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l\IINUTES Page 4 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-NOVEMBER 3,2003 Councilmember Stephens complimented the Library-Historical Commission for their arduous endeavor and for the wonderful product. He stated he is eager to see the City preserve its historic legacy and concurred that 51 % is a sufficient majority to designate a historic district. Councilmember Badger expressed his support for the ordinance. He commented that it appears the Incentive Program needs to be more fully developed. City Manager J ermanis stated the list of incentives presented to the Council is the one recommended for approval; however, as other incentives are identified, they can be added to the list by Council resolution. Councilmember Badger asked why incentives would be provided to owners of landmarks if the designation is not optional. Mr. J ermanis stated it is partly recognition to the owners of landmarks that there is some financial benefit to having their property so designated and that there are additional costs associated with maintaining a historic structure. Vice Mayor Glaze added that incentives would be needed so owners of landmarks maintain the historic structures to a certain standard. Councilmember Badger noted the Real Property Transfer Tax incentive does not make sense if applied to landmarks. Vice Mayor Glaze suggested the wording could be changed to read, "as long as the building remains a historic landmark." Councilmember Badger agreed with this change. Councilmember Grant concurred with Councilmember Badger that there appears to be SOlne loopholes in the Incentive Program and stated she hopes it will come back "tighter." She stated she is glad to see the ordinance move forward and inquired about the process for approving the Landmark Structures List. Mr. Bohne stated if the Council approves the ordinance tonight, the Library-Historical Commission plans to discuss the List at its November 18 n1eeting. Councilmember Grant noted if 67% of property owners agreed to a historic district designation it would indicate to her strong con1munity support, but she would also be agreeable to reducing the percentage to 510/0. Mayor Young pointed out the City now requires a 670/0 approval from property owners just to install speed humps. She agreed with Vice Mayor Glaze that if 670/0 approval was needed to designate a historic district, then property owners should not be allowed to opt out. If the percentage was reduced to 51 0/0, then property owners should be allowed to opt out. Mayor Young stated the City Council is very committed to the preservation of its historic assets and wants to ensure that whatever changes are made or recommended, the Council have the opportunity to make the final decision. . Minute Order No. 2003-052, Motion Adopting the Negative Declaration Related to the Historic Preservation Ordinance as Complete and in Compliance with CEQA Requirements. (2056) Council adopted the negative declaration related to the Historic Preservation Ordinance as complete and in compliance with CEQA requirements. M/S/C Stephens and Santos. Ayes: 6; Noes: 0; Absent: 1 (Nardine)