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Minutes 02-14-22 Minutes of the Historic Resource Preservation Board Meeting Held on February 14, 2022, 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 Tiffany Crump Thomas Ramiccio Mike Wilson Dr. Ben Lowe Rhonda Sexton, Alternate 1. Call to Order Chair Ready called the meeting to order 6:31 p.m. 2. Agenda Approval Motion Mr. Ramiccio moved to approve. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Approval of Minutes — December 13, 2021 There were three changes: on page 2, fourth paragraph, last sentence. "The BeaFd Human Rights Commission drafted the Resolution.", page 6, the last line, "Attorney Torcivia thought it was fiet the same.", and on page 10, "Chair Ready announced the Historical Society's Third Annual mer Art Show on January 15th . . . ". Motion Mr. Ramiccio moved to approve the minutes as amended. Ms. Crump seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Communications and Announcements Mike Rumpf, Board Liaison, advised there is Certified Local Government (CLG) training for Historic Preservation Programs, and one was held last week. Usually State training is offered once a year. The State Liaison was replaced. She has more ideas and CLG training will be offered much more frequently. Last week's training was in West Palm Beach which was mostly a case study regarding designation of a property, the process and the unique aspects of it, which was beneficial. Community Outreach was an Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 14, 2022 interesting topic as well. Another aspect was what happens during the next budget period, what happens after Mr. Rumpf leaves City service in September, and he noted they have another planner they are introducing Historic Resource Preservation to if the City wants to maintain the status quo or use a part-time consultant. He will discuss the update of the website. 5. Old Business: A. Historic Plaque Update — Update on implementation of the program to identify historic sites with a historic plaque. Mr. Rumpf intended to have a small presentation tomorrow before City Commission. He will roll out new plaques that are ready for mounting on two buildings. He was contacted by the owner of 419 SE 4th Street, who has a 1920/1930's property who was being pressured from someone who was acquiring land around her. She and the owner of a small parcel are holdouts as someone is trying to assemble a large parcel south of CK's Locksmith on 4th Street down to 5th. It is prime for development, except in mixed-use zoning that recommended total assembly for that block. Holdouts would interfere with the ability to implement Community Redevelopment design strategies. The developer is asking the owner to sell. The owner is potentially interested in Historic Preservation, wanting to preserve the building and asked what the process was. Mr. Rumpf will continue to maintain communication with the her. Mr. Rumpf advised the presentation was an opportunity to get the plaque program to the Commission, but due to the length of the meeting tomorrow night, the presentation will be made in March. There will be the opportunity to showcase the program, and they will mount the plaques on the two buildings, providing for Commission and media exposure. They can coordinate a photo opportunity 30 minutes before the next meeting. The home by CK Locksmith's was frame vernacular. Mr. Ramiccio noted the timing is not good to present a moratorium to the City Commission with the change over, but it may be the best opportunity for the Board to get into the programming, scheduling, the budget, hiring a part-time or full-time planner, and fagade improvements or a paint and fix-up grant. The 1996 survey had nine properties the City identified as historically significant, but there are a lot of 1920's and 1930's really neat period homes that have not been kept up. He commented as long as the CRA plan is driving the design concepts, the site plan will contain a lot of details. But for a new residential mixed-use project, they have some opportunity to make a difference and the timing is critical. When the Commission is in transition, this is when they can indicate where they want to see the City go. Mr. Ramiccio thought they should look at videos when the community provided input on the buildings, placement, height and the design. He understood neoclassical concepts with Renaissance-styled buildings, but not what was proposed for the Cottage District. He thought the Board should take its time and that it could start with a moratorium. Historic Preservation is not a tool to stop progress. Redevelopment may be wanted, but it should respect important characters about where you were before, otherwise you make the same planning mistakes as he sees in the CRA plan. He did not think it was appropriate to have 2 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 14, 2022 a moratorium now with only one person considering designation, but he thought the Board should act on it. The subject home was in the CRA District. Mr. Ramiccio emphasized existing contributing historic properties should be protected. A Historic Preservation