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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.