Videos

Charlotte-Mecklenburg

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

Time: 6:00 P. M. - 8:00 P. M.

Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Chairman

Ms. Deborah Cox/City, Survey Com. Chair

Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, Design Review Com. Chair

Ms. Amy Hockett/City, Design Review Com. Vice-Chair

Ms. Yolanda Johnson-Gess/City, Nominating Committee Chair

Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz/County, Survey Committee Vice-Chair

Mr. John E. Misenheimer/County, HLC Vice-Chair, Rural Hill Schoolhouse Com. Chair

Mr. Len Norman/County

Mr. John J. Parker, III/Mayor, Projects Committee Chairman

Ms. Ross Richardson/County, Education Committee Chair

Mr. Mike Sullivan/County, Education Com. Vice-Chair

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Consultant

Ms. Patricia Nystrom, HLC Attorney

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, HLC Treas., Finance Co. Chair, Projects Vice-Chair

Ron Tober, CATS

Bob Silverman, Winter Properties (Highland Mill)

David Burt, Winter Properties (Highland Mill)

George Miller, Attorney (South 21)

Nick Copsis, owner (South 21)

Rae Smith, BofA (Highland Mill)

Paul McBroom (Highland Mill)

Terry Shook, Charlotte Trolley

Miller Jordan, Charlotte Trolley

Paul Jaszewski, JAGCO (Washam Property)

Valerie Lewis, HLC Projects and Education Committees

Babak Emach (Highland Mill)

Dennis Tucker, ADM (Ada Cotton Mill)

Phil Steinmetz, ADM (Ada Cotton Mill)

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. HOCKETT THAT THE MINUTES FOR MARCH 10, 2003, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FOR MARCH 10, 2003, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

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

Mr. Bradsher welcomed everyone to the meeting. He extended congratulations to Mr. Hirsch on the birth of a son and congratulated Ms. Richardson again on the birth of her daughter.

Mr. Bradsher asked everyone to look at the distributed pink sheets regarding the status of the terms of the HLC members. He reminded everyone that the HLC’s last monthly meeting for this fiscal year is June 9, 2003, that the HLC does not hold meetings in July and that August 11, 2003 will be the "kick-off" meeting to begin the new fiscal year. Mr. Bradsher asked all Commissioner to fill out the yellow form at their seats regarding their desires for HLC committee appointments and willingness to serve as an HLC officer during the next fiscal year.

Mr. Bradsher said that the Nominating Committee composed of Ms. Johnson-Gess, Chair, and Mr. Hirsch and Ms. Hockett will meet before the HLC’s May 12, 2003 meeting and will present a slate of proposed officers for the HLC. The officers will be voted on at the June 9, 2003 meeting.

Mr. Bradsher reported that the next public hearing will be held with the City on Monday, May 19, to consider historic designation for five properties - Armature Winding, Grand Theater, Parks-Hutchinson School, White Oak Plantation acreage, and the Newcombe McElwee House.

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

Dr. Morrill reported that a signed contract is in hand for the purchase of the Croft Schoolhouse. He said that the price is within the range acceptable to the HLC and the closing should occur by the end of April.

Dr. Morrill reported that due diligence is continuing on the Grand Theater. The RFPs have been distributed for the W. T. Alexander Plantation. Construction should begin on the foundation of the Grier-Rea House in the near future, as will construction at the Edward Rozzell House. Architects are preparing plans for the restoration of the Sidney and Ethel Grier House.

Dr. Morrill reported that he has contacted officials of Queens University about the prospective designation of the interior and grounds of the Lethco House. Those discussions continue.

Dr. Morrill reported that the owner of the former Grist Mill and the former Blacksmith Shop at the Funderburk Brothers Complex in Matthews is planning to sell the buildings, probably as office condominiums. His lawyer is working with Patricia Nystrom to make arrangements for the HLC’s deciding whether it wishes to exercise its right of first refusal.

Dr. Morrill reported that Staff continues to meet with County officials about the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Operating Budget for the HLC.

