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10/15/1996HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER October 15, 1996 Present: David C. Berry Chair Margaret Kiehl Vice-Chair Ric Ortega Board Member Jean Stuart Board Member (arrived 1:35 p.m.) Cookie Gilreath Board Member Don McCarty Senior Planner, Central Permitting Lou Hilton Senior Planner, Central Permitting Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building, 100 South Myrtle Avenue, Room 216, 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. Approval of September 24, 1996 Minutes Member Kiehl moved to approve the minutes of September 24, 1996 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. II. Discussion of the Annual Report to the City Commission on October 3, 1996 Members reviewed the Annual Report which was submitted to the City Commission at the October 3, 1996 Commission meeting. III. Discussion of Historic Preservation Matters with Lou Hilton In answer to a question regarding historic demolition, Lou Hilton, Central Permitting Senior Planner, said there is an ordinance referencing an enabling statement. The enabling clause in the ordinance is designed to provide for the delay of a historic structure’s demolition. Alternatives to demolition include finding a buyer willing to preserve the historic significance of the building, or convincing a seller not to tear down the historic structure. The ordinance cannot be applied to anything at this time because a definitive historic overlay district has not been adopted by the City Commission. The City is working with consultants to develop design guidelines for the variety of homes in Harbor Oaks. New treatments would comply with specific guidelines. There are a number of properties in Harbor Oaks which are designated as historic, but some are not. It was noted the majority of homeowners in Harbor Oaks are in favor of the historic designation, but some feel their property rights would be violated should the designation be imposed. Discussion ensued regarding what has been perceived as intrusion into the neighborhood from the Morton Plant hospital development on the south. Some concerns were vibration and noise, especially ambulance activities. The hospital now has a master plan and will be restricting development. The hospital has established a floor area ratio allowing them to build up to 6% in height within 140 feet of the rear lateral lines of Jeffords Street. Up to 6 stories could be added to existing buildings. The central utility plant has been built with a 25 to 30 foot setback. Landscaping will serve as buffers to alleviate potential noise problems. Plans are being developed to move the main entrance to Pinellas Street. A low-rise parking garage at the corner of Jeffords Street and Ft. Harrison is being discussed. No further intrusion into the residential neighborhood is planned. Criteria regarding interior modifications or additions to historic properties was discussed. There are approximately 64 historic sites in the City. A question arose whether cemeteries and churches could be placed on the National Historic Register. Mr. Hilton said because of laws regarding separation of church and state, cemeteries and churches may not be eligible for placement on the National Historic Register, but may be eligible for placement on the local historic register. IV. State Historical Grant Application Update The meeting for hearing the state historical grant application is scheduled for November 19, 1996. Mr. Hilton reviewed the contents of the application, including the schedule for development. It was noted City costs would include in-kind services. V. Confirmation of Proposed 1997 Meeting Dates Don McCarty, Central Permitting Senior Planner, submitted the Historic Preservation Board meeting schedule for 1997. Member Kiehl moved to accept the meeting schedule as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Plumb House on South Greenwood Avenue unless otherwise advised. VI. Discussion of Sunshine Law Requirements Mr. McCarty discussed the importance of the Sunshine Law in relation to the HPB (Historic Preservation Board). It was noted members are permitted to join other boards, including the Historical Society, and can attend various other related functions. However, should more than one member be present at those functions, members cannot discuss with one another, any matters relating to, or discussed at, meetings of the HPB. Mr. McCarty offered to give any interested members a tour of the new Municipal Services Building. The next meeting is scheduled for November 19, 1996 at 1:00 p.m. at the Plumb House on South Greenwood Avenue. The meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m.