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Agenda 08-09-21 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH r' HISTORIC RESOURCES PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING AGENDA DATE: Monday, August 9, 2021 TIME: 6:30 P.M. PLACE: Commission Chambers, 100 E. Ocean Avenue 1. Agenda Approval 2. Approval of Minutes —June 14, 2021 3. Communications and Announcements 4. Old Business: A. Historic plaques for designated properties —Staff will provide an update on the status of plaques to be fabricated that recognize historic properties and related events, to include a marker for houses/properties on the local registry and the Rosenwald School Plaque. Action is requested from the Board on the redesign of the proposed Rosenwald/Poinciana School Plaque. B. Historic Preservation Programming —Staff will continue facilitating the Board's strategic plan development efforts with continued establishment of goals and/or priorities. 5. New Business: None 6. Other 7. Comments by members 8. Public comments 9. Announce date of next meeting —August, 9, 2021 10. Adjournment The Board may only conduct public business after a quorum has been established. If no quorum is established within 15 minutes of the noticed start time of the meeting the City Clerk or designee will so note the failure to establish a quorum and the meeting shall be concluded. Board members may not participate further even when purportedly acting in an informal capacity. NOTICE THE CITY SHALL FURNISH APPROPRIATE AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES WHERE NECESSARY TO AFFORD AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A SERVICE, PROGRAM, OR ACTIVITY CONDUCTED BY THE CITY. PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, (561)742-6060 OR (TTY) 1-800-955-8771, AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY IN ORDER FOR THE CITY TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE YOUR REQUEST. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS MAY BE ADDED SUBSEQUENT TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE AGENDA ON THE CITY'S WEB SITE. INFORMATION REGARDING ITEMS ADDED TO THE AGENDA AFTER IT IS PUBLISHED ON THE CITY'S WEB SITE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK. Minutes of the Historic Resources Preservation Board Meeting Held on Monday, June 14, 2021, 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 Mike Wilson Hollis Tidwell, III Dr. Ben Lowe (Arrived 6:32 p.m.) Bernard Wright (Arrived 6:39 p.m.) Rhonda Sexton, Alternate 1. Agenda Approval Chair Ready called meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Motion Mr. Wilson moved to approve Mr. Ramiccio seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Approval of Minutes — March 8, 2021 Chair Ready noted a typo on page 2, second paragraph, regarding the Charlie Pierce Trail, " . . . discussions about labeling the trade trail . . . ." and the last sentence of that paragraph should read: " . . . they would use MF. Dr. Lowe's suggestion . Motion Mr. Ramiccio moved to approve as amended. Mr. Tidwell, III seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Communications and Announcements Mr. Rumpf announced the State had two workshops for CI-Gs last month, he participated in both, and they both dealt with federal process, the National Registry Nomination process and the Section 106 process, that all federally funded connected projects be reviewed for impacts on historic resources. The State has committed to provide training exercise and information to help with the City's programming and expertise. Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 He announced a kick-off meeting this Wednesday regarding the City's Historic Preservation website. When the website was updated a few years ago, certain segments of the original website were not integrated. The information was now included and the Board has an opportunity to give the website a once over. Mr. Rumpf will be involved in the process and the members will talk about it under Item 2 Strategic Planning and Programming. He will apprise the Board about different ideas or opportunities to the meeting for input. The previous Historic Preservation Planner sent notices out to property owners of properties that are eligible or ideal for consideration of the local registry, which Mr. Rumpf had committed to do. He noted the property owners may have turned over or changed their mind to see if they are requesting registry. One of his assistants has prepared the letter and look at the data base to pick out 5 to 10 properties at a time to notify after reviewing them for eligibility criteria. Mr. Rumpf was contacted by one property owner of 413 NE 12th Avenue to be added to the registry. There were some modifications which Mr. Rumpf is looking into. Chair Ready asked, regarding CLG workshop, did they streamline the application process. Mr. Rumpf responded it was not discussed and he did not think so. She thought the City might want to have the OHS added to the registry. He commented the National Registry came in with fanfare and bragging rights, but it is the Local Registry that compels its compliance and protection under local ordinance, not the federal level. 