City of Fresno

City Hall

2600 Fresno Street

Fresno, CA 93721

Meeting Minutes - Final

Monday, June 26, 2023

6:00 PM

Regular Meeting

In Person and/or Electronic

City Hall, Room 2165

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

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Chair Hatwig called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Also present were

Jennifer Clark, Janice Monroe and Myrna Rivas.

Present 9 - Chair Jason Hatwig, Vice Chair James W Sponsler,

Commissioner Christopher Rocha, Commissioner Paul

Halajian, Commissioner Paul Halajian, Commissioner Don

Simmons, Commissioner Don Simmons, Commissioner

Elizabeth Laval, and Commissioner Julie Federico

II. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ

Procedures were read aloud by Chair Hatwig at 6:00 P.M.

III. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES

6:02 P.M.

On motion of Commissioner Laval, seconded by Vice Chair

Sponsler,the above MINUTES were APPROVED. The motion carried by

the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,

Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Simmons,

Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Federico

APRIL

24,

2023 HISTORIC

PRESERVATION

COMMISSION

III-A

ID 23-950

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.

IV. APPROVE AGENDA

6:03 P.M.

On motion of Commissioner Rocha, seconded by Commissioner

Simmons, that the Agenda be APPROVED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,

Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Simmons,

Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Federico

V. CONSENT CALENDAR

N/A

VI. CONTINUED MATTERS

CONTINUED FROM APRIL 24, 2023

HEARING TO CONSIDER

VI-A

ID 23-949

Building

Permit

B22-18975 regarding

Rehabilitation and addition of multi-family units to the Frank J Craycroft

Home (HP #182), located at 6545 N Palm Avenue (APN 40776212).

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

take the following actions:

1. A Section 15331/Class 31 Categorical Exemption was completed

for this project on July 1, 2022.

2. APPROVE

CONSISTENT

WITH

P21-05668:

Building

Permit

Application B22-18975 (and associated record B23-07317) for

HP#182 the Frank J. Craycroft Home; 6545 N. Palm Ave. [b.

1927] (APN 40776212).

6:03 P.M.

Commissioner Halajian recused himself from this Item.

Director Clark gave a brief history of the Craycroft House and explained that

the Planning Entitlement (P21-05568) was approved on the condition that

this item would be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission again

in 2023.

Stephanie Say (applicant) answered questions from the Commission on

product choices, phasing, and renderings of the project. She elaborated on

scope of work and explained the changes from the original application.

Members of the public spoke and expressed concern that the home will

soon be surrounded by new 2-story housing units and the view of the

historic building will be obstructed. They also reported concern for the

integrity of the original Craycroft home.

In response to the public comment, Say explained the steps they were

planning to take to honor the past and their goal of restoration.

On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner

Laval, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by

the following vote:

Aye: 6 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,

Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Laval and

Commissioner Federico

Recused: 1 - Commissioner Halajian

VII. COMMISSION ITEMS

HEARING TO CONSIDER PROPERTY OWNER’S APPLICATION TO

VII-A

ID 23-325

DELIST THE NYSTROM HOME (HP#225) LOCATED AT 725/727 N

WILSON AVENUE (APN 45218210) FROM THE LOCAL REGISTER

OF HISTORIC RESOURCES PURSUANT TO FMC 12-1614.

6:34 P.M.

Director Clark explained the history of the property, indicated the property

owner's request to remove the property from the Local Register, and

identified the steps needed if they were interested in removal.

Linda Steiner (property owner) described the home and the challenges she

has faced as the property owner for 31 years. Steiner explained that

rehabilitating the home to its original components would be very expensive

and she can not maintain that kind of expense. She said that she wanted to

make repairs and upgrades to the home, but could not afford to repair in line

with Historic Preservation guidelines, citing the replacement of windows on

the property.

Brooke Morgan, also speaking on behalf of the applicant, explained the

process they have gone through to come to this resolution of delisting the

home. She stated that they have spoken to multiple people, lastly the

window contractor, who informed them that they would need to purchase

Pella (wood) windows. These windows are too expensive and is not an

option.

Commissioner Halajian asked for clarification on the request before the

Commission since there are two homes on the property and Clark explained

the entire property would be removed from the Register.

