CHC Minutes-2008-08-25MEMORANDUM September 3, 2008
TO: Dave Adams, City Manager
Steven Apple, AICP, Community Development Director
FROM: Teri Delcamp, Historic Preservation Manager (
Cultural Heritage Commission Secretary
SUBJECT: Cultural Heritage Commission Actions of August 25, 2008
This memorandum summarizes the actions taken by the Cultural Heritage Commission at
their Special Meeting on Monday, August 25, 2008. No action is required unless the City
Council wishes to hold special review of an item.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Nunez called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Ed Nunez, Chair
Nathan Banda, Vice -Chair
Lorie Porter
Don Tryon
Absent: Janet Siegel (excused)
Staff: Teri Delcamp, Cultural Heritage Commission Secretary
Nasser Abbaszadeh, Public Works Director
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Inter -jurisdictional Project Review (IJPR) 08-03, Rail Road Crossing Quiet Zones; a
request for review and comment on design plans for the proposed establishment of
a Quiet Zone at one of five proposed public railroad crossings, specifically the one
to be located at Verdugo Street at the entrance to the Los Rios Historic District
(Applicant: Orange County Transportation Authority - OCTA) Nasser Abbaszadeh made
the staff presentation about the project, costs and cost-sharing, and timing. Staff
Dave Adams, City Manager 2 September 3, 2008
recommended that the Commission provide input to be forwarded to the appropriate
entities. The project consists of installing "quiet zone" improvements that will reduce
the requirement for trains to sound their horns near crossings. The project proposes
green painted tubular steel railings and pedestrian gates on both sides of the tracks
at Verdugo Plaza, a portion of which is in the Los Rios Historic District. This material
is an upgrade to the standard installations and is proposed to be used at all five
crossings in San Juan Capistrano.
There were no public speakers for the item.
Commissioners asked questions about what is proposed at other historic station
towns, how many noise complaints are received at the Verdugo crossing, and
whether there are any other alternatives. The Commission all concurred that noise
abatement and safety are important. However, they were in consensus that the
proposed green tubular steel railing and gate design is too modern, is the wrong
color and material, will completely change the look of the entry plaza and is not
compatible with the Historic. District.
The Commission stated that other alternatives should be studied like wood, or
something that looks like it and still meets the safety barrier requirements. They
cited existing wood fences in the Los Rios District and other areas of town, including
various types of picket fences and equestrian post and rail fencing as examples of a
more appropriate material and appearance. The Commission added that, if it turns
out there is no other feasible alternative, then at the very least the railings and gates
need to be brown instead of green.
INFORMATION ITEM
None.
COMMISSION/STAFF COMMENTS
Staff announced that on August 19, 2008, the City Council denied an appeal and upheld
the Commission's conditional approval of Site Plan Review 07-001 for the Mission Rectory
Garden project
The City issued a Request for Proposals for design of two Capital Improvement Program
projects at the Blas Aguilar and Montanez Adobes. Proposals are due to the City on
September 15, 2008.
The Troubleman's Cottage was successfully relocated to its permanent site at 31701 Los
Rios Street on July 31 before the August 1 deadline. The next step is excavating for the
foundation and utility lines which should begin soon and will be monitored by an
archaeologist and a Native American observer.
Dave Adams, City Manager 3 September 3, 2008
Staff reported back to the Commission on their previous inquiry related to historic cactus
removal in the Los Rios Specific Plan area. It was not associated with the Troubleman's
Cottage project, but was instead part of the City's Affordable Housing program in Little
Hollywood. One of the long-time residents had successfully purchased a home and moved
out; her unit was a three bedroom which is ideal for a family. The cactus was overgrown
and posed a safety hazard and insurance issues, and was removed at the direction of the
Housing Coordinator.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Nunez adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
cc: Cindy Russell, Assistant City Manager
Grant Taylor, Assistant Community Development Director
Teri Delcamp, Historic Preservation Manager
Christina Gomez, Administrative Specialist
CHC Members
CHC Minutes File
Douglas Dumhart, Economic Development Manager