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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 04.02.2024 HISTORICAL COMMISSION AGENDA ST. LUCIE COUNTY Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 2, 2024 4:00 PM St. Lucie County Commission Chambers 2300 Virginia Avenue 3rd Floor of Roger Poitras Building Fort Pierce, FL 34982 BOARD MEMBERS CHAIR Anthropology, Archaeology, History RICHARD MCAFOOS Land Use Planning or Historic Preservation Planning KRISSTA KING Architecture MIKE MENARD Layperson BETTY JO STARK VICE-CHAIR MELANIE TREWYN Conservation/Curation MIKE MIDDLEBROOK Construction JUDY BIGLIN Mission Statement St. Lucie Works to deliver superior service that enhances our quality of life Page 1 of 30 Historical Commission Tuesday, April 2, 2024 4:00 PM 2 | P a g e GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES – Attached is the agenda, which will determine the order of business conducted at today’s Board meeting. REGULAR AGENDA – Proclamations, Presentations, Public Hearings, and Department requests are items, which the Commission will discuss individually, usually in the order listed on the agenda. As a general rule, when issues are scheduled before the Commission under department request or public hearing, the order of presentation is: (1) County staff presents the details of the Board item (2) Commissioners comment (3) if a public hearing, the Chair will ask for public comment, (4) further discussion and action by the Board. ADDRESSING THE COMMISSION – Please state your name and address, speaking clearly into the microphone. If you have backup material, please have eight copies ready for distribution. NON‐AGENDA ITEMS – These items are presented by an individual Commissioner or staff as necessary at the conclusion of the printed agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT – Time is allotted at the beginning of each meeting for general public comment. Comments may pertain to any matter related to the Board’s duties as the County’s governing body. General comments in support or opposition to candidates for public office are not pertinent to the Board’s duties. DECORUM – Please be respectful of others’ opinions. MEETINGS – All Board meetings are open to the public and are held quarterly on the third Tuesdays of month at 4 p.m. and on the Meetings are held in the Planning Conference Room in the Planning and Development Services Department at 2300 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, Fla. 34982. Anyone with a disability requiring accommodation to attend this meeting should contact the St. Lucie County Human Resource Department at 772‐462‐1546, HumanResources@stlucieco.org or TDD 772‐462‐1428 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Page 2 of 30 Historical Commission Tuesday, April 2, 2024 4:00 PM 3 | P a g e 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS 5. PUBLIC COMMENT 6. MINUTES A. Approval of the January 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes 7. ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION A. OLD BUSINESS 1. Binney Estate Historic Designation Update 2. Fort Pierce Farms (aka Indrio Road) Schoolhouse Historic Sign Kiosk Update B. NEW BUSINESS 8. MEMBER MATTERS & DISCUSSION 9. ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 30 HISTORICAL COMMISSION ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting January 9, 2024 Convened:4:00 PM Adjourned: 4:50 PM 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, 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 Mike Menard & Commission Member Judy Biglin 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair McAfoos requested a discussion on the Sunshine Law and a quick refresher to ensure that all board members are well-informed. Mr. Benton explained that the Sunshine Law is designed to guarantee public access to the actions and dealings of local government, allowing them to observe, participate, and be involved in decision-making processes, as a body appointed by the Board of County Commissioners with specific roles and responsibilities outlined in the land development code, adherence to the Sunshine Law is crucial. All matters before the staff should be addressed in a public forum, with decisions made in front of the public and documented in minutes, ensuring transparency. Mr. Benton also advised against using text messages, emails, phone calls, lunch meetings, or discussions related to business matters. He clarified that anything beyond the scope of the Historical Commission will be okay with the Sunshine Law. Additionally, Mr. Benton provided a 12-page printout of a PowerPoint prepared previously by