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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistoric Preservation Commission - Minutes - 08/16/2023Page 1 Kurt Knierim, Chair Location: Jim Rose, Vice Chair Council Chambers, 300 Laporte Margo Carlock And remotely via Zoom Jenna Edwards Bonnie Gibson Anne Nelsen Andy Smith Staff Liaison: David Woodlee Maren Bzdek Tom Wilson Historic Preservation Manager Regular Meeting August 16, 2023 Minutes • CALL TO ORDER Chair Knierim called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. • ROLL CALL PRESENT: Margo Carlock, Jenna Edwards, Bonnie Gibson, Kurt Knierim, Tom Wilson, Andy Smith ABSENT: Anne Nelsen, David Woodlee, Jim Rose STAFF: Maren Bzdek, Heather Jarvis, Jim Bertolini, Yani Jones, Rebekah Schields, Melissa Matsunaka Chair Knierim welcomed new Commission Member Tom Wilson. Commissioner Wilson introduced himself. • AGENDA REVIEW Ms. Bzdek stated there were no changes to the published agenda. • CONSENT AGENDA REVIEW No items were pulled from consent. • STAFF REPORTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner, introduced Rebekah Schields, a new Historic Preservation Specialist working in historic survey. Ms. Schields introduced herself. Historic Preservation Commission Page 2 • COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None. • CONSENT AGENDA 1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JUNE 21, 2023. The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes from the June 21, 2023 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Member Gibson made a motion, seconded by Member Edwards, to approve the consent agenda for the June 21, 2023 meeting as presented. Yeas: Carlock, Edwards, Gibson, Smith, Wilson and Knierim. Nays: none. THE MOTION CARRIED. • DISCUSSION AGENDA 2. REPORT ON STAFF ACTIVITIES SINCE THE LAST MEETING Staff is tasked with an array of different responsibilities including code-required project review decisions on historic properties, support to other standing and special work groups across the City organization, and education & outreach programming. This report will provide highlights for the benefit of Commission members and the public, and for transparency regarding decisions made without the input of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Mr. Bertolini reported on staff activities since the last Commission meeting, including a rehabilitation project for a small landmark district covering the Carnegie Library and associated courtyard containing several relocated historic buildings. He also noted staff provided support at the Pride event on July 15th and held its last education program, a walking tour with Historic Larimer County, related to the grant funded historic survey of the College Avenue corridor between Mulberry and Laporte. 3. CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT INTREPRETATION STRATEGIES – REPORT TO HPC DESCRIPTION: In June 2022, the City of Fort Collins Historic Preservation Services Division launched a project to develop a series of historic contexts focused on the Civil Rights Movement in the city. The project consisted of historical and archival research, interviews with community stakeholders, and community meetings. Research partners and a Steering Committee of community members provided feedback on early drafts. The project concluded in 2023 with the publication of the historic context narratives to the City’s website. Themes included in this project are: • Voting Rights in Fort Collins (1867–1982) • Racial Discrimination in Housing (1866–1983) • Racial Desegregation in Public Education (1867–1975) • Racial Desegregation of Public Accommodations (1867–1992) • Equal Employment (1882–1992) • Criminal Injustice (1873–1974) • Indigenous Rights and the American Indian Movement (1968–1978) The attached draft report discusses the basics of interpretive strategies and options for educating the Fort Collins community and visitors about the Civil Rights Movement. That is followed by a summary of best practices, including case studies from other cities. Finally, this report presents a basic interpretive framework, a potential phased approach to developing interpretive and Page 3 educational materials, and a list of technology and third-party products currently available at the time this document was completed. This discussion will serve as an opportunity to hear directly form the project consultant, Steph McDougal of McDoux Preservation, and to provide any feedback that will assist with finalization of the recommended strategies. STAFF: Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager Staff Presentation Ms. Bzdek noted this project was a grant funded project supported by the State Historical Fund and is part of the overarching Full Story Fort Collins effort to gather uncovered stories primarily associated with underrepresented communities in Fort Collins and to help identify new sites and sites about which new stories are being told. She stated the project consists of a series of context studies around seven different themes. Ms. Bzdek outlined the interpretive plan that is associated with the document and highlighted some of the most important aspects of the plan. She stated the unifying idea between all the interpretive themes is simply that everyone deserves to be treated equally. Because the work was done in association with the City’s Historic Preservation Program, it is important that the context studies specifically relate to existing or demolished sites in Fort Collins so place-based stories can be told. Ms. Bzdek discussed the housing theme, which examines the ability for people to secure equitable and livable housing in Fort Collins, is impacted by a number of important trends and legal restrictions, including the way communities are zoned, restrictive covenants, major