CITY OF O)AI HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting Thursday, December 10, 2015 Call to Order Chair McCredie called the regular meeting of the Ojai Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2015, in the Ojai City Hall Council Chambers, 401 South Ventura Street, Ojai, California. Roll Call On a call of the roll, the following Historic Preservation Commissioners were present: Vice Chair Walker and Commissioners Aikens, Boggs, and Hill. Absent: Chair McCredie, Commissioners Bisaccia and Roney Staff present: Kathleen Wold, AICP, Community Development Director Matthew T. Summers, City Attorney. Museum Liaison, Mark Lewis. Pledge of Allegiance

Commissioner Boggs

Public Communication Susan Williamson commented on the Historic District application that was submitted but not yet been deemed complete. She would like a condition added that any substantial amount of undeveloped land be allowed to be developed. Cynthia Convery spoke about remodeling the Council Chambers with restoration hardware since the Smith Hobson House is being considered for landmark designation. She also spoke in support of the block wall at 1000 Foothill Road. Museum Representative Report excused.

Mark Lewis reported on activities at the Museum and was

Consent Item 1. Minutes of the November 12, 2015, Regular Meeting After a discussion of proposed changes to the minutes it was decided to continue the minutes to the next HPC meeting on January 14, 2016. Disclosure of Site Visits and Ex-Parte Contacts 1000 Foothill Road — Commissioners Aikens and Hill visited the site and had a discussion with the owner.

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Public Hearing Item 2. Work Permit (WP-15-02), applicant proposes to repair, restore and increase the height of an existing stone rubble wall; and install gates at the driveways at Historic Landmark 4 located at 914, 1000, 1010 Foothill Road. This project was reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission at a special meeting on April 9, 2015 where they continued the item to allow the applicant to provide a sample, prototype of a recumbent style wall, not more than ten feet, not touching the historic wall until a work permit is approved. The applicant provided the sample wall and the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed at their October 8, 2015 regular meeting where they directed staff to bring (WP 15-02) back for final review and action. Assessor's Parcel Numbers 020-0030-060, -070, and -080. The General Plan Land Use designation of the property is Low Density Residential (LR) and Zoning classification of the property is Single-Family Residential, Low Density (R-O-1). A Categorical Exemption has been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Property Owner/Applicant: Ramin Shamshiri. Vice Chair Walker turned the time over to Ms. Wold to present the staff report. Questions for Staff None Vice Chair Walker opened the public hearing for comments Ramin Shamshiri, applicant addressed the Commission and was available for questions. Chris Wilson, Colborn and Associates, was present and also available for questions. Questions for applicant

None

Commission Questions/Comments/Discussion Commissioner Boggs • Pointed out that to her knowledge there have been no children hit by a car on Foothill Road. Commissioner Hill • Provided a definition of a recumbent wall as follows: "A recumbent wall is one that is anchored in the ground to begin with." • He went on to explain, "Because most of the property where they took the pictures of it in the early days when the house was designed was a rock wall that was used to enhance the setting of the site." • He feels that the Commission is doing a disservice to the word "recumbent." Commissioner Aikens • Explained how he went on a site visit to the property and was able to have a viewpoint from inside the house as well. • He understands the concern for the safety of his children. • Described how he accessed the property.

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He understands the reason behind the owner's decision on the placement of the wall.

Vice Chair Walker • Gave the history of the landmark. • Verbally reviewed points in the landmark agreement. • Would like wrought iron fencing to be added. Vice Chair Walker requested a motion Commissioner Aikens wanted further discussion Mr. Shamshiri pointed out he had brought a proposal for wrought fencing to a previous meeting and the Commission did not support the proposal. He explained the wrought iron is not consistent with the landmark property because that material is nowhere else on the property. Commissioner Aikens • Asked the applicant if he is proposing to rebuild the wall or increase the height on the existing wall. Mr. Shamshiri answered he plans on using the existing wall and increase the wall in varying heights between 4 and 5 feet. Commissioner Hill • Would like the original pillars to be photographed. • He supports the relocation of the gate to be moved back on the property. • Supports the height at the 4 foot level rather than the 5 foot level. Commissioner Boggs • Likes the idea of wrought iron behind the rock fence. After the discussion it was decided to make a motion on the applicant's proposal. Motion: Commissioner Aikens moved and Commissioner Hill seconded the motion to adopt Historic Preservation Commission Resolution (HPC 15-07) approving the required findings for Work Permit WP15-02, including CEQA findings determining the project to be categorically exempt from review under CEQA, and approving WP 15-02 subject to the conditions contained in the resolution, with the added conditions as follows: 1. The wall shall be no higher than 4% feet and shall be undulating between 4 and 4% feet in height. 2. The driveway gates shall be the wooden gates previously approved and the gates themselves may be moved back from the rock pillars. 3. Before any construction all existing rocks in the wall shall be photographed and the photographic records provided to the Community Development Department.

