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Minutes 02-11-13 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC RESOURCES PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2013, AT 6:30 P, IN CITY HALL CHAMBERS 100 E. BOY BEACH BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Dr. Ginger Pedersen, Chair Warren Adams, Historic Resource Roger Cope, Vice Chair Preservation Planner Michelle Dion Eric Salomonsson Linda Stabile Robert Weiss Barbara Ready, Alternate Harvey Rosenblum, Alternate ABSENT: Paul Gionfriddo 1. Pledge of Allegiance Chair Pedersen welcomed all to the meeting and called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Dion led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 2. Agenda Approval Motion Vice Chair Cope moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr.. Salomonsson and unanimously passed. 3. Approval of Minutes Warren Adams, Historic Preservation Planner advised he had changes to the minutes on page 3, 2nd paragraph should read "Florida Public Archeology Network." Motion Vice Chair Cope moved to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Weiss seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 4. Communications and Announcements Mr. Adams discussed the ongoing Certified Local Government (CLG) training courses and advised courses would be held in Tallahassee on February 27 -28th; in Sanford on Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL February 11, 2013 April 10 -11th; and in St. Augustine on May 14 -15th. There is a $100 stipend available to the first 50 registrants. The course includes lectures and tours. He was waiting to hear back from the Division of Historical Resources to inquire if there would be a dedicated training session for the City. When recognized as a CLG, there is a certain amount of training required and the Division had said they will try and provide training at one of the meetings via telephone or online. Mr. Adams was still waiting for a response and hoped the City would receive its own training. 5. Old Business: A. Update on the progress of the Historic Preservation Program Mr. Adams reported the City Commission signed the Ordinance instituting the Ad Valorem Tax Incentive Program, which would provide exemptions from ad valorem Taxes for alterations made in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's standards to historic buildings. The exemption is valid for up to 10 years. An interlocal agreement with Palm Beach County Commission was signed by the County on February 5 and there was now an Ad Valorem Tax Incentive program in place. Mr. Adams was waiting for the final documents. With regard to the small matching grant for the Heritage Trail, Mr. Adams had not heard anything about the level of funding awarded. Mr. Adams would be focusing on the Historic Property Survey. Designation of the Barton Memorial Cemetery, the Boynton Hills lights and the Children's Museum, and the archeological investigation of the scrub sites. As to Historic Designation, the City Commission approved designation of the Sophie Amichai house at 229 SW 1st Avenue and the Oscar Magnuson House at 211 East Ocean Avenue on second reading. The designation of the Boynton High School was approved on first reading on January 15th and on second reading on February 5th. Four properties were now on the local register. Mr. Adams discussed the archeological survey of the scrub sites and identified the sites, including the Galaxy Scrub site on a map. A grid map was drafted and after consultation with the County Archeologist, it was decided test pits would be dug every 20 feet. There was an area that was cleared which would be used as a starting point. Test pits are about 50 centimeters by 50 centimeters, 1.5 feet across and 3 feet deep. They would sift through the soil. If there was any habitation, they would find pottery, tools, beads or anything else relating to some human habitations. The sites were appropriate because they were on a high ridge in the vicinity of water. This was being done because if they find something, they technically have an archeological site and along with the other grants the City was applying for, they could apply for grants for these sites. It could boost chances to obtain funding. Mr. Adams noted the edge of the road would be one of the first areas that would be improved. He would be present when they cleared some of the non - native plant and 2 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL February 11, 2013 trees, he could see what was being pulled up in the soil thereby avoiding having to dig test pits in that area. If they find something, the intention is not to dig up the entire site, only enough to determine that people lived there and then leave the site alone. The rest would be interpretative boards and plaques. Discussion followed it was likely some of the site would have been disturbed from the construction of the 1 -95 roadway. As the non - native species are removed, it would provide a better picture of whether anything was there. There are Indian mounds to the west of the City, and purportedly, there were Native American Indians in the area. All the sites on the ridge have never been developed. There were Indian mounds in Ocean Ridge that were excavated and by Boynton Inlet as well. They were pretty much leveled. Additionally, the City had to be careful to protect sites if something is found as it would be detrimental to have members of the public searching the site. The intention is not to clear the entire site because once dug up, the archeology is destroyed. Before putting in paths or clear, they have to be careful and know how to move forward with the plans for the sites. Anyone interested in helping should contact Mr. Adams and staff was pushing ahead with the plan. The City was developing Blueways and Greenways. Mr. Adams explained the plans for each area, how they would link together, and how the funding would come into play. Ms. Ready spoke to the principal at Galaxy Elementary school and conveyed they are looking forward to the students becoming involved. The Urban Forester had some ideas for student participation through planting native plants and transplanting them into the scrub areas or using creative stones for a walkway. The students' participation would contribute to the scrub areas. Wildlife will be protected and an environmentalist was studying the site. The property is city -owned but part of it was owned by the school and acquired through a land swap. A recreated Indian village was an option if staff could prove something is there. Mr. Adams was contacted by the Division of Historical Resources about a new program called CLG of the Quarter. They would review recent CLG activities. If chosen as CLG for the Quarter, they would feature what was done for the quarter on their website. Mr. Adams submitted the City's name. He noted not many CLGs would have designated four site, created design guidelines, instituted the Ad Valorem Tax Program during this time. The City's website was being updated, and Mr. Adams submitted photographs of all four sites, plus the two on the National Register. He was unsure if the new website was active, but the information was submitted. Mr. Adams was hopeful the City would be recognized as the First CLG of the Quarter. 