1993 02 23 HPC0
,d, CfTV
1982 - 1992 Ten Carat Decade
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
A Regular Meeting to be Held at the
La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado
La Quinta, California
February 23, 1993
5:30 P.M.
Beginning Minute Motion 93-003
CALL TO ORDER - Flag Salute
ROLL CALL
BUSINESS SESSION
1. Presentation on local archaeology by Mr. Drew Palette, President Coachella Valley
Archaeological Society.
2. Certified Local Government (CLG) status.
3. Discussion on preservation issues with La Quinta Historical Society members
PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the time set aside for citizens to address the Historical Preservation Commission
on matters relating to historic resources within the City of La Quinta which are not
Agenda items. When addressing the Historical Commission, please state your name and
address. When addressing the Commission on matters pertaining to prehistoric sites, do
not disclose the exact location of site for their protection.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of the Minutes of the regular Historical Preservation Committee meetings held
on January 26, 1993.
OTHER
ADJOURNMENT
STUDY SESSION
MONDAY, February22, 1993
4:30 P.M.
1. All agenda items.
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STAFF REPORT
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION MEETING
DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 1993
SUBJECT: CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT STATUS (CLG)
BACKGROUND:
The 1980 amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 provide for the
establishment of a Certified Local Government (CLG) Program. This program allows for direct
local government participation in California's comprehensive statewide historic preservation
plan.
The CLG Program encourages the preservation of significant cultural resources by promoting
a partnership between local governments and the State of California. Local governments assume
a leadership role in the preservation of the community's cultural heritage and have a formal
participation in the National Register nomination review process. The CLG program can be
used as a method of organizing local planning efforts involving existing cultural resources.
There are two levels of participation available to CLG governments, the threshold level and the
expanded level. The threshold level requires that a city must:
1. Enforce appropriate state and local legislation for the designation and protection of
historic properties;
2. Establish an adequate and qualified historic preservation review commission by local law;
3. Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties;
4. Provide for adequate public participation in the local historic preservation program,
including the process of recommending properties for nomination to the National
Register; and,
5. Satisfactorily perform the responsibilities delegated to it by the state.
The expanded level of participation requires a local government to enact appropriate legislation
that includes a declaration of policy, the creation of a historic preservation commission,
provisions for survey and registration of historic resources, provisions for penalties and
severability, and operational definitions. At this level, a CLG may adopt a historical
preservation element for the jurisdictions General Plan, and participate in the environmental
review of local projects in accordance with CEQA. A CLG may participate in the review and
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comment on historic preservation certification applications for tax incentives. In cooperation
with the state, a CLG may establish procedures for implementation of the investment tax credit
program at the local level. Educational programs may be developed by a CLG that include
sponsorship of preservation workshops, publication of preservation information, organizing
preservation fairs, conducting walking tours, and preparing preservation curricula for schools.
CLG's may also participate in the Marks Historical Rehabilitation Act for issuance of tax-exempt
industrial bonds, and establish and administer a preservation revolving fund. A permanent
administrative staff position may be established that is responsible for local preservation
activities. The state may delegate additional responsibilities to the CLG by mutual written
agreement.
DISCUSSION:
At the meeting of January 26, 1993, the Commission directed Staff to assess the benefits of
obtaining CLG status. Recently, Staff has received several publications from the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) on the subject of CLG status. In reviewing these publications the
following benefits are available to the City upon certification:
1. Eligible to apply for SHPO Grants.
2. Technical assistance and training from SHPO.
3. Federal and State recognition as having local expertise in historic preservation.
4. Preservation Network available.
5. Opportunity for periodic meetings with SHPO.
6. Review of local National Register nominations prior to submittal to SHPO.
Tax benefits are available to property owners regardless of the City's CLG status, as long as the
site has been listed on the National Register either individually or as part of an historic district.
Grants:
Obtaining CLG status can help the City to encourage, develop and maintain local preservation
efforts in coordination with development plans.
Many kinds of projects can be supported by grants to CLG's from the SHPO. Some examples
of projects are:
* Survey and inventory of historic resources such as buildings, parks, fences, roads, and
bridges.
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* Survey of local prehistoric and historic archaeological resources.
* Preparation of nomination forms of local resources to the National Register of Historic
Places.
* Comprehensive community planning activities such as:
- Providing staff support to CLG's historic preservation commission.
