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Minutes 05-13-24 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC RESOURCES PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024, AT 6:30 P.M. IN CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS 100 E. OCEAN AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT Barbara Ready Jae Eun Kim, Principal Planner Dr. Ben Lowe Craig Pinder, Senior Planner Rhonda Sexton Mike Wilson ABSENT: Bradley Jackson Roy Smith Victor Norfus, Alt. 1. Call to Order Chair Ready called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. 2. Agenda Approval Chair Ready requested to add the following to Item 5, Old Business: A. Update on the Andrews House B. Update on the Magnuson House C. Update on the Bernard Thomas Mural Chair Ready requested hearing Item 6A after Item 4, Communications and Announcements. Dr. Lowe requested to add a Discussion on Strategy for getting a new Historic Planner for the City to Item 5, Old Business, D. Motion Mr. Wilson moved to approve the amended agenda. Ms. Sexton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of Minutes Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 13, 2024 Approve the Board minutes from February 12, 2024, Historic Resources Preservation Board meeting. Chair Ready added the following to page 3, last paragraph, to read: Chair Ready recalled that the Board had previously spoken about this with the former Historic Preservation Planner, and designation of those sites would be in recognition of the development's person's contribution to the history of Boynton Beach. She He pointed out that , , , , Motion Dr. Lowe moved to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Communications and Announcements Jae Eun Kim, Principal Planner, stated that the City Commission held a vote on Town Square projects. She advised that the south parcel was approved in April and the project was moving along. She also commented that the Planning and Development Director responded to the email Chair Ready sent on April 29th A. Certificate of Appropriateness Approve request for a Certificate of Appropriateness application to allow a channel letter wall sign on the south elevation of the Arts and Cultural Center building located at 125 East Ocean Avenue, pursuant to Part III. the Land Development Regulations, Chapter 4, Article IX, Section 6.C. Certificate of Appropriateness. (Heard out of Order) Craig Clark, Director of Recreation and Cultural Services, stated that the Arts and Cultural Center was renovated and had no sign on it. He advised that they are holding several classes and renting space for different events at the Center, but a lot of people do not know what the building is, or who they are. Mr. Clark gave an update on activities and upgrades ongoing inside the building as contained in his presentation. He advised that the Center was pulled from the Recreation and Parks Department, and they created a new branding logo. Images of a proposed sign was contained in the presentation, which would be illuminated at night. He said that he was seeking approval of the sign design. He offered that they had considered a monument sign, but they felt that it would be obstructed by the parked cars. Lengthy discussion ensued with the following comments noted: • The sign design and lettering were not in keeping with the historic nature of the building; • An illuminated sign at night did not create the right feeling for the structure; • The style of the sign was not appropriate; 2 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 13, 2024 • The sign or any part thereof should not be affixed to the exterior wall as water seepage was a concern; and, • A monument sign was suggested to be located in place of the shrubbery which faced south onto the street. Further discussion followed that if the sign was used and installed, it could be enlarged and to include smaller lettering underneath to indicate that the Center is the former 1920's Historic Boynton High School. As for lighting, there was general consensus that a spotlight or some type of uplighting could be used and that the lettering would be on one side facing the street. Mr. Clark emphasized the need for a sign and recounted how a sign for the Library increased visits. He advised that he was amenable to having a meeting or workshop with the Board. He explained that they are trying to make the building a revenue generating facility and they wanted to brand the building. He agreed to email the members the updated designs and the members can email him back individually with their comments. Ms. Kim stated that when the sign is ready to be presented, they can meet in June or July. Mr. Clark said that he could price out the sign in one or two months. 5. Old Business A. update on the Andrews House Ms. Kim stated that staff had a preapplication meeting regarding the Villages South, but there were no updates from the developer regarding the Andrews House. She noted that the revised site plans have not been submitted. A question was posed if the plans would come before the Board. Ms. Kim responded that it would depend on what was proposed. She explained that the plans can be approved administratively or via the City Commission. She commented that the relocation of the house was discussed at the preapplication meeting. Ms. Sexton asked why it was not before the Board and learned that it was because the home was not designated. Chair Ready said that the Designation Report for this home was written, but she felt that the developer did not want it registered noting that he had suggested the City pay to move the home. Dr. Lowe expressed that he felt the Board was being kept in the dark with development of property. He recalled the developer's attorney attended meetings a few times, but was 3 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 13, 2024 always non-specific saying that they would work with staff and that the developer wanted the City to move the home, but they were not told what they would do with the home when it was moved and whether it would be preserved. He stated that the dwelling is the oldest house in the City and they have no information