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2017-09-11 MinutesMinutes Historic Landmark Commission September 11, 2017 The Historic Landmark Commission of the City of Denton, Texas convened in Regular Meeting on Monday, September 11, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Work Session Room at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas at which time the following items were considered: PRESENT: Chair Peggy Riddle, Commissioners: Helen Bailey, Scott Campbell, Alyssa Stevenson, Roy Anderson, and Daniel Abasolo. ABSENT: Vice Chair- Deb Conte. Commissioner Kenneth Williamson and John Morris. STAFF: Ron Menguita, Roman McAllen, Trey Lansford, and Athenia Green. REGULAR MEETING 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A. U.S. Flag B. Texas Flag “Honor the Texas Flag – I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas one state under God, one and indivisible.” 2. ACTION ITEMS: A. Hold a public meeting and consider an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the house located at 2218 West Oak Street. The site is generally located on the north side of West Oak between Bradley Street and Thomas Street. (COA17-0003, 2218 West Oak Street, Roman McAllen) Roman McAllen, Historic Preservation Officer, provided the backup materials for this request. He provided details regarding the Historic Resource Survey and details regarding any recent violations with the Community Improvement Services Division. McAllen stated he would like to make a staff recommendation following the feedback received from the Commission during the meeting. McAllen provided language from the Denton Development Code regarding whether a structure is considered structurally sound or not. Chair Riddle discussed the language listed within the West Oak Historic District ordinance. She stated this portion of the ordinance still applies to the subject property. Ron Menguita, Long Range Planning Administrator, stated some of the language is language that staff is proposing. He stated this language could not currently be found on the Municode website. Chair Riddle opened the public meeting. 2 Randy Park, property owner, 2040 W. Oak Street Denton, Texas. Park stated Mr. Brenholz used to reside in the property, up until he was unable to tend to the property. Park stated his son, Brendan Carroll, lives behind the subject property. Once Mr. Brenholz passed away, his family decided to sell the property. The property was in poor condition at that time, and has only gotten worse over the years. Park is proposing to demolish the structure and the land would be split into two lots. Park stated one house would be developed on each lot; one of the houses would face Oak Street and the other would face Alamo Street. Commissioner Anderson questioned what would happened to the other property on Jagoe Street. Park stated the Jagoe house is one of the oldest structures within the West Oak Historic District. He stated he has met with a builder to discuss renovating the structure. The Jagoe house will remain at its current location. Commissioner Abasolo questioned if Park has considered selling the house and lot located at 2218 W. Oak Street. Park stated he has had two people interested in purchasing the property, however, they were looking for property with a house that had zero value. Chair Riddle questioned if Park has done any financial cost estimates to see what it would take to restore the property. Park stated he has not conducted any formal estimates. He stated several individuals have provided their input on the situation and it would cost roughly half a million dollars to restore the property. Chair Riddle questioned if the current tenant takes care of the property. Park stated no one currently resides at the property. He stated he recently had to evict a homeless person that was staying in the house. Park stated his grandson resided in the Jagoe House approximately one year prior, he had twins and the structure was not conducive for small children. Chair Riddle questioned if any of the materials could be salvaged during the demolition process. Park stated some of the wood was removed from the property without his permission. He stated some of the wood flooring could possibly be salvaged and repurposed. McAllen questioned the value of the land to sell it as is. Park stated it would take roughly half a million dollars to restore the property. He stated there is a neighboring apartment complex that blocks the current view from the house. He stated he doesn’t feel that someone would develop a single-family house for that price and then have an apartment complex distort the view. Park stated he has sentimental value in this property and the Jagoe Street house, since his six children all own the neighboring properties. Chair Riddle questioned if the property was already in a state of disrepair when Park purchased it. Park stated it was not habitable when he purchased the property. The roof had collapsed and the walls and garage collapsed shortly after. 