Charlotte-Mecklenburg

June 9, 2008

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:25 p.m.

Mr. Richard Alsop, III/Mayor, HLC Vice-Chairman, Survey Com. Chairman

Mr. Matthew Benson/Mayor, Design Review Com. Chairman

Mr. Frank Bragg/City, Finance Vice-Chair, Torrence Lytle School Com. Chairman

Ms. Yolanda Johnson/City, HLC Secretary, Education Com. Chair/Liaison

Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz, III/County, Nominating Committee Vice-Chair (last meeting)

Ms. Yolanda Law/County, HLC Treas., Finance Com. Chair

Dr. Richard Mattson/County, design Review Com. Vice-Chair

Mr. Gray Newman/County, Projects Committee Chairman

Mr. Len Norman/County, HLC Chairman

Ms. Laura C. Smith/City, Nominating Committee Chair

Dr. Lynn Weis/City, Survey Committee Vice-Chair

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Preservation Planner

Ms. Patricia Nystrom, HLC Attorney

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Ms. Mary Dominick, HLC Consultant

Mr. William T. Hobbs,/County, Projects Com. Vice-Chair, White Oak Chair

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Joseph A. DeLaine, McCrorey Hgts. Comm. Assoc. (City Water Works neighborhood)

Ruth Green, " "

Edith Shearin, " "

Kent Lackey, Black & Veatch

Tom Howard, Charlotte Meck. Utilities

Scott Jones, Beazer Homes

Collin Brown, Kennedy Covington (Coffee Cup)

Jim Burke, CFD Fire Museum

Ron Weathers, Charlotte Meck. Utilities

Diane Alsop, HCI

Fredericka Bryant, McCrorey Heights Community Assoc. (City Water Works)

Roger Stacks, (Fire Museum)

Pierre Bader, (Fire Museum)

John Shurley, (Cotton Mill)

Don Campbell, HLC Survey Com.

Gardine Wilson, (Coffee Cup)

Ellen Patterson, Charlotte Woman’s Club

Susie Harris, Charlotte Woman’s Club

John H. Veiregg, Charlotte Woman’s Club

Scott Hensley, Charlotte Woman’s Club

Master Duncan Andrew Smith, infant son of Laurie Smith

MR. NEWMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BRAGG THAT THE HLC MINUTES FOR MAY 12, 2008, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. WEIS THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FOR MAY 12, 2008, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUS APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #2 - Chairman’s Report: Mr. Norman

Mr. Norman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He said that attendance sheets are at each seat, along with a monthly calendar, the finance report and other data.

The Historic Landmarks Commission holds no meetings in July, Mr. Norman reminded the Commissioners.

Mr. Norman thanked those who attended the preservation workshop May 20, 2008. Mr. Alsop, Dr. Weis and Mr. Norman were present on behalf of the HLC which gives the HLC its necessary CLG credit.

Mr. Norman said that tonight Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz, III, attends his last meeting on the HLC as he has served his six year term. Mr. Kluttz served a former six year term in addition to the current one and served as HLC Chairman. Mr. Norman said that Mr. Kluttz will be greatly missed and that he has been of great service to the HLC. Mr. Kluttz served as Projects Committee Chairman dealing with the HLC’s $9 million revolving fund during this term.

Mr. Norman said that HLC officers will be elected at the end of this meeting. The HLC runs on a fiscal year schedules - July 1 - June 30 of each year.

Item #3 - Director’s Report: Dr. Morrill

Dr. Morrill reported that the County Manager’s recommended budget (FY’09)contains the same dollar amount for the operations of the HLC as the current year’s budget.

Dr. Morrill said that he met with Mr. Ron Tober, Director of Charlotte Trolley, Inc., and Mr. Keith Parker, Director of CATS, during the past month. He said that they discussed the future use of the GM New Style (Fishbowl) Bus which CATS has restored and which is owned by the HLC. CATS is supportive of using the bus but details are still be to completed.

Dr. Morrill extended special thanks to Mr. Stewart Gray and Ms. Mary Dominick for coordinating the May 20th preservation workshop which fulfilled the HLC’s Certified Local Government education requirements for the year.

Dr. Morrill said that meetings were held with the contractor for the Grier-Rea House to review work still to be performed. An agreement was reach, and the contractor will be moving ahead with completion of his responsibilities.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager, is coordinating the completion of the upfit of the Sidney and Ethel Grier House, 4647 McKee Road.

