City of Fresno  
City Hall  
2600 Fresno Street  
Fresno, CA 93721  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Monday, March 27, 2023  
6:00 PM  
Regular Meeting  
In Person and/or Electronic  
City Hall, Room 2165N  
Historic Preservation Commission  
Chair - Jason Hatwig, LEED, AP, BD  
Vice Chair - James Sponsler  
Commissioner - Christopher Rocha  
Commissioner - Paul Halajian, AIA  
Commissioner - Don Simmons, PhD. M.A.  
Commissioner - Julie Federico M.A.  
Commissioners - Elizabeth Laval  
Staff:  
Jennifer Clark, Director; Janice Monroe, M.A. II  
Myrna Rivas, Administrative Clerk  
THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WELCOMES YOU TO ROOM 2165A,  
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: Room 2165, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 2600 Fresno Street,  
Fresno, CA 93721  
a. To speak during a Commission meeting in person: You may approach the  
speaker podium upon the Chair’s call for public comment.  
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 Zoom platform. After registering, you will receive a  
confirmation email containing additional details about joining the meeting.  
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.  
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 PLANNING 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  
6:01 P.M.  
Also present, Jennifer Clark, Janice Monroe and Myrna Rivas  
Present 5 -  
Chair Jason Hatwig, Vice Chair James W Sponsler,  
Commissioner Christopher Rocha, Commissioner Don  
Simmons, and Commissioner Elizabeth Laval  
Absent 2 -  
Commissioner Paul Halajian, and Commissioner Julie  
Federico  
II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ  
Procedures were read aloud by Chair Hatwig. 6:02 P.M.  
III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES  
6:03 P.M.  
February 27, 2023, Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting  
Minutes.  
III-A  
ID 23-95  
On motion of Commissioner Rocha, seconded by Commissioner  
Laval,the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval  
Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico  
IV. APPROVE AGENDA  
6:04 P.M.  
Commissioner Sponsler amended the agenda by pulling Items V-A and V-B.  
On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner  
Simmons, that the above be APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval  
Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico  
V. CONSENT CALENDAR  
6:06 P.M.  
REVIEW AND ADOPT CITY’S CLG 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT  
PURSUANT TO FMC 12-1606(b)(16).  
V-A  
V-B  
ID 23-203  
6:06 P.M.  
During Commission Items, Sponsler lead a discussion with Staff and the  
Commissioners on the 2 CLG reports that were pulled from Consent.  
REVIEW AND ADOPT CITY’S CLG 2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT  
ID 23-373  
PURSUANT TO FMC 12-1606(b)(16).  
6:06 P.M.  
Commissioner Sponsler noted that he didn't see a 2019-2020 CLG Annual  
Report. Director Clark responded stating she would confirm with Staff on  
the status. Sponsler asked Staff to confirm details in the Report, such as  
the total number of Mills Act properties and his attendance at a Symposium  
on 11/6/21.  
Chair Hatwig added that his attendance in the 2021/2022 CLG Annual  
Report should be corrected to reflect that he was in attendance at the July,  
August and September 2022 meetings.  
Clark reported Staff will correct these items and report back. She informed  
the Commission that each of the CLG Reports will be on April's agenda.  
Hatwig asked the Commissioners to review the reports and send an email to  
staff to clear up any questions or errors.  
On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner Laval,  
the Items V-A & V-B will hereby be CONTINUED AS NOTED. The  
motion duly carried following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval  
Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico  
HEARING TO CONSIDER proposed alterations from Development Permit  
V-C  
ID 23-138  
application P22-04417 to the Radin-Kamp Department Store (HP#124),  
located at 939-959 Fulton St (APN 46828101).  
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 WITH CONDITIONS: Application P22-04417 to the  
Radin-Kamp Department Store (HP#124), located at 939-959  
Fulton St (APN 46828101).  
On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner  
Simmons, that the CONSENT CALENDAR be APPROVED. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval  
Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico  
VI. CONTINUED MATTERS  
VII. COMMISSION ITEMS  
HEARING TO CONSIDER the proposed new security fencing at the Old  
VII-A  
ID 23-421  
Fresno Water Tower located at 2444 Fresno St.  
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 P22-02936 for the installation of fencing at  
the Old Fresno Water Tower HP#001 located at 2444 Fresno  
Street. (466-09-301T & a portion of 466-09-305T) with conditions.  
