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CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Minutes

December 13, 1999

 

 

 

Location: 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, N. C.

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:10 p.m.

Present:

Ava Autrey/County, Design Review Committee, Education Committee

Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, Projects Committee Chair, HLC Revolving Fund Liaison,

Design Review Committee, Finance Committee

Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Vice-Chairman, Projects Committee V. Chair,

Survey Committee

Ms. Deborah Cox/City, HLC Sec., Survey Committee Chair, Projects Committee

Ms. Lindsay Daniel/County, Projects Committee, Survey Committee

Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, HLC Treas., Finance Com. Chair, Design Review Com.

Mr. Barry Miller/City, HLC Chair, Design Review Com. Chair, Education Com.

Mr. John Misenheimer/County, Survey Com. V. Chair, Projects Committee

Mr. John J. Parker, III/Mayor, Education Committee Chair, Projects Committee

Ms. Ross Richardson/County, Projects Committee Survey Committee,

Parliamentarian

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Absent:

Mr. Van T. Hill/MHA (ex-officio)

Mr. D. Grier Martin, III/City, Design Review Committee, Survey Committee

(Mr. Martin was present at the meeting until 6:30 p.m.- less than the required 50%)

Visitors:

Mr. Joe Kluttz, Attorney for McAuleys

Item #1 - Approval of Minutes

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BRADSHER THAT THE MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 8, 1999, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #2 - Chairman’s Report: Barry Miller

Mr. Miller welcomed everyone to the meeting and reported that Mr. Frank Whitney, a County appointee whose term was scheduled to expire July 2001, has resigned from the HLC effective as of December 1, 1999. He thanked Mr. Whitney for his services to the HLC.

Mr. Miller said that he has asked Ross Richardson to serve as Parliamentarian for the Historic Landmarks Commission.

A copy of the Chairman’s Report is attached.

Item #3 - Director’s Report: Dan Morrill

A copy of the Director’s Report is attached.

Dr. Morrill asked the Commissioners to consider Action Item A.1. in the Director’s Report.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BRADSHER THAT MARILYN CROTEAU BE HIRED BY THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION FOR $12.00 HOURLY FOR NO MORE ON AVERAGE THAN 10 HOURS WEEKLY FROM JANUARY 1, 2000 TO JUNE 30, 2000, TO ASSIST WITH THE HLC’S WORK REGARDING PROJECTS, THE DESIGNATION PROCESS, ETC. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Martin left the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Mr. Miller asked that the HLC advance to Old Business on the Agenda.

Item #11 - Old Business

Dr. Morrill asked the Commissioners to refer to the proposed Conditional Agreement to Convey Real Property Improvements regarding the McAuley property. Mr. Kluttz was present on behalf of the McAuley family to answer questions and to explain the proposal.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BRADSHER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION APPROVE THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.

MS. RICHARDSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. COX TO SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ORIGINAL MOTION A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY’S APPROVAL WITH REVISIONS IN ITEM #2 IN THE AGREEMENT THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION WILL ASSUME NO FINANCIAL OR LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES, OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES FOR ANY STORAGE TANKS ON SAID PROPERTY OR FOR ANY SOIL CONTAMINATION THAT IS EXPOSED WHEN THE HOUSE AND OUTBUILDINGS ARE REMOVED BY THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION OR FOR ANY OTHER ACTION NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE REMOVAL OF THE HOUSE AND ANY OUTBUILDINGS CHOSEN BY THE HLC. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE MOTION, AS SUBSTITUTED, WAS APPROVED BY A UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THE COMMISSION

Item #4 - Design Review Committee Report: Barry Miller

Mr. Miller reported that the next Design Review meeting will be held January 5, 2000, at 5:00 p.m. at the HLC office.

Item #5 - Projects Committee Report: Tattie Bos

Ms. Bos reported that the Projects Committee met December 2, 1999. Minutes are on file at the HLC office. A copy of the Chairman’s Report is attached.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION REQUEST DR. MORRILL TO NOTIFY THE COUNTY MANAGER THAT THE HLC DESIRES A PROJECT MANAGER FOR THE HLC’S REVOLVING FUND PROJECTS WHO WILL BE AN EMPLOYEE OF BUILDING STANDARDS AND WILL PROVIDE PART-TIME SERVICE AS NEEDED TO THE HLC FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF THE HLC’S REVOLVING FUND AND THAT THE HLC EXPECTS TO HAVE A VOICE IN THE SELECTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL FOR THIS PROJECT MANAGEMENT POSITION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. BOS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT SANDY ROPER OF ROPER LAND COMPANY BE SELECTED AS THE COMMERCIAL LISTING AGENT (6% COMMISSION) FOR THE CROFT SCHOOLHOUSE, 9200 BOB BEATTY ROAD, FOR FOUR MONTHS (JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL OF THE YEAR 2000) WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IF THE HLC’S CURRENT PROSPECTIVE BUYER PURCHASES THE PROPERTY, MR. ROPER WILL NOT RECEIVE A COMMISSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HLC SELECT CATHERINE BROWNING OF FIRST CHARLOTTE PROPERTIES AS THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION’S BUYER’S AGENT FOR ONE YEAR (JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31 OF THE YEAR 2000) FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FOR THE HLC’S REVOLVING BOND FUND PROJECTS. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH ABSTENTIONS BY MS. AUTREY AND MS. COX.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HLC AUTHORIZE DR. MORRILL TO INVESTIGATE RENOVATION COSTS FOR THE NEWELL ROSENWALD SCHOOL ON TORRENCE CHAPEL ROAD. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION DIRECT DR. MORRILL TO INVESTIGATE LEGALITIES REGARDING THE HLC’S AUTHORITY TO SELECT PROPERTIES IN LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY DESIGNATED HISTORIC DISTRICTS FOR PURCHASE AND RESALE WITH REVOLVING FUND MONEY. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #6 - Revolving Fund Liaison’s Report: Tattie Bos

No motions were presented.

