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09/24/1996HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER September 24, 1996 Present: Ric Ortega Member Jean Stuart Member David C. Berry Member Cookie Gilreath Member Margaret Kiehl Member Don McCarty Senior Planner Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. at the Plumb House, 1350 South Greenwood Avenue, Clearwater, Florida. In order to provide continuity for research, the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. I. Selection of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson Ms. Kiehl moved to nominate David Berry as Chairman of the HPB (Historic Preservation Board). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ms. Gilreath moved to nominate Margaret Kiehl as Vice-Chair of the HPB. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. It was explained the City Board Reporter will take minutes at future meetings. II. Discussion of the Annual Report to the City Commission It was noted the HPB is required to submit an annual report to the City Commission annually. This year the report will be submitted to the Commission on October 3, 1996 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Chambers. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Members received a copy of the City Code, Section 42.92, which pertains specifically to the Historic Preservation Board. III. Final Design Guidelines for Downtown Clearwater Design guidelines adopted in May of 1996 were distributed. The City will hire consultants to perform preparation of design guidelines for three additional districts: 1) the resort and commercial areas of Clearwater Beach; 2) the commercial North Greenwood area: and 3) the historic Harbor Oaks area. Consultants will prepare guidelines, which will be reviewed by the Design Review Board, the Planning and Zoning Board, and adopted by the Commission. The guidelines do not mandate one specific style of architecture, but are intended to maintain consistency in signage and other standards. It was noted there have been design seminars for the downtown area. The next seminar is scheduled for September 30, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce Building. The topic is streetscaping and landscaping. IV. State Historical Grant Application Criteria for designation and classification of historic properties and districts was discussed. The City has submitted a Historical Grant Application to the State of Florida. Funds would be used for a thorough historical building survey of the complete downtown urban center district and the Clearwater Bay neighborhood. A hearing is scheduled in November, 1996. A decision from the State is anticipated by year end. The City will contribute an additional $15,000 in cash contributions and inkind services. The State requires that accredited forms and approved formats be used. This board will provide participation and assistance to the consultant who is hired to do the survey. Other than a demolition permit, there is currently no review process in place for demolition of historic properties. Harbor Oaks is defined as an area “worthy of consideration”, but some properties have not been designated “historic”. Mr. McCarty will invite the other City staff to the next meeting to discuss various issues regarding demolition of historic buildings and other related issues. The main library was discussed, and it was noted the Commission is looking at various alternatives concerning a new library or improvements to the existing library. The main library does not meet current needs for usage and parking. Changes that have been made to the library make it difficult to designate it as a historic property. It was noted several proposed projects throughout the City are dependent upon the outcome of Penny for Pinellas. It was suggested members tour the new Wellness Center of Morton Plant Hospital at the corner of Ft. Harrison Avenue and Pinellas Street. It is very impressive. A notice from the City Manager asking board members not to wear political buttons at board meetings was distributed. The City must remain neutral in all such matters. It was noted the Clearwater Historical Society has various scheduled activities throughout the year. A question was asked whether members of this board can join the Society. V. Confirmation of Fourth Quarter Meeting Dates Upcoming HPB meetings were confirmed as follows: October 15, 1996 at 1:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Municipal Services Building, 100 South Myrtle Avenue, Room 210; November 19, 1996 at 1:00 p.m. at the Plumb House, 1350 South Greenwood Avenue; and December 17, 1996 at 1:00 p.m. at the Plumb House, 1350 South Greenwood Avenue. Members will be given a tour of the new Municipal Services building at the conclusion of the October 15, 1996 meeting. The meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.