City of Fresno  
City Hall  
2600 Fresno Street  
Fresno, CA 93721  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Monday, October 24, 2022  
6:00 PM  
Regular Meeting  
Fresno City Hall, Second Floor  
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  
6:00 P.M.  
Present 5 -  
Chair Jason Hatwig, Vice Chair James W Sponsler,  
Commissioner Christopher Rocha, Commissioner Paul  
Halajian, and Commissioner Don Simmons  
II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ  
6:04 P.M.  
Chair Hatwig read the procedures out loud  
III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES  
September 26, 2022 Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting  
Minutes.  
III-A  
ID 22-1661  
6:06 P.M.  
On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner  
Rocha,the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
Aye: 4 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha  
and Commissioner Simmons  
Abstain: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
IV. APPROVE AGENDA  
6:06 P.M.  
Chair Hatwig approved request to hear Item VII-D first, as requested by  
applicant Sal Gonzalez, due to time constraints. No additional changes  
were recommended.  
On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner  
Rocha,the AGENDA was APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Simmons  
V. CONSENT CALENDAR  
6:09 P.M.  
On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner  
Halajian, that the above be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Simmons  
Consideration of the Fresno City Historic Preservation Commission  
Meeting Schedule for Calendar Year 2023 and rescheduling of December  
2022 Meeting  
V-A  
ID 22-1645  
On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner  
Halajian, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
VI. CONTINUED MATTERS  
N/A  
VII. COMMISSION ITEMS  
HEARING TO CONSIDER Development Permit P22-01922 for the  
VII-A  
ID 22-1639  
adaptive reuse and interior renovations of the Helm Building (HP#168)  
located at 1097-1123 Fulton Street (APN 46621204).  
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 P22-01922 for the conversion of uses at  
HP#168 Helm Building located at 1101 Fulton St. (APN 46621204).  
7:03 P.M.  
Sevak Khatchadourian (applicant) attended and presented the plans for  
proposed adaptive reuse and interior renovations of the Helm Building.  
Applicant discussed interest in keeping the integrity of the building.  
Commissioners reported looking forward to seeing the progress and praised  
Khatchadourian for the quality and integrity of his work.  
A member of the public commended in favor of the proposal  
On motion of Commissioner Rocha, seconded by Vice Chair Sponsler,  
that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Simmons  
HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on application  
B22-04282 for construction of new accessible ramps at east entries at the  
old US Post Office (HP#50) located at 2309 Tulare (APN 46612208T).  
VII-B  
ID 22-1638  
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 B22-04282 for the construction of new  
accessible ramps at east entries at the old US Post Office (HP#50).  
7:18 P.M.  
Director Clark gave a brief overview of pending permits for 2309 Fulton St.  
by Fresno Unified School District.  
Andrew Corral (applicant) was present and available for questions.  
The Commission & Staff acknowledged the M St ramp was not originally in  
the scope of work but was added at the request of the Architectural Review  
Subcommittee.  
Clark clarified that since M St. wasn't part of the original permit, it would  
need to be added to the motion.  
Halajian motioned to approve the original request with the addition of the  
ramp on M St.  
No Public Comment.  
On motion of Commissioner Halajian, seconded by Commissioner  
Simmons, that the above Action Item be APPROVED AS AMENDED.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Simmons  
HEARING TO CONSIDER Building permits B21-07055, B22-04077,  
B22-04090 for the adaptive reuse, exterior and interior renovations, and  
proposed conditional use permit of the Elia Home (HP#311), located at  
634-640 N Van Ness Ave.  
VII-C  
ID 22-1643  
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: B21-07055 for the adaptive reuse, exterior and interior  
renovations, and proposed conditional use permit at the Elia Home  
(HP#311).  
7:28 P.M  
Applicant, Phillip Cleaver, gave a brief presentation on the timeline and  
proposed future use of the Elia Home. He added that the railings in the  
home will be retrofitted to ADA height and they will be installing outdoor  
bathrooms. Timeline to complete project is approximately 2-6 months.  
On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner  
Halajian, that the above Action Item be . The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Simmons  
HEARING TO CONSIDER demolition application B22-12250 for the  
property located at 925-935 Van Ness Ave (APN 46825403).  
VII-D  
ID 22-1637  
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)  
consider one of the following actions:  
DENY: B21-07055 for the B22-12250 for the demolition of the  
property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403).  
Or  
APPROVE: B21-07055 for the B22-12250 for the demolition of the  
property located at 925-935 Van Ness Av (APN46825403).  
6:11 P.M.  
Director Clark gave a brief history of the building and proposed scope of  
work.  
On behalf of the Applicant, Sal Gonzales, Arman Devejian, Mike Jundt, and  
Scott Beck were to provide information on the requested demolition. They  
reported that the building is an economic hardship to the owner and danger  
to the public. They feel that the building does not rise to the level of  
preservation status. The team agreed that the location is in the heart of the  
city and the age, significance, and integrity of the building are key factors.  
After over a year of research, they determined that making the existing  
structure functional is not economically feasible.  
Vice Chair Sponsler voiced his concern that the property would be a dirt lot  
if demolition is allowed and added that the architect, Robert Stephens could  
be part of a future Thematic District ("Robert Stephens Architecture").  
