Item 1 - HPCminutes 8-26-15DRAFTTOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-6872
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SUMMARY MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS FOR AUGUST 26, 2015, HELD IN THE
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 110 E MAIN STREET, LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA.
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The meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. by Chair Len Pacheco.
ATTENDANCE
Members Present: Len Pacheco, Bob Cowan, Kathryn Janoff, Michael Kane, Tom O’Donnell
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Joel Paulson, Planning Manager; Jennifer Savage, Senior Planner
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kathryn Janoff requested changes to page 2 of the August 19, 2015 minutes.
Len Pacheco requested changes to page 2 of the August 19, 2015 minutes.
Bob Cowan moved to approve the minutes of July 22, 2015 and August 19, 2015
with the requested changes. The motion was seconded by Len Pacheco and
approved unanimously.
ITEM 2 15360 FRANCIS OAKS
Jim and Kerri Dunlay (property owners) were present and requested that the
Committee recommend a change in the process to determine the age of structures.
Len Pacheco visited the site and found that the house was post-war ranch style,
probably not built before 1941.
Michael Kane asked about the 1900 default date.
Tom O’Donnell commented that staff should be able to review credible evidence.
Kathryn Janoff asked the property owners when the process began.
Bob Cowan moved to remove the property from the Historic Resources Inventory
based on evidence submitted by the property owners. The motion was seconded
DRAFTHistoric Preservation Committee
August 26, 2015
Page 2 of 4
by Len Pacheco and approved unanimously.
Tom O’Donnell moved to recommend that staff look into and correct the age of
structures based on clear and convincing evidence. The motion was seconded by
Michael Kane and approved unanimously.
Kathryn Janoff commented that, alternatively, staff could bring the property in
question to the Committee immediately.
The Committee agreed that evidence showing structures were built in 1941 and
after should not come to the Committee for review.
ITEM 3 311 W. MAIN STREET
Gary Kohlsaat (architect), Nora Comee (property owner), Paul (contractor), and
Lou (neighbor) were present.
Bob Cowan commented that repair is acceptable justification for the request and
that the Town Code allows exemptions for repair.
Tom O’Donnell agrees.
Michael Kane appreciates the applicant’s letter and that they are requesting the
change before making the change in the field.
Len Pacheco asked if the request is for only the front and commented that he
agrees with the other comments that the subject request is repair.
Kathryn Janoff commented that it is great to retain the integrity of the structure.
Michael Kane moved to approve the request and made the findings and
considerations, and found the request is consistent with Town Policy in that the
request is a repair which is exempt from the historic demolition definition. The
motion was seconded by Kathryn Janoff and approved unanimously.
ITEM 4 OTHER BUSINESS
a. 112 Los Gatos Boulevard
Yana Kushner and John Gilred (buyers) were present. The buyers explained
that they want to restore traditional Spanish mission mullions and grids on all
windows, doors, and sliding doors.
DRAFTHistoric Preservation Committee
August 26, 2015
Page 3 of 4
Dave Zicovich (applicant) was present and provided existing floor plans.
The Committee discussed the existing condition of the structure and whether
the condition warrants approval for demolition.
Bob Cowan commented that there is not enough information to support
demolition. He commented that the condition report is vague and that the
Building Official should inspect the structure.
Kathryn Janoff asked about the research regarding the structure’s historic
significance, architectural value, or persons of interest. She requested
additional information that would allow the Committee to make the findings.
Len Pacheco commented that the structure’s architecture was mixed and
included Victorian style. He commented that he was concerned about mold
infestation.
Tom O’Donnell asked if the structure was beyond repair, what the Committee
would recommend.
Kathryn Janoff commented that if it is a significant structure, the Committee
would support reconstruction and keep the structure on the Historic Resources
Inventory.
The Committee discussed options with the applicant and staff. The
Committee considered whether the repair exemption could be used to
maintain the appearance of the structure from the rear.
Kathryn Janoff recommended not to remove from the structure from the
Historic Resources Inventory, and that the applicant, the Committee and staff
work together to allow the historic structure to be preserved. She asked if the
Committee can waive certain requirements to meet historic preservation goals.
The Committee asked staff to research options including but not limited to a
Variance application and Town Code waiver, and to provide the information
to the applicant and the Committee prior to the next Historic Preservation
Committee meeting.
b. Historic Demolition
The Committee discussed the matter including:
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August 26, 2015
Page 4 of 4
• The requirement to maintain structure in good repair is unfair for
historic buildings where there is no requirement for non-historic
structures. What are the legal implications?
• Do they keep or delete the existing Town Code regarding a property
owner’s duty to keep in good repair. Committee consensus was to
delete after checking with the attorney.
• Whether demolition by neglect was currently in the Town Code?
• The repair exemption from historic demolition. Does it allow for good
construction practice and does it further historic preservation?
• Consider adding language regarding modern construction practices.
• Direct staff to review and comment on the draft proposed language
changes.
ITEM 5 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:32 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September
23, 2015, at 4:00 p.m.
Prepared by: Approved by:
_______________________________ ________________________________
Jennifer L. Savage, AICP Len Pacheco
Senior Planner Chair
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