Dr. Morrill said that the HLC is still awaiting word on the prospect of its acquiring the Walker’s Grocery Store Building and Holly Bend (the Robert Davidson House.)

Dr. Morrill reported that the HLC is now performing due diligence on its contract to purchase the former Fire Station Number 4 on West 5th St. Meetings with prospective buyers have occurred since the HLC’s May meeting.

Dr. Morrill said that the survey of the Torrence Lytle School property that will be acquired by the HLC has been completed. Meetings are scheduled with the Town of Huntersville to make sure no conflicts with the Town’s regulations will be forthcoming.

Dr. Morrill reported that Staff met with the owner of the Tomlinson-Wilson House to explore preservation strategies. The owner reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the house but exact details are still being developed. The HLC has design review over any material changes to the property.

Dr. Morrill reported that Staff will attend the City Council’s public hearings on June 16th to consider the HLC’s recommendation that the Big Rock Rock Shelter and the Bishop Kilgo House be designated as historic landmarks. The public hearing on the Second Ward High School Gymnasium has been tabled at the request of County Park and Recreation.

a. Bishop John C. Kilgo House, 2100 The Plaza, Charlotte, N. C.

DR. MATTSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION OPEN A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER HISTORIC STATUS FOR THE JOHN C. KILGO HOUSE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The property ( the interior and exterior of the structure and the tax parcel associated with the house) was reviewed and discussed by the HLC.

DR. MATTSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BENSON THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED AND THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION AFFIRM ITS ORIGINAL MOTION TO RECOMMEND THAT THE JOHN C. KILGO HOUSE, 2100 THE PLAZA, CHARLOTTE, N. C. (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND TAX PARCEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE STRUCTURE) BE DESIGNATED A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

b. Big Rock Rock Shelter, 6500 Elmstone Drive, Charlotte, N. C.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HLC OPEN A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER HISTORIC STATUS FOR THE BIG ROCK ROCK SHELTER, 6500 ELMSTONE DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The property (the Big Rock Rock Shelter and the tax parcel associated with the rocks) was reviewed and discussed by the HLC.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED AND THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION RE-CONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. ALSOP PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BENSON THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION AFFIRM ITS ORIGINAL MOTION TO RECOMMEND THAT THE BIG ROCK ROCK SHELTER, 6500 ELMSTONE DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N.C., BE DESIGNATED A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

c. Second Ward High School Gymnasium, 800 E. Stonewall St., Charlotte, N. C.

The property ( the interior and exterior of the building and an amount of land determined to be sufficient to protect the integrity of the structure) was reviewed and discussed by the HLC.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING BE CLOSED AND THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION RE-CONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION AFFIRM ITS ORIGINAL MOTION TO RECOMMEND THAT THE SECOND WARD HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM, 800 E. STONEWALL STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND LAND SUFFICIENT TO PROTECT THE HISTORIC INTEGRITY OF THE STRUCTURE) BE DESIGNATED A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #5 - Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Benson

Mr. Benson reported that the Design Review Committee met May 28, 2008. Minutes can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.

A. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness: Charlotte Water Works/Vest Station

New plans, different from those considered at the Design Review Committee, were presented to the HLC regarding the window treatment design and the ventilator design.

The Design Review Committee made a motion asking that new/improved design plans be presented to the HLC for consideration.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. WEIS THAT THE NEWLY PRESENTED DESIGN (ALTERNATIVE #4) PLANS FOR THE CHARLOTTE WATER WORKS/VEST STATION, CORNER OF BEATTIES FORD ROAD AND PATTON ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE APPLICANT WILL DOCUMENT WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND DRAWINGS ALL EXISTING WINDOW TYPES. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Note: Approved design plans are on file at the HLC office.

B. Mr. Benson said that applications have been submitted under express review, meaning that the Design Review Committee has not considered these matters.

1) McAuley House, 14033 Huntersville-Concord Rd., Huntersville, N. C.

Design plans were presented to the HLC for consideration.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE McAULEY HOUSE, 14033 HUNTERSVILLE-CONCORD ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

2) Charlotte Cotton Mills, 500 W. 5th St., Charlotte, N. C.

