HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-15-1984 HPC Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
DATE: Wednesday, February' 15, 1984, 3:30 P.M.
PLACE: Saratoga Community Library, 13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga
TYPE: Regular Meeting
ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Cameron, Heid, Henderson, Kvamme, McArthur,
and Chairman Landsness
Absent: None
MINUTES
The reading of the minutes for the meeting ~of January 18, 1984 was
waived and the minutes approved unanimously.
I. OLD BUSINESS
A. Summary of Tax Incentives
Commissioner McArthur indicated that she had read through the
materials she had, summarized them and handed out copies of the
best reports. She indicated that the tax benefits shown were
for income producing properties only. She stated that someone
was needed to keep a file on all forms of incentives for pre-
servation including taxes and rehabilitation monies. She then
went through the points listed on her cover sheet for tax
incentives.
She also passed out copies of Gilroy's zoning ordinance that
dealt with demolition procedures. It is important to take the
time to read the handouts. She indicated that page 8 of one of
the handouts had an excellent example explaining the step-by-step
procedure for determining incentives.
Commissioner Cameron asked if individual structures had to be
reviewed by the State or if City review was sufficient to deter-
mine eligibility. It was determined that if the structure was
in a qualified historic district it would be acceptable.
Commissioner McArthur stated that affected individuals would
need to contact a tax specialist. Chairman Landsness indicated
there were not many incentives to preserve single-family dwellings.
The possibility of using rehabilitation money for historic
preservation was then discussed. Staff indicated the City's
Housing and Community Development Coordinator might be able to
explain how rehabilitation monies could be used for preservation.
B. Update on Status of Historic District
Commissioner Heid indicated there was a need to determine the
ownership of the Madronia Cemetery and a smaller parcel surrounded
by the cemetery. Commissioner McArthur then referred to the
Department of the Interior's letter dated November 4, 1983 and
its concern with Section 6(c) (3) of Ordinance No. 66. Discussion
then followed on the relationship of this letter to the proposed
boundary of the historic district. Staff indicated that the
Commission was under the impression that 51% of the structures
in a district must be considered historic. Commissioner McArthur
thought the structures that contributed to the historic environment
or feeling could be counted as well. She was concerned that
using the previous definition would exclude the Village Area.
Commissioner Voester suggested that the Commission start with
the smaller Oak Street district and then go from there.
Commissioner Cameron indicated that they started with the pro-
posed district discussed at the last meeting because it had
bona fide historic structures. Commissioner Voester indicated
there may be a problem with getting the property owners to
accept being part of the district. Commissioner Held commented
that the Commission should establish the district for the City
first and then seek the support of the State. Thepurpose of
the district is to preserve our heritage first for ourselves.
Commissioner McArthur stated she had visited some of the sites
in the proposed historic district along with volunteer students.
She indicated they had talked to some of the property owners of
the buildings where more information was needed to determine
their historic status. The students will be researching other
buildings as well. Commissioner McArthur stated that the pro-
gress beinq made on the ~district was qood but she was concerned
with the broader aspect of the district and mentioned her desire
to create a larger boundary to include buildings that contribute
~o the character of the district.
Commissioner Heid commented that if character were the primary
concern of the district then Orchard Road would be a better
focus than Oak Street. Commissioner McArthur stated there could
be a variety of districts. Discussion then followed on the
threat of change in the areas to be preserved. Commissioner
Voester said there was a need to look at other properties as
well. Commissioner Cameron said a district is more than clusters
of individual buildings.
Commissioner McArthur made a motion to expand the boundaries
of the proposed district along Oak Street from Highway 9 to the
Madronia Cemetery. Commissioner Voester seconded the motion.
Considerable discussion then followed on the motion especially
regarding the number of historic structures that had to be in
the district and district criteria. Commissioner Henderson
indicated that a smaller district was initially proposed to
have a better chance of approval.
Heritage Preservation Committee Minutes wage J
2/15/84
Commissioner McArthur agreed to modify the motion to have the
Committee consider extending the boundaries for the proposed
Oak Street Historic District from Highway 9 along Oak Street
to the Madronia Cemetary. The motion was approved on a vote
of 6-0-1 with Commissioner Henderson abstaining. She indicated
she was concerned about wasting time. Commissioner Cameron
stated that the Commission needed to determine the contributing
issue and that the Commission should ask the State for guidelines
defining historic districts.
C. Progress on Heritage Resource Designations
¢
Commissioner Henderson indicatedthere was a need to know more
on the process. Commissioner Voester stated that the appli-
cation for Heritage Resource Designation had been completed
by the Saratoga Foothill Club. She then went through the
application with the COlm~ission and indicated that she and
Peggy Corr had worked together to complete the application.
The Commission extended its congratulations to Commissioner
Voester.
After making some ~minor corrections the Commission made the
findings indicating that the Saratoga Foothill Club meets
the criteria of the Heritage Preservation Ordinance. The
Commission also added the comment that: ~The Saratoga Foothill
Club should go down in the History of Saratoga as the first
heritage resource designation.~" Commissioner Heid moved that
the Saratoga Foothill Club be designated as a Heritage Resource
of the City of Saratoga. Commissioner Voester seconded the
motion which was approved unanimously.
Chairman Landsness stated that a photo should be prepared for
the newspaper. Conm~issioner Mc Arthur that a Certificate of
Appreciation should be created for Heritage Resource Designees.
The Commission requested that staff collect samples of such
certificates for the Commission. The Commission discussed
presenting the certificate to the Saratoga Foothill Club at
one of its meetings.
II. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review of Cover Letter
Chariman Landsness briefly went over a proposed letter which
would act as a cover letter for the Heritage Resource Appli-
cation.
III. OTHER ITEMS
Commissioner Henderson stated that the Commission should reimburse
Commissioner Kvamme for the cost of the inventory binders. Com-
missioner Henderson moved that each commissioner pay $10.00 to
Commissioner Kvamme to defray the cost of the binders. The mo-
tion was seconded by Commissioner Heid. This motion was tabled
until staff could determine if Commissioner Kvamme could be reim-
bursed through City funds.
Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes Page 4
2/15/84
Discussion then follcm~d on the need for a budget for the Commission.
Staff indicated that it would submit budget materials to aid the
Commission in preparing its request.
The Commission decided that its next meeting should be on February 29,
1984 at which time the Commission would discuss the budget, committee
assignments and other items. Chairman Landshess requested that the
applications be reorganized to create a more positive application.
Commissioner McArthur suggested that a file be created for each
inventory item.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Flores
Secretary
MF/bjc