the County Attorney’s Office as a refresher. Page 4 of 30 Historical Commission Tuesday, January 9, 2024 4:00 PM 2 | P a g e 5. PUBLIC COMMENT None 6. ELECTION OF OFFICIALS 2024 A. Election of Chair Commission Member Betty Jo Starke nominated Chair Richard McAfoos for re-election as the Historical Commission Chair, and Commission Member Krissta King seconded. Chair McAfoos accepted the nomination. With nominations closed, a voice vote was taken to re-elect Chair McAfoos. RESULT: Approve MOVER: Ms. Starke SECONDER: Ms. King AYES: Ms. Starke, Ms. King, Vice-Chair Trewyn, Chair McAfoos NAYS: None B. Election of Vice-Chair Commission Member Betty Jo Starke nominated Vice-Chair Melanie Trewyn for re-election as the Historical Commission Vice-Chair, and Member Krissta King seconded. Ms. Trewyn accepted the nomination. With nominations closed, a voice vote was taken to re-elect Vice- Chair Trewyn. RESULT: APPROVE MOVER: Ms. Starke SECONDER: Ms. King AYES: Ms. Starke, Ms. King, Vice-Chair Trewyn, Chair McAfoos NAYS: None 7. MINUTES A. Approval of the 10/3/23 Meeting Minutes Ms. Starke wanted to highlight an error in the meeting minutes of 10-3-2023 on Page 5, 1st line, regarding taxes. Ms. Starke placed on record that she and Ms. Biglin expressed the opinion that the owners should not have to pay taxes when historically designated due to it falling under a special category. The first sentence on Page 5 should reflect the word “not”. Corrections have been made and adjusted to reflect edits. RESULT: Motion to Change MOVER: Ms. Starke Page 5 of 30 Historical Commission Tuesday, January 9, 2024 4:00 PM 3 | P a g e SECONDER: Ms. King AYES: Ms. Starke, Ms. King, Vice-Chair Trewyn, Chair McAfoos NAYS: None 8. ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION A. OLD BUSINESS None. B. NEW BUSINESS 1. St. Lucie County Historical Commission Initiated Historic Designation - Edwin Binney Estate (AKA “Florindia”) at 6701 lndrio Road Mr. Benton delivered a presentation on the Historic Designation Request for the property located at 6701 Indrio Rd. He informed the committee that a local newspaper ad and mailing to all property owners within 1000 ft. had been sent out. Mr. Benton refreshed the Commission ’s memory, stating that back in late September, Patricia Christensen, Chairperson of the Port Saint Lucie Historical Society and former mayor of the City of Port Saint Lucie, presented a letter referring the Edwin Binney estate, the subject property, for consideration by the Commission for historic designation. Subsequently, the Commission initiated historic designation proceedings and guided staff to prepare a designation report. Mr. Benton explained that the property features a primary two-story residence constructed around 1919, along with a barn, an accessory guest home or living quarters, tennis courts, and a shed, showcasing various architectural styles and craftsmanship. The primary form of the structure remains intact. He elaborated on the various criteria considered when evaluating historical resources and whether the property is significant enough to be locally designated. This includes its relation to a significant person, such as Edwin Binney and his family, who are prominent figures in the county’s history and beyond. Mr. Benton noted that staff has reviewed the property and associated structures and deemed it eligible under the criteria of the county’s Land Development Code for criteria B, C, F, & G (code subsections). Additionally, staff evaluated whether preserving these structures would require modifications to the land development code such as setbacks or use, concluding that no modifications are necessary based on the property’s existing zoning designation. However, due to the absence of a survey providing specific setbacks of the barn and other structures, staff cannot determine if variances or concessions should be made for side setbacks. At this time, Mr. Benton clarified that staff is not recommending any particular zoning modifications or provisions necessary to support perpetual preservation of the property as part of this historic designation. Instead, he recommended that the Commission evaluate the historic significance of the property and its structures, considering any zoning guidelines. Page 6 of 30 Historical Commission Tuesday, January 9, 2024 4:00 PM 4 | P a g e He suggested advancing the designation action to the Board of County Commissioners based on a finding of consistency with the criteria for historic designation. Commission Motion: RESULT: Forward a recommendation of historic designation approval to BOCC MOVER: Ms. Starke SECONDER: Vice-Chair Trewyn AYES: Ms. King, Ms. Starke, Vice-Chair Trewyn, and Chair McAfoos. NAYS: None 2. Owner Initiated Historic Designation Request – Edwin Binney Estate (AKA “Florindia”) at 6701 lndrio Road Mr. Benton presented on the Historic Designation, which is a similar request. He provided a brief overview of actions taken at the previous meeting. Mr. Benton acknowledged that staff had received a property-owner-initiated request for historic designation of the same property at 6701 Indrio Rd. He clarified that both items are before the Historical Commission because the Commission had already taken action to proceed with their designation request based on a referral from the Port Saint Lucie Historical Society. He explained that theoretically, during the process, a privately initiated property owner request can be withdrawn, but there is no harm or foul in both designation requests making their way to the Board of County Commissioners, as requested by the (SLC Historical) Commission. The Board would have the latitude to grant two independent resolutions or a consolidated resolution, essentially taking action on the collective petitions. Mr. Benton explained that the property owners are exploring designation on the National Register of Historic Places based on the level of significance associated with significant individuals and the architectural significance. He described the location of the property as south of Indrio Rd., east of Kings Highway, and west of Taylor Dairy Rd. He mentioned undeveloped property surrounding the land on the west, south, and east sides, previously split or divided, with undeveloped property to the north that was previously considered for a planned unit development but is currently inactive. Displaying images of the primary two-story residence constructed around 1919, Mr. Benton addressed Land Development Code section 4.11.06 criteria A1, highlighting the criteria for considering a historically significant property, including its association with history, significant individuals, architectural significance, and aesthetic value. With criteria B, C, F, & G met for the subject property, staff recommended that the Commission recommend the Board of County Commissioners to designate the property as locally significant, based on meeting the established criteria. Page 7 of 30 Historical Commission Tuesday, January 9, 2024 4:00 PM 5 | P a g e Applicant Presentation: Janie Baugh and Dennis Jurkiewicz provided a brief overview and expressed their readiness to start restoring the residences, emphasizing their desire to protect the property for many years to come. Ms. Baugh discussed recent upgrades made to the house prior to the Historical Commission Meeting, including the most recent roofing and balcony project. She also mentioned how the house had been vandalized in the past, resulting in all the windows being broken. Ms. Starke inquired about the guesthouse located on the property. Ms. Baugh explained that they plan to restore the guesthouse as it is the original house, along with the original red barn. Chair McAfoos acknowledged the significance of the property, and the parallel efforts to honor Mr. Binney, noting Cynthia Putnam’s contributions, working behind the scenes with Mr. Benton and assisting with kiosk text and installation efforts. Mr. Benton expressed that the staff recommendation is for this body to advance the designation action to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation of approval based on consistency with Land Development Code section 4.11.06, criteria A1. Commission Motion: RESULT: Forward a recommendation of historic designation approval to BOCC MOVER: Ms. Starke SECONDER: Vice-Chair Trewyn AYES: Ms. King, Ms. Starke, Vice-Chair Trewyn, and Chair McAfoos. NAYS: None 9. MEMBER MATTERS & DISCUSSION Mr. Benton took the opportunity to discuss the Regional History Center and museum after observing the Edwin Binney sign kiosk. Mr. Benton mentioned that staff would be working to bring it back to the originating sign fabricator to shave off about 1/4 of an inch so it fits snugly on its display panel. Additionally, he noted that the concrete display area and sidewalk around the pedestal need some pressure washing. Mr. Benton also addressed the watering trough, an artifact from Edwin Binney, suggesting installing some type of water circulation pump (like a fountain) to enhance the exhibit experience. He also noted the deteriorated condition of the watering trough and need for restoration work on it. Chair McAfoos inquired about the timeline for the Schoolhouse project and the White City Project. He requested placing the Schoolhouse project kiosk first. Mr. Benton