May 4, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes
Historic Preservation Commission
Regular Meeting

May 4, 2023 | 5:00 p.m.

Chandler City Council Chambers C..> CHANDLER
. C/I arizona

88 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ Community of Innovation

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Velasquez at 5:00 p.m.

Roll Call

Commission Attendance Staff Attendance

Chairman Jeff Velasquez Derek Horn, Director of Development Services
Vice Chairman Kevin Weight David de la Torre, Planning Manager
Commissioner Cheryl Bell Harley Mehlhorn, City Planner
Commissioner Bryan Saba Darsy Omer, Associate Planner
Commissioner Devan Wastchak Thomas Allen, Assistant City Attorney
Commissioner Mark Yost Julie San Miguel, Clerk

Absent

Commissioner Erika Finbraaten

Ex Officio Jody Crago

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Saba.

Scheduled and Unscheduled Public Appearances

Members of the audience may address any item not on the agenda. State Statute prohibits the
Board or Commission from discussing an item that is not on the agenda, but the Board or
Commission does listen to your concerns and has staff follow up on questions you raise.

Action Agenda Item No. 1 and Discussion
1. Meeting Minutes of April 12, 2023, Historic Preservation Commission

Move Historic Preservation Commission approve Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
Minutes of April 12, 2023.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ asked if there were any comments or corrections to the Meeting Minutes
of April 12, 2023.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT advised of the following corrections to the Historic Preservation
Commission Meeting Minutes of April 12, 2023:

Page 4, Paragraph 9: Correction to say the City Code does not allow wood as the primary
material for fencing.

Page 6, Paragraph 1: Correction to replace the word rumination with room addition.

Page 7, Paragraph 2: Correction to remove non-participants as the intent was to make
statements regarding non-contributors who wanted to make additions to the building that could
potentially protrude into the front yard.

Page 7, Paragraph 4: Correction to clarify that the referring to the property that was reviewed
for the signage earlier as a non-contributor to the district, not necessarily the signage itself
because the property was not a contributor.

Page 10, Paragraph 1: Correction to replace the word sedimentation with sign location.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK advised of the following corrections to the Historic Preservation
Commission Meeting Minutes of April 12, 2023:

Page 2, Paragraph 2: Correction to replace with the following: COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK
asked if there was going be 100% and there were 100 homes and in a given district if and 40%
who did not sign if they can do what they want and if they do not if they do opt in later on, what
does that require the other the future owners to be committed to it.

Page 2 Paragraph 3: Correction to add the following: DEREK HORN, DIRECTOR OF
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES stated the 40% do not have to opt in, they can do what they want with

their home.

DEREK HORN, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES confirmed this was correct.

Page 2 of 15

Action Agenda Item No. 1 Motion and Vote

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK moved to approve Action Agenda Item No. 1 of the May 4, 2023,
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting with corrections noted on record; Seconded by
CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ.

Motion carried unanimously (6-0).

Action Agenda Item No. 2 and Discussion

2. PLH23-0031 MIC DROP MANIA SIGN
HARLEY MEHLHORN, CITY PLANNER introduced Darsy Omer to the Commission and stated she
has been with the City for over a year and has been an invaluable asset to the planning team.

DARSY OMER presented details regarding the request for architectural plan review approval for
new signage to the building located at 51 E Boston St, generally located on the east side of Arizona
Avenue and % south of Chandler Boulevard.

COMMISSIONER SABA stated one of the things about a sign like this is that other businesses in
downtown will want to have something similar. He explained one of the bars that has live music
may want to post something similar. He asked how will this precedent be managed so downtown
does not end up with the signs all over the place.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER replied each case would be reviewed on a case-by-
case basis to determine whether it should have changeable copy or not. He further stated in
situations like this, where there are different types of shows with different times, maybe that is a
distinguishing point that sets them apart from a bar a restaurant that has live music.

COMMISSIONER SABA stated that he has been very supportive of unique and interesting signs as
they are important in the downtown, but he is concerned that if this is approved, there will be
several more. He explained because of the change of different words and he can see at least two
or three of the bars that have live music potentially asking for something similar. He would like to
point out that approval will set a precedent that the Commission will have to address.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT asked if the deviation is that the sign is illuminated, and it has changeable
copy.