Commissioner Rocha noted that the integrity of the building is there, and  
that the integrity is what is recognizable from Stephen's architecture. He  
also reported that the building meets the criteria as we see it and agreed  
with Sponsler's statements on the thematic district.  
Commissioner Simmons told the applicants that the commission is more  
concerned with the integrity of the building than the condition of the  
building.  
The applicant was unable to provide commission a plan of use or timeline of  
project.  
Chair Hatwig explained that it is a difficult decision based on not knowing  
what is going to be built in its place.  
No Public Comment was made.  
Simmons motioned to deny the proposal and add the recommendation to  
Council that the property is added to the local register. Clark then restated  
the motion for clarification.  
On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner  
Rocha, that the above Action Item be RECOMMENDED FOR DENIAL.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 4 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha  
and Commissioner Simmons  
Recused: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
Review and make recommendation regarding the proposed options of the  
VII-E  
ID 22-1680  
Belmont Subway Plaque from the California High Speed Rail Authority  
pursuant to FMC 12-1606(b)(6).  
7:38 P.M.  
Brett Rushing, High Speed Rail (HSR) Cultural Resources Manager, gave a  
brief presentation on the replacement of the missing Belmont Subway  
Plaque. He presented the Commission two options (Aluminum & Synthetic)  
and offered the strengths and weakness of each. He explained that Bronze  
was not an option they considered due to the high likelihood of theft  
attempts. He added that the expected timeline of installation is after the  
completion of the bridge (1.5 years).  
Rushing and the Commission agreed deterring vandalism and/or theft is a  
priority in placement and design of the new plaque.  
Halajian requested pre-cast concrete as an alternative option of material.  
Sponsler confirmed that regardless of the material chosen, there would  
need to be a cover securing the replacement plaque and Rushing agreed.  
Consultation regarding potential mural located at 1930 E Shields Ave.  
ID 22-1672  
VII-F  
VII-G  
7:57 P.M.  
No discussion due to the absence of a representative of Fresno Arts  
Council.  
Discussion regarding changes to windows and possible remediation at  
ID 22-1642  
301 Van Ness Avenue  
7:57 P.M  
Vice Chair Sponsler recently noticed window work in process at 301 Van  
Ness Ave.(Beacon's Warehouse Building). Director Clark stated that any  
changes to the windows would require a permit before work is authorized.  
Sponsler also reported the addition of stucco has been added to the  
windows recently, causing a loss of integrity in the historic feature that were  
those windows.  
When Commissioners asked for resources and next steps, Clark  
recommended they use the FresGo App to report any concerns of this nature  
and Code Enforcement would review the requests. Property owners would  
be notified and have an opportunity to correct before any legal action could  
be taken.  
Discussion regarding process for Council items receiving Historic  
ID 22-1683  
VII-H  
Preservation Commission input  
1. Railroad relocation (Council 22-1503 on 9/29/22 -Arias)  
2. Armenian Homes (Council 22-1495 on 9/29/22-Successor Agency).  
8:07 P.M.  
Director Clark explained the "Duties of Commission." The Commission  
voiced interest in better communication and sharing of information between  
the City Council and HPC.  
Clark explained the railcar moving to Kingsburg is not a historically  
registered item.  
Many supporters of the Proposed Historic Armenian Town District were in  
attendance. They voiced their concerns that the City Council had not moved  
on establishing Armenian Town as a Historical District. They talked about  
their histories and shared frustration. Many reported feeling forgotten &  
unheard. They asked that the Vartanian Home be a focus of the Proposed  
District and possibly a visitor center.  
After public comment, the Commissioners encouraged the speakers. Chair  
Hatwig told the community to continue fighting. Simmons asked that the Hye  
Project be removed from the Council agenda. Rocha said he did not feel a  
proclamation would rectify the fact that the community did not feel heard.  
Assign Subcommittees  
ID 22-1673  
VII-I  
1. Naming Subcommittee (Research & Background)  
2. Roeding Park Sound Wall Subcommittee  
9:04 P.M.  
1. Naming Subcommittee members include Commissioner Rocha and Vice  
Chair Sponsler.  
2. Roeding Park Sound Wall Subcommittee will use the Architectural  
Subcommittee (Chair Hatwig and Commissioner Halajian).  
VII-J  
ID 22-1641  
UPDATE on Regular Monthly Topics:  
1. Staff Updates  
2. Architectural Subcommittee Updates  
3. Economic Incentive Subcommittee Update  
4. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update  
9:07 P.M.  
1. The number of new requests for Commercial & Residential permits  
remained high for the month of October.  
2. No Architectural Subcommittee meetings held in October.  
3. We currently have 3 Mills Act Applicants pending. Contracts are  
expected to come to the Commission in November for review.  
VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT  
N/A  
IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS  
IX. - A. Members of the Commission  
9:10 P.M.  
Vice Chair Sponsler attended a Historic Preservation training in Pasadena  
on ADU guidelines. He also reported drafting a letter requesting to add Pop  
Laval's home to the local registry  
IX. - B. Staff  
N/A  
IX. - C. General Public  
9:12 P.M.  
Brett Rushing stressed the importance of having a Subcommittee meeting  
for the Roeding Park Sound Wall as soon as possible due to the tight  
timeline.  
X. NEXT MEETING  
November 28, 2022.  
XI. ADJOURNMENT  
Meeting adjourned at 9:14 P.M.