIELD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Goals Per the City's Municipal Code, the object of this Commission is to promote 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 Make recommendation to City Council Legislative and Litigation Committee for consideration Goal 2: Preserve Historic Neon or Other Signs That Contribute to Historic Character Actions: • Consult with City Planning Department regarding sign ordinance • Develop criteria on what is considered a historic neon sign • Promote incentives for the re-creation or preservation of historic neon signs • Support efforts to develop neon signage to indicate historic corridors and districts, such as the Historic Arts & Entertainment District. 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 College and Highschool clubs/associations to assist in the update of neighborhood surveys Page 1 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 • Partner with local institutions such as the CSUB Public History Institute in public education and related community projects 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 • Support designation of 18'h Street from L Street to H Street as a historic corridor or possible district Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Accomplishments: 1. 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. Page 2 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Meeting Date: November 19, 2024 Agenda Section: Old Business Agenda Item: H-2 TO: Historic Preservation Commission FROM: Economic and Community Development Department DATE: November 13, 2024 SUBJECT: Update on Cultural Resource Surveys Project RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends review and discussion on sites and recommended districts. BACKGROUND: Historic Resources Group has completed the survey work and related findings of potential historic resources and historic districts within four historic neighborhoods: Downtown, East Bakersfield, Oleander -Sunset and Westchester -Riviera. • List of Properties and Survey Area Maps can be downloaded from here: httos://repo.bakersfieldcity.us/url/fgurbwhskipesee3 Printed copies are available upon request. Please contact the ECD Department. Please review the surveys and maps and come prepared with a list of questions for the consultant. S:\EDCD_Shared\Economic Development\Historic Preservation\HPC Meetings\2024\HPC 11.19.24\Admin Survey 11.13.24.docx