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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.