4. Old Business: A. Historic plaques for designated properties — Staff will present the latest versions of the plaques that will identify historic properties, including the Rosenwald School Plaque as achieved through assistance provided to the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. Both products are ready to go to final fabrication. Mr. Rumpf had the plaques in two different sizes; one of them a paper plaque. His first impression for one sign was it seemed oversized. He thought about taking the next smaller size and Ms. Wooley from his office modified he plaque to the next official smaller size. It was modified for the wording to fit. One change was the wording "Historic Landmark" was changed to "Historic Site" and "Circa C" would be eliminated. The plaques would be the same materials, glossed with black and the silver, and the cost would be reduced to a little under $100 for the smaller sign. There was discussion it was hard to see the smaller sign, but it was noted, the homes are between 20 and 30 feet from the sidewalk, and the Board members were 60 feet away. Mr. Rumpf advised they are ready to go to fabrication and they can have the plaques in three weeks. As to funding, Mr. Rumpf could cover the purchase of the plaques up front, and then go to the Historical Society and the price is going down. Chair Ready thought they should divide the price between the City, the Historical Society and the owners. 2 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 MMMKINNENTUN— Mr. Ramiccio favored the City purchase the sign rather than have the homeowner pay $33, and he would be willing to contribute. Additionally, there are only nine plaques needed. He thought buy-in from the City Commission was needed. He thought it was helpful to have a paint or fagade improvement program to offer and encourage individuals interested in designation. He hoped there would be funding through the funding process for a part-time person for historic preservation. The City could say they have a program that encourages people to do what the Board wishes them to do. He walked by the Magnuson house and noted the front door looked like a door from Home Depot and it did not look right on this property and it was something the Board could help prevent. He hoped this year the Board could look at windows and doors. Mr. Rumpf commented he took the larger plaque over to the Old High School and would also like another larger historic plaque in front of the building with historic information on it, similar to the one at the Schoolhouse Children's Museum. It would be a common way to mark the buildings and Mr. Rumpf advised he was looking into them. He thought the plaques show program branding and the second larger informative plaque is usually associated with larger buildings. He thought they should have a larger plaque for the larger buildings and smaller plaques for residential homes. Mr. Wilson agreed. Discussion turned to the word "Circa." Chair Ready thought the word "Circa" looked good on the large plaques, but not on the small. Mr. Wilson asked how many residential or governmental properties they would not know the date. Mr. Rumpf responded they know the date from the permit and original records. He noted the property appraiser's records shows Hurricane Alley was built in 1922. Mr. Rumpf commented the word "Circa" covers the whole period of completion and it can avoid discrepancies of actual year built. After further brief discussion, there was consensus to leave the word off the plaques. Dr. Lowe likes the bigger sign, and also the word circa. Since the signs are individualized, the dates will not be the same. He suggested if they don't know, put the word Circa and if they do know, leave it off. Ms. Sexton noted the smaller plaque uses the word "site," which allows it to fit better. Chair Ready explained they have designated light posts, a cemetery and the entranceway to Old Boynton Lakes that was bisected. The plaques would not always be homes. If it is a home, it could say home. She thought home is cozy home and this would be a house and structure. Site was like a cemetery, park or light post. Mr. Rumpf clarified site is used in other cities, when they reviewed property and the impacts, it is the actual site itself which is reviewed. If a historic home is relocated, it nearly always eliminates the possibility of it being changed, because the site is important to its original existence. 3 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 Motion Mr. Wilson moved to approve the cited site plaques, larger for governments and smaller for homes and everything else. The "C" would be eliminated. The colors will be the same and eliminating. Ms. Sexton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The plaques will arrive in three weeks. Mr. Tidwell thought the Board should make a recommendation about the cost. Chair Ready advised she can get the Historical Society to contribute, but the City will cover the upfront cost. There are only three or four homes on the Registry and 7 in total. One is a light post. Difficult to mount one there and have a ground plaque and the cemetery will have a plaque, but they are not traditional structures. Rev. Bernard Wright inquired about the Rosenwald plaque as it pertained to his grandfather. Mr. Rumpf explained it would be a separate plaque they will discuss later. The Rosenwald Plaque is being offered by the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. The organization does this across the country and they are nationally recognized. Many of the original schools that stand today are on the National Registry. They coordinate with local governments. The original plaque's wording was started by the prior historian, Janet Devries, and Mr. Rumpf was contacted last year by a representative of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. Staff is bringing the final design for Boynton's plaque as they are ready to finalize the plaque and they will find a spot near Poinciana Elementary School for the sign. When the sign is done, the City will mount it. The organization requested the sign be placed on the corner of MILK and Seacrest Boulevard as it is a highly visible location and it has parking. It was thought it was as close to the school as it could get. Rev. Wright objected and commented they had been trying to get a plaque to recognize the community's history, which is ongoing. His great grandfather, Robert E. Wells, was instrumental in the first street, church and school in the community. He had been talking