City of Fresno  
City Hall  
2600 Fresno Street  
Fresno, CA 93721  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Monday, April 25, 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 - Robin Goldbeck  
Commissioners:  
Christopher Rocha, Paul Halajian, AIA; Don Simmons, PhD; M.A.;  
James Sponsler;  
Staff:  
Jennifer Clark, Director; Mary Raterman-Doidge, Senior Deputy City  
Attorney; Alicia C. Gonzales, Historic Preservation Specialist; Janice  
Monroe, M.A. II  
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 mike.sanchez@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  
At 6:03 PM the meeting was called to order by Chair Jason Hatwig.  
Also present were Director of Planning and Development, Jennifer Clark,  
Senior Deputy City Attorney Mary Raterman-Doidge, Historic Preservation  
Specialist, Alicia Gonzales, and Management Analyst II, Janice Monroe.  
Present 5 -  
Chair Jason Hatwig, Vice Chair Robin Goldbeck,  
Commissioner Christopher Rocha, Commissioner Don  
Simmons, and Commissioner James W Sponsler  
Absent 1 - Commissioner Paul Halajian  
II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ  
For each matter considered by the Commission, there will first be a staff  
presentation, followed by a presentation from the project applicant. The  
Commissioners will then have the opportunity to ask questions of Staff and Applicant  
before opening to Public. Testimony from supporters of the project will then be  
taken, followed by testimony from those in opposition. Staff may provide a  
summation, if necessary. The applicant will have the right to a final rebuttal  
presentation prior to closing the public hearing, followed by consideration of the  
item and action, if any, by the Commission.  
In accordance with section 13 of Article 2 of the Historic Preservation Commission  
Bylaws governing length of public debate, all public testimony from those in support  
and in opposition of the project will be limited to three minutes per person. All public  
testimony must be presented to the Commission at the podium (in person /  
electronically). Any testimony that references race, religion, ethnicity, economic  
status, national origin, or any other classification protected under state or federal  
law in a derogatory manner shall be deemed irrelevant and will not be considered by  
the Commission in making its determinations.  
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 or before the close of  
the hearing.  
III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES  
March 28, 2022 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes  
III-A  
ID 22-591  
6:06pm  
On motion of Commissioner Sponsler, seconded by Vice Chair  
Goldbeck, that the above MINUTES have be APPROVED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 4 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Goldbeck, Commissioner Simmons  
and Commissioner Sponsler  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
Abstain: 1 - Commissioner Rocha  
IV. APPROVE AGENDA  
6:07pm  
On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Vice Chair  
Goldbeck,the above AGENDA was APPROVED. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Goldbeck, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Sponsler  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
V. CONSENT CALENDAR  
N/A  
VI. CONTINUED MATTERS  
N/A  
VII. COMMISSION ITEMS  
6:08PM  
HEARING TO CONSIDER Application P22-01285 for revisions to the  
VII-A  
ID 22-573  
Casa Di Fortuna residential complex which include the preservation of  
original historic wall features of the Jose Garcia Brewer Adobe building  
located at 5860 W Santa Ana Avenue (HP # 227) (APN 51054020).  
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take  
the following actions:  
1. RECOMMEND APPROVAL of revised exhibit Application P22-  
01285 for the revisions to the Casa Di Fortuna residential complex  
which include the preservation of original historic wall features of  
HP# 227 the Jose Garcia Brewer Adobe, subject to the following  
conditions of approval:  
a. Any proposed thematic interpretive material, memorabilia,  
artifacts, plaques, or historical displays associated with the  
historical walls will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation  
Specialist prior to its installation.  
b. Staff will be allowed to photograph before, during and upon  
completion of the project; and  
c. Any changes to the approved project will be submitted to the  
Historic Preservation Specialist prior to the commencement  
of any related work.  
.
6:08PM  
Rick Ransom (engineer) & Ian Robertson (architect) were present and  
available for comment/question.  
