Historic Preservation Commission

Senior Deputy Attorney Rina Gonzales responded, that she was aware of projects outside of historic which have expired and CAO advises on a project-by-project basis if the documents need to be updated. She would like to prepare a tray memo outlining the requirements for designation, what has occurred in the past and what would need to be done to finalize. It would provide a written response from the CAO and an education tool on the FMC.

Commissioner Don Simmons responded, he disagreed with that process because it is already the responsibility of the commissioners to understand what is included and required within the FMC. He believes it will delay the matter even further and would prefer actions in term of what is the Councils responsibility once an item is sent to them and how long can they sit on an item before it expires. If CEQA is the issue, he notes that CEQA outlines when a project is viable with the information at the time when the project is initially presented and would like CAO to look into what CEQA says. Additionally, he notes that the City is opening itself up to legal issues if it is continuously delayed.

Commissioner Don Simmons responded, he disagreed with that process because it is already the responsibility of the commissioners to understand what is included and required within the FMC. He believes it will delay the matter even further and would prefer actions in term of what is the Councils responsibility once an item is sent to them and how long can they sit on an item before it expires. If CEQA is the issue, he notes that CEQA outlines when a project is viable with the information at the time when the project is initially presented and would like CAO to look into what CEQA says. Additionally, he notes that the City is opening itself up to legal issues if it is continuously delayed.

Senior Deputy Attorney Rina Gonzales responded with a preface that this item predates her position with the CAO, there is need for the CAO and Staff to investigate the details of this item. The EIR is in reference to Armenian Town Project not the designation. The Commissions responsibility is to review designations, CAO would need to review and prepare a tray memo explaining the process, past requirements, explanation of steps that did take place and that would need to be refreshed or renewed.

Commissioner Don Simmons inquired, could there be clarification on the statues about the EIR because at the time the project was proposed the EIR was approved and came through the HPC. What is the precedent set for a requirement of the new or refreshed EIR? What would preclude having another EIR? Does the HPC need to take action? What's the legal obligation to the Council to an item that was presented to them and that never made it to a consent agenda and they never made a response back to the commission? Doesn't the Commission have some responsibility to see that there is follow through by the Council? Legally what can the Council do here? It seems like a violation of the Commissions responsibility if the Council does not take responsibility?

Assistant Director Mike Sanchez responded, that he believed at the initial application process included an EIR that was within compliance standards. However, at this time it may require an entire new EIR or a supplemental EIR approach. Consultation with the City Attorney's Office would be necessary if the EIR was found out of compliance. If council wished to hear the matter and take action on the item as it stands presently, there would be risk to challenge the environmental document.

Assistant Director, Mike Sanchez, informed the Commission that the initial recommendations that were provided to the former Mayor and City Administration are still under review and waiting on a response regarding next steps. Planning staff had a meeting to discuss this item. Staff identified that the EIR may be outdated; 2010, which may require an update and would delay any action in the future to account for more recent CEQA legislation. An update will be provided to the Commission once received.

Assistant Director, Mike Sanchez, we don't have an idea yet but the contractors have informed staff that they have worked with historic properties in the past and want to preserve what is there. The permit was issued without consultation and staff is monitoring it closely to ensure that the permit they were issued is being adhered to, which is interior only. The contractor or developer can do a presentation to explain their current project as well as future applications next meeting.

Historic Preservation Specialist Alicia Gonzales, informed that the first floor audience seating area and stage had been demoed. The lobby, second floor and third floor were being initiated. The lobby did uncover some interesting painted features underneath the first layer of wall covering and were informed not to go through those features until they were reviewed. Contractors will be sending over initial photos from demolition.

Assistant Director, Mike Sanchez responded, yes and that demolition should be minimal. The Commission does focus on the facade, the demolition permit that was issued was for interior only and it is possible the permit was issued without Historic Preservation consultation because it was interior only. However, all properties that are on the register are now automatically flagged in our system and that element was not in the system prior. The contractors can do a presentation at our next meeting.

