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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 02/07/1990• LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 7, 1990 The meeting began at approximately 5:45 p.m. at 200 West Mountain Ave- nue. Members present included Rheba Massey, Ruth Weatherford, Jim Tan- ner, Bud Frick, Sally Ketcham and Prescott Handley. Andy Mutz was absent. Staff was represented by Kari VanMeter. Joyce Lewton acted as secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Massey corrected the January 10, 1990 minutes on Page 4, Sentence 1 as follows: Ms. Massey stated she had submitted her proposal for State Survey Inventory Eligibility under Criteria A:... Mr. Frick made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Weatherford seconded the motion. Approved 6-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT Ms. VanMeter did an initial assessment of the CLG status and how it could help the Commission be more effective in carrying out historic preservation goals. Ms. Weatherford asked Ms. VanMeter for a discussion of the pros and cons of the program. Benefits of the program include the following: 1. Strengthening connections with the State Historic Preservation Office, and being able to access technical assistance and network connections that are available only to CLG's; 2. The City would be eligible for federal funding which would allow it to carry out preservation programs it would not otherwise be able to conduct. The SHPO must distribute $450,000-$500,000 of its annual federal allocation to CLG's statewide. These monies are distributed on a competitive basis, for priorities such as planning activities, administrative set up, National Register nominations, educational outreach activities, etc.; 3. The LPC would be able to review and comment on nominations to the National Register, thus having more influence to include local sites and structures; and, 4 • LPC Minutes February 7, 1990 Page 2 4. CLG status would enable the Historic Preservation Office and the LPC to carry out its work program commitments more efficiently because of these additional resources. This would include comple- ting survey and inventory of existing historic resources, priori- tizing them for designation, and seeking National Register listing. The development of an incentives program would also be facilitated by CLG status. The disadvantages of CLG designation relate to the potential additional administrative burden, regulated by federal laws. The LPC had previously considered CLG designation in 1984, when the program was first being implemented through the SHPO. There were sig- nificant LPC and Staff concerns pertaining to the administrative burden resulting from designation. The program now appears to be manageable with a small staff, as demonstrated by the other CLG's in the state. The procedure for CLG designation involves the recommendation of the SHPO and approval by the National Parks Service. Designation could be obtained by mid -year. The approval of the Mayor and Council is required. Ms. Massey suggested the Mayor, planners, and other interested parties attend the CLG workshop in Telluride this Spring, to learn more about the CLG program and how it could help Fort Collins achieve its preser- vation goals. Ms. VanMeter stated the administrative burden she anticipates pertains to research documentation and report writing for national register com- ments, as well as the financial bookkeeping required by federal law. Ms. Massey questioned CLG provisions requiring consultant assistance if the LPC lacks specific expertise in assessing a National Register nomi- nation. Ms. VanMeter gave the example of a prehistoric site nomina- tion, which would require the participation of an archaeologist, as there is no member of the LPC at this time that is qualified in this area of expertise. Mr. Frick asked if there are restrictions on spending allocated CLG funds. Ms. VanMeter replied that there are. The CLG program is intended to augment, not replace local preservation programs, and the funds must be applied to identified priority needs. Additionally, a CLG-funded project must have a tangible, usable product that helps the State Historic Preservation Office achieve its goals. LPC Minutes February 7, 1990 Page 3 Ms. Handley asked if CLG projects could be located outside the City limits. Ms. VanMeter stated that CLG projects must be within corporate boundaries. On the other hand, if the county were to establish a pres- ervation ordinance and commission, and meet other eligibility require- ments, it too could apply for CLG status. Ms. VanMeter will conduct an informal survey among the existing Colo- rado CLG's, and report her findings on CLG to the Commission in April. At that time she will request direction whether or not to pursue CLG designation. INTERSTATE SIGNAGE Ms. Ketcham volunteered to find out whether or not a sign could be placed along I-25 indicating the Old Town Historic District and Fort Collins Museum. The City of Loveland has such signage along the high- way. The same request had been pursued in the past, but was unsuccess- ful because of State Highway Department restrictions on the number of signs allowed per lineal foot of highway. Ms. Ketcham will contact Ms. Sally Pearce to see if there has been a change in the regulations. Ms. Massey suggested Ms. Ketcham ask whether the scenic byways program could tie into or supplement the historic sites signage. CARRIAGE HOUSE DESIGNATION Staff is currently laying the groundwork for local designation and National Register listing for the Avery Carriage House. Local landmark designation will be for the structure itself; a district will be created for National Register listing, which includes the Avery House as well. The Poudre Landmark Foundation will take the lead on seeking National Register listing. The ordinance reading for the designation is slated for Preservation Week. HB 1033 The purpose of this legislation is to encourage property owners to restore and renovate historic properties. If the bill passes it could provide the foundation for a local incentive program. Ms. Tunner will submit to the LPC members a report on the advantages and disadvantages of the bill. In March, while the bill is expected to be in committee, the LPC will be requested to write a letter to Council asking them to adopt a Resolution endorsing this legislation. LPC Minutes February 7, 1990 Page 4 PRESERVATION WEEK Historic Preservation staff is beginning plans for Preservation Week, which will be May 13-19, 1990. Staff requested ideas from the board members. There were a number of general suggestions offered in a brief brain- storming session. Included among these were: o A Designer Lofts competition for the Linden Hotel, such as the one sponsored by the Junior Symphony Guild in Denver. The build- ing would be kept historically sound on the outside. All loft space furniture and even walls could be removed at the end of the exposition. o Have a pageant using elementary and high school students as was done with the Camp Collins pageant. This would help raise com- munity awareness about preservation, and would be a chance for children to participate. o Have an essay contest on the importance of history, for grade school through high school. o Arrange a tour of the Old Water Works by Doris Greenacre. The Commission thought a special tour for Councilmembers would be appropriate. Preservation Week will be featured on the local cable channel with a video from the National Trust and a video made in 1985 about the local program, entitled "Pieces of the Past." A slide show on local land- marks and why they are significant may also be featured. AWNING PROPOSALS Margie from Peterson Canvas will meet with the Design Review Subcommit- tee February 12, 1990 at 5:00 p.m. at 200 West Mountain, regarding awn- ings for the Antlers Hotel and the building on the corner of Pine and Jefferson. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:15 p.m. Minutes submitted by Joyce Lewton.