with the former Historic Preservation Planner about getting a plaque to recognize Mr. Wells. He thought it would be good if there was a plaque in a size to give the information they need to respect their history, placed where the City and community could see, not just those going inside the school, because the current diversity of the students in the school is minimal compared to the past and most people will never go to the school and learn of its history. He thought the location for the Rosenwald sign is where the sign for Robert E. Wells should go. He thought it would be misleading what Booker T. Washington and the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation had to do with Poinciana. They may have funded black schools being built, but when the school started, it was in Mr. Wells' house. He wanted the history to be accurate and wants racial equity. He thought they should talk about the facts they have. When talking about history, he thought they should say it like it is. The Historic Resources Preservation Board is where people can come in and say our people did this and that so people know about the great city of Boynton Beach. He is black, he lives there and the 4 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 plaque is misleading to him. If he read the other plaque, he would not know anything about Mr. Wells. He would be looking at the Jewish Society, he will be looking at Booker T. Washington, but nothing about the original school that is found. Chair Ready explained there is plenty of room there for lots of other things. They have the Butterfly Mandela. She explained when it is time to work on the plaque, the wording he likes will be taken into consideration. Rev. Wright commented it is about this plaque, where it is placed regarding the history of the school. He is saying the school was founded by his grandfather. It is misleading to him and the community. He wanted his comments on record. Chair Ready explained the effort to get this plaque written, constructed and put in place has been underway for at least five or six years. Rev. Wright disagreed and commented it was eight years ago. Dr. Lowe asked if the language was finalized. Chair Ready explained that was the language Ms. DeVries wrote and she edited. Dr. Lowe noted the sign does not say when the school stopped being used. Chair Ready explained the school was demolished, the second was demolished and then the third school was built. Mr. Wilson asked when the first school was built. Rev. Wright stated the date was 1898. Mr. Wilson commented Ms. DeVries had the date when the school was started. He suggested adding one sentence to the Rosenwald Plaque, but learned they could not fit anymore on the plaque. Rev. Wright commented in 1896, the school district sent a black teacher from West Palm Beach to Boynton Elementary School, which is now Poinciana. Chair ready suggested Rev. Wright think of what he wants on his plaque. Mr. Rumpf gave the dimensions of the sign, Mr. Wilson noted there was talk about putting a plaque in front of Sara Sims Park, but the representative from the Jewish American Society thought it would be more visible at Seacrest Boulevard and MLK Jr. Boulevard. Chair Ready noted on bottom of the plaque, the Board received credit. She and Mr. Rumpf were involved in a long grueling process to get all the information together, but it was a labor of love to get this done. The map of Boynton Beach showed Boynton Beach had the first Rosenwald school. The plaque was done and no further approval was needed. Mr. Rumpf explained the reason he attached a sign in the meeting materials was to show this was the organization's general narrative. It was also pointed out the Rosenwald organization did not pay for the entire school; they required the community to pitch in financially and physically help build the school. Mr. Tidwell explained the plaque does not tell the whole story and that is important. The plaque says the school was constructed in 1925. He asked where the Boynton students went to school in 1924. Mr. Wilson responded they went to school in West Palm Beach, however, Reverend Wright disagreed as Black students did not go to West Palm Beach. All the Black students attended school at Mr. Wells' house in 1924, then moved over to the school in 1925 and it is important to the story. The first school to integrate was Galaxy. Chair Ready explained the narrative for the Rosenwald Plaque was the history 5 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 — e of the Rosenwald School. She thought Rev. Wright's plaque will address the history of Poinciana School. Mr. Tidwell noted the plaque notes the history of the Rosenwald school in Palm Beach County, Poinciana Elementary School. Mr. Rumpf thought what Chair Ready was saying was the relationship between Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, and the history of how it happened and how many schools in the nation that were funded and were built because of the relationship between the two individuals. They are promoting a program that is historic. The school here has its own history, but the emphasis is the program and that is what has achieved national notoriety, which is the focus. There is not enough to hone in the City's historic Poinciana School. Rev. Wright commented the national recognition is not the issue; it is the local historic recognition that is the issue. Mr. Rumpf agreed. Rev. Wright explained local history has been disenfranchised. Too many people do not know the history of Poinciana School that are living down the road. He thought the Rosenwald sign would be misleading and the plaque should be reworded, edited and noted the City did the plaque on their own accord without input from him or the community. Mr. Rumpf commented they either recognize the focus of the Jewish American Society and let them have their plaque and the