DARSY OMER, ASSOCIATE PLANNER confirmed this was correct.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT stated it does not sound like there are any examples of signs that have
both, although one was approved, it was not actually installed. He asked if there are examples of
signs that have either one or the other, that are illuminated but do not have changeable copy or

Page 3 of 15

that have changeable copy and are not illuminated. He stated his intent is to get a sense of how
uncommon this request might be.

HARLEY MEHLHORN, CITY PLANNER responded there is context for an illuminated blade sign
beneath the colonnade. He explained last year before this Commission, the SanTan Spirit sign
came through and that is an illuminated hanging blade sign beneath the colonnade.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT asked if there are any other signs that have changeable copy underneath
the colonnade.

HARLEY MEHLHORN, CITY PLANNER responded this would be the first within the Center City
District (CCD) and mentioned through PDP one was approved on the Applicant's previous location
but that was not within the CCD.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT asked how other venues with changeable events advertise and if they
use sandwich boards or other mechanisms. He mentioned he is still trying to sense what is the
norm and how different this might be from it.

HARLEY MEHLHORN, CITY PLANNER replied, typically downtown businesses will use A-frame signs
and temporary window signs.

COMMISSIONER BELL pointed out since the photo on the presentation was taken, there has been
a lot of signage added to that location. She explained there is an overhead sign, another under
the colonnade, a full window, to the right of the door, and the box office has a sign. She asked
how many signs is too many and stated considering the type of sign that is proposed this could
lead to a cluttered look.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ asked staff to present frontage images of the business.

HARLEY MEHLHORN, CITY PLANNER stated with a small suite signage can begin to appear
cluttered, however consideration should be given for this is the type of business that relies upon
street presence. He stated it may be supportable in this case, over other cases where the primary
function in the business is not so street oriented. He pointed out the existing signs were allowed
through the standard sign code.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ asked Commissioner Bell if there are other signs that not on the image
presented by staff.

COMMISSIONER BELL explained there is a sign under the colonnade, a standard sign over the top,
the full right-side window, and the box office has a sign.

Page 4 of 15

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ thanked Commissioner Bell and asked if food or drinks will be sold or if
this is performing arts-based establishment.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER responded they do offer some food and drinks, but it
is primarily performance and not a food establishment.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ asked if the signage could be considered with the focus that it is for a
performance-based establishment. He stated it does not seem that a sign like this would be good
for an existing bar or food focused establishment and asked Commissioner Saba if that is his
concern.

COMMISSIONER SABA stated that he understands the interest in having the sign here because it
is a performance-based establishment, but if more get approved it can start to look cluttered
downtown.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER advised the Commission that the Applicant is present
if they wish to ask questions.

COMMISSIONER SABA stated he is not sure how to handle the precedent aspect of this and
believes that is something for the Commission to address. He explained that he could see a bar
with live music wanting to have a sign that changes and to staff's point that is why businesses are
using a A-frame signs. He further stated the others will come before the Commission and asking
for something like this to advertise their live music and asked if the Commission could address
the precedent aspect and if the Applicant could speak on how this particular sign will work for the
establishment.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK stated the Commission wants businesses to be successful and should
consider how Chandler is restrictive on signage and how that can be somewhat of a hamper to
businesses and their need for exposure. He compared the sign with a sandwich board on the
sidewalk facing west and east and if that is going to suffice without setting a precedence. He stated
the Applicant can try the A-frame sign and if they are not getting enough traffic and it is not
working, then they come back before the Commission and request a sign versus the Commission
trying to come up with some precedent limiting factors in this whole thing. He further stated that
they might need the marquee because that is their primary generator. He presented statements
regarding the other comedy club on Arizona Avenue, and pointed out they did not have a sign like
this and if they are still in business, that means its working and they are not, maybe this is the
reason. He stated it is going to be tough to approve then somehow not approved for somebody
else. He suggested to see if a sandwich sign can work with all the other signage they have before
the Commission sets a precedence by approving it.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT asked if the Applicant could share if the sandwich board or A-frame
option had been considered and why or why not this is preferred.

