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2000 07 27 HPC Minutes MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Ouinta City Hall Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Ouinta, CA July 27, 2000 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairman Robert Wright at 3:04 p.m. who led the flag salute and asked for the roll call. I. CALL TO ORDER A. Pledge of Allegiance. B. Roll Call. Present: Commissioners Irwin, Puente, Mitchell, and Chairman Wright. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Mitchell to excuse Commissioner Sharp. Unanimously approved. Staff Present: Planning Manager Christine di Iorio and Secretary Carolyn Walker. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio informed the Commissioners RJT Homes, applicant for Item "C", has asked to withdraw their application and will resubmit at a later date. They will present Phase I and II at one time. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Puente to table Item #C. Unanimously approved. B. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Mitchell to approve the Minutes of June 15, 2000 as submitted. Unanimously approved. V. BUSINESS ITEMS A. Certification of Appropriateness 2000-005. a request to allow a wood patio cover with a tile roof on the front of a restaurant located at 78-039 Calle Estado. Applicant: EI Ranchito Restaurant - David and Alma Cetina. P:\CAROL YN\HPC7-27-00.wpd -1- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 1. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Chairman Wright asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. David Cetina, owner of the EI Ranchito Restaurant, gave a brief history of the restaurant and the improvements made over the years. The canvas cover was erected as a temporary patio cover; however, due to problems with the wind and high maintenance, he wishes to put up a more permanent structure as it is used extensively. He proposes to construct a wood beam structure with tile. 3. Chairman Wright asked Mr. John Weidenhamer, a local artist who was working with Mr. Cetina, for his opinion on altering the facade of the building. Mr. Weidenhamer stated he had reviewed the drawings and the wood beam structure would be more attractive than the canvas as it would blend better and not block the roof gable ends. They would still be seen above the shed roof as well as the front of the building. Almost none of the building would be hidden. He did not think the design changed the facade, but was simply installing a replacement for the canvas patio cover that was already there. 4. Commissioner Mitchell expressed his dislike of the current canvas covering and agreed with staff's decision, based upon the Secretary of Interior's Guidelines. He also wondered if some compromise could be made to adequately address staff concerns to come up with a design that satisfies both the Secretary of Interior's Guidelines and would be cost-effective for the applicant He wondered if there were any other design possibilities besides the current proposed cover. 5. Mr. Cetina replied he had chosen this design because it was simple and with the open ceiling the tile would give the cover a rustic look. 6. Commissioner Mitchell commented that the structure was not appropriate for the style and period in which the building was built. He wondered if there was anything that could be done that wouldn't impact the feeling and design and stay within the guidelines of this structure. P:\CAROL YNlHPC7-27-00.wpd -2- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 7. Mr. Cetina pointed out he had chosen the wood trellis because this would be more harmonious with this architectural style than a stucco design. 8. Commissioner Mitchell stated it's the feeling of this structure that is of concern to staff and asked if a historic architect had been consulted. It was his opinion the Commission should have an opportunity to consider other alternatives. 9. Commissioner Irwin commented that she approved of the improvements the owner has done so far; even the temporary canvas cover was attractive because it did add some color to the building and was maintained well. However, the newly proposed patio cover seemed very massive for this size building. She thought it would be better if it wasn't a solid roof. She gave an example of an entryway at the La Guinta Hotel. There is ten years difference in the age of the buildings, but the many alterations blend so well it doesn't appear as though it has been altered at all. It maintains its integrity. Her concern was if a massive roof covering was installed on this size building, it would lose the integrity of the building. She also suggested adding some openness. 10. Commissioner Puente agreed and stated the building has a very simple form, similar to the Old Spanish style, and the overhang is more like a Southwest style. It would appear as though the two styles are trying to clash. She suggested designing something with arches. 11. Chairman Wright expressed concern that this is a historic building, but this business is one of the few businesses in the Village area that had been around for a long period of time. In his opinion the patio was financially important to this business. He said he realized that it was a historic structure and recalled all the time spent on the Historical Society Museum and the Veterinary Hospital (the old lumber yard) making sure they were refurbished close to their original style. He asked Planning Manager di Iorio about the Secretary of Interior's Guidelines and if the patio cover had to look exactly like the building or if it could be of a different style. P:\CAROL YNlHPC7-27-00.wpd -3- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 12. Planning Manager di Iorio replied it was not necessary to match the historical structure. The Commission was concerned with the addition's massiveness, scale and its architectural integrity as it does stand on its own. One of the alternatives discussed was possibly breaking up the massiveness by having two structures. The goal was not trying to replicate, but to be compatible with a contemporary look; keeping in mind the character-defining features. 