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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-20-1988 HPC Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: Wednesday, January 20, 1988 3:00 p.m. PLACE: Saratoga Community Library, 13560 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga TYPE: Regular Meeting I. Routine Organization A. Roll Call Present: Commissioners Koepernik, Landsness, Voester, Cameron, Held, Ansnes, Tyrrell Absent: None Staff: V. Young Others: G. Zambetti, P. Olsen, L. Cooper B. Approval of minutes of 1/6/88 M/S Tyrrell/Voester to approve minutes as submitted. Passed unanimously. C. Posting of Agenda Staff noted the agenda was posted at City Hall on Friday, January 15, 1988. D. Oral and Written Communications Commissioner Landsness noted that she had received a phone call communication regarding the Nelson Gardens issue, expressing support for preservation of the gardens. In regard to this same issue, Commissioner Tyrrell noted that the City Council reviewed the Heritage Commission's memo on the gardens at the January 6 meeting; they asked that it be included as part of the packet for this evening's hearing on the application. II. New Business A. Review planning application for 15231 Quito Road, Meagher- Smiley House. V. Young gave a brief introduction to the project proposed by G. Zambetti and P. Olsen. She displayed the subdivision map, and noted that the adobe house would be preserved as part of the application and would be separated from the other two lots by a 30-ft. wide scenic easement. 1 Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes - 1/20/88 Gene Zambetti, representative on the project, described the proposed subdivision of the parcel and said that the adobe house would be restored to its original condition after the subdivision approval. The only part of the house to be removed was a portion of the southern wing which was not part of the original structure. He also described the interior of the house, noting the decorative tiles in particular. Peter Olsen, applicant, stated he would like the Commission's endorsement for preserving the house and that it was his goal to do both the subdivision and the preservation of the house. Commissioner Koepernik asked if the proposed rehabilitation work would be in keeping with the original house. Mr. Olsen discussed the repair and upgrading work that needed to be done and said that it would all be identical or compatible with the original house. Commissioner Voester asked how close and what size the other two residences would be. Mr. Zambetti pointed out on the map the location and proposed size of the homes. He noted that the 30 ft. easement was filled with mature, dense vegetation and would serve as a natural buffer between the homes. Louise Cooper, resident of Saratoga, asked about the height of the proposed homes and whether or not fences would be allowed. Mr. Olsen replied that he did not want to allow fences, except around a pool, wanting to keep the open space feel of the property. He said he didn't want to be limited to a one-story home, and that a two-story home would not have an impact because of the topography and vegetation. Mr. Zambetti stated that the applicant eventually would like to submit an application for heritage resource designation of the property. The Commission then summarized their comments on the project, as follows: Chair Held said it was important to protect both the structure and the environment it sits in. He noted that one incentive for designation was the ability to use the State Historic Building Code, which may assist in the rehabilitation of the structure. Commissioner Cameron felt the proposal met the preservation-related concerns in that the structure would be retained. He felt the scenic easement was a crucial 2 Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes - 1/20/88 part of the subdivision in protecting the environment around the house. Commissioner Tyrrell stated he would abstain from commenting on the project, but questioned the applicant about saving the shed buildings on the adjacent parcel and about submitting an application for designation now. Mr. Olsen replied that the adjacent parcel was not a part of the proposal and that he would submit the application when he had full ownership of the property. Commissioner Voester concurred with Commissioner Cameron's comments. She expressed concern about using similar, natural materials in the rehabilitation work, and noted the importance of preserving the environment of the site, too. Commissioner Koepernik dittoed other comments. He expressed concern about not fencing in the open space areas, and felt that the size of the surrounding residences should be minimized to reduce their impact on the adobe. Commissioner Landsness reiterated other Commissioner's comments and felt the scenic easement was an imaginative and successful method to help preserve the house. Commissioner Artshes abstained from commenting because she arrived late to the meeting. M/S Cameron/Koepernik to forward the Heritage Commission's comments on the preservation-related issues for this project to the Planning Commission, as follows: 1. The Heritage Commission believes the proposed subdivision addresses preservation-related concerns because the historic adobe structure will be preserved on the site. The Commission supports the rehabilitation of the adobe structure, and suggests that similar and natural materials be used. 2. The Commission believes that preservation of the mature vegetation and natural environment around the house is just as important as preservation of the house itself. The Commission believes the 30 ft. scenic easement is a crucial part of the proposal in that it protects the natural setting and provides a buffer between the surrounding parcels. The Commission suggests a very limited use of fences in the scenic easement area. 3. The Commission acknowledges that the proposal does not 3 Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes - 1/20/88 involve design review of the proposed adjacent dwellings, but would like to suggest that those residences be complimentary to the adobe, in terms of size, height and style, when they are constructed. They should not overwhelm or significantly impact the integrity of the adobe and its natural surroundings. 4. The Commission encouraged the applicant to participate in the heritage resource designation program, and pursue the possibility of using the State Historic Building Code to assist in the rehabilitation of the adobe. The motion passed on a 5-0-2 vote, Commissioners Ansnes and Tyrrell abstaining. III. Old Business A. Suggestions for discussion topics for joint meeting with City Council, 1/26/88. The following topics were suggested: 1. Heritage Resource Inventory a. Process for adoption, public notification. b. How to incorporate inventory into planning and building permit review process. 2. Communicating with City Council 3. Warner Hutton House - participate in relocation and renovation process. B. Set work priorities for FY88-89. The Commission agreed on the following work priorities: 1. Complete Heritage Resource Inventory by April 1. Develop process for and initiate updating of list. 2. Develop and adopt bylaws. 3. Increase public awareness, particularly in relation to the inventory. 4. Continue heritage resource designation and bronze plaque programs. Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes - 1/20/88 C. Heritage Resource Inventory This item was continued to the next meeting. IV. Items Initiated b_~ th9 Commission Commissioner Voester had four items. She suggested that all Commissioners be given a copy of a book called "Saratoga Story". Chair Held mentioned that the Saratoga Historical Foundation was pursuing a method of copying the publication. In relation to the inventory, Commissioner Voester asked for information on some reference materials, and thought an older pink house on Montalvo Road should be considered for the inventory. Commissioner Ansnes will do some research on this. Commissioners Voester and Ansnes will continue working on a newspaper article regarding the plaques and forthcoming inventory. V. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 1988 at 3:00 p.m. V. Young reminded the Commission of the upcoming workshop at DeAnza College on Friday, January 29. Respectfully submitted, Valerie Youn~l Secretary to~ommission 5