Preservation Commission Regular Meeting - September 16, 2020

The Sacramento Preservation Commission held a regular meeting on September 16, 2020, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:22 p.m. via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission considered two landmark nominations, a historic cemetery preservation assessment and signage program, a major station area master plan, and a director's comment letter. All votes were unanimous (7-0) on action items, and discussion items were received and filed.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1: Approval of Minutes (June 17, 2020): The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the June 17, 2020 meeting (motion by Valania, second by Miller-Cruiess; 7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comments – Matters Not on the Agenda: No speakers were queued. One caller, Glenn Gennard, was redirected to the public hearing for Item 2.

Discussion Items

• Item 2: Ordinance Listing 1810 S Street (Nathaniel Colley and Associates Law Office) as a Landmark: Staff presented the nomination, highlighting Nathaniel Colley as Sacramento's first African American attorney and architect James C. Dodd's design. Property owner Glenn Gennard testified in strong support, describing Colley's personal impact. No other public comments. The commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend City Council adoption of the ordinance and CEQA exemption.

• Item 3: Ordinance Listing 3135 D Street (Guisto Family Residence) as a Landmark: Staff presented the nomination for the 1893 Queen Anne home associated with the Guisto family, early asparagus growers. One public comment (Jennifer Holden) was mistakenly directed to Item 4 and later corrected. No opposition. Commissioner Bowns noted grammatical errors in the staff report to be corrected. The commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend City Council adoption.

• Item 4: Historic City Cemetery: Preservation Assessment, 5-Year Plan, and Signage Program: Staff presented the draft technical assessment by conservator Catherine Unsch, focusing on hardscape and monument conditions, and a proposed signage program. Strong public testimony (approximately 15 speakers) from volunteers, rosarians, and community members expressed concerns about the plan's potential to remove the historic rose garden, criticized summer pruning of roses, and alleged neglect of volunteers. Speakers emphasized the garden's cultural and National Register value. Commissioners recommended reevaluating the property as a cultural landscape, engaging a historic landscape architect, and clarifying the city's vision. The item was received and filed without formal action.

• Item 5: Sacramento Valley Station Master Plan Final Public Draft: Project manager Gregory Taylor presented an update on the area plan, including a new regenerative utility center, open space designs, and phasing. Commissioners offered comments on design consistency, ADA consideration, and specific plan amendments. No public comments were received. The item was received and filed.

• Item 6: Preservation Director’s Comment Letter to SHPO Regarding Nisei VFW Post 8985 National Register Nomination: The commission received and filed the director's letter submitted to the State Historical Resources Commission.

Key Outcomes

• Items 2 & 3: Unanimous votes (7-0) to forward landmark nominations to the City Council with recommendations for approval.
• Item 4: The commission recommended staff pursue a cultural landscape report, engage a historic landscape architect, and improve communication with volunteers. No formal action was taken.
• Item 5: The commission received the plan and provided comments for consideration before final City Council review in December 2020.
• Director’s Report: Announced that the city received a 2020 Excellence Award from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions and a forthcoming award from the California Preservation Foundation for its historic district plans. The commission also noted that members serving beyond term limits continue until reappointed.