13. Chairman Wright asked if it made any difference that the canopy was not attached to the building? Planning Manager di Iorio answered it did not. One of the initial concerns was the structural integrity of the building and the applicant has been very sensitive in re-designing the awning without touching the historic building. 14. Chairman Wright said he would like to see another design other than the canvas since it does not provide protection from the heat; Whereas, tile, or a solid structure would provide some protection as the patio is used year-round. 15. Commissioner Irwin disagreed, saying she has a solid roof patio covering on her house which retains the heat, even with fans. She maintained the addition of the patio cover would not make the patio more useable year-round because of the intense heat in June, July and August. 16. Chairman Wright commented that no one would be able to sit outside during those months, but he wanted to work hard with this business to make this thing work. He suggested the Commission and staff provide the applicant with some additional ideas as well as the applicant look at hiring a historic architect. 17. Planning Manager di Iorio reiterated staff's position and added there will be a funding program, starting in September for businesses in the Village Commercial area. This would provide the applicant with additional funds to cover the cost of hiring a historic architect. 18. Chairman Wright asked if the applicant was aware of the program. 19. Mr. Cetina stated he had received something from the City P:\CAROL YN\HPC7-27-00.wpd -4- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 regarding a Commercial Property Improvement Program but had not had time to review it. 20. Planning Manager di Iorio informed the applicant a presentation would be given at City Hall that evening. She offered to provide him with a brochure and another copy of the letter, at the end of the meeting. 21. Chairman Wright reiterated his support for all the commercial businesses in the Village area that the Commission work as close as possible to support them as the City is working very hard to revitalize the Village. He then asked staff what the Commissions options would be. 22. Planning Manager di Iorio gave three alternatives: 1. Take action on staff's recommendation; 2. Deny the application as submitted; or, 3. Continue the request and ask that the applicant work with staff to reach a solution based on the Commission's direction. 23. Chairman Wright stated he would prefer to continue the project as he did not want to deny it. 24. Commissioner Irwin stated she didn't want to approve the application as submitted and compromise the high standards the Commission has worked hard to maintain. The historic preservation of La Quinta is important and in this instance she did not want to compromise the integrity of the building. In her opinion the design did damage and obstruct the architectural features of the historic structure. 25. Commissioner Mitchell agreed and stated the role of the Commission was to assist people, but in this instance after looking at the proposed patio cover plan he thought there could be an alternative. The structure was built in the 30's. If it had been constructed in 1936, what would they have built? He suggested, the applicant use vines to soften the facade which could be trained to cover the top. This could create a problem with maintenance in terms of leaf droppings. He too, concurred with continuing this item to allow the applicant to come up with some viable alternatives. 26. Mr. Cetina told the Commission he had first considered building stucco columns in the front and then decided it was going to be P:\CAROL YN\HPC7-27-00.wpd -5- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 too massive. He then considered lattice, and then metal. He then decided on wood posts since they were a lot nicer than the canvas and would be more compatible with the building's design style. 27. Commissioner Mitchell suggested the applicant might want to go to some archives like the Library of the Historical Society and look at some old pictures of buildings of the 1930's to get an idea of what was used in that time period and would be better suited for his use. 28. Chairman Wright asked Planning Manager di Iorio if she remembered the patio cover on the back of Tradition that was approved by the Commission and what type of construction was used. Planning Manager di Iorio stated it was post and beam construction. Chairman Wright asked if that was an alternative. Planning Manager di Iorio answered it was. 29. Mr. Weidenhamer asked if the current design plan utilized post and beam construction. 30. Planning Manager di Iorio replied it was, but had some tile work as well. She then read the letter about the Commercial Improvement Program and verified the time and date of July 27th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 31 . Chairman Wright reiterated his support to maintain the integrity of every structure by maintaining the architectural guidelines of structures built in their time period, but recommended continuing this project to give the applicant time to work with staff to redesign the patio cover. He felt it was necessary to be very sensitive due to the possibility of additions to the Historical Society or the Veterinary Hospital. The situation would be similar and the Commission would have some guideline to follow. 