government- led efforts, and road and housing construction projects. She commented on examples of properties associated with this theme. Ms. Bzdek commented on the desegregation in public education theme and associated properties, including the Fullana School and the Mary Ontiveros House. She also discussed the voting rights theme and associated properties, including the first League of Women Voters chapter and the Grange Hall No. 7. Additionally, Ms. Bzdek commented on the desegregation in public accommodations theme and associated properties, including the former State Theater site at 151 North College Avenue. Ms. Bzdek stated looking across the themes, there are stories that can both inspire people as individuals and collective groups. She specifically cited a collective action eliminating white trade only signs in downtown businesses. Ms. Bzdek commented on various interpretive methods outlined in the report including several tours based on the sites and the addition of interactive components into the existing resources. She stated a partnership with the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and taking advantage of more cutting-edge technologies have been recommended as well. Mr. Bertolini commented on the development of some of the immediate activities related specifically to civil rights, including a video, website, and self-guided and scheduled walking tours. He stated survey work will be done on properties that may be added to the online map of historic properties and there is a long-term plan for physical signage. Additionally, there is a long-term plan for utilizing content management platforms. Commission Questions and Discussion Chair Knierim asked about some of the more innovative interpretive methods. Steph McDougal, McDoux Preservation, commended staff and the work being done to make things become actionable so quickly. In terms of more innovative tools, she commented on sidewalk decals that include information, images, and a QR code to scan for more information. She noted it is important for information to be presented in an analog format because not everyone has a cell phone, which is an equity issue. Page 4 Chair Knierim asked about the timeframe for moving forward with some of the more immediate action items. Mr. Bertolini replied he will be discussing the sidewalk decal option with Engineering soon. He stated the hope is to have the civil rights video complete by Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 2024 and walking and biking tour ideas will be considered in 2024 as well. He stated the items that will take a bit more time would be physical signs given funding constraints and apps given the need for content development. Ms. Bzdek commented on the spectrum of tools that are available based on needs and sensitivities of various sites. Additionally, she commented on the importance of layering different interpretive techniques. She noted this report is a living document which is a main benefit of having web- based content. Chair Knierim commented on possibly partnering with CSU or high school AP or ethnic studies classes for some cost-effective labor. Commissioner Gibson commented on a multi-layered approach to interpretation and stated she is curious to know if the sidewalk decals will work with snow and shoveling, and if not, what other similar techniques could be used. Commissioner Carlock commented on the importance of signage identifying locations, even if it is less expensive than a bronze sign. Ms. Bzdek stated staff is considering a budget offer for a partnership program providing supportive funding to property owners for signage that provides some uniformity and predictability. She noted staff would bring any BFO offer to the Commission for input as staff would like to see it as a partnership activity with the community in various ways. Commissioner Smith agreed with the sentiment that providing analog, tactile interpretive methods is valuable, particularly from an urban design perspective. He commented on working with the DDA or others on capital improvement projects to provide interpretation. Commissioner Carlock noted living history was listed as one of the interpretive strategies and asked if there is currently any living history occurring in the area. Ms. Bzdek replied there are Chautauqua performances in Greeley, but nothing locally other than demonstrations at the Bee Family Farm. Commissioner Carlock commented on possibly recreating Camp Collins at the Poudre River oxbow site. Ms. Bzdek thanked McDoux Preservation for being fantastic consultants and exceeding expectations. Ms. McDougal thanked the team for their partnership. 4. EDUCATION WORKSHOP: WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE PRIMER DESCRIPTION: Staff will provide a brief summary of known history and historic places related to the women’s suffrage movement in Fort Collins from the 1890s and beyond. This presentation is being given at a regular meeting as opposed to a work session to benefit the attending public. As a reminder, staff is partnering with the Poudre Libraries District to offer an in-person walking tour of several of these sites this Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 9:30, beginning and ending at Library Park (west side). Registration is required and is done through the Poudre Libraries website, HERE. STAFF: Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner Staff Presentation Mr. Bertolini stated this weekend is the anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment and the City has started to have a tradition of celebrating the unique history in Fort Collins related to that. He stated this presentation was developed by Yani Jones as part of Women’s History Month. Page 5 Mr. Bertolini stated Colorado was the first state wherein women won the right to