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Home My WebLink AboutItem 01 Historic Commission Interview AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 3/14/2016 Meeting Type: Work Session Staff Contact/Dept.: Mark McCaffery/DPW Staff Phone No: 541-736-1003 Estimated Time: 15 Minutes S P R I N G F I E L D C I T Y C O U N C I L Council Goals: Encourage Economic Development and Revitalization through Community Partnerships ITEM TITLE: HISTORIC COMMISSION INTERVIEW ACTION REQUESTED: Conduct interview to fill four vacancies on the Historic Commission. ISSUE STATEMENT: There are four vacancies on the seven-member Historic Commission as a result of two term expirations and two resignations. After a 3-month recruitment period that closed on February 8, 2016, the Department received applications from Kristina Koenig, Mackenzie Karp and Jonathan Siegle. Ms. Koenig and Ms. Karp were interviewed at the Council Work Session held on February 22, 2016. Mr. Siegle will be interviewed at the March 14, 2016 Council Work Session. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1 – Interview Schedule and Questions Attachment 2 – Candidate Application Attachment 3 – Profiles of Current Historic Commissioners Attachment 4 – State Historic Preservation Office Comment Letter DISCUSSION/ FINANCIAL IMPACT: The vacancies on the Historic Commission are a result of term expirations for Commissioners Dannie Helm and Kuri Gill, and the resignation of Commissioners Vincent Martorello and Kerry Barbero. Qualifications for membership on the Historic Commission include expertise in the fields of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, or archeology; residency within the Metro Plan boundaries; or as residents, electors, or property owners within Springfield. In addition, the Council shall solicit recommendations for appointment from Willamalane and School District #19 (Municipal Code Section 2.502). The School District declined to recommend appointees to fill these vacancies; Willamalane recommended applicant Kristina Koenig to fill the vacancy created by Commissioner Martorello’s resignation. State and Federal funding of the City’s historic preservation activities stipulate that a majority of the Commissioners have professional qualifications in a field related to historic preservation. Two current members and two applicants possess these qualifications and also meet or partially meet the qualifications and standards set forth by the National Park Service regarding commissions (See Attachments 3 and 4). Mr. Siegle’s education experience is in Architectural History and Cultural Anthropology, he resides in the Washburne District and has previously served on Springfield’s Planning Commission and Historic Commission. Springfield Municipal Code Section 2.506 states that any vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term of the member creating the vacancy, and Section 2.504 states that appointed members shall hold office for four years with the terms staggered to provide overlapping and continuity. The candidates appointed for a first term are eligible to serve for four years beginning on the date of appointment by City Council. The candidate appointed to fill Commissioner Martorello’s vacancy is eligible to serve the remaining portion of this term, which expires on February 2, 2018. Appointment of Historic Commission applicants is currently scheduled for March 21, 2016. Historic Commission Interview Schedule & Questions Schedule 5:30pm Council preparation of interview questions 5:35pm Interview of Jonathan Siegle 5:45pm Council Deliberation & Direction Questions for Interviewee 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Historic Commission? 2. Describe your professional and personal experience as it relates to your desire to become a Historic Commissioner. 3. What initiatives are you interested in working on if you are appointed as a Commissioner? 4. Describe your familiarity with the City’s historic resources. 5. What is it about Springfield’s history that interests you most? 6. Have you attended a Historic Commission meeting? If so, what were your impressions? Attachment 1, Page 1 of 1 FEB Application for a City of Springfield -. 8 REC'fJ(i> I t:11al'rt. Citizen Advisory Board/Commission/Committee ¢b2.. City Manager's Office• 225 Fifth Street• Springfield, OR 97477 PLEASE NOTE: • When possible, council will not appoint people currently serving on another governing body to the Planning Commission or Budget Committee. • When appointing people to any of the other city boards, commissions or committees, the Council shall take into account whether that person is being reappointed for a subsequent term, is currently serving on another governing body or currently appointed to another city board, commission or committee. • When possible, the Council will appoint people to serve on one City board, commission or committee only. Board I Commission I Committee applying for: Jfi.sifr, <-Com 1v, s s ~'(Jn_ (A separate application must be completed for each board I commission I committee) Home~dreu:~~~~O~F-i~=s~~~~~~-1_·~~~~~i~~LkL~u1~11°~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~7~~~7~7~~~~- Street ~ Zip Mailing address: _______ -__ :.9 __ ~_7_~------------------------- Street Day Phone:S¥/. ;;...d's-'· og/~ Email Address: j Is /~e.J le. e 5· C..t)n-t..... Preferred Form of Contact:_ Ct.I/ fj i>U ~ ~ f Do you live within the Springfield city limits? ~Yes D No City Zip Evening phone: 5Zt/. 7t/7. Otf 2? {4()>...c.) Ward number (City residents only): __ d-_______ _ If yes, how long? 3S y~ S Ifno, do you live inside Springfield's Urban Growth Boundary? D YesONo Are you a Springfield property owner? ~· .. · Yes ~ ... ·.··· .. : ~o~ Are you a Springfield business owner? ·.. es Are you a registered voter? · Yes Occupation: Vle--b'rc.L -;-;; PL-/ Place of employment/School: _____________ _ Business address: __________________________________ _ Ed,oation Bll-1 h/1_1 ~osf-yad WtJ/i. ft,.,,,,_,,e d,~fe.