Title
Discussion Item: Consideration of future training items by the Board and Secretary. Environmental Determination: A discussion of future training activity does not have any potential for physical effects on the environment and is thus not a project under CEQA.
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Historical Advisory Board
From: Steven Buckley, Historical Advisory Board Secretary
BACKGROUND
For the Historical Advisory Board (HAB) to be effective, to satisfy local and State requirements, and in light of newer membership and an infrequent meeting schedule, it is proposed that we establish a regular schedule of orientation and training to establish a common baseline of understanding and capability in the review of historic resource issues in Alameda.
The City Charter and Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) establish the membership requirements and roles and responsibilities of the HAB. According to the Charter, the HAB is required to include at least one architect, a landscape architect, and a general contractor, and two general members with an interest in community design. We are fortunate to have a highly qualified Board, appointed by the City Council, including professionals in the above-named fields and in historic preservation planning. Furthermore, as a Certified Local Government (CLG), a voluntary designation under State law that makes the City eligible for certain grant funds and other support, the HAB is required to have a well-qualified and trained membership.
Under the charter, “it shall be the duty of the Board to advise the City Council on all matters concerning the historical state of the City, to report to the City Council the historical needs of the City, and to recommend to the City Council the means for their fulfillment. In discharge of this responsibility, in addition to those set forth in subsection 13-21.3 of the Alameda Municipal Code, the Board shall have the following duties:
a. The Board shall act as a liaison between the City and historical organizations operating within the local community.
b. The Board may advise and recommend to the City Council implementation of procedures for establishing and maintaining appropriate relationships with nonlocal historical organizations.
c. The Board shall perform such related duties as may be referred to it for action by the City Council.”
AMC subsection 13-21.3 establishes the following duties of the HAB:
a. Adopt rules and procedures for the transaction of its duties and business.
b. Take all steps necessary to preserve Historical Monuments which are not in conflict with the health, safety and general welfare of the general public, or the powers and duties of the City, or its several boards, officers or departments. Such steps may include recommendation that civic and citizens' committees be created; recommendation that private funds for the acquisition or restoration of such monuments be established; and recommendations that such monuments be acquired by a governmental agency where private acquisition is not feasible.
c. Review the historical building study list pursuant to criteria and procedures which shall be developed and adopted by the Board, and subject to the prior notification of the property owner. Any such revisions shall also be filed with the City Clerk.
d. Investigate and make recommendations to the City Council on the use of grants from Federal and State agencies, private foundations, or individuals, and any other funding mechanisms available to implement or carry out provisions of this chapter.
e. Participate in, promote, and conduct public informational, educational, and interpretive programs which increase public awareness and appreciation of historical resources in the City, including such activities as recommending commendations for private historic preservation efforts, the designation of honorary heritage areas, and other education programs identified in the Historic Preservation Element of the General Plan.
f. Make any recommendation to the City Council in connection with the exercise of its powers and duties which it determines is necessary to implement or carry out the spirit and intent of this section.
CLGs were established to encourage the direct participation of local governments in the identification, evaluation, registration, and preservation of historic properties within their jurisdictions and promote the integration of local preservation interests and concerns into local planning and decision-making processes. The CLG program is a partnership among local governments, the State of California (OHP), and the National Park Service (NPS) which is responsible for administering the National Historic Preservation Program. As part of the CLG Program, federal grants are awarded annually to local governments to assist with historic preservation programs. Annual reports are required that set forth the membership, training and activities of local CLGs. Further information is available at https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21239.
DISCUSSION
Staff and Board members have identified the following list of topics for discussion, and as future training opportunities.
- The Historic Preservation Ordinance - its origin and evolution
- The Historic Building Study List - its origin and purpose, strategy for updating
- Historic districts in Alameda
- The interaction of local, state and federal preservation practice
- How California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) evaluations are conducted
- The related roles of HAB, Planning Board, City Council and staff
- The related functions of Design Review and Use Permits
- The effect of State legislation regarding streamlined review of housing projects
- How we engage with the community, the Brown Act and professional ethics
- Base Reuse planning and the Alameda Point / NAS Alameda historic district
- HAB-initiated workplans, which could include monument, district and property assessments and recognition and community / property owner outreach
- Prior projects that involved Monument designation
- Monitoring the maintenance of monuments and study list properties
- Façade grant and rehabilitation programs
- Celebration of cultural heritage in Alameda
This agenda item is for the purpose of providing an open forum for the Board to discuss these items and other areas of interest in a public forum and set priorities with staff.