City of Fresno  
City Hall  
2600 Fresno Street  
Fresno, CA 93721  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Monday, September 26, 2022  
6:00 PM  
Regular Meeting  
In Person and/or Electronic  
Room 2165N (Conference Room A)  
Historic Preservation Commission  
Chair - Jason Hatwig, LEED, AP, BD C  
Vice Chair - James Sponsler  
Commissioners:  
Christopher Rocha, Paul Halajian, AIA; Don Simmons, PhD; M.A.;  
Staff:  
Jennifer Clark, Director; Mary Raterman-Doidge, Senior Deputy City  
Attorney; Janice Monroe, M.A. II; Myrna Rivas, Administrative Clerk  
PUBLIC ADVISORY  
THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND CITY HALL WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT  
A LIMITED CAPACITY.  
THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WELCOMES YOU TO ROOM 2165A,  
LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2ND FLOOR, 2600 FRESNO STREET, FRESNO,  
CALIFORNIA 93721.  
The meeting can also be viewed live at 6:00 P.M. on Comcast Channel 96 and AT&T  
channel 99.  
Chambers, located in City Hall Room 2165A, are open for public participation.  
Members of the public are encouraged to participate electronically because of  
reduced capacity of seating in the Chambers to allow for social distancing. Masks will  
be required for the vaccinated and unvaccinated.  
Pursuant to the Executive Order, and in compliance with the Americans with  
Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in the Commission  
meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office, 559-621-7650 within 48 hours of the  
meeting.  
PUBLIC COMMENT  
The following options are available for members of the public who want to attend and  
/or address the Historic Preservation Commission:  
1. eComment at https://fresno.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.  
a) eComments is a tool for citizens to use to make comments on agenda items. It will  
be closed at the start of the meeting and will be a part of the official record. The User  
Agreement and Procedures document for eComment can be accessed by the URL  
https://www.fresno.gov/cityclerk/  
b) eComments will be a maximum of 450 words.  
OR  
2. You are invited to a Zoom webinar.  
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 URL: https://zoom.us/j/95457849931  
b) Those addressing the Commission must state their name and address for the  
record.  
OR  
3. Join by Phone  
a) Dial:  
US: 1 669 900 9128  
Enter Webinar ID: 954 5784 9931  
b) Those addressing the Commission must state their name and address for the  
record.  
OR  
4. Email  
a) Attendees may also email comments to Historic.Preservation@fresno.gov 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 (e.g., January 25, 2021 - Item A). And,  
please include your name and address for the record at the top of the body of your  
email.  
b) Emails are not to exceed 150 words.  
c) All comments received will be distributed to the Commission prior and during the  
meeting and will be a part of the official record.  
Any interested person may appear at the public hearing and present written  
testimony, or speak in favor or against the matters scheduled on the agenda.  
If you challenge these matters in court, you may be limited to raising only those  
issues you or someone else raised in oral or written testimony at or before the close  
of the hearing.  
The City of Fresno thanks you in advance for taking all precautions to prevent  
spreading COVID-19 virus.  
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL  
Chair Hatwig called meeting to order at 6:09 P.M.  
Present 4 -  
Chair Jason Hatwig, Vice Chair James W Sponsler,  
Commissioner Christopher Rocha, and Commissioner Don  
Simmons  
Absent 1 - Commissioner Paul Halajian  
II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ  
Chair Hatwig read the procedures out loud.  
III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES  
August 22, 2022, Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting  
Minutes.  
III-A  
ID 22-1449  
6:10 P.M.  
On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Rocha,  
that the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
Aye: 4 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha  
and Commissioner Simmons  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
IV. APPROVE AGENDA  
6:11 P.M.  
Vice Chair Sponsler pointed out that the sub item numbers under Section  
VII should be changed to VII-A, VII-B and VII-C, because they currently say  
VI.  
Chair Hatwig clarified that attachment D under item VII-A was added for  
context and history. It was not a record for the proposed property,  
specifically.  
On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner  
Rocha,the above AGENDA was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The  
motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 4 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha  
and Commissioner Simmons  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
V. CONSENT CALENDAR  
N/A  
VI. CONTINUED MATTERS  
6:13 P.M.  
CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 22, 2022  
VI-A  
ID 22-1497  
HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on application  
B22-10883 for the installation of an interior wall heater to the Nystrom  
Home (HP#225), located at 725/727 N Wilson Ave.  
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take  
the following actions:  
1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections  
15331/Class 31 of the California Environmental Quality Act  
guidelines  
2. APPROVE: Application B22-10883 for the installation of a wall  
heater to HP#225 Nystrom Home located at 725/727 N Wilson Ave.  
(APN 45218210) with conditions  
There were no comments or questions by the Commission or public.  
On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Vice Chair  
Sponsler, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 4 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha  
and Commissioner Simmons  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
VII. COMMISSION ITEMS  
VII-A  
ID 22-1424  
Consideration of approval of request by the property owner to recommend  
to the City Council the designation of the following property to the Local  
Register of Historic Resources and adoption of findings necessary to  
support recommendation pursuant to FMC 12-1609  
1. The Fresno-Klette Medical Arts Center located at 444 Fresno St  
6:18 P.M.  
