Historic and Architectural Preservation Board Meeting - April 24, 2025
Historic and Architectural Preservation Board Meeting - April 24, 2025
The Historic and Architectural Preservation Board (HAPB) of the City of Venice met on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of minutes, discussion on the 2025 Legacy Award, a funding request for a local designation plaque for the Venice Beach Pavilion, and proposed revisions to Section 7 of the city code. The board also discussed upcoming outreach events and preservation month activities.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 13, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously with a motion by John Stecketty and a second.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public signed up to speak during the Audience Participation portion.
Discussion Items
- 2025 Legacy Award: Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer reported that only one nomination was received—from the Venice Area Historical Society, which had previously won the award in 2006. Board members expressed concerns about re-awarding and noted that the application did not highlight recent work. They decided to postpone the current nomination, reopen the nomination period, and encourage board members and the public to submit additional nominations. Staff was directed to compile a list of historical figures who have not yet been recognized. The goal is to have a slate of nominees for a June meeting.
- Funds for Venice Beach Pavilion Plaque: Harry Klinkhamer requested approval to spend up to $600 from the Centennial Fund interest for a bronze plaque marking the pavilion’s local historic designation. Board members discussed potential cost increases due to tariffs and approved a range of $600 to $850 to avoid needing further approval. The motion passed unanimously. The plaque will be installed at a prominent location on the pavilion, likely near the rotunda.
- Section 7 Proposed Revisions: Board member Jon Barrick presented proposed changes to Section 7 of the city code, which governs the HAPB’s review authority. Key points of discussion included:
- Adding language that would require board review (rather than solely the Historic Resources Manager) for alterations and additions to local register properties outside the Venetian Historic District. Staff and board members emphasized the importance of having Harry Klinkhamer guide applicants through the process before the board gives final approval.
- Whether to adopt the Secretary of Interior Standards for non-VHP local register properties. The planning commission had previously opposed this, but the board noted these standards are already used for tax exemption reviews. The board directed staff to prepare a strike-through version of the proposed revisions for a future meeting, incorporating the discussed compromises.
- Clarifying that non-VHP commercial buildings (e.g., recent roof replacement cases) should be exempt from certain reviews if they are not proposing significant aesthetic changes.
- Outreach Event: Board member Jon Barrick will represent the board at a community outreach event on May 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Venice Public Library, along with staff from Historical Resources and Planning. The event aims to educate property owners about local register designation and tax exemptions.
- Preservation Month Proclamation: The city clerk’s office offered dates of May 13 or May 27 for a proclamation at a city council meeting. The chair agreed to attend and will confirm availability.
- Color Palette Review: The board plans to begin updating the city’s color palette, with staff working on a proposal for the next meeting.
Key Outcomes
- The board approved the request for funds for the Venice Beach Pavilion plaque in the amount of $600–$850, with installation to follow.
- The 2025 Legacy Award nomination process will be reopened, with a new deadline to allow for additional nominations. Staff will provide a list of potential historical figures for consideration at the next meeting.
- Proposed Section 7 revisions will be refined by staff and brought back for a formal vote at a future meeting, incorporating board feedback on the review process and exemptions.
- The board will participate in the May 8 outreach event and a May city council meeting for Preservation Month.
Meeting Transcript
Yes, Chair Bebe. Here. I'm sorry. Ms. Tramm, present. Ms. Derryberry? Here. Mr. Stecketty. Mr. Watkins. Mr. Bartanian. Present. And Mr. Barrick. Here. All right. Thank you. I will go ahead and move to the approval of the minutes. Before you you have uh the minutes of February 13th, 2025. Are there any revisions, corrections, or additions? If not, I will entertain a motion to approve or I so move. Second. Do we have a second? Second. John seconds. All in favor? Aye. Opposed. All right. Chair, who is that second? Uh John Stecketty. All right. Uh general audience participation. Do we have any of that cards today? Or there's no one signed up to speak. All right, thank you very much. All right, we'll move to new business. First order of business is the discussion of the 2025 legacy award. And if Harry uh Klinghammer could come forward, hear what he has to say. He has to come way from the back. Get your exercise here. Hope get used to this. Good morning. Good morning. For the record, Harry Klinkhammer, Historical Resources Manager for the City of Venice. So for this year's legacy award program, uh we received one nomination. That nomination was sent to all of you.
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