08-E Hist Pres Comm (03-01-04)
Historic p~tion Minutes Works.llim held on March 1, 2004 Paris Junior College
The Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 9:14 a.m. by Chairman
Arvin Starret
Agenda Item 2
A roll call of the membership of the Commission was made by the
Secretary.
The following members were present:
Arvin Starrett
Sue Lancaster
Ann Rogers
Paul Denny
Barbara Wilson
Claudia Hunt
Becki Norment
Absent were:
Jerry Raper
Brian Wear
Also present was:
Tommy Haynes, Director of Community Development
Larry Schenke, City Attorney
Mike Malone, City Manager
Terry Townsend, Director of Public Works
Curtis Fendley, City Council
Steve Medven, Building and Standards
The following guests and concerned homeowners were present
Suzy Harper
Ray Burkhart
Melissa?
M.J. Wilkerson
Lindsey Harper
Karen Wilkerson
Pat Bayani
Agenda Item 3
The motion to Table Agenda Item 3 (Discussion of Certificate of Appropriateness for
Lamar County Chamber of Comerce/City of Paris was made by Barbara Wilson and
seconded by Becki Norment
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Agenda Item 4
The introduction of the speaker, Bratton Thomason was made by Chairman Starrett
Ms. Thomason, Director of the CLG program for Texas,discussed the following
items
L Advantages of a city's CLG participation, namely ,cultural, natural and economic
resources.
She emphasized that the process of seeing these results will take time. She suggested
a partnership with the local Historical Society. , National Alliance Preservation and
Commission and Design Guidelines. She asked that we look at incentive programs that
the city might adopt Member Paul Denny raised the question of a need for structural
guidelines for property owners. It was suggested that we determine in the city what is
acceptable.
She reminded us of the following things we could do.
A. Have a meeting with City Officials at least once a year.
B. Check with Home Depot and Lowes to see if they have a list of acceptable materials
or paint palettes.
She listed the tools needed for the Local Preservation Commissions
A. History survey
B. Historic Preservation Ordinance
C. Local Historic Districts
D. Incentives
E. Design Guidelines
F. Preservation plans
G. CLG designation
Questions regarding city tax incentives were raised by Claudia Hunt Bratton suggested
that the commission work with the City Council on ways the City can give incentives.
The question was also raised concerning Design Guidelines_strict or flexible.
Bratton: Guidelines should be understandable.
Thje next issue raised was how to answer questions of property owners regarding Local
Historic Designations.
Bratton listed the advantages of Historical Designations for Districts.
L Protects investments
2. Proactive preservation
3. Encourages quality design
4. Promotes restoration and reinvestment
5. Discourages demotiion
6. Encourages tourism.
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She also stressed that Local Ordinances should have the following inclusions.
1. Purpose
2. Definitions
3. Review Board
4. Review Procedures
5. Designation criteria
6. Demolition delay
7. Appeals process
A discussion on the law governing the Open Meetings Act began with a question as to
what constitues the difference between a neighborhood group discussing Commission
Rules versus an entertainment gathering discussing the Commission Rules.
Some of the other issues raised were:
1. Our need for design guidelines raised by Becki Norment Arvin stated that we were
to use the National Historic Guidelines.
2. Paul noted that we are using these guidelines now, but we need more specific
guidelines due to the large number of materials that are available to property owners.
3 .Suzy Harper raised the question of being able to give the applications for Certificate
of Appropriateness to Commission members before the meeting so that they would
have a chance to study them. It was noted that this would be done in the future.
4. How do you handle changes to Certificates of Appropriateness was the question
raised by Tommy Haynes. One way is to table the Certificate and another way is to
reject the Certificate. The City Attorney, Larry Schenke offered this suggestion.
A. Table and have the applicant come back.
B. If tabled item is not ready in time frame, deny the Certificate.
5. Becki Norment: Time frames for completion of projects are not written in. Answer:
We must write them in.
6. Suzi Harper: As a Main Street Board member, how can the Board work with
the Commission? Answer: Together provide education incentives for craftsmen
who work on historic properties.
7. Bratton as a point of clarification stated that: Local Historic Districts are areas in
which historic buildings and their sellings are protected by public review. They are
designated on the basis of local criteria and local procedures. She gave the reasons for
consideration of a Historic District They were A. Can set boundaries based on the
distribution pattern of historic properties and other community considerations.B. Can be
tailored to specific community needs and provide greater protection for local resources.
Local designation is the first step toward legally preserving historic landmarks,
neighborhoods and downtown areas in community. Historic districts help protect the
setting and context of historic buildings. The benefits are: A. Preserves neighborhood
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character. B. Protects property values and investments 3. Promotes restoration and
revitalization 4. Discourages demolition
It was again stated that some local incentives should be put in place for homeowners
who are in historic districts.Bratton gave the Federal incentives available to qualify for
a federal incentive. They were :20% rehab tax credit for an income-producing building
and the building must be on or eligible for National Historic Registration.
She offered these Design Guidelines based on Preservation Goals. They must be
A. User friendly B. Include visual aids C be re-evaluated regularly D.Tailored to
building types E. Compatible with other protective measures.. It was also suggested
that the Main St Board office be used for ideas that are compatible for rehabs.
Other suggestions offered.
A. Put an expiration date on the Certificates of Appropriateness to ensure that
ongoing work has a timetable for completion.
B. Talk to City Attorney about laws governing legal rights of citizens regarding
applications and he noted that persons should be present to defend their applications.
Agenda Item 5
A motion was made to adjourn by Paul Denny and seconded by Sue Lancaster.
The meeting was adjourned.
Note: A complete transcript of these proceedings is available upon request.
Anyone wishing a complete transcript of these proceedings may request a transcript of
this meeting frrom the secretary.
Arvin Starrett, Chairman
Ann Rogers, Secretary