HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-2007 HPC MinutesCity of Saratoga
H E R I T A G E P R E S E R V A T I O N C O M M I S S I O N
M M I I N N U U T T E E S S
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 8:30 a.m.
Place: Planning Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Type: Regular Meeting – Please meet in the parking lot in front of the
Warner Hutton House at 8:30 a.m. and Staff will provide
transportation to the site visit under New Business and return to the
Planning Conference Room by 9:00 a.m.
1. Routine Organization
A. Roll Call
PRESENT: Commissioners Gomersall, Louden, McCarty, Chair Koepernik
and Vice Chair Kellond
ABSENT: Commissioner Marra
GUESTS: Mr. Mike Belshe, Ms. April Halberstadt
STAFF: Senior Planner Chris Riordan, Assistant Planner Shweta Bhatt
B. Approval of minutes from June 12, 2007 meeting – Approved 50
C. Posting of Agenda – Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the
agenda was posted on July 05, 2007
D. Oral & W ritten Communication Any member of the public may address the
Commission about any matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up to
three minutes. Commissioners may not comment on the matter but may
choose to place the topic on a future agenda.
§ Ms. April Halberstadt expressed her concern that some single family
home remodels reviewed by the Historical Preservation Commission
had lost their historical integrity by the time the project was completed
and that there had been a lack of followup to ensure that what had
been presented to the Commission had ultimately been constructed.
E. Oral Communications – Historic Preservation Commission direction to Staff –
Instruction to staff regarding actions on current Oral Communications. –
None.
2. Old Business
A. Discuss National Registry & Saratoga Landmark Plaques – Item discussed.
Commissioner Louden presented to the Commission the proofs of the
Saratoga Landmark Plaques and informed the Commission that they would
arrive within the next month.
B. Discuss Heritage Orchard Signage – Item discussed. Chair Koepernik stated
that he is still getting bids for the orchard signage.
C. Discuss Historic Incentives – Item discussed. Ms. Halberstadt discussed the
need for state incentives. Vice Chair Kellond stated that incentives could
include financial or reduced restrictions when applying for a building permit.
Chair Koepernik suggested that each member of the Commission think about
historical incentive ideas and have them ready for the next meeting.
D. Discuss Mustard Walk – Item not discussed
E. Discuss Sign for McWilliams House – Item not discussed
F. Discuss Landscaping Plan for Historic Park – Item discussed. Ms.
Halberstadt exhibited photographs of the site and the intersection of Oak
Street and Highway Nine and presented the landscape plan and her ideas for
the new signs and their location for the museum. Chair Koepernik expressed
his wish that there be name plates installed to identify the species of each
new plant and that he would like the redwood tree removed. Vice Chair
Kellond expressed his concern about site drainage and the effect of the
redwood tree on the health of the Oaks. Chair Koepernik stated his concern
that the redwood tree is affecting the health of the two oaks and that it shades
the existing landscaping and he recommended that it be removed. The below
motions were made and carried on the following votes
Redwood tree removal: Motion by Chair Koepernik and seconded by
Commissioner Louden to recommend removal of the redwood tree.
Approved 50 vote.
Conceptual Landscape Plan: Motion by Chair Koepernik and seconded by
Commissioner Louden to approve the conceptual landscape plan.
Approved 50
3. New Business
A. 8:30 A.M. Site Visit – 13601 Saratoga Avenue – Review proposed
illuminated monument sign and determine consistency with Heritage Lane. –
Site visit completed with representative from Saint Andrews Episcopal Church
& School (Bruce Friesen) present. Motion to approve by Commissioner
Kellond and seconded by Commissioner Louden and carried by a 50 vote.
B. 8:45 A.M. Site Visit – 13855 Saratoga Avenue – Applicant is requesting
modifications, historic landmark status, and Mills Act designation. Site visit
completed with applicant/owner (Mr. Mike Belshe) present. Item discussed.
Vice Chair Kellond liked the applicant’s choice of roofing shingles and
requested that the shingle color, Country …, be placed into the record.
Commissioner Louden stated that he liked the choice of shingle color. Vice
Chair Kellond stated that the applicant’s proposed fence design is an
improvement from what was originally proposed but felt that the picture that
was included in the packet was not specific enough with respect to the
proposed design. Mr. Belshe replied that there are not particular fence
designs on historic homes, that his ultimate goal is to protect his kids from
running into the street, and that the proposed fence was moved back so now
it would be at least 6070 feet away from the street. Vice Chair Kellond
agreed with the proposed fence location. Commissioner Gomersall stated
that she liked the location of the fence and expressed her approval of its four
foot height. Chair Koepernik expressed his approval of the fences location
and height. Commissioner McCarty agreed with the applicant’s urgency to
erect the fence so as to provide protection for his children. Commissioner
Louden expressed his approval of the fence and stated that he was in favor of
its simplistic design. Vice Chair stated his concern that he does not want to
the Commission to design the fence for the applicant and expressed his
desire to have the applicant’s historian review the appropriateness of the
fence design and to have the historian prepare a written document of her
findings for the Commission’s review. Mr. Belshe stated that the proposed
fence design was not historically accurate. Assistant Planner Bhatt reminded
the Commission that the applicant would be applying for the Mills Act. The
below motions were made and carried on the following votes:
Fence: Motion by Chair Koepernik and seconded by Commissioner McCarty
to approve the proposed four foot tall fence in a location that is setback
behind the fireplace and symmetrical to both sides. Approved 41
Roof: Motion by Vice Chair Kellond and seconded by Commissioner Louden
to approve the roofing material. Approved 50
Mills Act: Motion by Chair Koepernik and seconded by Vice Chair Kellond to
recommend to the applicant that he proceed with the Mills Act designation.
Approved 50
4. Pending Items
A. Historic Resources Inventory
B. McWilliams House Renovation
C. National Register Applications
D. Adopt a Tree Program for the Heritage Orchard
E. Update Heritage Ordinance
F. Review Oak Street as a Heritage Lane
G. Review additional content for Heritage Resources webpage
H. Historic Preservation Data Base
I. Review list of properties with structures 50 years and over in age
5. Adjournment
Adjourn to 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2007, Planning Conference Room,
13777 Fruitvale Avenue.