Agenda packet, first session — Glendale City Council, November 12, 2024

A G E N D A

GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL

COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
Glendale, CA 91206
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NOVEMBER 12, 2024

ROLL CALL

1. CLOSED SESSION
– 1:00 PM ( To Commence at 3:00 PM)
a.

Public Employment – Attorneys

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2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA
– 6:00 PM
Roll Call
a.

Flag Salute: Mayor Elen Asatryan
b.

Invocation: Dr. Suzie Abajian, City Clerk
c.

Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the November 12, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on November 7, 2024, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.

3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a.

Agenda Preview for the Meetings of Tuesday, November 19, 2024

City Clerk, re: Minutes of the Joint City Council and Housing Authority and Regular City Council Meetings of November 5, 2024
b.

Public Works, re:

Public Works Department Building Maintenance and Repair Services at Various City Facilities

1. Resolution Adopting Specification No. 3989, for Electrical Systems Services at Various City Facilities Project, and Directing the City Clerk to Advertise for Bids

2. Resolution Adopting Specification No. 3990, for Flooring Services at Various City Facilities Project, and Directing the City Clerk to Advertise for Bids

3. Motion executing a change order to contract 8001567 with Omega Construction Co.

Inc. for Citywide General Building Repairs, increasing the contract amount by $300,000 and extending the contract duration by two years, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract change order

4. Motion executing a change order to Contract 8001569 with Prime Painintg Contractors Inc. for Citywide Maintenance and Repair of Paining Systems, increasing the contract amount by $240,000 and extending the contract duration by two years, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract change order

5. Motion executing a change order to Contract 8001570 with H.L. Moe Co. Inc. for Citywide Maintenance and Reapirs of Plumbing Systems, increasing the contract amount by $267,000 and extending the contract duration by two years, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract change order

6. Motion executing a change order to Contract 8001571 with AME Builders Inc. for Citywide Maintenance and Repair of Roofing Systems, increasing the contract amount by $267,000 and extending the contract duration by two years, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract change order

5. CITY COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS

6. COMMUNITY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS (3-Minutes; 5-Speaker Limit) Per Mayor Policy, This Item Also Permits Speakers Wishing to Speak Under General Oral Communications, Subject to the Three Minute Time Limit. Discussion is Limited to Matters Not on the Agenda.

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7. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES

8. ACTION ITEMS

9. HEARINGS
a.

Community Development, re: 1504 Bel Aire Drive: Consideration of Glendale Register Nomination and Request for a Mills Act Historic Property Contract

1. Resolution to designate the residential property at 1504 Bel Aire Drive as a historic resource in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act Historical Property Contract with the property owner

2. Motion to deny the request of the property owner to designate the residential property at 1504 Bel Aire Drive as a historic resource in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources
b.

Community Development, re:
3235 Cornwall Drive: Consideration of Glendale
Register Nomination and Request for a Mills Act Historic Property Contract

1. Resolution to designate the residential property at 3235 Cornwall Drive as a historic resource in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources, as the Porter House, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act Historical Property Contract with the property owner

2. Motion to deny the request of the property owner to designate the residential property at 3235 Cornwall Drive as a historic resource in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources
c.

Community Development, re:

Property Owner Request for a Mills Act Historical
Property Contract for 2535 E. Chevy Chase Drive (Derby House, Glendale Register No. 22)

1. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act Historical Property Contract with the owner of 2535 E. Chevy Chase Drive
d.

Community Development, re: Ordinances Amending Title 30 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, (Case No. PZC-0010-2024) and the Downtown Specific Plan (Case No. PGPA-003908-2024) Relating Generally to Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) (To Be Continued Without Further Notice to the November 19, 2024, Council Meeting)

10. REPORTS - INFORMATION

11. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

12. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
a.

Councilmember Brotman’s Request to Discuss updating development standards to address illumination levels on private property (Carried over from October 8 and November 5, 2024 Council Meeting)
b.

Councilmember Brotman’s Request to Consider different approaches for drive- through regulations, including updated development standards (Carried over from October 8 and November 5, 2024 Council Meeting)
c.

Mayor Asatryan’s Request for a Report on Funding and/or Policies for Further Rent Reductions in the City/Authority’s Affordable Housing Projects for Tenants on SSI

13. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

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Discussion is Limited to Items NOT a Part of this Agenda. Each Speaker is Allowed 5 minutes.

Council May Question or Respond to The Speaker But There Will be no Debate or Decision.

The City Manager May Refer the Matter to the Appropriate Department for Investigation and Report.

14. NEW BUSINESS

15. ADJOURNMENT

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1 M I N U T E S
JOINT MEETING: GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL AND GLENDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY

COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
Glendale, CA 91206
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
The Joint City Council and Housing Authority Meeting of the Glendale City Council convened in the Glendale City Hall, Council Chambers, in said City, at 3:33 p.m. on the above date, pursuant to a call for such meeting signed by the City Clerk of the City Council, and on file with the City Clerk, a copy of which is as follows:

October 31, 2024
Date
A JOINT PUBLIC MEETING of the City Council and Housing Authority is hereby called to meet at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in the Council Chamber, 613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Glendale, CA 91206 to consider the following item(s) of business, to wit;

1. Community Services and Parks, re: Status of Program Planning for the FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships Act (HOME) Annual Action Plan a. City Council Motion approving the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan program priorities, FY 2025-2026 CDBG program priorities, and FY 2025-2026 Proposed CDBG Funding Allocation Plan by Funding Category; and issuance of an RFP to community agencies for CDBG and ESG public social services and CDBG capital improvement projects b. Housing Authority Motion approving the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan program priorities, FY 2025-2026 CDBG program priorities, and FY 2025-2026 Proposed CDBG Funding Allocation Plan by Funding Category; and issuance of an RFP to community agencies for CDBG and ESG public social services and CDBG capital improvement projects Written Notice of said meeting was given, which Notice consisted of a copy of the foregoing Call, and was served on each Member of the Council not joining in the Call, and upon the in said City not less than 24 hours before the time fixed in said Call for said meeting, as follows:

Upon Robert Adjinian at 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2024 Glendale, CA Upon Dan Brotman at 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2024 Glendale, CA Upon Ardy Kassakhian at 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2024 Glendale, CA Upon Vartan Gharpetian at 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2024 Glendale, CA Upon Ara Najarian at 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2024 Glendale, CA Upon Laura Parazian at 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2024 Glendale, CA Upon Elen Asatryan at 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2024 Glendale, CA Mayor Elen Asatryan called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m.

ROLL CALL
- Absent: Gharpetian (arrived back at 3:35 p.m.)
- Report of the City Clerk of the City Council and Housing Authority, re: Posting of Agenda.

The Agenda for the Tuesday, November 5, 2024, joint public meeting of the City Council and Housing Authority was posted on October 31, 2024, on the Bulletin Board outside City Hall. 4A
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2 1. Community Services and Parks, re: Status of Program Planning for the FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships Act (HOME) Annual Action Plan Presenting:

Maggie Kavarian, Community Services Manager
a. City Council Motion approving the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan program priorities, FY 2025-2026 CDBG program priorities, and FY 2025-2026 Proposed CDBG Funding Allocation Plan by Funding Category; and issuance of an RFP to community agencies for CDBG and ESG public social services and CDBG capital improvement projects Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows
a.
b. Housing Authority Motion approving the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan program priorities, FY 2025-2026 CDBG program priorities, and FY 2025-2026 Proposed CDBG Funding Allocation Plan by Funding Category; and issuance of an RFP to community agencies for CDBG and ESG public social services and CDBG capital improvement projects Moved: Asatryan Seconded: Parazian
Vote as Follows
b.

ADJOURNMENT – 3:52 p.m.
- Housing Authority
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
- Council
Moved: Najarian Seconded: Gharpetian
Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Adjinian, Asatryan, Brotman, Gharpetian, Najarian, Parazian, Kassakhian None
None
None
Mayor of the City of Glendale
Chair of the Glendale Housing Authority
City Clerk of the City of Glendale
Clerk of the Glendale Housing Authority
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1 M I N U T E S

GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL

COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
ROLL CALL – All Present

1. CLOSED SESSION – 3:53 p.m.
a. Conference with Legal Counsel. Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9:

One potential case
b. Public Employment – Attorneys
c. Conference with Real Property Negotiators: City-designated negotiator: Bradley Calvert. Negotiating Party: Erik Khojoyan. Property: 1401 N. Verdugo Road.

Instructions to the negotiator(s) will concern the price and terms of payment for the lease of City-owned property
d. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: Babaian v. City of Glendale, L.A.S.C. Case No. 22GDCV00956
e. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation: Najarian v. City of Glendale, L.A.S.C. Case No. 24STCP02101; Claim of Najarian, No. 25-0009 f. Public Employee Appointment – Director of Public Works City Attorney Mike Garcia indicated that action is anticipated on item 1f. Council recessed to closed session at 3:55 p.m.

2. REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA – 6:02 PM
Roll Call – All Present
a. Flag Salute: Mayor Elen Asatryan
b. Invocation: Dr. Suzie Abajian, City Clerk
c. Report of the City Clerk, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the November 5, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Glendale City Council was Posted on October 31, 2024, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.

3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Agenda Preview for the Meetings of Tuesday, November 12, 2024 Asst. City Manager John Takhtalian provided the preview.

Item 3b continued at a future date.
b. North Hollywood Bus Rapid Transit Project Update Presentation by Metro

4. CONSENT ITEMS (Including Minutes)
The following are Routine and May be Acted Upon by One Motion. Any Member of Council or the Audience Requesting Separate Consideration May do so by Making Such Request Before Motion is Proposed.
a. City Clerk, re: Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 22, 2024 Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows
Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
4A
Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
2 b. Community Development, re: Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Meridian Consultants to prepare an Environmental Impact Report and related documents for the development of a new mixed-use project located 236 North Central Avenue and 212 West California Avenue (former Sears site) and public park (201 West California Avenue) (collectively, the “Project Site”)

1. Motion authorizing the City Manager or designee to negotiate and enter into a professional services agreement (PSA) with Meridian Consultants to prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Project Site in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows

c. Police Department, re: The Police Department's 2023 Specialized Equipment Use Report

1. Motion to note and file this r eport
Moved: Brotman Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows

5. CITY COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
Councilmember Kassakhian reminded everyone that today is Election Day. He also mentioned that Monday will be Veterans Day. He asked staff to look into hosting a luncheon and resource fair for veterans.

Councilmember Najarian asked staff for an update on the North Brand Demonstration Project. City Manager Roubik Golanian stated that staff is gathering information, and this item should be brought back to Council for a discussion sometime in December.

City Manager Golanian announced the appointment of Daniel Hernandez as the new Director of Public Works.

6. COMMUNITY EVENT ANNOUNCEME NTS (3-Minutes; 5-Speaker Limit) Per Mayor Policy, This Item Also Permits Speakers Wishing to Speak Under General Oral Communications, Subject to the Three Minute Time Limit. Discussion is Limited to Matters Not on the Agenda.