explained that although the Edwin Binney sign took longer than anticipated, staff expects progress in the first six months of the year. He said by the next Commission meeting (04.02.24) staff would firm up the Schoolhouse kiosk’ content and display, ensuring funding for the pedestal and fabrication. Funding options include county budgets and potential private partners’ projects in the area. Regarding timelines, Mr. Benton proposed review of the Schoolhouse kiosk at the April meeting and installing the pedestal in July/October. As for the White City project, he suggested aiming for completion by the end of the year at latest. Page 8 of 30 Historical Commission Tuesday, January 9, 2024 4:00 PM 6 | P a g e Chair McAfoos raised the topic of Commission member terms, noting that some are set to expire. Mr. Benton mentioned the extension put in place due to the network outage the county experienced, with staff still regaining access to applications and files. He assured that staff understands the need for action on appointments and reappointments soon. 10. ADJOURNMENT Adjournment at 4:50pm RESULT: Approve MOVER: Ms. Starke SECONDER: Ms. King AYES: Ms. King, Ms. Starke, Vice-Chair Trewyn, and Chair McAfoos. NAYS: None e Page 9 of 30 7.A.1. 2024-64683 ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION - PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AGENDA REQUEST DATE: 4/2/2024 *DISCUSSION ITEM QUASI-JUDICIAL ITEM? No TO: Board of County Commissioners PRESENTED BY: Kori Benton, Planning Manager SUBMITTED BY: Planning & Development Services SUBJECT: Binney Estate Historic Designation Update BACKGROUND: The Historical Commission and Property Owner initiated Historic Designation requests for the property located at 6701 Indrio Road, known as the Edwin Binney Estate AKA Florindia, are slated for review by the Board of County Commissioners on April 2, 2024, with their meeting to begin at 6:00 PM or shortly thereafter. A copy of the Presentation prepared for the Board's review is attached for reference. PREVIOUS ACTION: The St. Lucie County Historical Commission, at their October 3, 2023 Meeting voted unanimously to initiate a Historic Designation review for the property after receiving a recommendation referred by the Port St. Lucie Historical Society. Subsequent to the Historical Commission’s action to initiate designation proceedings, the property owner filed a designation petition. Both requests were evaluated by the Historical Commission at their January 9, 2024 Meeting, with the recommendations filed for approval to the Board of County Commissioners in accordance with the Land Development Code—Section 4.11.00. - Historic Preservation. On March 5, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners granted permission to advertise both Designation Requests for public hearings on April 2, 2024. FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends acceptance of a brief update on the Board of County Commissioners' Hearings Scheduled for April 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM or shortly thereafter. Page 10 of 30 COMMISSION ACTION: RESULT: MOVER: None SECONDER: None AYES: None NAYS: None EXCUSED: None Coordination/Signatures Date: March 29, 2024 Ciara Forbes, Assistant County Attorney III Page 11 of 30 Planning and Development Services Kori Benton, AICP, Planning Manager Agenda Items 10. A. 6 & 7 Property Owner and St. Lucie County Historical Commission Initiated Historic Designation Requests Board of County Commissioners April 2, 2024 Page 12 of 30 2 Public Notice Page 13 of 30 3 Parallel Requests Page 14 of 30 4 6701 Indrio Road – “Florindia” AKA “The Binney Estate” Subject Parcel Ta y l o r D a i r y R o a d Page 15 of 30 5 6701 Indrio Road – “Florindia” AKA “The Binney Estate” Page 16 of 30 6 6701 Indrio Road – “Florindia” AKA “The Binney Estate” Page 17 of 30 7 6701 Indrio Road – “Florindia” AKA “The Binney Estate” The Original Home The Barn Page 18 of 30 8 6701 Indrio Road – “Florindia” AKA “The Binney Estate” Page 19 of 30 9 LDC Section 4.11.06. Criteria A.1. Page 20 of 30 10 LDC Section 4.11.06. B. 2. 