Item #7 - Education Committee Report: John Parker

Mr. Parker reported that the Education Committee will meet Tuesday, January 4, 2000, at 6:00 p.m.

Item #8 - Survey Committee Report: Deborah Cox

Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee met December 9, 1999, at 6:00 p.m. Minutes are on file at the HLC office. A copy of the Chairman’s Report is attached.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HLC ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR $7,000 (SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS) WITH EMILY D. RAMSEY TO PERFORM THE COMPLETE DESIGNATION PROCESS (SURVEY & RESEARCH REPORTS - TO BE COMPLETE BY APRIL 1, 20000, PHOTOGRAPHS, PROPER SOLICITATIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS TO ALL PARTIES INVOLVED WITH THE DESIGNATION PROCESS OF EACH PROPERTY, MEETINGS, RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, ADVERTISEMENTS, FILINGS, AND ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS IN THE HLC’S DESIGNATION PROCESS) FOR THE JOHN MILTON ALEXANDER HOUSE, THE CAROLINA THEATER AUDITORIUM, THE FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, AND THE NEELY SLAVE CEMETERY WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT MS. RAMSEY WILL ABSORB TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES AND WILL PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPH EQUIPMENT IN PERFORMING THE WORK NECESSARY TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION’S HISTORIC DESIGNATION PROCESS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST: JOHN MILTON ALEXANDER HOUSE, BELL HOUSE, ELECTRIC SUPPLY & EQUIPMENT CO. BUILDING, CAROLINA THEATER AUDITORIUM, FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, NEELY SLAVE CEMETERY, FREDERICK APARTMENTS, GRINNELL COMPANY COMPLEX AND W. T. ALEXANDER HOUSE PROPERTY & OUTBUILDINGS; AND THAT THE

REMAINING PROPERTIES CURRENTLY ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST BE PLACED ON AN INVENTORY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 12, 2000, at 6:00 p.m., and that the Survey Committee will meet on Thursday, January 27, 2000, at 6:00 p.m.

Item #9 - Treasurer’s Report: Scott Hirsch

Each commissioner received a copy of the quarterly HLC budget report. Dr. Morrill said that the HLC’s budget request for next year must be finalized by the middle of January.

Mr. Miller said that the Executive Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2000, to discuss possible budget requests.

Mr. Hirsch left at this point - 7:30 p.m.

Item #10 - Associated Boards’ Reports:

a. Lynwood Foundation: Grier Martin - No report.

b. Charlotte Trolley, Inc.: John Misenheimer - Mr. Misenheimer reported that he attended the Charlotte Trolley, Inc. meeting on November 16, 1999. The brakes for Car No. 1 have been sand-blasted and the car also needs an additional generator. It is anticipated that plans will be finalized soon for the completion of the trolley track. The bridge buttress on the Convention Center side will be constructed next month The schedule for commencement of operations remains fall 2001. Ridership by school children has been significant with over 600 children riding on a recent Friday.

c. Historic Charlotte, Inc.: Tattie Bos - Ms. Bos reported that HC, Inc. met December 2, 1999. She said that new board members were elected and that program possibilities were discussed.

d. History Consortium: John Parker - Mr. Parker reported that he plans to attend the next meeting.

e. Mecklenburg Historic Association: Van Hill - Dr. Morrill spoke at the last MHA meeting which was held November 10. Dr. Thomas Hanchett is scheduled to speak at the next meeting.

f. 2010 Center City Plan/Citizens’ Advisory Board: Deborah Cox - Ms. Cox reported that she is waiting for information about the next scheduled meeting and the draft of the plan for public presentation.

Item #11 - New Business

Mr. Miller asked the Commissioners’ advice about the HLC’s membership on the Historic Charlotte, Inc. Board. He said that the HLC currently has six representatives but will drop back to four representatives in February. He said that Mr. Frank Whitney, who recently resigned from the HLC, is one of the current six representatives.

MR. MISENHEIMER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. COX FOR THE HLC’S REPRESENTATIVES ON HISTORIC CHARLOTTE, INC. ,TO DROP FROM SIX TO FIVE UNTIL FEBRUARY WHEN FOUR NEW REPRESENTATIVES ARE SELECTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that action needs to be taken by the HLC regarding a request from the owner of The Homeplace on Sardis Road that the HLC present a purchase offer.

MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. DANIEL THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION TABLE THE MATTER TO CONSIDER MAKING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE THE HOMEPLACE ON SARDIS ROAD UNTIL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS RECEIVED ABOUT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE PROPERTY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Miller reported that he has been asked about the HLC’s involvement in construction work at First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Morrill replied that the HLC has no involvement in the work at the Church because it is not designated as a local historic landmark. Dr. Morrill said that the property comes under the jurisdiction of the Historic District Commission.

Ms. Cox said that she thought it would be helpful to give a description of HLC member responsibilities to the Mayor’s office and the City and County Clerks regarding the amount of time and work that a member of the HLC is expected to give to the Commission in order that new members aren’t surprised upon discovering that membership requires attendance and participation in committee meetings, public hearings, and other scheduled events connected with the HLC’s activities, apart from attendance at the regularly scheduled HLC monthly meeting. Mr. Miller referred the matter to the Education Committee of which Mr. Parker is the Chairman.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.