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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission - Meeting Date: 9/27/2018HISTORIC PRESEVERSTION COMMISSION GLENDALE CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM 2A 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVE GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301 SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 4;OOPM CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Theodora Hackenberg called the meeting to order at approximately 4:05p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners Mickey Lund, Larry Rovey, Sharon Wixon, Vice Chairperson Tim Quinn and Chairperson Theodora Hackenberg were present. Commissioners Absent: None CITY STAFF: David Williams, AICP, Historic Preservation Officer, Planning Administrator, Thomas Ritz, Senior Planner, and Diana Figueroa, Management Assistant GUEST: Bobby Casares, Glendale resident, presenter APPROVAL OF MINUTES - May 25, 2017 Regular Meetins Chairperson Hackenberg stated these minutes had been approved at a previous meeting. The Minutes for this and the November 2017 meeting will be approved at the next meeting in January of 2019. Everyone agreed. WITHDRAWALS AND CONTINUANCES Chairperson Hackenberg called for any Withdrawals or Continuances. There were none. PUBLIC HEARING ITEM HISTORIC PRESERVATION 2018 RUTH BYRNE AWARD The Historic Preservation Commission reviewed and discussed selection of the 2018 recipient of the Ruth Byrne Historic Preservation Award. Chairperson Hackenberg stated they had received two nominations for the 2018 Award, Jessica Koory and Bitz-ee Mama's Restaurant - Lourdes Rodriguez and Kristine Ortega. Below is a summary of both nominations. Jessica Koory is a life member and has promoted the Glendale Arizona Historical Society for many years, serving as Secretary of the Board of Directors. Ms. Koory has also spent many years evaluating and accepting artifacts that are relevant to Glendale's history. She serves as the coordinator for public tours ofManistee Ranch. She also assists with setting up and taking down changing exhibits at Sahuaro Ranch Park. In 2014, she served as co-chairman of the Marty September 27, 2018 Minutes Historic Preservation Commission Page 2 Robbins Memorial Plaque committee. The plaque with Marty's picture and a brief biography was erected in Murphy Park. Bitz-ee Mama's has been a long-time staple of the historic landscape of Downtown Glendale for the past 46 years. Current owners, Lourdes Rodriguez (Lulu) and Kristine Ortega ensure that the restaurant plays a part in various fundraising efforts that benefit the Glendale community. Community projects include OCJ for Foster Kids, Blue Star Moms, Crisis Center Teddy Bear Day, Fight Like Girl - Breast Cancer Awareness, Past Hope for Hungry Board Member, and the donation of gift cards for outside fundraising efforts. Vice Chairperson Quinn stated that he appreciated both nominations; however, his personal opinion was to avoid business recommendations. He believes this waters down the intent and meaning of the award when you start adding businesses. He feels this was not the original concept of this award. Vice Chairperson Quinn said he knows Jessica Koory and the tireless volunteer work she does for the city. She is always ready to give endlessly of her time. He said she was a very admirable person and should be recognized for her dedication. Therefore, he would like to recommend she receive the award. The Commissioners were all in agreement. Chairperson Hackenberg asked for a motion. Vice Chairperson Quinn made a motion to recommend Jessica Koory for the Historic Preservation 2018 Ruth Byrne Award. Commissioner Rovey seconded the motion which was approved unanimously. Mr. Thomas Ritz, AICP, Senior Planner, stated this recommendation will be forwarded to City Council. The Council will present the award at the October 23, 2018 City Council meeting. Chairperson Hackenberg wondered if they should state the reason for their nomination if there happens to be an objection. Mr. Ritz replied no. He explained Council customarily honors the Historic Preservations Commission's recommendations. HEART OF GLENDALE BRONZE PLAQUES - PLACEMENT OF THREE HISTORIC MARKERS COMMEMORATING GLENDALE'S HISPANIC HERITAGE. Staff apologized for providing the information late to the Commission. David Williams, AICP, Historic Preservation Officer, provided additional time for the Commission to review the material. He stated staff obtained updated information on creating and placing bronze plaques at up to three locations commemorating the history of the "Heart ofGlendale" neighborhood. This concept was reviewed by the HPC in 2017 September 27, 2018 Minutes Historic Preservation Commission Page3 He explained that the "Heart of Glendale" is a locally historic area in downtown and the use of these markers is intended to tell the story of the area. He said this neighborhood is a City of Glendale Registered Neighborhood, not a formal historic district meeting Federal guidelines. Nonetheless, it is an area important to Glendale's early history. He noted that a map showing the proposed locations is provided for review. Mr. Williams stated this was a request by Bobby Casares, a Glendale resident, to place bronze markers in the Heart ofGlendale area commemorating history and Hispanic cultural of this part of downtown Glendale. He has provided a narrative summarizing much of the history of the Heart