12/13/1996 (2)
, .
, . , .
. .. , .. ._._ +........_01- __.. U' . '. '
, '.. '; -.1 ~"\I~' I l'
--:..........
./f
I
,I.'
, .
\" ;
,
.. ( .~>. .
"
". ,
, .,0,('
. '. c.. ~"
.' , ' .
. .
,', '\
. :. ~:. . .. I' c:' .. ~ ., "I
, '
., .'
. ,
. ", ..
"'.
~ . >1." .
.. ~ "
'0' "1
..", '..
", " . .'. I "
c'l.,t
.' " :. ~ ': / ,.,~' ,..t " . .
:..;,."'~I;""'~'i^-,'""f~,,~'~,~::::~~;;~'~:~~L~L_:~,~~~,~::.'; ~.
.~, > '~'~.~"'":'""""':,~~!i~;,,".:i,::"'r.,'~';';' ""': .. ,";'; ::"':" ~: ';
.. .-': .:.: ~ .... "'.>\:" ":.',):
, ,,'
DRB
. 'Design Review Board
Minutes
'.
I.. .
. ])eceM\oec
\~)
\gg,Cp,
, I
':,']j'ate'
. '.
cr~~
"
. ." .
{.. <.
'I
" l
. !
';(
,I . ~
<,
"
"
" ,i"",
;.
.' "\
. '.,1.'
"
", . I
.,
"
:',
;', '
" ,
., ,
".:. :",\,
..
J:::,
:(: '.
",
'.. . "l~
,.,:.-' ..... '. .... ,'. ",":',-",..,~,: ':"",
, ,,". ., 1', .r. ",' 1~ . \ '. .
\ .', ' " ' 'j". ". " .'. ~ \.'M "~" . .'", .
"
. ".'
, ,
'" < .
.~"/. ;,\'> 'f'~~'~~',. .'. ,
" '. ~ .:~ ~.'. ..... " ~"
"
, .'. .~, 0(, .~.. .
I, 'I', ~ ~'.
'.
" .
: . ~ . .
, :'.
I'" >
P'\
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 13, 1996
Present:
Kathy Milam
Robert Herberich
Mark Cagni
Howard Hamilton
Scott Shuford
Leslie Dougall-Sides
Don McCarty
Gwen Legters
William McCann
MacArthur "Mac" Boykins
Alex Plisko
. Absent:
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Central Permitting Director
Assistant City Attorney
Design Planner
Board Reporter
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
To provide continuity for research, the items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p,m. in City Hall.
Minutes Approval -. November 26, 1996
r.\Q!l&
f;"!f;!''fI
Member Hamilton moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted in
writing to each member by the Board Reporter, The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Proposals for Design Review
1 . ORB 96.011 Burning Bridges Design Studio -. Hiram Berry. Owner
700 Court Street
Mr. McCarty stated this item was continued from the November 12 meeting for board
review of Mr. Berry's proposed iiproducts display window." While the applicant had
indicated he was ready to make a presentation, he has since requested a continuance.
Consensus was to continue to the next meeting.
2. ORB 96.020 Chamber of Commerce Building. Kathy Rabon. Executive Director
331 Cleveland Street
Mr. McCarty presented the written staff report and recommendations, stating the
applicant is seeking approval of sign age for their new location on Cleveland Street, at the
former Citizens Bank Building. Preliminary discussions with the applicant indicate all
proposed sign age will comply with the City sign code, Final drawings and details have not
been submitted.
,.;::)
. mdrb12.96
1
1 2/13/96
J'
. i. .
, I
~
Kathy Rabon, Executive Director of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, addressed
the board. Referring to her written proposal, she requested a continuance of items #1 and
#2, relating to signage on the west and east sides of the building. She requested board
approval today of signage on the existing awning in front of the building, as illustrated in
photographs submitted with the application packet. She proposed to have the name,
"Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, II in six-inch high white lettering, professionally
sewn or silk screened onto the burgundy awning over the Cleveland Street entrance.
No written or verbal support or opposition was expressed.
Member Cagni moved to approve ORB 96-020, for awning signage only, as requested
by the applicant. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. DRB 96-021 The Ice House. Robert Schoeller. Owner (John Sykes. Architect)
632 Drew Street
Mr. McCarty reported he had not received any information regarding this application as
of 1 :00 p.m. today, and was unable to prepare written recommendations. The board was
interested in hearing some type of presentation, but pointed out a decision might not follow
due to lack of documentation. Mr. McCarty concurred the decision can be made later, but
stressed the importance of board direction to the applicant regarding a time table. Staff
stressed the importance of submitting drawings, site plans, and timely implementation of
the project, given the prominent location of the site and its impact on the City.
(~~
o':I"!"t'I
John Sykos stated he submitted drawings today, in accordance with Mr. McCarty's
request. He gave the background of the project to date, explaining it has taken a tot of
time to repaint and regrout the existing ,structure to make it safe. Mr. Schoeller is from
Vienna, and likes a classical style of architecture and design, which takes additional time.
