HPB 02/25/2015 MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
4:00 p.m. -.Wednesday
City Council Chambers
FEBRUARY 25, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Walters called the Historic Preservation Board Regular Meeting of Wednesday,
February 25,-2015, to order at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 70
North First Street, Campbell, California, and the following proceedings were had to wit.
ROLL CALL
Board Members Present:
Todd Walter, Chair
George Niczewicz, Vice-Chair
JoElle Hernandez
Susan Blake
Laura Taylor Moore
Board Members Absent:
None
Staff Members Present:
Paul Kermoyan, Community Development Director
Todd Capurso, Public Works Director
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
"Vice Chair Niczewicz made a motion and Board Member Blake seconded to approve
the Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2015 with no changes. Approved 5-0.
ORAL REQUESTS
Martha Heinrichs, who lives in Willow Glen,. spoke about the Willow Glen Trestle. This
93-year old trestle was used by freight trains until the 1960's when the valley was
referred to as the "Valley of Hearts Delight" which included many fruit packing houses
claimed as the largest in the world. This 210 foot long, 25 foot high trestle has very little
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February 25, 2015
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remaining and currently serves as a reminder of the valley agricultui-aI past. The City of
San Jose is proposing to demolish the trestle and she requested that .the Historic
Preservation Board comment on an Environmental Impact Report before March 19,
2015.
Board Member Blake noted that she toured the trestle over one year ago and
commented that the support timbers were massive. She believed the rough cut redwood
timbers must have been harvested from the Santa Cruz Mountains. She was in support
of preserving the trestle.
Scott Laymen also addressed the Board on this issue, who was a representative of
Preservation Action Council (PAC.) of San Jose. This "very active Board" monitors
development within the City of San Jose to determine what impacts development. may
have on existing historic resources. He spoke about the structural integrity of .the trestle
and _the~ reason why, Martha and he -were addressing .the_ City of Campbell HPB. He
noted that the Board consisted. of experts in the field of historic preservation and, that the
Board's opinions will carry more weight than most.
Scott also informed the Board that PAC of San Jose~is planning its 25-year Gala and is
trying to locate a .venue to lock down a date. They are planning for either the month of
October or November. Board .Member Moore suggested that he inquiry about using the
Orchard City Banquet Hall.
PUBLIC HEARING
None
NEW BUSINESS
1. Update on the Civic Center Master Plan: Public Works Director Todd Capurso
presented an update of this City project and why the Plan is being considered now.
He mentioned that the focus was on improving the Library with additional focus on
the entire Civic Center. Identification of future needs and how the various City
programs function within the buildings is .also an important issue that will be
addressed within a new Master Plan. He also discussed the three scenarios
developed to date in which the City Council is scheduled to continue their discussion
at a March 25 Study Session to be held in the Roosevelt Room at 3:00 p.m.
Board Member Hernandez asked if there was on-line information of the Master Plan
identifying details as described. She also requested more explanation as to what is
wrong now, noting that it must be more than the fact that the building is old. Once the
details are assembled, she requested that the information be forwarded to the Board.
She also recognized that there is an HPB meeting that day beginning at 4:00 and
suggested that the Board might want to reschedule the Board meeting so members can
be present at the City Council Study Session.
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February 25,2015
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In response to these comments, Public Works Director Capurso mentioned that there
was some information on the City's website but it may be difficult to access. In this
regard, he mentioned that staff is working on placing the information on the City's
website so it can be more easily accessed. He also mentioned that there are current
and future space needs which .have created concern of system failures due to lack of
space for program operations.
Chair Walter requested clarification on the process sequence for planning of program
needs. He mentioned that the City needs to first clearly understand what is needed
before a set of development scenarios are created.
Public Works Director Capurso provided examples of several deficiencies at the Library
and City Hall including :both program and building structure. He discussed several
questions_ahat wial.come before the City Council at the March 25 study session. He also
mentioned that a #inancial advisor will be present to talk about .how the City could
possible finance such an improvement.
Vice Chair Niczewicz questioned if the City Council has asked staff what other cities are
doing to fund such improvements.
Public Works Director Capurso. provided a response that different financing methods
have been discussed but noted that the City Council has not specifically asked that
question yet. He mentioned that it will be discussed, however, at the City Council study
session.
Board Member Blake mentioned that it may be a good idea to consider moving the
March 25 HPB meeting, unless there is something pressing to discuss that day. _
Chair Walter requested that staff check back with the Board to determine if there were
items needed to be heard that day and if not, possibly consider a March 18 meeting
instead.
2. 2015 Goals Discussion on possible Board goals and activities to support and
promote local historic preservation (e q pamphlets such as a referred contractor's
-list .
Board Member Blake discussed the ability to work with local realtors on .what it means
to be designated an HRI property and how the HPB helps with .owners' potential desires
to perform home improvements.
Community Development Director Kermoyan questioned if the HPB has ever had a
formal Work Plan so it is clear what tasks they are seeking to accomplish in a fiscal
year.
Board Member Hernandez inquired if such a Plan was limited to a fiscal year.
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February "25, 2015
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Community Development Director Kermoyan responded that it is not necessary so long
as the Board plan's its planning efforts fora 12-month period. He indicated that this
discussion could be continued to then next Board meeting at which time staff can
prepare a draft Work Plan for the Board to discuss.
All Board Members agreed and Board Member Hernandez suggested a study session
for March 18, 2015 as a potential date.
3. National Historic Preservation Month: Begin discussion on Historic Preservation
Board activities and public outreach for May 2015. This year's theme has not been
announced.
Board Member. Blake recognized that this subject is tied into the Work Plan discussion
and suggested that it come back to a study session on March 18.
Chair Walter. inquired if Planning Manager and HPB staff liaison would be back from
vacation. -
Community Development Director confirmed that she would.
All agreed to continue this discussion and wrap it into the Work Plan study session.
OLD BUSINESS
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS
1. Update on the next round of historic plaques in Downtown Campbell
Board Member Blake stated that she had sent letters to various property owners and
received responses back from three owners who have expressed interest. She intends
to meet individually with them to explain the program. She also mentioned that former
HPB member Masel Sheehan will help fund the program.
2. Update on 99 Alice Avenue
Community Development Director Kermoyan presented an update and mentioned that
the item will be heard by the Board at a special meeting scheduled for March 4.
3. 97 E. Rincon Avenue
Community Development Director Kermoyan distributed a February 13, 2015
memorandum from Planning Manager Aki Honda Snelling informing the Board of an
administratively approved front exterior porch and minor renovations to a potential HRI
property.
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4. Campbell Express Article
Board Member Blake inquired if the other Board Members read last week's article on
Historic Preservation, noting that it was an interesting article.
5. Listing of Campbell Properties Sold
Board Member Blake mentioned that she has been in contact with various realtors who
have provided her information on properties sold in Years 2013 and most recently
received 2014 information from Mr. Scott Resse. Two HRI properties were on the 2013
listing in which their values exponentially increased and there were six properties on the
2014 listing. She also read a letter from Mr. Resse who was of the opinion that most
realtors believe that properties listed on an HRI will have limitations which could detract
.:~-~ buyers. ~_Board Member Blake recognized how broad a statement that was and felt it is
_statements, like this that need to be explained. .
Board Member Hernandez, agreed that the Board -needs to continue to improve its
education and explanation of what it means to be an HRI property.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 5:05 p.m. to a potential special meeting scheduled for March 18, 2015
(note: Third Wednesday) at 4:00 p.m., City Council Chambers, 70 North First Street,
Campbell, California.
PREPARED BY:
APPROVED BY:
Paul Kermoyan, Community Development Director
r., Chair