HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-2008 Draft HPC Minutes
City of Saratoga
H ERITAGE P RESERVATION C OMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 8:30 a.m.
Place: Warner Hutton House, 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
Warner Hutton House by approximately 9:15 a.m.
1. Routine Organization
A. Roll Call
PRESENT- Commissioners Koepernik, McCarty, Sorden, Tai, Gomersall,
Chair Kellond, and Vice Chair Marra
ABSENT- None
STAFF- Senior Planner Christopher Riordan, Assistant Planner Michael
Fossati
GUESTS - Michael McKay, Jenny Taylor, Mahammad Estahbanaty
B. Approval of minutes from May 13, 2008 meeting - Approved
C. Posting of Agenda – Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the
agenda was posted on June 5, 2008.
D. Oral & Written Communication - Any member of the public may address the
Commission about any matter not
E. Oral Communications – Historic Preservation Commission direction to Staff –
Instruction to staff regarding actions on current Oral Communications – None
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. Chair Kellond thanked Mr.
Estahbanaty for submitting the historical report for 20731 Saint Charles Street
and said that the Commission could not comment on the contents of the
report since the discussion of such was not on this meeting’s agenda.
Commissioner Koepernik informed the Commission that Hakone Gardens
was ready to submit for Historic Landmark status. He also stated that he had
been contacted by Betty Peck and that she had told him that she was
interested in pursuing Historic Landmark status for her own home. Ms Taylor
stated that the neighbors were concerned about the new house to be
constructed at 20731 Saint Charles Street and that the neighbors were
interested in the historic nature of the existing house and that it was likely to
be an archaeological site since Ohlone Indians were known to have been in
the area. Vice Chair Marra said that it was one of the better report that he has
reviewed.
2. Old Business
A. Discuss National Registry & Saratoga Landmark Plaques – Not Discussed
B. Discuss Heritage Orchard Signage – Item Discussed. Chair Kellond informed
the Commission that he had spoken to the Chair of the Saratoga Library
Commission and that he was going to tomorrow’s meeting so as to show
them the design of the sign for the Heritage Orchard.
C. Discuss Historic Incentives – Not Discussed
D. Discuss Sign for McWilliams House – Not Discussed
E. Discuss Orchard Pathway – Item Discussed. Chair Kellond said that Senior
Engineer Iveta Harvancik did come to last month’s HPC meeting to give a
presentation on the orchard pathway that could affect Matt Ivancovich’s work
in the Orchard. Chair Kellond said that he had met with Matt Ivancovich,
Senior Engineer Iveta Harvancik, and the trail construction contractor to
discuss some key issues and some solutions to these issues which included
discussing the trails location with respect to the creek and finding a solution
that would not interfere with Matt Ivancovich’s work area since his tractors
would destroy any header board used for the trail. Commissioner Koepernik
stated that his concern was that the City should have installed a “deer fence”
and that the HPC had not been asked to review the fence. Vice Chair Marra
questioned why the plaque had been placed in its location and why the HPC
had not been notified prior to installation. Commissioner McCarty also
questioned why the plaque location had been chosen. Chair Kellond said that
he was concerned that the public would not know that the path was in the
Orchard as there was no signage and that if there is going to be future
signage that the HPC should be give the opportunity to review them. Vice
Chair Marra said that the benches that had been discussed for the path would
only be temporary an only would be in place for the opening festivities. Chair
Kellond stated his general concern and frustration on how little the
Commission had been involved in the pathway discussions and that the
fencing had not been reviewed by the HPC. Commissioner Gomersall asked
if the pathway was going to be moved away from the creek. Chair Kellond
said that they are moving the trail in the in the locations that needed it and
that a fence is being added for safety. Commissioner Koepernik said that the
City was not keeping the HPC informed about the orchard pathway.
F. Discuss Orchard Maintenance – Not Discussed
3. New Business
A. 8:30 a.m. Site Visit - 13840 Saratoga Avenue – Review proposed demolition of
the existing one-story single-family ranch style residence with the intent to
construct a new one-story single-family residence. Prior to demolition, the
staff and the applicant request a determination from the Historical Preservation
Commission (HPC) on the historical significance of the existing residence.
The determination to allow the demolition would be based on the
recommendation from the HPC – Site visit completed. Item discussed. Vice
Chair Marra stated that he felt that it was a shame that the house has been
allowed to deteriorate since it appears to be generally well kept, he supports
the design of the new house, and that the owner should try to maintain the
existing cottage by the creek since its location is an historic aspect of the
property. Commissioner Tai said that she supports the demo of the existing
house and that she liked the design of the replacement home. Commissioner
McCarty said that she agreed what had already been stated by her fellow
Commissioners. Commissioner Koepernik said that he did not agree that
termite damage should be a valid reason for a demolition as the house is not too
old. Commissioner Gomersall said that she agreed with the statement that was
made by Commissioner Koepernik. Motion by Commissioner Koepernik and
seconded by Commissioner Tai to support the demolition of the existing house
so as to orient the new house and to maintain the existing trees on the site.
Carried on a 7-0 vote.
B. Joint Council Meeting with HPC and Historic Foundation – Discuss
upcoming joint meeting with City Council scheduled for July 2, 2008. – Item
Discussed. Commissioner Gomersall said that she would like to discuss signage
with the City Council and the possibility of designating the area from the
Saratoga Library to the Cemetery a historic district. Chair Kellond said that the
focus of the joint meeting should be on attainable goals. These issues could
include orchard signage, Oak Street as a Heritage Lane, highlight discussion of
historical plaques and tell how they will be presented in the future, and possible
historic incentives.
4. Pending Items
A. Historic Resources Inventory
B. National Register Applications
C. Adopt a Tree Program for the Heritage Orchard
D. Update Heritage Ordinance
E. Review Oak Street as a Heritage Lane
F. Review additional content for Heritage Resources webpage
G. Historic Preservation Data Base
H. Review list of properties with structures 50 years and over in age
5. Adjournment
Adjourn to 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2008, Planning Conference Room, 13777
Fruitvale Avenue.