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Minutes 08-09-21 Minutes of the Historic Resources Preservation Board Meeting Held on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. In City Hall, Commission Chambers 100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida Present: Barbara Ready, Chair Mike Rumpf, Board Liaison Thomas Ramiccio Bernard Wright Hollis Tidwell, III Michael Wilson Rhonda Sexton Dr. Ben Lowe 1. Agenda Approval Chair Ready welcomed all to the meeting and called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Approval of the agenda. Motion Mr. Ramiccio moved to approve the agenda. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Approval of Minutes —June 14, 2021 Motion Mr. Ramiccio moved to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Communications and Announcements Mike Rumpf, Board Liaison and Planning and Zoning Administrator, explained they worked on one residential plaque for a historic home and it was ordered from the foundry. The order went in with a common date. He noted there were several homes built in 1925 and a former member has a 1925 home. He will check with him to see if he is interested in a plaque and they can work on it to see how it roll out in the final stage of implementation. Mr. Rumpf only ordered one. If the members like the plaque as it is, they can order more and if they order some before October 1St, he may be able to find unencumbered funds. Given the smaller size and lower price, they should be able to get two other plaques for the two homes on the Registry. Chair Ready queried if Mr. Rumpf would order one for the Old High School. Mr. Rumpf stated he initially received support Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 from the administration for the larger size plaque. Chair Ready requested a cost break down to bring to the Historical Society to help with plaque costs. Mr. Rumpf explained he included a few items in the agenda packet and noted to continue the Board's understanding in national and state recognition of Rosenwald Schools, there was information about a celebration that occurred when a school in Okahumpka in Lake County was placed on the endangered list. He noted the OHS/Cultural Center was placed on the 11 most endangered historic places in 2015. He hoped the same thing would occur with the Okahumpka Rosenwald School, which is more interesting, since the original structure remains. Mr. Rumpf announced there is interest in a home being added to the Registry which is a 1946 house on NE 12th Avenue. He commented they will develop the program and lay out rules, processes, fees, applications, etc. The application is lengthy and technical. To make it more user-friendly for the applicant, Mr. Rumpf was trying to provide some research for the applicant. Some of the information is best coming from them as it asks for a lot of insight. He sought to simplify the process. Chair Ready thought it was a good idea. 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. Mr. Rumpf explained he tried to address the concerns of Rev. Wright, and there is limited space on the plaque. When he met with Rev. Wright, the plaque was misleading in the sense the school did not exist until the Rosenwald funds were available. He clarified the school was started locally by church members well before it became the recipient of the Rosenwald funds, which was why the first paragraph was split up. There was not enough space for all of the additional language, so they removed the list of the cities in the counties where the 11 Rosenwald Schools existed and were funded. The wording was not crafted inanely, but there is meaning to it. Although it was revised to be more general. He gave Rev. Wright the opportunity to make revisions, but none of what he changed was there. He said the school was not informal and was as formal as any other school. He suggested removing the word informal and saying the school for Black children was established before 1896, not by members of St Paul, although they were members of St. Paul who established to the church and one of them who happened to be Rev. Wright's grandfather. Rev. Wright did not support generalizations, they are dealing with history as it has to do with legacy and inheritance. He stated they will put in what should be added, because they added Jewish/American philanthropist Julius Rosenwald was invited by the Tuskeegee Institute Founder, Booker T. Washington, which neither one had anything to 2 Meeting in Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton c , Florida1 o with the initiation nestablishment school. They know about . Washington. Rev. Wright pointedout no one knows about Robert E. Wells. He stated wanted the community's i recognized; especi ll i systemic r ci . He wanted some thingst Rosenwald can be honoredin this, no different ICarolyn i t and peoplei their proper due. He did not want the Boardo whitewash the plaque. Chair Ready asked for input from o r lot of tweaking massagingregarding l wording. r o ly did not mentionname of any Black ra o contributed to the Black history. Rev. Wright pointed out the plaque had Jewish names in a Blackn. Chair Ready commented the plaqueis being sponsoredJewish/American i toric I Society. Rev. Wrightt they do not need it moneyo put their plaques up andmoney not override i y have Ick money andill put a plaquethere themselves before they allowno o whitewash something. Chair Ready stated y offered to helpWrightit wording for a plaqueo be placed inside school lobby. Rev. Wright rejected thought ying that only the parents and students would see it inside