Rooh Steif
Susan Devine

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
3 7. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES

8. ACTION ITEMS

Items 8a and 8b read into the record together.

a. City Treasurer, re: City of Glendale Investment Policy

Presenting:

Rafi Manoukian, City Treasurer

1. Resolution 24-152 adopting the City Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 Moved: Najarian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows

b. City Treasurer, re: City Treasurer's Annual Review of the City’s Portfolios

1. Motion accepting Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024 Moved: Najarian Seconded: Brotman
Vote as Follows

c. Glendale Water and Power, re: Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Eagle Aerial Solutions (EAS) for Consulting Services Related to Senate Bill 606 & Assembly Bill 1668 Water Conservation Compliance Efforts (Carried Over from 10/22/24 Council Meeting)

Staff Comment:

Chisom Obegolu, Assistant General Manager – Water

1. Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into and execute a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Eagle Aerial Solutions (EAS), for consulting services related to Senate Bill 606 & Assembly Bill 1668 compliance efforts, in the not-to-exceed amount of $156,710
Moved: Gharpetian Seconded: Najarian
Vote as Follows

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Gharpetian, Najarian, Asatryan
Brotman, Kassakhian
None
None
4 d. Public Works, re: Appeal of Transportation and Parking Commission Decision Regarding Installation of All-way Stop Controls at the Adams Street and Scofield Drive Intersection (Continued from the October 22, 2024 Council Meeting)

Staff Comments:

Daniel Hernandez, Director of Public Works
Aaron Israel, Sr. Asst. City Attorney

Public Comments:

Garry Ackerman
Rafik Babakhanyan
Brian Spence
Nicholas

1. Motion setting the matter for a public hearing; or, in the alternative Moved: Brotman Seconded: Najarian
Vote as Follows

2. Motion ordering the Transportation and Parking Commission to rehear the matter; or, in the alternative

3. Motion dismissing the appeal forthwith

e. Police Department, re: Request to dispense with competitive bidding for the purchase of a new helicopter from Airbus Helicopters to replace Police Joint Air Support Unit MD-520N Helicopter N102CG

1. Resolution 24-154 to dis pense with competitive bidding and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with Airbus Helicopters for the down payment and purchase of a new H125 helicopter
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows

2. Resolution 24-162 of Appropriation
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
5 f. Libraries, Arts, and Culture, re: Library, Arts & Culture, re: Dispense with Competitive Bidding for online cataloging and eBook/Audiobook platform services

Staff Comment:

Lessa Pelayo-Lozada, Assistant Director of Library, Arts & Culture

1. Resolution 24-179 to dispense with competitive bidding and authorize the Deputy Director of Finance-Purchasing to issue a service authorization to OCLC USA Inc. for cataloging and eBook/Audiobook services, in a not to exceed amount of $725,000 for 3 years
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows

9. HEARINGS

10. REPORTS – INFORMATION

11. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

12. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS

Items 12a and 12b moved to the next meeting.

a. Councilmember Brotman’s Request to Discuss updating development standards to address illumination levels on private property (Carried over from October 8, 2024 Council Meeting)
b. Councilmember Brotman’s Request to Consider different approaches for drive- through regulations, including updated development standards (Carried over from October 8, 2024 Council Meeting)

c. Councilmember Najarian’s Request for a Report Discussing GWP’s Rate-Setting Processes for Electric and Water Rates

Staff Comment:

Roubik Golanian, City Manager

13. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Discussion is Limited to Items NOT a Part of this Agenda. Each Speaker is Allowed 5 minutes. Council May Question or Respond to The Speaker But There Will be no Debate or Decision. The City Manager May Refer the Matter to the Appropriate Department for Investigation and Report.

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
6 14. NEW BUSINESS
a. Motion to approve the appointment of Daniel Hernandez as the Director of Public Works
Moved: Kassakhian Seconded: Gharpetian
Vote as Follows

15. ADJOURNMENT – 7:22 p.m.

Moved: Brotman Seconded: Kassakhian

Ma
yor of the City of Glendale
City Clerk of the City of Glendale
Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Brotman, Gharpetian, Kassakhian, Najarian, Asatryan
None
None
None
4b
24-86687

CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA ITEM
Report: Public Works Department Building Maintenance and Repair Services at Various City Facilities
1) Resolution Adopting Specification No. 3989, for Electrical Systems Services at Various City Facilities Project, and Directing the City Clerk to Advertise for Bids. 2) Resolution Adopting Specification No. 3990, for Flooring Services at Various City Facilities Project, and Directing the City Clerk to Advertise for Bids. 3) Motion executing a change order to contract 8001567 with Omega Construction Co. Inc. for Citywide General Building Repairs, increasing the contract amount by $300,000 and extending the contract duration by two years, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract change order. 4) Motion executing a change order to Contract 8001569 with Prime Painting Contractors Inc. for Citywide Maintenance and Repair of Painting Systems, increasing the contract amount by $240,000 and extending the contract duration by two years, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract change order.
5) Motion executing a change order to Contract 8001570 with H. L. Moe Co. Inc. for Citywide Maintenance and Repairs of Plumbing Systems, increasing the contract amount by $267,000 and extending the contract duration by two years, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract change order.
6) Motion executing a change order to Contract 8001571 with AME Builders Inc. for Citywide Maintenance and Repair of Roofing Systems, increasing the contract amount by $267,000 and extending the contract duration by two years, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the contract change order.

COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for November 5, 2024 calendar

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Public Works Department uses a strategic combination of in-house trades staff and contracted trades to service more than one million square feet of buildings and 18 million square feet of grounds citywide. This strategy allows Public Works variable capacity while 13 of 179

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24-86687
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providing services at a minimal cost. The contracted services requested include electrical, plumbing, flooring, general building repairs, painting, and roofing. Staff proposes to extend the existing contracts for all trades except for electrical and flooring by two years.

For electrical and flooring staff intends to initiate new formal competitive bidding processes.

The requested contracts are budgeted within the Building Maintenance Fund annually and staff estimate the total annual cost of these contracts will be $770,500.

RECOMMENDATION
Approve one resolution adopting specifications for electrical systems services at various city facilities project and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids, one resolution adopting specifications for flooring systems at various facilities project and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids, and four motions authorizing contract change orders, to various building maintenance and repair trade services contracts, extending these contracts by two years and adding funds.

ANALYSIS
Glendale voters approved Measure A in March 2024 which allowed the City Council to establish new standards, procedures, rules or relations related to the award and performance of contracts. The Public Works Facilities Maintenance Division oversees numerous building maintenance contracts that will be impacted by these expected changes. Because the new rules and procedures for these contracts are imminent but have not yet been implemented, staff proposes to extend the duration of several existing building maintenance contracts set to expire in 2025 instead of engaging in new formal bidding under the outdated process. Once these contracts expire, they will be bid out under the new process.

Staff reached out to five of the contractors with building maintenance contracts that are set to expire in 2025. All but the electrical systems contractor agreed to extend their pricing into these proposed two-year extensions. For flooring systems, the previous competitive bidding process failed to garner any responsive bids so these services have been provided with annual maintenance contracts for the past few years. As a result, staff proposes to initiate new formal bidding processes for electrical systems maintenance and flooring systems maintenance at this time and extend the four other building maintenance contracts by two years under the existing contract terms.

Electrical Systems
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of city building electrical systems. The specifications include labor, tools, materials, equipment, supplies, and other related needs for general electrical services at all city facilities. The intent is to establish a new three-year contract for these services for the total not-to- 14 of 179

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exceed amount of $400,000.

Flooring Systems
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of various types of flooring systems at all city facilities. The specifications include labor, tools, materials, equipment, supplies, and other related needs for flooring system maintenance and repair services at all city facilities. The intent is to establish a new three-year contract for these services, for the total not-to-exceed amount of $300,000.

General Building Repairs
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of city buildings and structures. The contracted services include labor, tools, materials, equipment, supplies, and other related needs for general building repairs and maintenance services at all city facilities. The existing contract 8001567 with Omega Construction Co. Inc. expires in February 2025. The intent is to extend this three-year maintenance contract for two additional years and increase the total not-to-exceed amount by $300,000 from $598,770 to $898,770.

Protective Coatings and Painting Systems
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of interior and exterior city building paint and coating systems. The contracted services include labor, tools, material, equipment, supplies, and other related needs for protective coatings and painting services at all city facilities. The existing contract 8001569 with Prime Painting Contractors Inc. expires in February 2025. The intent is to extend this three-year maintenance contract for two addition years and increase the total not-to- exceed amount by $240,000 from $345,600 to $585,600.

Plumbing Systems
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of city building plumbing systems. The contracted services include labor, tools, materials, equipment, supplies, and other related needs for general plumbing repair and maintenance services at all city facilities. The existing contract 8001570 with H. L. Moe Co. Inc. expires in February 2025. The intent is to extend this three-year maintenance contract for two additional years and increase the total not-to-exceed amount by $267,000 from $449,155 to $716,155.

Roofing Systems
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of roofing and waterproofing systems. The contracted services include labor, tools, materials, equipment, supplies, and other related needs for general roofing and water proofing services at all city facilities. The existing contract 8001571 with AME Builders Inc. expires in February 2025. The intent is to extend this three-year maintenance contract for two 15 of 179

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additional years and increase the not-to-exceed amount by $267,000 from $490,094 to $757,094.

In order to provide essential building maintenance services for the city, it is the Public Works Department's goal to maintain at least one contract for each of the trades:
electrical, flooring, plumbing, general building, protective coatings and painting, and roofing. By extending four maintenance contracts for two years and authorizing the release of specifications for the establishment of two new three-years contracts, the department will be well positioned to continue with the provision of these vital services over the next couple years.

STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Building maintenance and repair services contracts will augment Public Works maintenance staff efforts to increase the reliability and conditions of all city facilities. By combining contractors’ access to sophisticated tools and training with staff’s onsite experience and availability, Public Works is able to maintain city facilities that are safe, sturdy and appealing.

Stakeholders include:
•City Employees
•City Residents
•Visitors to City Facilities
No public outreach for these ongoing maintenance contracts is expected to be needed.

FISCAL IMPACT
The building maintenance and repair contracts combined will cost $770,500 in Fiscal Year 2024-25, which was approved as a part of the FY 2024-25 budget. No new appropriation is being requested at this time. The City Council approved funding is outlined below:

Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$770,500 43110-6070-PWD-7508-P0000 Building Maintenance Fund
The funding for the remaining term of the contracts will be requested as a part of the annual budget process.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This item includes routine maintenance and repair activities and therefore, not subject to CEQA review.
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CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: The City Council may reject the motions and direct staff to initiate new formal competitive bidding processes for six building maintenance contracts. This option would take more time and follow the outdated process.

Alternative 2: The City Council may reject the resolutions and motions and direct staff to provide these services in-house. This option would cost well more than the proposed contracts by requiring adding additional trades staff and equipment and provide less capacity.

Alternative 3: The City Council may choose to approve fewer services than recommended by staff. Deferring approval would delay essential maintenance and repair services.

Alternative 4: The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:

Daniel Hernandez, Interim Director of Public Works
Prepared by:

Kevin C. Todd , Assistant Director of Public Works
Approved by:

Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager

EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.
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RESOLUTION NO. __________

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

ADOPTING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATION FOR THE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AT VARIOUS CITY FACILITIES PROJECT,
SPECIFICATION NO. 3989, AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE:

SECTION 1.The Plans and Specification on file in the City Clerk’s office for the Electrical Systems Services at Various City Facilities Project, including the various documents incorporated therein, are hereby approved, adopted, designated and shall hereafter be known as Specification No. 3989.

SECTION 2.The City Clerk is hereby directed to advertise for bids for the work, equipment and materials described in these Plans and Specification adopted by this Resolution.

Adopted this _____ day of ____________, 2024.
____________________________
Mayor, City of Glendale
ATTEST:
__________________________
City Clerk

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )

CITY OF GLENDALE )
I, Suzie Abajian, Ph.D., City Clerk of the City of Glendale, certify that the foregoing Resolution No. _____________ was Adopted by the Council of the City of Glendale, California, at a regular meeting held on the _____ day of ___________, 2024, the same was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
___________________________
City Clerk
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RESOLUTION NO. __________

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

ADOPTING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATION FOR THE FLOORING SERVICES AT CITY FACILITIES PROJECT, SPECIFICATION NO. 3990, AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE:

SECTION 1.The Plans and Specification on file in the City Clerk’s office for the Flooring Services at Various City Facilities Project, including the various documents incorporated therein, are hereby approved, adopted, designated and shall hereafter be known as Specification No. 3990.

SECTION 2.The City Clerk is hereby directed to advertise for bids for the work, equipment and materials described in these Plans and Specification adopted by this Resolution.

Adopted this _____ day of ____________, 2024.
____________________________
Mayor, City of Glendale
ATTEST:
__________________________
City Clerk

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
___________________________
City Clerk
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MOTION
Moved by Council Member , seconded
by Council Member , that the Council of the City of
Glendale authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract change order – subject to approval by the City Attorney – to Contract 8001567 with Omega Construction Co. Inc. for Citywide General Building Repairs, as follows:

1. Increase the contract amount by three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000), for a total not-to-exceed amount of eight hundred ninety-eight thousand seven hundred seventy dollars ($898,770).

2. Extend the contract duration by two (2) years to a new expiration date of February 22, 2027.

Votes as follows:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
______________________
City Clerk
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MOTION
Moved by Council Member , seconded
by Council Member , that the Council of the City of
Glendale authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract change order – subject to approval by the City Attorney – to Contract 8001569 with Prime Painting Contractors Inc. for Citywide Maintenance and Repair of Painting Systems, as follows:

1. Increase the contract amount by two hundred forty thousand dollars ($240,000), for a total not-to-exceed amount of five hundred eighty-five thousand six hundred dollars ($585,600).