32. Commissioner Irwin suggested the applicant visit the Walter Morgan House or the Cyrus Pierce House to see what type of patio structures were used. 33. Planning Manager di Iorio said the Cyrus Pierce House has a different type of roof line. It has a patio with a covered area, but is a side-facing gable so it just extends off of the gable whereas, P:\CAROL YNlHPC7-27-00.wpd -6- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 the restaurant has a unique roof pitch with the front facing gable and attached shed roof design. The Morgan House is in the back and was a later addition in the Monterey-style. 34. Mr. Cetina asked for direction on design guidelines. 35. Chairman Wright had suggested Mr. Weidenhamer might be able to help with the architectural designs as he was familiar with the building's construction. 36. Commissioner Mitchell suggested the applicant look at other Spanish-style structures, outside the Valley, to see what patio structures could be designed that would keep the feeling, association, and integrity of the historic structure. 37. Mr. Cetina referenced buildings he had seen in Mexico as this was where his concept had originated from. That type of architecture did not have anything underneath the beams. You can see the tile. Some of the homes are that way with lattice and tile on top. 38. Chairman Wright commented that style was the trend and he liked the look. He wasn't so concerned with the style as the problem of protruding into the street, looking directly at the building, having the patio cover take away from the lines architecturally. This building is one of the only three historic commercial structures left in the Village area. He suggested the applicant take advantage of the meeting scheduled for that evening. 39. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Mitchell to continue this item to the meeting of September 21, 2000, to give the applicant an opportunity to attending the Commercial Property Improvement Program meeting and prepared revisions for the Commission. Unanimously approved. B. Final Report on Archaeological Monitoring for Tract 23995: located on the north bank of the Whitewater River Storm Channel between Washington Street and Adams Street. Applicant: Century-Crowell Communities (Sienna Del Rey) Archaeological Consultant: Archaeological Advisory Group (James Brock). P:\CAROL YNlHPC7-27-00. wpd -7- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 1. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. Staff passed out additional information regarding submission of materials for City curation: a. "Collected cultural/paleontological resources will be delivered to the City prior to issuance of first building permit for the property, properly packaged for long term curation, in polyethylene self-seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all within acid-free, standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes. Materials will be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the original graphics." Planning Manager di Iorio expressed concern as to the timing of the curation materials which might have to be further along in the, process than at the building permit period because there may be more time needed to do the final report. She will pursue this further with the City's Building & Safety Department. 2. Commissioner Mitchell had no objections. 3. Commissioner Irwin had no objection with the monitoring, but questioned the new material that talked about properly packaging the final report for long-term curation as she did not think staples should be used in the reports. 4. After discussion, the condition was amended as follows: a "Collected cultural/paleontological resources will be delivered to the City prior to issuance of first building permit for the property, properly packaged for long term curation, in polyethylene self-seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all within acid-free, staple-free, standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes. Materials will be placed within an acid-free binder and shall include a descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the original graphics." 5. Commissioner Puente then asked when digging would begin on the project. P:\CAROL YNlHPC7-27-00,wpd -8- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 6. Planning Manager di Iorio responded it was currently under construction. 7. Commissioner Irwin stated the area that had been monitored backed up to the Whitewater Storm Channel. 8. Commissioner Irwin asked if the Commission would be reviewing material before a Certificate of Occupancy was issued. Planning Manager di Iorio stated houses were currently under construction and that was why it was being brought before the Commission at this time. 9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puentellrwin to adopt Minute Motion 2000-016 accepting the Final Report on Archaeological Monitoring for Tract 23995 with correction to the conditions as noted above. Unanimously approved. C. Review and Acceptance of Curation Guidelines. 1. Planning Manager di Iorio gave a brief report on the Collections Management Plan. The Management Plan had been sent to the various local Indian Tribal Governments and no comments had been received She then asked if there were any questions. 2. Commissioner Irwin questioned the first page, where it talked about the Historic Preservation Commission, under the Mission Statement, "Certain minor items need review and amendment - particularly regarding archaeology and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) - but the intent of the ordinance is clear." She wanted to know what the Consultant, Roberta Greenwood was referring to. 3. Planning Manager di Iorio responded that since adoption of the City's Ordinance, CEQA has been changed to be more specific in regard to archaeology and the pursuit of preservation of sites and treatment of human remains. This was updating the document to be more current CEQA requirements. In addition, the City's General Plan will contain a new section, Cultural Resources. The City's Ordinance will be changed to be in agreement with the P:\CAROL YNlHPC7-27-00.wpd -9- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 General Plan. 4. Commissioner Irwin asked if this would be reviewed by the Commission. Planning Manager di Iorio stated the Commission would review it when it was complete. 