c of and the Board is to put the plaqueon the corner for everyone t , including tourists. He thought it was misleadingit history and whitewashingtheir history. Chair Ready commented puttingI inside c ool lobby was hisidea. He said it was only one of a fewchange his mind. He wants the sign in the right Ice. Chair Ready agreed if he wanted to change hisi could n Board would try to help. Chair Ready explained an anon u o o offered for a plaquei plaque they arei to workon is in recognitionBlack ili s, and Black history is a separate plaque. Rev. Wright explained that has nothing to do withr o r s contemplating the location ori of the plaque. stated it misleads their historyit doesnot override or supersede the truth. Chair Ready commented this is an important s c . Rev. Wrightresponded it was not as important as the aspect of school that was establishedr came in r the school established in 1896. Chair Ready explainedacknowledged n included the wording in the plaque. . Wright disagreedi not like proposed o in . Chair Ready asked for additional comments frome Board. Dr. Lowe commented an orderly i people r interrupting one another. All have to be abler what someone says withoutin interrupted. v. Wright requested he not patronize him and Dr. Lowe responded s not patronizing anyone. is just respectful and commented the wordick needs to be capitalizedit signifies race. Rev. Wright asked why they wanted to capitalize rd Black. They weretalking about removing the word informal and he contended it is denigration. He asked why the Boardi of want to recognize who the members of St. Paul were. He reiterated the name Juli s Rosenwald, the Tuskegee Instituter . Washington, Wells. He stated he was one Black member among six White members and he thought it spoke volumes. He stated the Boardis a volunteer Board, but there should be greater diversity on the Board. s talking about BI iso spoke about effort and fairness Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 this and every Board inti municipality. He asked Mr. Rumpf if he could fix this and thought Chair Ready could not dictate being a Chairperson. Mr. Tidwell thought it was inadequate and does not tell the whole story. He does copy work for a major company and there is a lot that could be fit into 160 words. He did not think there needed to be two plaques. Chair Ready explained they to Mr. Hollis' input from the last meeting and amended the text on the plaque, and included the prior history of the school. Rev. Wright thought it was still not adequate, and stated this is not the plaque that recognizes Poinciana School. This is a plaque that recognizes what Rosenwald contributed tat County. Chair Ready stated there is not enough room on the plaque to include the names of everybody who did everything fort school. Rev. Wright commented as a District 11 member representing his it , they are not going to approve of this plaque beire Chair Ready suggested. He stated Chair Ready could put it in her garage. He wanted the plaque on the corner of MLK He asserted he will protest this and it will go against Chair Ready. He asserted it would be against her, because it was her that was adamant about trying to whitewash their history. He will call Chanel 5, 12 and 10 tonight. He stated this will go down in history where she is going up a whole nation of people today about this piece of history. Mr. Ramicco explained when a point of order is made, it supersedes debate. It stops all ® When it is made, itshould to and allow him to make his point. The of is they adopted Roberts Rules of Order, as the forum to conduct meetings. He respects Rev. Wright, but he wanted to ensure the way the Board conducts its meeting follows Roberts Rules. If you rule to continue to use Robert Rules, then each member can speak for a moment or two, and then that is it. There is no back and forth. Mr. Ramicco commented there were things said to him that were degrading to him and it seemed like he was put into a group of people that had done something bad to the community. He stated that comments should not be directed to him ort rest of the Board. Mr. Ramicco thought there was some confusion. for tot Rosenwald plaque in presented, there was a discussion between Rev. Wright and Mr. Rumpf about putting together a plaque to recognize some history of Rev. Wright's family and church was involved in. He thought the wording was a compromise, and he recognized Rev. Wright was looking for a different in of recognition for his family, but he understood this was a funded plaque by the organization that actually built the school and funded the school, so it is a different recognition plaque than the actual history of the first school. There has been confusion between the two, that maybe through communication can be fixed. He has no problem approving this plaque tonight fort purpose it is being stated and approved for and he would have no problem approving another plaque int future recognizing the founding members aft Church and those that were instrumental in starting the first school. They are not changing history by changing the plaque because history is history. The plaque is a symbol of recognition of a location or an event that 4 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 happened in that place. He thought it was being taken too literally that this becomes their history. Rev. Wright disagreed. It is history and it will sit where everyone can see it. He was adamant that the plaque's placement and wording, were both an issue and was misleading. Chair Ready disagreed. Mr. Wilson agreed there are two parts of