OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CHERYL L. BROWN 117
WEST DUVAL STREET,
DIRECTOR 4TH FLOOR, CITY
HALL
OFFICE (904) 630-1452
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.
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.