City do something separate, or say no thanks. There is a time and a place for it all. The issue is equity in our City, globally, nationally and in the City. He thought all needed to get on the right track about diversity. If doing it historically, do it correctly, and recognize all. Ms. Sexton suggested putting a sentence in the plaque that the students at Mr. Wells'; school moved into this school in 1925. Chair Ready thought it may confuse the issue because Mr. Wells' school was older and students were being schooled outside of someone's home. Rev. Wright explained that was two schools and this is one school. Chair Ready responded she was talking about a school building. Rev. Wright conveyed a school is the people and the staff, the same way a church is the people and not the building. There was one school and one purpose for the people for the interest of black people to become educated. It was just Boynton Colored School. She thought it was a simple thing to state so there would be no confusion that there was another school. Mr. Wilson advised there was no school, students were taught in someone's homes, so there was no school building prior to the school. Rev. Wright noted in 1986, the School District sent a black teacher from West Palm Beach to Boynton Elementary School. In 1925, it became Boynton Colored School. His grandfather planted food along the intracoastal and there were no black and white colored fountains until 1925. There was one school and one people. Chair Ready was glad Rev. Wright was working on the wording for his plaque and looked forward to assisting him. Rev. Wright commented the teachers were from the Wells Family. He also noted it was a one room schoolhouse on Federal Highway. He advised he was sitting on the Board for accurate history. Prior to serving on the Board, he was working with the former Historic Preservation Planner. B. Historic Preservation Programming —The Board will again be prompted to continue any discussions regarding desired preservation activities and programming. Staff will suggest both short- and long-term planning 6 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 activities, considering immediate and future needs, and resourcefulness. Chair Ready thought they could use a book, "The Economic Impacts of Historic Preservation in Florida" from the State of Florida Heritage Office, which has goals and strategies and can serve as a template for goals and strategies. Mr. Rumpf explained putting together a Strategic Work Plan is not done overnight and will take several meetings. He had handouts to discuss ideas and advised the members can talk generally or specifically and he will take notes. The members can talk about strategies on how to build a strategic plan as well. Mr. Rumpf tried to look at other cities to find other programs, and they were helpful and can serve as a guide. The Board has to consider resourcefulness. He would rather have it be a strategic plan and then determine how to make it work and implement it. He took the purpose and intent is taken from the Preservation Ordinance, which provides general guides, statements and goals. He had a comprehensive historic preservation historic plan from Madison, Wisconsin from which they can pick and choose ideas and an excerpt from the 2017 long range plan from the state, which is being updated. Chair Ready thought it would be good to have a master plan to change and grow and be amended as needed and goals and strategies how to reach those goals. Ms. Sexton asked about having a full- time historic planner. She asked if it would facilitate funding from the state and learned it would be City funds. Ms. Sexton explained when the City qualifies with a planner in place, they have access to different things. Chair Ready noted the City has CLG which gives special status and access to grants. Chair Ready thought they need to do a workshop on the item and everyone should review the information. Chair Ready thought it would be nice to have a mission statement and did not recall if Mr. Adams wrote a mission statement. They state a goal and have strategies to reach that goal. If they want a full time Historic Preservation Planner, they need strategies and a budget to pay for it. Mr. Rumpf explained the budget meetings are in July and gave a framework for the process. The Board could dedicate certain meetings and have a schedule. Mr. Rumpf will try to get some time of guest speakers to talk about the process, make recommendations and have a workshop. Mr. Rumpf advised the members could dedicate nearly the entire agenda on this discussion. Dr. Lowe thought if the budget process is occurring in July, they have to come up with something to present regarding funding for what they want to do, otherwise they have to wait another year, and it was thought the Board would need funding before that. He commented some of the Board Members have been speaking to their Commissioners. Their next meeting would be after the budget process. He queried how do they work that, if there are one or two things they really want to put in the budget. He thought they should flush it all out as they need a budget this year. Ms. Sexton thought surveys would be a good start and noted there is no Historic District in the City. She thought an important goal is to conduct a survey as there had been discussion about the Cottage District, which she does not know where it is. She did a survey using Zillow and the Property Appraiser's site and the area SE or SW 3rd to Boynton Beach Boulevard has over 40 properties built before 1940 that she identified. That is a good starting point, 7 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 and it ties in with the Old High School and Children's Museum because it is so close, which could expand into a historic setting. If they are going to ask for funding, it should be to conduct a survey. Dr. Lowe