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Minutes 08-12-13 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC RESOURCES PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013, AT 6:30 P, IN CITY HALL CHAMBERS 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Roger Cope, Chair Warren Adams, Historic Resource Michele Dion, Vice Chair Preservation Planner Linda Stabile Jason Shaffer Eric Salomonsson Robert Weiss Barbara Ready, Alternate ABSENT: Dr. Ginger Pedersen 1. Pledge of Allegiance Chair Cope called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and declared a quorum was present. Mr. Shaffer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 2. Agenda Approval There were no changes to the agenda. Motion Chair Cope moved to approve the agenda. Vice Chair Dion seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 3. Approval of Minutes There was one change noted. Mr. Gionfriddo was listed as absent, but his term had expired. Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL August 12, 2013 Motion Ms. Ready moved to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Salomonsson seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 4. Communications and Announcements Warren Adams, Historic Preservation Planner, announced Dr. Pedersen had contacted him to advise she could not attend the meeting. 5. Old Business: A. Historic Preservation Program Update Mr. Adams advised he still has not heard anything about the Old High School and could not provide an update. Ms. Ready commented the City Commission was going to hold a closed -door session the next week regarding a breach of contract lawsuit filed by the developer. ➢ Conrad Pickel Exhibit and Lecture Mr. Adams explained this exhibit was planned for next year's Preservation Month. Conrad Pickel lived in Leisureville and worked in Boynton Beach. He designed stained - glass windows for hundreds of churches throughout the country, and was recognized as creating the largest stained -glass window in the world. Mr. Pickel's son Paul still runs the stained -glass business now located in Vero Beach. Mr. Adams and Debby Coles - Dobay, Public Art Administrator, travelled to Vero Beach to see the exhibits that were proposed to be displayed in Boynton Beach. Mr. Adams reviewed a slide presentation of some of the pieces being created and the various stages and techniques of some of the work in progress. The plan was to make this an annual event with stained -glass preservation and the arts. He thought they could combine presentations from different artists from different parts of the country, or historic buildings and feature different elements each year such as carpentry or ornamental stonework. If the Florida Trust Preservation Conference is held nearby, they would hold the event that weekend. If the conference was not local, they would avoid that weekend. Paul Pickel was amenable to an exhibit and there will be exhibits at the Library, including stained glass, paintings and sculptures since he works on them all, and has a scrapbook of all his work. Conrad Pickel crafted close to 1,000 windows for churches throughout the country and there are seven or eight churches in Boynton Beach that have them. Others were in Boca Raton, Delray, and West Palm Beach. He created the stained glass window in the City's Mausoleum and he created the statue in the children's section of the cemetery. Conrad Pickel had a number of workshops in the 2 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL August 12, 2013 City and owned the building next to the Woman's Club. He hoped to have access to these buildings to have a tour, or have a display in the Library or an exhibition about making stained glass. It was something Mr. Adams would like to expound on and he was in the process of planning that. ➢ CLG Small Matching Grant 2013 — 2014 Mr. Adams explained the Review Panel is scheduled to convene August 14 to the 16th for the grant they just submitted, to be used for smart phone applications. He hoped to learn if the applications were ranked by the next meeting and if Boynton Beach will receive a grant award, even though it will not be available for another year. B. 918 SE 4 th Street Mr. Adams explained this property is adjacent to the Women's Circle building which is a charitable organization. They purchased the property to the north and south of their existing building and proposed to expand their offices and demolish both of those structures. The property to the south is a Mission -style building, constructed in the 1920s with a garage located in the back. The property to the north had no significance. The owners have been very cooperative and have been working with Mr. Adams to relocate or reuse the building. Initially, staff was told they had until the New Year to address the property. The Women's Circle has had to call the Police numerous times because people keep breaking into the home to the south. Due to all the break -ins, Mr. Adams was told they were moving forward with its demolition. Staff was trying to relocate the building for nearly a year, but have not been successful. Mr. Adams had one more slim possibility for the home he would research this week, otherwise he will investigate whether anyone wants the materials from the building. If so, now was the time to approach the Women's Circle. He requested ideas. Almost the entire structure had polished wood floors in great condition, the original cabinets and fireplace, original the in the bathroom, kitchen units and doors. The front door was likely not original. The members discussed whether there was any possibility the Women's Circle could adapt the building to their use and Mr. Adams explained their architect said it was more expensive to reuse than to rebuild. The first suggestion Mr. Adams made was to tear down the building to the north for parking, keep the building in the middle and create a breezeway or walkway to connect to the building to the south. The applicant submitted preliminary plans to the Planning and Zoning Division and they had comments which were addressed. As the building is not designated, the Historic Preservation Guidelines did not have the authority to stay any demolition, but after they receive their permit for improvements, then they can demolish the structure. Mr. Adams 3 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL August 12, 2013 believed the reason the building was not already demolished was the Women's Club was struggling to obtain funding The members reviewed photographs of the building, which appeared to be in a pristine condition, but it was not known, due to unauthorized individuals accessing the building, whether