The Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairman Palacios at 5:31 p.m. 

Ms. Dinah Gonzales, Planning, Community and Economic Development Administrative Assistant called Roll and a quorum was present.

Those present were:

David Henry

William Christmas

Oscar Palacios

Marika Choma

Paul Figueroa

Also present were:

Dinah Gonzales, Planning, Community and Economic Development Administrative Assistant

Richard Bellis, Town Manager

Commissioner Henry made a motion to approve the Agenda.
 
Commissioner Choma seconded the motion. The motion was Passed. Those voting AYE were: Commissioners: Henry, Christmas, Palacios, Choma, Figueroa

Commissioner Henry made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes from the November 12, 2014 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting.

Commissioner Choma seconded the motion. The motion was Passed. Those voting AYE were: Commissioners: Henry, Christmas, Palacios, Choma, Figueroa

No one came forward.

Mr. Bellis informed the Commission that Matt Sprigs the Interim Planning, Community and Economic Development Director will not be in attendance as he is ill.

Commissioner Figueroa informed the Commission of the Public Art and Historic Presentation free public program and meeting hosted by the Taos Arts Council and the Arts and Artifact Committee of Taos County scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2015 in the Taos County Historic Courthouse Mural Room on the Plaza starting at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Figueroa informed the Commission of the draft schedule.

Mr. Francisco Cordova of Diamond Finish and property owner, Burt Cantu gave a presentation on the roof repairs and proposed replacement of doors and windows at 228 Paseo del Pueblo Norte.

Mr. Cordova stated Mr. Cantu wants his building to look better than it does right now, wants to preserve it and potentially rent it.  Mr. Cordova explained the work will be done in phases.  First they intend to restore the roof that collapsed, remove the garage door and to replace it with windows and doors and to leave it as a shell.  Mr. Cantu's hopes are to rent the building and have his tenants help with the interior improvements.  Mr. Cordova explained it is the building in the back facing Garcia Lane.

Mr. Bellis informed the Commission of the background of the case.  Mr. Bellis stated that because the roof is not visible from any side of the building because of the parapet it did not need to come before the Commission, there is nothing to preserve, just the four walls.  Mr. Bellis added at the same time Mr. Cordova and Mr. Cantu wanted to  secure the building from the weather and vandalism to make sure their investment is not lost.  Mr. Bellis explained the only thing that would change on that building is the garage door will be removed and windows and doors will be installed and the applicant will come back to the Commission for approval on the windows and doors.  Mr. Bellis stated that from the outside there will not be any visible changes to the historical value of the building but because it is in the Historic District he asked Mr. Cordova to come to the Historic Preservation Commission to give an informational presentation of their intent to get the Commissions guidance or direction.

A lengthy discussion ensued between the Commission, Mr. Cantu and Mr. Cordova concerning the building on 228 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. The Historic Preservation Commission advised Mr. Cordova and Mr. Cantu to hire an architect and to bring the plans to the Historic Preservation Commission for approval.

Chairman Palacios opened the floor for nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair.

Commissioner Figueroa made a motion that the current Chair and Vice-Chair be renominated and re-elected.

Commissioner Christmas seconded the motion. The motion was Passed. Those voting AYE were: Commissioners: Henry, Christmas, Palacios, Choma, Figueroa

Commissioner Choma made a motion to keep the Historic Preservation Commission Meetings on the second Wednesday of each month and to approve 2015 Historic Preservation Commission Calendar.

Those voting NO were: Commissioners: Christmas, Palacios

Commissioner Henry asked to make a comment.  He asked Staff to bring issues within the Historic Zone to the Historic Preservation Commission before they are issued.

Commissioner Figueroa asked the Commission if they have received a copy of Sign Code Ordinance 13-02 regarding signage in the Historic Overlay Zone.

Mr. Bellis informed the Commission of the public meeting that will be held in Council Chambers on Thursday, January 22, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. concerning the future of the Downtown regarding concerns and/or issues like road closures, Farmers Market, signage, etc. and informed the Commission they are welcome to attend the meeting.

Chairman Palacios commented that he felt the Commission was a recommendation committee instead of an enforcement and Sign Code Ordinance 13-02 is fairly new and stated it is clear, he has some issues with it but added it is a pretty good attempt if they have to start over.

A discussion ensued between the Commission and staff concerning the sign code ordinance.

Chairman Palacios gave Councilman Hahn the floor.  Councilman Hahn informed the Commission he needed their guidance on the sign code and stated he does not want to disregard what the Commission has worked on and asked them to attend the meeting.

Commissioner Choma asked if there is some way to impose additional enforcement and penalties for graffiti in the Historic Overlay Zone.

Chairman Palacios adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.