HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-11-02 - Historic Landmarks Commission Minutes
MINUTES
JOINT MEETING
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND
DESCHUTES COUNTY HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION
DESCHUTES SERVICES CENTER
1300 NW WALL STREET, BEND, OREGON, 97701
NOVEMBER 2, 2015 – 5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Christine Horting-Jones called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Historic Landmark
Commissioners (HLC) present were Sharon Leighty, Christine Horting-Jones, Broc
Stenman, Ray Solley (Ex-offico), and Rachel Stemach (Ex-offico). Board of County
Commissioner present were Tammy Baney, Chair Tony Debone, and Alan Unger. Staff
present were Matt Martin, Associate Planner, Peter Gutowsky, Planning Manager, and
Nick Lelack, Community Development Director.
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
III. CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANT UPDATE
Kelly Cannon Miller, Executive Director of the Deschutes Historical Society, provided an
overview and update on the historic property files scanning project that is supported by
Deschutes County Certified Local Government (CLG) grant funds. There are 3000 files to
be scanned by August 2016. The project will be completed primarily by a student
volunteer with a Masters in archives and a retired volunteer with archiving experience.
Commissioner Leighty provided an update on the Sisters County Historical Society archive
concerns discussed at the August HLC meeting. Commission Schmidling coordinated a
meeting with society representatives and Kelly Cannon-Miller to examine the catalog and
materials.
Commissioner Baney asked about the vitality of the Redmond Historic Society. Discussion
followed addressing coordination with all historic preservation programs in the county.
Commissioner Baney offered to reach out to Ken Harms, member of the Redmond
Historical Society, and get him in touch with Kelly Cannon-Miller.
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IV. REDMOND AND BEND CLG PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Matt Martin provided an update on various historic preservation related projects in the
area.
City of Bend: Not a lot of activity with a couple of projects under review; Looking into
developing story map content and integrate into existing county story map;
City of Redmond: Considering submitted requests for designation of Roy Holmes’
home, the Redmond passenger depot, and the Redmond freight depot as historic
resources; Application submitted to modify old high school with intent to move city hall
into the building; Developing a historic preservation strategic plan; Revising walking
tour map; Continuing to explore designation of downtown as a historic district.
Commissioner Unger asked who is the staff lead and Matt indicated Scott Woodford
and Heather Richards are the leads.
V. I.O.O.F. PAULINA LAKE CABIN WORKSHOP AND TOUR
Matt Martin provided a PowerPoint presentation on the I.O.O.F. Paulina Lake Cabins
including the history of the cabins and the recent maintenance workshop and assessment
done by HistoriCorps. The assessment will result in a report of renovation options for the
cabins including restoration, interpretation, and/or demolition. The report is expected
winter 2015/16. The Forest Service has been invited to the next HLC meeting to provide
an update and explore possible partnership opportunities.
Commissioner Leighty asked if this was the last at risk property on Forest Service land.
Matt did not know the answer but the question could be asked of the Forest Service at the
next meeting.
VI. ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION WITH BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner DeBone provided an overview of the planning efforts to celebrate the 100-
year anniversary of Deschutes County throughout the year and at various events in the
county. A committee has been formed and those interested are welcome to participate.
A variety of events, projects, and ideas were discussed including:
Parades
Car shows
County Fair
Poster contest
Living history theatricals
Promotion of historic preservation
Promotion of the historical society
50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act
Time capsule
Commissioner Unger discussed Camp Polk Cemetery regarding ownership, responsibility,
and upkeep. Discussion followed with suggestions to contact the State Pioneer Cemetery
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Commission and consider grant opportunities. Kelly Cannon-Miller offered to have
citizens contact her for more information.
Commissioner Stenman expressed interest in increasing resources to the historic
preservation program with an effort to update inventory of historic sites, add listings to the
local Goal 5 list of historic resources, and be proactive in identifying future landmarks. He
noted that over half of the existing resource list were added in the 1990s. He expressed
concern that the rural county is easily overlooked.
Commissioner Baney asked about consultant opportunities for inventorying historic
properties. She also noted the importance of being cognizant of property rights and
looming budget challenges.
Commissioner Stenman wants to think more about preserving the rural component beyond
structures.
Commissioner Baney suggested a goal of adding 16 new historic resource designations in
2016.
Commissioner Stenman suggested HLC meet more frequently especially during this
centennial year to be more productive.
Nick Lelack suggested taking bite size pieces in development of an inventory and
expansion of protected resources recognizing budget constraints.
Commission Stenman noted the disconnect between building codes and historic
preservation standards as evidenced by the photo presentation by Patrick Davenport,
Sisters Community Development Director, at the HLC meeting in August.
Commissioner Stenman asked about the time needed to develop a list of 40-year old
structures. Nick Lelack indicated it could be significant and staff may be occupied by other
project demands. Kelly Cannon-Miller noted she may have an intern available. Nick also
mentioned other similar intern programs that could be considered.
Peter Gutowsky suggested a systematic approach to scheduling future meetings in
coordination with centennial activities.
VII. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Martin
Associate Planner