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Minutes 04-10-17MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC RESOURCES PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017, AT 6:30 P.M. IN CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Barbara Ready, Chair Cheryl Black Susan Oyer Ginger Pedersen Michael Wilson, Alternate ABSENT: Eric Salmonsson, Vice Chair Jason Shaffer Hollis Tidwell, III Jesse Feldman, Alternate 1. Pledge of Allegiance Warren Adams, Historic Resource Preservation Planner Chair Ready called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. Mr. Wilson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 2. Agenda Approval Mr. Adams added a Sterling Village Designation Inquiry as item 6. D. Motion Ms. Oyer moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Black seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 3. Approval of Minutes None. 4. Communications and Announcements Mr. Adams advised Mr. Shaffer and Mr. Tidwell will not be present. Mr. Feldman would likely not attend the meeting and he has not heard from Vice Chair Salmonsson. Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 10, 2017 5. Old Business: A. Certified Local Government Grant: Black History Interactive Website update Mr. Adams explained he has been working on the website and received a payment from the State. He contacted the State and they informed him based on the last quarterly report, Deliverable 1 was completed and they sent him a check. The next progress report is due next month. Mr. Adams advised there is still a shortage of information for the website and other items he has to complete at the same time. A. North Broward Preparatory School Career Day Mr. Adams was asked to speak at Career Day at North Broward Preparatory School, which he attended two weeks ago. He spoke to six or seven classes. It was a good day and he received an email thanking him and advising the students enjoyed the presentation. The student who assisted Mr. Adams last year also spoke about the work she did for him. Mr. Adams announced Career Day will be an annual event. 6. New Business: A. 206 NW 6t" Street National Register eligibility Mr. Adams explained at the last meeting, the Board discussed the Cultural Resource survey by SEARCH as it pertained to road improvements at 1-95 and sections of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Gateway Boulevard. The report suggested the above property may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places designation. The property is in Lake Boynton Estates by the railroad tracks on the north end near the 1-95 overpass. Dr. Pedersen spoke to the owner several years ago, when the relationship the owner had with the City was tenuous due to a possible truck route traversing her property. Mr. Adams commented if interested, the owner can complete the report herself. The designation would be a State and National Park Service designation and there would be no review of alterations by the Board although the Board could make a recommendation. They would also add the property to the Local Register if the owner desired. If the owner sought the National Register designation, it would be an honor and the third National Register property in the City. Only the Schoolhouse Children's Museum and the Women's Club are on the National Register. This home is original with the exception of the window replacement and there are very few of this type of home in the City that are unaltered. There are only about 30 Mission/Mediterranean-style homes left in the City. Mr. Adams had proposed other homes for National Register designation, and at the time, the State commented about window replacements, but he spoke to a different staff person that thinks it is eligible. Mr. Adams will discuss other City properties with the 2 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 10, 2017 State to see if they would consider any of them. He discussed the proposed historic district and two other homes in the subdivision, and the gatepost with the State and pointed out just because State supports applying for designation does not mean it would be approved, but it was a step in the right direction. If the owner is interested, the State would support the designation. B. 2017 Grant Applications Mr. Adams explained last week, it was decided Mr. Adams would apply for a small matching grant for the Schoolhouse Children's Museum between now and the end of April. It would not require a match because the City is a Certified Local Government. He noted the grant is up to $50,000. They already have a project planned for the Museum for repair of the soffits or exterior painting. He attended a webinar last week and all the work is eligible. The cost is estimated to be at $35,000. He will administer this grant during April, apply for a new grant and apply for a special category grant in May for the Old High School. The High School grant would be up to $500,000 with a $250,000 match. The City is unsure what amount they would apply for. If awarded, the funds would not be received until 2018 and this may be the only chance to apply for a grant for the Old High School. If the City applies for the grant next year, if awarded, the funds would not be availabie until 2019 and the City was hoping that whatever occurs with the Old High School would be completed by then. Mr. Adams advised he will be very busy for the next few months. He also realized the Schoolhouse Children's Museum is on the National Register and not on the Local Register. There is no required review for alterations, but the State likes alterations to be reviewed by the Board. Mr. Adams will apply for the grant for the