2. Extend the contract duration by two (2) years to a new expiration date of February 22, 2027.

Votes as follows:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
______________________
City Clerk
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MOTION
Moved by Council Member , seconded
by Council Member , that the Council of the City of
Glendale authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract change order – subject to approval by the City Attorney – to Contract 8001570 with H. L. Moe Co. Inc. for Citywide Maintenance and Repairs of Plumbing Systems, as follows:

1. Increase the contract amount by two hundred sixty thousand dollars ($267,000), for a total not-to-exceed amount of seven hundred sixteen thousand one hundred fifty- five dollars ($716,155).

2. Extend the contract duration by two (2) years to a new expiration date of February 22, 2027.

Votes as follows:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
______________________
City Clerk
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MOTION
Moved by Council Member , seconded
by Council Member , that the Council of the City of
Glendale authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract change order – subject to approval by the City Attorney – to Contract 8001571 with AME Builders Inc. for Citywide Maintenance and Repair of Roofing Systems, as follows:

1. Increase the contract amount by two hundred sixty-seven thousand dollars ($267,000), for a total not-to-exceed amount of seven hundred fifty-seven thousand ninety-four dollars ($757,094).

2. Extend the contract duration by two (2) years to a new expiration date of February 22, 2027.

Votes as follows:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
______________________
City Clerk
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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA ITEM
Report: 1504 Bel Aire Drive: Consideration of Glendale Register Nomination and Request for a Mills Act Historic Property Contract.

2. Motion to deny the request of the property owner to designate the residential property at 1504 Bel Aire Drive as a historic resource in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources.

COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Public Hearing
Approved for November 12, 2024 calendar

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The owners of 1504 Bel Aire Drive request that City Council list the property in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources and authorize a Mills Act historical property contract. The two-story, single-family residence was built in 1926 and is an excellent example of French Eclectic style architecture. It was designed by Robert Stacy-Judd, a prominent Los Angeles architect known for his wide-ranging design sensibility that included the Mayan Revival, for which he is best known.

On September 19, 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed the nomination and voted unanimously (3-0) to recommend to the City Council that the property at 1504 Bel Aire Drive be listed in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources.

Because neither the original owner nor any significant people were ever associated with the property, HPC’s naming convention for Glendale Register properties calls for the property address be used in lieu of a specific name. HPC also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to enter into a Mills Act historic property contract with the property owner, including the work conditions approved by the commission, under Section 15.20.070A of the Glendale Municipal Code.
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RECOMMENDATION
That City Council list the property in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources under designation Criterion 3 and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act historic property contract, with the conditions approved by HPC, between the City and the property owner under Section 15.20.070A of the Glendale Municipal Code.

BACKGROUND
Historical Background
1504 Bel Aire Drive is a two-story single-family residence located in the El Miradero neighborhood. The residence is located at the southeast corner of Sonora Avenue and Bel Aire Drive, which is a block north of Kenneth Village. The property is an excellent example of the French Eclectic style that gained popularity upon the return of American soldiers from the First World War. This style is not common in Glendale as are several of the other Period Revival styles popular during the 1920s and 1930s. The construction of the property was announced in the January 15, 1926 issue of Southwest Builder and Contractor. The property was described in the journal as a two-story, ten-room frame and stucco dwelling with a “shake roof, hardwood floors, hardwood and pine trim, automatic water heater, gas unit heating system, tile baths and sink, ornamental iron, garage [and] lawn sprinkler system.”
1504 Bel Aire Road was designed by Robert B. Stacy-Judd in 1926 and built by Walter E. Warne for John W. Roman. Roman lived in Los Angeles from 1925 through 1927, during which time City directories identified him as a “builder,” but it does not appear that he ever lived in the residence. No additional information was found about Mr.

Roman in census or biographical data sources.

Robert Benjamin Stacy-Judd was a prominent Los Angeles architect predominantly knowns for his period revival and pre-Columbian designs that gained popularity in the 1920s. He was born in London on June 21, 1884, and studied at Acton College, Regent’s Street Polytechnic Institute, South Kensington Science and Art Institute, and the Southend Technical Institute in England. His first job in 1905 was as an architect with the surveying department of the Great Northern Railway Company of London. In 1914, he immigrated to Minot, North Dakota to work as the supervisor of housing projects for the U.S. Emergency Fleet Corps in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan. After a brief move to Canada from 1919 to 1922, he relocated to Southern California, where he lived and worked out of 5039 Whitsett Avenue in North Hollywood. In 1928, he became a member of the American Institute of Architects and was an active member of the Architects of the San Fernando Valley. In 1935, Stacy-Judd became a naturalized citizen.

Stacy-Judd was known as an eccentric man and had various other interests besides architecture, including geology, arts, music, and writing. As a well-traveled man, he developed an interest in pre-Columbian architecture during his expeditions in Central America, particularly the Guatemalan jungle. He was recognized as an authority on the subject and would often publish books and articles on the topic, provide lectures, and 25 of 179

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speak on the radio on the topics. According to the application, Stacy-Judd preferred to work with pre-Columbian motifs, which he believes were most indigenous to North America. During World War II, he is said to have helped Howard Hughes with plans for the “Spruce Goose” seaplane. In addition, he patented the “American Cottage,” a prefabricated building made of pre-cast concrete panels that can be rapidly erected.

Some of his well-known local works include the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, the Worrel House at 710 Adelaide Place in Santa Monica, the First Baptist Church in Ventura, the Atwater Bungalows at 1431-1433 Avon Park Terrace, and the Masonic Temple in North Hollywood.

Though Stacy-Judd was at the forefront of exotic architecture in Southern California, the market was limited and heavily impacted during the Great Depression. As a result, he became proficient in Period Revival styles, such as English Tudor, Spanish Colonial Revival, and French Revival, which gained popularity as American soldiers were returning from Europe after World War I. The Sisson House at 515 S. Hudson Avenue, for instance, was designed in 1926 and features many similar character-defining features to the property at 1504 Bel Aire Drive. Stacy-Judd continued working well into his 70s through the 1950s. Stacy-Judd passed away in Canoga Park at the age of 90 on February 10, 1975.

While 1504 Bel Aire’s architectural style is indicative of the broader architectural trends of the 1920s and 1930s and is designed by a prominent Los Angeles architect, the information provided by the application and additional staff research does not indicate that the residence is associated with any important events in national, state, or city history, and does not exemplify significant contributions to the broad cultural, political, economic, social, or historic heritage of the nation, state, or city. Therefore, the residence does not appear eligible under Criterion 1.

Since Mr. Roman never lived at the property, the property was listed for the first time in the Glendale City Directory and described as “vacant” in 1929, under its previous address of 1504 Tenth Street. In the early through the mid-1930s, the property was owned by the Golden State Security Company and later by the Capital Company.

Through the 1930s and 1940s, it appears that the property was occupied by various renters. Prior to its recent purchase by the current owners, Tim and Marian Scully, the house had sat vacant. Neither John W. Roman nor any subsequent owners appear to have made many significant contributions to the history of Glendale or the region, and therefore the property does not appear eligible under Criterion 2.

Based on information in the nomination, attached to this report as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference, staff believes the property is eligible under Criterion 3 as detailed in the “Findings of Eligibility” section below. Staff recommends that, in accordance with the City’s naming protocol, the house be identified by its address in Glendale Register records. This is because no original or early owners appear to have even lived in the house. While tempting to invoke architect Stacy-Judd in the name, this is not appropriate because his association is limited to its design, and we do not know with any certainty that other of his designs may become known in the future. 26 of 179

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Architectural Description
The residence is located at the southeast intersection of Bel Aire Drive and Sonora Avenue. The neighborhood is relatively flat and features many other Period Revival single- and two-story residences. Landscaping includes mostly grass, some trees, and a rose-lined original concrete pathway that leads to the primary entrances accessed off Bel Aire Drive.

The one- and two-story residence has a T-shaped, irregular plan and an asymmetrical main façade on a raised concrete foundation. The residence is clad in textured stucco with interesting detailing. The cross gabled roof meets at a centrally located tower with a dramatic conical roof where the primary entrance is located. The primary entrance is an arched wood door that is accessed by two small steps and is slightly recessed into the tower. Narrow divided light arched windows on the first and second stories of the residence follow the route of the interior staircase.

The wing located at the west of the entry tower is the only two-story portion of the house. The projecting second story features an oriel window and a steeply pitched front facing gabled roof. There are two small projecting masses with a shed roof located between the entry tower and the projecting second story. To the west of the two-story wing, a wing wall with a gothic arch entry and a wooden gate provides access to the rear yard of the property. The one-story wing to the east of the entry tower has two sets of eight-paned casement windows with shutters in groupings of three on the north elevation. Each shutter has a different design, adding a whimsical aspect to the overall design. A fixed arched picture window is located on the east elevation of the wing under a steeply pitched gable to provide natural light into the living room. A prominent brick chimney flanked by pairs of four-paned divided light picture windows with shutters is located at the south of elevation of the wing.

The wing at the south of the tower is located along Sonora Avenue. has a two small projecting wings with a steep gable located at the east elevation of the south wing.

Groupings of three divided light casement windows are located under each gabled wing.

The attached two-car garage at the south of this wing has a tri-part decorative attic vent and a steeply pitched front facing gabled roof that continues the roof form of the primary residence. The garage is accessed by a driveway off the alley at the rear of the residence. A medium-height wall clad in rough stucco encircles the rear yard.

Notable character-defining features of 1504 Bel Aire Drive include:
•One- and two-story massing
•T-shaped, complex irregular plan
•Asymmetrical main façade
•Raised concrete foundation
•Steep pitched cross-gabled roof with gabled projecting wings, narrow eaves and exposed rafter tails
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•Prominent tower with a high-pitched conical roof where primary entrance is located
•Arched wood door (original speakeasy window enclosed)
•Arcaded wing wall at north façade
•Rough stucco
•Divided light casement windows mostly in groupings of three •Fixed divided light narrow arched windows at tower
•Oriel window at north façade
•Arched picture window at east wing
•Fixed divided light rectangular windows
•Wood shutters with various designs
•Gothic arch wing wall
•Prominent brick chimney
•Synthetic shake roofing
•Attached garage with steep front gable roof and tripart attic vents •Narrow louvered gable vents
•Angled original concrete walkway leading to primary entrance with a reticulated scoring pattern
Alterations and Integrity
The residence at 1504 Bel Aire Road retains a high degree of integrity with only a few minor alterations that do not impact the overall integrity of the residence. Permits were issued in 1937 to build a 240-foot stucco fence, a concrete incinerator, and an 8-inch- thick patio floor at the rear. The building was reroofed in 1970 and 1996. The brick chimney was repaired in 1971. In 2023-2024, the original divided light picture window was replaced with the current single-light picture window due to leakage and water damage. At an unknown time, the original garage door was replaced with a vinyl roll-up door of simple design. In addition, a door on the south façade that leads to the rear yard was replaced at an unknown time. Further, the speakeasy on the front entry door was enclosed at an unknown date. The minor alterations and replacements do not impact the overall integrity of the residence. The character defining features of the property are still retained. Also, openings are not altered or changed, which will allow for the replacement of some of the inappropriate alterations with more appropriate alterations to minimize the impact on the property.

Staff therefore recommends the following Mills Act conditions:

1. Restore the leaded glass window at the large living room opening to match photographs of this portion of the east façade.

2. Restore the original speakeasy at the front door that has been boarded up.

3. Replace vinyl garage door with more compatible wood garage door.

4. Replace inappropriate rear door that leads to backyard with a compatible wood door.
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ANALYSIS
Finding of Eligibility
After reviewing the nomination submitted by the owner and its supporting documentation, as well as visiting the site, Planning Division staff concludes that the property appears to meet Criterion 3 of the eligibility criteria for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources.

Architectural Significance [Criterion 3]
To meet Criterion 3, a property must “embody the distinctive and exemplary characteristics of an architectural style, architectural type, period, or method of construction; or represent a notable work of a master designer, builder or architect whose genius influenced his or her profession; or possess high artistic values.”
1504 Bel Aire Drive is an excellent example of 1920s French Revival architecture. The residence was designed by Robert B. Stacy-Judd, a prominent Southern California architect who was well known for his pre-Columbian and period revival style theatres, hotels, commercial, and residential designs. The residence includes many characteristic features of the architectural style, such as the irregular plan, steep gabled roofs, entry tower with conical roof, rough stucco siding, groupings of divided light windows, and shutters, and a prominent oriel window on the second story of the north façade. The residence is a notable work of locally significant architect Stacy-Judd that continues to possess exemplary characteristics of the French Revival style. The property retains high integrity of materials, design, workmanship, location, setting, association, and feeling.

STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
There are no stakeholders other than the property owner.

FISCAL IMPACT
Listing historic properties in the Glendale Register has no fiscal impact. However, future property tax savings to private owners of listed historic properties under Mills Act contracts will slightly reduce City property tax revenues from the general County tax levy received from each Mills Act property.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
The project is exempt from CEQA as a Class 8 “Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment” exemption and a Class 31 “Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation” exemption pursuant to Sections 15308 and 15331 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it involves the designation and restoration of a historic resource.

CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
The names and business addresses of the members of the board of directors, the chairperson, CEO, COO, CFO, Subcontractors and any person or entity with more than 29 of 179

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10% interest in the company proposed for contract in this Agenda Item Report are attached in Exhibit 4, in accordance with the City Campaign Finance Ordinance No. 5744.

ALTERNATIVES
Alternative 1: Not designate/list 1504 Bel Aire Drive on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources, finding that the property does not meet Criterion 3 or any other criteria, and not authorize a Mills Act contract.

Alternative 2: Any other alternative chosen by City Council.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Prepared by:

Ani Mnatsakanyan, Planner
Reviewed by:

Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Approved by:

Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager

EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1: Glendale Register Nomination
Exhibit 2: Photographs
Exhibit 3: Mills Act Application
Exhibit 4: Campaign Disclosure
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1 RESOLUTION NO. _____________

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA, TO DESIGNATE THE RESIDENTIAL
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1504 BEL AIRE DRIVE AS A HISTORIC

RESOURCE ON THE GLENDALE REGISTER OF HISTORIC

RESOURCES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER

INTO A MILLS ACT HISTORICAL PROPERTY CONTRACT
WHEREAS, the owner of record of the residential property located at 1504 Bel Aire Drive (the “Property”) has consented to, and requests that the Property be designated as a historic resource on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.20.060 of the Glendale Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission, at a regularly scheduled meeting on September 19, 2024, recommended designation of the Property for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources by a unanimous vote of 3-0; and WHEREAS, the City Council has conducted a duly noticed public hearing pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.20.060 of the Glendale Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Glendale, pursuant to Sections

15.20.050 and 15.20.060, finds based on information in the record that the Property is eligible for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources because it qualifies under Criterion 3 (embodies the distinctive and exemplary characteristics of an architectural style, architectural type, period, or method of construction; or represent a notable work of a master designer, builder or architect whose genius influenced his or her profession; or possess high artistic values) in that it is an excellent example of 1920s French Revival architecture; the residence was designed by Robert B. Stacy-Judd, a prominent Southern California architect who was well known for his pre-Columbian and period revival style theatres, hotels, commercial, and residential designs; the residence includes many characteristic features of the architectural style, such as the irregular plan, steep gabled roofs, entry tower with conical roof, rough stucco siding, groupings of divided light windows, and shutters, and a prominent oriel window on the second story of the north façade; the residence is a notable work of locally significant architect Stacy-Judd that continues to possess exemplary characteristics of the French Revival style; the property retains high integrity of materials, design, workmanship, location, setting, association, and feeling, as further described in the November 12, 2024 Staff Report regarding the Property; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Glendale further finds that because the Property qualifies for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources that entering into a Mills Act contract with the Property owner is appropriate based on all of the information in the record.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The recitals above are incorporated herein by this reference. 31 of 179

2 Section 2. That the property located at 1504 Bel Aire Drive is to be designated as a historic resource in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources.

Section 3. That the City Manager is authorized to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract with the Property owner subject to the following conditions:

1. Restore the leaded glass window at the large living room opening to match photographs of this portion of the east façade.

2. Restore the original speakeasy at the front door that has been boarded up.

3. Replace vinyl garage door with more compatible wood garage door.

4. Replace inappropriate rear door that leads to backyard with a compatible wood door.

Section 4. That the designation of the Property as a Historic Resource for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources and entering into a Mills Act contract with the Property owner is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14 CCR Sections 15331 (preservation of historic resources) and 15308 (actions by regulatory agencies for protection of the environment).

Adopted this _______ day of __________________________, 2024. ______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
City Clerk
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3 STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.

CITY OF GLENDALE )
I, SUZIE ABAJIAN, Ph.D., Clerk of the City of Glendale, certify that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Council of the City of Glendale, California, at a regular meeting held on the ______day of _________, 2024, and that same was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
_________________________
City Clerk
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MOTION
Moved by Council Member ____________________________, seconded by Council Member ____________________________, that upon review and consideration of all documents, materials and exhibits relative to the request of the owner of record of the residential property located at 1504 Bel Aire Drive (the “Property”) to list the Property on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources, and after having conducted a public hearing on said request and receiving testimony, the City Council of the City of Glendale, California, based upon all of the evidence in the record, hereby denies the request of the owner of record of the Property to list the Property on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.20.060 of the Glendale Municipal Code and denies the request of the owner of record of the Property to authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract with the Property owner. This denial is based on the Council’s determination, pursuant to Glendale Municipal Code Sections 15.20.050 and 15.20.060, that, based on information in the record, the Property is not eligible for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources because it does not meet any of the criteria enumerated in Glendale Municipal Code Section 15.20.050.

Vote as Follows:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
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1504 BEL AIRE DRIVE

GLENDALE

Former Address: 1504 Tenth Street (1926-1934)

Style: French Period Revival (Norman)

Year of Completion: 1926

Original Building Permit: #15599, issued by the City of Glendale on January 9, 1926 for a two-story, ten-room residence and garage.

A copy of this permit is attached on page 11.

Cost to Build: $15,000—a larger-than-average amount for a new house of this size at the time.

Architect: Robert B. Stacy-Judd, Los Angeles, known for his exotic styles during a long career. Please see the attached biographical materials on pages 6 through 10.

Builder: Walter E. Warne, Los Angeles.

First Owner: John W. Roman, Los Angeles. Mr. Roman does not appear to have ever lived in the house. He may have built it on speculation. He only lived in Los Angeles for three years (1925 to 1927) during which time City directories identified him as a “builder.” Mr. Roman was untraceable in the usual biographical sources, including the census and Ancestry.com.

Other Building Permits: Work on the sewer occurred in August 1930.

Work on the furnace took place in September 1932.

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2 Termite-damage repairs were permitted in April 1936, costing $80. Damaged hardwood floors were replaced.

A permit was issued in August 1937 to build a 240-linear-foot stucco fence and a concrete incinerator and to install an 8-inch-thick patio floor. The owner would serve as his own contractor for these projects, totaling $500.

A roof repair using wood shingles was completed in February 1969, costing $300.

In January 1970, a new 137,000-BTU forced-air heating unit was installed, replacing the old gravity furnace.

The house was re-roofed with medium shakes in March 1970 at a cost of $3,800.

Also that month, the sewer connection was replaced.

A chimney was to be repaired for $500 according to a permit issued in December 1971. Otto Nass of Arcadia was the contractor.

The City contacted the owner in October 1986 regarding code violations.

Roof flashing was replaced in May 1996, costing $600. The house was re-roofed with Class A materials in July 1996 at a cost of $27,000.

Copies of some of these permits are attached on pages 12 through 17.

(Note: Permits for very minor alterations, such as water heater replacement, are not included.

Also not included are permits missing from the file or whose microfilmed or digital copies are indecipherable and not otherwise recorded or described in Assessor’s records.)

Assessor’s Records: The Los Angeles County Assessor first visited the property on October 28, 1926 and recorded a single 1 ½ -story residence and garage. The house had a raised concrete foundation, wood-frame walls covered in plaster, a high-pitched shingled roof with six gables, and plaster and wood trim. Heat was provided by a fireplace and a two-unit gas furnace with twelve registers. There were seventeen “good”-quality plumbing fixtures. Lighting fixtures were referred to as “extra special.” Plaster with a “jazz” finish was the primary interior finish.

There were ten hardwood floors and “cathedral ceilings.” The Assessor rated the construction of the house as “special”—the highest category available on the Assessor’s form.

The Assessor estimated the square footage at 3,003. On the first floor were an entry hall, two living rooms (one was probably a dining room), three bedrooms, three tiled bathrooms, a kitchen with a tile drain-board, a butler’s pantry, and a breakfast room. The second floor contained a hall, two bedrooms, and one tiled bathroom. There was also a basement that measured approximately ten by eleven feet and was six feet deep. Another section of the basement measured five by eight feet. There was also a detached garage on the property measuring approximately twenty feet square. It had a flat roof.

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3 The Los Angeles County Assessor still currently estimates the square footage of the house at 3,003 with five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Copies of the Assessor’s building records are attached on pages 18 through 22. The house foot- print on the earliest record is unfortunately not very clear.

Other Owners and Residents: 1504 Tenth Street is listed for the first time in the 1929 Glendale city directory. It was described as “vacant.”

In the early to mid-1930s the property was owned first by the Golden State Security Company and later by the Capital Company.

In 1930 the residents were Frank M. Staplatch, an insurance employee, and his wife Gladys Staplatch.

The residents by 1933 were Robert Alexander, a furniture dealer, and his wife Marian Alexander.

The house was vacant in 1935 and 1936.

Albert I. Wand and his wife Mabelle I. Wand were the residents by 1937. Mr. Wand was manager of the L. Mundet Cork Corporation. It was one of the leading cork product companies in the United States and had branches in several cities. Mrs. Wand was active in the Women’s Democratic League.

In 1949, Ida Newton Black became the owner. The next year she was replaced by Mrs. Marguerite Black James, a native of Texas and the widow of a policeman. She shared her home with her brother C. Vance Black, a census supervisor, and their mother and aunt.

Mrs. James was active in the Women’s Luncheon Club.

The next owner, in 1970, was Joseph (Joe) John Micciche. Mr. Micciche worked in the public relations field and in radio broadcasting.

The owner as of early 2023 was 2201 West Victory LLC.

The current owners are Timothy H. Scully and Marian Cassette Scully. The house was said to have been vacant for twenty years before Mr. and Mrs. Scully bought the property in May 2023.

Note: The impending construction of the Roman house was announced in the January 15, 1926 issue of the Southwest Builder and Contractor, a weekly journal of the construction trade. It was described as a two-story, ten-room frame and stucco dwelling with a “shake roof, hardwood floors, hardwood and pine trim, automatic water heater, gas unit heating system, tile baths and sink, ornamental iron, garage [and] lawn sprinkler system.” A copy of the announcement can be found on page 5.

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4 Sources:

City of Glendale, Building Department
Los Angeles County Assessor (Sylmar district office)
Los Angeles Public Library
University of Southern California, Architecture and Fine Arts Library

Gebhard, David and Robert Winter. An Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles, 6th ed.

Santa Monica, Angel City Press, 2018.

McAlester, Virginia Savage. A Field Guide to American Houses. 2nd ed.

New York, Knopf, 2013.

City Directories: 1926-

Southwest Builder and Contractor: January 15, 1926

Internet Resources, including California Index, California Death Index, Gale Biography Master Index, Ancestry.com, and Historic Los Angeles Times Database.

Tim Gregory
The Building Biographer
400 East California Blvd., #3
Pasadena, CA 91106-3763
626-792-7465 (office)
626-241-4471 (cell)
[email protected]
www.buildingbiographer.com

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5 Southwest Builder and Contractor
January 15, 1926

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6 ROBERT B. STACY-JUDD
Architect

Remembered today mostly for his exotic pre-Columbian designs of the 1920s, Robert Benjamin Stacy-Judd also became adept at other styles during his long career. Born in London, England on June 21, 1884, he studied at Acton College, Regent’s Street Polytechnic Institute, South Kensington Science and Art Institute, and the Southend Technical Institute, all in England. It was from the latter institution that he received certificates in architecture and advanced building design and construction. As a student, he won First Prize in the Mayoral Architectural Design Competition. As part of his education, he served a four-year apprenticeship with James Thompson, an architect with offices in both London and Southend. Mr. Stacy-Judd’s first professional job, in 1905, was as architect with the surveying department of the Great Northern Railway Company of London. Between 1907 and 1908 he was the architect in charge of grounds of the Franco-British Exposition. In 1909, Mr. Stacy-Judd set himself up in private practice and would remain self-employed for the rest of his long career. His first offices were in Eastbourne and Ventnor where he not only practiced architecture, but also served as editor of the Eastbourne and Sussex Society Journal and Short Story Time Table and was the proprietor of a movie theater!

