City of Fresno

City Hall

2600 Fresno Street

Fresno, CA 93721

Meeting Minutes - Final

Monday, March 25, 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:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cAUGlBe2SYygn3isiCuy4w

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:

1. Community Media Access Collaborative website: https://cmac.tv/

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

Meeting was called to order by Chair Sponsler at 6:00 P.M.

Jennifer Clark, Lisha Chen and Janice Monroe were also present.

Present 6 -

Chair James W Sponsler, Commissioner Paul Halajian,

Commissioner Don Simmons, Commissioner Julie Federico,

Commissioner Elizabeth Laval, and Commissioner Sarah

Johnston

Absent 1 - Vice Chair Jason Hatwig

II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ

6:00 PM

Procedures were read aloud by Chair Sponsler.

III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES

January 22, 2024 Historic Preservation Meeting Minutes

III-A

ID 24-427

6:02 PM

On motion of Commissioner Laval, seconded by Commissioner

Johnston,the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried

by the following vote:

Aye: 6 -

Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner

Simmons, Commissioner Federico, Commissioner Laval and

Commissioner Johnston

Absent: 1 - Vice Chair Hatwig

IV. APPROVE AGENDA

6:03 PM

On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner

Laval, that the AGENDA be APPROVED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

Aye: 6 -

Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner

Simmons, Commissioner Federico, Commissioner Laval and

Commissioner Johnston

Absent: 1 - Vice Chair Hatwig

V. CONSENT CALENDAR

N/A

VI. CONTINUED MATTERS

N/A

VII. COMMISSION ITEMS

Workshop on High Speed Rail station area facilities and impact on Historic

Resources

VII-A

ID 24-377

6:04 PM

Clark reported that the Commission requested information from the High

Speed Rail Station, specifically the Fresno Historic Facility.

Margaret Cederoth, (High Speed Rail Authority HSRA) and Melissa

Gaudreau, presented a brief update on the program. Gaudreau presented

specifically on the Historic Fresno Passenger Depot. The pedestrian bridge

will be open even when the station is closed. There are plans to build 1 acre

Plaza's with access to parking and vehicle charging. The station is

intentionally a bridge for both sides of the tracks Fresno.

The Historic Station Facility is an area of interest. In July 2023, a 20 million

dollar Federal Raise Grant was awarded to do the construction of seismic

retrofits, and ADA compliant retrofits.

Of the 165,000 sq ft, 80,000 are for the train platform, reported Cederoth.

The Commissioners explained that Chinatown has historically been

shortchanged as an attraction. They asked questions about the size of and

what attractions will bring people to the plazas. They asked when access to

Chinatown will be improved, Toni Tonoko,(HSRA) shared that plans are to

open Chinatown and Tulare Street in the Fall 2024.

Gaudreau shared plans on the Historic Fresno Station. Period of

significance range is 1889 to 1932. The investigative work began in 2022.

We are currently working on a basis of design. The site and buildings have

been surveyed, determining which buildings are of historic significance.

The Commissioners and Staff thanked the HSRA for the presentation.

Staff Update of the revised Resolution to include 3504 E Huntington Blvd

as a contributor to the Huntington Boulevard Historic District

VII-B

ID 24-299

6:43 PM

Chen received a request from the new property owner at 3504 E. Huntington

Blvd. to include the property to the Historic District of Huntington Blvd. The

property has not undergone any changes that interfere with its historic

integrity and therefore approves this request. Next steps for Chen will be to

make an amendment to the original Resolution adding 3504 E Huntington

Blvd. to the Local Historic Registry.

The Commissioners were thrilled to add it to the Registry.

The original exhibits on the agenda incorrectly referred to the properties

address as 3045 E Huntington, which is incorrect. The property is at 3504 E

Huntington Blvd.

There was no public comment

Update regarding site of start of Fresno and San Francisco Mail Route

ID 24-219

VII-C

6:49 PM

Sponsler presented an update on the Fresno and San Francisco Mail Route.

He stated that a monument or a plaque will be prepared for a flowerbed near

the Chuckchansi Park. The monument or plaque will not interfere with the

Park in any way. Halajian asked Sponsler what his "vision" was for the

designation of the route is. Sponsler stated that he will take the Historic

Trail to the State Registry.

Monthly update regarding historic “G” sign located at old Guarantee

ID 24-182

VII-D

building (HP#167), located at 1177 Fulton Street.

6:54 PM

Craig Speece from State Center Community College District presented an

update on the "G" sign. He reported that the sign is down. They were able

to cut the sign down, but left internal components in place, hoping to utilize

them when installing the new sign. Renderings of the new sign will be

presented at April's Historic Preservation Meeting.

