City of Fresno  
City Hall  
2600 Fresno Street  
Fresno, CA 93721  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Monday, April 22, 2024  
6:00 PM  
Regular Meeting  
In Person and/or Electronic  
City Hall, Council Chambers  
Historic Preservation Commission  
Chair - James Sponsler  
Vice Chair - Jason Hatwig  
Commissioner - Paul Halajian  
Commissioner - Don Simmons  
Commissioner - Julie Federico  
Commissioner - Elizabeth Laval  
Commissioner - Sarah E. Johnston  
Staff:  
Jennifer Clark, Director; Lisha Chen, Historic Preservation Specialist;  
Janice Monroe, M.A. II; Myrna Rivas, Administrative Clerk  
THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WELCOMES YOU TO COUNCIL  
CHAMBERS, LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2ND FLOOR, 2600 FRESNO STREET,  
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93721.  
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – 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. Public participation during Fresno City Historic Preservation  
Commission meetings is always encouraged and can occur in one of the two  
following ways:  
1. Participate In Person: Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 2600 Fresno  
Street, Fresno, CA  
a. To speak during a Commission meeting in person: You may approach the  
speaker podium upon the Chair’s call for public comment.  
93721  
2. Participate Remotely via Zoom using the following link:  
a. The above link will allow you to register in advance for remote participation  
in the meeting via the  
confirmation email containing additional details  
b. To speak during a Commission meeting while attending remotely in the  
Zoom application, click on the icon labeled “Participants” at the bottom of  
the screen. Then select “Raise Hand” at the bottom of the Participants  
window. Your digital hand will now be raised. You will be asked to “unmute” when  
your name is called to speak. You will not be visible via video and there will  
be no opportunity to share your screen.  
Zoom platform. After registering, you will receive a  
about joining the meeting.  
All public speakers will have up to 3 minutes to address the Commission pursuant to  
Rule No. 13 of the Historic Preservation Commission Bylaws of the City of Fresno  
(available in the City Clerk’s Office).  
VIEWING HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETINGS (non-participatory) –  
For your convenience, there are ways to view Historic Preservation Commission  
meetings live:  
2. Cable Television: Comcast Channel 96 and AT&T Channel 99  
Should any of these viewing methods listed above experience technical difficulties,  
the Commission meeting will continue uninterrupted. Commission meetings will only  
be paused to address verifiable technical difficulties for all users participating via  
Zoom or in the Chambers.  
The City of Fresno’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  
Anyone requiring reasonable ADA accommodations, including sign language  
interpreters, or other reasonable accommodations such as language translation,  
should contact the office of the City Clerk at (559) 621-7650 or clerk@fresno.gov. To  
help ensure availability of these services, you are advised to make your request a  
minimum of 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.  
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL  
Chair Sponsler called meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Also present were  
Jennifer Clark, Dr Lisha Chen, Janice Monroe and Myrna Rivas  
Present 7 -  
Chair James W Sponsler, Vice Chair Jason Hatwig,  
Commissioner Paul Halajian, Commissioner Don Simmons,  
Commissioner Julie Federico, Commissioner Elizabeth Laval,  
and Commissioner Sarah Johnston  
II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ  
6:01 PM  
Sponsler read procedures aloud.  
III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES  
6:02 PM  
On motion of Commissioner Laval, seconded by Commissioner  
Halajian,the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Chair Sponsler, Vice Chair Hatwig, Commissioner Halajian,  
Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Federico,  
Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Johnston  
March 25, 2024 Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting  
Minutes  
III - A  
IV. APPROVE AGENDA  
6:02 PM  
On motion of Vice Chair Hatwig, seconded by Commissioner  
Federico, that the above Agenda be APPROVED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Chair Sponsler, Vice Chair Hatwig, Commissioner Halajian,  
Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Federico,  
Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Johnston  
V. CONSENT CALENDAR  
6:04 PM  
On motion of Chair Sponsler, seconded by Vice Chair Hatwig, that the  
above Consent Calendar be APPROVED. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
Aye: 7 -  
Chair Sponsler, Vice Chair Hatwig, Commissioner Halajian,  
Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Federico,  
Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Johnston  
Review and Adopt City’s CLG 2022-2023 Annual Report pursuant to FMC  
12-1606(b)(16).  
V-A  
VI. CONTINUED MATTERS  
VII. COMMISSION ITEMS  
REVIEW & COMMENT on the Notice of Preparation of an Environmental  
VII - A  
Impact Report for the Fresno Air Traffic Control Tower Relocation Project  
RECOMMENDATION  
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission review and  
comment on the Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report  
for the Fresno Air Traffic Control Tower Relocation Project.  
6:05 PM  
Dr. Chen shared a presentation showing the locations of the air tower and  
proposed air tower. Chen shared the historic status, environmental findings,  
the Fresno Municipal Code 12.1406 and Staff recommendations. Fresno is  
the lead agency on this proposed project. The Commission has the duty to  
review and comment for the preparation for the Environment Impact Report.  
Francisco Partida, Assistant Director, Aviation for Fresno Airports  
Department, explained that the air tower is no longer providing safe working  
conditions. It is leaking, not heating nor cooling properly.  
Karen Bouler, (Consultant), reported that the environmental process just  
started and requested the Commissions comments regarding what should  
be included in the Environmental Impact Report.  
The Commissioners had many questions and comments.  
Simmons reported feeling strongly that demolition should not be a forgone  
conclusion. Sponsler agreed and explained that some ADA requirements  
can be waived in some instances of historic buildings.  
