11/25/1997 (2)
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Design: Review Board'
Minutes
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DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 25. 1997
Present:
William McCann
Robert Herberich
Alex Pliska
Mark Cagni
Tony Shoemaker
Leslie Dougall-Sides
Don McCarty
Gwen Legters
MacArthur IlMac" Boykins
Kathy Milam
Howard Hamilton
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Interim Central Permitting Director
Assistant City Attorney
Design Planner
Board Reporter
Board Member
Vice Chair
Board Member
Absent:
The meeting was called to order at 3:07 p.m. in City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance and
review of board procedures followed. Interim Central Permitting Director Tony Shoemaker was
introduced and welcomed to the meeting. To provide continuity for research, the items are
listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
Minutes Approvaf- October 14, 1997
Member Cagni 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 97-024 Church of Scientology, FSO, Inc.
711 Cleveland Street -- The Mariner -- (Signage; Sign Face Replacement)
Mr. McCarty presented background information stating the applicant wishes to replace
signage at an existing motel.
James Bond, representing the applicant, presented a color graphic, sign elevation drawing,
and site plan showing replacement of an existing lighted sign at the former Travelodge location.
The sign face will be changed to reflect the new name, liThe Mariner."
It was indicated the sign is cantilevered from the building's deck structure, projecting into the
Cleveland Street right-of-way, perpendicular to the building. Mr. Bond has indicated the sign
structure might need replacement in four to five years due to its age and condition. While the
design guidelines do not recommend internally lighted signs, Mr. McCarty stated that if the board
approves this sign face design, it should be conditioned upon the applicant removing and replacing
the sign structure consistent with the Land Development Code, when refurbishment becomes
necessary. Strong concerns were expressed with the sign's non-conforming location in the right-
of-way. Discussion ensued regarding State law, City code, permitting requirements, and design
guidelines regarding the sign face and structure. Ms Dougall-Sides indicated code compliance will
be determined by Central Permitting. and recommended the board to consider whether the design
Is consistent with design guidelines.
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Mr. Bond stated the applicant is willing not to light the sign if interior lighting is a problem for
downtown. The attempt is not to advertise, but to replace signage in an existing enclosure.
Member Pliska moved to deny DRB 97-024 as the proposal does not meet the intent of
the design guidelines; the sign is similar to a freestanding pole sign with a horizontal beam
instead of a pole; the sign does not meet current standards for setback from street right-of-
way; and internally lighted signs are not recommended in the downtown district although the
applicant has agreed not to back light the sign. The board does not object to the proposed
sign face design, but to sign placement. The motion was duly seconded. Members Herberich,
Plisko, and Cagni voted "Aye;" Member McCann voted "Nay." Motion carried.
Mr. McCarty notified the applicant of the right to appeal today's decision to the City Commission.
He stated staff is willing to work with the applicant regarding sign redesign and placement.
Mr. Shoemaker left the meeting at 3:27 p.m.
2. ORB 97-025 Club More - IIFlash" Gordon Williamson. Owner
704 Court Street /703 Franklin Street -- (Signagej Replacement/Exchange)
Mr. McCarty presented background information stating the applicant proposes two signs; a
building identification sign using the Club More logo, and a changeable reader board. If the new
signage is approved, the applicant must remove existing signage along Court Street to meet
zoning requirements for maximum signage area.
"Flash" Gordon Williamson, owner/applicant, wishes to replace signage identifying his outdoor
furniture business to give more visibility to the nightclub on site. He related details of his after
hours entertainment concept for downtown. He and his sign contractor have had several meetings
with Mr. McCarty to discuss sign fabrication and lighting details. He referred to a color graphic,
t ':~, stating green and gold neon tubing behind transparent channel letters will give color to the sign.
He responded to questions regarding sign area calculations.
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Concerns were expressed the proposed logo sign is not legible with the word "more"
superimposed over the word, "club" in the same plane. The sign contractor explained fabrication
details. It was indicated the visual effect of visible neon tubing behind the transparent sign face
will achieve an appropriate visual effect for this type of business. In response to a question,
Mr. McCarty reiterated his concerns about legibility, but noted the logo is consistent with other
materials associated with the club's business activities. Mr. Vernon acknowledged the sign
probably won't be legible during the day, but had no doubts it would be readable at night.
One member supported the proposal, with its contrasting colors between sign sections, stating
the design is in line with the business operation. He felt it was not crucial for the sign to be
readable, as the logo will be recognized.
