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Minutes 11-14-11 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC RESOURCES PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2011 AT 6:30 P.M. IN CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Eric Jones, Chair Warren Adams, Historic Resource Dr. Ginger Pederson, Vice Chair Preservation Planner Michelle Dion Paul Gionfriddo Eric Salomonsson Linda Stabile Barbara Ready, Alternate ABSENT: Christiane Francois Harvey Rosenblum, Alternate 1. Pledge of Allegiance Chair Jones called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. followed by self introductions. The members then recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 3. Agenda Approval There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. Motion Ms. Ready moved to approve the agenda. Ms. Dion seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 4.Approval of Minutes The following changes, as underlined, were made to the October 10, 2011 minutes: Page 3, third paragraph was changed to read, “With regard to the design guidelines, this would be produced by the Historic Preservation Planner Board so historic . . .” Page 3, fourth paragraph was changed to read, “ With regard to the tax incentive program scheme, . . .” 1 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL November 14, 2011 Page 3, second paragraph was changed to read, “The Ordinance was also reviewed and he indicated he made several recommendations to make changes to the Ordinance.” Page 6, third paragraph was changed to read, “Mr. Adams indicated there were approximately 2,000 properties eligible for the Florida Master Site File, but these would not necessarily be eligible for individual designation were only there to be designated on the Local Register.” Motion Ms. Ready moved to approve the amended minutes. Mr. Salomonsson seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 4.Communications and Announcements Ms. Ready announced this Sunday, November 20, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Downtown Open Market would be held at the Civic Center. The event would feature arts, crafts, and food wagons. All were invited to attend to support the downtown. 5.Old Business: Educational Brochures Warren Adams, Historic Resources Preservation Planner, updated the Board on the educational brochures. The final report was submitted to the National Trust and they responded stating the report and the grant program was completed. They were happy with what the Board achieved with the brochures. There was just over $200 left from the donation made by the Historical Society for the brochure. Voncile Smith, President of the Historical Society, indicated the monies should be retained by the Board for future projects and that Mr. Adams would be receiving written confirmation from the Historical Society to this effect. Update on the progress of the Historic Preservation program Mr. Adams stated he sent several emails to the Division of Historical Resources asking how they were progressing with their review of the proposed Ordinance changes and Rules of Procedure for the Board, and was told he would have the comments by November 15, 2011. The initial plan was to have the procedure completed by Christmas. Once he receives the comments, he will make the changes, forward them to his department and receive final approval by the City Commission. When that was complete, they could submit the final application to become designated as a Certified Local Government, (CLG). 2 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL November 14, 2011 Mr. Adams reported the vast majority of the design guidelines were completed. The remaining content would be finished when the survey was completed. It had to be fine -tuned to the historic resources the City had. Most items in the guidelines were straightforward; however, some items were a matter of opinion. Mr. Adams requested direction from the Board on the following issues: Metal Roofs. Mr. Adams inquired if, on historic buildings, the guidelines should allow metal roofs. There was discussion metal roofs have improved and now come in different colors and are hurricane resistant. It was noted a metal roof was not an appropriate replacement on all styles of buildings. There are composite materials that could be used as a substitute that have the appearance of a historic character. After discussion, there was agreement to make the determination on a case -by -case basis. If metal roofing was determined to be a suitable replacement, it would be allowed but if it retains the existing color and texture of the building. Ultimately, the decision would come to the Board. Facade Retention. Mr. Adams explained some people view facade retention as non - preservation and perceive it as destroying anything that is significant in a building. Mr. Adams expressed there should be provisions included, that the Board would work with individuals to retain the facade. If one building on a street was significantly damaged, the facade could be retained, thereby preserving the streetscape. He noted facade retention is usually more expensive than building a brand new structure. He recommended if the interior of the building was extensively damaged beyond rcpair at and it could be repaired at a reasonable cost, or if it was part of a streetscape, the Board would work with the applicant. Conversely, if