Museum and try to add it the list of Local Register properties. Mr. Wilson asked about matching funds. Mr. Adams explained only a certain amount of the matching funds had to be cash. The rest could be donated services and materials, but donated services and materials are difficult to add. He had difficulty justifying and completing his time with the Women's Club. He noted there are still a few months before the application period starts, and he hoped to finish the small matching grant during that time. By then, he hoped they would know more about the Old High School. Mr. Adams noted the State is more than aware of the Old High School. The building was on the 11 most endangered buildings list and there are other grants. He hoped that after adding the Old High School to the list, the State sees the City is addressing the building and thought it would work to the City's benefit. C. Celebration of Conrad Pickel event Mr. Adams was working on the Conrad Pickel event and he will be organizing the tour and speakers this year. Dr. Pedersen offered to help with the tour element. The bus has been booked and paid for by the Historical Society and is free to the public. The Library Program Room has already been reserved. Dr. Pedersen will hold the tour and Mr. Adams will be at the Library at 8 a.m. to set up and get the speakers situated in time for the tour to return. Mr. Adams understood a book about Conrad Pickel was 3 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 10, 2017 forthcoming and had hoped the author would speak about it, but the author will be in Europe. The man did; however, agree to give a video interview and presentation. Mr. Adams explained in addition to Paul Pickel and himself, one more speaker was needed. He thought Dr. Pedersen may speak about the church with the stained glass in West Palm Beach or one of Paul Pickel's craftsman could make a presentation on stained glass. He also hoped to gain access to Gallery Fantasia, otherwise the tour will visit the same sites as last year. Mr. Adams just had to organize the event which will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017. Ms. Oyer noted speakers from different glass companies had participated in the past and suggested someone from the Arts District that works with glass may want to participate. Mr. Adams commented he contacted the architect working with the Woman's Club to see if REG worked with a stained glass artist and learned they had not. He reached out to Board Member Tidwell and others for a referral and was waiting for a response. Ms. Oyer commented there was discussion the Ocean One development may include a stained glass feature as they need an Art In Public Places component. if installed, it could be added to the tour in the future. She suggested Mr. Adams speak with Ms. Coies-Dobay and Paul Pickei about this feature to showcase in the future. Ms. Oyer also mentioned the UCC Church has a Conrad Pickel statue and the Church may allow it to be added to the tour. She had asked about it, but her contact has not yet responded. Mr. Adams thought showcasing Gallery Fantasia would be key this year. Ms. Oyer asked if Paul Pickel would bring art to the presentation. Mr. Adams did not know as it meant Mr. Pickel would have to come down ahead of the event and hang the artwo rk. Mr. Wilson asked if the stained glass at St. Joseph Church was Conrad Pickel's largest piece and learned a church in West Palm Beach has a larger 12 -panel piece, but there would have to be a charge imposed to see it on the tour once the bus leaves City limits. Mr. Adams thought the stained glass at St. Joseph was probably the largest piece in the City, but not the County. Dr. Pedersen explained the best opportunity to view the stained glass in West Palm Beach was on a Saturday after the service recessed at 12:30. She noted the glass had been repaired a few times due to hurricane damage and the aging of the structure. D. Sterling Village Mr. Adams had been contacted by a Board member from Sterling Village about designating the Sterling Village site as historic. He noted Sterling Village sits on 42 acres. He had explained the designation process to him, the issues and benefits and if they moved ahead, how it would be handled. He noted there are several different lots at the site and it may be a historic district, in which case a simple majority of the property owners would need to approve the designation. The Board at Sterling Village seemed sure they wanted to move ahead. Mr. Adams also explained the difficulties in CI Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 10, 2017 designating the site, noting while the buildings are over 50 years old and unaltered, there must be some significance. One Board member from Sterling Village thought Sterling Village was the first community of its type to be constructed between West Palm Beach and Miami; however, Mr. Adams thought Hampshire Gardens was earlier than that and the same developer built many of these developments. Mr. Adams thought instead of designating all the buildings, they just designate the clubhouse. The Board at Sterling Village will speak to residents about the designation and they have the power to make the decisions for the betterment of the community. Mr. Adams thought Sterling Village should speak with the community's counsel to ascertain if it would be approved by the property owners, or if the Board would make the designation. Mr. Adams pointed out creating potential districts can create a lot of dissention among residents. Even if 20% of the residents opposed designation, if it passed, one-fifth of the community will be upset. Mr. Adams toured the area, noting the development