CHC Minutes-2007-11-27MEMORANDUM December 19, 2007
TO: Dave Adams, City Manager
Steven Apple, Planning Director
FROM: Teri Delcamp, Historic Preservation Manager
Cultural Heritage Commission Secretary
SUBJECT: Cultural Heritage Commission Actions of November 27, 2007
This memorandum summarizes the actions taken by the Cultural Heritage Commission at
their meeting on Tuesday, November 27, 2007. No action is required unless the City
Council wishes to hold special review of an item.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Tryon called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Don Tryon, Chair
Ed Nunez, Vice -Chair
Jess Andrews
Nathan Banda
Alana Jolley
Janet Siegel
Absent: Lorie Porter (excused)
Staff: Teri Delcamp, Cultural Heritage Commission Secretary
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Site Plan Review (SPR) 07-001. Mission Rectory Garden
(continued from October 9, 2007); an application for approval of modifications to a
historic site including but not limited to installation of landscape, hardscape, and
accessory structures located adjacent to the priests' residence (Rectory) in the area
north of the Serra Gate and the wall defining the north end of the publicly accessible
cemetery at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. The site is located at 26801 Ortega
Highway, with a General Plan designation of Public and Institutional, and a zoning
designation of Public and Institutional. (APN: 124-180-06) (Applicant: Mission San
Juan Capistrano) Teri Delcamp made the staff presentation and recommendation
Dave Adams, City Manager 2 December 19, 2007
that the Commission receive public input and continue consideration to January 22,
2008, as requested by the
Staff explained. the various regulations and factors that are associated with this
particular project as indicated in the staff report's flowchart. The Mission is
continuing to prepare the additional information that the City has required before the
application can be deemed complete. The Mayor has also spearheaded a mediation
process between the applicant and the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians,
Acjachemen Nation, which is on-going.
Father Art Holquin addressed the Commission on behalf of the applicant. He stated
that the project meant no disrespect, but was developed out of joy and as a tribute
to the memory of Monsignor Martin. He asked that the Commission deny the
complete removal suggested by the opposition.
Public input in favor of the project was given by the following individuals:
Thomas Hunn, SJC Patriarch: He stated that he spoke with authority as a 75 -year
resident and a descendant of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen
Nation (JBMI) with family connections to the Mission. The garden is appropriate
to honor the memory of Monsignor Martin.
Wick Lobo: He stated his family pre -dates European first contact with the Native
Americans in 1769. He concurs with Happy Hunn's remarks. The continuance is
necessary to prepare complete reports and information. Although errors were
made, the decisions made by Father Art were correct and the errors are being
rectified.
Public input in opposition to the project was given by the following individuals:
Jane Olinger, representing the California Cultural Resource Preservation Alliance
(CCRPA): She referenced a letter submitted to the Commission which states the.
CCRPA's position. There has been a lack of compliance with local, state and
federal laws. CCRPA recommends that 1) the site be restored to its original
condition; 2) the Mission consult with all of the JBMI groups; 3) all archaeology
reports for work at the Mission be brought up to date; and 4) further archaeology
including records search, oral histories and remote sensing techniques need to
be done to accurately map the historic cemetery.
Joyce Perry, JBMI: She supports the requested continuance. She discouraged the
City from participating in the mediation because laws cannot be mediated. The
Commission should only consider the project after all of the facts have been
presented; it would be inappropriate for the Commission to make up their minds
ahead of time.
Rebecca Robles, JBMI: She and her family work to protect Native American sacred
sites. She is concerned with the lack of compliance. She reminded the
Commission of their responsibility and a mediation process will not relieve the
Commission of that responsibility or the applicant from the requirements. The
Dave Adams, City Manager 3 December 19, 2007
site is on the Sacred Lands file and deserves respect; the project raises legal,
moral and ethical issues.
David Belardes, JBMI: Respectfully submitted that there are better areas than
ancestors' graves to honor the memory of Monsignor Martin. He attended
mediation in the interests of the community. There are still outstanding
archaeology reports at. the Mission that need to be finalized and would have
alerted the Mission to what was there in the project area.
After receiving public input, Commissioner Siegel moved, and Commissioner Banda
seconded, to continue the project to January 22, 2008. The motion was approved
by a vote of 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
None
INFORMATION ITEM
None.
COMMISSION/STAFF COMMENTS
Staff announced the following:
• Calendars featuring historic and current day images of San Juan Capistrano are
available for purchase to raise funds for next year's Historic Preservation Week.
• The Montanez and the Blas Aguilar Adobes will both be open for the City's tree lighting
ceremony in December.
• The Planning Department required archaeological monitoring for a recent Public Works
department project to upgrade the electrical service at Historic Town Center Park. A
minor amount of historic artifacts were encountered and a report will be submitted to
City staff.
• The consultant working on the Parra Adobe Historic Structures Report has carefully
removed the plywood sheathing from the south side of the adobe to accurately assess
the condition of the wall. The bracing is still in place and the structural engineer
indicated the sheathing could be removed and would not change the stability of the
adobe. A Tree Removal Permit has also been issued by the City for the ash tree at the
far southeast corner that was damaging the adjacent private property owner's wall.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tryon adjourned the meeting at 5:34 p.m. to the Adjourned Regular Cultural Heritage
Commission meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at 5:00 p.m.
Dave Adams, City Manager 4 December 19, 2007
cc: Cindy Russell, Assistant City Manager
Grant Taylor, Assistant Planning Director
Teri Delcamp, Historic Preservation Manager
Christina Gomez, Administrative Specialist
CHC Members
CHC Minutes File
Douglas Dumhart, Economic Development Manager