Commissioners and Staff discussed the need to change the status of the  
local registry from a historic resource to a historic monument now that a  
building would no long be in place. Director Clark explained that after HPC  
recommends mitigation measures and entitlement is complete the  
Commission can update the listing. Senior Deputy Raterman-Doidge noted  
that the item would return to the Commission for this change.  
On motion of Commissioner Rocha, seconded by Vice Chair  
Goldbeck, that the above Action Item be APPROVED AS AMENDED.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Goldbeck, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Sponsler  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
CONTINUE TO MAY 23, 2022  
VIII-B  
ID 22-592  
HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on applications  
B22-03490 for the removal, reroof and roof mounted solar installation to the  
Ed & Chrissie Riggins Home a Contributing Resource to the Wilson Island  
Historic District located at 655 E. Pine Avenue (APN 45111107).  
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take  
the following actions:  
1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections  
15301/Class 1 and 15303/Class 3 of the California Environmental  
Quality Act guidelines  
2. APPROVE: Application B22-0349 for the removal and reroof the  
Ed & Chrissie Riggins Home a Contributing Resource to the Wilson  
Island Historic District located at 655 E. Pine Avenue (APN  
45111107).  
3. APPROVE: Application B22-04126 for the installation of roof  
mounted solar to the Ed & Chrissie Riggins Home a Contributing  
Resource to the Wilson Island Historic District located at 655 E.  
Pine Avenue (APN 45111107), subject to the following conditions of  
approval:  
a. Applicant will revise to the scope of work and roof plan to  
ensure that no solar panels are installed on the primary roof  
which is visible from the public-right-of way on E. Pine Ave.  
b. Staff will be allowed to photograph before, during and upon  
completion of the project; and  
c. Any changes to the approved project will be submitted to the  
Historic Preservation Specialist prior to the commencement  
of any related work.  
6:22 PM  
Staff continued item to May, 23, 2022 meeting  
HEARING TO CONSIDER Application B22-02948 for the façade  
VII-C  
ID 22-565  
renovations to HP# 292 the Fresno Daily Expositor building located at  
1031 Fulton St. (APN 46621304).  
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take  
the following actions:  
1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section  
15331 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the  
California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.  
2. APPROVE: Application B22-02948 for the façade renovations to  
HP# 292 the Fresno Daily Expositor building located at 1031 Fulton  
St. (APN 46621304) subject to the following conditions of approval.  
a. Staff will be allowed to photograph before, during and upon  
completion of the project; and  
b. Any changes to the approved project will be submitted to the  
Historic Preservation Specialist prior to the commencement  
of any related work  
6:22pm  
Shaunt Yemenjian (architect) and Henry Liu (property owner) were present  
and available for  
comment/question.  
Applicants discussed the history of the building and scope of work. Due to  
the extent of job, cost of reconstruction is anticipated to exceed the  
originally predicted budget. They asked the Commission for any available  
resources for financial assistance while they solidify the costs of the project.  
Chair Hatwig reminded the applicants that if they need to change the plan  
for the facade they would have to return to the Commission.  
On motion of Commissioner Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner  
Rocha, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Goldbeck, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Sponsler  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Halajian  
STAFF UPDATE regarding re-roof application B22-03167 of the Gregory  
VII-D  
ID 22-566  
Home, a Porter Tract Historic District Contributing Resource (HD# 7),  
located at 1011 E. Yale Ave. (APN 44408416).  
6:45pm  
Gonzales explained the application was approved at Director's discretion.  
REVIEW AND COMMENT on the revisions to the design proposal and  
ID 22-577  
VII-E  
treatment for the Belmont Overcrossing for the California High Speed Rail  
(CHSR) pursuant to FMC Section 12-1606 (5) and 12-1606 (5.1).  
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take  
the following actions:  
1. Comment on revisions to the design proposal and treatment for the  
Belmont Overcrossing for the California High Speed Rail pursuant  
to FMC Section 12-1606 (5) and 12-1606 (5.1).  
a. Historic Preservation and Public Works will be allowed to  
photograph before, during and upon completion of the  
project; and  
b. Any changes to the approved project will be submitted to the  
Historic Preservation Specialist prior to the commencement  
of any related work.  
