HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-06 - Historic Landmarks Commission Minutes
117 NW Lafayette Avenue, Bend, Oregon 97703 | P.O. Box 6005, Bend, OR 97708-6005
(541) 388-6575 cdd@deschutes .org www.deschutes.org/cd
MINUTES
DESCHUTES COUNTY HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION
DESCHUTES SERVICES CENTER
1300 NW WALL STREET, BEND, OREGON, 97701
NOVEMBER 6, 2019 – 5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER / REVIEW OF PAST MEETING MINUTES
Vice-Chair Leighty called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Historic Landmark
Commissioners present were Sharon Leighty, Rachel Stemach, Bill Olsen, and Kelly
Madden. Staff present were Nick Lelack, CDD Director, Peter Gutowsky, Planning
Manager, and Zechariah Heck, Associate Planner.
The April 1, 2019 meeting minutes were approved as drafted.
II. PUBLIC HEARING: FILE NO. 247-19-000785-HS
Vice-Chair Leighty opened the public hearing on file no. 247-19-000785-HS, a proposal by
the Deschutes County Road Department to rehabilitate the Bull Creek Bridge, a Goal 5
Historic Landmark. Staff gave a presentation summarizing the staff report reviewing the
applicant’s proposal. A correction to the staff report was shared: the proposed work does
not involve placement of entry guard rails.
Cody Smith, County Engineer, representing the applicant, presented the proposal and
explained why the bridge necessitates rehabilitation work. Mr. Smith explained the bridge
is falling into disrepair and also explained the proposed work will meet all approval
criteria as well as the Secretary of the Interior’s Design Standards and Guidelines.
Les Hudson and Veronica Newton-Hudson, members of the public, submitted written
testimony as well as commenting verbally on the applicant’s proposal. They stated their
concerns as neighbors of the project location: there is a potential life-safety hazard if the
bridge is closed to traffic during wildfire season. Cody Smith responded to their concerns
by explaining the Road Department will ensure traffic could cross the bridge in the event
of an emergency.
Vice-Chair Leighty closed the open record period of the public hearing. Commissioners
proceeded to deliberate on the proposal. All commissioners stated the need to
rehabilitate the bridge is apparent and that the Road Department has proven their
dedication and intent to maintain the historic design and character of the bridge. The
commission voted 3-0 (three in favor, zero opposed; Commissioner Madden does not
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vote as an Ex-Officio member) to approve the applicant’s proposal as presented with no
conditions of approval.
III. STAFF / HLC COMMENTS
Zechariah asked if any commissioners will be attending the November 14 CLG conference
in Albany. Both Commissioner Stemach and Leighty expressed interest but were not sure
if they could make it.
Zechariah also provided an update to the HLC on the status of the CLG grant. He
encouraged commissioner’s to think of any ideas/projects to fund through the grant. One
of the main projects to be performed is an update to the Goal 5 Historic Inventory, which
will take place in 2020.
The commission also set the schedule for HLC meetings in 2020: January, March, May,
August/September, and November. These dates may be modified as necessary to ensure
a full agenda, a quorum, and meeting room availability.
The idea of adding Ex-Officio members was also discussed. Staff shared with the
commission the Board of County Commissioners will need to provide the direction before
a formal recruitment is made.
Commissioner Stemach suggested everyone start considering ideas for May Preservation
Month in 2020.
IV. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Zechariah Heck, Associate Planner