City Council Agenda and Packet 2013 11 04

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Special Meeting Minutes October 8, 2013 Page 8 of 12 Planning Director Russ explained in 2008 the historic preservation tax was passed by the voters; Resolution No. 20, Series 2009 outlined the implementation of the fund; Section 2, Subsection B of the resolution authorizes staff to support the Historic Preservation Commission and City activities through the HPC Funding. Administrative funding through the tax include interns, preservation planners, staff to conduct research for the Historic Preservation Commission, demolition functions,assisting vendors in conducting historic preservation surveys and other support staff. Resolution No. 20, Series 2009 authorizes staff to administrate the HPC Fund. 2009 represented the first estimate on what was needed; 20% for a Senior Planner and 5% for a Preservation Planner and support for research. The percentage for administrative support increased over a period of time to recognize the finance department administering the fund and the museum support to research property history. With respect to the Planning Department, the in-house comprehensive plan development provided the resources to hire an employee to conduct current planning and provide service to Historic Preservation. Since 2009, the Planning Division was able to reassess the amount of time dedicated to manage the Historic Preservation Fund and put together a staffing plan. He noted 99% of all the requests for preservation funds throughout the historic district have been met. He voiced his belief the staffing plan is reflective of the Planning staff current commitment. He noted the Planning Commission has very clear guidelines and felt a Preservation Master Plan will provide clear guidelines and prescribe the objectives and common measurements. A Master Plan will provide a tool to manage the questions of property rights and preservation. The current budget assumes the Master Plan will be implemented next year. The budget number reflects the amount of time it actually takes to manage the program today, which includes: 20% for the Senior Planner; 5% for the Administrative Assistant and 75% for the Planner I. Planning Director Russ stressed the Historic Preservation Commission has input on all preservation matters and in the management of the fund, as does the City Council. Every communication,staff report and analysis is prepared by the Preservation Planner and the Senior Planner for presentation to the Preservation Commission. The findings of the Preservation Commission are reviewed by the Planning Director and the City Manager for presentation to the City Council. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton stated his understanding of a Historic Preservation Master Plan should include the standards for what actually constitutes historic within a district and the attributes of a historic structure. The Master Plan would have guidelines to guide a discussion of the Historic Preservation Commission for landmark requests as to whether they meet criteria for landmarking. Planning Director Russ confirmed the Master Plan would have those guidelines. He noted the guidelines in Chapter 15 follow the general National Park Standards. Many municipalities take the National Park Standards and customize them for their community and the City will have such an opportunity. 29