6:46pm  
Ashley Katchadourian (contractor represention for HSR) presented a  
rendering and retaining wall schematic.  
Chair Hatwig recounted sitting on a previous subcommittee with Halajian to  
prepare the design of High Speed Rail. Simmons recognized the efforts  
made for the residents in the treatment of the walls. Commissioners  
requested more information on the barriers and Katchadourian answered  
their questions.  
A member of the public, Matthew Woodward, asked about the grade of the  
road in Katchadourian's schematics and she explained it was 6%.  
WORKSHOP on the reconstruction of the Abacus, previously located at  
ID 22-511  
VII-F  
Guarantee Savings & Loans (CitiBank) located 4191 N Blackstone Avenue  
(APN 43409202).  
7:09pm  
Farrell Martin (consultant) offered a revised plan and remained available for  
comment/question.  
Commissioners supported the proposed vegetation (real & faux) and  
suggested changing the color of fence and potentially increasing the  
setback of fence to 12-18 inches from abacus.  
STAFF UPDATE on Regular Monthly Topics:  
ID 22-574  
VII-G  
1. Current & Proposed Historic District Updates  
2. Demolition/Repair Updates  
3. Economic Incentives  
7:25pm  
1. Commissioner Simmons requested the complete list Proposed Historic  
Districts to confirm properties beyond the recent Priority List. Commission  
discussed the need to update all expired survey information. Director Clark  
reported there has been no progress to the Proposed Historic Districts due  
to the increase in regular Building applications. Commissioners voiced  
concerned with the prolonged status of the HPC approved Proposed  
Armenian District waiting for City Council's recommendation.  
Raterman-Doidge suggested reaching out to individuals' councilmembers  
and/or mayor. Clark suggested next meeting the Commission discuss what  
they would like Staff to bring to Council.  
2. Gonzales updated on demolition at American Self Storage Company  
(HP#100) and Chaffee Zoo.  
3. Gonzales updated on current status of Mitigation Fund Applications and  
reminded that Mills Act Applications are due by 5/1/2022.  
STAFF UPDATE on Code Enforcement case# E19-09827, located at 319  
ID 22-594  
VI-H  
N Calaveras St. (APN 45915208).  
7:50pm  
Multiple Commissioners admitted to reporting the infraction to Code  
Enforcement and noted that only 2 of the 4 windows were replaced.  
Commissioners voiced concern for the inconsistent enforcement with similar  
locations nearby.  
Due to several experiences of property owners unaware of the Historic  
status of their property, the Commission suggested increasing educational  
opportunities for the new property owners when purchasing a Historic  
property, as well as offering a workshop for realtors in Historic Preservation  
Month. Commissioner Rocha suggested increasing the accessibility of  
Historic Plaques.  
VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT  
N/A  
IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS  
8:02pm  
IX. - A. Members of the Commission  
Commission Simmons acknowledged Commissioner Rocha's recent  
marriage at a Historic property.  
Commissioners formed a subcommittee (Rocha and Sponsler) for  
identification of historic resources other than a plaque to increase  
awareness of general public and increase community pride.  
Commissioners discussed an appreciation that the City was showing an  
interest in buying historic properties such as the Tower Theatre, but wanted  
increased attention to their existing properties. They reported concern that  
the burden is placed on non-profits rather than the City.  
IX. - B. Staff  
Clark reported that emails would go out to the Commission soon about fun  
events for Historic Preservation month available to HPC and the public.  
IX. - C. General Public  
N/A  
X. NEXT MEETING  
5/23/2022  
XI. ADJOURNMENT  
Meeting adjourned at 8:13pm.  
2022 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE  
JANUARY 24, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
FEBRUARY 28, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
MARCH 28, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
APRIL 25, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
MAY 23, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
JUNE 27, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
JULY 25, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
AUGUST 22, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
OCTOBER 24, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
NOVEMBER 28, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING  
DECEMBER 26, 2022- 6:00 P.M. MEETING