vote by referendum, in 1893, which was 27 years prior to white women winning the right to vote across the country. He noted the 1893 Colorado referendum provided suffrage for white and Black women, though not always for Hispanic women and definitely not for Native American women as they were not considered citizens of the United States until the 1920’s. Mr. Bertolini provided information on certain sites from the walking tour of historic places related to the women’s suffrage movement in Fort Collins, including Elizabeth Stone’s cabin which is part of the construction site for the Carnegie Arts Center. He discussed Ms. Stone’s advocacy for women’s suffrage and noted she cast her first ballot at the age of 93. The next site discussed by Mr. Bertolini was Lucy McIntyre’s residence on Mathews Street. He discussed her leadership of organizations focused on temperance, prohibition of alcohol, and women’s suffrage, and her foundation of the Chautauqua Circle. He noted her writings do reflect that she was supportive of suffrage for white women only which makes her a difficult figure to remember, though he noted it is important to consider things in context. Mr. Bertolini discussed the Northern Hotel which is included in this tour because it was one of the polling places in the April 1894 election, which was the first election in which women could participate in Colorado. He stated 439 women voted in that election in Fort Collins, which was 46% of registered voters, and the election produced Fort Collins’, and perhaps the state’s, first female elected official, Alice Edwards, who was elected to City Council. Mr. Bertolini next discussed the Opera House building, which is now the Opera Galleria. He stated it was the site of several key gatherings and speeches associated with the push for suffrage in 1893, with the most significant event being a speech by the nationally known suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt. Additionally, the Opera House was the site of a grand ratification celebration after the referendum passed. Mr. Bertoini discussed the Routt Hall building on CSU’s campus and its association with Dr. Theodosia Ammons who helped establish a domestic arts program at the college and became the first female dean of that program. Dr. Ammons also gave speeches in support of suffrage, including at the chapel in Old Main that since burned down. Additionally, she served as the secretary and president of the Colorado Equal Suffrage Association. The final site discussed by Mr. Bertolini was the now demolished Sarah Corbin residence at 402 Remington Street. He stated Ms. Corbin is particularly notable for hosting a four-week course about politics for women in her home. Mr. Bertolini commended Leslie Moore for doing most of the research that is the foundation for this tour. Commission Questions and Discussion Chair Knierim asked when the Corbin house was demolished. Mr. Bertolini replied the exact date is unknown, but the current building was constructed in 1976. Commissioner Carlock commended the presentation. 5. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND/OR VICE CHAIR DESCRIPTION: Elections of officers for boards and commissions are held in February or March of each year following the annual appointment of new members. Due to the resignation of Kurt Knierim, current Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, effective at the end of the August 16, 2023 meeting, the Commission must hold an election at this meeting to elect a new Chair to serve as the presiding officer at meetings for the remainder of this term, and a new Vice Chair to serve as backup for scenarios in which the Chair is recused or absent. The City’s handbook for boards and commissions states, “It is the presiding officer’s responsibility to see that the meeting moves forward in an orderly fashion, that discussion is guided and controlled, and that the meeting runs as smoothly as possible.” It also states that “the success of presiding officers may depend upon their ability to remain impartial and to keep business moving. Frequent displays of Page 6 partisanship or favoritism risk destroying members’ and citizens’ respect for the presiding officer.” Current members of the Commission willing to serve as Chair and/or Vice Chair may nominate themselves or other Commission members for consideration. A simple majority vote determines the outcome of the election. Commission member Jim Rose, who currently serves as Vice Chair of the HPC, will not be present at the August 16, 2023 meeting but has submitted the attached letter to the Commission regarding his potential candidacy for the role of chair. STAFF: Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager Chair Knierim stated he will need to step down from the Chair position due to a new job. He requested nominations for the Chair to complete this term. Commissioner Carlock made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to nominate Jim Rose as Chair. The motion was adopted unanimously. Chair Knierim requested nomination for Vice Chair to complete Rose’s term. Chair Knierim made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to nominate Bonnie Gibson as Vice Chair. The motion was adopted unanimously. Heather Jarvis, CAO, noted Jim Rose did provide a letter accepting the Chair position should it be presented to him. Commissioner Gibson accepted the position of Vice Chair. • CONSIDERATION OF CITIZEN-PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. • OTHER BUSINESS None. • ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Gibson adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m. Minutes prepared by and respectfully submitted by Melissa Matsunaka. Minutes approved by a vote of the Commission on __________________. _____________________________________ Kurt Knierim, Chair