Ordinance should have some authority to protect all properties for some periods and go through a community criteria process. Mr. Wilson commented there are two or three properties just south of the residence that was vacant land. He noted the Property Appraiser's website states the home was built in 1910 and the house is associated with a historic pharmacist, which was documented in the site file. Mr. Rumpf indicated what the Code is, and the Code states a mixed-use project is to represent an entire block. It is intended to create a streetscape for the pedestrian that is pleasing to the eye and include a number of details. That is why it is encouraged that the block not be split up. Similar to how there are zoning district standards that historic properties can be exempt from, they should also indicate this would be an exception to some of the design standards if it would prevent, encourage or motivate the assembling with elimination of a qualified historic building. Mr. Ramiccio queried what if they flipped it and emphasized the preservation of a historic structure, they may be able to redevelop if they have the design, style that fits in with the existing architecture. This would ensure they get new buildings, make sure it is pleasing and would work with the neighborhood. The problem is there is not large enough assembly of the properties as the properties are here and there. The program needs to continue to build instead of staying stagnant. The program needs attention with measures like calling attention to a redevelopment plan. Mr. Ramiccio asked about creating the process for demolition. The Board is in the loop for Certificates of Occupancy, but they are not designated in a way that would require them to come to the Board for staff to take even a cursory look. Preservation is more than just the age of the structure. It can be about a prominent person, which is a very important part of the past, present and future. He thought more has to be done. He questioned if they could recommend to the City Commission where they were and where they are going in the future. He inquired if the Board could recommend to the City Commission, that before any historic property that is more than 50 years old, that they would not stop anything from occurring, but they want to be able to take a look at the property before anything happens. Mr. Rumpf explained it would require an ordinance amendment. Currently it states if it is a designated property, they could. It cannot halt an ultimate demolition, but it can slow it down, allow studies to occur, and allow promotion of its preservation to occur. Mr. Ramiccio stated the ordinance is designed that the property has to be nominated and go through the nomination process. He commented if it is 50 years or older, the Board needs to look at the application, it is worth it in the end. The City Commission and the Board can make nominations for designations on private property. 3 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 14, 2022 Ms. Sexton requested clarification if an owner is interested in designation, the Board can make a nomination if they brought information forward to the City. Mr. Rumpf explained either way, the Board can make a nomination. The woman who approached Mr. Rumpf about designation asked how she can make sure her home is not demolished. Mr. Rumpf explained the City cannot take the property for private development. She wants to think about it. Chair Ready was curious about the small development across the street. The property is owned by people who are part of the assemblers in the whole vicinity. Mr. Rumpf did not know. Mr. Wilson noted the property at 407 SE 4th Street was built in 1910. There are three or four older homes that could apply. Mr. Ramiccio thought they should make a nomination. The members viewed images of the homes. Chair Ready asked Mr. Rumpf what he would recommend to the Commission about a potential moratorium. Mr. Rumpf responded the Board would makes a recommendation, and he would present it. There is a legal process and it implies there will be a study taking up to three or six months. Some moratoriums have been extended and the longer the time frame, the less defensible it is. It has a tight time frame, a legitimate public purpose, and a zoning stay that is underway. Mr. Rumpf thought something more likely would be a specific proposed modification as a moratorium is very strong. Right now, it is written to let staff intervene and halt the demolition permit while the property undergoes a basic review. It would come before the Board. Staff would present facts about it, a letter would be written promoting historic preservation of it and asking if there was consideration of the owner to preserve the home or relocate it, allow staff or a consultant to come in to see if there is something noteworthy to preserve if the property was prime for redevelopment or fallen into disrepair and if someone wants to demolish it because they cannot repair or maintain it. A motion was needed to propose a modification to the Ordinance. Mr. Ramiccio thought it was not the time for a moratorium. They can review it in the future because