about the house and it is a problem. He recalled that Chair Ready was supposed to get regular updates from Ms. Radigan which has not occurred. Chair Ready explained that the developer hesitated to register the home and that the property was sold before the Board could have any say about the home. She said that at that time, the developer wanted the home moved to the north side of the development site and would retain custody of it. She noted that the developer was supposed to be in communication with Ms. Radigan. Ms. Kim explained that a draft report was provided in 2023 which had been distributed to staff, but no further information has been received. Ms. Sexton pointed out that the Board has the authority to require the developer, at his expense, to move the home, find a place to relocate it, and require a bond on the home, so it does not fall apart. She noted that they can even preserve trees. Ms. Kim said that the site plan showed the Andrew's home, but the developer is revising the drawings and then they had the preapplication meeting. She explained a preapplication drawing was not a submittal, it is a very preliminary stage and they have not received their submittal package, so at this point it is hard to update the Board. Chair Ready announced that the restaurant planned to go into the Magnuson House did not occur and noted that the City owns the land east of it. She stated that if they have to move the Andrews house, that would be a good place. Discussion followed that the house is currently unprotected because it is not registered, and that the developer can tear it down. Chair Ready pointed out that the Board can put it on the Local Resister because the Designation Report was written because the City has the authority over the developer. Ms. Sexton noted that in Delray Beach, a developer wanted to tear down the building formerly known as Doc's, in order to build a new development behind it, which the Delray Historic Preservation Board was able to prevent. She said that it takes a while for cities to understand that they (the City) have authority over developers, but it does not have to be that way and the home is an important cultural building to keep. She thought that they should voice their opinion to the City Commission. Ms. Kim stated that they have to follow the designation procedures and go to the City Commission. 4 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 13, 2024 Ms. Sexton commented that they should save the structure and saving the home on that property at its currently location was part of it. She said that the next best thing was to move it next to the Magnuson House, which may make the property more rentable, because it would have two structures on it. Motion Ms. Sexton moved that based on age and historic nature of the Andrews House, located on Ocean Avenue, that the property be designated on their Local Register of Historic Places as the report is written and it can be submitted to the City Commission as it is the oldest home in Boynton Beach, and it is worthy of historic designation or protection. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. Vote The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Kim advised that this has to come back to the Board with a public notice. She asked if the Board has concerns about the Designation Report from the former Historic Preservation Planner or using the report as back up. Chair Ready commented that she thought that the developer's attorney seemed to have concerns that the home was falling apart. Ms. Sexton noted that is the reason to use a bonded mover. Chair Ready mentioned that if the home could be moved next to the Magnuson House, they could get a cost estimate and encourage the City to pay to move it. Another option is to inform the developer that they are responsible for moving the home at their expense. Mr. Wilson noted that the building was rehabbed some time ago. He inquired if the Board and staff could tour it to assess the condition and learned it would be at the discretion of the owner. B. Update on Magnuson House This item was discussed with Item 5A. C. Update on Bernard Thomas Mural Chair Ready stated that the church across the street is currently housing the mural and is amenable to the mural being returned to the Woman's Club. She said that they just need a few men, a truck, and the keys to the Women's Club. She said that she would continue to urge the City to return the mural to the Women's Club and that the artist's daughter wants it back there as well. 5 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 13, 2024 Ms. Kim stated that the mural is art, and that art is not within the Board's purview. Chair Ready and the members disagreed. The members discussed that the mural is a historic asset and artifact that was in a historic building on the National Register and it was displayed in the building at the time it was designated, therefore any disturbance of it would be within the Board's purview. The members agreed with Chair Ready and that the Board would resolve the issue. Ms. Kim stated that she would speak with staff, the City Manager, and the Cultural Director and they will provide an update. D. Strategy for getting new historic planner Dr. Lowe said that this item is talked about every meeting, is not addressed, and it has become more and more of a problem. He noticed that an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness mentioned a preapplication conference with the Historic Preservation Planner. He stated that having a Planner is built into the Ordinance and that there is an expectation that the City would have one. He advised that his impression was that staff thought the position would be beneficial and that the City Commissioners, or at least some of them, said that they would like to see one as well. He asked what the Board can do to have a Historic Resource Preservation Planner budgeted or on the agenda. He noted that they talked about having historic districts, having surveys done, working with FAU interns, but all of those things necessitate a planner. Dr. Lowe said that having this Planner was their number one priority in the presentation