the history. From the rewording of the plaque, it focuses on one part of the history which occurred around 1925 or 1926. For him there are multiple aspects of the history: there is the St. Paul's Church where children were taught, based on Federal Highway, early history and the second part of the history. They can look at all parts and celebrate each one. He thought the wording on the plaque recognizes one purpose which is what it is supposed to do. Ms. Sexton agreed with both gentlemen. There are multiple eras and time frames. Each era had its own history and each part of the history could be celebrated with a separate plaque. Rev. Wright's history is prior to the plaque, but,this group came forward to promote their part of the history. She did not understand why there is a problem with a plaque that celebrates the first part of the history, especially when one group is stepping forward to celebrate. They should celebrate both. Dr. Lowe explained they cannot put everything on one plaque. There is an extensive history and history choses what is put on the plaque. Whichever plaque is used, the wording has to be based on the intention of the plaque, why it is being created and where it is put. That part of the story has to go on that plaque. Another part of the story is a second plaque that could be placed somewhere else for a different reason. Rev. Wright thought the plaque would be put where no one could see it. Chair Ready noted Rev. Wright wanted it in the school, but the location can be changed. Mr. Tidwell asked why the project come before the Board. Mr. Rumpf explained the former Assistant City Manager was contacted by Jerry Clinger a representative of the Jewish/American Society for Historic Preservation and directed him to Mr. Rumpf for the Board as there was no other formal process for it to go before the City for review and oversight. He requested Mr. Tidwell elaborate on his thoughts as it is good to gather all ideas Mr. Tidwell thought if he rewrote it, with what he knows from reading the first and second plaques. He would need a night to think about it. He thought the plaque was doing what they want it to do. There are multiple errors in history, but when you go to Venice visitors do not see seven plaques on structures. He asked if there are other plaques in the County or if it will be the one that starts their program. Chair Ready did not know if it will be put in front of other schools in Palm Beach County. There were 11 schools in Palm Beach County that were assisted, but they wanted Poinciana School because it was the first school. As a result of the 1928 Hurricane many schools were demolished. They were still under Dade County and had not yet separated into Palm Beach County, and they asked the Rosenwald fund to help fund schools that were demolished. Poinciana escaped much damage. The Rosenwald Fund stepped up and 5 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton.Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 gave a donation to help with the Glades schools, which was pretty much demolished. They made significant contributions to Palm Beach County and she thought they deserve recognition. Rev. Wright thought all who contributed deserve recognition and thought it could easily be worked out. Chair Ready explained they are limited in the number of words on the plaque and the thrust of the plaque is the contribution Rosenwald made to Palm Beach County. The City has the honor to be the first one in Palm Beach County and it is an honor they wanted to put their plaque in Boynton Beach. She would be interested in hearing anyone's motion. Rev. Wright asked if Chair Ready was Jewish. Motion Rev. Wright moved the wording on this (plaque) is not conclusive of this plaque to go up in his district that he represents. A question was posed if the motion was to defer. Rev. Wright stated he was talking about putting it up as is. Mr. Tidwell seconded the motion Rev. Wright clarified the motion was this was not to be conclusive that this is the wording on the plaque to be placed on Seacrest and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Mr. Ramiccio suggested moving to defer this for further study. Rev. Wright amended his motion as suggested. Mr. Tidwell seconded the motion. The motion failed 2 — 5 (Chair Ready, Ms. Sexton. Dr. Lowe and Messrs. Wilson and Ramiccio dissenting.) Motion Mr. Ramiccio moved for approval of the plaque as presented. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-2 (Mr.Tidwell and Rev. Wright dissenting.) Rev. Wright advised they will see the biggest protest they have ever seen when the plaque is ready to go up and there is systemic racism on this Board. Ms. Sexton asked if Rev. Wright would like to see the plaque that honors his grandfather and other members of the community where the original school was built. Rev. Wright stated he wants a plaque that honors his grandfather right where the Board is talking about placing this plaque. Ms. Sexton asked why he would not want it placed where his school was built and in a random place instead. Reverend Wright asked why he would want it in White town. He stated he lives in Black town. Ms. Sexton asked if that was where the school was and why he would not want it where the original school was. Rev. Wright responded at that time, there was no separation of the races. Ms. Sexton explained they are not trying to separate races. Rev. Wright commented a plaque on Federal would do no good there. Ms. Sexton asked if that was where the original school was and learned that was where the church was that Rev Wright's grandfather