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Minutes 09-17-20 Minutes of the Historic Resource Preservation Board Meeting Held on Monday, September 17, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. In the Community Room, Boynton Beach City Hall 100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida Present: Barbara Ready, Chair Mike Rumpf, Board Liaison Thomas Ramiccio Dr. Ben Lowe Michael Wilson Hollis Tidwell Rhonda Sexton, Alternate Absent: Jesse Feldman Bernard Wright Jerome Small, Alternate 1. Pledge of Allegiance Mike Rumpf, Development Director, read a statement explaining how the meeting would proceed and how the public could participate. Chair Ready called the meeting to order at 6:39 p,m. 2. Agenda Approval Motion Mr. Wilson moved to approve the agenda. The motion was duly seconded and unanimously passed. 3. Minutes Approval — August 10, 2020 Mr. Ramiccio made a correction on page three paragraph three: "Mr. Ramiccio inquired if a request is received regarding a COA if they review materials and styles such as awnings_ Motion Mr. Ramiccio moved to approve the minutes as amended Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 17, 2020 4. Communications and Announcements None. 5. Old Business A. Centennial Celebration support Mike Rumpf, Development Director, thanked all for participating in the meeting. and welcomed new member Rhonda Sexton. This meeting was a continuation of the Monday meeting. The Board was asked by the City's Public Communications and Marketing Director, Eleanor Krusell for help and input overseeing a Centennial event. One concept was to tour three feature sites, which were the Historic Women's Club of Boynton, the Old High School, and the Children's Schoolhouse Museum. She could commit on the City's part to provide operation and logistics, communications and announcements and rely on this Board and its historic knowledge. The members should brainstorm. The members discussed if they would need additional logistics for one day or for multiple days and the pros and cons. They want to ensure they reserve some facilities. Mr. Rumpf will contact the CRA to reserve the Women's Club and the members could select speakers. Mr. Rumpf could be the liaison for operational support for the Board and their ideas. Chair Ready discussed holding an event on a Saturday and spending an hour at each facility. A suggestion was made to take a photo of the Schoolhouse Children's Museum and create coloring books of historic homes, but Mr. Wilson thought they should check with the Museum as he thought they had already created a coloring book. Another suggestion was to show the nature and history of Boynton Beach or provide an update, which could be used as a handout on the day of the tour. Mr. Wilson noted the Historical Society recently held a lecture and with guest speaker Eliot Kleinberg who worked for the Post for decades and had a wealth of Palm Beach County history. He thought perhaps he would be available for a three-minute lecture as they have a tour of the Women's Club and he could speak about the mural. Chair Ready thought someone at the Historical Society would have a contact for him. Rick Gonzales could also speak about the Old High School as he had previously led a monthly walking tour and lecture about Clematis Street and the theater. Suzanne Ross, Schoolhouse Children's Museum Executive Director, could speak about the Museum and it was noted she is good with marketing. It was thought she would love to participate and then leave meeting at the Women's Club for last with Mr. Kleinberg. They could hold the event at three venues on the same day about an hour each. Mr. Tidwell liked the three buildings and the coloring book idea. Discussion ensued when to hold the event and it was thought the first weekend in November could be doable. The Board could also consider the springtime and the weekend before Thanksgiving week. Chair Ready suggested sending Ms. Krusell their suggestions and she could perhaps guide the timeframe. Another suggestion was made to hold the event as a Saturday afternoon tour followed by lunch. Mr. Rumpf thought the pandemic may also help determine when to hold the 2 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 17, 2020 event, by Thanksgiving or December and thought there were good suggestions. The members discussed, years ago, when the Old High School was on the agenda, quite a few people from the community attended and it was thought maybe one of them could be a speaker. Ms. Sexton thought people would purchase items and Chair Ready suggested Ms. Krusell may look into what type of items to sell such as tee shirts, or pens. Mr. Wilson pointed out several months ago, Ms. Krusell received approval for a contest to come up with a historic logo and thought the logo could be re-examined. Chair Ready thought it was important the logo be professional looking. Mr. Rumpf agreed to relay