- Developing published design guidelines for review of new construction and
alterations to properties within historic districts.
- Writing or amending preservation ordinances.
- Preparing preservation plans for protection of local historic resources.
* Testing archaeological sites to determine their significance.
* Programs for public education in historic preservation, such as:
- Exhibits
- Brochures
- Special. events
Grant eligibility is based upon having an ordinance with provisions for jurisdiction over the
entire city, and for review commissioners to represent preservation -related professions to the
extent available in the community. Federal grant funds are distributed by the State Office of
Historic Preservation for preservation program activities, eligibility for these competitive grants
is limited to CLG's. A. city must already be certified in order to apply for CLG grant funds by
the grant application deadline of December 1st of each year. CLG's are responsible for
providing local match for federally funded grant projects or programs. Supplemental allocation
of funds are available for expanded level of participation.
Technical Assistance and Training:
Certified Local Governments receive technical assistance and training from SHPO. This training
can help a city pursue its preservation goals and its plans for development. Annual workshops
and conferences are sponsored by SHPO, to provide training on tax incentives, local historic
preservation planning, and other topics.
Local Expertise:
Certified Local Governments are recognized by Federal and State agencies as having special
expertise in historic preservation. National Park Service regulations define: an "adequate and
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qualified historic preservation review commission" as one in which all members have
demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation. :Professionals from
the fields of architecture, history, planning, archaeology, American Studies, cultural geography,
or cultural anthropology should be appointed to the commission to the extent available in the
community. The kinds of expertise needed on a commission will vary with the nature of local
historic resources. For La Quinta, a commission should probably have expertise in prehistoric
archaeology, cultural anthropology, architectural history, and history. If a local government is
certified with a historic preservation commission lacking the full range of professional expertise
required by the regulations, the State must require that the community obtain specific expertise
as necessary. Consultations with professional consultants or qualified staff would be required
prior to forwarding any decision to the State Historic Preservation Office.
Preservation Network:
Through a network there are a number of publications available to CLG's, some free and some
for sale, that provide technical guidance on various preservation topics. Professional assistance
is also available from the National and State levels to CLG's when needed. There are periodic
meetings and conferences with SHPO where CLG's can exchange information and learn of new
legislation, funding requirements, etc.
National Register Review and Nominations:
Certified Local Governments are granted formal participation in the identification and National
recognition of local historic resources. The National Register of Historic Places is a working
list of properties determined to be of National, State, or local significance and worthy of
preservation and consideration in planning or development decisions. The National Register is
maintained by the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. CLG's participate in the National
Register nomination process by reviewing all nominations of properties in their jurisdiction.
National Register listing can enrich local preservation efforts by publicly establishing that local
properties are significant enough to merit national recognition. Federal tax law provides
incentives for the preservation of National Register listed sites or districts in the form of
investment tax credits ;and tax deductions. National Register status identifies a property as one
whose historical value must be considered in planning by Federal agencies and by communities
using Community Development Block Grants and other forms of Federal assistance.
ASSESSMENT OF LA OUINTA HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION:
Staff has reviewed the resume's of the Historical Preservation Commissioners to determine the
professional qualifications currently available.
Commissioner Barrows
Commissioner Mosher
Commissioner Ellson
Commissioner Marrs
Commissioner Adolph
- Biology
- Real Estate
- Education/Business Administration
- Engineering
- Architecture
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As previously discussed, the CLG background requirements for commissioners include fields
related to history and culture. It appears that Commissioner Adolph is clearly qualified with his
academic and professional training in architecture.
Commissioner Barrows, Marrs, and Mosher could possibly be qualified as individuals with a
"demonstrated" interest in local preservation rather than with professional qualifications. A
"demonstrated" interest requires that the commissioner be able to list on a resume projects,
causes, publications, etc that clearly prove an advocational dedication or involvement with
historic preservation. .Any "deficit" in Commission qualifications on a whole can be made up
for by seeking outside advice of professionals in whatever discipline is required at the time or
by utilizing staff expertise. Staff expertise available in the Planning and Development
Department includes urban planning, geography, anthropology, and archaeology. Outside
consultants and/or staff would review particular cases and make recommendations and comments
to the Commission. All outside consultants and staff that will be utilized by the Commission
for expert advice will need to submit a resume to the Commission for inclusion in the CLG
application packet, for SHPO consideration.