that Chair Ready had made to the City Commission, nothing has been done since the former Historic Resource Preservation Planner left and they have no strategy for the future. He asked what can be done to get one as staff was busy. Ms. Sexton commented that the only time the Board gets together is to discuss a paint color or sign, not a designation of a new district or keeping the history of Boynton Beach. She said that Boynton Beach has a rich hertiage and that heritage is being redeveloped and lost. She said that a planner uses their time creating interest within the City, and it becomes an important element of City government. She said that the City was not supporting the Board and thought whoever wrote the report for the sign, did not know the ins and outs of signage for a historic building, which was a glaring error to her. She said that the Board should receive a report if the sign is in keeping with the building, why it was, how it aligns with the Secretary of Interior Standards, or align with the LDR. She said that was where a planner would come in. Chair Ready also mentioned that she would like more than one week's notice to review the application. She felt the COA was sprung on the Board. 6 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 13, 2024 Dr. Lowe pointed out that the Certificate of Appropriateness says that the Board should receive four-weeks notice. Ms. Kim explained that the Arts and Cultural Center Director approached staff and that as long as the Certificate of Appropriateness Application is submitted six weeks prior to the meeting, staff ensures the submittal is complete, drafts the report and the application undergoes internal reviews. She said that if that is too short a notice, they can work harder to provide the applications before one week. Mr. Wilson said that this is why a Historic Planner is needed. He commented that the sign is one of several things that staff discusses and then brings to the Board, who then deems the staff report as not appropriate and that all of this could have been handled by a Historic Planner. He said that the frustration for the Board for the past year is the City Commission says a Historic Planner is a good idea, department heads say they will work on it, but no one says this is the process and what the Board can do help. He commented that the Board was spinning their wheels. Ms. Kim stated that the Cultural Center had a wall sign in the past and the design guideline matrix permits the sign, which was why the sign was presented for the Board's review. She said that typically, signs for City properties are not subject to Planning and Zoning review, but because it is a historic building, it came before the Board. Dr. Lowe said that the matrix is open to interpretation and a Historic Planner would have been able to know this. He asked if they can attend the budget meetings and who can they talk to. Mr. Wilson explained the budget process and said that by July, the City has pretty much made their budget. Dr. Lowe asked if the Board could see the budget that was submitted by Ms. Radigan. Chair Ready responded that the members could submit a Public Record Request and that the City Manager has prepared the budget. Chair Ready recommended emailing and lobbying the City Commissioners and reiterating to Ms. Radigan that they want a Historic Preservation Planner. Ms. Kim stated, in response to a question about the development, that the name of the development was the Villages South, and the Villages North, and she showed the members, where on the City's website the upcoming meetings are located. 6. New Business A. Certificate of Appropriateness 7 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 13, 2024 Approve request for a Certificate of Appropriateness application to allow a channel letter wall sign on the south elevation of the Arts and Cultural Center building located at 125 East Ocean Avenue, pursuant to Part III. the Land Development Regulations, Chapter 4, Article IX, Section 6.C. Certificate of Appropriateness. This item was previously addressed. 7. Other A. Board Discussion Discussion regarding the possible designation of properties to the Local Historic Register. Chair Ready commented that, as discussed at the last meeting, the Board Members can designate properties for the Local Register. She noted that the Little League Field, Boynton Beach Memorial Park, and the bridge may be eligible, as would St. Paul's AME and St. John Missionary Baptist Church. The United Methodist Church across the street from City Hall and Boynton Beach Memorial Park were also suggested. She said that the next step is to approach the owners and pastors of the churches to see if they are interested in the designation. The members agreed that those sites would be a good start, but that if designated, there are written reports needed. Further discussion followed that Ms. Kim would have to contract out the reports. Ms. Kim stated that she would have to speak with the Director. After brief conversation, there was agreement that the Board should start designation proceedings for the Little League Park and Boynton Beach Memorial Park to the Local Register. Motion Ms. Sexton moved to have City Staff follow up on a report for both the City-Owned Cemetery at Woolbright Road and Seacrest Boulevard and the Little League Park to designate those two properties as historic. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Kim commented that she still has to speak to the Director to see if they could hire consultants to do the reports. She said that each report was $3K to $5K. Chair Ready said that the Board Members can email the City Commission to include funds to write reports. 8 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 13, 2024 8. Comments by Board Members 9. Public Comments Relative to Historic Preservation 10. Announce Date of Next Meeting Chair Ready stated that the next meeting is July 8th or when they meet for a special meeting regarding the Arts and Cultural Center. 11. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Ready adjourned the meeting at 8:22 P.M. 6314-01M-el Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 9