Immigrating to Minot, North Dakota in 1914, Mr. Stacy-Judd became the supervisor of housing projects for the U.S. Emergency Fleet Corps in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan. After World War I, in 1919, he moved to Edmonton, Canada where he stayed until 1922. In that year, he relocated to Southern California and, for many years, lived and worked at 5039 Whitsett Avenue in North Hollywood. He became a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1928 and was also active in Architects of the San Fernando Valley of which he served as president in 1950. He became a naturalized citizen in 1935. Known as a bit of an eccentric, Mr. Stacy-Judd cultivated many other artistic interests besides architecture, as evidenced by the other organizations to which he belonged, among them: the Eugene Field Society for Literary Works (honorary life member), the National Society of Arts & Letters, Pacific Geological Society, International Adventurers, the Knife and Fork, and the Green Lampers (a music, art, and travel club). In his spare time, Mr. Stacy-Judd also wrote plays and creative essays.

Mr. Stacy-Judd was extremely well-traveled, having visited most of the countries in Europe, Canada, all 48 states, the Yucatan area of Mexico, and Central America, particularly Guatemala where he conducted expeditions into the jungle. It was in that region of the world that he developed his enthusiasm for pre-Columbian architecture, especially styles which he defined as “Aztec” or “Mayan.” He was recognized as an authority on the subject, lecturing in-person (sometimes in Mayan costume) and on radio and writing published books and articles. Among his book titles: The Ancient Mayas (1934); Atlantis: Mother of Empires (1940), in which he theorized that the Mayan people were linked to the lost continent; A Maya Manuscript (1940); and Kabah (1951) which described his expeditions to the Yucatan. He also wrote about pre- Columbian architecture for professional journals as well as articles for national newspapers that were a veritable public relations (and self-promotional) campaign for his revolutionary ideas on design.

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7 During World War II, Mr. Stacy-Judd is said to have helped Howard Hughes with plans for his giant “Spruce Goose” seaplane. He also patented the “American Cottage”–a prefabricated building made of pre-cast concrete panels that could be rapidly erected. Robert Stacy-Judd continued his career into the 1950s and was still designing buildings while in his 70s. Upon his death in Canoga Park on February 10, 1975 at the age of 90, his obituary in the Los Angeles Times described him as an “architect-explorer.” Twice-divorced, he was survived only by a niece. Most of his papers, including plans and specifications, were donated to the University Art Museum at the University of California, Santa Barbara. David Gebhard, architectural historian at the University, referred to “offbeat” Mr. Stacy-Judd as “the high priest of Mayan Revival.”

Until 1952, Mr. Stacy-Judd preferred working in pre-Columbian motifs, feeling that they were the most indigenous to North America and should form the basis of a true national style, especially in the southwest. Some of his unusual and eye-catching projects that reflected this interest:

Empire Theatre, Edmonton, Canada (1921)–in association with W. P. Major Aztec Hotel, northwest corner Magnolia and Foothill, Monrovia (1924)–one of his most flamboyant and famous designs
Village of Krotona Institute of Theosophy, Ojai (1924)
Soboba Hot Springs Hotel, San Jacinto (1925)–a mixture of Pueblo Revival and Indian tepees
Worrel House, 710 Adelaide Avenue, Santa Monica (1926)–referred to as “Zuni” by the architect
La Jolla Beach and Yacht Club (1926)
First Baptist Church, Ventura (1930)–a combination of Mayan and Art Deco motifs
Atwater Bungalows, 1431 and 1433 Avon Park Terrace, Los Angeles (1931)–a romantic Pueblo Revival
Masonic Temple, 5122 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood (1952)–described as Egypto/Mayan/Moderne; designed in association with J. Alleck Murrey

In order to survive financially, especially after the onset of the Great Depression, Mr. Stacy-Judd could not rely on the limited market for his more exotic designs. (In fact, many of his Mayan projects were never built.) He became quite proficient in other styles as well, from English Tudor to Spanish Colonial Revival. For much of his career he was able to design successfully in all the popular styles of the day, including post-war modern. However, according to architectural historians, almost all of his works exhibited some exoticism or unique quaintness.

Among his non-pre-Columbian works:

Sisson House, northwest corner 6th and Hudson, Los Angeles (1926)–in a Norman English style, with “many odd moments to be encountered,” according to Gebhard & Winter
Beni-Hasan Theater, Arcadia, in the style of an Egyptian ruin (1928–never built?) Philosophical Research Society, Los Angeles (1955)
Building for Orchard Gables Sanitarium, Hollywood (1955) North Hollywood Hospital (1957)
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8 Sources:

American Architects Directory, 1956 and 1962.

Gebhard, David and Robert Winter. An Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles.

Salt Lake City, Gibbs-Smith, 2003.

Gebhard, David. “Robert Stacy-Judd: Architecture’s High Priest of the Mayan Revival” in Architectural Digest, October 1996.

Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects, vol. 4.

Stacy-Judd, Robert B. “Maya Architecture: Architect, Explorer Replies to Critic” in Architect & Engineer, February 1936.

Who Was Who in America, vol. 7.

Los Angeles Times: February 13, 1975

Tim Gregory
The Building Biographer
400 East California Blvd., #3
Pasadena, CA 91106-3763
626-792-7465
[email protected]
www.buildingbiographer.com

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9 Who Was Who in America, vol. 7
p. 541

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View of north and west façades, looking southeast
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View of north (primary) façade, looking south
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View of north façade, looking southwest
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View of east wing, looking southeast
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View of east façade, looking west
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View of west façade and south elevation of north wing, looking northeast 71 of 179

View of south and west façades, looking north
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Detail of arched primary door
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Driveway and south façade of garage, looking north
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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA ITEM
Report: 3235 Cornwall Drive: Consideration of Glendale Register Nomination and Request for a Mills Act Historic Property Contract.

2. Motion to deny the request of the property owner to designate the residential property at 3235 Cornwall Drive as a historic resource in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources.

COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Public Hearing
Approved for November 12, 2024 calendar

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The owner of 3235 Cornwall Drive requests that the City Council designate/list the property in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources and authorize a Mills Act historical property contract. The Midcentury Modern post-and-beam house was built in 1961 for Mrs. Sylvia Porter. Based on a field visit to the property, information on the property obtained from City records, staff research, and the nomination and historical documentation submitted by the owners (Exhibit 1), the property appears to meet the criteria for eligibility to the Glendale Register of Historic Resources under Criterion 3.

On June 20, 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed the nomination and voted unanimously (4-0) to recommend to the City Council that the property at 3235 Cornwall Drive be listed in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources as the “Porter House,” and that the City Manager be authorized to enter into a Mills Act historic property contract with the property owner, including the work conditions approved by the commission, under Section 15.20.070A of the Glendale Municipal Code.
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RECOMMENDATION
That City Council vote to list the property in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act historic property contract, with the conditions approved by HPC, between the City and the property owner under Section 15.20.070A of the Glendale Municipal Code.

BACKGROUND
Historical Background
3235 Cornwall Drive is a one-story, single-family residence, located in the Chevy Chase Canyon neighborhood. The residence is located in the Sicomoro Cañon Tract, which was recorded in 1927. The property is an excellent example of Modern-style post-and- beam construction that gained popularity in postwar WWII era. 3235 Cornwall Drive was designed by Frank B. Wilson in 1961 for Mrs. Sylvia C. Porter.

Frank Burton Wilson was born in Savannah, Georgia, in 1919. By 1920, his family moved to Illinois, where he eventually became a well-known building contractor. After serving as a staff sergeant in the US Army in World War II, he returned to the United States and became a building draftsman. By 1950, Wilson, his wife Harryette, and daughter Susan were living in South Pasadena. Wilson established a private practice at 2655 Mission Street and in 1961 he joined the Southern California Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Wilson’s other work includes the 1965 residence of film director Herschel Daugherty at 3346 Beverly Ranch in Beverly Hills, the Howard Caterson residence at 1508 Paseo del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates, and the 1970 design of the 517-apartment Miraleste development in San Pedro Hills. Per the application, the architect also designed a post office in Beverly Hills in 1948, but staff research did not corroborate this information. The application notes that Frank Wilson is said to have designed two other similar houses in Glendale; 3160 Linda Vista Road (1948), which was lost to a fire in 2011, and 3161 Buckingham Road (1955). However, the identity of the architect is missing from the permits and staff has not found additional research to verify this information. Staff research discovered that Wilson also designed the 1961 Plaza Motor Hotel in San Pedro in the Modern style.

The postwar era was characterized by economic growth and development, and a focus on the importance of housing, as the overwhelming number of returning veterans resulted in a housing shortage. Contemporary post-and-beam construction became popularized by a group of young architects from the USC School of Architecture as a response to this housing crisis since post-and-beam structural systems were simple to build and inexpensive. The integration of expansive panels of glass and open plans made small houses appear larger and blurred the lines between indoor and outdoor to take advantage of California’s climate. While the residence’s architectural style is indicative of the broader architectural style and cultural movements of postwar America, the information provided by the application and additional staff research does not indicate that the residence is associated with any important events in national, state, or city history, and does not exemplify significant contributions to the broad cultural, political, economic, social, or historic heritage of the nation, state, or city. Therefore, the residence does not appear eligible under Criterion 1.
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Sylvia Porter was born in New York in 1911 to Aaron Mitchel Porter, a self-employed printer who immigrated to the United Stated from Odessa, Russia. She briefly attended the University of California, Berkley in 1929. Porter married at least three times and had a son with her second husband. Her third husband, Robert B. Conover, was employed in Glendale as a mechanic for the Packer Motor Company. By the time she moved into her residence at 3235 Cornwell Drive, she was already divorced from Mr. Conover.

After the divorce, she worked as a secretary for Bown & Bowen, Inc, a Los Angeles- based professional engineering firm and continued to own the home until 1980, selling it to D.A. Mackinson. The current owner, Graeme Whifler, bought the house in 1994. He is a retired filmmaker and photographer who worked closely with the art rock band The Residents during the 1970s and 80s. Neither Sylvia C. Porter nor the other owners appear to have made many significant contributions to the history of Glendale or the region, and therefore the property does not appear eligible under Criterion 2. Mrs.

Porter’s biographical information of interest is included in the nomination.

Based on information in the nomination, attached to this report as Exhibit 1 and incorporated by reference, HPC found the property eligible under Criterion 3 as detailed in the “Findings of Eligibility” section below. HPC recommends that, in accordance with the City’s naming protocol, the house be called the Porter House.

Architectural Description
The residence is located at the northwest side of Cornwall Drive, a curvilinear street located in Chevy Chase Canyon. The property is accessed by a down-sloped driveway accessed off Cornwall Drive neighboring single-family residential properties. It is surrounded by mature landscaping and is only somewhat visible from Cornwall Drive and Linda Vista Drive. A seasonal stream runs along the low side of the lot along Linda Vista.

The single-story residence is designed using post-and-beam wood construction, which is clearly expressed at all façades. A layer of complexity is added to the rectilinear volumes of the house by the roof. The primary roof has a dual-pitch form, with a very steep pitch and short run at the north establishing the ridgeline from which the remaining roof gently slopes downward. This form is reminiscent of some Googie-style roofs around Los Angeles, as well as the designs of some of the area’s noted mid- century architects. This roof covers the primary living spaces while two flat roofs cover the bedroom areas to the north. All of these feature wide overhanging eaves supported by exposed beams. Exterior wall finishes include full-height glass panels, often shaped to follow the sloping roofline, large-scale concrete blocks that are integrated in the interior space at several locations, and vertical tongue-and-groove wood siding. The concrete blocks include a solid style and one with a repetitive ornamental pattern that is a dominating feature of the residence. In 1963, the Los Angeles County Assessor visited the property and recorded a one-story single-family residence with a carport, a covered entry porch, and a trellised area in front of the original carport. The original carport located at the second bay of the west elevation has been enclosed using black frame sliding doors and vertical tongue and groove siding at the south and west 91 of 179

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elevations to create an office and the trellised portion was roofed over to create a new two-car carport. The date of this work is uncertain, but it meshes well with the original building forms and materials, as seen at the original exterior storage cabinets, which were retained and are now accessed from the office at the original carport location.