OPTIONS:
Staff sees three options available to the Historic Preservation Commission
1. No change - do nothing.
2. Petition City Council for permission to apply to SHPO for CLG certification with current
Commissioners., and meet any "deficiency" with Staff and/or outside expertise and any
necessary ordinance amendments, etc.
3. Petition City Council to restructure the Commission with individuals from the community
who have the credentials in the necessary areas, thereby creating a new advisory body
separate from the Planning Commission.
RECOMMENDATION:
Move to recommend to the City Council by Minute Motion 93- that the Historical
Preservation Commission apply for Certified Local Government Certification as described in
Option #2, and direct Staff to prepare application documents for the Certified Local Government
Program.
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MINUTES
HISTORICAI, PRESERVATION COMMISSION - CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
January 26, 1993
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 6:08 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows and
Commissioner Mosher led the flag salute.
II. ROLL CALL
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Committee Members
Mosher Ellson, Mans, Adolph, and Chairwoman Barrows.
B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Stan Sawa,
Associate Planner Leslie Blodgett, and Department Secretary Betty Anthony.
HI. BUSINESS SESSION:
A. Confidentiality Procedures
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1. Associate Planner Leslie Blodgett presented the information contained in
the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
2. Commissioner members discussed with the Staff the reasons why
archaeological sites needed to remain unknown. Staff gave alternative
methods for the Commissioners to know the location of a site during the
public discussion of a particular project.
3. Chairwoman Barrows suggested other cities be contacted to determine how
they dealt with the problem.
4. Commissioner Mosher asked Staff if the location would normally come up
during a public hearing. Staff pointed out this was always a possibility
and the importance of establishing in the Commissioner's mind not to
discuss the location.
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Historical Preservation Commission Minutes
January 26, 1993
5. Chairwoman Barrows asked Mr. Fred Rice of the La Quinta Historical
Society to address the Commission regarding any suggestions he had to
offer. Mr. Rice explained how the Society contacted the different site
land owner and arranged tours.
6. Members discussed the prospect of securing the sites from destruction.
It was again pointed out that the best way to preserve the site was to not
let the location be known.
7. Following the discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Marrs and
seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Minute Motion 93-001
directing Staff to initiate the following:
a.. Staff to prepare reports and other public documents concerning
archaeological sites to be circumspect in nature.
b. Planning Commissioners were directed not to reveal any
archaeological sites during public discussion.
B. Discussion of materials contained in Historical Preservation Notebook.
1. Associate Planner Leslie Blodgett presented the information contained in
the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
2. Commissioner Ellson pointed out that contained in the notebook were the
laws and rules that the State dictated the Commission must govern by and
according to these rules this Commission did not qualify.
3. Staff pointed out that the City's current Ordinance did not meet the
requirements and if the City applied for State certification the Ordinance
would need to be amended. Members discussed with Staff what would be
required to obtain State certification and alternatives the City could
implement to become certified.
4. Commissioner Ellson stated she felt the City Council should determine
whether they wanted State certification and if so the Commission should
work toward that goal.
5. Commissioner Adolph asked why the Commission needed certification.
Staff pointed out the primary reason was to obtain grants.
6. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Ellson and seconded
by Commissioner Mosher to adopt Minute Motion 93-002 directing Staff
to research and present to the Commission the pros and cons of State
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Historical Preservation Commission Minutes
January 26, 1993
certification at their next meeting. The Commission would then make a
determination as to whether to apply or not and present their
recommendation to the City Council.
C. Discussion of joint meeting with the La Ouinta Historical Society.
Chairwoman Barrows asked Mr. Fred Rice of the La Quinta Historical Society
to give the Commission some background on the Society. Following Mr. Rice's
presentation a joint meeting was set for the next Historical Preservation meeting.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
There being no corrections to the Minutes Commissioner Mosher moved that the Minutes
of July 14, 1992, November 24, 1992, and January 12, 1993, be approved as submitted.
Commissioner Ellson seconded and the motion and it carried unanimously.
VH. OTHER - None
VHI. ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Ellson and seconded by Commissioner Adolph to adjourn
this regular meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission to a regular meeting on February
23, 1993, in the La Quinta City Hall Council Chambers. This meeting of the La Quinta
Historical Preservation Commission was adjourned at 6:54 P.M., January 26, 1993.
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