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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPB Minutes 2007-0424 SUMMARY MINUTES City of Sunny Isles Beach Historic Preservation Board Meeting Government Center, 18070 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIRPERSON: Action: Chairperson Bud Scholl called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The following Committee Members and City Officials were present: Committee Members: City Officials: Bud Scholl, Chairperson Vice Mayor Lewis J. Thaler Phillip Chernoff Commissioner Roslyn Brezin Cassey Gabor Commissioner Gerry Goodman Bonita Shoki City Attorney Hans Ottinot City Manager A. John Szerlag Deputy City Clerk Priscilla Walker, CMC City Liaison: Audience: Richard Schulman, City Historian Dr. Robert Cornfield Jesse Jacob Absent Members: Adrianne Hartman Joe Masters, Vice-Chairperson Joerg Schmitt Michelle D'Arbelles Trina Duluc 2. SELF INTRODUCTIONS: Action: Chairperson Scholl thanked everyone for attending. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE JANUARY 23, 2007 HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING: Action: Bonita Shoki moved and Cassey Gabor seconded a motion to approve the January 23,2007 Committee meeting summary minutes. The motion was approved by a 4-0-3 [Joe Masters, Michelle D'Arbelles and Trina Duluc absent] vote. 4. APPROVAL OF NEW WORDING ON MISSION STATEMENT. Action: Cassey Gabor suggested adding"and promote public awareness"to the Mission Statement,after memorabilia. Chairperson Scholl said to remove the colon after is(before to).It was the consensus of the Committee Members to approve the wording change. "THE MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE SUNNY ISLES BEACH HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD IS TO DESIGNATE,PRESERVE, PROTECT AND MAINTAIN HISTORIC BUILDINGS,AREAS, SITES, ARTIFACTS, MEMORABILIA, AND PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS AS A SOURCE OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE IN THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA." Summary Minutes 2007-0424 HPB Mtg Page 1 of 5 • 5. DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC SITES. Update Report regarding the Newport Fishing Pier: Action: Chairperson Scholl introduced Dr. Robert Comfeld owner of the Newport Fishing Pier. Dr. Comfeld reported that the Pier is a major reason for Newport's success. He said that Hurricane Wilma damaged the Pier in one particular part, and they tried to fix it. He said that th'eCity's Building Official Clayton Parker advised that the City has no jurisdiction east of the erosion control line and referred him to DERM. He said the problem is that the Pier was built in 1936, he bought the hotel in 1984 and Miami- Dade County allowed him to fix the Pier rather than demolish it. The original parts of the Pier are still in tact,the newly replaced parts are defective(210 feet). He said he wants to fix the Pier but the problem is two-fold: I) the previous engineer did a report on how to fix the Pier, but the South Florida Building Code changed in 2002 with steeper regulations, so the plans must be redone; arid 2) it will take one year to get full permitting. Chairperson Scholl asked how Dr. Cornfeld owns the land. Adrianne Hartman said the State owns the land and Dr. Comfeld leases it. She said you have to get a Coastal Permit from DEP in Tallahassee; a permit from DEP in West Palm Beach; and you have to see the Army Corp of Engineers, and noted that you can apply for all the permits at the same time. City Attorney Ottinot said that this Board has authority over historical sites in the City. There is a form Certificate of Appropriateness, which the Board could vote on. Chairperson Scholl said that we would also like to write a letter in support of temporary repair, as a vehicle to the permanent repair. City Manager Szerlag said Clayton Parker the City's Building Official will assist in this matter, Mr. Parker will contact Ms. Hartman. Vice Mayor Thaler asked for a timeline for temporary permits,and Ms. Hartman said they are hoping for three (3) months. Chairperson Scholl requested Ms. Hartman to send a protocol of the items to be accomplished and the timeline to City Attorney Ottinot. Phillip Chemoff moved and Cassey Gabor seconded a motion of omnibus support of Dr. Cornfeld's temporary permit and asking the City to assist to effectuate. HPB Resolution No. 2007-04 was adopted by a 4-0-3 [Joe Masters, Michelle D'Arbelles and Trina Duluc absent] vote. Dr. Comfeld said that they would like to bring the Pier up to modern standards so it will last in excess of 20 years, and he wants to keep it the same character. He said he would like the authority to explore making the Pier