<z ~ -&-/mtL1 1tf4r-- Are yoMently serving on any other board, committee, or commission? If so, please list them here: How did you hear about the above vacancy? D Newspaper ad D Newspaper article D Radio/TV ~rd of mouth D Board/Commission/Committee member For more information please call the City Manager's Office 541.726.3700 D Mail notice D Internet (Over, please) Return this application to the City Manager's Office, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield Oregon 97477 Printed on Recycled Paper Attachment 2, Page 1 of 5 Application for a City of Springfield Citizen Advisory Board/Commission/Committee 3. Briefly describe your involvement in relevant community groups and activities. (Lack of previous involvement will not necessarily disqualify you from consideration.) ~ ~c!.G<J Ck P~1vn?,,'f(~7-7/7/;<;.s.,~,..J;~ ~ trn /W~ a ~h- p,.c/ pf, L~;,z,;'f~c.J-,Ac~t(. /v,/dut_ fi~ cb>n:',:-04-~ th cl -d-, ~ /j . "'1d c;,, 'twn;,, I _t. .,. t,, ed---,t.. £ t%'e % '~f7(.. .ti c.i{""-/ · 4. What community topics concern you that relate to this board I commission I committee? Why do you want to become a member? fJ kuftL. ,u,)t6tJ.!/~ fe~; K~ ~UJIU.f '3cc vp~c y. ·-;k AA:/n,b.e-r i j ()n~_s 7L ffeJ, ->; F ,,,-.k 4 ,3 ,,... c ~1U-."?? d IX ;),-t;or' ~ 1 ~ d,f/,,-,,( 5. Most boards I commissions I committees meet monthly. Subcommittees may meet more frequently. Meetings generally last one and one-half hours. It is highly recommended you attend a meeting before submitting the application. Please read the news release for this position which contains the normal dates and times for these meetings and can be found at www.ci.springfield.or.us/CMO/newsrel.htm. Are you available to attend meetings on the dates listed for this committee? }\)( YesQ No fo ~~ / 0'} /I . ot:m'""' 72.-u,x -Ip -,Sa'. a .al();?+ I ff~ . /M' /!!i!'tf::. ~ LJ,,,n,,~s;..,,,_, ~-h bt' A',,n,.//1. I certify the information in this application and attachments are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false or misleading statements or missing information is cause for rejection of application, removal of name from eligible list, or dismissal from the position. I hereby waive my rights to claims or damages against any employer and the City of Springfield, its officers, agents, and employees, in regard to this exchange of information. I hereby authorize to permit the City of Springfield and/or the Springfield Police Department to review my background information and if required my DMV records. I have reviewed the Advisory and meet the minimum requirements to serve/volunteer in the desired position. I also authorize to permit any materials listed above to be copied and retained by the City of Springfield. I authorize the use of my photograph. I wiU defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City of Springfield, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all liability or loss and against any and all claims, actions, causes of actions, proceedings or appeals based upon or arising out of or arising from or in connection with my conduct or performance as a volunteer with the City of S · 1el 1 uding but not limited da · jury to persons or property and including without limitation attorney fees and expenses; except for losses, aims or a ·on resulting from the e negligen of the City of Springfield. Applicant Signature:_~-----~--"'<;:::---:;;;;>"'-''--;f"'--t---------·Dato # For more information please call the City Manager's 0 Return this application to the City Manager's Office, 2--......=c...>~·· Printed on Recycled Paper Attachment 2, Page 2 of 5 Historic Commission Supplemental Questions Jonathan Siegle 2. As a young teacher I directed first a regional then a statewide oral history project in New York. I have always been interested in architecture, folklore and history. As a journalist I have written a variety of features including articles about unusual or unique people and places. Finally, I have lived in the historic district for 35 years. In the mid-'80 I filed the zone change request that helped created the Washburne District, then served two terms on the planning commission where we finalized the rules for the historic overlay district. 3. When we created the Washburne Historic District it was unique among West Coast districts. While cities like Albany and Eureka preserved the homes of the rich, Springfield preserved a working class district in a mill town. While there are a few fine examples of bungalows and four squares, most of the architecture is American vernacular. Many of the houses were built with mill scrap. My own house, built in the 1930s, was either homemade or framed in and finished by the owner. There are many odd and unusual features to this house. The second floor, for example, is walled in mismatched tongue and groove pieces of varying widths and lengths. All the floors are fir except the living room, which is red oak. Such unique and unusual qualities represent the history of ordinary people. My house began as a 900+ square foot one-bedroom house with an unfinished cellar and attic. Today it's a much bigger five-bedroom house with two baths. The evolution of this house mirrors the growth of Springfield, from the Depression to the booming industrial '50s. Historic preservation is an economic advantage, showing the world our city cares about where we've been and where we're going. 4. The role of the historic commission is to assist city planners and property owners in how to best manage the resource we have both in the district and in buildings outside the district. 