James Sponsler commented, member of the County Historic Landmark and Records Commission, they have been tracking the Armenia Town project as well. They have been in contact with Mr. Tom Richards of Pen Star Group the developer whose looking to update plans which were initially reviewed in 2008 and then 2011. Mr. Richards is hoping to remove and relocate the tiny homes and the Vartanian Home (rescue mission), however they are City owned.

Stuart Chandler commented, the Chandler family prepared a video to bolster information. Would the Commission like the family to also provide something in a written format? Assistant Director, Mike Sanchez, responded that if the HPC could get something in writing it would only help with providing additional information. Stuart Chandler commented, yes he could provide something. Referencing previous inquiry to Assembly person Chandlers vote he felt he could not provide any further documentation. Commissioner Don Simmons, responded he would be interested in Assembly person Chandlers rationale? Was his vote in 1911 apart of a belief or something, in light of his other civic engagement it stands out as being contrary to some of his actions and beliefs. If there are any records or family documentation that explains the decision or votes. There are reissued monuments in South Carolina, along with monument there are explanations with "... this person voted or did something this way,but we view it now,or know it now..." because if we are telling the whole story we need to include the whole story and know the history. Stuart Chandler responded, the family has looked but has not been able to find anything. Clarifying, in reality the 1911 No vote was No to putting it on the general ballot with a specific proposition with some obvious racial restrictions, so currently there is no insight. At that time he also voted for all school children to be vaccinated, which at the time was fairly progressive but was in the minority. In 1912 he may have ran on the Progressive platform.

Historic Preservation Specialist Alicia Gonzales, informed that a permit for internal demolition was issued without consultation or approval from Historic Preservation. To date one site visit was conducted by staff and a City engineer after the permit had been issued. The site visit documented the progress of the project and gathered information taken from the contractor prior to their demolition. Tentatively, the applicant plans to apply for additional permits for the exterior of the building and were informed this would necessitate a HPC review.

