MINUTES

 

MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

 

 

 

 

Monday, August 12, 2002

City Council Chambers, Room 213

7:00 p.m.

1685 Main Street, Santa Monica

 

CALL TO ORDER:                    7:05 p.m.

 

1.     ROLL CALL

Present:

Commissioner Fresco

Commissioner Posek

Commissioner Schnitzler

Chairperson Lehrer

Chair Pro Tem Genser

 

Also present: 

Liz Bar-El, Commission Liaison

Kimberly Christensen, Senior Planner

Arlene Johnson, Staff Assistant

 

Absent:

None

 

2.      INDUCTION OF RE-APPOINTED COMMISSIONER: ROGER GENSER

 

3.      SELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 (continued from July 8, 2002)

 

Commissioner Genser made a motion to nominate Chair Pro Tem Lehrer as Chairperson.  Commissioner Fresco seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote. 

 

Chairperson Lehrer made a motion to nominate Commissioner Genser as Chair Pro Tempore.  Commissioner Posek seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote.

 

 

 

4.            REPORT FROM STAFF:

 

Ms. Bar-El clarified the Communications section on the agenda. This section should be used to allow members of the public to agendize topics they wish to discuss with the Commission.  She also stated that the landmark map is now available on the landmark webpage.  Also, the Shotgun House was moved and is now in storage.  She also gave recognition to ex-chairperson Margot Alofsin, who has resigned from the Commission.

 

5.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

         Public Input Permitted

                       

A.  July 8, 2002

 

Commissioner Posek made a motion to approve the minutes.  Commissioner Fresco seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote, with Commissioners Schnitzler and Commissioner Genser abstaining.

 

   6.            PUBLIC INPUT: (On items not on agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Commission)

 

7.      COMMUNICATIONS: (Presentation of items not on agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Commission by members of the public. Public discussion is only extended to the person presenting the communication unless consent is given by 2/3 vote of the Commissioners present.)

 

         None.

                       

8.         CONSENT CALENDAR:

         Public Input Permitted

 

None.

 

 9.     NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

         Public Input Permitted

                             

A.         Certificate of Appropriateness Application No. LC-02CA-011 400 Santa Monica Pier a to install a 3” x 18” cylindrical antenna on top of the Pier Harbor Office on the Landmark Santa Monica Pier, and Certificate of Appropriateness Application No. LC-02CA-012, 1685 Main Street, to install a 3” x 18” cylindrical antenna on the rooftop of City Hall, a designated landmark, to improve data communication between City facilities.

 

            Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

 

The following member of the public addressed the Commission: Metspakyan Sarkis, Information Systems Department.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 400 Santa Monica Pier. Commissioner Schnitzler seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote. Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 1685 Main Street.  Commissioner Posek seconded the motion which passed by voice vote.

 

B.         Certificate of Appropriateness Application No. LC-02CA-015, 200 Santa Monica Pier, to amend Certificate of Appropriateness No. LC-02CA-009 in which the Commission approved the design of a directory sign in the Central Plaza Area of the Landmark Santa Monica Pier. This application requests approval for a second directory sign to be located next to Carousel Park by the western steps to the Pier, and requests sign adjustments for both signs.  (Continued to September 9, 2002)

 

10.    OLD BUSINESS:

         Public Input Permitted

None

 

11.         DISCUSSION ITEMS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

A.   Review of Demolition Permits and Consideration Whether to File an Application For Designation of a Structure as a Landmark or Structure of Merit.