an applicant came to the Board with a building, and they wanted to gut the interior and keep the exterior, the Board would not encourage it. Mr. Adams pointed out there were no regulations on the interiors of properties on the Local Register. Mr. Adams recommended that facade retention not be encouraged , certain other conditions exist, then the Board would review it. The members unanimously agreed with the recommendation. Tax Incentive Program. Mr. Adams had contacted the County Attorney and had not received a response. The program had to be reviewed by the City and County and the County Attorney was familiar with the program, as it was implemented in the City of West Palm Beach and other areas. The agreement cannot be completed with the County until the City has attained Certified Local Government status. Mr. Adams prepared the document, and once the County Attorney responded, would proceed. GIS System and Mapping. Mr. Adams has a Pictometery link that allows him to view properties within the City. If there were any elevations not visible from the street, he 3 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL November 14, 2011 could use the system to obtain an idea of any changes to historic properties. He spoke with the Division of Historical Resources about use of the system and they had no objections Survey. The survey commenced. The first step was to survey all previously identified sites that were listed in the Florida Master Site File. There were 30 remaining. He hoped to, present a complete listing of what was on file and what currently exists. He stated about 30 of the properties were demolished since the 1996 survey, and there may be another five or six from the 30 remaining properties. The Division of Historical Resources agreed Mr. Adams could move forward properties not previously surveyed on a subdivision -by- subdivision basis, beginning with the oldest properties to the most current. This information will be included in one report, which was anticipated to be significant upon its completion. When surveying new properties, it is much easier to survey with two individuals. Anyone interested in assisting Mr. Adams should email him when they would be available. The surveys would involve, basically, the front and side facades, contingent on what was visible from the street. Mr. Adams also met with Vivian Brooks, Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency, to ensure they were on the same page regarding historic preservation. His n Agency impression was Ms. Brooks was supportive of historic. preservation and the ma y have the potential to identify sites that may need to be relocated. Mr. Adams expressed the project would have a better chance of being successful if the owner of the site paid for the relocation, but it remained to be seen on a case -by -case basis. Boynton Beach High School Mr. Adams explained at the last meeting, the Board directed him to begin the process of local designation, if it was an option. The recommendation from Administration was not to proceed with the designation at this time. The City had issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to restore and reuse the High School with a closing date for proposals of November 17th. The RFP awarded points for preservation of the building and the City would either seek a National or Local designation, if that was what the winning Respondent requested. Accordingly, it was better to wait and see what proposals came back before moving forward with anything. Mr. Adams advised he recently toured the interior of the High School and took photographs, which the members viewed. Some members of the Board expressed an interest in touring the building and Mr. Adams agreed to check with the City and discuss the matter at the next meeting. Further discussion followed if the paperwork for the designation could be ready to go when the RFPs come back. Mr. Adams responded the 4 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL November 14, 2011 local designation paperwork was completed and he had the information for the National Register designation, but he could not submit it without the owner's permission. There was agreement the forms would be ready to be submitted. The members discussed the pros and cons associated with either designation. If opting to receive a Local Register designation, the developer would not qualify for tax credits, but would qualify for grants. Applications for historic preservation grants could be made, there were not many available. The applications would come before the Board for the exterior of the building only. With a National Register designation, owners qualify for a 20% tax credit. If a project was a $6 million dollar project, the developer would likely want to move in this direction as opposed to obtaining grants. Additionally, if a National Register designation was achieved, all the proposed restorations would have to be approved by the State and National Park Service. National Register designation would not come before the Board and a significant amount of the building interior and exterior would have to be retained. Mr. Adams noted individuals from the National Register indicated the building would likely qualify. Historic Structure Designation Application Fee Mr. Adams explained the fee was on the City Commission agenda lumped in with other amendments. Mr. Adams surveyed other municipalities and several, but not all, had fees. If the City Commission approved the fee, it would be a good way to kick -start the program. 