built and started a school. Ms. Sexton stated she was suggesting the plaque honoring Rev Wright's grandfather and the church members should be where the original school sat. Rev. Wright strongly disagreed stating it was like taking the plaque and sticking it in a garage. The setting and location were separated with segregation of Jim Crow. Ms. Sexton asked if Rev. Wright visited cities like Charleston or Atlanta and looked at the plaques of historic places. She explained they call it "history on a stick". A plaque might be in front of a house, but it was a battleground years ago. It does not make sense not to put the plaque where the history 6 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 was. Rev Wright suggested for his community, history and his legacy, it be in the Black neighborhood where it could be recognized. Rev Wright explained he is against it is going where it is going. The Clergy or whatever they have will protest it. Chair Ready asked if the history plaque could be placed in front of the St. Paul AME Church. Rev. Wright contended Rosenwald did not start where the sign would be put. It will be where more people would see it and it would be more recognizable. He wanted the plaque placed where it could be seen. B. Historic Preservation Programming — Staff will continue facilitating the Board's strategic plan development efforts with continued establishment of goals and/or priorities. Mr. Rumpf thanked the members who forwarded him their suggestions. They can continue to formulate a strategic plan and grow the list, in terms of major product categories and working on the mission statement. After reviewing this, he requested the members think what they can add as the members have a lot of good ideas. Dr. Lowe pointed out the Board should consider resources at the University as well as time constraints and deadlines. He commented they have to move forward in a way they can use with their resources. Chair Ready noted Chapter 4, Article 9, Section 6, Historic Preservation requirements. She thought the page should be helpful to all the members as it signifies what Mr. Adams was trying to accomplish. The information was distributed at the last meeting and it detailed purpose and intent with subcategories. Mr. Rumpf noted the comments he received had a consensus. It has the purpose and intent. Chair Ready asked if there was a consensus in the goals submitted to Mr. Rumpf. Mr. Rumpf responded there generally were. He listed those six main major project headings and compared it to examples. Some could be objectives, strategies and tasks. Chair Ready like the information that Mr. Rumpf distributed from Madison, Wisconsin. The overwhelming goal would be to hire a full-time planner, then develop goals and strategies, time frame, costs, responsible parties and potential parties. She thought any time a master plan is drafted and they list goals, they break down each goal. Mr. Rumpf noted the staff report was very similar with the two responses and they correspond to what was on their list. He noted page two of the staff report referenced staffing, updating, maintaining historic inventories and Identification of historic districts. Mr. Rumpf did not think there were many districts as the homes are scattered. He thought they could work from this, program promotion and education, fundraising and budget allocation, and third was left out. Chair Ready thought Item five, Fundraising and Budget Allocation and Item 6, Paint-up, fix-up programs could be combined and the incentive program could help. She also recalled Dr. Lowe said interns can help update inventory, but they have to act quickly as Fall assignments were already filled up. Spring internships are available, but the University would need to know by October. Dr. Lowe gave Mr. Rumpf the contact information for Dr. Norman who conducted the survey in 1990. She runs the Public History and Historic Preservation programs at FAU and runs the internships. They are 7 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 going to try to get Mr. Rumpf or someone who is a staff member to be an advocate and liaison to the City Commission to obtain funding in the budget for a Historic Preservation Planner. That should be the priority. The budget process begins in late winter/early spring. Chair Ready was aware they are getting funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Mr. Rumpf explained it is a complex matter the City is currently reviewing. Chair Ready thought, as a Board, they can ask that he formulate something to take to the Commission as part of an incentive program and direct staff to find funding somewhere to create the program. (Rev. Wright left the meeting at 7.21 p.m.) Mr. Tidwell noted Lake Oswego has a grant program for historical properties and a grant program, for non-historic properties. He thought the area east of 1-95, from Woolbright to the canal was potentially more apartments because the majority of the homes there are 60 and almost 70 years old. The neighborhoods are old and several homes are not maintained There could be opportunities there. He recalled Oswego had a program that if there was one historic home on one street, they would pay a percentage of the value of the home, and if the homeowner could get more people on the street to paint their homes at the same time, they offered more money and the program snowballed. Entire streets would get a fresh coat of paint. They treated the area like a historic district, but it was done differently. Chair Ready thought there was consensus they can support, and they could ask Mr. Rumpf to