One member felt the abrupt square corners of the reader board seemed stark compared to
the logo. The sign contractor had no problem rounding the corners, but stressed the need for the
reader board to be legible as it is relatively small for its 20wfoot height. Due to limited color
availability, the changeable letters will be black. The fixed "live music" text will be green to match
the surrounding sign case. The reader board will be externally lighted.
Member Cagni moved to approve ORB 97-025, with the stipulation the "live music" sign shall
have rounded corners as discussed above. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
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Mr. McCarty presented background information stating the applicant proposes a totally new
development at the corner of Drew Street and Myrtle Avenue. The new structure and its
associated parking, landscaping, fencing, and colors will be discussed today.
Jim Graham, architect representing the applicant, presented colored renderings, a site plan
and elevation drawings of the proposal. He detailed site configuration for a school playground
away from the traffic area, parking, tree locations and health, lunchroom, activities, and office
areas. As the school will serve pre-Kindergarten through high school children, staggered arrival
and departure times will facilitate traffic flow. Discussion ensued regarding traffic ingress/egress,
staff/visitor parking areas and orientation of an interior chain link fence to protect children from the
parking area. Wooden fences on two sides will separate the school from adjacent residential and
commercial properties. Signage design will be brought back for board approval when final
determination is received.
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3. ORB 97..026 - Clearwater Academy, Internatlonal- Graham Design Associates, Architects
801 Drew Street - (New Building I Site Landscaping; Fencing)
Building colors will reflect the school colors of blue, green and gray. A blue tile pattern and
green handrails in a three-inch mesh pattern will be used in the entryway stair corridor.
Gymnasium windows will be reflective, insulated glass, in a repeating pattern along the building's
length. A gray galvanized aluminum roof will repeat school colors. Discussion ensued regarding
landscaping, locations of large trees on site, and stormwater retention. Discussion ensued
regarding budget restraints causing the need for the building to be constructed of a metal
framework. While the project's architect thought a Key West style was wanted for downtown, the
applicants expressed the desire for a contemporary feel. On his third attempt, Mr. Graham said he
"'~ felt he had achieved a design that would satisfy the applicant while fitting within the design
~~;~I guidelines framework.
Discussion ensued regarding exterior design features, and locations of other contemporary
style buildings in the downtown core. Mr. McCarty noted any future changes to exterior structural
or aesthetic features, as detailed in documentation submitted and approved by the board, would
require additional board approval. Mr. Graham stated he understood that any changes to the
designs submitted today will have to come back for board approval. He did not know what time
school is proposed to start, but reiterated the arrival and departure times will be staggered to
facilitate traffic flow. He highlighted the vehicle stacking area.
In response to questions, Mr. Graham said a four-foot wide landscaping strip can be provided
between the front of the building and a drainage retention area. One corner of the lot slopes
down, creating an opportunity for stormwater retention on site. Board members complimented Mr.
Graham on his aesthetic treatment of the building.
Member Cagni moved to approve ORB 97-026, providing no additional "value engineering"
occurs that results in exterior design changes from what was submitted today. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Mr. McCarty will continue to work with the applicants through the construction process.
Additional information regarding the proposed wooden fencing will be needed before a permit can
be issued.
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Board and Staff Discussion
:~ Member McCann extended happy holiday greetings to all.
1. Proposed'199B ORB Meetinq Schedule
Discussion ensued regarding how to manage potential schedule conflicts related to holidays.
Consensus was not to schedule meetings during the weeks of Memorial Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving, and Christmas. While some favored a one meeting per month schedule, it was felt
to be difficult to fast track certain requests under such a scenario.
Member Pliska moved to approve the 1998 meeting schedule, deleting the meetings of
May 26 and November 24. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2. The 1997 Downtown Award Winners
Mr. McCarty said the November issue of Right Downtown Clearwater has reported the design
award winners for downtown projects. He noted all are projects that have come before the ORB.
Board members felt it was unfortunate the architects who designed the projects were not
mentioned. Concern was expressed the Clearwater Train Station received honorable mention, as
it did not follow design guidelines recommendations. Mr. McCarty commented the train station
remodel was not done as a restoration, and was not consistent with the station's original design.
In response to questions regarding the Pinch-A-Penny/Clearwater Train Station site: 1) it was
not known whether a propane gas display near the east entrance of was legal: 2) a changeable
message sign over the doorway was approved by the ORB and OCAB; and 3) trees were removed
, from the site along the Pinellas Trail, and a parking lot was built despite a condition of ORB
f~,:) approval that this not be done.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 4: 17 p,m.
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C .
Design Review Board
Attest:
Bo~~er?0~
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