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HDC_07 11 1991MINUTES LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION JULY 11, 1991 5:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairman Thomas Johnson. A quorum was present - Mr. John Bush, Mr. Carl Menyhart and Mr. Thomas Johnson. Mr. John Jarrard was absent. Also present was City Attorney Stephen Giles. A motion was made by Commissioner Bush to receive the minutes from the previous meeting as received. Commissioner Menyhart seconded. Motion carried. Chairman Johnson recognized Jim Lawson, Director of the Department of Neighborhoods and Planning, to explain "Operation Burnout ". Mr. Lawson explained "Operation Burnout" as the city's continuing effort to remove structures that have been declared nuisances as a result of fire damage, deterioration and/or dilapidation. Mr. Lawson stated that the Neighborhood Programs Division has inspected and condemned all structures listed in "Operation Burnout ". All structures are vacant and considered detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens in the City. The owners apparently have elected to neglect their property as well as ignore staff's efforts to rehabilitate or demolish their buildings. Therefore, the City has found it necessary to raze and remove the structures. Chairman Johnson announced the first item for consideration: Item No. 1 Owner: Janine B. Giroir Location: 315 East 11th Street Request: Demolition Applicant: City of Little Rock - Jim Lawson Mr. Lawson explained that he had removed this structure from the "Operation Burnout" list because of its location in the MacArthur Park Historic District and he knew that a Certificate of Appropriateness must be obtained prior to demolition. Mr. Lawson stated that his request was actually for the Commission to tell him what the appropriate action on this property would be. Mark Crist, representing the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, stated that his agency's basic position on demolition in a historic district was opposition, and that rehabilitation or "mothballing" was preferred. Minutes - May 2, 1991 Page Two Cheryl Nichols, Executive Director of the Quapaw Quarter Association, questioned the City's application procedure and voiced opposition to demolition. She stated that the C.1905 structure was not beyond rehabilitation, and that it is listed as a contributing structure to the district. Mr. Giles responded that property owners had responsibility to keep their property in compliance with code and that housing codes can be extremely difficult to enforce. This particular action is a result of the City's frustration of not getting the property owner to respond. Linda Pollock and Ludy Riley, property owners of 1115 Rock Street, spoke regarding the application. They said the property had not been occupied for the last 10 years, is not maintained, is an eyesore and they were concerned that the situation would not change. After comments from the Commission, Commissioner Menyhart made a motion to deny the application for demolition and request the City of Little Rock to board and secure the structure, maintain the property and attach the necessary liens to cover that cost. Commissioner Bush seconded. The vote was taken. Motion carried. All ayes. 0 nays. The Chairman added that he hoped the City Attorney would take action of the property somehow is demolished without the proper permits. Mr. Lawson requested the City Attorney write Mrs. Giroir a letter advising her of the ramification of demolition. The next agenda item was a status report for the 1990 Certified Local Government grant projects. Mr. Terry Burruss reported that the Central High Survey was progressing on schedule and that 427 structures out of 600 structures were completed. Ms. Nichols updated the Commission on the Downtown Little Rock Commercial Building Survey being done by Sandra Taylor-Smith. This project is also on schedule. Chairman Johnson introduced two resolutions (attached) which were read and then discussed. Commissioner Bush made a motion to adopt Resolution #1. Commissioner Menyhart seconded. The vote was taken. Motion carried. All ayes. 0 nays. Minutes - May 2, 1991 Page Two After further discussion, Commissioner Bush made a motion to adopt Resolution #2, as revised. Commissioner Menyhart seconded. The vote was taken. Motion carried. All ayes. 0 nays. Chairman Johnson presented Ms. Cheryl Nichols with a framed certificate of appreciation for her service from 1986-1991 as an influential and invaluable member of the Little Rock Historic District Commission. There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 6:30 p.m.