Commissioners asked Steiner if she has had difficulties repairing the home

since registering the property, to which she explained the only work done

was replacing the roof 4-5 years ago with no noticeable obstacles.

Chair Hatwig talked about repairing verses replacing the windows, adding

that per the Secretary of Interior Standards "Guidebook on the steps to

Restore", replacement is the last option. Steiner explained that they have

repaired the wood on the windows prior to this request. Hatwig added that

people should the Historic Preservation Commission as a resource, citing

Mills Act as an option available.

Commissioner Rocha read from the City of Fresno website information

about the energy difference for old verses new windows.

Vice Chair Sponsler gave specific information on the cost difference of

repairing and/or replacing the windows. He explained that they would only

require the front/ street facing windows be wood, and that the rear and side

windows could be vinyl He also shared information on the City of Fresno's

Economic Incentives (Mills Act and Mitigation grant funding) available to

offset the cost.

Commissioner Simmons noted that the windows were part of the designation

when it was added to the Local Register and should be acknowledged like

all of the parts of the home that were listed on the original paperwork.

Commissioners Rocha, Sponsler and Simmons shared personal

experiences with historic homes. Morgan asked the Commission if a liaison

would be available to consult with the property owner the proper process of

conducting home repairs. Hatwig suggested meeting with the Architectural

or Economic Incentive Subcommittees for guidance for advice.

During public comment, a member of the public made a statement of the

longevity of the wood windows compared to vinyl windows.

Commissioner Sponsler read aloud the Fresno Municipal Code's Five

Findings required to approve this request

1) The proposed work is not consistent and would be valuable.

2) The action proposed is not necessary to correct an unsafe or dangerous

condition on the property;

3) He cited proof there would not be unreasonable economic hardship to

the owner, providing various cost savings options.

4) The site is not required for public use.

5) There is no relocation of a Historic Resource.

He concluded that none of the findings were applicable.

Chair Hatwig invited Steiner and Morgan to next month's Commission

meeting because will have a Window replacement workshop that would be

helpful to them.

Chair Hatwig asked the Commission if there were any motions to approve

the applicant's request. No commissioners spoke. He then asked if they

would like to entertain any other motions and Rocha moved to recommend

denial of the request, seconded by Sponsler.

On motion of Commissioner Rocha, seconded by Vice Chair Sponsler,

that the above Action Item be RECOMMENDED FOR DENIAL. The

motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,

Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Simmons,

Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Federico

HEARING TO CONSIDER THE HISTORIC RESOURCE AMENDMENT

REMOVING GULLIVER’S SHIP FROM THE DESCRIPTION OF

VII-B

ID 23-113

STORYLAND PARK ON THE HISTORIC INVENTORY FORM (DPR

523A), PURSUANT TO FMC SECTION 12-1614, LOCATED AT

PARCEL 45002008T (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO 890 W

BELMONT AVE.)

7:11 P.M.

Director Clark informed the Commission that the applicant was not in

attendance. She introduced the item and discussed the proposed scope of

work, explaining the historic significance of the ship in Storyland at Roeding

Park Zoo. She notified the Commission of the process needed to approve

the project.

Commissioners asked questions about materials, funding, and plans for the

original ship but Clark was unable to answer them without additional input.

She suggested that this item be continued to the Historical Preservation

Commissioner July's meeting.

Vice Chair Sponsler said that more information is imperative.

On motion of Vice Chair Sponsler, seconded by Commissioner

Federico, that the above Action Item be CONTINUED. The motion

carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,

Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Simmons,

Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Federico

WORKSHOP

THE

FRESNO

COUNTY’S

LEAD

POISONING

VII-C

ID 23-361

PREVENTION AND LEAD HAZARD CONTROL PROGRAM

7:21 P.M.

Amy Dobrinin and Bee Vang (Fresno County Department of Public Health)

presented a workshop discussing the history, toxicity, laws/regulations, and

risks of lead poisoning. They reported common causes of lead poisoning

and effects of this neurotoxin. They explained the help that is available to

homeowners and their program focusing on children exposed to lead paint.

The Commission discussed the permanent effects of lead paint and its

irreversibility. Handouts and packets were made available for

Commissioners and all present that included information on the programs.