              

               1.               614 Marguerita Ave (PC013382)

                  R1-Single Family Resident

                  One-Story, Single Family Residence

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

2. 1055 26th Street (PC013297)

R1-Single Family Resident

                  One-Story, Single Family Residence

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

3. 958 Centinela Avenue (PC013396)

R1-Single Family Resident

Single Family Dwelling w/ Attached Garage

Structure Not Listed in Historic Resources Inventory

 

4. 1318 Hill Street (PC013387)

R1-Single Family Resident

2-Car Detached Garage and Attached Workshop

 

No action taken on Item 11A(1-4)

 

B.   Discussion of the Oscar Niemeyer house at 1911 La Mesa Drive and consideration of whether to file an application nominating the property as a City Landmark (Request by Acting Chair Lehrer)

                       

The following members of the public addressed the Commission:  Ken Kutcher, Attorney (Harding, Larmore, Kutcher & Kozal), Jon Monkarsh, Owner, Alan Leib, L.A. Conservancy, Trudi Sandmeier, L.A. Conservancy and Chuck Allord.

 

Ms. Bar-El clarified that structures less than 40 years old do not go forward to Landmarks when they are proposed for demolition, but may still meet the criteria to be designated as Landmarks. 

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated that he does not see a pressing need to take any action to nominate the structure at this point.  However, it could be agendized for next month’s meeting to allow more dialog in the interim between the property owner and staff. 

 

Commissioner Fresco agreed with continuing until next month.  She also stated that it is an important building and the Commission needs to give it careful attention. 

 

Commissioner Posek agreed with continuing until next month.  He stated that the house has architectural and historical significance and that the Commission is charged with the responsibility of preserving those homes that have architectural significance.  He stated he would like to work together with the owner and not become adversarial. 

 

Chairperson Lehrer agreed with the comments of the Commission. She suggested that staff work with the owner to help him understand the significant characteristics of the house.  She stated that the Commission would like to work with the owner and continue this discussion for next month.

 

Commissioner Schnitzler thanked the L.A. Conservancy for their research efforts and for speaking on behalf of the building.  Commissioner Posek concurred.

 

            This item will be continued for discussion at the September 9th meeting.

           

C.   Discussion of the Aero Theater at 1318 Montana Avenue and consideration of whether to file an application nominating the property as a City Landmark.

 

      The following members of the public addressed the Commission: James Rosenfield, owner, and Chuck Allord.

 

      Mr. Rosenfield discussed his plans to preserve the Aero Theater as a single-screen theater and explained that he was negotiating with a new tenant towards that goal.  He requested that the Commission not nominate the property at this time.   

 

      After further discussion, the Commission decided that they would not take any formal action to nominate this building. 

     

D.   Discussion of the Ad-hoc sub-committee’s Recommendations from May 13 Regarding Administrative & Ordinance Changes Related to Landmarks, Preservation Incentives and Permit Sequencing and a Procedure for Future Implementation of the Sub-committee’s proposals. (Requested by Chair Pro Tem Genser)

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated that he wants to figure out a way to keep the dialogue going in the community regarding revising the Landmarks Ordinance.  He suggested that they try to come up with a way of doing this without using much of staff’s time. 

 

Commissioner Schnitzler suggested utilizing the real estate community to get information to the public.  She also suggested that the subcommittee draft a letter including their proposals to the Planning Commission and ask if they would be interested in creating a subcommittee to meet with the Landmarks Commission to work together.

 

Ms. Bar-El asked the Commission to draft the letter and stated that she would consult the Planning Manager and City Attorney to determine if this is something the Commission is permitted to do. 

 

After further discussion, the Commission decided to draft the letter to the Planning Commission and submit to Staff for review.

 

E.   Discussion of possible demolition/relocation of “Angel’s Attic” building, located at 516 Colorado Avenue (Requested by Commissioner Fresco)

 

            Report presented by Commissioner Fresco.

 

            The following members of the public addressed the Commission: Chuck             Allord and Rick Laudati.

 

After further discussion, Chaiperson Lehrer asked staff to continue this item to next month as a discussion item.

 

F.            Planning Commission Case List (Provided for Information Only)

 

12.   FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:  (Requests from Commissioners to add items to upcoming agendas)

           

Continued discussion of the Niemeyer House and Angel's Attic.  Consideration of the Merle Norman Building at 2525 Main Street, for Landmark nomination.

 

13.    NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Monday, September 9, 2002

 

14.         ADJOURNMENT:         9:15 p.m.