ofGlendale. He stated that staff has been working with Mr. Casares and have prepared a modified version of the proposed narrative. Each marker would provide background information and include a different part of the proposed narrative. Mr. Williams asked the applicant to make a presentation. Mr. Bobby Casares, Glendale resident, thanked the Commissioners for their time. He stated he had come to discuss this item previously. He detailed the work he had accomplished preventing the light rail from coming through the neighborhood. He thanked the City Council for their help in the matter. He discussed how the community was nervous about all the zoning changes in the area. He talked about the elderly community that lives in the area and how they are afraid to lose their homes and way of life. Mr. Casares stated his interest in changing the name for this neighborhood from 'Heart of Glendale' to 'Barrio de Corazon y Alma' (Heart and Soul). He said this has been home to many proud resourceful individuals in downtown Glendale since the beginning. He explained the elderly community should not be forgotten. He said this was a great way to show them they still matter to the city. He looks forward to working with the city on this issue. He wants to protect this community as a Historic District so they will not be forgotten. Chairperson Hackenberg asked if one of the markers will be at the Church. Mr. Casares replied yes. He discussed the other two-plaque placements. He talked about the rich history of the area that included music, food and dancing. He provided information about the Hispanic population and business expansion in Glendale throughout the years. He shared stories about Juanita Ortiz' homemade Mexican dishes that became very popular. He said these were the kind of establishments they want to bring back to the community. He hopes young people get involved and continue this cause to help improve the area. He believes this project will bring some life back to the area and residents. Mr. Casares concluded his presentation. Mr. William stated this presentation was for review and information purpose only. Staff will continue to work with Mr. Casares on the geographical aspect and plaque placement. Staff will bring back their findings and keep the Commission updated on their progress. Commissioner Wixon suggested having a historic walkway September 27, 2018 Minutes Historic Preservation Commission Page 4 Chairperson Hackenberg stated she liked that idea. She believes the plaques need to relate historically to a business. Commissioner Wixon agreed. She added this would bring more attraction and interest to the area. Mr. Williams discussed bringing back a map of what that walkway might look like for their review and input. Vice Chairperson Quinn suggested using smaller plaques referencing the different businesses. Mr. Williams asked Mr. Casares to expand on the project narrative as well as the three locations on the map meant for plaque placement. Mr. Casares stated he would like the plaques placed where they were most visible. He said a good location was at the Cerreta's entrance on 54th Avenue. He recommends one at the Church and possibly at 56th Avenue and Lamar Road. Another possibility was the park across the street from this location. The Commissioners continued discussing the locations provided on the aerial map as well as the early years in Glendale. Commissioner Wixon commented on how they made swings out ofgunnysacks back in those days. The Commissioners shared their own stories ofgunnysacks. Chairperson Hackenberg thanked Mr. Casares for his presentation. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Hackenberg called for other business. Vice Chairperson Quinn stated that he would like the minutes to reflect that Fred Coury had passed way. He said he would like to recognize his dedication to the city over the years and to this Commission. Everyone expressed their condolences. Commissioner Rovey inquired that after their joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Department, it was not clear what type of lumber will be used to recreate the buildings damaged at Sahuaro Ranch. He would like to request full dimension lumber. Mr. William said he will send a letter on behalf of the Commission to the Parks and Recreation Department expressing their wishes on the material. STAFF REPORT Chairperson Hackenberg called for the Staff report. Mr. Williams stated they are working to fill two vacancies on the Historic Preservation Commission. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Wixon stated she was excited to hear Mr. Casares' presentation. She said downtown Glendale needs all the traffic it can get and hopes more people support his project. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Hackenberg called for adjournment of the meeting. September 27,2018 Minutes Historic Preservation Commission Page 5 Vice Chair Quinn made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Rovey seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. with no further business. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission will be held January 24, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., in conference room 2A, located at Glendale City Hall, 5850 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, Arizona, 85301. The Historic Preservation Commission meeting minutes of September 27, 2017 were submitted and approved this 24th day of January 2019. Samantha Cope Recording Secretary