the information to Ms. Krusell, to match up some ideas with theirs, and to reach out for resources for a presentation. This could be set up and they would not have to wait until the next meeting. Mr. Rumpf would send the members an email and contact the CRA. It was noted the Old High School was being phased into use and they had the idea of a featured grand opening. Chair Ready suggested the Historical Society could assist as perhaps could Harvey Oyer, Ill. B. Historic plaques for designated properties — Continued discussion on the final 3 (three) design options for historic markers for designated properties. Mr. Rumpf explained this has been an ongoing project. The Board wants the marker program for historic designated properties. He found a vendor who had good examples and the Board narrowed the choices down to an oval 12 to 14 inches wide and without a center graphic piece. They narrowed graphics down to three graphics. They could use the entire High School façade or notable features of it. Mr. Wilson asked, when they finalize the marker, how much detailed information they had to provide. They have two different tiers of graphic. One tier was very simple. If more detailed, they would need a graphic designer and would need the version as a JPEG file. Further dialogue followed they could use a unique bridge tower component, the Old High School, or the Woman's Club. The bridge is not historic, but it is unique and it had an award-winning design. Images of different architectural forms were viewed. The Board considered excluding or including the date. The date could also be added onto a second smaller plaque or they could use the city crest with or without dates. There was consensus to work on the Old High School. Mr. Tidwell obtained an electronic format of the Old High School's elevation. Mr. Ramiccio noted the plaque will be very small so whatever is in the center will be small and the simpler the plaque, the better. It was suggested dates be included on each plaque instead of giving homeowners the option to place one on a second plaque so all the homes will be consistent. Dr. Lowe agreed and also favored the date. He thought the architectural features should not be too complicated. He liked the new picture of the Old High School and did not know how it would look reduced on the plaque. The Schoolhouse Children's Museum also had a nice façade as did the bridge, but it was thought people may not recognize the Bridge as Boynton Beach. Mr. Rumpf 3 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 17, 2020 had a picture of one of the front doors of the Old High School as opposed to the entire facade. Dr. Lowe liked the entire structure, not just one element. Mr. Wilson agreed with Mr. Ramiccio. Mr. Tidwell thought there was something about simplicity and liked the date. Ms. Sexton pointed out Delray Beach sells the plaques which cost $250 and were bronze. They have a prominent date and each home researched. She noted a plaque from Wayfair was resin. Mr. Tidwell recalled Ms. Oyer thought they could use a 3D printer. Mr. Rumpf explained it was used at the Hack Lab, which closed down. Ms. Sexton, Mr. Ramiccio and Dr. Lowe liked the date. After further discussion, there was agreement the members liked including the individual date on the plaque for each house Mr. Tidwell thought they could get the community or schools involved and that South Tech Academy probably had a 3D printer. Mr. Rumpf explained the company they were dealing with made the plaques for under $200 and there was a $200 to $300 upfront design cost. Discussion turned to the plaques and the wording "Historic Property" and "Historic Site." Chair Ready wanted the words "Boynton Beach" at the top and Historic Site on the bottom, Mr. Ramiccio suggested the wording "Boynton Beach Historic Landmark" and then the date. Mr. Rumpf explained what gets recognized is a historic property which is a historic site. It is the property itself that is listed on the Registry. Chair Ready recalled Barton Cemetery, some light posts and one half of a significant entry feature by the VFW were all recognized. Another suggestion was the name of the house (who owned it) the date and the words "Boynton Beach." Delray Beach has homes on the Local Register, which is how they recognize historic properties. Further discussion followed about saying Boynton Beach on the top, the date in the middle and historic landmark on the bottom. The plaque should be dark bronze, dark brown or bronze and black. C. Historic Preservation Programming Mr. Rumpf explained this was a discussion of continuing the program, having a historic preservation planner, and strategic planning. As the Board starts back up, they were trying to advance a plaque program and it will turn into an educational program. A suggestion was made to contact the Boynton Beach Historical Society to see if they would subsidize some of the plaques, once a price is obtained, promoting those properties not designated and to establish a district. Mr. Tidwell thought they could designate a district, and they have to be strategic about it. Chair Ready noted the blocks along Boynton Beach Boulevard were all rezoned. If they are in a Historic District, any development would have to adhere with historic preservation guidelines. Ms. Sexton commented if the Board creates a larger area, they have to promote it and create an aura. She thought Boynton Beach was where Delray Beach was 20 years ago. She further thought young couples would want to live in a house that is within walking distance to amenities. 