Page 5 of 15

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT thanked the Commission for their time and stated they have been in
business in Chandler for eight and a half years and owned the other comedy club on Arizona
Avenue that was mentioned earlier. He stated they purchased this building to be part of
downtown forever and their intent is to bring entertainment to Chandler. He explained the
difference between other venues with stages is that they sell food and drinks, and they do this on
non-entertainment nights. He further explained that it is an industry standard when somebody
comes to town, to see their name in lights and it is a pretty common practice. He stated this is an
entertainment venue much like Chandler Center for the Arts and a sign like the proposed is
absolutely necessary. He further stated that they have done the A-frames and had already gone
through the approval process for a sign at their prior location, but because of the pandemic shut
down they decided against spending $10,000 to put it up. He explained they are invested and
staying in downtown Chandler, and he understands it is a difficult decision, but it is simple to
differentiate comedy club from a food and drink establishment. He stated the comedy club will
feature talented performers and bring national attention to downtown Chandler.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK expressed his appreciation for the explanation and asked if the sign
that was previously approved was for your other establishment on Arizona Avenue.

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT confirmed this was correct and stated the approved sign was for the
north facing wall, however due to the pandemic we shrunk our footprint, and the lobby was turned
into Pie Snob . The sign was moved to the front of the building and now it faces Arizona Avenue,
but the Chandler lettering was taken off. He explained they have now purchased the space
downtown and their existing signage is like what you see on all the other buildings. He stated the
proposed blade sign is the only difference because it is illuminated, and it is going to be special.
He further stated that it really fits in downtown because there was a theater here for a long time
and Chandler needs a theater and live entertainment.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK asked if they bought the building or just the suite and if they are
moving from the other location.

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT confirmed they purchased the suite and stated they already moved
and opened in February 2023.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK asked when the sign approval from the other location came through
the Historic Preservation Commission.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER stated the other location is not within the CCD,
therefore it did not go through Historic Preservation Commission. He clarified the sign was
approved by PDP through Planning Zoning Commission and the City Council but not through
Historic Preservation Commission.

Page 6 of 15

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK stated he is open, if the rest of the Commission Members are to
saying that the venue focuses on entertainment as a limiting factor. He asked Commissioner Saba

if that would help.

COMMISSIONER SABA stated that will work and further stated that he recognizes the needs of the
business and does not wish to minimize that because there are a lot of great interesting signs in
downtown Chandler. He explained the Commission has been very supportive of that because of
how it supports businesses. He agreed that this is an entertainment venue, and it draws a parallel
to the Challenger Center for the Performing Arts, as a performing venue.

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT confirmed they are an entertainment venue and they are not open
outside of show times or even have a lunch menu.

COMMISSIONER SABA stated that helps draw a distinction that will help us to manage.

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT thanked the Commission and stated it can be confusing because they
changed their name and went from improv to more standup. He stated they will be bringing in
national acts and it's fun to bring people here and put their names in lights. He explained it’s a big
deal in our industry and thanked the Commission for all their time and thought they are putting
into this.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ thanked the Applicant and stated we appreciate you being in the
downtown to especially activating the east side of Arizona Avenue.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT asked if there is a timeframe this has to be approved. He explained his
reason for asking is because some of the Commission are not entirely comfortable with the
proposal. He wondered if it was appropriate to continue this item to the next meeting on May
24", 2023, as there is additional signage on the building that was not shown on the presentation.
He stated the next meeting is in less than three weeks, so the Commission can get a full picture
of all the signage that exists. He further stated he would like to visit the site and increase his
comfort level a little more if this is the direction that the Commission is headed. He wanted to
introduce that as an option for discussion, if it was an option, as far as the timeframe for approval.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER replied that is certainly an option if the Commission
wishes to continue this item to the next meeting. He explained it would push out the schedule for
the sign to be installed as a sign permit cannot be issued until the Historic Preservation
Commission has approved it. He confirmed that this is certainly something the historic
preservation commission could do.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ asked what are the hours of operation, is this 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or
11:00 p.m.

Page 7 of 15

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT responded approximately yes, and occasionally there is a brunch on
the weekend, but mostly the shows are at nighttime.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ stated that the focus could be evening entertainment and that can give
some ease.

COMMISSIONER SABA stated given the discussions held about how much of an entertainment
venue this is, he is much more comfortable with being able to manage the precedent. He further
stated in terms of the sign itself especially with the black instead of red outline, he would be
supportive of the sign with the understanding that the reason the Commission approved was
because this is truly a performing arts venue.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ thanked Commissioner Saba for his comments and stated it’s a reminder
of the Rowena Theater back in the 1930's and 1940's.

COMMISSIONER YOST stated he is familiar with the location and he is curious if the Applicant will
get enough visibility for this sign, due to less traffic going east on Boston Street.

