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11/19/1996HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER November 19, 1996 Present: David C. Berry Chair Margaret Kiehl Vice-Chair Jean Stuart Board Member Cookie Gilreath Board Member Don McCarty Senior Planner, Central Permitting Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: Ric Ortega Member The meeting was called to order by Chair David C. Berry at 1:00 p.m. at the Plumb House, 1350 South Greenwood Avenue, Clearwater. 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 October 15, 1996 Minutes Member Gilreath moved to approve the minutes of October 15, 1996 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. In response to a question, Mr. McCarty noted it is the City’s intent to develop a historical overlay district. Lou Hilton, Senior Planner in the City’s Central Permitting Department, had stated at the previous meeting there are approximately 64 historical sites throughout the City. Mr. McCarty will check with him to obtain a list if one exists. It was noted that many of the 64 sites may not necessarily be eligible to be considered for the National Historic Register. Local communities can designate and catalogue local sites as having a historical nature. However, in many instances, they do not meet the criteria for a National Register listing. The National Register does not recognize churches and cemeteries because they represent more of a secular meaning in their historical significance. II. State Historical Grant Application Update Lou Hilton is in Tallahassee presenting the City’s State Historical Grant Application to the State Board. It was noted they received over 200 submissions and it is unknown how many grants will be funded. If necessary, Clearwater’s application will be resubmitted for the next round. The grant would allow the City to undertake a historical building survey by an independent consultant for the downtown area and the old Clearwater Bay neighborhood. Specific sites could then be designated as historic and recognition awarded accordingly. Mr. McCarty will inform members of the outcome of the grant application when information is available. It was noted $15,000 of the $30,000 grant would come from the State and the other $15,000 would be a combination of City funds and in-kind services. III. Discussion of Historic Preservation Matters The old log cabin that sat on Old Coachman Road has been relocated to Heritage Park. A question arose as to whether it could be considered a historical site in its current location. Either the building or its site may have been considered historic if they were designated. A question arose whether there is a handout listing historical sites throughout the City. There was a brochure in circulation at one time. Mr. McCarty has an old brochure and noted it was very well done. He will contact Mike Sanders of the Clearwater Historical Society to determine the status of available brochures. It was suggested the City republish the brochure if none are currently available. The Calvary Baptist Church is adding a small addition to their building. They are constructing a porte cochere drive-through entrance and a small addition to their educational wing. These additions will be similar to the original designs, both in color and the type of brick used. The architect who addressed the City Design Review Board noted restoration work was done on the lobby, the original entrance, and the arched ceiling. A question was asked regarding payment of taxes by religious groups on church properties in the City. It was remarked that any religious organization wishing to have a property declared tax exempt must adhere to a filing process to justify their request. The former Clearwater Bank building downtown, which is owned by the Church of Scientology, is believed to be on the tax rolls. The Church has made significant changes and rehabilitation of the building, but those changes could not be considered a “restoration”. IV. Discussion of Proposed LDC Rewrite Reference was made to a letter from Bob Keller, Assistant City Manager, Economic Development, dated November 4, 1996. The City is experiencing significant changes in personnel and policies. A Steering Committee has been formed to focus on revision of the City LDC (Land Development Code) within the next 6 months. Plans are to analyze and rewrite the entire Code, making it a more user-friendly, better understood document that will streamline processes for those wishing to do business with or in Clearwater. Hopes are that citizens will utilize the Internet for forms and information relating to the LDC. City advisory board processes will also be reviewed to identify areas for increased efficiency and possible consolidation of services and functions. Information will be given to each board regarding the Steering Committee’s progress and any available preliminary findings. Members will be asked for participation in focus groups and feedback. A question was asked regarding membership of the Downtown Partnership. The Downtown Development Board, CRA (City Commission), City of Clearwater, Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Clearwater Association are the five entities which form the Downtown Clearwater Partnership. It was noted “Right Downtown” is a publication issued by the Downtown Development Board and distributed at various locations throughout the City, including the Library, the Municipal Services Building, City Hall and the Chamber of Commerce. The meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m. The next meeting of the Historic Preservation Board is scheduled for December 17, 1996 at 1:00 p.m. at the historic Plumb House, 1350 South Greenwood Avenue, Clearwater, Florida.