develop a letter to give to the City Commission. She suggested making a list of ideas for incentives. Some ideas received included windows and doors, paint and rehab fagades. Mr. Ramiccio thought it should be for everyone on the street to participate, just like improvements to the sidewalks, sewers, street lighting and alleyways should be included in the model Ms. Sexton inquired if there were boundaries. Mr. Ramiccio noted right now they do not have a designated district. The Board would have to create a boundary for the survey and incentives. The survey was City wide. Discussion followed the incentives fall into the category of historic structures and it is significant that the building contributes to the history of the City architecturally and historical, the homes should also be allowed to apply whether they are in a district of not. They have to meet the definition of a historic home. With properties scattered around the City, they should start something on historic homes and then hopefully find an area with a concentration of them. Chair Ready commented the City has that right now. Anyone with a home 50 years old or more can apply for the designation. Anyone can nominate a home or apply. Mr. Ramicco asked what if the owners do not want to be part of historic programs, but want to change the front door for a period door, and would like help. He noted a Home Depot door might be$1 K, but a period door might be$3K. He asked if they could leverage funds for homeowners. Mr. Rumpf explained the City has a Green Building program, and they collect a percent of building fees for its Green Building Program. Currently, those fees fund the Energy Edge programs, which has a finite list of improvements for which homeowners can receive a small amount of funding. It is not limited to how old the home is. Chair Ready asked if they can tie into that program. Mr. Rumpf responded they could not. Funding is more challenging and he did not know how aggressive past staff has 8 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 been seeking funding or seed money. He has a small amount of funding now that he is actively involved in the program. The cost of the plaques has gone down, but that amount would not be enough to provide funds for a matching program. He noted the prior Ordinance contained what Chair Ready referenced. Chair Ready asked in order for Mr. Rumpf to approach the City Commission to help explore funding for people to designate their homes, if they need to be specific about what the program would encompass or ask them to find funds. Mr. Rumpf commented the more detailed the reason, the better the chance they have to be funded. Dr. Lowe explained they still need a full-time planner, and the Board should think how they have to construct the argument for it. That person will oversee the program and training the interns and the Board could get a lot of stuff done if they have someone dedicated to the program. He wants Mr. Rumpf to intercede for the Board and explain why this is essential, why other cities have programs and why Boynton Beach needs one too. They should look at the prior planner and what he could accomplish, what he could not get done, and what was left hanging since Mr. Adams left. These are the arguments that should be laid out showing the program is essential and they lost historic properties in the meantime. There are grants and Dr. Norman knows about these grants, but she will not work for free. It is a full-time job, not a part-time job. Chair Ready noted those arguments would justify a planner. Dr. Lowe agreed, but if they talk about those items, without a planner to oversee them, they would get lost. He thought a planner must be the number one priority. The Board should do all they can to get a full-time planner in this City. Chair Ready thought they should formulate a letter to give to the City Commission about why they need a full-time planner. Chair Ready thought the City Commission should also be made aware of the economic benefits. They can measure and develop a baseline of property values before and after, as it represents an increased tax base which should matter. Chair Ready agreed to work on a letter to send to Mr. Rumpf and he can distribute. Mr. Wilson suggested having one or more Commissioners attend a meeting. Chair Ready thought interns or the Board or staff could make a PowerPoint presentation to the City Commission. Dr. Lowe commented he could create a PowerPoint to promote and educate the City Commission. Mr. Rumpf agreed Ms. Sexton suggested the Board or a member attend the City Commission meeting when this is brought forward and voice the Board's concerns. She thought if 12 people needed $1 K to paint their house, the Board would have funds for the program. She queried if the Building Department could help, perhaps dedicating a portion of the permit fees to generate incentive funds. Chair Ready pointed out Solid Waste recycles paint, which at one point was used to paint the former City Hall. Mr. Wilson commented the City has a program to get free recycled paint. Mr. Ramiccio was aware that Lowes, Home Depot and Sherwin Williams sometimes mix paint incorrectly, which they donate, and with whom the Board could partner. Chair Ready pointed out the Board had discussed instituting a color palette in Boynton Beach. Mr. Tidwell thought in order to have a color palette, it should be historical colors. Chair Ready thought there was consensus the Board would approach the City Commission and she requested the members think of more reasons why they need a 9 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 