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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 2/15/2011 (7) *PLEASE NOTE: Since the Glendale City Council does not take formal action at the Workshops,Workshop minutes are not approved by the City Council. r i %% 1.1i GLENDfl MINUTES OF THE GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SESSION Council Chambers—Workshop Room 5850 West Glendale Avenue February 15, 2011 1:30 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs, Vice Mayor Steven E. Frate and Councilmembers Norma S. Alvarez, Joyce V. Clark, Yvonne J. Knaack, H. Phillip Lieberman, and Manuel D. Martinez, ALSO PRESENT: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Horatio Skeete, Assistant City Manager; Craig Tindall, City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk 1. HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM UPDATE CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Jon M. Froke, AICP, Planning Director/Historic Preservation Officer. This is an update for City Council on the Historic Preservation Program and activities of the Historic Preservation Commission. The Historic Preservation Program supports Council's goals of one community with strong neighborhoods and one community with a vibrant city center by encouraging pedestrian traffic and visitors to Historic Downtown Glendale through cultural tourism. The Historic Preservation Program was created in 1991 when Council adopted the Historic Preservation Plan and Ordinance. In 1995, Glendale was designated as a Certified Local Government by the State Historic Preservation Office, which makes Glendale eligible for Federal Pass-Through Grants. Glendale's historic districts are located primarily in the City Center. There are three historic properties that are located outside of the City Center. These include Manistee Ranch, Sahuaro Ranch Park, and the Thunderbird Tower, located on the campus of Thunderbird School of Global Management. 1 In an effort to promote Historic Downtown Glendale, Community Partnerships recently completed a streetscape project in the Floralcroft Historic District. Improvements included period style street lighting, Americans with Disabilities Act pedestrian curb ramps at intersections, street trees, and vertical curbs. The $240,000 project was funded by the Community Development Block Grant Recovery Act. In addition, the Bronze Plaque Program was initiated to familiarize our residents and visitors with historic places. Bronze plaques and metal street signs were fabricated under a separate grant funding request by the Planning Department. The Transportation Department installed the plaques and signs. The city also received an Arizona State Library Services and Technology Grant enabling the Glendale Public Library to partner with five other organizations over two years to record 29 oral history interviews accessible via the web. On March 17, 2009, Council received an update on the Historic Preservation Program. On November 28, 2006, Council adopted the Historic Preservation Element of the General Plan. On November 23, 2003, Council adopted the current Historic Preservation Plan. On October 29, 1991, Council adopted the initial Historic Preservation Plan. Glendale benefits by preserving the past and encouraging the restoration of historic homes and historic districts. Neighborhood improvement is demonstrated with investment of historic homes and historic districts. The Historic Preservation Commission meets on a quarterly basis. Public participation is sought through the nomination process for the annual Ruth Byrne Historic Preservation Award which is presented to the award recipient in May to coincide with National Historic Preservation month. Both of which are advertised in the media and are on the Historic Preservation website. The website was revamped to include additional mapping, updated plans, and digital photographs of historic properties. In 2010, the Historic Preservation website was one of the most viewed web pages in Glendale. The website includes an innovative project entitled "Glendale's Memory Project," featuring interviews with residents sharing their historic memories of Glendale. This is for Council information only. Staff is available to answer any questions regarding the information provided. Jon M. Froke, AICP, Planning Director/Historic Preservation Officer, presented the summary and a slide and map presentation on historic areas around Glendale. The Myrtle Avenue Cultural Gateway is nearing completion with secured funding collected through a number of different sources. He explained this was an important entrance into historic downtown and he was glad 2 the city secured the funding making it possible to complete the project. The construction plans are complete and have been submitted to the National Park Service. Construction is anticipated to begin the first quarter of this year with a completion date of September 30, 2011. He provided information on the current improvements being completed on the adobe house and gas station located at 6040 West Myrtle Avenue. Refurbishing will begin this year with a completion date of September 2011. Councilmember Clark commented on the O'Neal Ranch area and asked if staff had plans to survey the area in the future as a possible historic district. She stated the subdivision was the first annexation the city ever completed. The homes were built by John F. Long in the 1950's. Mr. Froke stated he did not have the data, however, will follow up on that information. Vice Mayor Frate commented that visitors really seem to enjoy the bronze plaques. He stated the plaques provide interesting historical information which most people do not know. He noted they had a lot to be proud of in Glendale and now they have the ability to appreciate it even more. Mr. Froke agreed the plaques do tell a story and help educate people about Glendale's rich history. Staff has been working on this project for the last six years. Councilmember Lieberman thanked Mr. Froke and Mr. Ron Short, who is now retired, for their exceptional work on defining the city's historic values. He looks forward to continuing the commitment. Councilmember Knaack noted the only historic area north of Northern was Thunderbird Estates. However, it shows how the city was getting older and the downtown area was not the only historic area. She remarked on the dedication of the Floralcroft Historic District, which was a huge community success. Mayor Scruggs stated her total and complete strong support for the city's Historic Preservation Program. She understands funding for this program has been reduced because of economic conditions; however, believes this program is as important as any program they have in the city. She indicated many Mayors would like to copy Glendale, but cannot because their cities don't have a historical component. She noted Glendale was one of 20 oldest cities in the state. She remarked that they would be acting in a criminal nature if they did not preserve Glendale's history. She noted she was aware of Mr. Froke's commitment to the city's historic preservation; however, would like it on record that this was an important issue to the city. The city needs to continue its commitment and hopes the commission receives strong management support. Mr. Froke thanked the Council for their support and kind words. The commission will continue with the current projects as well as continue to add to their base of historic preservation in Glendale. Mayor Scruggs remarked that the Neighborhood Partnership program has undergone a huge change because of the reduction in funding. However, the program has remained intact and has found new resources and ways to become effective. She explained the same can be said of the Historic Preservation Program. She believes things can still be done to keep the momentum moving forward, even when resources have been cut. She remembers years ago, when Glendale was written about very well in a long series of articles. The articles were written by a reporter traveling US 60 and Grand Avenue and stopping along the way visiting cities and towns. She 3 stated that even then, in the mid 1990's, Glendale was shaping up to be the model they used because the city did not destroy their past to create their future. Mr. Froke thanked the Mayor for her comments. He added the Historic Preservation Commission has been fantastic to work with and now meets on a quarterly basis. They have been very supportive of the efforts passed on by prior commissions and staff. Staff will continue to move the program forward and continue to build on what is already in place. Councilmember Clark stated she hopes the mission of the Historic Preservation Commission is reviewed regularly. She noted that in recent news, the President had just announced $300 million in cuts to the CDBG budget. She indicated they were in danger of losing that funding source. She suggested the Historic Preservation Commission review their mission and see what they can continue to do with less resources as they move through the next couple of years. Councilmember Martinez remarked that he only identified one or two historical structures south of Glendale Avenue. He asked if the areas between 51st and 59th Avenues had been surveyed for historical significance. Mr. Froke replied he did not have that information, however, will look into it. Councilmember Martinez thanked staff for all their work, especially Mr. Ron Short, who had put his heart and soul into the Historic Preservation Commission. He added retirement had not slowed him down. As no further business was discussed, Mayor Scruggs adjourned the meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m. 4