Halajian asked about Mitigation measures proposed.  
Johnston is concerned the area of impact and should include the other  
buildings and archeological survey  
Hatwig explained that it is clear that for Fresno to grow, our international  
airport needs to be at a serviceable level, a new air tower may be  
necessary. Mitigation measures will probably come back as a historic  
monument. Federico agreed.  
Halajian believed that adaptive reuse of the existing tower is positive for the  
image and reputation of our City. He suggested to include case studies on  
adaptively reused aviation structures and cost studies.  
Partida expressed that Fresno needs a safe control tower as this tower  
literally can not and does not meet the technological requirements of today.  
He also voiced timing concerns with regard to funding cycles and a possible  
line of site obstruction with the current tower.  
Partida with Dr. Chen, will plan a tour of the existing tower for the  
Commissioners.  
Clark reiterated the condition and safety concerns of the existing tower.  
There will be 3 alternatives for the Environmental Impact Report, leave it  
intact, build a new safe control tower, and adaptive reuse.  
Clark suggested a public review be available late this summer. Bouler will  
conduct a presentation so the Commission can comment on the project at  
that time.  
Monthly update on the Jose Garcia Brewer Adobe Building (HP #227  
VII - B  
located at 5901 W. Shaw (APN 51004038).  
6:41 PM  
Chen visited the site on April 10th and found no progress has been made  
because the property owner is out of the country.  
Commissioners discussed repurcussions they can pursue. Sponsler  
suggested the 2008 a full restoration as alternative mitigation  
Clark suggested working with Code Enforcement to enforce the conditions  
of the approval of the Entitlement.  
Discussion on upcoming events for Historic Preservation Month (May).  
VII - C  
6:51 PM  
Chair Sponsler presented a flier of events planned for Historic Preservation  
Month.  
Laval invited the Commission to the kickoff event at The Archive on Kern on  
May 2nd. There will be several open houses as property owners have  
graciously agreed to be open and available for tours. There will be several  
archived exhibits featuring Pop Laval photos, showcasing the Tower District  
Specific Plan, oral history project installation, Chinese artifacts, and  
Mclatchy Archives.  
Halajian will conduct an informative presentation on adaptive reuse for  
historic buildings at the Sun Stereo Warehouse. There will be a Time  
Travelers Event at the Kearney Mansion, a Mother's Day Tea, two pub  
quizzes, a BikeThrough History event, and Vice Chair Hatwig and his  
brewing company made a clone of the Fresno Brewing Bohemian Lager.  
Hatwig explained this was a collaboration with other brewers.  
Laval requested to use the City's resources to promote these events, Clark  
asked the Commission to provide small snippets of event information for  
disbursement on social media.  
VII - D  
UPDATE on Regular Monthly Topics:  
1. Staff Updates  
2. Architectural Subcommittee Updates  
3. Economic Incentive Subcommittee Update  
4. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update  
5. Property Disclosures Subcommittee Update  
6:59 PM  
Chen briefed the Commission on recent mailings conducted to get local  
historic property owners interested in the Economic Incentives like the Mills  
Act and Mitigation Program. Property owners can take advantage of these  
programs for assistance in the upkeep and maintenance of historic  
resources.  
Halajian told the Commission that they have been conducting 5-year Mills  
Act site visits. Chen thanked the Commission for making time for these  
visits.  
Clark explained that Chen and our Community Outreach Specialist worked  
hard to put the flyer together for mailing. Staff is working to make sure the  
Historic Resources is up to date with the County Assessors office.  
Chen shared that the National Farm Workers Association historic marker  
has moved forward and are now in the final steps  
The Commission asked Staff to provide residents resources that are  
available to property owners.  
Clark reported that the Fresno Realtors Association is open to provide  
disclosures to new historic property owners. Sponsler requested a follow-up  
with the organization.  
VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT  
7:07 PM  
Chair Sponsler noted and thanked Laval for all of her help with planning the  
Historic Preservation Month Events. He thanked all those that provided  
assistance.  
IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS  
N/A  
IX. - A. Members of the Commission  
7:19 PM  
Simmons discussed concerns from property residents not seeing any  
property tax credits on our yearly tax bill. Clark suggested having sample  
calculations done so that they are not as angry or surprised by the tax  
credits they are receiving.  
Simmons reported that The Founding of Fresno Plaque has been moved or  
damaged because it is no longer visible. Sponsler reported that it is located  
on the Northwest corner of Mariposa and Fulton, but it is covered.  
State requirement has guidance of how it must be calculated. Staff will  
meet with the Assessors office to see if there is an error. Chen assured the  
Commission that she is investigating all sources and will report back to the  
Commission.  
IX. - B. Staff  
7:20 PM  
Clark encouraged the Commissioners to attend City Council on May 2 at 9  
am . A proclamation will be made "May is Historic Preservation Month",  
with the theme as "People Preserving Places."  
IX. - C. General Public  
7:22 PM  
A member of the public announced that artist, Pat Hunter, will not be  
available to attend the Kick-Off event for Historic Preservation Month,  
because she will be at The Grand instead (Art Hop). She also suggested  
the Commission conduct a walking tour of Chinatown.  
X. NEXT MEETING  
Chair Sponsler announced the next meeting will be May 20th, 2024  
XI. ADJOURNMENT  
Chair Sponsler adjourned the meeting at 7:25 pm