Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04.02.2024 HISTORICAL COMMISSION ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting April 2, 2024 Convened: 4:00 P.M. Adjourned: 4:48 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by Chair Richard McAfoos. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair McAfoos. 3. ROLL CALL Present Commission Member Krissta King, Commission Member Betty Jo Starke, Commission Member Lynn Swartzel, Commission Member Mike Menard, Vice-Chair Trewyn, and Chair Richard McAfoos. Staff Kori Benton, Historic Preservation Officer, Rubi Dial, Esq., Assistant County Attorney, & Corey Barnes, Staff Secretary. Absent Commission Member Judy Biglin 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS None 5. PUBLIC COMMENT None 6. MINUTES Historical Commission Tuesday, April 2, 2024 4:00 PM 2 | P a g e A. Approval of the January 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Ms. Starke SECONDER: Mr. Menard AYES: Ms. Starke, Ms. King, Mr. Menard Vice-Chair Trewyn, Chair McAfoos NAYS: None EXCUSED: Ms. Biglin 7. ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION A. OLD BUSINESS 1. Binney Estate Historic Designation Update Kori Benton provided an update on the Historic Designation Request for the Binney Estate. Mr. Benton informed the commission members that the Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to hold a dual public hearing on 4/2/2024 to consider final action on designating the property and its surrounding structures at 6701 Indrio Road. Additionally, Mr. Benton summarized the applications submitted by the property owners and recalled the January Historical Meeting, during which the motion was made to approve both parallel designation requests. Mr. Benton expressed having a favorable outcome based on the alignment with established criteria and the current findings from the Historical Commission. Chair McAfoos asked about the construction date of the Binney Estate. Mr. Benton provided an approximate time frame, indicating the new structure dates back to the 1920s, while the original structure dates from 1916 to 1918, based on documentation from the state's Florida Master Site Plan. Chair McAfoos then inquired about the date of acquisition by the current owners. Mr. Benton stated that public records indicate the property was acquired in 1997. With that, Mr. Benton concluded the update for this agenda item. 2. Fort Pierce Farms (aka Indrio Road) Schoolhouse Historic Sign Kiosk Update Kori Benton provided an update regarding the Historic Designation Request for the Fort Pierce Farms Historic Sign Kiosk. Mr. Benton explained that the staff is in the process of developing content, which will undergo peer review before proceeding with the installation of the sign kiosk. The kiosk is planned to be located at the northeast corner of Emerson Ave. and Indrio Rd. Staff has presented an initial draft of the display board's design, which will be sent to the associates at the SLC Regional History Museum for review. Once the museum's review is complete, plans are to move forward with the next iteration of the signed kiosk's location. Mr. Menard inquired about the county's intention to have this placed on the national registry. Mr. Benton informed the commissioners that, as of now, the matter has not been approached directly, Historical Commission Tuesday, April 2, 2024 4:00 PM 3 | P a g e but there has been communication between staff and the SLC Parks and Recreation Department. Chair McAfoos asked about the development of the verbiage in the kiosk. Mr. Benton explained that after this current meeting, the exhibit is scheduled to be routed to Harry Quatraro and Nancy Bennett. Mr. Quatraro, a staff member with Saint Lucie County, is essentially a curator with many responsibilities at the regional History Museum. Nancy Bennett would be involved in seeking input from historians like Gene Ellen Wilson and others who volunteer their time for peer review, whether it's inside the museum or outside on its walls. Mr. McAfoos asked about the timeline for the kiosk. Mr. Benton stated that the goal was to have the sign installed around July 4th (Independence Day). Mr. McAfoos also inquired about the estimated cost for the kiosk, which Mr. Benton estimated to be in the range of $400.00 to $900.00, with an aluminum frame donated by the Fort Pierce Lions Club. Mr. Benton also discussed using a polyvinyl format for the display board to withstand weather conditions, with a concrete base. Mr. McAfoos also inquired about the Historic Preservation Trust Fund balance, Mr. Benton mentioned communicating with Jennifer Hill from the SLC Budget and Management department. Vice-Chair Trewyn asked about foot traffic considerations both currently and in the future. Mr. Benton displayed an aerial view of the surrounding areas, addressing peak times for the restaurant, nearby playground, and park, estimating around 150 visitors per day based on the nearby park. Vice-Chair Trewyn also inquired about real estate developers contributing to architectural and art improvements. Mr. Benton discussed variables in the rezoning process, which could take up to 24 months from concept to reality. Chair McAfoos sought a quick update on the kiosk related to the SLC Regional History Center. Mr. Benton discussed efforts for pressure cleaning the concrete area, and Harry Quatraro mentioned the goal of providing a water pump for circulation as an amenity for visitors. Chair McAfood also asked about the White City Kiosk. Mr. Benton provided an update, noting that at the beginning of this kiosk project, Midway Rd. was not fully completed. Now that improvements have been made, there is a goal to have a new kiosk by the end of the calendar year. Mr. Benton also mentioned the involvement of the White City Improvement Club and their plans to contribute to the community, aiming to have a draft concept by the next Historical Meeting. Ms. Stark inquired about historic trees within the county and which department would be responsible for their upkeep. Mr. Benton mentioned Lynn Swartzel, a newly appointed commission member of the historical committee who also serves as the environmental permitting and zoning coordinator within the county. Mr. Benton outlined the process within the historic districts, discussed the Lands Acquisition Committee's role, and mentioned jurisdictional contracts for city limits. B. NEW BUSINESS None 8. MEMBER MATTERS & DISCUSSION Chair McAfoos sought to explain to the Historical Committee's newest member, Lynn Swartzel, the responsibilities and duties associated with the role in the committee. 9. ADJOURNMENT Adjournment at 4:48 pm Historical Commission Tuesday, April 2, 2024 4:00 PM 4 | P a g e