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MINUTES Page 8 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-October 6, 2003 Councilmember Nardine expressed concern that there may be loopholes in the proposed ordinance which would allow alterations to landmarks without Council approval, such as Section 4-26-1800 which addresses hardship. Mr. Horn clarified that under the proposed ordinance, all alterations to landmarks would be subject to Council approval. He noted the hardship section could be amended to require that all decisions on hardship cases involving landmarks would be subject to Council approval. Mr. Horn also clarified the intent of the proposed Building Code amendment which would allow the building official to refer to the Library-Historical Commission for a determination of historical significance structures for which an application for demolition has been filed but which are not currently on the list. Councilmember N ardine asked if the hardship guidelines to be developed by the Library-Historical Commission would be forwarded to the Council. Mr. Bohne stated the Library-Historical Commission is waiting to develop the guidelines until after the Council adopts the ordinance. Once the guidelines have been developed they will be brought to the Council for approval. Councilmember Santos stated he feels the approval percentage of 67% to designate a historic district seems too high and that a simple majority would be adequate. He mentioned the practice in European countries whereby plaques are placed outside buildings describing their historic significance. Councilmember Santos suggested the City try to establish the historical connection between persons of historic importance to San Leandro and their residences, such as the Captain Roberts House, Best House and Helen Lawrence's house at 539 Callan. He stated certain districts, such as Blossom Way, Orchard and Dabner should be considered for possible designation, but does not feel the signs or the Bal Theater need to be preserved. Councilmember Santos suggested the Mulford Clubhouse be considered for possible inclusion on the list. City Manager J ermanis pointed out that the ordinance was drafted by the Library- Historical Commission based on direction from the Council and community input. Mr. Jermanis noted the consultants attempted to identify properties of possible historical interest, however, there are only a few properties on the list likely to be designated as landmarks, and participation by property owners is largely voluntary. He emphasized that the process is designed to be fairly simple and straightforward and not overly burdensome to the Councilor property owners, while attempting to preserve San Leandro's structural history to the fullest extent possible. Mayor Young noted the next step in the process would be to set a public hearing for consideration of the ordinance. She stated it should be made clear to the public that the list presented by the staff is not absolute and is subject to change. Vice Mayor Glaze questioned the process used to create the list, pointing out that the list was developed by consultants who are unfamiliar with the San Leandro community and its history. He suggested perhaps San Leandrans could have helped identify the significant structures in the City. Vice Mayor Glaze agreed with Councilmember Santos that it is important to inform the community and visitors to the City about the historic significance of the designated sites. He mentioned the aluminum signs erected