WORKSHOP ON THE PROPOSED NEW CAMPUS FOR THE

ID 23-416

VII-D

GOLDEN CHARTER ACADEMY, LOCATED AT 741 W BELMONT

AVE. (APN 45812117 & -19)

8:06 P.M.

Dan Zack, (Consultant) provided the Commission information on the

building, location, scope of work, and history of the site.

Eric Bower (General Contractor) reported on the condition of the building,

structural issues, mold issues, lead paint, and asbestos found on-site. After

their presentations, Zack asked the Commission for feedback on whether

the building is worthy of preservation or if more information is needed.

Zack's initial background research was unable to answer some of the

Commissioners' questions, leading to an agreed upon recommendation by

the Commission that Karana do more research and report back.

Halajian asked about potential adaptive reuse, but Zack said the property

owner did not have any practical options.

Sponsler requested Chris Jarvis work with Karana during the research

phase.

WORKSHOP ON ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT GUIDELINES

ID 23-200

VII-E

8:26 P.M.

Due to Vice Chair Sponslers' early departure, the Commission voted to

continue this item to July 24, 2023.

On motion of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Vice Chair

Sponsler, that the above Discussion Item be CONTINUED. The motion

carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair Hatwig, Vice Chair Sponsler, Commissioner Rocha,

Commissioner Halajian, Commissioner Simmons,

Commissioner Laval and Commissioner Federico

UPDATE

FROM

THE

HISTORICAL

PRESERVATION

MONTH

VII-F

ID 23-548

PLANNING SUBCOMMITTEE ON MAY’S EVENTS

8:28 P.M.

The Commissioners reported positive experiences after attending various

events such as the Pub Quiz, LGBTQ History, Hmong History, and Open

House. They voiced appreciation for the attendance and enthusiasm. The

Commissioners expressed interest in growing the event next year. They

acknowledged the encouraging feedback they have received and

commended themselves for celebrating for a month,rather than a week.

Sponsler noted that a month's worth of events were challenging for a

subcommittee to handle alone and suggested each Commissioner have an

individual project with a subcommittee coordinating all events from monthly

Historic Preservation Commission updates.

Future projects suggested included QR codes at various sites providing

additional information, a US99 tour, newly renovated Abacus, and newly

registered properties (Dr. Earl R. Meyers Sr. & Mrs. Mattie B. Meyers Fresno

Street Medical Arts Center).

Vice Chair Sponsler left the meeting at 8:37 P.M.

VII-G

ID 23-1041

UPDATE ON REGULAR MONTHLY TOPICS:

1. STAFF UPDATES

2. ECONOMIC INCENTIVE UPDATES

3. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE

4. ABACUS SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE

5. NAMING SUBCOMMITTEE

8:41 P.M.

1. Clark provided an update on the High Speed Rail sound wall. Monroe

reported on the monthly Historic reviews coming through the department.

2. Rivas updated on the quantity and status of pending Mills Act and

Mitigation applications. Monroe added that there are updated brochures

available.

3. The subcommittee reported on the current status of the Hardy Theater

and their recent meeting with the new construction team to view the

weather/water damaged site. Communication with the contractor is ongoing.

The subcommittee requested monthly updates for the Commission.

4. Monroe reported the current status on building permits and the

applicants' eagerness to begin construction on the Abacus.

5. Monroe reported progress on a final name for the Dr. Meyers' nomination

and that the National Farm Workers Assoc. monument continues to move

forward. She added that Vice Chair Sponsler has his first quote on the

tentative plaque design that has come before the Commission, and that he

could give details next meeting.

VIII. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT

N/A

IX. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS

8:49 P.M.

IX. - A. Members of the Commission

Rocha recently reported that there has been work outside the Hardy's

Theater, and Monroe said that she shared his concerns with the new

construction team.

IX. - B. Staff

N/A

IX. - C. General Public

A member of the public inquired if the City was replacing the old street lights

in the PG&E neighborhood and asked about the whereabouts/status of the

original lights. He also commented that the City has a signage department

that could create signage highlighting historic resources.

X. NEXT MEETING

8:52 P.M.

Chair Hatwig announced the next Historic Preservation Meeting will be held

July 24, 2023.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Chair Hatwig adjourned the meeting at 8:52 P.M.