Monthly update on the Jose Garcia Brewer Adobe Building (HP #227

ID 24-426

VII-E

located at 5901 W. Shaw (APN 51004038).

6:58 PM

Chen reported that the property owner of the Jose Garcia Adobe Brewer,

Mazen Al-hindi was unavailable to attend the nights meeting. However, in

February, Clark, Staff, Chen and Al-hindi met at City Hall. At this meeting

Al-hindi stated that preserving the site was a technical and economic

hardship and he asked for help. A list of professional contractors and

potential developer was given to Al-hindi.

In Mid-March Al-hindi stated that two professionals responded with two

options. One option was to take apart the walls brick by brick and rebuild

them. The second option was to encase the walls with plywood to make

them stable during demolishment. Neither option guaranteed success and

require professional engineer and architects. Al-hindi was still concerned

with the financial hardship.

Johnston suggested, HABS HAER historic documentation of the building

could be a last ditch effort in salvaging the existence of the Brewer Adobe.

The Commissioners discussed the options, though ultimately they want to

remind Al-hindi what he agreed to when he asked for approval to build the

apartments, that was to maintain those walls.

VII-F

ID 24-183

UPDATE on Regular Monthly Topics:

1. Staff Updates

2. Architectural Subcommittee Updates

3. Economic Incentive Subcommittee Update

4. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update

5. Historic Preservation Month Subcommittee

6. Property Disclosures Subcommittee Update

7:08 PM

Chen reported there are three items she would like to discuss with the

Commission. The adaptive reuse of the Helm building was brought to her

attention. No substantial adverse changes to the exterior of the Helm

Building, videos of the interior were received and there are substantial

interior defining features and we have requested for them to be preserved.

The PARCS department is proposing some work for Camp Fresno. The

three staff cabins of Camp Fresno were evaluated and found not eligible for

listing.

Fresno Air traffic relocation and reconstruction of the parking lot. The

Airport is proposing to demolish the existing facility, though the tower

retains a high level of historic integrity and meets the criteria for listing

criteria C or 3 based on the work of an international style of architecture

Master Architect Allen Y. Lew. The Tower may be eligible to become a

historical resource.

Clark emphasized to the Commission that time is of the essence and their

comments on what needs to be studied is due on April 22, 2024, the

Commissioners next HPC meeting date. A link will be mailed to the

Commissioners so that they can express their concerns.

Chen gave an update on the Mitigation applications. There are 3 that have

been approved and 1 is pending. Also, Staff will begin scheduling site visits

for Mills Act Recipients, the newest recipients as well as 5 year anniversary

recipients.

Sponsler and the Historic Preservation Month Subcommittee have met twice

to begin the planning for the month. They reported a kickoff event for May

2nd, trying to give it more emphasis than last year. Sponsler also explained

that he is hoping to have open houses with QR codes that will give the

visitor more detailed information about the houses.

Laval reported on the kick off plans for the month, May 2nd. It is going to be

the home of the Fresno City and County Historical Archive. Arthop Night

will be incorporated with it. The bar will be open and it will be a fun event.

This will be the formal archive site for the Historical Society.

Laval ask the Commissioners to participate in planning and to encourage

ideas.

Halajian's renovation of the Sun Stereo Building on Fulton, has been

submitted for a design award and is willing to open it up for the Open House

event.

Sponsler would like all ideas to be sent to Monroe.

Laval would ask the City Staff to draft a press release to announce the May

2nd kick off event information.

Sponsler shared that Hatwig is working on a clone of a beer made by

Bohemian Lager that was made by Fresno Brewing Company. The beer will

be available for the month of May.

Sponsler agreed to be the tour guide for the May 18th, Bike through History.

Clark requested final needs be submitted so Staff can be of assistance.

Sponsler will get a calendar to Staff before mid-April.

VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT

7:26 PM

Sponsler commented that the conversations had with the Realtors

Association have resulted in Historic Properties for sale are being

appropriately identified on the MLS as historic.

IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS

n/a

IX. - A. Members of the Commission

N/A

IX. - B. Staff

N/A

IX. - C. General Public

7:29 PM

A member of the public suggested that since the kick off event will be at the

Arthop, the Commission should showcase Pat Hunter paintings. She asked

what a Historic District Designation does for the District, and stated that

Chinatown would like to be a designated Historic District and utilize the

opportunities that status would grant them.

On May 25, there will be a Veterans Memorial Cleanup 1 day event and