agreed, but noted the Board does not have the time and ability to do this. They have to hire people to oversee it and get people and volunteers to do it the right way. They need a replacement for Warren Adams. Rev. Wright explained his concern if they want it designated, is it would be the Board's job to do all they can to obtain funding and preserve history. He was sure there were still many sites. Ms. Sexton suggested creating a perimeter, create a district, and talk about tax abatements that are available. The incentive is a nice plaque and abatements. It will not be overnight, but if they do a survey, and they get consensus, a District is wanted, they have something to build on. With one successful district, they can use it to showcase it to other districts. Chair Ready noted Ms. Sexton mentioned a goal and the strategy to enumerate the benefits. If she had a historic home, they need to address why she would want it to be designated. Within each goal, there are strategies to reach the goal. A goal is a full-time Historic Preservation Planner, and the strategy to get one is to justify they need one to reach out to 40 homes in a district. Mr. Adams had identified a small district to start with, it was more concentrated. She did not know how many homes Ms. Sexton identified in the area she looked at. There would be contributing and non-contributing properties in the district. She would see that as a major goal and with July being on top of the Board regarding funding, she did not know what they can accomplish or if they could create a mission statement to put forward to the City Commission containing some goals for 2021/2022. It does not have to be a full page of goals and surveys. Chair Ready emphasized if the Board will ask for it, they have to explain why it is needed and she noted historic preservation drives the economy in every small downtown area across the country. Chair Ready commented they may have to put something forward this year, to plant a seed and say how important it is. Delray Beach is close by and is a good example of historic preservation as an economic driver, as is Ormond Circle on the west coast, St. Augustine. The preservation drives the economy in those towns. She thought they should try to have something written up. If not funded this year, they planted a seed and can fight for funding next year. Chair Ready could create a mission statement. They start putting plaques on building and have a plan they can waive. Mr. Wilson suggested putting together a list of recommendations where they want to head in the future. He suggested three members with expertise in focusing on why a Historic Planner would be a good idea. Other members may want to look at MLS and PAPA regarding historic home, district, surveys and construction. He thought a list of what needed to be done was vital. Rev. Wright commented Boynton was a great city; whites and blacks came to Boynton Beach. A lot of people did not know people from all over the country and people from came from Dade and Jacksonville came to Boynton for the weekend. Rev. Wright hoped the Board could get the resources to see what is still standing and preserve it. 8 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 Ms. Sexton thought if the Board cannot get a full-time planner, they should request a part-time planner and updated inventory were two goals. Chair Ready thought more than just her needed to show up at the budget meeting. She noted May was Historic Preservation Month and only she and Mr. Wilson attended. Commissioners listen to people. She thought if more members showed up, the Commission would listen. Rev. Wright volunteered to attend and commented he also attends meetings. Chair Ready thought the Board needed to send a unified message. The budget is tight this year. Ms. Sexton suggested each member individually write out what they need and send it to Mr. Rumpf and he could format it. Chair Ready recommended each member list at least three goals. The Commission has to recognize the importance of Historic Preservation and the impact it could have on economic development. All have to end in the same direction. Mr. Ramiccio agreed all must be on the same page. He thought it was vitally important to have a full or part-time planner. He was aware of the budget process. The members can attend as members of the Board, but the work needs to be done before that. Usually the Mayor and Commission looks for recommendations from staff to present a preliminary not-to-exceed budget. They have to have a recommendation from the City Planning and Development Director. If it is not brought in at that level in order have buy-in from them to tell the Commission how important it increases property values, the tax base, preserves history and more. The Board can do all this, but if they do not do the work and have the support of staff ahead of time, he has never heard of a City Commission adopting a Historic Preservation program based on comments from the public. It usually starts with someone working on their home and they have problems and they go to City Hall and they can't get what they want or were stopped in the middle of a preservation project or expansion, and then it came to light and they came forward and the City says what can we do. They need an entire program and incentive programs. The City must show, when they send a letter out inviting homeowners to be part of a Historic District, the improvements they can help them with. They have to find out if they have support from the person making the recommendation. Mr. Ramiccio has worked on some Commissioners, but they need others to work on them that they believe in the program and the survey. The core area is already planned, between Seacrest and Federal from 5th to 5th. He noted when travelling over 1-95, there are some properties that are eligible. They cannot look at