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT explained there is going to be a lot of visibility especially on social
media and physical visibility is going to increase as more people visit the Tipsy Egg, The
Uncommon, and parking lot across the street. He stated there are an approximate 200 parking
stops in front of the venue and a city parking garage, so the business will get actually a tremendous
amount of visibility. He further stated it is eye catching on Arizona Avenue as well when headed
southbound. He mentioned he sees it when he drives on Arizona Avenue and reminded that this
is his dream. He stated has been preforming for 20 years and this is everything they want.

COMMISSIONER YOST stated that he drives the area frequently and does not notice the Inchin’s
sign.

COMMISSIONER BELL asked if she could share her photos for with fellow Commissioners.
THOMAS ALLEN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY confirmed that was okay.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK suggested Vice Chairman Weight to take a look at Commissioner
Bell’s photos to see what the signage looks like now as it sounds like this item might be moving
forward today.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT stated he will take a look.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK pointed out for height it shows nine and a half feet from to the

bottom. He stated it seems like it should be closer to the canopy; therefore, there is more height
or was it dropped a certain distance for a reason. He suggested the Applicant pull the sign up half

Page 8 of 15

the distance to where it is now, so it is a little higher and the windows in the back are more visible.
He asked staff if height was discussed with the Applicant.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER stated the proposed height is in line with other blade
hanging signs underneath the colonnade but because this one is going to be illuminated, if it is
the commissioners desire to raise it up, that is certainly something that can be done.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK mentioned that was just his initial thought. He stated it might help
with visibility if it was higher and asked Commissioner Saba for his thoughts on keeping it at the
same height or raising it up higher.

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT stated it’s higher than it looks, and he understands the comments,
but he is happy with it. He further stated the door is very tall and it is a couple of feet above that
door and in line with the other blade sign that is up there now. He explained we were not trying
to hide any signs, there were no sign up when this proposal came through and signs were then
put up the weekend we opened. He stated this is Signarama’s rendering, and our sign was not up
at the time of filing. He mentioned the Commission works, lives, and hangs out downtown so they
have probably seen their signs, but they're not trying to put a bunch of signs in Windows, it’s a
logo, the word box office, and then the standard sign every business has.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ confirmed there were no more questions or comments from the
Commission and asked if they were ready to make a motion.

COMMISSION SABA moved to approve Action Agenda Item No. 2 of the May 4, 2023, Historic
Preservation Commission Meeting; Seconded by COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK asked if staff could create a stipulation that notes that Commission
approval is stipulated on the fact that this is an entertainment venue, not a bar with an
entertainment element. He further stated he would like that noted as part of the Commission's
approval.

COMMISSIONER SABA stated that entertainment is broad and asked for the term performing arts
because that separates it even more so.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK stated he would like staff to come up with something that the
Commission can approve. He asked if staff could come up with something and if more time is
needed, they can hear the next item then come back to vote on this.

THOMAS ALLEN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY clarified that stipulations are normally added when
it's something limiting or applicable to the item and in this case, it seems that the Commission's
wishes to have some sort of a policy that we only permit these for live entertainment, performing
arts venues. He stated he did not know if that would be appropriate to stipulate in this case,

Page 9 of 15

because for this one that precedent is going to be your decision in the future; therefore, if the
commission has a policy of avoiding permitting these for live events, | do not think it would make
a difference to put it on a stipulation for this item as it would not be binding on other applications.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK stated from a precedent standpoint, if it is specifically noted when
approved by the Commission, this is the reason and the limiting factor, it may not serve legally
but at least the Commission or somebody down the road will see the intent. He further stated it
is his understanding that it is not legally binding but that was his reason for wanting it in there.

THOMAS ALLEN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY stated he just wanted to clarify that a stipulation
would not necessarily have legal binding, but as far as preserving the record, it could certainly
serve that purpose, if that is the intent.

COMMISSIONER SABA asked the Assistant City Attorney if the venue was to change its primary
usage and became more of a bar or something similar, would the sign be grandfathered in or
would this kind of stipulation work to preclude this space from having the sign.

THOMAS ALLEN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY asked staff if the City has done a sign approval before
where there was a limitation on If the business changes that the sign has to come down.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER responded that certain approvals have conditions
where if there is a change in business owner, they must come back through the process. He
explained something similar could be noted, where if the business changes where it no longer has
live preforming acts, they need to remove the sign. He stated staff could come up with a stipulation
that says, the changeable copy sign shall be removed in the event that the performing arts aspect
of it goes away.