6. New Business A. Adoption of Historic District Design Guidelines 3 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL February 11, 2013 Mr. Adams remarked that the adoption of the design guidelines starts with the Board. If the Board was satisfied with them, he requested a motion be made recommending approval and allowing him to make minor changes to it as some photographs were not exactly what Mr. Adams wanted and there may be other architectural styles he was unaware of. Mr. Adams did not want to have to return to the Board each time he changed a photograph. The content and intent of the Guidelines would not change, but the document could be updated as he continued with the survey work. The completed draft was emailed to all Board members and he requested comments. Some were already received, and anyone else wanting to make comments could email them to Mr. Adams. Dr. Pederson Pedersen thought it was excellent and educational. She noted local schools learn about local history and she thought there was information in the document students could learn about. The document was lengthy and Mr. Adams explained it was a document to be referred to for guidance when making repairs or alterations. The more photographs and examples that were given, the easier it would be for an individual to use. The Board would be reviewing and making determinations for Certificate of Appropriateness applications for historic sites or districts. There were three tools to guide the Board which were the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the Historic District Design Guidelines. The Guidelines were a suggested way to do things. It did not encompass everything rather it provided ideas how to move forward. The Guidelines contained an Introduction; Planning a Preservation Project; Historic Contcct Context; Architectural Styles; Rehabilitation Guidelines; Design Guidelines for New Construction and Appendices. Mr. Adams reviewed a PowerPoint presentation reflecting the architectural styles. The Guidelines for rehabilitation has a number of sections pertaining to foundations, roofs, windows, doors, chimneys, etc. The applicable Secretary of the Interior Standards are reflected in every section and highlighted. Recommended and non - recommended approaches were included. One section that changed slightly that was previously reviewed was the section on Signs. Normally, the City does not allow painted signs on buildings unless it was of a nostalgic or historic nature. Mr. Adams was contacted from a contractor who was asked to repaint the Oyer sign and because the sign has historic significance, it can be repainted as long as it not altered in any way. It must be replaced exactly as it is. Mr. Adams explained if the Board was happy with the Guidelines they could be adopted and it did not have to go before the Commission. A question was posed regarding the National Trust re- evaluating their position on Green Initiatives and Historic Preservation to avoid solar panels being visible on historic structures. Mr. Adams explained the National Park Service provided information on standards for rehabilitation. There is a 4 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL February 11, 2013 reference to the document in the Design Guidelines bibliography. Mr. Adams agreed to email the Zink to the members. It was a fairly significant document discussing metal free frame windows, coolers, solar panels, and more, and it was very much about historic preservation and sustainability. The language in the Guidelines that addressed sustainability was crafted from that document. The High School most likely would be the first Certificate of Appropriateness the Board would review. He suggested the members be familiar with the Guidelines, the Secretary of Interior Standards, and the City Preservation Ordinance. Ms. Ready indicated the Principal of Galaxy Elementary School requested receiving at least one of the chalk boards from the high school as they are made of slate. Mr. Adams requested the Board decide whether to adopt the document or make changes to it. Motion Mr. Salmononsson moved to adopt the Historic District Design Guidelines and allow Mr. Adams to make future alterations to the design guidelines. Vice Chair Cope seconded the motion that unanimously passed. B. Discussion on Proposed Historic Markers for Designated Sites. Mr. Adams explained he was contacted by Sophie Amachai regarding a sign to recognize its historic designation. This was discussed with the Planning Director and they were trying to work out if there was a way the City could have a sign program, contingent on the cost, or to share the cost of the markers. He recommended the Board avoid having bronze markers because they get stolen. He also noted some properties do not have a front boundary wall. A marker would likely be on a relatively small post in the front yard that had some information the City could perhaps contribute to. Mr. Adams had images of various types of historic markers. He suggested the name of the house, the date it was built, and an indication it was a designated historic site or a symbol to show it was a historic site be included on the markers. Discussion followed that in other historic districts the house number has a sign indicating it was historic. West Palm Beach has an oval marker placed on the gate or next to the front door. From the street, the year was still visible. Also if the street is historic, there is a blue or green sign, but the oval sign with the house number was used. Mr. Adams explained once a historic district is created, they could reflect the designation via street signs. Ms. Amachai has a bronze marker posted on a wall indicating the year it was built. If bronze was used the City would likely not contribute to the signs as they cost more than $100. Vice Chair Cope explained Delray Beach markers include the date. The members also contemplated there were no standards regarding mounting. Bronze is substantial but it does not weather well. Delray Beach purchases the markers and clear coats them. If the members could agree on the design of the marker, when properties 5 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL February 11, 2013 are designated, they could submit an application to Mr. Adams. The consensus for the markers was they be bronze, oval shaped, contain the date, list the City of Boynton Beach, list the Historic Resources Preservation Board or logo. Ms. Ready offered to help. It was suggested Mr. Adams contact the West Palm Beach Preservation Board to obtain vendor and price information for the markers. If a logo was needed, Mr. Adams indicated he would contact Debby Coles -Dobay for assistance. Mr. Weiss suggested Ms. Gerger and Ms. Amachai may want their names on the markers. Mr. Adams explained no decision had to be made, but he was looking for direction. At the next meeting he could bring examples of bronze plaques. The members reviewed the markers used in West Palm Beach. Ms. Ready volunteered to help 7. Other None. 8. Comments by members Mr. Salmonosson announced he read the book written by Dr. Pedersen and thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms. Dion agreed. There were neat pictures included and Dr. Pedersen and Ms. DeVries made a great presentation at the Historical Society. The book was preserving another part of the City's history and could be used and referenced in the guidelines. 9. Public comments None. 10. Announce date of next meeting — February 11, 2013 11. Adjournment Motion There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was properly adjourned at adjourned at 7:24 p.m. L l eili L,. �.' Catherine Cherry Recording Secretary 021293 6