05/23/2012 MINUTESMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF PARIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012
12:00 O'CLOCK P.M.
The Historic Preservation Commission meeting was called to order by Arvin Starrett,
Chairman at 12:00 p.m.
A. The following members were present:
Arvin Starrett, Chairman
Paul Denney, Vice - Chairman
Ben Vaughan
Britin Bostick
David Stewart
B. The following members were absent:
Nancy Anderson
Douglas Cox
C. Also present Jeanna Scott, Historic Preservation Officer; and Cheri Bedford, Main
Street Manager.
2. Discussion of and possible action on recommendations to City Council regarding
revisions to Article VII, Historic Preservation Ordinance 2002 -033, as follows:
A. Demolition by Neglect
Commissioners discussed possible recommendations to City Council regarding an
addition of a demolition by neglect section in the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Britin
Bostick stated she would like to see additions made to section (a) Standards, adding
awnings, canopies, downspouts and roof drains to the description of features stated in the
first line. Arvin Starrett stated he has read 1 thru 12 of section (a) Standards and has the
opinion that this covers all issues, however, would like to hear from commissioners. Ben
Vaughan stated he has a couple of questions regarding access. We have been discussing
mostly exterior features, however item (2) Deterioration of flooring or floor supports are
interior features. Mr. Vaughan asked how are we to determine neglect if we do not have
access to the interior of the building. Arvin Starrett stated I don't know that the standards
would allow means of access, they simply allow the commission as noted to send them to
BSC. Ben Vaughan expressed concern regarding item number (3), chimney deterioration
on the inside of buildings which could cause problems on the exterior part of the
building. Arvin Starrett stated let's take the word external out of that line item. Jeanna
Scott stated the word external is reflected in all items under section (a). The Historic
Preservation does not have jurisdiction over internal features; furthermore the City does
not have a property maintenance code that would allow inspectors to randomly inspect
interior elements of properties. Ms. Scott further stated once we suspect that damage is
occurring on the outside Code Enforcement can get involved. Ben Vaughan expressed
concern that frequently there is no evidence on the exterior that elements like chimneys
are deteriorating, so if our concern is preservation of the whole building we've got kind
of a conundrum here. Arvin Starrett stated that would have to be addressed in the BSC
ordinance and should be a part of their powers; preservation ordinances nationwide are
fairly standard in that they do not include interior elements and we're right in line with
them. Paul Denney stated that we need to address the waterproofing of exterior walls and
roofs which could alleviate a lot of the damage to the interior element. Britin Bostick
stated let me understand that his addition to the ordinance will only allow us to
recommend to Building and Standards. Arvin Starrett stated yes, this ordinance gives us
the power to recommend to Building and Standards, we did not have that power before.
Britin Bostick further stated we need to look at adding additional criteria to item (4) it
should address mortar as well. Arvin Starrett stated yes we could add or other masonry
to section (4). Commissioners requested item (4) reflect the addition of or other
masonry.
Commissioners moved to section (b) Petition and Action. Arvin Starrett stated that he
had questions for the attorney who was unable to be here. Mr. Starrett further stated in
section (1) about two thirds of the way down the page needs to be clarified, it states "to
answer to give testimony at the place and time fixed in the complaint; that the
commission with jurisdiction shall also be given notice of the hearing ". Mr. Starrett
asked who the "commission with jurisdiction "? Mr. Starrett also would like clarification
regarding the last two lines of that same section where it refers to economic hardship. Do
we need to have that stated here, it is already addressed further down in the ordinance, so
can we strike this sentence from this section. Mr. Starrett further stated that section (2) is
repetitive and seems to say the same thing as section one. Britin Bostick stated it is
repetitive; however, it does address the fact that the Building and Standards Commission
can't make a decision until it comes back to HPC. Commissioners requested direction
from the City Attorney regarding striking section (2) of (b) Petition and Action.
Ms. Scott stated she recommends we go to the City Attorney for clarification, receiving
direction from him on how to proceed, and then bring back the updated document for
further review by the commission.
No action taken.
B. Amend Section 7 -153 (e) Powers
Motion was made by Britin Bostick, seconded by David Stewart to approve the addition
of item 13 to Section 7- 153(e) Powers. Motion carried 5 -0.
3. Future agenda items. Demolition by Neglect ordinance changes.
4. Meeting adjourned at 12:26 p.m.
APPROVED THIS 13'x' DAY OF JUNE, 2012.
Arvin ett, Chairman