THOMAS ALLEN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY stated Commissioner Saba made a great point that
he did not consider when he gave the previous advice. He further stated the stipulation would be
appropriate because it would be tied to limiting that particular property if the use was changed.
He warned there is a motion on the floor without the stipulation language being on the record
and recommend to withdraw the motion.

COMMISSIONER SABA withdrew his motion to approve Action Agenda Item No. 2 of the May 4,
2023, Historic Preservation Commission Meeting.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ asked staff to create a stipulation based on the discussions held and once
written to read it into the record.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK asked the Applicant how business has been at their new location.

Page 10 of 15

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT stated its been good and rewarding. He explained they have
completed a year and a half worth of renovations and made improvements to the plumbing,
sprinklers, bathrooms, kitchen, and back patio. He further stated they opened in February 2023
but got the keys two Julys ago.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK asked if the new location is bigger than the prior.

DAVID SPECHT, APPLICANT stated it's roughly about the same footprint, in the old space they had
a bit of a lobby and this new space does not have a lobby and it is all showroom with small kitchen
and bar. He further stated they updated the whole back patio and it's beautiful.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER read aloud the added Stipulation No. 4: The
changeable copy sign shall be removed in the event that there is a change in business, where the

performing arts ceases to be the primary use.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK advised he is supportive of the stipulation and wanted to verify to
make sure that this is something that can reasonably be enforced.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER replied this can absolutely be enforced. He stated if
there is a new request for a new C of O, through that permit process, the City will require the sign
to be taken down.

Action Agenda Item No. 2 Motion and Vote

Move Historic Preservation Commission approve PLH23-0031 Mic Drop Mania Sign, approval of a
sign that deviates from code, subject to conditions as recommended by Planning staff.

Upon finding the proposed exterior signs to complement the existing Early Twentieth Century
Commercial style of architecture, Planning staff recommends the Historic Preservation
Commission approve PLH23-0031 Mic Drop Mania Sign, subject to the following conditions:

1. The sign shall be in substantial conformance with Exhibit A, kept on file in the City of
Chandler Planning Division, in File No. PLH23-0031 Mic Drop Mania Sign.

2. The red outline depicted in Exhibit A shall be replaced with white or black.
3. Asign permit must be processed for the subject signage.

** Note: Stipulation #4 was added due to discussions held by the Historic Preservation

Commission this date.
4. The changeable copy sign shall be removed in the event there is a change in business,

where the performing arts ceases to be the primary use.

Page 11 of 15

COMMISSIONER SABA moved to approve Action Agenda Item No. 2 of the May 4, 2023, Historic
Preservation Commission Meeting, with added stipulation No. 4; Seconded by COMMISSIONER
WASTCHAK.

Motion carried unanimously (6-0).

Action Agenda Item No. 3 and Discussion

3 PLH23-0028 MCCULLOUGH-PRICE HOUSE HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT

DEREK HORN, DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES presented details regarding the request for
Historic Landmark Designation for a building located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, generally
located west of the intersection of Frye Road and Chandler Village Drive, roughly % mile south and
west of Chandler Boulevard and Price Road.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ thanked staff for the fantastic presentation. He stated about a year ago
he took a tour through the house, and it is very fascinating and such a great piece of Chandler
history.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ stated he is thrilled that the City acquired this property in 2001 and even
more thrilled now that it is going to be the first landmark nominated to the Chandler Historic
Register. He thanked Derek and staff for making this happened and mentioned this is the closest
thing we have to the founder's house. He stated this is truly a Chandler landmark and one of the
best examples in the valley of Pueblo Revival style architecture.

COMMISSIONER SABA stated he read the packet and the information was fascinating and he
wanted to thank staff and everyone who assisted with putting it together. He mentioned this
seems like the most fitting perfect, first landmark that the Commission could put into that
designation. He congratulated staff for putting this one forth and doing it in such a complete way.

DEREK HORN, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES thanked the Commission and stated it
truly was a team effort and we appreciate recognition. He further stated Harley Mehlhorn and
Jody Crago and others contributed to this and of course we drew on the nomination papers by
Vice Chairman Weight.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ thanked everyone that contributed.
VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT asked to clarify the nomination as a landmark rather than a standard

Historic Preservation zoning designation. He asked can staff briefly explain what the distinction
is and how this might be treated differently as a landmark versus if it were not a landmark.

