Laserfiche WebLink
Regular Council Meeting <br />February 25, 2015 <br />Page 11 <br />Member Hashmi said he thought it was great, but wanted to know if it was legal and appropriate <br />since it was on private property. City Attorney Kent McIlyar said it was legal, because the City <br />had a recreational easement and that it would be open to the public. He also said there would be <br />a written agreement with the church prior to proceeding with this project. <br />A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Lancaster and seconded by <br />Council Member Grossnickle. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. <br />23. Receive update on the Grand Theater renovations and provide direction to staff. <br />Mr. Godwin told the City Council that portions of the Grand Theater still needed <br />environmental remediation and the remaining cleanup estimate was $200,000. He said long -term <br />plans had been to complete the remediation before moving forward with a long -term <br />management lease to a local non - profit group. He also said another option was to offer the <br />facility for sale to a local group, and grant a credit to that group for the cost of the remediation <br />work. Mr. Godwin said the group could begin fund raising as the owners of the historic theater. <br />Mayor Frierson said he did not know that he would advocate selling the Grand, as Lamar <br />County Leadership took on this project and raised funds for it. Mayor Frierson inquired of Mr. <br />Godwin if they had pursued grants and Mr. Godwin said yes, and that they had just about <br />exhausted government grants. Mayor Frierson suggested staff seek other grants including <br />private grants, as well as contact VC &C. Council Member Grossnickle inquired if anyone had <br />stepped forward with a proposed use. Mayor Frierson answered in the affirmative, but cited <br />there was still asbestos that needed to be cleaned up. <br />24. Discuss possible changes to the Historic Preservation ordinance. <br />Mr. Godwin said this item was for discussion only and that it would be taken to the <br />Historic Preservation Commission at their next meeting to get feedback. He said the needs had <br />changed and the City's in -house staff had enhanced their expertise in the last two year. Mr. <br />Godwin said the proposed changes to the ordinance would allow a faster and easier turn- around <br />for applicants. He said the proposed changes included clarification of the role of the preservation <br />officer, reducing the size of the historic commission and slightly changing qualifications, <br />expanding the items that could be reviewed and approved at the staff level, reducing the number <br />of required meetings, and adding demolition by neglect. Mr. Godwin said he had spoken to the <br />Main Street Board a couple of weeks ago and planned to talk to the Historic Preservation <br />Commission at their next meeting. <br />Michael Glatfelter, vice chair of HPC said he heard about the proposed changes when he <br />read about it in the Sunday news. He said that he called Brad Patterson of the Department of <br />Community Heritage of the Texas Historical Commission who informed him the Commission <br />would not meet regulations of a certified local government if they had less than five members. <br />Mr. Glatfelter said if that happened, the City would be ineligible for historic grants. Mr. <br />Glatfelter expressed dissatisfaction about not being notified of the proposed changes. Mayor <br />Frierson said this was for discussion only and no action was to be taken. <br />