08/09/2023 MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The City of Paris, TX
WEDNESDAYAUGUST 9, 2023
4:00 P.M.
The HISTORIC PRESERVATIONN COMMISSION of the City of Paris met for the
regular meeting on Wednesday August 9, 2023 at the City Council Chambers.
Present: Commission Members: Matt Coyle
Absent:
Ryan Matthews
Tracy Dougherty
Linda Vandiver
Arleigh White
Seth Johnson, Alternate
Les Shumake, Alternate
Jessica Holtman
Jennifer Long
City Representatives: Cheri Bedford, Historic Preservation Officer
Rob Vines, Assistant City Manager
Guests: Barbara Wilson
Casey Gain
Spencer O'Connor
Raphael Rodriguez
Juan Flores
1. Call meeting to order -Chairman, Ryan Matthews called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.
2. Citizens Forum — No one came forward during the citizens forum.
3. Welcome new Commissioners —Arleigh White, Seth Johnson, Les Shumake
4. Review the August 9, 2023 minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Coyle, and
seconded by Commissioner Dougherty to accept the minutes with 2 minor changes.
Commissioner Dougherty's name was spelled wrong, and under agenda item 4A there were 7
Ayes, and 0 Nays.
5. Review final submissions for grant approval in the amount of $5000 for repair and painting
of windows on 100 N. Main, Moore Law Firm. — Casy Gain presented the submission. A
motion was made by Commissioner Vandiver, seconded by Commissioner Coyle to approve
the grant. Motion carried, 7 Ayes; 0 Nays
6. Discussion and possible action on the following Certificate of Appropriateness for the
property located at 36 N. Plaza. Spencer O'Connor came before the Commission to present
the COA.
A. Blanker panel existing doors and mural opportunity — The original exit door from 1916
s badly degraded with rotting wood. They propose to replace this with pressure treated
plywood surface and paint a mural that looks like a backstage exit with the faces of
comedy and drama at the top. Thei plan is to not completely seal it in as it might be
feasible in the future to open it back up again. Commissioner Vandiver questioned
replacing a double door with a single door which is prohibited by the Design
Standards. Commission Matthews stated it was his understanding that the original
door is not being replaced. Mr. O'Connor stated that is correct. And that the blanker
panel is not considered a permanent solution. Commissioner Matthews stated that as
long as historic materials is not being removed, there should be no problem.
Commissioner Coyle asked if cement board could be used in place of the plywood.
Mr. O'Connor stated that is a possibility. A motion was made by Commissioner
Daugherty, seconded by Commissioner Coyle to approve the COA with the stipulation
that cement board be used in place of the plywood. 7 Ayes; 0 Nays.
7. Discussion and possible action on the following application for the property located at 1016
Church Street. Coming before the Commission were property owner Raphael Rodiguez and
Jose Flores (interpreter).
A. Certificate of Appropriateness — Mr. Rodriguez came before HPO Bedford previously
regarding an addition to the back of the house that was in poor condition. She did
issue a minor COA to tear down that addition. Mr. Rodriguez plans to remodel the
entire front of the house, leaving the windows as they are and repair the siding. The
house will remain much as it is now on the front, repairing what is damaged.
Commissioner Coyle asked if the side windows are the same size as the front, and if
so, could it be used on the front to replace the window that does not match. HPO
Bedford stated that it can stay as it exists now. HPO Bedford also told him that there
are qualified people in town who can tell him if the windows can be repaired rather
than replaced. Commissioner Coyle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
White to approve the COA. Motion carried. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays
B. Facade Grant — Commissioner Vandiver made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
Daugherty to approve the facade grant of $2000 once work is completed on the front
facade. Motion carried. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
C. Tax Exemption for the Rehabilitation of Historic Property — Exemption requires
spending at least $5000 on the front which freezes taxes at the current value.
Exemption is for 7 years for the City of Paris only. Commissioner Dougherty made a
motion, seconded by Commissioner White to approve the tax exemption. Motion
carried. 7 Ayes; 0 Nays
8. Review and provide feedback to the Texas Historical Commission on the application for
listing of the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, 60 Sycamore Street, Paris, and Lamar County to
the National Register of Historic Places. The Historic Preservation Commission fully
supports this application.
9. Coordinator's Report
A. Design Training in Texarkana —August 16, 2023, 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM. Cheri would
be leaving at 7:00 AM for anyone who would like to attend. Jamie Crawley, architect
with THC will make a presentation.
B. Path of Totality of April 16, 2024 Eclipse — Plans are in the works by the City of Paris
as well as the Chamber of Commerce.
10. Future Agenda Items — Commission Matthews would like the Commission to consider
adopting a Mission Statement. Commissioner Matthews will work on this and present it to
HPO Bedford prior to our next meeting.
11. Adjourn — Commissioner Coyle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Dougherty to
adjourn. The Commission adjourned at 4:40 PM.
Commissio4 Ryan Matthews, 6airman