4.11.06 B. 2. Designation Reports. Prior to the designation of an individual site or a district, the Historic Preservation Officer shall prepare an investigation and designation report and submit it to the Historical Commission Page 21 of 30 11 Historical Commission Recommendations At their January 9, 2024 meeting, the St. Lucie County Historical Commission held public hearings to evaluate the Designation Reports for the Edwin Binney Estate (AKA "Florindia") at 6701 lndrio Road, corresponding with requests by the St. Lucie County Historical Commission and by the Owners. The Commission passed unanimous motions to recommend approval of the designation requests. Page 22 of 30 12 Staff Recommendation Staff recommends the Board authorize the designation requests, approving Resolutions 2024-72 and 2024-74, authorizing the Chair to sign documents as approved by the County Attorney. Page 23 of 30 Planning and Development Services Kori Benton, AICP, Planning Manager Agenda Items 10. A. 6 & 7 Property Owner and St. Lucie County Historical Commission Initiated Historic Designation Requests Board of County Commissioners April 2, 2024 Page 24 of 30 14 Historic Designation Referral Page 25 of 30 15 Historic Designation Referral 4.11.06.Designation Process and Procedure B. Procedures for Historic Designation. Properties that meet the criteria for local historic sites and local historic districts set forth in Section 4.11.02 shall be designated according to the following procedures: 1.Initiation. b. Initiation by the Historical Commission. Based upon written recommendations from local, state or national historical organizations, the Historical Commission may initiate the designation of properties which would meet the criteria for an Exceptional Historic Resource as defined in Section 4.11.02. When the Historical Commission votes to initiate the designation process, it shall set a date for a public hearing. Staff shall notify the property owner of the public hearing and prepare the designation report. Page 26 of 30 7.A.2. 2024-64684 ITEMS FOR ACTION / CONSIDERATION - PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AGENDA REQUEST DATE: 4/2/2024 *DISCUSSION ITEM QUASI-JUDICIAL ITEM? No TO: Board of County Commissioners PRESENTED BY: Kori Benton, Planning Manager SUBMITTED BY: Planning & Development Services SUBJECT: Fort Pierce Farms (aka Indrio Road) Schoolhouse Historic Sign Kiosk Update BACKGROUND: The St. Lucie County Historical Commission and Staff continue to spearhead a Historic Sign Kiosk Program centered on presenting history and context to community sites and resources significant to our County's history. The Fort Pierce Farms (aka Indrio Road) Schoolhouse is a planned destination for the next Historic Sign Kiosk, with content formulation underway. PREVIOUS ACTION: Prior Discussions FINANCIAL IMPACT: The project's anticipated cost ranges between $400-900. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends brief discussion of the efforts to prepare this future sign kiosk. COMMISSION ACTION: RESULT: MOVER: None SECONDER: None AYES: None NAYS: None EXCUSED: None Coordination/Signatures Page 27 of 30 Date: March 29, 2024 Ciara Forbes, Assistant County Attorney III Page 28 of 30 This circa-1915 Frame Vernacular building is located on the northeast comer of Emerson Avenue and lndrio Road. This rectangular, one-story building has a wood frame structural system that rests on a concrete block pier foundation. The hipped roof is covered in tin shingles and the exterior is clad in drop siding. Fenestration is obscured by wood shutters; however fixed wood six-light transoms are evident above the shutters. Exterior ornamentation includes cornerboards, rafter tails, knee braces, vents, shutters and wood window surrounds. A wrap-around wooden deck addition is present on the west, north, and east facades. Secondary structures include a two-story, pyramidal-roofed tower on the north end and a small wood cupola on the ridge of the main roof. Children living in rural areas of the county attended this school from about 1915 to the 1940s. It is now owned by the county and used as a recreation center. The building was built circa-1915 in the Frame Vernacular style; however, it exhibits ornamentation such as decorative rafter ends, a cupola on the roof, and a two-story tower at one end. The school was moved a few hundred feet to the northeast from its original location, which was closer to lndrio Road. St. Lucie County acquired the structure and surrounding lands, which offer passive and active recreation to visitors. For many years, the structure served as a gathering space for community meetings and events. Additional rehabilitation could bring this structure back to it’s original prominence, potentially as a visitor’s center for the Lakewood Park area. The structure qualifies for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Pierce Farms (aka Indrio Road) Schoolhouse c1915 History Exhibit Brought to you by the St. Lucie County Historical Commission Content Contributions by Pedestal Contributed by The Fort Pierce Farms Schoolhouse Page 29 of 30 8 Indrio Road Schoolhouse Information Kiosk -Location Options Page 30 of 30