He submitted drawings of the proposed design as seen from Drew Street, looking south
from the garden in back. It was indicated Mr. Schoeller is an artist of renown.
Robert Schoeller, the owner/applicant, responded to questions, stating the building is
to be his residence. Elevation drawings were presented and reviewed at length.
Mr. Schoeller responded to questions, stating he owns the entire block and wishes to
make it "his world", so he feels comfortable aesthetically. Some of the rooms will be used
for a studio, some for hanging his paintings, some rooms private, He was not able to
pinpoint a time frame for implementation or completion of the refurbishment. He
elaborated on project details, such as creating a gallery from the existing loading dock on
Drew Street, starting the garden within a few months, and plumbing and mechanical
installations inside the building.
Mr. McCarty responded to questions regarding site plan approval, reflecting pools, and
landscaping in the interior spaces, and required parking associated with the business
activity to be conducted in conjunction with the studio. The site plan is not ready for
engineering review and today's presentation is the first time Mr. McCarty had seen
elevation drawings and renderings.
u
mdrb12.96
2
12/1 3/96
" '. I.':: .~::. .. ,'__'_i.-_.~~___.......,....,' ~;',., ",. '.' \ '..,. . .' ,'~"
..
. ,\":. ,
) , .
, .
t' :'
, ~. ~. .
'.le
~
Staff will meet with the applicants to get the specifics necessary to prepare a staff
report, obtain drawings, and summation.
Board discussion ensued regarding the Impressive proposal, the location and
controversial history of the site. One member questioned the projected opening date for
the gallery. Mr. Schoeller responded he has experienced problems finding anyone in Florida
who can do the custom masonry work he requires. While he said he wanted to start as
soon as possible, he would not venture a guess until the site plan is approved. He
explained at length why it appears nothing has happened during the considerable time since
he started the project. He detailed a complicated process of molding custom sandstone-
looking masonry materials, the amount of time spent gutting the building and removing 700
tons of debris, the time taken to restore brickwork, roofs, ceilings, and windows.. He said
there was never a time when nothing was happening, but nothing was apparent from the
street side. No one knew what was depicted was inside. He said he researched his design
in Europe. He is dealing with a nursery for large selected palm trees, similar to those seen
in past centuries, He hopes to create a unified environment with a lot of water, trees, and
palms,
In response to questions from Mr. McCarty, Mr. Schoeller listed details regarding
finishes, materials, and colors on the Drew Street side of the property. McCarty explained
the purpose, use and intent of the design guidelines for the downtown district, Because of
the scale and the finishes described, he will meet with the applicants to finalize details and
schedule them to come back with a more comprehensive presentation.
l:'
The board thanked the applicants for appearing, and encouraged them to work closely
with staff and to keep moving ahead with the project. Consensus was to continue this
item to the January 14 meeting, if feasible.
4. ORB 96-022 City of Clearwater City Hall -- 110 S. Osceola Av~
Mr. McCarty presented the written staff report and recommendations, stating the City
is doing minor building upgrades to bring fire sprinkler and exiting requirements into
compliance with the life safety code. It is necessary to create a separate fire exit from a
stairwell to the exterior. The proposed exit and stairs will be constructed on the north
stairwell on the West side of building. He distributed drawings of the proposal and of the
overall view of the west elevation, showing the position of the stair exit between the first
and second floors.
Jim Wood, Building and Maintenance supervisor for the City I gave an overview of the
configuration options. He said the materials will match the exterior of the building,
handrails, etc.
v
Board members pointed out the handrails and stair risers depicted in the plans do not
follow NFPA or ADA codes. Discussion ensued regarding building codes versus life safety
codes, and how the plans will look when all the appropriate codes are met. Mr. McCarty
related some of the alternatives regarding potential handrail design, He will meet with City
Building and Maintenance staff to finalize the design. In response to questions, Mr. Wood
said construction will start on January 13, and he has been given two months to complete
mdrb12.96
3
1 2/1 3/96
.;. . /./1 ':~);I'~' :.r!} ~l~~~'~~.~~~~ry};:t
.1/:',,';.' '0'" '\ :. - . . r' "'.oJ.
, .
,',\ ",<',., :;',:,::':.',:::: ,.." '. ::'..:', ,.::.' :::'::. ;.'::~, '::.': ~:.> ,:,", ,':' -':,' '.'..:.. " . '.' "': :. "" ~ ...,..':. ," \', " ",' ..':,......'.. .. ' /,:,
-. ..'.,,' "1'" '.,.. :,. , '[,' , r. .',. n ',.'. ., ..;;J." .' ' ,'. ':.,'
'. ,.... .~j,.."".I,:: .,' "'.'..'~,,': ",,:'" . "'~' ~. :~~'t" . ;. ',:',<,, ,. ',"h' '. ,', "I\,"~l:
~ , . .' " .
