HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
December 19, 2007
Special Called Meeting
Members Present: Chuck Cimarik, Anne Webb, Catherine Cash and Pierre Levy
Staff Present: Jennifer Peterson, Community Development Director
Chairperson Webb called the meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to order.
Webb recognized guest Councilman Charlie Riehm.
Cimarik motioned to approve the minutes of November 27th and October 23rd, 2007. Cash seconded the motion. The motioned carried unanimously.
Councilman Riehm spoke to update the Commission with regard to the existing Historic Preservation ordinance. An item is on the January 7, 2008 agenda for the Council to consider deleting the ordinance, based upon the rejection of the local district boundary and tier system. Riehm suggested that the ordinance should not be deleted, and a smaller district should be drawn. Levy suggested starting with a historic home owners association. Cimarik suggested that the existing ARB should have the professional support of a consultant. Webb suggested that Monica Callahan be hired to present at a town hall meeting in 2008 to further educate the public. Cimarik suggested that a petition to garner support for a small district begin. Riehm stated that if the Council does delete the ordinance, then maybe current HPC members could be added to existing boards, such as the ARB and P&Z. Riehm also stated that he would propose on January 7th that the Council table the vote to delete the ordinance 60 days to allow this Commission to continue their work at creating a smaller district. Webb concluded the discussion by stating that Riehm would try to table the deletion of the ordinance for 60 days, the Commission would contact their neighbors to for a small district, Cimarik would approach Sean Mathews to be a new member of the Commission, and the Commission would begin to draw a new boundary.
Peterson then updated the Commission on the actions of the Planning & Zoning Board, the Board of Appeals, and the ARB.
A motion was made by Levy to adjourn and seconded by Cash. The motion was approved unanimously.
As requested by Chairperson Webb, the following action plan has been attached:
Norcross Historic Preservation Commission Action Plan
Members: Anne Webb, Chair; Chuck Cimarik, Vice Chair; Pierre Levy, Catherine Cash
Focus
SMALLER DISTRICTS: If there are a group of homeowners who want the historic Ordinance, they have a right to have this protection. It is very unfair for a Councilman to deny this protection to homeowners who want it, especially if the denial is based on personal bias or personal economic business opportunities.
A PETITION. A Petition will diffuse the "squeaky wheel" of complainers who monopolize the Council's attention, causing solid research and the long-term best interest to be diminished. A petition is necessary to diffuse the arguments of hearsay. It will be documented proof, even if a homeowner cannot attend the Council meeting. Those who are shy and would like the ordinance will certainly sign a petition. Council should not sit back and wait for huge attendance at every meeting or emails/telephone calls every month. Most all citizens have their own lives. They rely on the Council to make right decisions and not abdicate the process to a few with noisy special interests.
A SUPPORT GROUP. This group will champion the interests of historic homeowners. We have no homeowners group in the historic district.
Summary of next phase
Do not rescind the ordinance, the HPC can redraw the map more tightly within the identified district with the enabling ordinance as it exists
Redraw a new map with the homeowners who wish to be in the district
Start Informal talks to the interested homeowners - via Chuck, Pierre, Charlie
Document the homeowner's acceptance by a petition. It is a very necessary tool to prove to the Council
New map can include these parts - Neighborhood District, Cemetery District, and city owned property like the Church
HPC will continue for 60 days, January and February, holding meetings
Pierre will start a historic homeowners association
Short-term wait on filling seat for the 5th Commission member. Another board member is identified, but filling that position can wait until the new map or maps accepted by City, however, someone who knows him needs to talk to him, so that he knows status.
Short-term wait on asking for money to bring Monica Callahan or Piedmont Consulting Group to review processes.
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Date Approved
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Anne Webb, Interim Chairperson
