Robert Rodriguez, Planning/Building Director, provided an overview of the proposed Historic Preservation application and fees.
Peter Palladino feels that there is value in historic preservation. He provided a brief overview of the city’s journey to develop a historic preservation ordinance and thanked those who helped the process along, including Greg Pettis, John Rivera, and Charles McClendon. He also gave a shout out to Denise Cross, Cathedral City's only historian.
He expressed his concern with the proposed fees.
Sue Townsley expressed her support of the Agnes Pelton House and supports a waiver of fees instead of a blanket of no fees.
Alan Carvalho expressed his supports the Agnes Pelton Home and referenced modernism week. He would like the City to make this a place that supports history.
Shelley Kaplan feels history of a city provides a context of the city. He also feels that the City should want to designate sites as historic to provide the history of the City even if the site is no longer there. He would like something that encourages people to apply, not discourage.
Simeon Den doesn’t want the Council to lose site of the value of residents taking pride in their community. He feels it will be a missed opportunity if we don’t do community building to bring the entire community together. He feels if you put obstacles in front of something, people are less likely to move forward. He expressed his love for this community.
Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale expressed his support for zero fees, however he would support a minimum charge should Council recommend it.
Councilmember Gregory feels only serious applicants should apply. He would like to see a minimal cost of $100, or possibly more, and would like to see a waiver of fees for the certificate of appropriateness, if the applicant can demonstrate that there is a public benefit to making the repair. He also supports a full downgrade fee.
Councilmember Ross indicated that she did not see preservation plans included and feels that this would prove the applicants are serious. She expressed her support for no fees and lower fees for the certificate of appropriateness.
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez feels the proposed fees are a little high and feels that they can be lowered. He suggested only charging the cost of advertising and mailing notices, approximately $709.00, which he feels would be a reasonable amount.
Mayor Lamb feels the concern is whether or not the City is able to absorb the cost to designate these historical sites. She wants the City to encourage applicants to apply and expressed her support for a minimal cost to be respectful of staff's time.
Charles McClendon, City Manager, stated that staff will bring forward a fee resolution with a $100 fee, full cost recovery for downgrade or removal, and full certificate of appropriateness fee with a provision of a hardship waiver. He indicated that a decision related to the plaque does not need to be made at this time.
This item was for information and direction only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.