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07/25/1995DESIGN REVIEW BOARD July 25, 1995 Members Present: Arthonia Godwin Robert Herberich William McCann Kate McCullough Mary Mavronicolas Kathy Milam Arthur Shand (arrived 3:10 p.m.) Also Present: Scott Shuford, Central Permitting Director Don McCarty, Design Review Planner Gwen Legters, Board Reporter Mr. Shuford opened the meeting at 3:07 p.m. and introduced Don McCarty, Associate Planner/Design Review. It is anticipated Mr. McCarty will be working closely with the Board. 1) Seaside, Florida - Video Presentation Mr. Shuford introduced the video, explaining it is an overview of one community's approach to implementing design standards. Although he pointed out the town of Seaside may have had more design opportunities than does Clearwater, he felt the video would be interesting for the Board. After the video, he circulated a companion book for review. He stated the design reference library, now located in Mr. McCarty's office, is available to the Board at any time. 2) Board Discussion a. Election of Officers Questions were raised regarding qualifications of Board officers. Some members felt an architect or engineer could better relate to the technical issues. It was pointed out, under Roberts Rules of Order, the Chair does not typically make or second motions, which could be a limiting factor to holding that position. Other suggestions were to ask for volunteers or select someone with leadership qualities. Questions were raised regarding the amount of time involved and specific duties of the Chair. Mr. Shuford indicated the Chair usually has the same amount of time investment and authority as other Board members. The Chair's responsibility is to guide the proceedings, establish order and maintain time limits established by the Board. Generally the rules of procedure are published on the agenda and announced by the chair at the beginning of the meeting. Mr. Shuford noted, whenever possible, he notifies the Chair of any last minute issues that did not make the agenda. He is to send copies of the Planning and Zoning Board rules of procedure as an example. Member Milam nominated Art Shand as Chair. The nomination was duly seconded. Member Shand accepted the nomination. Member McCullough nominated Bill McCann as Chair. The motion was duly seconded. Member McCann accepted the nomination. Member McCullough moved to close the nominations. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Upon the vote being taken, Members Godwin, Herberich and Milam voted for Art Shand; Members McCullough and Mavronicolas voted for Bill McCann. Art Shand was declared elected as Chair. Member McCullough nominated Bill McCann as Vice Chair. Member McCann accepted the nomination. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. b. Meeting Schedules Discussion ensued regarding the best day and time to schedule regular meetings. Consensus was to continue having the meetings begin at 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays were better for most members. Mr. Shuford is to check availability of the Commission Chambers. c. Development of Design Guidelines Mr. Shuford stated Mr. McCarty has been working with the design guidelines developed by different groups in the three areas the Board will be working; North Greenwood, Downtown, and Clearwater Beach. Copies of those guidelines have been sent to the Board. He questioned if the Board wished to consider one area each month, or take all three at once. Consensus was to consider area at a time, beginning with North Greenwood, progressing to Downtown, then Clearwater Beach. Questions were raised concerning what criteria will be considered. Mr. Shuford stated he will send out a sample list of design components such as architectural features, building materials, colors, etc., to serve as a guide. Mr. McCarty pointed out the final guidelines will probably not be the same for each area, as each has its own characteristics. He suggested beginning with an overview, then refining to suit the respective areas. In response to a question, Mr. Shuford explained the points system intended to regulate parking in the North Greenwood area. He stated, without any incentive for meeting design requirements, parking in that area is now being approached from a regulatory standpoint. d. Other Issues Member Shand encouraged all members to attend the next meeting and be prepared to establish design criteria and a meeting outline. He felt direction from staff will be needed until the Board gets off the ground. It was not known if staff recommendations will be a routine part of every case as they are for some boards. Mr. Shuford indicated certain issues may be delegated to staff to regulate. It was noted the Board may review projects other than new construction. Mr. Shuford agreed, stating the standards for new construction may differ from those regulating renovation or repair. A question was raised regarding a requirement for design to tie in with what is existing. Mr. Shuford explained that provision was intended to cause an entire area to develop with a particular theme. Problems arose when there was insufficient development pressure to trigger implementation of the theme. He indicated this is a challenge in Clearwater. Because no specific design theme has been chosen, strict standards will be difficult to develop. Members were encouraged to review the book, Design Review. Both Mr. Herberich and Mr. McCarty stated it was well written and offers good design standards. Discussion ensued regarding the State financial disclosure forms to be filed by Board members. 3) Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:02 p.m.