a landmark that will last, plans will be subject to Committee approval. Richard Schulman said that the Atlantic Bridge entrance was improved and re-designated as an historic site. Chairperson Scholl said that it is ludicrous to rebuild something to only last five years,he said that he is personally not opposed to redesign. Richard Schulman said that the Board plans on placing a Historic Plaque at the Pier. Commissioner Brezin asked for the timeline for the Pier,and Chairperson Scholl said 90 days permitting and 6-8 weeks for repairs; five months total time. Commissioner Brezin suggested that the Newport not pursue the"band aid", and to concentrate on the permanent repairs. Ms. Hartman said they are pursuing both at the same time as permitting for permanent repairs will take about 18 months. Summary Minutes 2007-0424 HPB Mtg Page 2 of 5 Chairperson Scholl recapped the action the Board took: Certificate of Appropriateness for City Attorney Ottinot, and Clay Parker will assist Ms. Hartman to submit plans who will,provide us with a list of protocol of who they have to get permits from and the timeline. City Attorney Ottinot said if the Board is not happy with Newport's progress, the Board can reconvene and start Code Enforcement proceedings. City Manager Szerlag said that they may want to include in the report to the City, bullet points of variables that are not in their control that may affect the timeline. Chairperson Scholl said the biggest issue was everything was unknown. Update Report regarding the Water Villa and Pergola: Action: As the owner of the Water Villa and Pergola, Chairperson Scholl stepped down as Chairperson, and Cassey Gabor acted as Chairperson. Bud Scholl said that Hurricanes Andrew and Wilma have destroyed the Pergola structure. He said the City had asked him to hire an engineer to inspect the structure and determine if it could be repaired. He also produced a letter from his Insurance Company stating that the structure is uninsurable. The engineer concluded that the remains of the structure should be demolished, and City:staff, after independently inspecting the structure, concurred. He wants to rebuild it in the future and will save parts of the woodwork for replication. He bought the house in 1993 just after Hurricane Andrew. Richard Schulman noted that the house was built by Harvey Graves in 1920, and it was the first house in the City. Bud Scholl asked what the procedure would be,and City Attorney Ottinot said it is the same procedure as for Dr. Cornfeld, it can be done through a Certificate of Appropriateness. Bonita Shoki asked if Bud would have to get a permit from the Army Corp of Engineers, and City Attorney Ottinot said it was subject to County. • Bud Scholl said that based upon the recommendation of the City Building Department and his independent engineer's report he was requesting approval to remove the structure. He also asked the Board to support him in not losing the grandfathering of the location and nature,of the structure so he can maintain the right to rebuild. Vice Mayor Thaler asked who has to give Bud the right,and where does he have to go to verify he can rebuild? Mr. Scholl said probably from agencies seeking permission to reconstruct in the same manner as it is now. Commissioner Goodman said doesn't historical designation guarantee it can be rebuilt,and City Attorney Ottinot said that he still has to obtain necessary permits. He said the current site would be demolished with a caveat that the owner will lies allowed to reconstruct a similar structure. Commissioner Goodman clarified this will not change the historical designation of the house. Mr. Scholl said that the house is uniquely built over the water and the Pergola is too,so he doesn't want to lose that grandfathering. He said he considered preserving it in its dilapidated state because it is usually easier to rebuild a structure if there is an existing structure already'in place. However, the engineering reports have not supported the ability to repair the structure in its existing condition. He said he would like to rebuild when he can obtain insurance and the necessary approvals. City Manager Szerlag said that the structure is dangerous in its current state but felt that the structure can be replicated. Bud Scholl said that he has reluctantly resolved himself to the fact that it has tincome down;he will save samples of the woodwork and lattice, and that he had an Architect come out and take the dimensions of the structure. Commissioner Brezin clarified that Bud Scholl wants to be able!to replace it, if and when he is able; can a timeline be set? City Attorney Ottinot stated that the Board has the discretion to impose a timeframe for demolition, and Mr. Scholl is to inform