',' d,.~ ..' ....__,...._....---'...",.'. .",', ", . ','. ",
f'
. ..,'....
.. "I,. , ....
I~ . the project, Discussion ensued regarding how the project progressed to this point without
) code compliance. Board members suggested a continuance and requested revised
drawings In time for the next meeting.
Discussion continued regarding design alternatives. Mr. McCarty pointed out
compliance with stair hand rail design standards is extremely difficult due to the number of
contradictory codes involved. He will work with staff on final drawings for the January
meeting. In response to questions, Mr. Wood said sufficient funds have been allocated for
the project. Mr. McCarty said retrofitting the building was intended to make City Hall
usable for three to five years, to allow time to study which is more appropriate: a complete
retrofit; continuing with the building as it is by adapting to meet requirements; or replacing
the building, The City Commission does not want to become involved in an extensive
project involving a lot of funds at this time.
Member Herberich moved to accept the proposal, subject to compliance with Figure 19
of NFPA 101, the Standard Building Code, and use of aluminum railings to match those in
use on the existing building, without a screening mesh.
f~
Some board members were not comfortable approving a concept for which final plans
have not been prepared. It was felt to be more appropriate for the City to revise the plans,
correcting the necessary details, before bringing the issue to the ORB. Other members
were satisfied with the project as presented, subject to the conditions stated in the motion.
Mr. McCarty did not think adding one tread would significantly change the overall
appearance, as long as the handrails stay the same. He said the Central Permitting
Department and Plans Review will sign off on the plan when it meets code.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Board and Staff Discussion
Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford arrived to ask the board for direction
regarding a proposed code amendment regarding outdoor sales/displays in conjunction with
conforming indoor retail sales uses. The draft, prepared late in 1994, was copied into the
board packets. Jf the board is comfortable with the general concept as presented in the
draft, he will incorporate the ordinance into the Land Development Code revision process.
He explained staff proposes to allow limited outdoor displays without the need for seeking
a conditional use permit.
leslie Dougall-Sides left the meeting at 3: 50 p.m.
Mr. Shuford thanked the board for attending today's special meeting. He responded to
questions regarding outdoor displays and sandwich board signs, stating they must not
interfere with pedestrians or motor vehicles, should be portable and not permanently
attached. The intent is not for a permanent outdoor display, but to allow things likely to be
brought in at night when the facility is closed. Concern was expressed it will be difficult
for any business to meet all the requirements of subsection #2. Discussion ensued
regarding whether any locations exist on Clearwater beach that provide opportunities to
U have outdoor displays while maintaining a five-foot minimum clear area. Mr, Shuford
mdrb12.96
4
1 2/13/96
::: '_" . '.' ",' " ',/"0:;.> '\_, 'i'," ,.q.....';, ......,:.......":;:', ';:;:;'.':'.'
, ' , , '\'" I, ,.. ,\.. ' [., "., ,r."", , , , " ,'" , "..
, .,~, ,'. "
,e
. '.
,C", I~~ c {.(.:(l::, :.::~ ..
\"
. ,
~
discussed setback requirements in the General Commercial district. He will look at the
,amendment to see how it could affect some areas of non.conforming buildings. In
response to questions, he said the ordinance will apply City-wide. Staff will put together a
more organized program for a general concept regarding sandwich board signs, and the
ORB will not be responsible for approving the designs. He will bring the ordinance back in
a more finished form, along with illustrations. The item will proceed through 'Planning and
Zoning Board and Development Code Adjustment Board review before going to the City
Commission.
.
Member Hamilton expressed concern regarding vending machines and news racks in
front of Clearwater beach businesses. He said he has asked to have them removed from
the front of his business numerous times, without success. Mr. Shuford said placement of
news racks has become a first amendment issue, and the City is limited in the number of
things that can be done. He suggested contacting the City's Community Response Team,
which wrote the existing regulations and coordinates the compliance process through the
newspaper companies.
Mr. McCarty distributed a copy of the Mandalay Avenue Streetscape survey, and the
tabulated results. Messrs. Shuford and McCarty wished board members a happy holiday
season.
Mr. McCarty reminded board members the annual review of the board's rules of
procedure will be due at the first meeting in January. A question was raised regarding
,'1'~ whether a full complement of board members exists. Mr. McCarty responded he has not
l~\r~ received any letters of resignation.
In response to a question regarding the status of the City Annex demolition, Mr.
Shuford said Assistant City Manager Bob Keller has expressed an interest in looking at
proposals that will generate jobs in the City. Member Milam was encouraged by the
opening vista and looked forward to seeing the property redeveloped. Mr. McCarty agreed,
stating the board will be seeing fewer non-conforming setbacks and landscaping situations
as new developments progress throughout the City. Other exciting new developments
mentioned were the proposed A to Be School, Winn-Dixie downtown plaza, and Mr.
Schoeller's "palace".
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 4:04 p.m.
Occ,c,~'
. ,
Attest:
Bkt~
mdrb12.96
5
12/13/96