6. New Business 405 East Ocean Avenue Mr. Adams explained this home, known as the Doug-hefty Daugherty House, was demolished last week. This was the oldest house in the City and it was in poor condition : . The property was listed in the Master Site File, but in his opinion, the home lost all of its architectural integrity. The ornamentation was added after 1996. The home was originally a plain vernacular home, turned into a Victorian, Gothic, Gingerbread styled home. The windows were replaced at least twice. The siding had been replaced or covered with vinyl siding. The porches were either enclosed at one time then exposed, or visa versa. While the home retained some significance, as the family that lived there were original pioneers in the City, there were concerns the building was dangerous. 5 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL November 14, 2011 Since the home was not designated as historic, the demolition was not reviewed by the Board; however, Mr. Adams made an attempt to salvage some of the home as the floors and ceiling appeared to be original. Mr. Adams pointed out there was no obligation on the part of the owner or contractor to salvage anything. Mr. Adams could only request it be done. Mr. Adams noted although the property on Ocean Avenue was not designated as historic, he had photographs of the property and he checked the building records so there was a file on the property. Discussion ensued that due to misunderstandings, the owner may have wanted to demolish the building before the program was put in place; however, the owner did not know the property was not "historic." As to what to do with salvaged materials, Mr. Adams stated if salvaged materials are donated to a non- profit organization, the owner could get a receipt for the value of the materials and claim it on his /her taxes. Materials could be given to architects working on historic preservation projects, or one could contact a salvage yard. As to demolition, there was a section in the Ordinance called Affirmative Maintenance Required, which indicates the property owner cannot deliberately let the property fall into disrepair. The provision covered facades, foundations, flooring, ceilings, roofs, waterproofing of exterior walls, foundations or floors, or any fault or defect in the property that renders it structurally unsafe. Under the Ordinance, if a demolition certificate comes before the Board, the property must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for new construction. The Board may not approve a COA for demolition under certain circumstances such as: • If the property contributes significantly to the historic character of a district; > If the resource was on the National Register; > If the resource was one of the last remaining examples of its kind in the neighborhood of the City of Boynton Beach; ➢ If it was capable of being repaired and reused in a practical and feasible manner; • If .retention of the resource would promote the general welfare of the City by providing an opportunity to study local history, architecture, or design; ➢ If granting the COA would result in an irreparable loss to the City of a significant resources; and > If. the plans for the simultaneous new construction was not compatible with the property or the district. Under the above circumstances, the Board could delay demolition up to three months and recommend denial of a COA application; however, the property owner could appeal the Board's decision to the City Commission. 6 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton . Beach, FL November 14, 2011 The City Commission, on the Board's recommendation, could recommend the property owner salvage and preserve specified classes of building materials, architectural details, and ornaments. If an undesignated property warranted it, and it was otherwise authorized under the Ordinance, staff may also recommend the Board initiate a designation application and review process. Staff could request that the demolition permit be stayed, pending the Board's review of the application and the City Commission's decision to designate or deny designation of the property. The maximum period this can be stayed was 120 days. In response to a question about City staff flagging demolition applications on properties 50 years old or more, Nancy Byrne, Interim Development Director, advised meetings were held and the process would be instituted the next day. Mr. Adams was added as a plan reviewer on all demolition permits for properties 50 years old or more and he would have to physically release the application in the system. The Ordinance has the option for relocating buildings if the owner does not want to designate the home. These were all options for the Board to consider when a demolition application was submitted to the Board. Outreach Activities Mr. Adams stated Christiane Francois resigned from the Board. The Division of Historical Resources recommended, having an architect on the Board. The members were requested to notify architects they may know to apply. Mr. Adams knew of some retired architects he could approach. At the last meeting, Chair Jones raised the issue of outreach activities. City resources were limited, but information about the Historic Resources Preservation Program was contained the City website, flyers, Board meeting notices, and meetings with property owners. Brochures were available and Mr. Adams had spoken with individuals and addressed misunderstandings while he was conducting surveys. The public could be informed of the tax incentives, and while the work was ongoing, letters could be sent to owners of significant properties to encourage those owners to come forward. Additionally, there were individuals, interested in Historic Preservation who attended the first meeting who could be sent letters. Vice Chair Pederson Pedersen commented that the Community Redevelopment Agency had a table at the last Sunday Funday event, and it was thought the Historic Resources Preservation Board could do so as well. Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL November 14, 2011 The use of open houses and door hangers to invite homeowners in specific districts to learn about the program had been previously discussed. Mr. Salomonsson suggested it may be more effective if the Board advertised they wanted to learn about the homeowners of old homes, because they are often proud of their homes. If that sense of pride was played on, it might yield better results. The Board could then present the benefits of the program as a partnership. If there was enough support for a district, Mr. Adams would meet with the owners, but noted it was usually better to be invited. There was agreement to put together a presentation depicting success stories in surrounding communities to detail the advantages of the program and include testimonies of homeowners who went through the process. A PowerPoint presentation would suffice. Mr. Adams agreed to obtain the information from surrounding communities. Discussion turned to the property inventory and whether Mr. Adams identified potential districts, as a suggestion was made to prioritize the districts and reach out to the district With the highest priority first. Mr. Adams responded he had an idea where they . would be located from the survey and he agreed to preliminaril y identify the p otential districts at the next meeting. The Tradewinds was a potential district, but it was important to have the support of 50% of the homeowners before moving forward with r any designations. It would be more appropriate to move forward with designations one district at a time. Mr. Adams thought if the Board could receive individual designations, which are processed faster than district designations, it could encourage other residents to try to create a district. Mr. Salomonsson agreed to work with Mr. Adams on a letter to homeowners. Mr. Gionfriddo offered to create a digital animation of what an area would look like if the homeowners moved forward with the program. Preservation Plan Mr. Adams stated this plan would contain the goals of the City, coordinate the program with City„ policies, reflect the relationship between education and preservation, and contain an agenda for future action. It was tied to the survey. The plan was ongoing and he invited the members to submit their suggestions. Preservation Plans outlined where the program was, where it wants to be, how it would get there, and when. It could include anything and it was similar to a strategic or visioning plan. The Historic Preservation Ad Hoc Committee had developed a mission statement and it was suggested the Board review it. Mr. Adams agreed to prepare an outline of the elements for the plan at the next meeting. 8 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL November 14, 2011 Chair Jones requested the members research preservation plans. The plan should be realistic and attainable. He requested the members put some thought into this aspect because the Board was not only put in place to review requests for designation, but also to assist moving the plan forward and take action. There was discussion the City had paid for several studies, such as the Visions 20/20 plan and others. Ms. Ready was familiar with the Community Redevelopment Agency Downtown Master Plan that was adopted by the City Commission in 2009. Mr. Adams felt the Heart of Boynton Plan had many aspects that tied to historic preservation, community spirit, improvements, and respect for the past culture, history and others. The plans were contained on the City website and Mr. Adams agreed to email the links to the members. 7. Other None. 8. Comments by members Ms. Ready noted the date and time for City Commission meetings. She thanked Mr. Adams for his efforts to obtain CLG status. She felt Boynton Beach had made great strides with Historic Preservation and Tallahassee should be aware of it. Mr. Adams acknowledged they were. Ms. Ready commented the members were proud of their accomplishments and were grateful to the City Commission for their support of the endeavor. Staff in the Planning and Zoning Department was also acknowledged. Chair Jones was aware there was some reorganization in Tallahassee which may have slowed the process. 9. Public comments None. 10. Announce date of next meeting The next meeting would be held on December 12, 2011. 11. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was properly adjourned at 7:57 p.m. 9 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL November 14, 2011 -Ctkii/u/YUL0-4/ Catherine Cherry Recording Secretary 111511 • 10