those properties once every 10 years, it has to be a systematic survey. The budget is more than $100M. The Commission wants to roll back the millage rate or maintain it. They can find a couple hundred thousand in the third largest City in the County, which has a rich history. Funding is important. Commissioner Penserga and Mayor Grant believe in the program. There are some properties in Ocean ridge that could be tied in. He noted the Mayor is going out. They should request at least an email from the Commission and work with City staff and asked if there is a reason financially if they cannot afford a full- time planner. They may need other planner positions that could be split as part time historic and part time planner. Chair Ready noted they were advertising for a planner with Historic Preservation duties. It takes a lot of finessing. When developing a program or district, it could improve their property. 9 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 Chair Ready liked the beautification and improvement aspects, and they have been using CRA money, but it can only be spent in the CRA district. Mr. Rumpf explained the budget process begins in February/March each year. To do what is discussed was a little late. A preliminary budget was prepared and has already gone to a budget committee. Their budget went to the budget committee and staff proposed two positions; one was cut and he thought the other position may be cut. They added another$50K for consulting, knowing they would not get a Zoning Technician that was needed. There is automation in that process, but the position was cut. Hard to propose and request money. An enterprise that funds grants, he has prepared proposals for grants and it requires a lot of detailed information to apply. He agreed it should go to the Commission. Mr. Rumpf offered to formulate something and the request should come from the Chair. The request could preliminarily say the Board is in the process of formulating a mission statement for the next year with some short term returns this year, but they need staffing. He thought they were a year off. He thought now is the time to start showing the Commission their interest. Mr. Adams had established a history of the program, when he left, the program was essentially established. They reassessed the needs Citywide of money and employees. The Department's needs outweighed the needs of the program because the program was basically established. The thought was Mr. Rumpf could keep the program going, compared to the other demands and resources for money. It is not as if the program is not important to the City, there were other objectives resulting in the funds being used elsewhere in the Department. He is here to keep the program going, keeping the CLG requirements valid and growing. He will help with a mission statement. They have the educational arm going, issuing letters to homeowners, and getting the website up as that component was left out. It should be on the front page of the website and branded to the hilt. He announced his last day of work will be sometime in the third quarter of next year, which could be a prime time to replace him with someone with planner expertise. They had two candidates for their Senior Planner vacancy. One had Historic Preservation and board liaison experience, but that person was not selected. He also noted Principal Planner Ed Breese is resigning July 9th, and the replacement will start July 12th. Mr. Rumpf was not ready to retire, maybe his work'will somehow continue with the City under contract. Chair Ready volunteered Mr. Rumpf. Mr. Wilson asked if it was permissible under the Sunshine Law if they communicate via email. Mr. Rumpf stated the members should not deliberate on anything that will come before the Board. They can communicate it to Mr. Rumpf. He noted the Board meets every other month in order to meet the State's requirements for meeting the CLG requirements and he suggested the Board could meet twice a month. If space and clerks are available, they can meet monthly. Dr. Lowe asked if they can meet in the community room. There was consensus to meet once a month over the summer. The next meeting will be July 12th. Mr. Rumpf will find out if it conflicts with the budget hearings. They next meeting will have a clear agenda. Everyone shall write five goals, and then they could strategize them as well. August 9th for the next meeting is fine. The members will email their five goals to Mr. Rumpf. A goal is a general idea of what you 10 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2021 want something to be. Underneath they will have a mission, goals and objectives and action and then measurables. The members were requested to write five goals and two or three actions to accomplish them and email them to him. Mr. Rumpf explained he is not a Historic Preservation Planner, but he prepared the grant for this project and oversaw the inventory for it. He is not opposed to an inventory and the State wants the site file form inventory on all sites that are 50 years old or older, but with programming, he wants to solicit the plaque program, the preservation benefits to property owners of the properties that are the most eligible, that have architectural character. The newer homes they get, turned 50 in 1996, but the inventory was just completed and was missed. It is characteristic of the Heart of Boynton home, simple vernacular that has been altered, but the newer homes they get, they won't want to spend time on versus the homes that are already in the inventory now. Mission, Frame and Vernacular homes are important. Chair Ready inquired about the interns that run on a semester basis. Dr. Lowe responded they are getting short on the fall. The internships are set. He thought they would be available by the spring, but they need several months in advance to get the program to supply what they need. Interns would need overseeing and a place to work. They cannot get interns unless staff gets the program. Mr. Rumpf did not work with interns, only the planners. Some planners may be available if they are interested in getting a government position. Dr. Lowe suggested having Dr. Norma come and ask her about what she can provide. She can advise what the parameters are. Dr. Norma will contact Mr. Rumpf. 