Note: Mr. Kluttz left the room at this point due to a potential conflict of interest

The applicant proposes to make changes to the building that abuts Graham Street. The proposal would involve the replacement of three direct-glazed windows with operable windows. These window openings are a recent alteration to the building. The proposal also included the removal of recently installed partition walls and ceiling, and the addition of new restrooms and a kitchen.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL FOR THE CHARLOTTE COTTON MILLS, 500 WEST FIFTH STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED WITH THE STIPULATION THAT HLC STAFF APPROVE FINAL DESCRIBED DETAILS BEFORE CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION. (Note that Joe Kluttz did not vote and was not in the meeting room.)

3) Coffee Cup Soda Grill, Clark Street, Charlotte, N. C.

Note: Joe Kluttz remained out of the room due to continuing potenial conflict of interest.

The applicant, Beazer Homes, intends to demolish the building. The HLC has been informed that Beazer Homes is exiting the Charlotte market and that the property is for sale. The sign was stolen several days ago. A police report has been filed. Dr. Morrill told those present that the HLC’s only power is to deny the Application for a Certificate of Demolition for up to 365 days.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW 1) THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION ISSUE THE CERTIFICATE OF DEMOLITION AS REQUIRED BY LAW FOR THE COFFEE CUP SODA GRILL, CLARK STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., 2) THAT A 365 DAY DEMOLITION DELAY BE MANDATED IN THE CERTIFICATE, 3) THAT HLC STAFF EXPLORE OPTIONS TO SAVE THE PROPERTY, 4) THAT HLC STAFF ASK THE CITY ATTORNEY ABOUT USING THE LAW OF EMINENT DOMAIN TO SAVE THE PROPERTY AND 5) THAT A REPORT BE MADE ON FINDINGS BY HLC STAFF AT THE AUGUST HLC MEETING. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Note: Mr. Kluttz re-joined the meeting at this point - after the vote of the Coffee Cup Soda Grill.

Item #6 - Survey Committee Report: Mr. Alsop

Mr. Alsop reported that the Survey Committee will meet Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the HLC office.

Item #7 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Newman

Mr. Newman said that Projects Committee business will need to be considered in Executive Session.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. NEWMAN THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION RE-CONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Note: In Executive Session the HLC approved a party to purchase Charlotte Fire Station #4, 420 W. 5th St., Charlotte, N. C.

Item #8 - Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Law

Ms. Law distributed the current financial report and explained the details.

Item #9 - Presentation of Appreciation Plaque to Joe Kluttz: Mr. Norman

Mr. Norman thanked Mr. Kluttz for serving as a member of the HLC for six years and presented him with a Plaque of Appreciation. Mr. Kluttz also received a thank-you cake.

Mr. Kluttz was applauded by everyone present for devoting his time, expertise, energy and many talents to the HLC. He served as Projects Commission Chairman and as HLC Chairman in a previous six year term.

Item #10 - Appreciation to HLC Members: Dr. Morrill

Dr. Morrill presented each HLC member with a Certification of Appreciation.

Item #11 - Election of Officers: Ms. Smith

Ms. Smith presented the Nominating Committee’s slate of HLC officers for 2008 - 2009.

MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BENSON THAT THE HLC ACCEPT THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE’S PRESENTED SLATE AND CLOSE THE FLOOR TO ADDITIONAL NOMINATIONS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. NEWMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON THAT THE FOLLOWING SLATE OF OFFICERS BE ELECTED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 - 2009:

CHAIRMAN: RICHARD ALSOP, III

VICE-CHAIRMAN: YOLANDA LAW

SECRETARY: LYNN WEIS

TREASURER: LAURA C. SMITH

THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

No old business was presented.

Note: Ms. Law and Ms. Smith left the meeting at this point.

Dr. Morrill reported that the owners of the Charlotte Woman’s Club, 1001 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, N. C., have a special request to remove designation of the interior of the building. The Woman’s Club is selling the building and the proposed buyer will need to do considerable alteration to the interior for business reasons. The exterior of the building would remain as is.

MR. NORMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. WEIS THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION PURSUE DE-DESIGNATION OF THE INTERIOR OF THE CHARLOTTE WOMAN’S CLUB, 1001 E. MOREHEAD ST., CHARLOTTE, N. C., AS REQUESTED BY THE OWNERS, BUT THAT HLC STAFF WORK WITH THE OWNERS AND PROPOSED BUYER TO CONSIDER OPTIONS THAT WOULD RETAIN INTERIOR DESIGNATION, AND THAT THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE CONSIDER POTENTIAL DESIGN PLANS. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH MR. BENSON AND DR. MATTSON OPPOSING THE MOTION.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.