Page 12 of 15

DEREK HORN, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES stated per ordinance, when there is a
landmark designation, we also designate as a historic preservation district as well as so all the
rules that go with the district will also go with the landmark. He explained basically the rules are
that it remains is a historic context, as an historic building not altered to remove its historic
context. He further stated he brought up the definition from the ordinance on a landmark,
which basically says a structure a site that contains an outstanding or unique example of an
architectural style is associated with a major historic event, activity, person, or persons is a site
or structure of unique visual quality and identification or is it a historical or cultural importance
of the community as either located in historic preservation district or meets all the criteria or
designation as historic preservation district.

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ confirmed there were no further questions or comments from the
Commission.

Action Agenda Item No. 3 Motion and Vote

Move Historic Preservation Commission recommend City Council approve Ordinance 5053,
McCullough-Price House Historic Preservation District Landmark.

COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK moved to approve Action Agenda Item No. 3 of the May 4, 2023,
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting; Seconded by VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT.

Motion carried unanimously (6-0).

Action Agenda Item No. 4 and Discussion

4. Meeting Days for the Historic Preservation Commission
Move to establish meeting days for the Historic Preservation Commission as the fourth

Wednesday of each month.

HARLEY MEHLHORN, CITY PLANNER stated this item is a follow up to discussions held last
meeting regarding identifying the fourth Wednesday of the month as this Commission’s meeting
date. He stated that the Commission Members gave individual confirmation and generally
positive input, and this monthly date will work. He further stated approval of this item tonight
will establish and ratify the fourth Wednesday of the month as the regularly scheduled meeting
date.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT pointed out there was no listed time and asked for clarification.

HARLEY MEHLHORN, CITY PLANNER stated no time was identified but 5:00 p.m. is generally
understood as the time, but it could vary by 30 minutes to an hour.

Page 13 of 15

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ thanked staff and confirmed there were no further questions or
comments from the Commission.

Action Agenda Item No. 4 Motion and Vote

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT moved to approve Action Agenda Item No. 4 of the May 4, 2023,
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting; Seconded by COMMISSIONER WASTCHAK.

Motion carried unanimously (6-0).

Briefing

Staff briefing on historic preservation activities.

DEREK HORN, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES thanked the Commission and presented a
list of all the current historic preservation projects. He stated staff has been working with
Southside Village, on their historic markers. He reminded the Commission that Southside village
went before the Commission last year as a designated conservation district. He further stated
staff will be applying to the State Historic Preservation Officer tomorrow for Certified Local
Government status. He stated the City has been in communication with them back and forth, and
we are ready to make a formal application. He stated the items that were discussed last meeting,
the code amendments the design guidelines, are going to City Council next week, and then the
ordinance for the code amendments will be on the next City Council cycle. He stated as discussed
earlier, the next steps for the McCullough-Price House will be to go to Planning and Zoning and
City Council. He mentioned that staff has been working with the Silk Stocking Neighborhood and
hoping if the ordinance passes that the threshold of 90% to 60% will help them and other
neighborhoods reached that designation threshold. He stated staff is trying to get a meeting
together with the core group to discuss neighborhood designation and then have larger
neighborhood meeting sometime later. He explained in the spring, we are trying to get more
homeowners in to talk with them about the designation and hopefully get them on board. He
stated the final project to discuss is the Goodyear Canal Landmark Designation. He explained the
Goodyear Canal is the concrete lined canal on Basha Road south of Ocotillo to with the double
role of palm trees and stated is part of historic Goodyear and one of the few remaining items of
that community that still exist. He further stated there is a neighborhood meeting for the
designation May 18, 2023, Historic Preservation Commission Meeting on May 24, then Planning
and Zoning Commission on June 7, 2023, and City Council on June 15, 2023, and June 29, 2023.

VICE CHAIRMAN WEIGHT thanked staff for their support and all wonderful work that they are
doing.

DEREK HORN, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES thanked Vice Chairman Weight for his
support and advise.

Page 14 of 15

CHAIRMAN VELASQUEZ thanked staff for the briefing.

Member Comments/Announcements
None.

Calendar
The next Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission will be scheduled May 24,
2023.

Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 6:07 p.m.

Jeff Velasquez, Chairman

Tek Horn, Staff Liaison fer Mistoric Preservation
Matters and Designation

David de la Torre, Staff Liaison for City Center District
Matters and Reviews

Page 15 of 15