06/25/2012 MINUTESMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF PARIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2012
4:00 O'CLOCK P.M.
1. The Historic Preservation Commission meeting was called to order by Arvin Starrett,
Chairman at 4:08 p.m.
A. The following members were present:
Arvin Starrett, Chairman
Paul Denney, Vice - Chairman
Douglas Cox
Ben Vaughan
Britin Bostick
David Stewart
B. The following members were absent:
Nancy Anderson
C. Also present Cheri Bedford, Main Street Manager; Jeanna Scott, Historic
Preservation Officer; John Godwin, City Manager; Shawn Napier, Director of
Engineering, Planning and Development; and Matt Frierson, Council Member.
2. Approval of minutes from previous meetings. (June 13, 2012)
Motion was made by Ben Vaughan, seconded by Douglas Cox to approve the meeting
minutes for June 13, 2012. Motion carried 6 -0.
3. Consideration of and action on thefollowing Certificate of Appropriateness:
A. 137 South Main Street — We Reit, LLC — Petition was withdrawn.
B. 4001St Street S. W. — Farmers Market — Cheri Bedford, Main Street Manager
presented the petition. Ms. Bedford stated that the current sign is peeling and
does not reflect the address or a contact phone number for Market Square. The
new sign will have the address and contact phone number on it. Motion was
made by Paul Denney, seconded by Ben Vaughan to approve the COA. Motion
carried 6 -0.
4. Recognition of and presentation to outgoing Chairman Arvin Starrett. Chairman Starrett
addressed the commissioners. Chairman Starrett's comments are attached at "Exhibit A ".
Paul Denney presented an award of appreciation to Mr. Starrett thanking him for his
dedicated service for the last ten years.
S. Future Agenda items. There were none.
6 Meeting adjourned at 4:31 p.m.
APPROVED THIS 1 I" DAY OF JULY, 2012.
Chairman
To paraphrase the words of an old advertising slogan, "We've come a long way, baby!"
It has been an honor to serve on this commission since its inception and to see the
wonderful things that have taken place in our historic neighborhoods. Our efforts have
not been without struggle. I shall never forget the litany of public hearings, and some of
the more "colorful" characters who appeared in protest. Change is always difficult, and
it has been reassuring to see many of those who had fears of what might happen
actually become active proponents of our efforts. Early on, we were faced by a citizen in
Federal Court; the outcome of which was in favor of both this Commission and our
City, affirming the Constitutional validity of our ordinance, standards, and work.
Although we are still not without detractors, the work of this Commission has become
easier. We have updated the 1984 Historic Resource Survey, noting new historic
properties. We have published two sets of Design Standards, assisting both the
Commission and the public in the proper treatment of our historic buildings. We have
issued hundreds of Certificates of Appropriateness, assisted property owners with
facade grants, and have given tax abatements as appropriate, as incentive for historic
preservation. We saw our Grand Theater be listed as one of Texas' eleven most
endangered places, and have witnessed the receipt of a Brownfield grant for nuisance
abatement, which will lead to its restoration. Building after buildin has been stripped
of inappropriate facades, restoring them to their former grandeur. T commission has
played a part in restoration efforts on our downtown Culbertson Fountai , and the
complete restoration of the Peristyle in Bywaters Park. Many millions of dol DTs -have_
been spent in restoration and. rehabilitation since the inception of the Commission. For
all these things, we can thank those who have done what sometimes is a thankless and
even precarious job: each person who have served on this board over the past decade.
It has been my honor to serve as Chairman for these years, and it is with deep and
mixed emotions that I depart. As chairman, I would like to share a few thoughts with
all of you, and for those who in the future will serve as Commissioners.
1) Make the best use of the Design Standards. Remember that it is a living
document, and never hesitate to adjust and adapt those standards, within the
framework of the Secretary of Interior Standards for Preservation and
Rehabilitation.
2) Always remember that we are NOT the "taste police." Choices and taste have wide
variances. The Commission's work is concerned with appearance, but more
primarily with preservation.
Page 1 - Exhibit "A"
3) Do a better job in educating citizenry about historic preservation and the
Commission's task. An informed populace is our best friend.
4) Always keep in mind our purpose. That we are only temporary custodians of
historic properties, and many will come behind us.
What we have witnessed in the past decade is only the beginning. Thanks to each of you
for your interest and willingness to serve our City. It has been my honor to serve
alongside each of you, and many more in the past. What we have accomplished is
noteworthy and will be held in gratitude by the future citizens of Paris long after our
lives are distant memories. This place matters. And always will.
Page 2 of 2 - Exhibit "A"