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The motion passed as follows: AYES: Aikens, Hill, Walker NOES: Boggs ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Bisaccia, McCredie, Roney

Ms. Wold moved Discussion Item 5 up on the agenda 5. Review and comment on proposed changes to 700 San Antonio a property listed on the City's Sites of Merit list Vice Chair Walker turned the time over to Ms. Wold to introduce the item and she turned the time over to Mr. Marc Whitman representative for the project at 700 San Antonio, the Fairburn Estates, which is No. 36 on the Historic Sites of Merit list, built in 1927. Commissioner Hill • Provided additional history on Mr. Fairburn and the thought behind the creation of the home. Mr. Kevin Bagley owner of the property addressed the Commission and provided his credentials with regard to working on historic buildings. He also explained the history of additions and modifications to the house. Vice Chair Walker • Asked who was the architect of the house? Mr. Bagley answered there was no architect it was an engineer who worked for Mr. Fairburn in his New York offices. Commissioner Aikens • Asked the owner if he had obtained the 1925 historic photos from the Museum. Mr. Bagley said he did not. • Offered to provide those photos to the owner. • Would like all the proposed changes to be documented for the Museum. Commissioner Boggs • Asked if they are proposing to keep the tennis courts. Mr. Bagley answered the tennis court was too far gone and they are not going to restore it. Commissioner Hill • Inquired about all the out buildings. • Inquired about the interior.

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Vice Chair Walker • Stated, "I am not sure if the house rises to the level to be even being considered a landmark, but it would be nice to see the historic report when we get it, but I definitely think the house is in good hands with you and Marc." • Summed up that he thinks all the Commission agrees that they like what they see being proposed. Ms. Wold summed up the conversation and explained to the Commission that the proposed project is minor and not a landmarked property so under the current Historic Preservation ordinance they are not required to acquire a work permit and as a courtesy the applicant presented their project to the Commission and was not a regulatory requirement. Once the Phase 1 Historic Resources Report is completed it will be provided to the Commission for review at a future meeting.

3.

Consideration of proposed amendments to the Ojai Municipal Code, Title 4, Chapter 8, Cultural and Historic Preservation and report of Ad Hoc Historic Preservation Commission Committee's consideration of these amendments, related to cultural and historic preservation and landmark regulations and procedures. Vice Chair Walker turned the time over to Ms. Wold who introduced Matt Summers, City Attorney who presented the staff report. Mr. Summers summarized the proposed changes to Cultural and Historic Preservation and called out some of the issues that will require further review and discussion. Vice Chair Walker • Commended the City Attorney and the Ad Hoc committee for the good work. Vice Chair Walker opened the discussion item for public comments Dawn Thieding wanted to encourage the Commission to carefully consider the minor versus major changes and who will be reviewing those changes. She would encourage the changes to be reviewed by someone whose is qualified and familiar with historics to know whether the changes are truly minor of major. Ms. Wold pointed out even if staff is making a decision they would be getting expert advice from professional historian. She established that staff would not act without the benefit of a qualified individual. Ms. Wold stated for the public record that the documents for the proposed changes to Ojai Municipal Code, Title 4, Chapter 8, Cultural and Historic Preservation are available on the website for the public to comment. Commission reviewed the proposed changes section by section Section 4-8.01 No objections Section 4-8.02 No objections

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Section 4-8.03 No objections Section 4-8.04 Vice Chair Walker recommended contacting the State Office of Historic Preservation to see how this fits in with the State standards. Mr. Summers reviewed the changes specifically with regard to Ordinary Repair and Maintenance. Ms. Wold suggested tabling the review of this item to allow staff to create a matrix rather than a narrative form to simplify the review for the next meeting in January 14, 2016.

Discussion Items 4. ReView and action on draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Smith-Hobson House Historic Resource Report-Phase 1. Vice Chair Walker turned the time over to Ms. Wold who reviewed the RFP. Vice Chair Walker • Wanted something added that requires the historian to access all available information at the Museum. Ms. Wold said she would add that language to the scope of work section. • Suggested using this RFP for both the Smith Hobson House and the Ojai Grammar School. Ms. Wold said she would need information on the Grammar School building to add to the RFP. • Vice Chair Walker agreed to email to Ms. Wold by Monday, December 14th as the RFP is scheduled to be mailed on December 15th. Commissioner Hill • Would like the RFP to indicate that they contact Pat Clark Doerner for information on the Smith Hobson House. Ms. Wold explained the procedure of issuing an RFP and wanted to know which Commissioners would be interested in sitting on the interview panel. There was further discussion on which consultants the RFP will be sent.

This item was moved up on the agenda and discussed earlier in the meeting 5. Review and comment on proposed changes to 700 San Antonio a property listed on the City's Sites of Merit list.

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Informational Items 6. 601 Pearl Street Historic Resources Report dated April 21, 2014. Vice Chair Walker turned the time over to Ms. Wold who said this is just an information item and asked the Commission if they have any concerns with Historic Report they should provide comments to staff Commissioner Aikens • Asked to see the proposal for this property. Ms. Wold agreed to email the plans to him. Commissioner Hill • Suggested a potential monument could be placed on the property rather than landmarking the structure.

Future Agenda Items 7. The Commissioner reviewed the list provided in packet.

Council Liaison

No report - Council Member liaison Randy Haney.

Planning Report

Ms. Wold reported.

Commissioner Comments Commissioner Boggs reported she will be resigning from the Commission. Commissioner Boggs also reported on Ojai Day. Museum Representative Report

Mark Lewis report on this item at the beginning of the meeting.

Adjournment There being no further business brought before the Commission, Vice Chair Walker adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm. Prepared and submitted by:

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AICP, Community Development Director Approved by:

,C CPWalker, aig Historic Preservation'Commission, Vice Chair