Historic Planner. Dr. Lowe requested Mr. Rumpf highlight Program Promotion/Education. It was important to get public buy in, and that they highlight the City because there is no place to go in the City except the Library to get a sense of the City's history. They do not have a Museum, Visitor's Center or post information on the website. Mr. Rumpf encouraged the members to have patience and think long term. At one point, there was great attention paid to the City's Historic Preservation program, but now it is out of sight. They are trying to reinstitute need, and value. They have met a significant benchmark by having a program established and have made progress, as people are happy the Old High School was restored. He thought the Board had to reinvigorate this idea. It is cyclical with the budget process and they missed the window for this budget approval. They have to plant the seed now, so the City Commission will know this Board is enthusiastic and excited for the program. Mr. Rumpf explained he will be retiring in September of next year and between now and then he will do what he can on the City's website, which was broken up when they created the new website. Due to technicalities, Historic Preservation was not included. It was noted a Historic Preservation planner just quit in Palm Beach. Mr. Rumpf noted he reached out to Warren Adams, former Historic Preservation Planner, may be able to do contract work for the City. It would help to have the home on NE 12th Avenue designated. The City Commission asked staff to provide options with an accompanying analysis. A cost benefit analysis for a full-time, part-time planner or a consultant had previously been prepared. Chair Ready commented when she spoke to Jerry Clinger, she mentioned putting a QR Code on the plaque and he suggested using a Dynamic link because a QR code is static and cannot be updated. Mr. Rumpf had questions to clarify some of the recommendations made by the Board one of which was a pilot program. Mr. Ramiccio commented the pilot program he was referring to was to paint the fagade and doors, and a window program to be promoted City-wide for historic eligible homes or those in the vicinity of historic homes. It is like a neighborhood improvement program. Ms. Sexton asked if the CRA could help and learned the CRA is restricted to the District. Mr. Rumpf thought they could be a partner. Chair Ready asked if they could link the incentives to historic home applications to encourage people to designate their homes. Mr. Ramiccio thought they should switch it and say the Board would like to designate the property as significant to the history of the City and the Board would like them to be part of the program and would be willing to help pay for some improvements. Chair Ready noted anyone from the City Commission, the Board or owners can nominate a home. Mr. Ramiccio thought they could partner with the Building Department, if someone wanted to install windows or doors that may not be appropriate for the period of the home, staff could indicate to the owner there are other options that may be more expensive, but the program could offer a grant to help with the replacement cost. There needs to be a trigger mechanism when a homeowner comes in to make any improvement. Chair Ready was unsure if building staff was aware or that there is a tax abatement program. If they want to make improvements, they can get a 10-year tax abatement. Mr. Ramiccio thought they 10 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 should do so with all historic homes. Mr. Tidwell announced Palm Beach County added a new category"Historically Significant Home" that may have housed a significant person, the home is of age without many alterations. He advised there are numerous ways for the Board to get a bite out of the apple and make the place look better. It was thought the Board should get with the Building and Community Standards Departments. Mr. Rumpf explained some older homes are subject to major demolition in the Land File are flagged. Mr. Rumpf asked about required permit demolition documentation being strengthened and expanded. Dr. Lowe thought there should be more of a procedure involved before demolition. Demolition fees can be used for other purposes. He thought it should be onerous for people to destroy historic properties. He suggested applications go through a few more levels of review, or at least have a cursory review and staff have a process to review homes over a certain age. It was noted Mr. Adams had previously given the Board a matrix. .Mr. Rumpf explained this was included in the package as an excerpt of the Code. The Board can expand the program and amend the regulations if desired. It would be done via Ordinance. He noted the Ordinance allows for the City Commission, the Board or the owner to petition to have the property listed. The original inventory was divided between those eligible for local and national designation. He thought the list should be reviewed to see which properties still remain. There may be a property that is so significant, the Board may petition the City Commission for designation. Mr. Rumpf explained even if the Board is unsuccessful in having a petitioned property designated, it will raise attention to the Board's interest and the resources in the City. Chair Ready asked how much are demolition fees were and learned they were not a lot of money. Most demolitions Mr. Rumpf reviewed were Community Standards initiated. Mr. Tidwell commented landmarked or historically designated buildings are harder to demolish. There