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DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 8, 1997
Present:
William McCann
Kathy Milam
Robert Herberich
Mark Cagni
Alex Plisko
Rob Surette
Don McCarty
Gwen Legters
Howard Hamilton
MacArthur "Mac" Boykins
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Assistant City Attorney
Design Planner
Board Reporter
Board Member
Board Member
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Absent:
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The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall. The Pledge of
Allegiance and review of board procedures followed.
To provide continuity for research, the items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Minutes Approval - June 10, 1997
Member Milam 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.
Report of Appeal to the City Commission - Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford
Mr. Shuford distributed the final Findings and Conclusions in the appeal to the City
Commission In case #DRB 97-001 (Amended), Pinch-A-Penny, Inc., 651 Court Street.
Mr. Shuford said the Commission overturned the Design Review Board's denial and condItioned
approval upon meeting certain design features recommended by the board. He summarized
details of the appeal hearing. A pending flagpole placement issue will not come before the board
as City code does not cover the situation. Mr. Shuford left the meeting at 3: 1 0 p.m.
Proposals for Design Review
1. ORB 97-001 (Amended Sign Rehearing) Pinch-AwPenny, Inc.
651 Court Street (Free-Standing Pole Sign)
Mr. McCarty referred to the project analysis and reevaluation of a newly submitted sign face
design, noting the proposal does not meet a number of design criteria and staff could not
recommend approval.
Harry Clinel attorney representing the applicant, requested a copy of staff's analysis. He
questioned why it was indicated the sign proposal does not meet design guidelines. Mr. Cline
referred to page 13 of the guidelines, relating the sign to the buildingt storefront and area. He
stated this issue should not be decided on aesthetics, but what is appropriate for the area. He
established the character of the area by explaining traffic conditions, street configuration. existing
~:J signage in the vlcinitYt and sign regulations in the district. Addressing concerns regarding the
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number of colors and fonts proposed, Mr. Cline compared the proposal to existing business slgnage in
the area and submitted five photographs for the record. He indicated the proposed intemally
illuminated plastic pole sign is appropriate.
No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed.
Mr. McCarty explained pages 13 and 14 of the design guidelines clearly state the types of signs to
be avoided. He listed five criteria for signs not recommended by the design guidelines: 1) freestanding
ground signs; 2) large intemally illuminated plastic signs; 3) complex and visually busy signs; 4) signs
with an excessive number of colors; and 5) signs not compatible with the buildings and storefront
related to the property. He felt the proposal is' an example of the type of oversized, poorly placed and
badly designed sign not recommended by the design guidelines. He addressed the applicant's
comments about existing signage in the vicinity.
Mr. Cline responded to staff's comments.
Board discussion ensued regarding the proposal, appropriate signage in the vicinity, and a
color graphic of the proposed sign face. The applicant was complimented regarding the final
appearance of the buildings associated with the project. Concerns were expressed with the sign's
number of fonts, colors, food graphics, directional arrow, and with nothing having been submitted
in writing regarding the structural elements.
Fred Thomas, the owner/applicant, responded to questions regarding the structure and sign
face. He said only two fonts are used. Lengthy discussion continued, with the board offering
solutions regarding the complex and visually busy sign. While he agreed to negotiate certain
features, Mr. Thomas said he would not change the "food art" graphics, because they are
essential elements to advertise and promote his business. He wished to inform the public of the
cuisine at the Clearwater Train Station restaurant without spending a fortune on advertising. He
disagreed with the need to associate the sign and building designs as the sign is remote from the
buildings. Discussion ensued regarding the potential customer base. Mr. Thomas suggested
reflecting the train station motif with the use of a decorative metal support column with a flared
fluted base, similar to a late 18th century light pole. He will investigate whether such a design
would be possible in cast aluminum.
Assistant City Attorney Rob Surette clarified the board was not attempting to regulate the
sign's content, but to offer more aesthetic solutions regarding colors, fonts and graphics.
The board expressed concern with depending on a verbal representation of the sign structure,
and requested a plan in writing. Mr. McCarty offered to meet with the applicant to try and work
out a more compatible design. Mr. Thomas agreed to meet with staff to explore a different shape,
but declined to change the "food art" element. Concerns were expressed with any approval of the
sign face as submitted, even if presented In a different cabinet shape.
Member Cagni moved to approve ORB 97-001 (amended sign rehearing) with the
understanding the pole and cabinet support design will have to return to the board before it is
erected. There was no second.
Mr. Surette recommended any motion for denial include a review of the design criteria submitted by
staff, a specific list of the design criteria not met by the proposal, and support of the motion with specific
factual findings how the proposal fails to comply with such criteria. It was indicated the intent is to be
customer friendly and work with applicants to create acceptable designs, rather than deny their
applications.
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Member Pliska moved to continue ORB 97~001 (amended sign rehearing) to the first meeting
In August. to allow time for the applicant to meet with staff and come back with a total sign
package, to include frame and pole designs. The motion was duly seconded. Discussion ensued
regarding the meeting date.
Mr. Thomas did not agree to a continuance, unless the board agreed to approve his sign face
components. In lieu of such approval, he requested the board to take action today so he could
pursue due process. Mr. McCarty expressed confidence in the possibility a compromise can be
achieved and a design can be created he can recommend to the board for serious consideration of
approval.
After lengthy discussion of several amendments, Member Pliska amended his motion to add
food graphics will be acceptable if done in a more concise graphic representation that creates less
clutter and a more design oriented sign face; the applicant shall show the exact sign location on a
site plan; and a special meeting shall be set for Tuesday, August 5 for final board consideration of
the sign proposal. The seconder concurred with the amendments. Upon the vote being taken,
the motion carried unanimously. Staff will contact the applicant to set up a meeting time.
Board and Staff Discussion
. The Chair called a special meeting for Tuesday, August 5. 1997 at 3:00 p.m., in a location to
be determined. for consideration of ORB 97.001 (amended sign rehearing.) All board members
were requested to attend.
. Member McCann stated staff did a fantastic job of representing the board at the Pinch-A-
Penny appeal hearing. He complimented Mr. McCarty and Mr. Shuford for their work.
. Mr. McCarty distributed and discussed a compilation of ORB cases from May 1996 through
May 1997. He noted the board approved 34 of 36 cases.
. Mr. McCarty distributed and discussed a chronology of events regarding Pinch-A~Penny
case #97-001. He displayed drawings depicting the treatment approved by the City Commission
for decorative fixed metal grates mounted in front of the rolling shutters. In response to a
question, he said the east wall is to be left bare, with the emphasis to be on the pilasters and
round lights.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 4:21 p.m.
Attest:
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