6:11 P.M.  
Clark gave a brief history of the Old Fresno Water Tower, explaining that in  
August 2022, the Commission asked for the final design of the security  
fencing and return for final approval.  
Brian Barr, Director General Services Department, addressed fencing  
details, including the design that mimics the architectural details of the Old  
Fresno Water Tower. The fence is a manufactured product that is low  
maintenance, less intrusive, and compliments the historic nature of the  
Water Tower with rounded corners.  
A member of the public requested a similar fence be put across the street at  
Fresno Memorial Auditorium, since the museum lacks security.  
Sponsler asked about funding and timeline of this project and Barr  
explained the status of both.  
On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner  
Laval, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried  
by the following vote:  
Aye: 5 -  
Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,  
Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Laval  
Absent: 2 - Commissioner Halajian and Commissioner Federico  
WORKSHOP regarding landscape maintenance and improvement of the  
VII-B  
ID 23-290  
H.H. Brix Mansion (HP#89) located in the St. John’s Cathedral District at  
2844 Fresno St (APN46603501).  
6:23 P.M.  
Representatives of the project Gabriella Golick and Lindsey Russel  
presented plans for landscape maintenance and design improvements at  
the Brix Mansion.  
Rocha expressed his appreciation of how the landscaping plan beautified  
the home.  
Gollick explained to Laval that the best time for planting is now, before it  
gets too hot.  
Chair Hatwig confirmed with Clark that this item would not have to come  
back to the Commission for further review.  
UPDATE regarding the demolition due to fire at the Fagbule Glass House,  
ID 23-288  
VII-C  
located at 1930 E Shields (APN 44503132) and the preservation of the  
Clement Renzi tile mosaic.  
6:30 P.M.  
Monroe reported that Code Enforcement is monitoring the Renzi Tile  
Mosaic. Clark added that after years of no graffiti, we now have significant  
damage. She informed everyone that they can report their concerns via 311  
or the FresGo App and that it is a great way for residents to stay engaged.  
Code Enforcement submitted pictures and expressed concern in their  
reports. Clark asked if there was an owner or representation in attendance,  
however there was not. Clark stated that City has offered the owner a  
protected location to hold the tiles whether intact or in pieces. She  
reminded the Commission that the mosaic is not a listed resource.  
VII-D  
ID 23-540  
UPDATE on Regular Monthly Topics:  
1. Staff Updates  
2. Abacus Subcommittee Update  
3. Plaque Design Subcommittee Update  
4. Misc. Subcommittee Updates  
6:35 P.M.  
Sponsler reported a representative of Cushman Wakefield has met with the  
Abacus Review Subcommittee to determine the color, language, and image  
for the plaque. The City Attorney's Office is assisting with parts of the  
recommended language.  
Sponsler reported that the Plaque Subcommittee is working on obtaining  
quotes for the cost estimate of the new 8"x 8" design.  
Monroe reported the Historic Preservation Month subcommittee is currently  
scheduling meeting times to plan for a month long event.  
Sponsler also reported that a meeting with the Fresno-Klette Medical Center  
is scheduled to discuss the naming of the proposed historic resource and to  
propose additional options.  
VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT  
N/A  
IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS  
IX. - A. Members of the Commission  
N/A  
IX. - B. Staff  
6:40 P.M.  
Clark asked the Commission to confirm their attendance to the California  
Historic Preservation Conference to staff. She reminded the  
Commissioners to follow the Brown Act when attending.  
Rocha asked what costs were covered for the Conference. Clark clarified  
that room, travel, food, and conference costs are covered by the City.  
Clark then explained to Commissioners that if they are ill, an option to  
Historic Preservation Commission meetings remotely (via Zoom) is an  
option through the end of the year.  
IX. - C. General Public  
6:43 P.M.  
Three members of the public spoke on the renaming of Kings Canyon,  
Ventura and California streets to Cesar Chavez Blvd. They voiced concerns  
of City Council changing these street names and asked for policy  
information and direction with the process of street naming.  
On behalf of the Commission, Clark said she can reach out to CIty  
Attorney's Office for guidance. Chair Hatwig clarified the Commission has  
the ability to name monuments, buildings or districts but not streets.  
X. NEXT MEETING  
Next meeting date is April, 24, 2023.  
XI. ADJOURNMENT  
Chair Hatwig adjourned the meeting at 6:53 P.M.