5. New Business: None 6. Other 7. Comments by members 8. Public comments 9. Announce date of next meeting —August, 9, 2021 10. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Ready adjourned meeting at 8:22 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 11 DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT TO: Chair and Members, Historic Resources Preservation Board FROM: Michael Rumpf Planning & Zoning Administrator DATE: August 5, 2021 RE: Historic Resources Preservation Board Regular meeting of August 9, 2021 Staff Report This report and exhibits represent the combined back-up for the subject agenda. Item 3. Communications and Announcements • Okahumpka Rosenwald School—In conjunction with the Rosenwald School Plaque item to be acted on by the Board, staff is circulating an excerpt of an article on another Rosenwald School receiving recognition in Florida. The Okahumpka Rosenwald School, located in rural Lake County, was completed in 1930 and is one of the few remaining schools constructed with seed money from the Rosenwald Fund. The school structure was recently added to the Florida Trust's "11 to Save List", as intended to increase recognition of the historic asset and promote its preservation. For the readers who are unaware, the historic Boynton High School (nka Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center)was placed on the State's list of the 11 most endangered historic places in 2015. • Request for Local Historic Designation—225 NE 12th Avenue— Staff is currently assembling application materials and conducting some research for the property owner to assist with completing the application for Historic Site Designation. Item 4.A. Historic Plaques for Designated Properties Staff will provide an update on establishing plaques to identify historic properties, including the small wall plaque for historic homes, and the Rosenwald School Plaque that has been requested by the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. The order for the small wall plaque has been sent to the manufacturer and is expected to be received within one to two weeks. The Rosenwald Plaque design has been revised since last presented to the Board. Subsequent to the June 14th meeting, staff me with Board Member Wright to discuss the plaque, who described the lack of any recognition on the Rosenwald Plaque of the school that existed prior to seed money being provided by the Rosenwald Fund. Mr. Wright stressed that as initially drafted, the plaque could be interpreted to mean that the school did not exist until money was made available from the Rosenwald Fund. Staff agreed with this finding and in response, drafted an opening paragraph solely devoted to documenting the pre-existing school as established by members of the local St. Paul AME Church. Therefore, staff reorganized and slightly reworded the remainder of the narrative for flow purposes and to offset the increase in wording added by the first paragraph(to continue meeting the maximum word limit). There was not the word capacity to provide more background on this early school established for the segregated black children in the community. However, staff opines that the importance of the school being initially created locally would be clearly represented by the proposed modification to the plaque. The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation is ready to move forward with the plaque's fabrication. Action is requested from the Board on the redesign of the proposed Rosenwald/Poinciana School Plaque. Item 4.B. Historic Preservation Programming The Board will again be prompted to continue discussions regarding desired preservation activities and programming, to be guided by a strategic work plan. At the end of the June 14th meeting the Board was suggested bring to this next meeting a list of their top 5 or more goals or priorities for a Strategic Plan that would guide the Board's activities and actions in the coming year. Any goals provided to staff in the interim would be consolidated and used to facilitate continued discussions. Recommendations provided to staff to date have been reviewed and placed into 6 categories as a suggested method of, or format for organizing a work plan. The initial topics or categories that appear to be taking shape are listed and described as follows: 1. Sta in —Full- or part-time staff(i.e. Historic Preservation Planner) dedicated to the City's Historic Preservation Program. Dedicated staff would represent the program's budget needs, and coordinate and oversee the use of consultants and intern resources needed for program proj ects. 2. Updating/Maintaining Historic Property Survey—Updating of the City's historic site inventory is a core function of a historic preservation program and expected of Certified Local Governments. This task should be ongoing and can be conducted by coordinated efforts using interns from the local university. This is also an important prerequisite to identifying opportunities for historic districts and properties to be targeted for potential additions to the local registry, even possibly through proactive designations. 3. Identification ofHistoric District(s) —The first attempt to establish a historic district should be revisited and evaluated for lessons learned and opportunity for a repeated effort. 