Historical Commission — Dec 4, 1975

MINUTES OF THE 193th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 4 December 1975 Dr. F. Otto Haas, Chairman Present: F. Otto Haas, Chairman Mrs. James C. Grunllaff, Jr. Edward Firkoski Norbert N. Law, Architectural Advisor to the Commission Barbara Liggett, Archeological Consultant to the Commission David Rosenberg, Esq., Assistant City Solicitor Richard Tyler, Historian Patricia Siemikowski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Unless otherwise noted, all action taken herein is the result of motions correctly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Stated Meeting, 6 November 1975, were approved and directed to be filed. REPORTS The Report of the Architectural Committee for 18 November 1975 was approved by the Commission and directed to be filed with the official copy of the minutes. Recommendations by the Staff for the Certification of Buildings, Richard Tyler, Historian. There were no nominations presented to the Board for consideration at this time. Report on Historical Commission Staff Activities, Richard Tyler, Historian. Mr. Tyler reported to the Board on the impending demolition of the Art Club building annex at 220 South Broad Street. A feasibility study recently determined it to be economically unfeasible for reuse as a law library as proposed by the Philadelphia Bar Association. Also noted in the report was Mr. Tyler's meeting on the 17th of November with persons interested in the preservation of the Naval Home on Gray's Ferry Avenue.Finally, the proposed use of the Greenfield Farm houses and the Ft. Mifflin Hospital were discussed. Mr. Tyler's report was approved and directed to be filed with the official copy of the minutes. OLD BUSINESS There were no matters to be discussed under Old Business. MINUTES 2 4 December 1975 NEW BUSINESS January Meeting, Richard Tyler, Historian. Since the January meeting will be the Commission's 200th, it was agreed that the Commission should meet in an appropriate historic building in celebration of the occasion. The Board directed Mr. Tyler to make the necessary arrangements for this special meeting. Current Federal legislation, archaeology and the Commission, Barbara Liggett and Richard Tyler, Historian. A considerable body of federal legislation exists to protect archaeological sites. Under the Community Development Grant Act of 1974, responsibility for compliance with the various federal regulations rests with local authorities. In view of this, the implications for federal funding, and the possible involvement of the Commission in such matters, it is important that the Commission be apprised of the current

Under the Community Development Grant Act of 1974, responsibility for compliance with the various federal regulations rests with local authorities. In view of this, the implications for federal funding, and the possible involvement of the Commission in such matters, it is important that the Commission be apprised of the current legislation and that it adopt policy guidelines. The law requires a professional review of the possible effects to archaeological sites. In considering this question, a discussion ensued on the role of Barbara Liggett as archaeological consultant to the Commission and as a professional archaeologist who accepts contract work. To prevent any possible conflict of interest, she stated that she would not contract with any government agency for archaeological work while she is on the Commission's Board. After some discussion on the formation of guidelines, the Commission approved Miss Liggett's proposal that the Commission sponsor a one-day workshop or seminar of local archaeologists to propose standards and procedures for the Commission's consideration. Through this seminar, a committee could be established to act as a clearinghouse for all archaeological reports filed for federally funded projects in the city. Such reports are required by law, could be deposited at the Commission office, contribute to the release of federal funds to the City and would protect the City against citizen suits. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemionkowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman /pas