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HomeMy WebLinkAbout98-022 - ResolutionsRESOLUTION NO. 98-022 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE INTENT TO RETAIN AND RELOCATE THE HISTORIC RESIDENCE KNOWN AS THE CHAFFEYIISLE HOUSE, LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF HIGHLAND AVENUE AND ETIWANDA AVENUE AT 6490 ETIWANDA AVENUE - APN: 225-171-14. A. RECITALS. 1. The House located at the northwest corner of Highland and Etiwanda Avenues is commonly called the Isle House because it was owned for most of the twentieth century by descendants of James C. and Martha E. Isle. Hereinafter in this Resolution, the subject structure is referred to as the "House." 2. The House was built by the Chaffey Brothers, George, William, and Charles for their mother, Ann and sister, Emma. Ann and Emma did reside in the House during and after the Chaffey Brothers' founding of Eftwanda, Ontario, and Upland (Model Colonies). The House is the only residence built by the Chaffey Brothers in these Model Colonies. 3. The Chaffey Brothers were determined to be among the most important pioneers of Southern California. George provided the inspiration, leadership, and engineering skill, William provided the agricultural skills, and Charles possessed management and financial skills. Not only did they develop communities, but they charted a course which was followed throughout California and beyond. Accomplishments of the Chaffey Brothers include: · Ship construction patents · Formation of the first mutual water company in California · Inspiration for the first mutual telephone company in California · First electric light in Southern California · First hydro-electric powered light in Western United Sates · One-time holders of the record for the longest distance telephone call · Irrigation engineering feats in the gathering and delivery of water from mountain sources to agricultural land Resolution No. 98-022 Page 2 · Founders of a bank which, through many mergers, still exists today · Founders and benefactors of Chaffey College · Donors of land to many churches and educational facilities in Ontado and Upland · Founders of Etiwanda, Ontario, Upland, Renmark and Mildura in Australia, Manzara and involved in the establishment of Mexicali and Calexico · Chief Engineer for the first electdc street light system in Los Angeles which became the first major city in the wodd to be lit exclusively by electricity · Builder of the Imperial Canal taking water from the Colorado River through Mexico and back into the Imperial Valley of California, enabling it to become a major agricultural region · Created Model Colonies with foundations in agriculture, commerce, education, and the arts; establishing a balanced beginning for many communities still in existence and benefitting more than 100 years later. B. RESOLUTION. NOW, THEREFORE, it is heroby found, determined, and resolved by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga as follows: 1. The Isle House is located within the Route 30 Freeway Corridor. The Route 30 Freeway is important to the transportation needs of the region. It is not feasible to reroute the Freeway alignment around the House. The Isle House must be moved or destroyed. 2. The Isle House is an important historic resource because of the association with the Chaffey family from 1881 to 1884. 3. Because of the historic importance of the House, and in keeping with cultural preservation values of the community, the relocation and preservation of the structure is a high priority. The relocation and rehabilitation of the House will assure that future generations will have the opportunity to share in the City's heritage. 4. Although the City is a property tax-limited municipality, groat strides have been made in the areas of parks, recreation, library, streets, public safety, and historic preservation through the use of a vadety of resources. The resources utilized have included special tax districts, state and regional grants, and voluntary contributions of funds and labor. The preservation of the Chaffey/Garcia House is an excellent example of the City and the Etiwanda Historical Society working together to preserve historic resources. Resolution No. 98-022 Page 3 5. Because of the Historic importance of the House, the City of Rancho Cucamonga pledges to work in cooperative capacity with the Etiwanda Historical Society to move, rehabilitate, and use the structure for historic preservation purposes. 6. Based upon the findings and conclusions set forth in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 above, the City Council hereby resolves as follows: a. The City of Rancho Cucamonga will provide moral and technical support in the effort to preserve the House. The City of Rancho Cucamonga needs and will solicit the support and interest of local residents including private groups to assist in the preservation and retention of the House. Contingent upon sufficient support from the community and the availability of financial resources, the City will acquire the House, move it to an available site, and secure as best as possible from wind, rain and vandalism. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 4th day of February, 1998. AYES: Alexander, Biane, Curatalo, Williams NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None ATTEST: William j~l~xander, Mayor Debra J. Adams, Resolution No. 98-022 Page 4 I, DEBRA J. ADAMS, CITY CLERK of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly passed, approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, California, at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the 4th day of February, 1998. Executed this 5th day of February, 1998, at Rancho Cucamonga, California. City Clerk