is no legal standing for the Board to prevent demolition. Ms. Sexton explained in the Delray Beach Historic Districts, they established owners cannot demolition a home by neglect in districts or individually listed cannot be demolished without an approved site plan in place. Most municipalities have this. A new site plan showing all the details of the building should be approved by the Board before demolition. Mr. Tidwell explained the City does not have an Architectural Review Board to review the drawings of the new building and look at the old building. He has lobbied the City Commission for a Board even for the CRA District. The CRA reviews them. Ms. Sexton explained the Building Department is the only way to catch these situations. Mr. Tidwell queried about oversight if someone wants to tear down 80-year old home that is not listed. Mr. Rumpf explained the Ordinance only applies to properties that are designated. There could be a 150-year old undesignated house. The Board, City Commission or property owner could nominate the home to a local or national register. Mr. Tidwell thought that is where the survey would come in. The Board has to decide the homes to elevate and create a packet for each project that they can vote on. That is where a consultant would come in and build a case for each one. Ms. Sexton asked if they have overlays and learned the City and CRA do. She queried if they could have an overlay which would not require a homeowner's permission. She thought if so, the Board would have control to 11 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 look over the details and paint colors to see whether the property was contributing or not. Mr. Rumpf explained they can propose anything from the City Commission in the Ordinance and it has to go through the public hearing process. Mr. Rumpf thought it sounded like the Board was redefining the method to create a District. Ms. Sexton clarified she was inquiring if there was another avenue for the Board to get the ball rolling. She added currently in Delray Beach, the downtown Atlantic Avenue area is not protected. Developers are coming in, which is currently happening in Boynton, and creating a city. She suggested the Board create an overlay for a section of the City. She elaborated the Swinton Avenue is an overlay that is not a district. It is separate from the part that is designated historic. The setbacks are different and they have different parameters for buildings and driveways, which has protected those neighborhoods from overdevelopment. She wondered if that would be a good first step. Chair Ready commented something she discussed with Mr. Adams that is not in the Ordinance was what will be replacing a demolished structure. Ms. Sexton explained it works both ways. When travelling south on Swinton from Atlantic Avenue, there are cottages sitting there, because they cannot be torn down. They lost 11 significant properties in the area north of Atlantic Avenue when Districts were just being started because they did not have a plan in place. She was trying to hold on to as much history as possible Mr. Tidwell thought because of the nature of Boynton, with some historic preservation and the few buildings they have remaining that they want to preserves, that the Board needs to evolve what the Board does. If 75% of the houses within a mile are 75 years old, but they are not historically significant, he asked how the Board could take care of its homes or a place. Ms. Sexton explained there is significance in little houses built after the war. Before that, people did not get mortgages. Then they had the GI bill, which gave Veterans funds to build homes, which is why there are small two-bedroom one bath homes of a specific design. It is a specific design because you see it primarily in that era. There is significance to them because of the era the homes were constructed. It is culturally significant because the soldiers were coming back from war. The Leisureville condos down the Intracoastal are old enough to be considered. It was noted Leisureville is an interesting area. It has remained unchanged. Chair Ready noted it would be difficult for Leisureville to become a Historic District because it requires a 51% approval of the homeowners. Ms. Sexton advised that is why an overlay is important. She thought it did not mean everyone comes in for every little thing, but there are a few more scrutinized details to pay attention to. Mr. Rumpf spoke about limitations and regulations passed by Tallahassee, how it affects the Land Development Regulations and processes. One was a prohibition against municipalities adopting rules and regulations of homes that would affect the design of single-family homes. He noted there are two exceptions, one which was property under HOA or condo association rules and those subject to Historic Preservation. An overlay would not necessarily apply. Mr. Tidwell noted there would be no new regulations. Regulations already on the books may be vested. Chair Ready thought Tallahassee was trying to usurp Home Rule. 12 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 Chair Ready commented about the Cottage District on Federal Highway and the CRA project named the Cottage District. She explained the Cottage District on Federal Highway nominated itself a Historic District, and are likely old enough to be a Historic District. The sign outside the area is their own sign not an official sign. The CRA tagged the area just north of Boynton Beach Boulevard, as they are trying to find a developer. Mr. Rumpf explained the CRA selected a