5. This question raises the common conundrum ofland use planning. We must remember that we don't own property; we rent it from our children. Owning an historic building is a public trust, a privilege owners must respect. In parts of the world with much more history than ours one can't sink a shovel without hitting an archeological site. Those sites represent a treasure that improves the quality of life and brings others to experience. While our history is modest, without preservation it is lost. As a planning commissioner I presided over a number of hearings where people wanted to use their property for businesses that greatly impacted their neighbors. One homeowner, for example, worked on large motor homes in his driveway! Recognizing a civic responsibility to one's neighbors is a fact of property ownership, a fundamental principle of Oregon land use law. Attachment 2, Page 3 of 5 6. For many years the Washnurne district held an annual walking tour, complete with carriage rides featuring docents pointing out interesting features. Homeowners with an historic tax freeze opened their houses on the same day. Music and refreshments were offered. That celebration has ended; it should be resurrected. Information on local history should be readily available in the schools, and area businesses should be encouraged to promote the city's historical resources. Mostly, though, the community itself needs to be engaged. Many of the homes have turned over in recent years and the new owners know little about the district The library can promote oral history. The senior center is also a valuable resource. 7. I have attended meetings of the historic commission in the past. They seemed friendly and helpful. Attachment 2, Page 4 of 5 Archaeologist (a) Prehistoric Archaeology -Graduate degree in Anthropology or Prehistoric Archaeology, plus 2.5 years full-time professional experience; or (b) Historic Archaeology -Graduate degree in Anthropology or Historic Archaeology, plus 2.5 years full-time professional experience. Architect, Historic (a) State Government-recognized license to practice Architecture plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) a Masters of Architecture degree with course work in Historic Preservation or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or ( c) a Bachelor's of Architecture with one year of graduate study in Historic Preservation or a closely related field plus 2 years full-time professional experience. ~rchitectural Historian (a) Graduate degree in Architectural History or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) an undergraduate degree in Architectural History or a closely related field, plus 4 years full-time professional experience. Conservationist (a) Graduate degree in Conservation or a closely related field, plus 3 years full-time professional experience; or (b)an undergraduate degree in Conservation or a closely related field, plus 3 years full-time apprenticeship in the field. /cultural Anthropologist (a) Graduate degree in Anthropology with specialization in Applied Cultural Anthropology, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) an undergraduate degree in anthropology with specialization in applied cultural anthropology, plus 4 years full- time professional experience. Curator (a) Graduate degree in Museum Studies or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) an undergraduate degree in Museum Studies or a closely related field, plus 4 years full-time professional experience. Engineer (a) State Government-recognized license to practice Civil or Structural Engineering plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) a Masters of Civil Engineering degree with course work in Historic Preservation or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or ( c) a Bachelor's of Civil Engineering degree with one year of graduate study in Historic Preservation or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time professional experience. Folklorist (a) Graduate degree in Folklore or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) an undergraduate degree in Folklore or a closely related field, plus 4 years full-time professional experience. Historic Preservation Planner (a) State Government-recognized certification or license in Land-Use Planning, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) a graduate degree in Planning with course work in Historic Preservation or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (c) an undergraduate degree in Planning with course work in Historic Preservation or a closely related field, plus 4 years full-time professional experience. Historic Preservationist (a) Graduate degree in Historic Preservation or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) an undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation or a closely related field, plus 4 years full-time professional experience. Historian (a) Graduate degree in History or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) an undergraduate degree in History or a closely related field, plus 4 years full-time professional experience. Landscape Architect, Historic (a) State Government-recognized license to practice Landscape Architecture plus 2 years full-time professional experience; or (b) a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture with course work in Historic Preservation or a closely related field, plus 2 years full- time professional experience; or (c) a four or five year Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture plus 3 years full-time professional experience. Attachment 2, Page 5 of 5 Profiles of Current Historic Commissioners Bruce Berg Bruce is a Springfield resident and business owner in the Washburne Historic District. He previously served on the Springfield Planning Commission and Springfield City Council. Bruce is currently serving his first full term on the Historic Commission, which expires on June 14, 2019. Tim Hilton – Chair Tim is a Springfield resident who lives just outside the Washburne Historic District. He has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Architecture. Tim has worked as a professional architect since the 1980s and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon in 2005. Tim is currently serving his second term on the Commission, which expires on June 14, 2019. Terra Wheeler Terra is a Eugene resident. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and is in the process of pursuing her Master’s degree in Historic Preservation. She volunteered with the Architectural Heritage Center in Portland for six years and is currently co-editor of the Associated Students of Historic Preservation Journal at the University of Oregon. Terra is currently filling the unexpired term of a previous commissioner, which expires on October 19, 2018. Attachment 3, Page 1 of 1 Attachment 4 - Page 1 of 1