The primary entrance located at the west elevation is a recessed double wood slab door with sidelights on either side. It is accessed by a flagstone porch entry that continues into the interior space. Similarly, the ornamental concrete block located to the west of the primary entrance also continues into the interior space. A low flagstone planter wraps around the west and south elevations and extends into the carport. This stone is different than the entry area’s and may reflect a later alteration. A wood slab door provides access to the carport from the living room at the south interior elevation. A wood slab door and clear anodized steel frame sliding doors located under an exposed outrigger beam at the rear (east) elevation provide access to the rear yard from the open concept living room and kitchen. Clear anodized steel frame sliding doors also provide views and access to the rear yard at the east elevation from the primary bedroom.

Notable character-defining features of 3235 Cornwall Drive include:
•Single-story horizontal massing
•Rectangular plan comprised of three offset rectilinear forms •Flat and sloped roof forms with wide eave overhangs, exposed beams, exposed roof decks, and clerestory windows
•Recessed entryway with double slab entry doors, fixed sidelights and step-up flagstone porch supported by single beam
•Concrete slab foundation
•Vast expanses of full-height single-pane glass panels
•Clear anodized aluminum sliding doors and windows
•Jalousie windows
•Solid concrete block walls
•Concrete block walls with repetitive geographic elements integrated between interior and exterior spaces
•Vertical tongue-and-groove siding
•Open carport with exposed beams, square wood posts
•Numerous oak trees throughout the property
Alterations and Integrity
The residence at 3235 Cornwall Drive retains a high degree of integrity with only a few generally compatible alterations since 1961. Permits were issued in 1980 for the construction of a spa and deck, which have since been removed. In 1995, seven skylights were installed. Skylights are often found on post-and-beam residences, either as original or added features to provide more natural lighting without significantly 92 of 179

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altering the overall form of the residence. At an unknown time, the original two-car carport was apparently enclosed to create an office space and the original trellised cover in front of the carport was roofed over to create a two-car carport in front of the original carport. This work was done in a manner that is slightly differentiated from the original structure with the use of a slightly lighter stained vertical tongue and groove siding and black sliding doors. The enclosure of the carport and addition do not impact the integrity of the property because the massing, structure, materials, workmanship, and design of the residence are retained. At some point, siding that emulates vertical wood siding was added at the west (front) elevation to box out the eaves above the entry area. This work is inappropriate and should be removed. Finally, the current owner recently had roof insulation installed on top of the roof deck. The use of exterior insulation on post-and-beam roofs has become common and, in this case, the material is tapered over the eaves to limit its visibility from the ground.

HPC therefore recommends the following Mills Act conditions:

1. Remove siding box under the eave at the west (front) elevation above the recessed entry.

2. Reglaze the fixed window openings that were covered by this work to bring the area closer to its original appearance.

3. Repair/replace broken stones at the flagstone planter at west and south elevations.

4. Repair the deteriorated outrigger beam at the east (rear) elevation near the rear door.

ANALYSIS
Finding of Eligibility
After reviewing the nomination submitted by the owner and its supporting documentation, as well as visiting the site, HPC concludes that the property appears to meet Criterion 3 of the eligibility criteria for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources.

Architectural Significance [Criterion 3]
To meet Criterion 3, a property must “embody the distinctive and exemplary characteristics of an architectural style, architectural type, period, or method of construction; or represent a notable work of a master designer, builder or architect whose genius influenced his or her profession; or possess high artistic values.”
3235 Cornwall Drive is an excellent example of mid-20th century Modern architectural design utilizing post-and-beam construction. The residence was designed by Frank B. Wilson, whose other known Modern-style residential designs suggest he was an architect of some interest. The residence includes many characteristic features of the architectural style, such as the use of large expanses of full-height glass panels, wood posts, exposed beams, vertical tongue and groove siding, and concrete block. The concrete block that runs 93 of 179

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continuously from the exterior to the interior has an unusual, repetitive ornamental pattern. In addition, the dual-slope form of the primary roof is consistent with the flair and expressive quality of some higher-design buildings of the era but is not something found at most other Modern-style homes in Glendale. The property retains high integrity of materials, design, workmanship, location, setting, association, and feeling.

STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
There are no stakeholders other than the property owner.

CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
The names and business addresses of the members of the board of directors, the chairperson, CEO, COO, CFO, Subcontractors and any person or entity with more than 10% interest in the company proposed for contract in this Agenda Item Report are attached in Exhibit 4, in accordance with the City Campaign Finance Ordinance No. 5744.

ALTERNATIVES
Alternative 1: Not designate/list 3235 Cornwall Drive on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources, finding that the property does not meet Criterion 3 or any other criteria and not authorize a Mills Act contract.

Alternative 2: Any other alternative not proposed by staff.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Prepared by:

Ani Mnatsakanyan, Planner
Reviewed by:

Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
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Approved By:

Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager

EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1: Glendale Register Nomination
Exhibit 2: Photographs
Exhibit 3: Mills Act Application
Exhibit 4: Campaign Disclosure
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1 RESOLUTION NO. _____________

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA, TO DESIGNATE THE RESIDENTIAL
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3235 CORNWALL DRIVE AS A

HISTORIC RESOURCE ON THE GLENDALE REGISTER OF

HISTORIC RESOURCES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER

TO ENTER INTO A MILLS ACT HISTORICAL PROPERTY

CONTRACT
WHEREAS, the owner of record of the residential property located at 3235 Cornwall Drive (the “Property”) has consented to, and requests that the Property be designated as a historic resource on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.20.060 of the Glendale Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission, at a regularly scheduled meeting on June 20, 2024, recommended designation of the Property for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources by a unanimous vote of 4-0; and WHEREAS, the City Council has conducted a duly noticed public hearing pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.20.060 of the Glendale Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Glendale, pursuant to Sections

15.20.050 and 15.20.060, finds based on information in the record that the Property, to be known as the “Porter House,” is eligible for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources because it qualifies under Criterion 3 (embodies the distinctive and exemplary characteristics of an architectural style, architectural type, period, or method of construction; or represent a notable work of a master designer, builder or architect whose genius influenced his or her profession; or possess high artistic values) in that it is an excellent example of mid-20th century Modern architectural design utilizing post-and-beam construction; the residence was designed by Frank B. Wilson, whose other known Modern- style residential designs suggest he was an architect of some interest; the residence includes many characteristic features of the architectural style, such as the use of large expanses of full-height glass panels, wood posts, exposed beams, vertical tongue and groove siding, and concrete block; the concrete block that runs continuously from the exterior to the interior has an unusual, repetitive ornamental pattern, and, in addition, the dual-slope form of the primary roof is consistent with the flair and expressive quality of some higher-design buildings of the era but is not something found at most other Modern-style homes in Glendale; the property retains high integrity of materials, design, workmanship, location, setting, association, and feeling, as further described in the November 12, 2024 Staff Report regarding the Property; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Glendale further finds that because the Property qualifies for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources that entering into a Mills Act contract with the Property owner is appropriate based on all of the information in the record.
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2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The recitals above are incorporated herein by this reference.

Section 2. That the property located at 3235 Cornwall Drive is to be designated as a historic resource in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources.

Section 3. That the City Manager is authorized to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract with the Property owner subject to the following conditions:

1. Remove siding box under the eave at the west (front) elevation above the recessed entry.

2. Reglaze the fixed window openings that were covered by this work to bring the area closer to its original appearance.

3. Repair/replace broken stones at the flagstone planter at west and south elevations.

4. Repair the deteriorated outrigger beam at the east (rear) elevation near the rear door.

Adopted this _______ day of __________________________, 2024. ______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
City Clerk
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3 STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
_________________________
City Clerk
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MOTION
Moved by Council Member ____________________________, seconded by Council Member ____________________________, that upon review and consideration of all documents, materials and exhibits relative to the request of the owner of record of the residential property located at 3235 Cornwall Drive (the “Property”) to list the Property on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources, and after having conducted a public hearing on said request and receiving testimony, the City Council of the City of Glendale, California, based upon all of the evidence in the record, hereby denies the request of the owner of record of the Property to list the Property on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.20.060 of the Glendale Municipal Code and denies the request of the owner of record of the Property to authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract with the Property owner. This denial is based on the Council’s determination, pursuant to Glendale Municipal Code Sections 15.20.050 and 15.20.060, that, based on information in the record, the Property is not eligible for listing on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources because it does not meet any of the criteria enumerated in Glendale Municipal Code Section 15.20.050.

Vote as Follows:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
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1 Glendale Historic Resource Application - Addendum
3235 Cornwall Drive, Glendale, California
Supplementary materials submitted by Graeme Whifler, homeowner.

November 6, 2023

Summary Paragraph:

The Sylvia C. Porter house, located at 3235 Cornwall Drive in Glendale, CA is a one-story post- and-beam wood, masonry, and glass building of roughly 1,500-square-feet sited next to a creek.

Floor to ceiling post framed glass walls lining the front living room and floor to ceiling glass sliders spanning the back allow for the movement of natural light throughout the day as well as panoramic views of the forested surroundings. The building has undergone few modifications since construction in 1961 and its largely unaltered condition retains high historical integrity.

Materials:

Principal exterior materials of the property: Foundation: reinforced concrete; Floor: reinforced concrete slab; Walls: vertical tongue-and-groove wood siding, unusual concrete block, post-and- beam glass walls; Chimney: concrete block; Roof: tongue-and-groove wood topped with polyurethane foam.
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2 Narrative Description:

Site
The house is situated on a rectangular parcel approximately 20,961-square-feet in area. The parcel is bordered to the east by a blue-lined stream, Linda Vista Creek (as we call it) that runs parallel to Linda Vista Road. On the west it is bordered by Cornwall Drive. The house is located downslope from Cornwall Drive on a flat stretch of land next to Linda Vista Creek at the bottom of Linda Vista Canyon which lies within the eastern portion of Chevy Chase Canyon.

The surrounding Chase Canyon, a rich riparian oak woodland, is the largest canyon in the San Rafael Hills and originally home to an indigenous people’s village. It later became Canon de Sicomoro and was part of the original Verdugo Land Grant from the King of Spain. In the eighteen hundreds, gold and silver were mined in the Canyon. In the early nineteen hundreds, the canyon was a private game preserve for the Doheny family and in the 1920’s it was developed by Bert Farrar into the residential community it is today.

Overall, the parcel is rustic and wooded. The sloping east and south sides feature several 200- year-old oak trees, a hodgepodge of pittosporum trees, eugenias, and camellias. To the north are a line of mature Chinese elms. The east features oaks, yuccas, a eucalyptus cinerea, bamboo, pine, cedars, and oleanders, plus wild natives like poison oak. An ivy groundcover blankets most of the parcel. Topography combined with uncultivated foliage provide the house a secluded park-like setting.

The house is a single-story, single-family building that consists of three simple offset rectilinear forms. The front elevation of the house is set far back from Cornwall Drive and faces Linda Vista Creek and Road. An approximately 400-foot driveway leads from the southeast corner of the parcel at Cornwall Drive downslope encircling the north side of the home and terminates past the front door into a two-car carport at the southeast corner of the house.

Exterior
Spanning a gentle down slope of approximately 6 ft. from the north edge of the pad to the south edge lengthwise, the house appears to cling low to the ground. This effect is produced by two design elements. First, the continuous slab floor lies a few feet below grade on the north and a few above on the south. Second, the north third of the house has a flat roof, the south two- thirds has a sloping roof that accents the cant of the land. Below the flat roof north section are the house’s two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Beneath the larger sloping southern roof are the living room, dining room, kitchen, carport, and home office.

The front entry is defined by an expansive overhang extended out from the northern flat roof that covers a flagstone porchway. A double front door is flanked by a floor-to-ceiling glass living room wall on the right, and on the left by a narrow glass sidelight set directly into a decorative patterned masonry wall that extends into the living room.

The entry is a signature display of the decorative version of a rare if not unique mortarless concrete block material used throughout this house. Like the decorative herringbone block, the matching plane-style of mortarless concrete block system employed even more extensively in 107 of 179

3 the structure is likewise highly unusual not only for its dimensions but also for its circular channels for concrete reinforcement. After extensive nationwide research, no manufacturer, no photo, nor other structure has been linked to this material. The block remains a mystery. (see Block Detail photos 1-3)

-The internal circular channels are very reminiscent of the ‘Usonian Automatic’ textile block system that Frank Lloyd Wright had used from 1923 onwards.1 - I’m not familiar with this specific block, but it is very interesting. It’s possible that they were a bespoke product made specifically for the house?2
- Well, I am stumped. I have never seen this before… and I cannot find it in any of the advertising literature I’ve collected over the years.3
- Have never seen it4
- I just sent your email and photos to a concrete expert friend to see if she has any thoughts.5 - I’m afraid we don’t have anything in our resource library that would be helpful to you.