4 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 17, 2020 Chair Ready explained the City has an ordinance, but it does not offer protection. There was discussion if development is wanted, in some instances, the historic preservation designation is removed. There is also a process before demolition. Ms. Sexton commented Boynton Beach is beautiful and has a lot of great homes on Seacrest Boulevard. Dr. Lowe offered FAU is a huge resource in the area, and if the Board needs any help to get a survey done, to let him know. Chair Ready asked if interns could go door to door and learned they are trained to do so and the work could be done for free. The head of the program is also willing to talk to the Board. There was discussion to start small. (Dr. Lowe left the meeting at 8:06 p.m.) Mr. Tidwell advised the Property Appraisers office had helped appraise properties and he thought volunteers would help. They would go door to door and speak to the owners. If the home is occupied by a renter, a letter should be sent to the owner to promote the program and the tax advantages. The homes are woven within the City. Mr. Ramiccio commented the first step is education and a really good Historic Preservation Program. He thought it should go first to the City Commission and then identify funding sources. It was important to make a strong, concerted effort to educate the public. If there is no funding, the Board should educate the City Commission first and then the public and secure funding to have incentives in place. The members discussed there are ways to build underlying incentives and it was important to identify all the strengths they have in Historic Preservation. The Board should review the 1996 survey to see what structures still exist. With a historic district, there is a hybrid of gerrymandered and geographical boundaries and there are ways to project what property value the home would increase to if designated. He would like to know more about the Certificates of Appropriateness, and some could be Board or staff reviewed. He hoped the applications for demolition come to the Board first. He would be interested to know how many 1996 homes are around, which ones were demolished and who signed off. Chair Ready explained if an application for demolition comes before staff, they document the structure with photos and a suggestion was made there should be another set of eyes reviewing the application. Planners look at it from a planning perspective, but someone else may see something else. Mr. Rumpf reviewed the process advised the historic properties or those 50 years or older are all tagged. Ms. Sexton suggested holding some type of seminar regarding how designated properties add a lot of value. 6. New Business A. None 7. Other 8. Comments by members 5 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 17, 2020 Ms. Sexton explained she has lived in Florida since the late 80s in Boca Raton and then moved to Delray Beach. She grew up in Frankfort, Kentucky, where they have things and homes from the 1800's and beautiful old towns, which she appreciates. She loves Delray and has lived there since 1991. She got started in Historic Preservation in Delray in 2000. She serves on the Delray Beach Preservation Trust and they try to see what is coming their way and challenge it. She noted there were 150 trees designated to be cut down for a bike path north of Atlantic Avenue. They contacted FDOT and they changed the plan and will maintain the tree canopy. Ms. Sexton noted tree canopies in the Gulfstream and other areas are historic. Sometimes it's the feel that has been created over the years is good for designation. She thinks Boynton has good possibilities and wanted to get involved. She is a General Contractor and interior designer. (Mr. Ramiccio left the meeting at 8:32 p.m.) 9. Public Comments None. 10. Adjournment Mr. Rumpf asked if the Board should meet every other month or monthly and learned alternating months was fine. Mr. Tidwell liked using Zoom as a tool to meet. It was announced the next meeting will be held on November 9th If the Board needed to meet sooner, Mr. Rumpf will contact the members. There being no further business to discuss, Chair Ready adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 6