it was still in that condition. Additionally, the building was not a designated historic structure. Discussion followed about boarding the windows and Mr. Adams explained if the Board wants to direct him to plead with the owner to hold off a few more months, he would do so, but he noted they have been patient. It would be more financially feasible for the owner if someone moved the building, and Mr. Adams believed that was what the owner was hoping for as it would save them money. The Board did not have the funds to board the structure or move it to another site. It was believed it would cost about $30,000 to move the structure; however, it cost the Community Redevelopment Agency much more to move the Ruth Jones Cottage. Ms. Stabile commented if it was only $30,000 she would take the building, but moving the building did not include the cost of a foundation or disconnections and connections for electrical and plumbing. The CRA does not have a property they can move it to. Mr. Adams spoke to a realtor who seemed interested, but he did not respond back. He spoke to several individuals about the matter and the City does not have a program to offer the building to the public or auction it. A suggestion was made to publicize the matter on Facebook. If someone offered to take the home, the owner may stay demolition. It was clarified the home was a wood framed home which is easy to move. The members suggested requesting more time and that the windows be boarded. Code Enforcement has a vendor to board foreclosed homes, but boarding this structure would have to be done with the owner's permission, and Sister Lorraine operates a non- profit. The site is zoned for the new use and Mr. Adams explained not all residential areas as zoned for office uses and residential. After further contemplation, there was agreement for Mr. Adams to ask for more time. 6. New Business: A. Upcoming Site Designations Mr. Adams explained he was working on designation of the Boynton Hills lights located behind the church on the northwest corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Seacrest. He received information today that the lights were made in either 1925 or 1926, so he would move forward with their designation and the Board will have that application at the next meeting. 4 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL August 12, 2013 Last week, Janet DeVries, President of the Historical Society, contacted Mr. Adams to apprise him they updated their website and it included a section on churches. He was contacted by Pastor Robinson, from St. Paul's African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. This Church, founded in the 1900's, is the oldest church in the City and they were considering designation of their Church site. Mr. Adams had photographs which were reviewed. He advised he had not conducted a full architectural inspection, but thought the building may be eligible. The congregation's first Church was built on Federal Highway, and then moved across the street which is now parking. He noted this was the Church's third building which was constructed in 1954 by parishioners and the walls were bowed out. Some of the framework came apart and parishioners had to hold the wall up until the concrete set. The Church does have stained glass. The Pastor wants the Church designated because it was the first congregation and oldest Church. He was aware of what the designation would mean and would bring it to his Board for a vote. Mr. Adams explained the Board can designate the site, not necessarily because of the structure, but because it was the first Church. A building can be designated if its construction was a significant event in the City, but Mr. Adams explained the building under consideration was not the original building. He questioned what would occur if the Church, later on, wanted to demolish the church and sell the land. If the Board thought the building did not have historic significance, they could not prevent its demolition. The Church would not receive the benefit of any tax incentives because they do not pay taxes. They may be able to obtain grants for repair work, if available. Mr. Adams would continue to research who created the stained -glass window, and thought he could justify designation of the site. Mr. Adams spoke to individuals in Delray, who designated sites without any buildings on them, but they were within a historic district. In this instance, that did not apply. Mr. Adams was trying to contact other individuals about designating a building for its cultural significance. Mr. Adam's hoped the site could be designated for architectural features and then for its cultural significance, which would result in a strong designation application. If no architectural significance was found, it could be an issue. Mr. Adams explained the building was gothic style, and as it pertained to its elevation, the windows and doors were replaced. The building does have two towers with pointed arched windows and a cross. He only spoke to the Pastor last week, and thought they may be able to justify the designation further as the parishioners built it. A suggestion was made to include the Church on the Heritage Trail or tie the Church into the history of Boynton since it is located in a predominantly black neighborhood. There are no plans to move or demolish the building at the moment and Mr. Adams did speak to the Pastor about the Church's plans for the future. Janet DeVries agreed to help with research. If the Church decides to move forward with the designation, the 5 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL August 12, 2013 application will be on the next agenda. Mr. Adams noted the Church still has surviving members who helped build the church and they will try to find out who create the stained glass. The members discussed it would be better to justify designation of the building as opposed to any symbolic reason as others would come forward requesting designation for being the oldest club or other activity and it was tricky. The request raised questions. One justification was the Church was at the location longer than anyone else In this instance, the Church was at the site since 1954 and it was recognized it would be better to designate the Church based on the building's features. The Church also owned the bell from the ship "Coquimbo" that sunk off the coast. The ship happened to be carrying wood and the Anders Andrews and Magnuson House used wood from the ship It was noted there was no bridge over the Intracoastal, so transporting the wood from the ship to the mainland was a feat. In a similar instance in Key West, the whole town shut down to get the wood from a sunken ship there. The bell is owned by the Church and they indicated they intend to restore the bell, which was painted white, to its original condition. The bell had significance and a suggestion was made to place it in a museum Mr. Adams had spoken with Janet DeVries and that was a possibility, but for the moment, the bell remains in the Church. There was general consensus to seek designation. Mr. Adams explained he received an email from a woman who read about the Heritage Trail and wanted to participate in the preservation of historic homes in the City. She gave directions to the home and would be arriving on Wednesday to discuss designating her property. The structure is a Mission -style home constructed in 1926. He hoped she would designate that building thereby having three designations pending. He explained Barton Cemetery and the Children's Museum were approved to be designated. Once the site issues are resolved, movement would occur. 