3 Commissioner Abasolo questioned if there was a way to do a quid pro quo that would commit the owner to restoring the Jagoe House if the subject structure is demolished. Park stated he is happy to make that commitment. He stated he is working with Roman McAllen to restore the Jagoe House. Park stated he approved the construction drawings prior to this meeting. He stated he fully intends to make that commitment. The plan to restore the Jagoe House fits well with his vision of a family group of houses. Commissioner Bailey questioned Park if he would come before this Commission with future renovation plans to the Jagoe House. Park stated yes, if it cannot be approved at a staff level. Chair Riddle closed the public hearing. Commissioner Stevenson requested the meeting minutes from the August 14, 2017 meeting. She stated those have information regarding the subject property. Commissioner Bailey stated she agrees with the owners comments regarding the cost it would take to rebuild the structure. Commissioner Stevenson agreed. Commissioner Bailey questioned if staff or the Commission has pictures of the house to reference in the future, so the house is not demolished and forgot about. She stated there are some nice features on the house that she would like to see documented. Chair Riddle agreed. Park stated he gives permission for staff and or this Commission to go take pictures of the house within the next two weeks. He stated he plans to have it demolished after two weeks. Commissioner Alyssa Stevenson motioned, Commissioner Roy Anderson seconded to approve the request to demolish the structure located at 2218 W. Oak Street, with the condition that staff and or this Commission visit the property within the next two weeks to obtain photographs of the structure for documentation purposes. Motion approved (6-0-1). Commissioner Alyssa Stevenson, “aye”, Commissioner Scott Campbell, “aye”, Commissioner Roy Anderson, “aye”, Commissioner Helen Bailey, “aye”, and Commissioner Daniel Abasolo, “aye”. Chair Peggy Riddle, abstained. B. Hold a public meeting and consider an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a window in the home located at 619 Pearl Street. The site is generally located on the southeast corner at the intersection of Denton Street and Pearl Street. (COA17-0007, 619 Pearl Street, Roman McAllen) Roman McAllen, Historic Preservation Officer, stated this item would be heard after Action Item 2C. 4 C. Hold a public meeting and consider an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint signs on the building at 123 North Elm Street. The site is generally located on the southwest corner of the intersection of North Elm Street and West Oak Street. (COA17-0008, 123 North Elm Street, Roman McAllen) Action Item 2C was heard before item 2B. Roman McAllen, Historic Preservation Officer, provided the backup materials for this request. He stated staff recommends approval. The applicant and artist are present. Chair Riddle questioned if the request covers the smaller building on the back of the property. McAllen confirmed. The following individuals spoke during the Regular Meeting: Scott Brown, property owner, 1400 Dallas Drive, Denton, Texas. Brown stated they are going for an aged look. He stated the artwork would be similar to the painting on the Hoochie’s Restaurant located along Hickory Street and Industrial Street. Commissioner Anderson questioned if Scott Brown’s Real Estate occupies the property. Brown stated no, he stated they utilize the apartment on the top floor of the building as an office space to meet with investors. Commissioner Stevenson questioned if the painting will cover up the ghost signs that were added in the past. Warren Lunt, artist, Denton, Texas, stated no, the proposed artwork would be placed above the ghost signs. Commissioner Anderson questioned how he could advertise on the building for a business that does not occupy the space. Lunt stated he met with City staff in regards to off-premise signage. He stated he was informed it is considered “Freedom of Speech”, and is permitted. Commissioner Stevenson questioned if Brown considered placing the signage on the upper rear portion of the building and not the lower building. Brown stated he considered it, however, it would be too high for anyone to notice it. Commissioner Stevenson stated she does like the signage on the lower building as it distracts the eye from all of the electrical boxes on the back of the building. There was no one else to speak. Chair Riddle closed the Public Hearing. Chair Riddle stated the language in the motion should identify the proposal as an advertising sign. Commissioner Anderson and Commissioner Bailey agreed. Commissioner Roy Anderson motioned, Commissioner Helen Bailey seconded to approve this request as an advertising sign. Motion approved (6-0). Chair Peggy Riddle, “aye”, Commissioner Alyssa Stevenson, “aye”, Commissioner Scott Campbell, “aye”, Commissioner Roy Anderson, “aye”, Commissioner Helen Bailey, “aye”, and Commissioner Daniel Abasolo, “aye”. 