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Historic Preservation Board meeting minutes of November 19, 2015.
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DISCLOSURE STATEMENT and DISCLOSURE OF CONTEXT:
Mr. Torre read for the record the statement regarding lobbyist registration and disclosure. Board members who had ex-parte communication or contact regarding cases being heard were instructed to disclose such communication or contact. Board members did not indicate that any such communication occurred.
DEFERRALS: None.
PUBLIC SWEARING IN: Nancy Morgan, Notary Public, administered the public swearing in for those testifying during the meeting.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
In recognition and appreciation of Judy Pruitt’s outstanding eight-year volunteer service to the City and the Historic Preservation Board, Ms. Spain presented her with a commemorative plaque.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
CASE FILE COA (SP) 2015-016:
An application for the issuance of a Special Certificate of Appropriateness for the Venetian Pool, located at 2701 De Soto Boulevard, a Local and National Historic Landmark, legally described as Lot 1 less part described in DB 3865-329 and All of Lot 2 and All of Lot 3 less Beginning of the Northwest corner South 26.12ft East 25 feet of Northerly To Northeast corner West to Point of Beginning and Plot Described as Sevilla Park, Block 6, Coral Gables Section “A,” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 102, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The applicant requested design approval for restoration and renovations to the property.
Mr. Adams made a motion to defer the Pool portion of the application, to have a third party conservationist review the Pool portion, and to secure reports of various experts on the issues of concern as discussed. The motion was not immediately seconded. Discussion continued.
Mr. Adams restated his motion to defer consideration of the plans for the Pool section of the proposal, while pursuing the gathering of samples and securing appropriate consultants as discussed. Mr. Fullerton seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Rolando, Mr. Menendez, Ms. Ghia, Mr. Fullerton, Mr. Parsley, Mr. Silva, Mr. Adams, Ms. Thomson, Torre. Nays: None.
Regarding the veranda, Ms. Spain referenced the proposal to remove damaged tiles in order to replace them, and asked if the identical tile size could be secured. Mr. Torres answered in the affirmative. Within the same area, she also inquired about drainage issues. Ms. Vester explained that the primary feature in the veranda area that needed attention was the steps, which have severe cracks and chipped tiles and contribute to accidents. An anti-chip finish applied a few years ago was not successful, nor were the use of mats to alleviate accident problems. Ms. Vester reiterated that tiles are damaged, drainage and tile cupping issues must be addressed, all of which combine to spawn algae and result in slippery conditions.
Mr. Parsley made a motion to direct the City to engage MC Harry to have an additional services interim solution while they further progress on the longer term solution.
Discussion focused on clarifying and refining the motion, without consensus on full clarification; thus, the motion did not move forward. However, staff interjected practical suggestions about the fountain, terrazzo, trellis and pergolas.
Ms. Rolando made a motion to defer consideration of the plans and proposal until the December 2015 Board meeting. Mr. Fullerton seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Menendez, Ms. Ghia, Mr. Silva, Mr. Adams, Ms. Thomson, Mr. Fullerton, Ms. Rolando, Mr. Torre. Nays: Mr. Parsley.
Ms. Rolando made a motion for the Historic Preservation Board to consider separating the project set forth in the presented plans into two phases:
Phase One: consists of work necessary to address safety considerations, address Pool leakage and perform interim work necessary to prepare the Pool for opening in spring 2016;
Phase Two: consists of restoration work necessary for the terraces, veranda, Pool bottom and sides (the aesthetics of the project) after consultation with conservationists and materials experts and after necessary testing so the end result is a well-conceived, well-thought out project that will satisfy the aesthetics expected by the Historic Preservation Board and the Historical Resources staff.
Mr. Adams seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Fullerton, Mr. Parsley, Mr. Silva, Mr. Adams, Ms. Thomson, Ms. Rolando, Mr. Menendez, Ms. Ghia, Mr. Torre. Nays: None.
STANDARD CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
CASE FILE COA (ST) 2015-138:
An application for the issuance of a Standard Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 1100 Coral Way, a contributing resource within the “Coral Way Historic District,” legally described as Lots 10 and 11, Block 18, Coral Gables Section “A,” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 102 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requested design approval for the installation of flat, charcoal grey roof tiles on the residence.
Mr. Fullerton made a motion to approve the presented design for installation of flat, charcoal grey roof tiles on the residence at 1100 Coral Way. Mr. Parsley seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Silva, Mr. Adams, Ms. Thomson, Ms. Rolando, Mr. Menendez, Ms. Ghia, Mr. Fullerton, Mr. Parsley, Mr. Torre. Nays: None.
CASE FILE COA (ST) 2015-141:
An application for the issuance of a Standard Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 1320 Obispo Avenue, a contributing resource within the “Obispo Avenue Historic District,” legally described as Lot 15 and the East ½ Lot 14, Block 17, Coral Gables Section “E,” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 8, at Page 13 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The application requested design approval for the installation of an aluminum fence and gates with masonry columns on the property.
Mr. Parsley made a motion to approve the application, conditioned upon the following: that the columns for the vehicular gates be no taller than five feet, including the cap; that the aluminum wrought fencing be a maximum height of four feet; that the metal gate posts for the pedestrian gate and the arched piece on the vehicular gates be removed and kept horizontal at four feet. Mr. Fullerton seconded the motion.
After the motion was seconded, Mr. Parsley added that the bottom metal panel should be removed.
Ms. Rolando proposed an amendment to the motion to remove the bottom metal panel, and have strictly vertical pickets. Mr. Adams said he was fine with the bottom panel if it was proportional, and added that it should be no taller than five feet and to let staff work out the details.
Mr. Parsley said he would remain with his motion as stated and it could be amended. He reiterated a part of his motion as follows: four feet on the aluminum wrought fencing with a proportional bottom panel. Mr. Fullerton seconded.
Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Silva, Mr. Adams, Mr. Menendez, Ms. Ghia, Mr. Fullerton, Mr. Parsley. Nays: Ms. Thomson, Ms. Rolando, Mr. Torre.
BOARD ITEMS / CITY COMMISSION / CITY PROJECTS UPDATE:
Ms. Spain reported that the next City Commission meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2015, at which time the text for the historic markers will be presented for approval. At the same meeting, the removal of the historic designation of 2900 Ponce de Leon Boulevard will be presented to the Commission for approval.