7. Other An inquiry was made whether Mr. Adams was able to review the Mission Statement from the prior Historic Resources Ad Hoc Committee and he agreed to email it to the members. It was important to set goals for the Board and City. Ms. Ready suggested a workshop be scheduled to craft goals and objectives and a vision plan be incorporated into the City's Preservation Plan. Mr. Adams advised he walked the Heritage Trail with Susan Swiatosz, City Archivist, and Janet DeVries, President of the Historical Society, for their input from a historical perspective regarding the content of the Trail signs, and he walked with Messrs. Salomonsson and Shaffer for their input from an educational view, as they are teachers. Mr. Shaffer explained they spent about three hours walking the Trail and the Mangroves They had a great time and they made some suggestions for the beginning 6 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL August 12, 2013 and end of the Trail and items to incorporate. He also took 150 photographs and could send a link to members to view the photographs. Mr. Adams explained the more input he receives regarding the signs, the better. If any member wants to walk the Trail they should contact Mr. Adams. The intent is to make the Trail as accessible as possible. A suggestion was made to visit Jaycee Park. The Art in Public Places programs helped with the markers. There are permanent books that discuss the history, stations and a boardwalk. The Park is just south of Woolbright on Federal Highway. Mr. Adams explained the interesting thing about the Heritage Trail was he was unaware of any Trail that encompassed architecture, Library Archives, two Historic Schools, bars, restaurants, parks, the Marina, the bridge, the Intracoastal, the reclamation pond with windmills and the Mangrove Walk. He thought the Trail was sustainability at its best, which made it interesting. Mr. Salomonsson expressed there were options. An individual could walk the entire trail or venture off on a side street to see something of interest. He took his neighbors and they had a great time in the Mangroves. The Trail was designed with an educational element that could interest students, but also when dining, if they had a brochure, they could decide to walk the Trail from there. If starting the Trail at Mangrove Park, one would be was walking forward in history. East of Federal Highway was the natural side of the walk and the west side was the development side. The Trail has 30 sites. The grant provided about $20,000 to spend on information boards with QR codes at certain sites. The money applied for next year would add another 20 sites to the Trail and incorporate the smart phone applications. They will try to incorporate as many other elements as they can afford. Mr. Adams commented the Downtown Trail received more publicity over the last few weeks, and was in three newspapers. 8. Comments by members None. 8. Public Comments Chair Cope opened the Public Comments. Audrey Gerger, 331 NW 1 St Avenue, former real estate broker, commented she knew someone who may be interested in purchasing the property at 918 SE 4 th Street. When she was in real estate, they had meetings with their realtors and toured the homes. She thought if a short PowerPoint was created and presented to different realty offices, they may have a buyer interested in moving the home. It was good public relations and could avert having historic homes destroyed. 7 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, FL August 12, 2013 She inquired why the Old High School windows were boarded. Mr. Adams did not know for certain, but he did notice some windows were broken and it was thought they were boarded for security. Ms Gerger inquired if the stained glass on the Methodist Church that faces NW 1St Avenue could have been created by Mr. Pickel. Mr. Adams explained he did not have that church contained on the list of windows created by Mr. Pickel, but he was hoping the Pastor could provide more information. Ms. Gerger explained the stained glass was installed by Margaret Harris, wife of one of the principals at Boynton Beach High School and her father donated it to the Church. She suggested he may have selected a local artist, and it was beautiful stained glass. Ms. Gerger also suggested photographs of historical homes slated to be demolished be submitted to a newspaper as a way to save the home. She noted there is a lot of vacant land not far from the property. On NW 1 St Avenue there are some empty lots and on SW 1 St Avenue, closer to Seacrest, that could accommodate the home. Ms. Gerger explained she has plenty of free plywood, which could be used to board windows at 918 SE 4 street. She inquired if there were any materials from the original St. Paul's AME Church that was installed when the church moved. the stained glass may have been FnGVer! As for the rest of the building, nothing apparent seemed original other than perhaps some wood in the front of the Church inside. He was waiting to hear if the pews were original. Mr. Adams explained nothing specific was named because they were not sure they would pursue the designation. They did assure him that if they did pursue it, they would provide as much information as possible. Chair Cope closed the Public Comments. 9. Announce date of next meeting — September 9, 2013 Mr. Adams was fairly certain a designation application for the Boynton Hills lights would be on the agenda for the next meeting. 11. Adjournment There being nothing further to come before the Board, Chair Cope properly adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m. _ELI uL Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 130819 8