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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-04-1991 HCAC Minutes HERITAGE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Meeting Date: September 4, 1991 Present: Paul Moffatt & Dave Burton, Dublin City Council Georgean Vonheeder & Marie Cronin, DHPA Dagmar Fulton, ALVHS Anne Henderson, Dublin Fine Arts Foundation Diane Lowart, City Staff Absent : Dublin Cemetery Association Meeting called to order at 7: 45 p.m. by Paul Moffatt who explained that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the future of the Heritage Center and the City of Dublin's role in it's future. Dave Burton indicated that it was the Council's intent to preserve the City's heritage and determine the feasibility of the City taking the historic buildings and cemetery under "its umbrella". Anne Henderson, DFAF, questioned the purpose of the meeting as it was her understanding that the meeting was to discuss history and culture and how it relates to Dublin. She felt that we need to explore how other City's have addressed similar situations. Paul Moffatt, CC, related a conversation he had with representatives from the City of Monterey who have committees involved in restoration of City-owned historic buildings. He will be receiving more information and will pass it on to the group upon receipt. Georgean Vonheeder, DHPA, felt that the issue at hand was to determine whether the City should take over the Heritage Center or whether it should be done by a non-profit organization. Anne Henderson, DFAF, asked if the groups were looking for a funding base from the City. Her impression was that although there are historic sites in the City, they are not readily available and are in a state of disrepair. The three groups involved with the sites are fragmented and without the Cemetery Association present, it is difficult to discuss. Dagmar Fulton, ALVHS, said that Dublin has not put out any money to do anything at the church; their group just spent $10, 000 recently to repaint the facility and do roof repairs. She also said that the church is not deteriorating. If Dublin is interested in the facility, they should take over by purchasing the church. She warned that preservation is a wonderful thing but it takes a hell of alot of money! Marie Cronin, DHPA, asked what the City's concept of takeover was and how do we see this happening. Paul Moffatt, CC, in discussions with the Cemetery Association, said they are interested in turning the cemetery over to the City once they have sold the last row of plots. The City, however, has to maintain the site with dignity. They are also interested in spending their remaining funds (approximately $50 ,000) to clean-up the cemetery and install a commemorative monument. Georgean Vonheeder, DHPA, put forth two alternatives: 1) structures and sites remain in the ownership of a non-profit organization with funding by the City; or 2) City owns and maintains with a non-profit organization providing programs. Dave Burton, CC, questioned how the non-profit ownership would operate. Georgean Vonheeder, DHPA, proposed forming one non-profit group and combine the assets of the current three groups; City funds once a year during the budget cycle. Anne Henderson, DFAF, asked for clarification as to who owns what. ALVHS - Church & land DHPA - School DCA - Cemetery & land under school Dagmar Fulton, ALVHS, indicated that her board is willing to sell the church to the City for $10 ,000 as they would like to divest themselves of the responsibility for the church; she doesn't see all organizations working together as one. City should have control. Marie Cronin, DHPA, indicated that her board also discussed City ownership but they won't commit until they know what the City has in mind. They want to maintain some control. Dave Burton, CC, asked Marie to discuss with her Board the terms that DHPA would release the building to the City. Dagmar Fulton, ALVHS, explained that the City of Pleasanton owns the building that they now occupy (the city hall) and they pay the City $1.00 per year. City maintains exterior and pays all utilities. ALVHS maintains interior and carries liability insurance. Marie Cronin, DHPA, indicated that the City of Hayward has a similar arrangement with their historical association. Paul Moffatt, CC, summarized by saying that it appeared that ALVHS and DCA are interested in turning their sites over to the City; DHPA is uncertain as they want to continue to be involved. Dave Burton, CC, indicated that the City is willing to commit money to preserve the buildings. Marie Cronin, DHPA, indicated that her Board was concerned that future councils may not share this viewpoint. Paul Moffatt, CC, said that he could not speak for future councils. The consensus of the meeting was for the groups to go back to their individual boards explaining that the City was interested in pursuing ownership. The boards were to discuss conditions and terms. Anne Henderson, DFAF, indicated that until the ownership is resolved it appears that DFAF's participation in the meetings is unnecessary. Next meeting: Thursday, October 3 , 1991, 7:00 p.m.