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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02272024_Action Minutes_ArtsCultural-HistoricalResources SubcomitteeAction Minutes: GPAC Arts and Cultural/Historical Resources Subcommittee Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Location: Balboa Island Meeting Room and Teams GPAC and GPUSC Members in Attendance: Arlene Greer, Dennis Baker, Paul Watkins, Nancy Gardner City Staff in Attendance: Jaime Murillo, Ben Zdeba, Liz Westmoreland, Laura Rodriguez, Jenny Tran, and Elizabeth Dickson (Consultant) Brief Discussion Recap and Action Minutes City staff initiated the meeting and provided the following basic objectives for the meeting: 1) to determine the Chairperson of the GPAC Arts & Cultural/Historical Resources Subcommittee; 2) to provide feedback on the Historical Resources Existing Conditions and Background document; and 4) to move the document (Existing Conditions and Background Report) forward for GPAC consideration. Identifying the GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee Chairperson After brief discussion, GPAC Member Arlene Greer was selected as the Chairperson. ✓ Action: GPAC Member Arlene Greer will serve as the Chair of the GPAC Arts and Cultural/Historical Resources Subcommittee. Discussing the Historic Resources Element Elizabeth Dickson (Consultant) of Dudek provided a PowerPoint presentation. She shared how the Historical Resources Element was added to the General Plan in 2006 and emphasized it is not a mandated General Plan Element. However, its goal is to protect historically significant landmarks, structures, and sites, including archeological and paleontological resources. She also shared several databases that are used for historic resources and presented a map of historical resources located in the City. Lastly, she listed the steps required to prepare a draft with the respective GPAC subcommittee and to consider several outreach opportunities and policy considerations. Several examples included public education opportunities, types of properties that should be considered (i.e., beach cottages), and a legacy business program. Once she concluded her presentation, the Subcommittee provided the following input: General Input • GPAC member Dennis Baker shared his experience in creating/using an app, specifically designed for Corona del Mar since it already has a group that represents historical interests. The app is called “Pocketsites” and is free to use and pinpoints specific sites throughout Corona del Mar. The app is intended to be used by visitors and residents. He also noted how several historical societies and groups are already working on these types of efforts independently. • GPAC Member Greer recommended a few properties be included in the map Elizabeth had presented in her power point presentation of Historical Resources. • The group noted that there is an existing website that catalogs existing and former cottages in Corona del Mar. GPAC Arts and Cultural/Historical Resources Subcommittee Action Minutes for February 27, 2024 • Discussion took place surrounding funding for historic preservation. It was noted that “Certified Local Government” and the “Mills Act Program”1 were referenced in the Dudek report. More information was requested by the committee and may be forthcoming in a future meeting of the GPAC Arts and Culture and Historical Resources Subcommittee. • There was a suggestion to consider wayfinding signs for significant sites. However, there is a concern of sign pollution. Being able to use an app, like Pocketsites, will be help minimize the usage of signs and vandalism. • The group discussed the possibility of reaching out to Gary Sherwin of Visit Newport Beach. There may be a policy to recommend some method of unifying and coordinating outreach and marketing efforts. • Consider a policy to recommend a federation to cover all historical groups so they can maintain independence. • Finding a way to incorporate historical sites on the MyNBapp in addition to the existing arts functionality. • Due to Balboa Island having a significant historical group, there was emphasis from the Subcommittee to not pursue a competing interest that could damage foot traffic for the Balboa Island museum. • The idea of having a policy involving the encouragement of curating oral history. In addition, a consideration to have professional staff or volunteers dedicated to historic resources and obtaining oral history. It would be important to consider how that can be promoted to the public and how oral history contributors would be identified. • Creating a committee for a master plan like the effort done regarding arts. It was emphasized that everything needs an advocate with objectives to accomplish for the program to be successful. • Discussing the City/staff’s role in terms of policy considerations – e.g. using City Hall or other City facilities at limited to no cost to host events. • The group discussed the importance of acknowledging Newport Beach as a year-round destination without any season. ✓ Action: The GPAC Arts and Cultural/Historical Resources Subcommittee supported moving the existing conditions and background analysis report forward with consideration of these action minutes for the larger GPAC to review at the March 20, 2024 meeting. 1 The Mills Act encourages the restoration and preservation of historic properties by allowing interested owners to receive a break on their property taxes in exchange for their historic preservation and restoration efforts. See Section 7.3.2 (Develop a Mills Act Program) on page 36 of the Dudek report for more information.