they need tools to protect properties. Ms. Sexton commented they need more homes designated, which gives the Board authority to ask for something, such as a moratorium. Another avenue to pursue was they cannot do a demolition of a designated property until they bring in an approved site plan. The Forest Park neighborhood has great examples. The homes are not in disrepair, although not fancy. They could be designated and have different criteria to demolish a home or a grouping of homes. Sometimes a builder comes in, buys a bunch of homes, demolishes 10 of them and builds something new. Discussion turned to amending the Historic Resource Preservation Ordinance. Mr. Rumpf will concurrently review how other aspects of the Code can be enhanced for recognition of historic properties. He reiterated with redevelopment, people want to walk as there is something to see. If something interrupts the streetscape, and this property got tossed into this scenario, there is an opportunity for an exception for the benefit of Historic Preservation. He noted instances in which there are skyscrapers and a small cottage next to it and the cottage becomes part of the landscape. 4 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 14, 2022 Chair Ready commented Mr. Rumpf could still recommend a way to give the ordinance greater authority. Dialogue followed if the Ordinance was too strict, it may not have been passed. It may be time to have an exception provision. The demolition process provisions can be modified whether it was any building identified int 1996 survey. Every day, a new property could become 50 years of or older and eligible. As for buildings in the 1930s and 1940's. he thought it out warrant extra review. The program has to be constantly evolving. Ms. Sexton asked if the goal is to find individual properties that should be deemed historic or concentrate on creating a district with a group of homes that fit the criteria, that affects the entire neighborhood. She referenced Forest Park. All the homes in that range would faII under a period of significance and age alone may not put the properties int criteria. She thought the 50-year criteria was not unheard of, but if they had a neighborhood that fell within a period of significance, those streets become stronger. Chair Ready commented the Board can recommend a home be added tot Local Register or ask a homeowner if they out allow designation. Some homeowners may become angry. When they wrote the ordinance, the members did not want anyone to feel it was being rammed down their throats. Ms. Sexton commented they could as creating a district depends on how stringent the Ordinance is. The advantage tote homeowner is the Tax Credit Program. Dr. Lowe stated these homes and the area are from 1910 and over 100 years old. He pointed out there are other houses the same age and no one ever noticed that before or asked them if they wanted to be designated before the CRA came in and decided they should level the homes. He thought the Board needed to be proactive and asked if they can save more than one house. If they eta home designated and maybe then have more designations. They need a robust outreach plan. A 1910 houses out not be let go. Motion Dr. Lowe moved to designate the 419 SW 4th property. Mr. Ramiccio seconded the motion to recommend the home be placed on the Local Register. Mr. Wilson lives in a small neighborhood and it and an adjoining was neighborhood platted in 1956. Several homes were it in the 50s and 60s. He asked if that neighborhood could be designated as historic, even though not all the homes qualify at 50 years. Ms. Sexton responded they could because there are contributing and non-contributing homes. Ina District, not all homes have to be contributing. There needs to be a period of significance. They were war homes. Vote The motion passed unanimously. 5 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 14, 2022 Mr. Rumpf will contact the owner, provide the paperwork. It will be completed and reviewed by the Board and then forwarded to the City Commission. It will take two Commission meetings. He will also review a possible amendment to the Historic Resource Preservation Ordinance to allow staff to withhold demolition permits for properties 50 years old or older until after review for historic preservation promotion. Mr. Rumpf will return to the Board with proposed wording. Motion Mr. Ramiccio so moved. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. The next meeting will be Monday, March 14th and then April 11th. Dr, Lowe suggested they work out a plan, possibly in the Library. Mr. Rumpf explained using another room is discouraged because of all the equipment in Chambers. Dr. Lowe suggested addressing one aspect of the Ordinance at each meeting. Ms. Sexton announced she will not be in town on March 14tH There is mention of a Historic District in the 1996 survey and Mr. Rumpf will provide the prior information. It was the initial building block of the program. They conduct an inventory and then recommendations are made on steps to take to establish the Historic Preservation Plan. They do have these steps, which the Board would review. It would be a hard sell if they do not have a concentration of historic districts. The more non- contributing buildings, the harder to sell the designation. There are some in the City and a designation of the district was attempted and failed by a narrow vote. They have to strategize how to proceed, especially with staff leadership for the program. There is a window of opportunity to utilize student teams. They can plan implementation of their priorities with these resources. Mr. Rumpf will provide a draft revision that addresses demolition and delaying demolition for buildings eligible for consideration for designation which may not necessarily be designated. He will also return to the Board after speaking with the owner of the 419 SE 4th Street on the process. The meeting will be more of a workshop style. Vote The motion passed unanimously. It was requested this item be put on the agenda immediately. Mr. Lowe thought program staffing should be a priority. He suggested they could discuss this at the next meeting. There was agreement members could come early on March 14th for a photo opportunity with the plaque with a group photo. The Commission will be introduced to the plaque and program at the first meeting in March which is before that event. Mr. Ramiccio thought they should start building the program with the new Commission on March 15th, and the Board could mount the plaque the first meeting in April. 6 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 14, 2022 B. Historic Preservation Programming — Staff will continue facilitating the Board's establishment of a strategic plan or work program with continued discussion on goals, priorities, tasks and/or related implementation needs and strategies. In addition to the earlier conversation on this matter, Mr. Rumpf commented when the website was updated, the Historic Preservation items accessible via the web were not migrated and converted when the City's master website was updated. A consultant is giving IT staff an estimate how much to be in the same format as the City's website with that platform and make a decision whether to store the information on the City's website or in the cloud. Mr. Rumpf will work with IT staff. The current website contains some of the principal projects and achievements, but it is not a comprehensive website. One should want to open up the Historic Preservation website and have information on historic preservation, the Historic Preservation Board, applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, designations, national designation, Q&A's and links to the historic cemetery, photographs, listings, historic walking trails, and many other links. He did not know how fast it would be done or how much it would cost. Mr. Wilson pointed out the City's Historic Archives are on the website. Mr. Rumpf explained he had one week to prepare the department's budget. The Board's Wish List will be submitted via his department, including additional consulting dollars and projects. 6. New Business: A. Naming of Fire Station No. 1 — Consider and advise City Commission regarding request for renaming of Fire Station No. 1 the "Deputy Chief Latosha Clemons Fire Station 1". Mr. Rumpf explained this item does not fall within the enabled regulations and scope of the Board. This was something the Commission has done and they did not have a Committee they thought could handle it. The Board is filling in one of those roles. It does mean the Board has to give a recommendation. He wanted to be sure the Board is clear on its scope, mission, unique circumstance before them and why. It was recognized Ms. Clemons was the first Black female Deputy Fire Chief. Dr. Lowe understood the City wants to name an orchid, or garden after her, but she wants the Fire Station named for her instead. Dr. Lowe inquired why the Board would be discussing this. Chair Ready commented naming a fire station for first Black female Deputy Fire Chief is historic, but it does not make it historic in what would be considered the Board's purview. Dr. Lowe doid not know enough about it to make a decision. He thought it was historic about what she did, but as far as naming public buildings, it is not what he thought he would be doing on the Board. Mr. Ramiccio agreed with Dr. Lowe and Chair Ready. It is not appropriate for it to be before the Board, the same way it was inappropriate for the 7 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 14, 2022 intersection to come before the Board. He thought the Board needs to look at the process and see why it was referred to the Board. Mr. Ramiccio looked at other localities, there is a purpose for the Board in the Ordinance, but what is missing is a procedure. He queried if an application should be filled out or a committee appointed; criteria and how the criteria would be used. He asked if someone writes a large check, if a building would be named after them, or is there a process. People may donate funds for a bench or a building. He asked what is the procedure for naming rights. The City Manager can make a recommendation to the City Commission and he does not know if that happened. The recommendation from