OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

CHERYL L. BROWN                                                                                                                               117 WEST DUVAL STREET, SUITE 425

            DIRECTOR                                                                                                                                                    4TH FLOOR, CITY HALL

   OFFICE (904) 630-1452                                                                                                                                 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA  32202

     FAX (904) 630-2906                                                                                                                                                                                 

  E-MAIL: CLBROWN@coj.net

 

 

LUZ COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

 

February 2, 2016

4:00 p.m.

 

City Council Chamber

1st Floor, City Hall

117 West Duval Street

 

Attendance:  Council Members Scott Wilson (Chair), Lori Boyer, Katrina Brown, Danny Becton, Aaron Bowman, Jim Love, and Joyce Morgan

 

Also: Council Member Reggie Gaffney; Bill Killingsworth & Joel McEachin – Planning and Development Department; Susan Grandin, Jason Teal & Sondra Fetner – Office of General Counsel; Philip Zamarron – Legislative Services Division; Yvonne Mitchell – City Council Research

 

Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.

 

2015-786 (Appeal of Final Decision on COA-15-606)

Ms. Susan Grandin distributed and reviewed the outline of the hearing procedures. Ms. Fetner provided the information regarding the appellate process for a Certificate of Appropriateness Final Order from the JPHC.

 

Ms. Kim Pryor, Vice President of Preservation SOS, Inc., was provided 15 minutes to present her case. She contested the staff and engineer reports due to the lack of a full inspection of the property. She presented information regarding wood and timber conditions as it relates to fire damage or charring. Ms. Pryor showed several pictures of exterior and interior of the property. She believes the rear portion of the property should be demolished while the main structure is saved for restoration. The demolition of the property will have a negative impact on the historic district.

 

Council Members Wilson, Boyer, and Bowman reported ex parte.

 

Public hearing opened for public comments.

  • Michelle Tappouni commented that Springfield Preservation & Revitalization Council (SPAR) was in support of the most conservative approach to addressing the issue, to include removing the rear portion, and moth balling the structure. SPAR is opposed to the demolition of the entire structure.
  • Crissie Cudd presented a photographic sheet of four properties within the historic district. She is a realtor and shared information regarding the market value and neighborhood enhancement with the restoration of the property. She is in support of restoring the property.
  • Joseph Markusic states his company has been restoring homes in Springfield area for over 16 years. He shared that Ionia Street has lost 40-45% of its habitual structures since historic designation. He requested the committee help save the structure.
  • Nick Thompson submitted card in support of bill but did not wish to speak.
  • Anthony Miles, owner of property, provided the background regarding the purchase and intent of the property. He reached out to Tamara Baker to inquire about what options maybe available regarding the property.
  • Maryann Amaker-Miles, owner of property, stated she and her husband are committed to the Springfield area. They purchased the property as an investment in order to help revitalizing the community. She explained that the cost to restore the structure would exceed the value of the home which would not be beneficial.
  • Doug Nicholas submitted card in support of bill but did not wish to speak.

 

Public hearing closed.

 

NOTE: Theodore Tyler submitted speaker card after public hearing was closed.

 

Ms. Sondra Fetner presented her case through the expert witness, Tamara Baker with Baker Klein Engineering. Ms. Baker has worked on approximately 15 restorations within last 3 years. She believes structures should be restored whenever possible. Based on her professional opinion, the property has severe structural damage at the rear of the building from a fire which has compromised the architecture. The property requires a level three rehabilitation although very little elements or fabric could be reused. The beams and floor jousts do not have the capacity to support a level three restoration. A level three rehabilitation requires the structure to be completely brought up to current Code regardless of historic designation. It should be noted besides the fire, the structure has been exposed to various elements that negatively impacts the whole system.

 

Ms. Pryor was provided an opportunity to rebut information presented. She reiterated that no tests or analysis were done to actual determine what materials could actual be used. She stated the cost estimate provided was based on a three unit structure versus a single family dwelling.

 

The committee inquired with staff regarding actual observations of the entire structure, asbestos tile, and conversion back to single family dwelling. Mr. Joel McEachin commented he entered the property and evaluated the first floor. One access entry to the second floor was unsafe; and the other was unavailable. Mr. McEachin confirmed his opinion in recommending demolition.

 

Ms. Grandin explained the process to make final decision on appeal which included voting to approve, deny or modify the appeal.

 

Motion/2nd move to deny appeal based on substantial competent evidence from staff and structural engineer regarding criteria #6 & #8 in the Code – Boyer/K. Brown (7-0)

Motion/2nd move as amended – Boyer/K. Brown (7-0)

 

There being no further business, the workshop was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

 

Yvonne P. Mitchell, Council Research Division (904) 630-1679

Posted 02.04.16            12:30 p.m.