gatepost, front fountain, pool area, clubhouse, shuffle board courts, mini golf, and laundry rooms are still present and are unaltered. There are two and three-story block buildings and some windows were changed. The original windows were metal and the replacement widows were metal and configured correctiy. The streetlights are original and seem to be built in aii developments. The gates were original and the doors and side of the clubhouse appear to be original as was the theater. It was unchanged right down to the sauna. Some buildings are wood frame and some are concrete block. He commented at some point, there was a decision to change the building materials. One of the three-story buildings was changed from wood to concrete, which could have architectural significance. Mr. Adams advised he would need to research the change in building materials, the builder and developer. The Board knew something about the architect, but did not think it was significant, unless it was one of the first buildings, or communities built. It was also noted the builder or developer had passed. Ms. Oyer commented a hurricane spawned a tornado years ago that demolished parts of Boynton, travelling down Ocean Avenue where Kenney's Market is located, which may have predicated the change in building materials. Mr. Adams explained there must be something significant about the site to be successful and distinguish it from other communities. Mr. Adams could only find one planned community in the country that was designated as historic from the date Sterling Village was constructed. Ms. Oyer thought the site was distinctive to Boynton Beach and the size gave it a visual impact, but Mr. Adams noted there are several on US 1 and he did not know if it was the best example. Mr. Wilson recalled discussion at the last meeting if Sterling Village was the first or second condominium complex of its kind and noted Boynton Sterling Village was the second Palm Beach County planned adult condominium development created by Robert Rapaport of Holiday Builders. Hampton Gardens was the first. Mr. Adams then questioned if Hampshire Gardens was a significant community. If Hampshire Gardens was altered, then it would elevate Sterling Village, but if not, they must consider 5 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 10, 2017 Hampshire Gardens. Additionally, parts of Leisureville are original and over 50 years old. Hampshire Village is a co-op. Mr. Adams observed the Board at Sterling Village feels the application would receive support. If they submit an application and the Historic Resource Preservation Board approved it, it will go before the City Commission. Mr. Adams did not favor moving forward with a designation report saying the development was significant as more research was needed and he did not want to attract attention that the site is just 50 years old. Other communities may apply based on how old the buildings were. As long as there was something of significance it was fine. Chair Ready noted Sterling Village is a slice of life from the 60s the City will never get back again. Further discussion followed that even if designated, should a developer acquire the property, the developer could appeal demolition stays to the City Commission and the City Commission can overrule what the Board does. Mr. Adams will make a presentation and answer questions. If it was one of the first developments, it is difficult to say it is not eligible if it is 50 years old and nearly unaltered. He reiterated he did not want all communities to come forward, but the first one has to be very important. 7. Other Mr. Adams explained he will need a letter of support from the Board for the two upcoming grant applications he had discussed. Mr. Adams will write the letters. Motion Ms. Oyer moved to support both grants with a letter. Ms. Black seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Mr. Adams may approach some of the members for letters of support and also the Historical Society. 8. Comments by members Ms. Oyer spoke to a reporter a week ago who lives on Ocean Avenue by the wall on I- 95. The reporter indicated he has a distinctive older home and there are a few others nearby that are as well. She told him to contact Mr. Adams about a potential district. Mr. Adams thought if there were to be a district, it would be in that area. He assumed the homes are from the 50s and 60s. If there is a concentration of the very best examples, it would be ideal to have a District. He noted there was still the opportunity to have a Historic District by NW 1St Avenue. Ms. Ready thought the members should walk and check out the Heritage Trail as the sign in front of the Magnuson Home was defaced. The signs were installed three years ago. Mr. Adams was disappointed the sign was vandalized as they were supposed to be vandal proof. He will look at it and noted the sign is being moved by the new owner L Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 10, 2017 to another location on site, while still on City property. The City does not permit signs on private property to avoid individuals traipsing through the yard. The signs should be viewed from the sidewalk. In this instance, the new sign location will be by the alleyway. Chair Ready announced the Historical Society Pot Luck Dinner is May 7t". The event is free if bringing a dish or $10 if not. The membership fee for the Historical Society is $25. 9. Public comments 10. Announce date of next meeting — May 8, 2017 11. Adjournment Motion There being no further business to discuss, Chair Ready properly adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m. Catherine 1 herry Minutes Specialist 7