the Mayor was made after the $100K settlement was they should name an orchard after her. They sent a letter to her and she wrote back she would rather have the fire station. He questioned if someone who sues the City is eligible. He advised she is worthy, but he did not see how it falls under the Historic Resource Preservation Board. Motion Mr. Ramiccio moved to receive and file. H had no objection to the City Commission making a policy decision and the Board can take a look at it. Ms. Crump disagreed. Mr. Wilson agreed with what was stated. The Board tells the story of history via either historic buildings or trails, but he did not want to get into a rowboat to agree to discuss naming rights, whether it be historic or not. Ms. Sexton agreed with Mr. Ramiccio's comment. The motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Ramiccio commented his motion was for the policy to be amended, to have an official process with an application, a review and a committee. He thought more thought should be put into it. That was his only recommendation. Chair Ready suggested the motion Include the Board's consensus the issue is not within its purview and the City establish a policy and procedure to deal with such matters. Mr. Ramiccio commented the City Commission should spell out in the procedure what that is and how it would happen. Right now, the City Manager brings it to the City Commission or a member of the public brings it to the attention of the policy makers. There should be more eyes looking at it. Mr. Rumpf noted the word committee is relevant because in Part II of the Code of Ordinance, there is a staff team that is assembled, the City should designate a committee whether it's a staff team or general community affairs. The City policy should have more to it. Ms. Crump seconded the motion. Vote The motion passed unanimously. 7. Other 8 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 14, 2022 Mr. Ramiccio wished all a Happy Valentine's Day. Chair Ready announced on February 28th, the Historical Society is having their next program presented by Janet Devries, about Black Sculptor, Augusta Savage. The meeting will take place via Zoom. Anyone wanting an invitation should contact her. 8. Comments by members 9. Public comments relative to historic preservation Ernest Mignoli, 710 NE 7th Street, Condo 407, bought the unit from the Board President in November 2020. The building is over 45 years old and it falls into the range of what is going on historically in Florida after the building collapsed. He commented all cities are required to relook at their historic, their recertification and their older buildings, especially three stories and above and then try to understand how the City snowballs all into fast track, high rise, high density and historic buildings. He commented sitting in the public at a lot of these meetings, the Board is engaged in workshop conversation. When the public is here, he contended the Board is supposed to be ready, say something, present something and vote, not listen to a planner talk. The comments always come out at all the Board meetings, of all the things the City Commission approves, most of the time they are already been approved before it goes to the Board. It has already been decided in the lawsuit that they better give something back to this woman, for the bias hate crime the City impounded on this female, by taking her and another African-American's Black face off. He opined the City figures they will pay$100K, say they are sorry so they do not have to go to court and then name a station. He commented they talk about things like there are no problems in the City and now with this election, it will continue. He warned what the intersection will cause and stated it was approved, paid for and installed and then went to all the Boards after the fact. He questioned how a Board can consider it after it was installed and after a City Commissioner uses it as part of his election campaign. He thought it was frightening and he was afraid after March 8th, the way the City maintains power and influence over the Commission, it will continue. The same people on the Commission now will be mayor and commissioners and the same out of control ball will keep going. There will be high-density development, forget historical and planning. It goes nowhere and he asserted they want to make millions and millions of dollars to pay for buildings that were not needed. He commented, everyone likes the old Library better with the trees. He explained it was frightening. He is disheartened because after the election, he will be right back in the throws of this and all these people with nice homes will lose them, and they will put up high rises and parking. The City Commission will turn the City far from a historic City. 10.Announce date of next meeting —April 11, 2022 The next meeting was changed to March 14th at 6:30 p.m. 11.Adjournment 9 Meeting Minutes Historic Resource Preservation Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 14, 2022 There being no further business, Chair Ready adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Catherine Cherry w, Minutes Specialist 10