Director Clark reported the history of Dr. Earl Randolph Meyers, M.D. and  
his influences outside of this sole location. She also read the Commission  
a recommendation for nomination by former Historic Preservation  
Specialist, Alicia Gonzalez.  
There are other properties the Commission discussed in additional  
properties associated with Dr. Meyers. Chair Hatwig has added a friendly  
amendment to look into other properties associated with Dr. Meyer.  
Director Clark added that the architectural firm Horn & Mortland, who built  
the proposed property, were nationally recognized for the design of the  
Sunshine School for the Cerebral Palsied in Fresno. Other work includes  
Holland Elementary School, Tuberculosis Hospital and Fire House No. 4 all  
in Fresno.  
Commissioner Simmons stated that the nomination opens a door to Horn &  
Mortland's work not related to this address.  
Several members of the public, both present and by phone spoke in support  
of the designation. They look forward to the rehabilitation and continued use  
of the center.  
Chair Hatwig was in favor or the designation, stating it is an important  
legacy for the community.  
On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner  
Rocha, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 4 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha  
and Commissioner Simmons  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
UPDATE from Architectural Subcommittee regarding the remodel and/or  
VII-B  
ID 22-1491  
ADA improvements (Application B22-04282) to the US Post Office/Fresno  
Unified School District located at 2309 Tulare St.(HP#50)  
6:55 P.M.  
Richard Trimble, a representative from the Building Division, was present  
for comments and questions.  
Director Clark presented a history of the building and proposed work. She  
intends to bring this item back to HPC for action in October  
On behalf of the Architectural Review Subcommittee, Chair Hatwig spoke  
about their discussion with the applicant. He elaborated on their requests  
for a complimentary design and matching handrails throughout (including  
existing ramp on M Street). He emphasized the Subcommittee's interest in  
consistency.  
Vice Chair Sponslor asked about an alternative design, however, it did not  
offer sufficient landing space.  
VII-C  
ID 22-1498  
UPDATE on Regular Monthly Topics:  
1. Staff Updates  
2. Architectural Subcommittee Updates (including Demolitions)  
3. Economic Incentive Subcommittee Update  
4. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update  
7:01 P.M.  
1. Staff Updates  
Director Clark requested a volunteer from the Commission to assist with the  
Historic Preservation Specialist applicant interviews. Commissioner  
Simmons volunteered.  
Director Clark will be having a regularly scheduled meeting with the  
California High Speed Rail (HSR). HSR currently has 10 boxes of artifacts  
available for pick up by City staff. Staff will potentially work with Fresno  
Historic Society to manage and store these items.  
The Planning Department is working with the Department of Public Works  
on the relocation of the Historic Van Ness Sign. They are working with  
HSR, who is currently in possession of the sign. The latest plan is a 1-year  
estimated timeline.  
A sound wall will be installed between the High Speed Rail and Roeding  
Park. A new subcommittee will be formed at the next meeting for this  
project.  
Director Clark reported on the different types and volume of projects coming  
through Historic Preservation for review and consideration in the last month.  
2. Architectural Subcommittee Updates  
Subcommittee reviewed 2 Demolition Permits that were over 50 years old  
but not historically significant and no artifacts were found.  
3. Economic Incentive Subcommittee Update  
We currently have 4 new pending Mills Act applications. Commissioner  
Rocha and County representative visited 3 sites today for initial review,  
leaving 1 remaining applicant.  
4. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update:  
No news at this time.  
VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT  
N/A  
IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS  
7:12 P.M.  
IX. - A. Members of the Commission  
Vice Chair Sponslor announced that the founding of the City of Fresno is in  
its 150th year. The City of Fresno was founded in May 1872. He went on  
the encourage celebrating this in some way before year end.  
Commissioner Rocha asked Staff to assemble a list of resources or a  
contractors list that have experience restoring historical properties. Chair  
Hatwig suggested reaching out to past commissioners to see if they have  
contacts for this list.  
IX. - B. Staff  
7:15  
Director Clark appreciated Sponslor's idea about the 150th anniversary  
event and will report any plans that may already be in motion, suggesting  
the Commission work with Staff to plan something.  
IX. - C. General Public  
7:16  
Lisa Flores requested information on the High-Speed Rail and Roeding  
Park soundwall expected to be installed adjacent to the new dog park at  
Roeding Park Zoo. She also asked about the proposal to move a historic  
train engine to Kingsburg, voicing her concern for losing a historic resource  
in Fresno. The Commission admitted to not knowing about this item going  
to Council on Thursday. Chair Hatwig encouraged the public to participate  
and speak up at the meeting. Director Clark said that when the item comes  
to HPC, public notices will be sent out.  
Roslyn McCoy asked about the redevelopment of Edison High School.  
Chair Hatwig reported no knowledge of plans for closure of this school.  
Ricky Williams expressed concern of rumors to expand the airport, but  
Director Clark explained the plans are currently to reduce the runway size at  
Chandler(referencing Council agenda).  
X. NEXT MEETING  
10/24/2022  
XI. ADJOURNMENT  
Chair Hatwig adjourned meeting at 7:23 P.M.