Dr. Morrill reported that Staff is awaiting word from the City Engineering Department about the feasibility of saving all or some portion of the buildings at East Trade and Brevard Streets at the site of the new Uptown Arena. He said that discussions about the prospect of saving and restoring a portion of the Southern Public Utilities Streetcar Barn continue. The Board of County Commissioners will consider on April 15th whether it will commit $1.5 million of Land Bond money to purchase the building. Thereafter, the Mecklenburg Transit Commission will consider whether it will commit $5.2 million to restore the building as the home of Charlotte’s vintage trolley line. A meeting is scheduled this Thursday with HLC staff, Charlotte Trolley and CATS to discuss where the issue stands. Dr. Morrill distributed copies to Commission members of the report that Staff will present Tuesday night.

Item #4 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Parker

Mr. Parker reported that the Projects Committee met April 7, 2003 at the HLC office. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org - and are on file at the HLC office.

Mr. Silverman from Winter Properties in Atlanta, Georgia was present to answer HLC members questions about the proposed Highland Mill project. He said that $1 million is needed from the HLC’s revolving fund in the form of a letter of credit to help finance the restoration of the Highland Mill .

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT DR. MORRILL AND ATTORNEY PATRICIA NYSTROM INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE HLC’S POSSIBLE FINANCIAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE HIGHLAND MILL #3 PROJECT AND TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE AT ITS MAY MEETING. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION AS FOLLOWS: ABSTAIN: MS. JOHNSON-GESS, MR. NORMAN (BOTH RECUSED THEMSELVES FROM THE VOTE) OPPOSE: NONE FAVOR: BRADSHER, COX, HIRSCH, HOCKETT, KLUTTZ, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON, SULLIVAN

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT PROPOSED DESIGN PLANS #1 AND #2 FOR THE GRIER HOUSE BE PURSUED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Parker said that the Projects Committee’s motion regarding the Yandle House on Main Street in Pineville, N. C. will be considered in Executive Session at the end of the meeting.

Dr. Morrill said that the HLC voted at its March 2003 meeting to vote tonight regarding selling Streetcar #85 to Charlotte Trolley . He said that Mr. Tober, from CATS, and Mr. Miller, from Charlotte Trolley, Inc., are here tonight to speak to the issue before the HLC votes. The HLC currently owns Streetcar #85 which is a designated historic landmark and was Charlotte’s last trolley to run as a part of the streetcar system in the year 1938. Mr. Miller said that his organization would very much like to own Streetcar #85 - that its historic significance and longevity need to be guaranteed. Mr. Tober said that he is also understands and appreciates the historic significance of the car but that in order for CATS to do repairs necessary to insure the car’s safety and to provide on-going maintenance and operation with federal dollars for the public that CATS might have to own the car. Mr. Tober said that he needs a little more time to officially document the entire situation.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HLC DELAY A DECISION REGARDING THE SALE OF STREETCAR #85 TO THE HLC’S MAY MEETING. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The HLC agreed at this point to go to the Survey Committee Report and to receive the Education Committee Report and Rural Hill Schoolhouse Report after Survey.

Item #5 - Survey Committee Report: Ms. Cox

Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee made a motion at its meeting on March 6, 2003, to recommend to the HLC that the Ada Cotton Mill be processed for historic designation and that consideration of the motion be delayed for consideration to the April HLC meeting in order that the owner(s) of the property could have more time to respond. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website and are on file at the HLC’s office.

Representatives from ADM Milling Company (property owner), Mr. Tucker and Mr. Steinmetz, were present to ask that a vote to consider Ada Cotton Mill for historic designation processing be postponed until the owner has more time to review the situation.

MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. RICHARDSON THAT CONSIDERATION OF THE ADA COTTON MILL, 630 W. 11TH STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION BE DELAYED UNTIL THE HLC’S MAY 12, 2003, MEETING. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Ms. Cox said that the Survey Committee at its January 30, 2003 meeting voted that the HLC consider processing the South-21 Curbside Restaurant for historic designation. The HLC agreed at the February 2003 meeting and again at the March 2003 meeting to delay the vote in order that the owners could have more time to respond. Mr. Miller and Mr. Copsis were present at this April meeting to ask that the property not be recommended for historic designation. The Commissioners agreed that the owners should work with HLC Staff to get more detailed information about what historic designation would mean for the property.

MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. SULLIVAN THAT CONSIDERATION OF THE SOUTH 21 CURBSIDE RESTAURANT, 3631 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE DEFERRED TO THE HLC’S MEETING ON MAY 12, 2003. THE HLC UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Kluttz said that the issue of determining what part of Washam Farm property is to be considered for historic designation has come to an end. Dr. Jaszewski, a representative of the majority owner of the property, JAGCO, said that his party will still agree to historic designation of the portion of the property as stated in the letter on file.

MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT DR. MORRILL BE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE HLC THE PROPOSAL LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH JACGO IN REGARD TO THE PORTION OF PROPERTY THAT IS SUITABLE FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR THE WASHAM FARM PROPERTY, 15715 DAVIDSON-CONCORD ROAD, DAVIDSON, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. KLUTTZ PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION  RECOMMEND THAT THE WASHAM FARM 15715 DAVIDSON-CONCORD ROAD, DAVIDSON, N. C. BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION.  THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The HLC agreed to extend an invitation to an official from the Arts and Science Council to attend the HLC’s May meeting to discuss the situation regarding the Carolina Theater.

Ms. Cox said that the next Survey Committee meeting will be held April 24, 2003.

Mr. Kluttz left the meeting at this point - 7:20 p.m.

Item #6 - Education Committee Report: Ms. Richardson and Mr. Sullivan

Mr. Sullivan reported that the Education Committee met March 20 and April 3. The Committee is holding a special event on May 1, 2003, at 8:30 a.m., at the Charlotte Cotton Mill for public officials in order to educate the officials about the HLC’s work. Even though approximately 200 invitations will be sent approximately 40 people are expected to attend. Best Impressions Caterers will donate the food and labor - a $545.00 donation, but the HLC will need to pay for the cost of the invitations, etc. Ms. Hockett reported that her business, Jenkins-Peer., is donating paper and printing services for maps, photographs, etc.

THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT UP TO $500.00 BE AUTHORIZED FOR EXPENDITURES FOR PRINTING AND MAILING INVITATIONS, ETC. FOR THE HLC’S MAY 1, 2003, EVENT FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #7 - Rural Hill Schoolhouse Report: Mr. Misenheimer

Mr. Misenheimer said that a special event will be held at the pavilion building which the HLC is constructing to accompany the Davidson Schoolhouse when the structure is completed. Dialogue for educational programming for the Schoolhouse continues by the Catawba Valley Scottish Association, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools and the HLC.

Item #8 - Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Hirsch

Mr. Hirsch reported that the Design Review Committee will meet April 29, 2003.

Item #9 - Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Bos

Mr. Norman reported for Ms. Bos that he, Ms. Bos, Dr. Morrill and Mr. Turner will meet to discuss the Revolving Fund Budget. Mr. Norman distributed a financial report to each HLC member present "Outstanding Payments and Estimated Project Cost." Mr. Parker said that prioritizing expenditures for projects will be discussed at the May meeting of the Projects Committee.

Ms. Hockett left the meeting at this point 7:45 p.m.

No old business was presented.

No new business was presented except for the fact that Ms. Nystrom asked that the HLC convene in Executive Session.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HLC CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION . THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HLC RECONVENE IN ITS REGULAR SESSION AND REPORT THE BUSINESS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The following items were discussed in Executive Session:

- The HLC approved the sale of the Croft Schoolhouse property to Robert Lauer, pursuant to the terms contained in the contract dated April 1, 2003, and authorized the HLC chairman, vice-chairman or any committee chair to execute any and all documents, including but not limited to deeds, lien waiver, and closing statements necessary to close said transaction. In addition, said officer shall also have the right to execute any contract amendments to extend said closing date and make other modifications to said contract, provided said modifications do not result in a reduction of the purchase price in excess of $5,000.00.

- The HLC approved a contract which had been authorized by the HLC’s Executive for the purchase of the Yandle House, 129 Main Street, Pineville, NC. Said contract provides for an examination period of sixty days, and if said contract is not terminated by the HLC during the Examination Period, the HLC authorizes the HLC’s chairman, vice chairman, any committee chair, its consulting director, and any other representative to take any and all actions reasonably necessary to close the transaction.

- The HLC voted that Grist Mill conversion is appropriate and made provisions for the execution of the necessary waivers of the right of first refusal..

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.