developer. Chair Ready commented the Board could influence the home exteriors so they would look like historic homes. There is no rule about it, so it would be the Board's recommendation through staff through the review process. Chair Ready wanted to provide background information regarding what she and Mr. Rumpf have been going through as it pertains to the Rosenwald Plaque. The Black history of Boynton Beach is not documented well. There is scant information that is documented as to dates and who did what and when. It is wonderful Rev. Wright has come forward with his view of Black History in Boynton Beach, but one mission is to seek out other members of the Black community to gain what their family recollections are of the Black history of Boynton and find where all those memories converge. Rev. Wright is very vocal that his family was dominant in the City. The City's current and former Historian both say there is nothing in any documents to verify what Rev. Wright is stating. His information is anecdotal. Mr. Hollis commented Information was removed from the page. Chair Ready commented the historians are adamant the information be documented. She belies the church members got together and she has been diligent to put together a time line. It went from the church to a plot of land donated on Federal Highway and got a school. The community petitioned the County for a teacher and got one and the school became known as Boynton Colored School. The minutes of the school board are documented. But the one room schoolhouse anecdotally, by the black matriarchs, the school was picked up and moved to the Poinciana location. She belies the land was donated from Mr. Fitzpatrick, and the one room schoolhouse sat there until Rosenwald came in 1925 and offered seed money of $900 which was documented. All of the community, Black and White, built a three- room schoolhouse, and the first Black teacher in the County that was sent to the school was Blanche Hearst-Girtman. They have worked diligently to ensure the information on the plaque accurately reflects as much as they can in 160 words, the thrust of the Rosenwald donation, their gift to Boynton Beach and they added a little snippet about the 1896 information given by Rev. Wright, which is undocumented. She feels badly Rev. Wright takes it personally. She thought the Board should make an effort to get more anecdotes from the community and continue to take oral histories. She noted the Historical Society participated in gathering oral histories and she and Mr. Rumpf have devoted hours and hours to this. Dr. Lowe also stated FAU has oral history interns that have done amazing things. If there is anyone still left to provide the history, a student intern can conduct the interview right now.. Chair Ready explained Mr. Adams had applied for a grant to conduct oral histories regarding MLK Jr. Boulevard. She would like to pursue this, perhaps having cookies and 13 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 coffee at the Sims Center, and invite the families to come. The City Archivist has a portable scanner to scan photos and return the original to the owners, but Mr. Adams had no luck getting people to help. She thought Mr. Adams had to return the grant funds. Mr. Wilson stated he got two or three oral histories. Dr. Lowe asked where the oral histories were stored. He suggested the residents bring out the family bibles, old letters or diaries. That way you can get to past generations from people who are no longer alive. All these things are components in history, and interns are trained how to read these and use them to create narratives and stories. Chair Ready asked if they should pursue and invite the Black community to come. Dr. Lowe thought it was a good idea and the Historical Society needs to bring in a speaker to speak about the Black History of Boynton Beach. He did not think they have done so. He thought the Archivist can speak about what she does know. Chair Ready advised she was already scheduled. Chair Ready wished the Board could help Rev. Wright and reiterated there is an anonymous donor that would pay for a plaque with names, but it would not be about just his family, which was thought to be problematic. She noted the City named part of MLK Jr. Boulevard to Wells Avenue. Mr. Wilson advised the road was named Wells Street in 1920. Chair Ready commented there were other components of the Black community that were offended. Mr. Tidwell liked what Mr. Adams had attempted to do and supported continuing the effort. Mr. Adams tried to work with the Boynton Coalition of Clergy and the Coalition also tried to get the neighborhoods involved. Mr. Tidwell thought it is was difficult project and suggested it may be better to think about going to the community, when they are most there, where ever that may be, such as church or a BBQ and to make the event about them. Individual appointments can be made, but they have to be heavily incentivized. Mr. Rumpf thanked the members for their thoughts. He advised there were demolition permits he reviewed: some homes were not historic and some historic that could not be saved. Chair Ready recalled they tried to save the building from the Women's Club and on NW 1st corner behind the church. 5. New Business: None 6. Other 7. Comments by members 8. Public comments 9. Announce date of next meeting — October 11, 2021 10. Adjournment 14 Meeting Minutes Historic Resources Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2021 There being no further business to discuss, Chair Ready adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 15