the Board of whether or not he is going to reconstruct. He said in terms of reconstruct or rebuild, the language can be flexible and based on permitting and insurance issues. Vice Mayor Thaler said that five years with a five-year option would be Summary Minutes 2007-0424 HPB Mtg Page 3 of 5 sufficient. City Attorney Ottinot said he would give Mr. Scholl an application and guidelines. Phillip Chemoff moved and Bonita Shoki seconded a motion to grant the Certificate of Appropriateness to follow the recommendation of the Building Official to issue a demolition permit for demolition of the Pergola, providing that Mr. Scholl shall have five (5) years to advise Board whether or not he will reconstruct,with an additional 5-year option; similar form or style,30 days to apply for the demolition permit. HPB Resolution No. 2007-05 was adopted by a 3-0-4 [Bud Scholl abstained; Joe Masters, Michelle D'Arbelles and Trina Duluc absent] vote. 6. DISCUSSION OF AVAILABLE ARTIFACTS. Action: Chairperson Scholl commended Richard Schulman for his work on'artifacts and on the book "From Sandbar to Sophistication: The Story about Sunny Isles Beach". Richard Schulman presented renderings of Sunny Isles Beach, History Books in which he tries to capture and keep history of the City. He noted that Harvey Graves' Great-Granddaughter and Great Grandson provided many documents,and that the Book will be available on May 19, 2007. He reported that the Pelican will be applied to the fascia of the new gymnasium, and noted that the Horse and Carriage in Gwen Margolis Park goes back 50-years. Phillip Chemoff said he has brochures that he created for hotels, and Cassey Gabor said her building has a nice picture and maybe they will let the City make a copy. Chairperson Scholl spoke to Richard Schulman about permanent installation in areas in public buildings. Cassey Gabor said she believes it should be in a room in the new Cultural Center. Richard Schulman said he needs to plan it when the time is right. Chairperson Scholl said to look.for places to have a mini museum in the City. Phillip Chemoff asked how the Jade structure can be given to the City when it can't be moved,and Commissioner Brezin said that it can't be moved,but maybe parts of it can be used. Vice Mayor Thaler said that the building by Trump can be used as a community center and house artifacts. Richard Schulman said he inspected the camels and believe they can be saved, and he recommends that they be placed in Heritage Park. Cassey Gabor clarified that the artifacts will be donated. Richard Schulman said the Egyptian plaques/images are stored and may be used at the1Cultural Center at Pelican Park. He said he also has a 9-hole miniature golf course, and a pig from Days Inn. Chairperson Scholl said the key is to collect and we will decide later what to do with them, and he read a letter from the Rascal House who pledges to donate memorabilia to the City. Richard Schulinan said that we will take pictures as we receive items. 7. OLD BUSINESS. City's 10th Anniversary Celebration: update on Harvey Graves Dedication. Action: Richard Schulman said that the 10th Anniversary Committee is meeting on everything that is going on, and noted that we can get a report from Administrative Services Director Alyce Hanson, and City Manager Szerlag said he would have Ms. Hanson give Chairperson Scholl the report. Richard Schulman said the dedication ceremony for Harvey Graves Mangroves is on Saturday,June 16, 2007 at 5:00 p.m., and that committee members will be invited. 8. NEW BUSINESS. Museum Possibilities. Action: Chairperson Scholl said this will be discussed at the next meeting. Summary Minutes 2007-0424 HPB Mtg Page 4 of 5 9. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ANNUAL REPORT THAT NEEDS TO BE FILED WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY. Action: Chairperson Scholl said that the Board will file a report again this year, of which will be presented at the next meeting. Vice Mayor Thaler said that Miami-Dade County puts out a list of historic sites in the County, and City Attorney Ottinot said that the County has oversight jurisdiction. 10. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING. Action: Chairperson Scholl said we should meet after the summer,and after discussion it was decided to have the next meeting on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Cassey Gabor asked that public awareness be listed on the next agenda. 11. ADJOURNMENT. Action: Bonita Shoki moved and Cassey Gabor seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Chairperson Scholl adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, c L September 11. 2007 Jane A. Hines, CMC Date City Clerk I Summary Minutes 2007-0424 HPB Mtg Page 5 of 5 •