5. Commissioner Irwin questioned why an outside consultant was needed when staff could do this. Planning Manager di Iorio responded that it would be beneficial to have a consultant do it because they would be able to draw from different documents that had been prepared by other cities in the State that would fit the City's needs better. 6. Commissioner Puente inquired if the Guidelines had to be approved as presented or could changes be made at a later time. Planning Manager di Iorio clarified that parts of the Guidelines may be updated or change in the future, such as when the City has proper facilities. Right now this document will serve as the basis to build on. 7. Commissioner Irwin commented on the trip the Commissioners took to Fort Irwin which made reading this document easier and more understandable. 8. Chairman Wright complimented staff and the consultant on the fine job and asked staff if they were looking for acceptance at this meeting. Planning Manager di Iorio stated yes and asked if the Commissioners had any further questions she could relay them to the Consultant before a final document was prepared for consideration by the City Council. 9. Chairman Wright observed the Guidelines were a work in progress and could be amended as necessary. 10. Commissioner Irwin requested the Commission send the Consultant, Roberta Greenwood, a letter expressing their thanks. 11. Commissioner Mitchell asked for staff's impression of the work. Planning Manager di Iorio replied it was a good beginning as It gave staff the language needed to implement the document. 12. Commissioner Puente asked what the next step was in identifying historic buildings and how would they proceed from there. P:\CAROL YN\HPC7-27-00.wpd -10- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 13. Commissioner Irwin stated her concern regarding the commercial building just reviewed by the Commission as well as all the other houses that were built in the 40's that should be on the City's Historic List. What is the next step in identifying them? 14. Planning Manager di Iorio responded that there have been many house sales in the Cove and the owners were being directed to the Community Development Department by the Building Department to check and see if they had been included in the City's survey. Most of the houses staff has seen were block-construction built during the 40's houses. They have basically the same style as the stucco homes, but in the 40's they were being built with block and were not listed on the City's survey. 15. Commissioner Irwin stated the Desert Club Homes should be added as they are a separate group. 16. Planning Manager di Iorio agreed and stated there were more homes which needed to be included on the Historic Building Survey. She also added one of the directions in the curation document was to find out where our materials are and to document them. 17. Chairman Wright asked for confirmation on whether or not the Commission had the authority to make recommendations on residences as they do on commercial buildings. 18. Planning Manager di Iorio replied this was correct. Until there is a local designation there is no mechanism to trigger such a review by the Commission, except for demolitions and that is the other concern regarding new purchasers of these homes. Most people buying them are because of their historic significance so there is some sensitivity, but some don't necessarily understand its importance. It would be beneficial if we had some input into residential purchase/preservation efforts. P:\CAROL YNlHPC7-27-00.wpd -11- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 27, 2000 19. Chairman Wright agreed and commented funds were not available and or no notification mechanism available with residential homes as there is with commercial, but after the Guidelines are prepared that may change. He again offered to be of help to any applicant and staff in re-design of the building. 20. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente/Mitchell to adopt Minute Motion 2000-017 accepting the Curation Guidelines as submitted. Unanimously approved. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS A. Commissioner Irwin asked if all the Commissioners had completed the training necessary for the CLG for the year. Planning Manager di Iorio replied no further training was necessary. B. Commissioner Irwin asked if members could attend the Historic Preservation Conference coming October in Los Angeles. Planning Manger di Iorio replied the Conference in March, 2001 had been budgeted for education. She added, if the Commissioners were interested in attending the Barstow Conference in May, 2001, she would look into funding approval, or the Historic Preservation Conference in San Diego this year. Commissioners Irwin and Wright expressed interest in attending the Barstow Conference. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Mitchell/Puente to adjourn this meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the next scheduled meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission on August 17, 2000. This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was adjourned at 4:04 p.m., July 27, 2000. Unanimously approved. Submitted by: {~J-t/~/)UtU(J2!I.YL1- Caroly~jWalker Secretary P:\CAROL YN\HPC7-27-00. wpd -12-