PUBLIC ADVISORY: THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND CITY HALL WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC While Emergency Order No. 2020-12 is in effect, City of Fresno public meetings will be conducted electronically and telephonically only. No one will be physically present in the Chambers, and the Chambers will not be open to the public. City Hall remains closed to the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: The following options are available for members of the public who want to address Historic Preservation Commission: 1. Join online webinar on Zoom. a) If you would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the meeting remotely from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device: Please use this URL https://zoom.us/j/99046775082 b) Those addressing Commission must state their name for the record. OR 2. Join by phone 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 990 4677 5082 a) Those addressing the Commission must state their name and address for the record. 3. Email to: mike.sanchez@fresno.gov and alicia.gonzales@fresno.gov a) Attendees may also email comments to be read during the meeting. Please include the agenda date and item number you wish to speak on in the subject line of your email. Include your name, and address for the record, at the top of the body of your email. b) Emails will be a maximum of 450 words. c) All comments received will be distributed to the Historic Preservation Commission prior and during the meeting and will be a part of the official record. All participants will be on mute until they are called upon at which point they will be unmuted. To prevent participants from having their video on, we will remove the option to show their video. Pursuant to the Executive Order, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in the Historic Preservation Commission meeting, please contact the Planning Division, 559-621-8069 within 48 hours of the meeting. The City of Fresno thanks you in advance for taking all precautions to prevent spreading COVID-19 virus. ASESORIA PÚBLICA: LAS CÁMARAS DEL CONSEJO MUNICIPAL Y LA ALCALDÍA NO ESTRAN ABIERTOS AL PÚBLICO. Mientras que la Orden de Emergencia No. 2020-12 esté en efecto, las reuniones públicas de la Ciudad de Fresno se llevarán a cabo solo por vía electrónica y por teléfono. Nadie estará físicamente presente en las Cámaras, y las Cámaras no estarán abiertas al público. La Alcaldía permanecerá cerrada al público. COMENTARIO PÚBLICO: Las siguientes opciones están disponibles para los miembros del público que desean dirigirse al Consejo de la Ciudad: 1. Únase en línea por Zoom. a) Si desea hablar sobre un tema del agenda, puede acceder a la reunión de forma remota desde una PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone o dispositivo Android: utilice este enlace https://zoom.us/j/99046775082 b) Aquellos que se dirijan al Consejo deben indicar su nombre para el registro. OR 2. Únase por Teléfono. 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 990 4677 5082 a) Aquellos que se dirijan al Historic Preservation Commission deben indicar su nombre para el registro. 3) Correo electrónico: mike.sanchez@fresno.gov y alicia.gonzales@fresno.gov a) Los residentes también pueden enviar comentarios por correo electrónico para ser leídos durante la reunión. Incluya la fecha del agenda y el número de artículo sobre el que desea hablar en la línea de asunto de su correo electrónico. b) Los correos electrónicos tendrán un máximo de 450 palabras. c) Todos los comentarios recibidos se distribuirán al Historic Preservation Commission antes y durante la reunión y formarán parte del registro oficial. Todos los participantes estarán en silencio hasta que se les elija, en cuyo punto se desactivara el silenciador. Para evitar que los participantes tengan su video encendido, eliminaremos la opción de mostrar su video. En conformidad con la Orden Ejecutiva, y en conformidad con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades, si necesita asistencia especial para participar en la reunión del Consejo de la Ciudad, comuníquese con la Oficina de Planning Division de la Ciudad, al 559-621-8069 con 48 horas de anticipo a la reunión. La Ciudad de Fresno le agradece de antemano por tomar todas las precauciones para evitar la propagación del virus COVID-19. COV LUS TSHAJ TAWM RAU COV PEJ XEEM: PEB YUAV TSIS QHIB LUB TSEV SIB THAM RAU COV PAB PAWG TSWJ XYUAS LUB NROOG THIAB LUB TSEV CITY HALL RAU COV PEJ XEEM TUAJ. Thaum lub sijhawm uas Cov Lus Khoo Xwm Txheej Ceev Lej 2020-12 tseem ua haujlwm tswj mus, Lub Nroog Fresno yuav tuav cov rooj sib tham rau cov pej xeem hauv istawsnev thiab xovtooj nkaus xwb. Peb yuav tsis muaj neeg tuaj rau tim Lub Tsev Sib Tham Rau Pab Pawg Tswj Xyuas Lub Nroog, thiab peb yuav tsis qhib Lub Tsev Sib Tham Rau Pab Pawg Tswj Xyuas Lub Nroog rau cov pej xeem tuaj. Lub City Hall yuav kaw twj ywm mus tsis pub rau cov pej xeem tuaj. LUS LOS NTAWM COV PEJ XEEM : Peb muaj cov kev ntawm no rau cov pej xeem uas xav hais lus rau Pab Pawg Tswj Xyuas Lub Nroog: 1. Mus koom hauv istawsnev nrog Zoom. a) Yog tias koj xav tham txog ib yam ntawm qhov lawv teem los tham txog, koj saib tau lub rooj sib tham qhov twg los tau hauv koj lub PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, lossis xovtooj Android: Thov siv qhov URL ntawm no https://zoom.us/j/99046775082 b) Cov uas hais lus rau Pab Pawg Tswj Xyuas Lub Nroog yuav tsum qhia lawv lub npe rau peb muab ntaus cia. OR 2. Koom hauv Xovtooj Join by phone 1-669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 990 4677 5082 a) Cov uas hais lus rau Pab Pawg Tswj Xyuas Lub Nroog yuav tsum qhia lawv lub npe rau peb muab ntaus cia. 3. Email: mike.sanchez@fresno.gov alicia.gonzales@fresno.gov a) Cov tib neeg uas nyob hauv lub nroog kuj email tau lawv cov lus tuaj rau peb nyeem thaum peb tuav lub rooj sib tham los tau thiab. 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