5 B. Hold a public meeting and consider an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a window in the home located at 619 Pearl Street. The site is generally located on the southeast corner at the intersection of Denton Street and Pearl Street. (COA17-0007, 619 Pearl Street, Roman McAllen) The Commission returned to Action Item 2B. Roman McAllen, Historic Preservation Officer, provided the backup materials for this request. He stated the owner is not present. McAllen stated if the Commission would like to, they could postpone the item until the applicant could attend. He stated staff recommends approval of this request. Chair Riddle questioned if there are any four over one (4/1) windows on the house. McAllen stated he believes the proposed window is a 6/1 and not a 4/1 window. He stated the other windows are closer to a 9/1 window, however, that would be difficult to construct on a small window. Commissioner Stevenson stated she thinks a 3/1 window would be compatible to the style of the house. Commissioner Bailey questioned if the owner could work with staff to determine the best window for the house that fits the style. Trey Lansford, Deputy City Attorney, stated the Commission could motion to postpone the item if they do not want to approve with conditions. Chair Riddle stated the Commission could approve the request with the condition that the owner work with staff to install a new window as long as it meets the design requirements of the Commission. Commissioner Roy Anderson motioned, Commissioner Scott Campbell seconded to approve this request based on the condition that the owner work with the Historic Preservation Officer to determine a window that will fit with exiting windows and design standards of this house. Motion approved (6-0). Chair Peggy Riddle, “aye”, Commissioner Alyssa Stevenson, “aye”, Commissioner Scott Campbell, “aye”, Commissioner Roy Anderson, “aye”, Commissioner Helen Bailey, “aye”, and Commissioner Daniel Abasolo, “aye”. D. Hold a public hearing and consider making a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council regarding repealing and replacing Section 35.7.6, repealing Sections 35.7.7 and 35.7.8, and adding Section 35.3.15.1, Historic Preservation Procedures to the Denton Development Code. (DCA17-0009, Historic Preservation Code Amendments, Roman McAllen) Roman McAllen, Historic Preservation Officer, stated the Preservation Plan has not been updated since 1986. He provided the timeline and backup materials for this request. Chair Riddle questioned if staff is proposing to change the Bell Avenue Conservation District to a Historic District. McAllen confirmed. Chair Riddle questioned if a public hearing would be required. Ron Menguita, Long Range Planning Administrator, stated a public hearing would take place when the item goes before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. 6 Chair Riddle questioned if the property owners within those districts would be notified. Menguita stated that is part of the process for the item to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Chair Riddle stated the Bell Avenue Conservation District does not specifically list paint pallet colors. McAllen stated after meeting with residents in that district, this was the guidance provided. McAllen referred to page six (6) of the Procedures document. He stated he has issues with the language regarding, “hardscaping compromising more than 25% of the front yard”. He stated the language should read “less than”, instead of “more than”. Chair Riddle requested the Commission have until the next meeting to review the document and provide any comments. She requested the Commission email any comments to McAllen prior to the October 2017 meeting. McAllen and the Commission agreed. Menguita stated a motion would need to be made to postpone the item to a date certain. Commissioner Alyssa Stevenson motioned, Commissioner Daniel Abasolo seconded to postpone this item to a date certain of October 9, 2017. Motion approved (6-0). Chair Peggy Riddle, “aye”, Commissioner Alyssa Stevenson, “aye”, Commissioner Scott Campbell, “aye”, Commissioner Roy Anderson, “aye”, Commissioner Helen Bailey, “aye”, and Commissioner Daniel Abasolo, “aye”. 3. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PROJECT MATRIX A. Historic Landmark Commission project matrix. Roman McAllen, Historic Preservation Officer, informed Commissioner Stevenson that the Quakertown Park is a registered Texas Landmark. Commissioner Stevenson acknowledged. She questioned if this encompasses the entire Civic Center Complex. McAllen stated he is not aware of the entire boundary. Commissioner Stevenson questioned if the Denton Women’s Club building is included in the boundary. Chair Riddle stated it is a separate designation. Chair Riddle stated she feels the Selwyn School would not be considered a high priority for designation. McAllen stated he has met with a few individuals regarding preserving some of the buildings at the Selwyn School. Commissioner Campbell requested a future discussion or information regarding the Confederate Monument located on the Denton County Courthouse lawn on the square. He requested information regarding whether this Commission has any jurisdiction over the monument. McAllen stated staff could provide the Commission with information regarding the monument and whether this Commission has any jurisdiction. Chair Riddle stated Denton County is currently working to repair the sidewalks along the Denton County Courthouse on the square. There was no further discussion. Chair Riddle adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:31 p.m.