HDC_12 07 2000City of Little Rock
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
7 DECEMBER 2000
MINUTES
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Commissioners Present: John Greer, Chair Howard H. Gordon Jean Ann Phillips Wyatt Weems
Commissioners Absent: Mark Zoeller
Staff Present: V. Anne Guthrie Anthony Black Debra Weldon
The meeting of the Little Rock Historic District Commission (LRHDC) was called to order.
While there was a quorum, there were no minutes to approve. The LRHDC meeting schedule for
2001 was approved.
As there were no Certificate of Appropriateness applications, the meeting focused on the historic
district's design guidelines and whether it was necessary to review them periodically or for any
peculiarities. The request from the City Manager to review the guidelines is related to the
LRHDC actions taken on 1000 Rock. Copies of the City Manager's memo to Greer and Greer's
response regarding the review of the design guidelines were distributed prior to the meeting and
discussed. There were two letters of interest from people interested in being considered for the
review of the guidelines.
The existing guidelines were prepared in 1993, by an out-of-state consultant, who had prepared
guidelines for various historic districts. Funding for the review, in the form of publishing a
Request for Qualifications (RFQ), was discussed. Gordon asked if a process was established for
the adoption/review of design guidelines for MacArthur Park. There was discussion of design
guidelines, their purpose, how they are compiled, reviewed and adopted. Also, the amendment
process such as the 1997 adoption of the artificial siding policy, was discussed in terms of
establishing a process. In determining whether there is a glaring need to revise design guidelines,
Greer stated that from an architectural perspective, design guidelines should encompass new
products, materials, etc. It benefits any commission and historic district to have a periodic review
of design guidelines. The LRHDC's By-laws could state that every five years the design
guidelines will be reviewed, in order to minimize future commissions from being placed in the
difficult position with the city government and a dissatisfied applicant. There was discussion of
how a review of design guidelines is accomplished and how other cities do it. If the By-Laws are
amended to allow a review of the design guidelines every five years, then it becomes a process
Little Rock Historic District Commission
7 December 2000 Minutes, Page 2
performed either by the LRHDC, a consultant, etc. It was decided to amend the LRHDC's By-
Laws in order to incorporate the periodic review of design guidelines. To amend the By-Laws,
the proposed amendment would be presented at the next meeting, reviewed, alterations made and
then voted on and adopted.
There was brief discussion about how the review of design guidelines would affect the 1000
Rock situation. The process of reviewing the guidelines was discussed as to what method would
be best --to compile a RFQ and hire a consultant to review the guidelines. If that is done, then
the regular procedure is followed in terms of bidding, advertisement, etc. A discussion followed
in terms of the RFQ process, advertisement, etc. and reaching people who specialize in preparing
design guidelines for historic districts. There was a motion to review the design guidelines, do a
search for a consultant to review the guidelines and use city money to perform the task. It was
decided that the City Manager's office would be notified as to the course of action for the
LRHDC. A draft advertisement will be prepared for the January meeting's review. It was agreed
to have staff draft a RFQ ad to review guidelines
Gordon made a motion that at the January meeting the proposed amendment to the By-Laws be
presented to incorporate a periodic review of the historic district's design guidelines. There was
another motion to draft the discussed RFQ. Also, Gordon stated that he wanted an adjustment in
the minutes to reflect that the city, albeit the LRHDC, dropped the criminal case against the 1000
Rock owner and that the LRHDC voted on subsequent action for legal to follow. Discussion of
design guidelines and 1000 Rock ensued in which it was decided that the applicant will be
notified by legal that an amended COA for the vinyl window and rear porch be submitted for
review and approval. A lengthy discussion of guidelines, its interpretation, review, etc. followed.
Later, as there was no business, the LRHDC meeting adjourned.