Sunnyvale

CITY OF SUNNYVALE

HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION

APPROVED MINUTES

West Conference Room

Staff: Steve Lynch, Associate Planner; and Joey Mariano; Staff Office Assistant.

Vice Chair McQueen made a motion to approve the Minutes of February 4, 2004. Comm. Love seconded. Motion carried 3-0 with Comm. Steward abstaining.

Steve Lynch, Associate Planner, reported that the City is able to purchase tickets to attend the California Preservation Conference in San Francisco from Wednesday, April 28 to Saturday, May 1. He noted that the Commissioners may be able to share the three tickets by attending different days. Comm. Love noted that he would wave the opportunity to attend the conference. Vice Chair McQueen, Chair Shoemaker, and Commissioner Steward stated that they are interested in attending the Conference and Comm. Hopkins would probably want to attend; however, they were not sure of Comm. Davis’ interest.

Mr. Lynch reported that he was unable to find a speaker on Mills Act Contracts. He further noted that he asked other staff from other Cities but was unsuccessful in finding a speaker. He asked the Commissioners if they know of anyone knowledgeable of the Mills Act to be presented at one of the Commission’s meeting.

Comm. Love asked if Gerri Caruso, Principal Planner, former staff liaison to the Commission would have knowledge on the Mills Act. Mr. Lynch responded that Ms. Caruso suggested contacting an outside source.

Mr. Lynch noted that this approved Study Issue will be on hold for a couple of months and revisited by Council due to its estimated budget of $75,000.

Chair Shoemaker asked staff if there have been any changes in CEQA. Mr. Lynch noted that major changes occurred in 1999 and that it has not changed much since then. He noted that demolishing a Heritage Landmark or Heritage Resource would still be subject to Environmental Review.

Commissioners continued discussion about geocaching. Comm. Love passed an e-mail he had forwarded to the Commission and staff regarding an example of hints for geocaching sites.

Vice Chair McQueen noted that he had an example riddle question for the Libby Tower. He noted that the hint question could state “How many cherry’s are there on the North side?” to prove that the individual has physically been there. Commissioners liked the riddle.

Chair Shoemaker noted that she has visited the sites she was responsible for and made some riddles to accompany them (handout was given). She noted some of the riddles for the Spalding House, Murphy Avenue Historical District, 505 S. Murphy, and the Hendy Iron Works sites. She further noted that in the end of Murphy Avenue exists a big cement sidewalk, which has an embedded plaque with all the answers to the riddle for the Murphy Avenue Historic District. Vice Chair McQueen noted that the coordinates should get them within 20 feet of the marker.

Chair Shoemaker further noted other hints and riddles that can accompany the coordinates of other Historical Sites.

Comm. Love expressed his admiration that Chair Shoemaker’s hints would educate as well as entertain visitors to these Historical Landmark sites.

Vice Chair McQueen noted that he would get information for the Vargas Redwoods and the Bricks-Stelling House.

Chair Shoemaker asked Mr. Lynch about the handout he distributed this evening. Mr. Lynch responded that it is the “Continuity” Newsletter for San Jose which he wanted to share to the Commission as information on what other cities are doing. He also noted that Comm. Steward is the Treasurer to one of the advisory boards.

Chair Shoemaker asked staff regarding the home demolition on 160 N. Sunnyvale Avenue noting that she heard that the house is being purchased and transferred to a lot on Bayview and Evelyn Avenues. She further discussed what the land owner is planning to do with the home. She noted that the owner was hoping that the Commission would give some kind of support to help him preserve the home instead of having it be demolished. Mr. Lynch responded that he has been speaking to Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer, to seek other options for the home with the proposed site on Evelyn Avenue. Comm. Love asked if Ms. Ryan is aware that he is asking the Commission for his support.

Comm. Love asked staff how far is the project site from the Heritage Housing District. Mr. Lynch noted that it is not close enough to help save the home. He noted that he will consult with Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer, regarding this and get more information for the Commission.

Chair Shoemaker spoke about a walk-a-thon taking place and if the Commissioners are interested in being involved. Comm. Steward noted that the walk-a-thon will be around the Sunnyvale Community Center. Chair Shoemaker further discussed ideas. Comm. Love noted that he would sponsor another Commissioner since he may not have the time to participate. Vice Chair McQueen noted that he would like to be involved and would like to check his calendar before committing himself.

Comm. Steward made a motion to adjourn. Vice Chair seconded. Motion carried 4-0.