Katie E. Horak6
- That concrete block is extremely interesting. I've not seen anything like it before, unfortunately.7
- I do not have any information about this unusual concrete block.

Good luck with the hunt!8
- No, I haven’t seen this block before. It is quite unusual,9 - Thank you for reaching out, unfortunately, I have never seen these blocks before. I also spoke with a few members of my crew who have been in the restriction business for over 25 years, and they have never seen them. You have quite a mystery on your hands!10 - There were almost a dozen major block manufacturers operating in California during the era...

The rectangular blocks, with the coffered edges, are certainly elegantly formed… The late 50s and 60s were a particularly creative time in the concrete industry and architects were encouraged to come up with the "next great thing.”11

Moving from the decorative concrete block entry wall, almost the entire north section under the flat roof is enclosed by the plane version of the same rare mortarless block, punctuated with framed and louvered glass. A wall of glass sliders, and a brief section of vertical tongue-and- groove wood siding complete the flat roofed north section. The extensive use of concrete block facilitated constructing a portion of the north section a few feet below grade.

The west side, or the rear side of the house is set back 75 feet from Cornwall Street above has the entire walls of the kitchen, dining room, and bedroom composed of floor to ceiling glass.

Seclusion from the street is provided by vegetation and by being located steeply downslope. A deep overhang from both the flat and sloped provides further screening.

1 Simeon Wilkie, BEng, Ph. D Associate Scientist, Built Heritage Research Getty Conservation Institute 2 Ibid.
3 Heather David, DOCOMOMNoCal, author of books on MCM Bay Area 4 George Smart, HAIA, CEO. USMODERNIST Durham NC
5 Robert Jay Chattel, AIA, President Chattel, Inc. | Historic Preservation Consultants, Sherman Oaks, CA 6 Katie E. Horak, Principal ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP 7 Christina Varvi, MSHP, F-AIC, APT‑RP President & Co-Chief Conservator RLA Conservation, Los Angeles • Miami
8 David Weinstein, author and journalist
9 Alan Hess. Architect, Irvine, CA
10 Dustin Coad, President of The Kaptive Family of Companies. Los Angeles, CA 11 Ron & Barbara, authors of Concrete Screen Block: The Power of Pattern 108 of 179

4 Under the same sloping roof line, but three feet lower, the carport and office room at the southern end are separated from the rest of the house by a wall of living room glass, and from the dining room by the recurring mortarless concrete block.

Interior
The exterior decorative concrete block wall and the flagstone flooring extend through the entranceway into the interior whereupon the house’s signature design elements are revealed.

At the heart and core of the house is a massive freestanding decorative concrete block structure trimmed with sandstone masonry around which the living room, dining room, and kitchen flow.

Within this block column that extends about the roofline, a fireplace and hearth open to both the living and dining rooms. In the kitchen a gas barbeque is recessed into the central block structure which houses clay flue chimneys for both the barbeque and the living room fireplace.

The structure with its unique decorative concrete block gives definition to the three living spaces that are otherwise free flowing.

Around this masonry core, surrounding floor to ceiling glass walls of the kitchen, dining room, and living room creates the seamless transition between the warm interior and wooded exterior.

Post-and-beam, another signature modern design element, is on bold view entering the house.

Nothing structural is hidden, from the two large central weight bearing beams, the tongue-and- grove 2X6 roofing, to the supporting posts that also serve to frame floor to ceiling glass.

Another major reveal upon entering the house is the convergence of the flat and sloping roofs.

The low flat portion covering the bed and bathrooms ends as the pitched roof tops at twelve feet on the northern edge of flowing living room, dining room, kitchen, then slopes down to 9 ft at the southern edge of the central common area.

The overall composition of the central core is a sophisticated synthesis of wood, masonry, and glass elements that express the individual attributes of each material with great clarity, warmth, and respect for the human scale of the occupants.

The smaller bedroom on the eastern side has a slightly subterranean illusion created by looking out at the nearby driveway that is above floor level. The large bedroom’s east wall is entirely glass. A bathroom connected to the bedroom has a built-in sunken bathtub with shower.

The sloping roof line continues over the two-car attached carport which opens on the west and south sides. The small office room off the carport features two walls with glass sliders and a wood burning stove.

The design, construction, and detailing of the house unmistakably reflect the highly original thinking of an architect and an uncommon interest in how components and systems can be combined to achieve rational and harmonious solutions.

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5 Alterations
The house undergone few significant alterations or remodeling since it’s construction except as follows. In the kitchen ceramic tiles replaced linoleum floors and Formica counters along with a updated wall oven, cooktop, and dishwasher. The small bathroom had a 1970’s update with a Victorian vanity and vinyl floors. The carport was expanded to provide for a small home office.

The exterior masonry, wood, and glass are untouched and original. Glass skylights were framed into the tongue-and-groove roof.

Integrity
Location: The building occupies its original location.

Setting: The neighborhood’s setting of single-family residential buildings has changed little since 1961.

Design: Frank B. Wilson, original design remains intact.

Materials: With very minor exception, such as the use of non-historic or substitute materials for making necessary adjustments for appliance upgrades, ordinary repairs, and conducting periodic maintenance, original materials and finishes of the house are intact.

Workmanship: The workmanship that created this house has not been altered or otherwise compromised.

Feeling: The feeling that belongs to or has long been associated with this historic mid-century modernist house is intact.

Association: The original location, a largely unchanged setting, the intact design, the presence of original materials and finishes, the absence of evidently altered or compromised workmanship, and the definitive feeling of mid-century, modernist design and construction strongly present in this house satisfy the aspect of association with a high level of integrity.

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6 Mortarless Concrete Block Detail Photos
Block Detail photo #1 – Decorative herringbone mortarless concrete block wall.

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7 Block Detail photo #2 – Plane-style concrete block wall.

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8 Block Detail photo #3 - Internal circular channels of the mortarless block.

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2 League of Women Voters. Mr. Wilson established a private practice at 2655 Mission Street and joined the Southern California Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. By the 1980s, he and his wife were living in Harbor City and his office had been relocated to the Union Bank Tower in Torrance. Mr. Wilson passed away in Anaheim at the age of 92 and is interred at the Riverside National Cemetery.

Frank Wilson is best remembered for his interpretations of the post-and-beam style which came into popularity in the 1950s. Three of his works often mentioned in the media are: the Beverly Hills Post Office (1948); a drastic remodeling in 1967 of film director Herschell Daugherty’s residence at 3346 Beverly Ranch in Beverly Hills; and the Howard Caterson residence of 1970 at 1508 Paseo del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates that featured massive open beams running through the house that extended out through glass walls. Mr. Wilson is also credited with the 1970 design of the 517-apartment Miraleste development in the San Pedro hills.

First Owner and Builder: Mrs. Sylvia C. Porter, an office bookkeeper and secretary.

She was born in New York in 1911, the daughter of Aaron Mitchel Porter, an immigrant from Odessa, Russia who was a self-employed printer. Sylvia briefly attended the University of California, Berkeley in 1929. She would marry at least three times. In the mid-1930s, she married Lee H. Murch (1876-1945), a furniture salesman from Sacramento. He was at least 35 years her senior. By 1941, Sylvia Murch was a divorcee. In that year she married James Bernard Rice (1907-1984) of Riverside. They would have a son: Bruce E. Rice (1940-2017). Divorced once again, Sylvia and her son lived in Burbank while she made a living as a cosmetics saleslady. Her third husband by the early 1950s was Robert B. Conover, born in Washington State (1907-1995) who was employed in Glendale as a mechanic for the Packer Motor Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Conover lived in Glendale.

Mrs. Porter appears to have been divorced once again by the time she moved into her Cornwall Drive home. (As many divorced women did at the time, she re-adopted her maiden name, but was still known as “Mrs.”) She was then working as a secretary for Bowen & Bowen, Inc., a Los Angeles-based professional engineering firm. Sylvia Porter passed away in 1991 at the age of 79 in Clark County, Nevada, and is interred in Las Vegas.

Although Mrs. Porter is identified on the building permit as the general contractor, the construction was probably supervised by the architect.

Other Building Permits: A water softener was installed in May 1963.

A permit was issued in April 1980 for the construction of a 370-gallon spa, to cost $4,000. The owner would serve as his own contractor.

Also in April 1980, the owner was to build a deck costing $1,000.

A permit was issued in May 1995 to add seven skylights to the house, six measuring 3 by 4 feet and one measuring 2 by 2 feet. The owner would act as his own contractor for this project, valued at $1,400.

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3 In June 2004, a septic tank was to be abandoned and the property connected to the public sewer.

Copies of some of these permits are attached on pages 7 through 12.

(Note: Permits for very minor alterations, such as water heater replacement, are not included.

Also not included are permits missing from the file or whose microfilmed or digital copies are indecipherable and not otherwise recorded or described in Assessor’s records.)

Assessor’s Records: The Los Angeles County Assessor first visited the property on July 24, 1963 and recorded a newly-constructed single one-story residence and carport. The house had a concrete-slab foundation, wood-frame walls finished in concrete block, a flat shed-like roof covered in rock with exposed beams, and aluminum sash. Heat was provided by a stone fireplace and a blower furnace. There were ten plumbing fixtures.

The Assessor estimated the square footage of the house at 1,506. It contained two living rooms (one may have been a dining room), two bedrooms, a dressing room, two tiled bathrooms, and a kitchen with built-in appliances. There was a 9-by-8-foot stone entry porch. Attached to the house was a carport that measured approximately 20 by 23 feet with storage space at one end.

In August 1980, the Assessor recorded a new fiberglass spa surrounded by non-wood decking.

The Los Angeles County Assessor currently still estimates the square footage of the house at 1,506 with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Copies of the Assessor’s building records are attached on pages 13 through 16.

Other Owners and Residents: By 1980—D. A. Mackinson

By 1995—Earlene T. Watkins, a financial company executive.

By 2004—Graeme W. Whifler

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4 Sources:

City of Glendale, Building Department
Los Angeles County Assessor (Sylmar district office)
Los Angeles Public Library

Gebhard, David and Robert Winter. An Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles, 6th ed.

Santa Monica, Angel City Press, 2018.

McAlester, Virginia Savage. A Field Guide to American Houses. 2nd ed.

New York, Knopf, 2013.

City Directories: 1961-

Internet Resources, including California Index, California Death Index, Gale Biography Master Index, Ancestry.com, and Historic Los Angeles Times Database.

Tim Gregory
The Building Biographer
400 East California Blvd., #3
Pasadena, CA 91106-3763
626-792-7465 (office)
626-241-4471 (cell)
[email protected]
www.buildingbiographer.com

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6 119 of 179

7 120 of 179

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15 128 of 179

16 129 of 179

Porter House
3235 Cornwall Drive
June 2024
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View of west (primary) façade, looking northeast
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View of residence, looking west from Cornwall Drive
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Driveway access to residence off Cornwall Drive, looking north 133 of 179

Driveway access to residence off Cornwall Drive, looking west 134 of 179

View of Linda Vista Drive from residence, looking west
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View of driveway and landscaping, looking north
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View of primary entrance, looking northeast
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View of south façade, looking northeast
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View of primary entrance, looking east
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View of south elevation and driveway, looking northwest 140 of 179

View of north façade, looking southeast
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Outrigger and exposed beams detail at east façade, looking northwest 142 of 179

Carport at south façade, looking northeast
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View of east (rear) façade, looking southwest
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View of east (rear) façade, looking northwest
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Deteriorated beam east (rear) façade, looking northwest 146 of 179

Original exterior storage cabinets, now accessed from the office at the original carport location 147 of 179

View of exterior conditions from office interior
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Light stained tongue and groove siding at right
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Enclosed carport
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View of east (rear) façade, looking northwest
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View of rear yard, looking east
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Details of solid and ornamental concrete blocks located throughout the residence 153 of 179

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“Subcontractor of applicant seeking entitlement,” includes not only the subcontracting party, but also the CEO/President, Chairperson, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, any member of the Board of Directors, and any individual or entity that owns 10% or more the subcontractor of applicant seeking entitlement, as well as any campaign committee that is sponsored and controlled by the subcontracting party. Please list the name and addresses of all of these parties.

