Preservation Commission Meeting Summary - November 15, 2023
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Preservation Commission Meeting Summary - November 15, 2023
The Sacramento Preservation Commission met on November 15, 2023, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included a consent calendar, a public hearing on a landmark designation, a discussion on the annual report, and a director's report. All five present commissioners voted unanimously on all items (Commissioner Root absent).
Consent Calendar
- Approval of October 18, 2023 Meeting Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 2 - Landmark Designation for 670 Dixieanne Avenue (North Sacramento School): Four members of the public spoke in support of the landmark designation. Speakers included:
- Kitts: Emphasized the historical and social value of old schools, noted the building's deterioration, and framed the designation as a tool for neighborhood revitalization and equity.
- Kim Scott: Shared personal connection to the property, recounted family history in North Sacramento, and expressed hope for creative reuse of the site.
- Ronnie Shaw (President of Old North Sacramento Community Association): Described the school as a catalyst for the original community, highlighted neglect and blight, and stated that the local designation would bring new life.
- Jack Neelson: Shared a personal story about family connections to the school and noted that community members were thrilled about the preservation effort.
Discussion Items
- Item 2 - Ordinance Listing North Sacramento School as a Landmark: Staff presented the historic significance under three criteria (development of North Sacramento, Mission Revival architecture, and association with notable architects). The property is also on the National Register. The school district consented via a board member's endorsement. The commission voted to recommend City Council adopt the ordinance and find it CEQA-exempt.
- Item 3 - 2023 Draft Preservation Commission Annual Report: The commission reviewed the draft (incorporating prior comments) and voted to forward it to the Personnel and Public Employees Committee for consideration.
- Director's Report: Sean deCourcy provided updates:
- Public outreach meeting on the Eichler Historic District (November 1) had about 20 attendees, with no opposition voiced.
- LGBTQ grant project: RFPs received from five consultants; review committee (including Commissioner Merker) to meet after Thanksgiving, with selection by December 1.
- Attended National Trust Conference in Washington DC; learned about African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, Chinatown preservation, and disaster preparedness.
- Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Merker praised the Eichler meeting format and inquired about the Coca-Cola bottling plant project. Director deCourcy clarified that the building is not listed but is part of an adaptive reuse plan (hotel) with historic preservation; he conducted a site visit and confirmed the contractor is experienced.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5-0).
- Landmark Designation (Item 2): Motion passed 5-0 to recommend City Council approve the ordinance listing the North Sacramento School as a local landmark and find it CEQA-exempt.
- Annual Report (Item 3): Motion passed 5-0 to forward the report to the Personnel and Public Employees Committee.
- Meeting adjourned at 6:04 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Chair staff is ready when you are and good evening. Welcome everyone to the November 15th, 2023 Preservation Commission meeting. The meeting is now called to order. Will the clerk please call the role to establish a quorum? Thank you, Chair. Commissioner Merker. Vice Chair Garrett Root is absent. Commissioner Burns? Here. Commissioner Nayar. Here. Commissioner Montamayor. Here. And Chair McSlavkin. Here. Thank you. We have quorum. Great. Thank you. I would like to remind members of the public in chambers that if you would like to speak on an agenda item, please turn in a speaker slip when the item begins. You will have two minutes to speak once you are called on. After the first speaker, we will no longer accept speaker slips. We will now proceed with today's agenda. Beginning with the land acknowledgement. Please rise for the opening acknowledgments in honor of Sacramento's indigenous people and tribal lands. To the original people of this land, the Nissanan people, the Southern Maidu, Valley and Plains Miwok, Patwin Win 2 peoples, and the people of the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento's only federally recognized tribe. May we acknowledge and honor the Native people who came before us and still walk beside us today on these ancestral lands by choosing to gather today in the active practice of acknowledgement and appreciation for Sacramento's indigenous people's history, contributions, and lives. Thank you. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance from Commissioner Burns. To the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. And you may be seated. Clerk, do we have any public comments on the item? Thank you, Chair. I have no speaker slips on this item. Thank you. Do we have any commissioners who want to make a comment or a motion on this item? I'll go ahead and move to approve the minutes. Second. Great. We have a motion from myself and a second from Commissioner Montemeyar. Will the clerk please call the vote? Thank you, Chair. Commissioner Merker. Yes. Vice Chair Root is currently absent. Commissioner Burns? Yes. Commissioner Nayar?
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