4. Program Promotion/Education—Possible programs to consider include creating a"Top 10 List" to spotlight and target worthy sites for preservation; research, create, and produce stories about Boynton's history; create historic walking tours and a visitor's center, program special events/celebrations, update brochures, videos and create a high-quality website; and target educating the City Commission on historic preservation importance. Establish a"pilot program" to encourage homeowners to preserve. 5. Fundraising&Budget Allocation Regularly seek grants and other sources of funds to support programs. Demolition fees, state grants, through partnership with the CRA, city budgeted funds, etc. 6. Paint-up, fix-up Proms Through incentives, and/or grants or other funding sources, promote rehab or other home improvements to maintain historic features and therefore preserve the property value and site integrity. Exhibits -2 - COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 3 . The Florida Trust Announces 2021 11 to Save List Okahumpka Rosenwald School Ex erlo j"rom Article by Ennis Davis, MCP The Joyson ,,July 27, 101.E x . F t S YIRaft ARNELL HAWKINS 1948.196. . FLORIDA'S ROSA PARRS 11 IS MIND WAS A TEUIR.E T91M TU WASTE xmmmea i psi .na i uru urs i._: A lamph3 fri ad IuV Ln UFIt0,7t<y ! N51a=YON �w'�T Unlllfbfld[grerdl d®Iran&efi dlLakrindr fai men lata+m•YYmroArlU.Wnoape�nrp '(z�Y S t - . Okahulnpka (Lake County) Built 1930 Completed in 1930, the Okahumpka Rosenwald School is one of the few surviving structures remaining in nearly original form that was built through the Rosenwald Fund. A result of a collaboration of philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and Black educator Booker T. Washington, the Rosenwald Fund was a program that constructed more than 5,000 schools for Black children across the South from 1913 to 1932. The school was constructed to serve the children of Okahumpka, a Black community of mostly orange grove, watermelon farm and turpentine making laborers in rural Lake County. Okahumpka was the birthplace of Virgil Hawkins, a Black man who was denied admission to the University of Florida law school in 1949 because the color of his skin. After applying to the Florida Supreme Court under the Equal Protection Clause, Hawkins eventually withdrew his application to OF in exchange for a Florida Supreme Court order desegregating UF's graduate and professional schools. Time has taken a toll on the structure, which has been neglected, unused and vandalized over the past two decades. In addition, The Villages, a nearby rapidly growing and sprawling community is threatening to erase the rural historic setting and way of life of Okahumpka. As a result, the Okahumpka Community Club is working to raise funds to restore the property to serve as a community center. 413 NE 12 Avenue — Meeks Property — 1946 1 c1 Ix VK W, I �r s _ E - cr{SSSt1U�l{iyl std°s t{tKt c a f r••at fr#St?sa}a tr{rtjva tN}�ray tY iilsf}aii;r)4a�;r t-�a} iH}{ql 7 k ;ti a { ha� ' -- ,' t t jj I � a i d S s �n7 a Iw " i wi l t :-`!lfl l MITT,rn . r "#iFt 4h1.J OLD BUSINESS 4.A Historic plaques for designated properties ji .( ROSENWALD SCHOOLS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY POINCIANA ELEMENTARY; "BOYNTON COLORED SCHOOL" I In 1912,Tuskegee Institute founder Booker T.Washington invited Jewish- American philanthropist Julius Rosenwald to serve on the Tuskegee board of directors to help African-American education,where rural,segregated southern schools suffered from inadequate facilities and books. Rosenwald's 1917 school building fund encouraged local collaboration between blacks and whites by providing seed money and requiring €' communities to raise matching funds. Between 1917 and 1932, Rosenwald funded 5,357 community schools and industrial shops in 15 southern ! states. 1 Palm Beach County's first Rosenwald-funded school was the Boynton Colored School, constructed in 1925-26 and renamed Poinciana School in 1960.School Superintendent Joe Youngblood petitioned the Rosenwald Fund for emergency monies after the devastating September 1928 hurricane that left the Boynton school intact but damaged or leveled most other PBC schools. By 1931 Rosenwald schools and industrial trade shops were operating in Jupiter, Boca Raton, Delray Beach (shop),West Palm Beach (school,shop), Pahokee, Belle Glade,South Bay, Kelsey City, and Canal Point (school, library). - r 77 I ROSENWALD SCHOOLS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY Julius Rosenwald&Booker T Washington r � u � t jLi ii; to a 17 � 1 ��4 r,il,� g - w Teacher Blanche Hearst Girtman e: at the Boynton School _ a WON - I hm p�„ .-m�tarauc Boynton School built 1925-26 Jewish American Society for Boynton Beach Historic Boynton Beach Historic Preservation Resources Preservation Board Historical Society Proposed revision to Rosenwald/Poinciana Plaque narrative. An informal school for black children was established before 1900 by members of the St. Paul AME Church. In 1907, the congregation petitioned the School Board for a teacher and built a small building on donated land. The school later received further assistance through a unique partnership involving a philanthropic businessman and a black educator. Jewish-American philanthropist Julius Rosenwald was invited by Tuskegee Institute founder, Booker T. Washington, in 1912 to serve on their board of directors to help African American education. Segregated southern schools suffered from inadequate facilities and supplies. Their partnership initiated a school building fund in 1917 that provided seed money encouraging local collaborations between blacks and whites. In 1925-26, the Boynton Colored School, renamed Poinciana in 1954, became the County's first Rosenwald-funded school receiving seed money for a new building. Rosenwald funds were ultimately used to rebuild or construct schools and trade shops in 11 cities throughout the County. By 1932, Rosenwald helped fund 5,357 African American schools in 15 states.