V. Disclosure. The Applicant Seeking Entitlement has made campaign or officeholder contributions in the preceding 12 months to City of Glendale elected officials as follows:

Elected Official Name of Individual or Entity Date of Contribution None
I hereby certify, on behalf of the above-named applicant(s) and owner(s)/lessor(s), that the applicant seeking entitlement has made the campaign contributions as set forth above. I also certify that the names of all contractors of applicant and all subcontractors of applicant, as of today’s date, are fully set forth above. I further acknowledge that the applicant has a continuing obligation to update this disclosure form if the applicant selects additional or substitute architects, design professionals, contractors or subcontractors within ten (10) days of the selection or change. I hereby certify that I have been legally authorized by the applicant/owner/lessor to submit this disclosure form and certify to the content hereof.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

October 22, 2024
Executed on _________
e_n_d_a_l_e_________________, California
Graeme WhiflerApplicant’s Signature__ _______, Print Applicant’s Full Name ___________________________________ Applicant’s Address _____________________________________________________________________3235 Cornwall Dr.

Applicant’s Contact Phone Number _
Applicant’s Email Address __
__________________________________________
________________________________________

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City of Glendale, Community Development Department (9/9/11) 158 of 179

CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA ITEM
Report: Property Owner Request for a Mills Act Historical Property Contract for 2535 E.

Chevy Chase Drive (Derby House, Glendale Register No. 22)

1. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act Historical Property Contract with the owner of 2535 E. Chevy Chase Drive.

COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Public Hearing
Approved for November 12, 2024 calendar

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The owner of the single-family house at 2535 E. Chevy Chase Drive requests to enter into a Mills Act contract with the City of Glendale for the benefit of property tax savings in exchange for continued preservation of the property. The property, known as the Derby House, was listed on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources in 1997 (GR No. 22) as one of the first thirty-seven properties included at the time of the Register’s initial adoption. Listing on the register is a prerequisite for consideration of granting a Mills Act contract. The house was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

On September 19, 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) voted unanimously (3-0) to recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act contract with the property owner. The Commission also recommends that six conditions, primarily focused on waterproofing the house and the repair of several deteriorated features, be included as part of any approved contract.

Planning Division staff agrees with these recommendations.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract, with the conditions recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission, between the City and the property owner of 2535 E. Chevy Chase Drive. 159 of 179

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BACKGROUND
The Derby House was completed in 1926 and designed by architect Lloyd Wright. One of Los Angeles’ early Modernist masters, and the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, Wright developed the famous “textile block” construction system that is incorporated at portions of the Derby House. These blocks were used extensively at five earlier Frank Lloyd Wright house in Los Angeles and Pasadena on which Lloyd Wright assisted. The structural blocks are made of cast concrete with a decorative pattern that many find to be based on Mayan designs. Depending on the location, the blocks can be either solid or perforated, with the latter filtering light into the interior through windows located behind them. More planar stucco-clad walls help set off the blocks in a manner that distinguishes Lloyd Wright’s design from those of his father, which made more extensive use of the blocks. The dramatic, expressionistic character of the Derby House make it one of the most unique works of architecture in Glendale and its significance extends far beyond the city’s boundary.

The house is located in the Chevy Chase Estates subdivision that was developed by Bert Farrar. He brought Lloyd Wright onto the team he built to visualize and layout the neighborhood. An advertisement boasted that Wright, along with his father, “has constructed many of the most beautiful residences in the entire world.” The house was built for businessman John Derby and his family. Derby and is wife divorced before construction was completed and only she and their children were to live in the house.

The Derby House is one of three Lloyd Wright-designed houses in the neighborhood. It is joined by the Calori House (GR No. 23), at 3021 E. Chevy Chase Drive, which was built in 1926, and the E. R. Lewis House on Graceland Way, which has been altered but still contains distinctive features reflective of the original design. In addition to these houses, Wright produced some remarkable-looking designs for a number of other houses that were unfortunately never built.

ANALYSIS
The current owner of the Derby House is eligible for a Mills Act contract, if approved by City Council, because it was previously listed in the Glendale Register in 1997 (GMC

15.20.070A). It was one of the first thirty-seven properties included at the time of the Register’s initial adoption in that year.

The property retains a high level of historic integrity and remains one of the finest examples of Modern architecture in the city. The Historic Preservation Commission expressed that the property is an excellent candidate for a Mills Act contract to assist with its ongoing maintenance needs over the years. This is particularly true because of the extensive damage caused by the winter storms of 2022 and 2023. Because the house is built into the steep lot, it practically serves as a dam for the runoff flowing from the slopes above it. Inadequate previous repairs enhanced this damage, which included significant flooding and water damage at the home’s interiors. The owner and his consultant have prepared an extensive list of repairs that is included with the application. While many of these include interior work that isn’t covered in a Glendale Mills Act contract, HPC recommends that the following exterior work be included as Mills Act contract conditions:
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1. Provide waterproofing of exterior walls and foundations.

2. Regrade hillside areas as needed to direct runoff away from the house through construction of low retaining walls, swales, and other appropriate methods.

3. Replacement and repair of roof areas as required.

4. Repair and waterproof exterior floor and stair surfaces and provide or repair floor drains as required.

5. Repair wood doors and windows as required.

6. Repair and restore textile blocks as required.

STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
There are no stakeholders other than the property owner.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Future property tax savings to private owners of listed historic properties under Mills Act contracts will slightly reduce City revenues from the general County tax levy received from each Mills Act property.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
The project is exempt from CEQA review under Class 8 (“Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment") pursuant to Section 15308 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it involves the ongoing protection of a historic resource. It is also exempt under Class 31 (”Historic Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation”) pursuant to Section 15331 because the work will meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Restoration.

ALTERNATIVES
Alternative 1:Not authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act contract between the City and the property owner.

Alternative 2: Any other alternative not proposed by staff.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Prepared by:

Jay Platt, Principal Planner
Reviewed by:

Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
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Approved by:

Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager

EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1: Mills Act Application
Exhibit 2: Photographs
Exhibit 3: Campaign Finance Disclosure Form
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1 RESOLUTION NO. _____________

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO

ENTER INTO A MILLS ACT HISTORICAL PROPERTY CONTRACT
WITH THE OWNER OF 2535 E. CHEVY CHASE DRIVE (DERBY
HOUSE, GLENDALE REGISTER NO. 22)
WHEREAS, the residential property located at 2535 E. Chevy Chase Drive (the “Property”), known as the Derby House, was listed on the Glendale Register of Historic Resources in 1997 (GR No. 22) as one of the first thirty-seven properties included at the time of the Register’s initial adoption; and
WHEREAS, the owner of record of the Property requests to enter into a Mills Act contract with the City of Glendale for the benefit of property tax savings in exchange for continued preservation of the property; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission, at a regularly scheduled meeting on September 19, 2024, voted unanimously (3-0) to recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a Mills Act contract with the Property owner, subject to six conditions, primarily focused on waterproofing the house and the repair of several deteriorated features; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has conducted a duly noticed public hearing pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.20.070(A) of the Glendale Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Glendale, pursuant to Section

15.20.070(A), finds that the Derby House is eligible for a Mills Act contract because it was previously listed in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources in 1997; it was one of the first thirty-seven properties included at the time of the Register’s initial adoption in that year, and the Property retains a high level of historic integrity and remains one of the finest examples of Modern architecture in the city; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Glendale further finds that because the Property is listed in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources that entering into a Mills Act contract with the Property owner is appropriate based on all of the information in the record.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The recitals above are incorporated herein by this reference.

Section 2. That the City Manager is authorized to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract with the Property owner subject to the following conditions:

1. Provide waterproofing of exterior walls and foundations. 163 of 179

2 2. Regrade hillside areas as needed to direct runoff away from the house through construction of low retaining walls, swales, and other appropriate methods.

3. Replacement and repair of roof areas as required.

4. Repair and waterproof exterior floor and stair surfaces and provide or repair floor drains as required.

5. Repair wood doors and windows as required.

6. Repair and restore textile blocks as required.

Section 3. That entering into a Mills Act contract with the Property owner is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14 CCR Sections 15331 (preservation of historic resources) and 15308 (actions by regulatory agencies for protection of the environment).

Adopted this _______ day of __________________________, 2024. ______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
City Clerk

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:
_________________________
City Clerk
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2535 E. Chevy Chase Drive – the Derby House
Photographs
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City of Glendale
Disclosure - Campaign Finance Ordinance
Applicants Seeking Entitlement
Submit to Permit Services Center, 633 E. Broadway, Rm. 101.

For more information, call 818-548-3200.
(To be Completed Prior to Preparation of Staff Reports for Consideration of Entitlement Matter by Council, Agency, or Authority, or at Time of Appeal to the City Council if the Applicant is also the Appellant) In August 2011, the Glendale City Council adopted Ordinance No. 5744, which becomes effective on September 9, 2011 (“Ordinance”). The Ordinance prohibits campaign contributions from “applicants seeking entitlement,” their contractors and subcontractors (including their architects, engineers, and design professionals) while the application is “pending” and for 12 months thereafter. The Ordinance also prohibits Council Members from voting on any matter pertaining to an entitlement if the Council member has received a campaign contribution from the applicant seeking the entitlement, or certain contractors or subcontractors of the applicant, within the 12-month period preceding the vote.

The Applicant and the Owner/Lessor hereby discloses as follows. (If printing, please print legibly. Use additional sheets as necessary.) I. Name of Applicant and Name of Owner/Lessor on whose behalf application is filed:

Full Name Title Business Address City State Zip
John Jacob Gray 4414 Palmero Dr, Los AngelesOwner CA 90065

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City of Glendale, Community Development Department (9/9/11) 177 of 179

II. Officers or owners/investors of Applicant Entity. Please also disclose the following persons or entities related to the applicant entity: CEO/President, Chairperson, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, any member of the Board of Directors, and any individual or entity that owns 10% or more the contractor of applicant seeking entitlement, as well as any campaign + Full Name Title Business Address City State Zip
III. Contractor of Applicant(s) Seeking Entitlement*
Full Name Title Business Address City State Zip
* “Contractor of Applicant Seeking Entitlement” means “a person who has, or has been promised, a contract as an architect, design professional, engineer, or general or prime contract with an applicant seeking entitlement. “Contractor of applicant seeking entitlement,” includes not only the contracting party but also the CEO/President, Chairperson, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, any member of the Board of Directors, and any individual or entity that owns 10% or more the contractor of applicant seeking entitlement, as well as any campaign committee that is sponsored and controlled by the contracting party.

Please list the names and addresses of all of these parties.

IV. Subcontractor of Applicant(s) Seeking Entitlement** Full Name Title Business Address City State Zip
Virginia Paca Architect 545 East Ladera Street Pasadena ** “Subcontractor of Applicant Seeking Entitlement” means “a person who has, or has been promised, a subcontract as an architect, design professional, engineer, or perform other work with a ‘contractor an applicant seeking entitlement.”

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V. Disclosure. The Applicant Seeking Entitlement has made campaign or officeholder contributions in the preceding 12 months to City of Glendale elected officials as follows:

Elected Official Name of Individual or Entity Date of Contribution I hereby certify, on behalf of the above-named applicant(s) and owner(s)/lessor(s), that the applicant seeking entitlement has made the campaign contributions as set forth above. I also certify that the names of all contractors of applicant and all subcontractors of applicant, as of today’s date, are fully set forth above. I further acknowledge that the applicant has a continuing obligation to update this disclosure form if the applicant selects additional or substitute architects, design professionals, contractors or subcontractors within ten (10) days of the selection or change. I hereby certify that I have been legally authorized by the applicant/owner/lessor to submit this disclosure form and certify to the content hereof.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on _______1_0_-_2_2_-2_0_2_4____ at _________________L_o_s__A_n_g_e_le_s___, California Applicant’s Signature___ _____________, Print Applicant’s Full Name _____________________J_o_h_n_J_._G__ra_y_____ Applicant’s Address _______________________________________4_4_1_4_P_ _a_lm_e_r_o__D_r ._9_0_0_6_5____________ Applicant’s Contact Phone Number _____________________________ Applicant’s Email Address __________________________________ ______________
__________

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Glendale City CouncilNovember 12, 2024

Glendale City Council
November 12, 2024