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10/10/1995DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER October 10, 1995 Members Present: William McCann, Vice Chair Robert Herberich Mary Mavronicolas Kathy Milam MacArthur “Mac” Boykins Members Absent: Arthur Shand, Chair Kate McCullough Also Present: Leslie Dougall-Sides, Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty, Design Planner Gwen Legters, Board Reporter The meeting was called to order by the Vice Chair at 3:07 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall. In order to provide continuity, the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. A. Minutes Approval - September 26, 1995 Member Milam requested clarification on page 1, next to last paragraph, regarding “Review Board.” It was indicated the correct reference is “design review subcommittee of the Downtown Development Board.” Member Mavronicolas moved to approve the minutes of September 26, 1995 as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. B. Introductions Mr. Boykins, Ms. Dougall-Sides, and Ms. Legters were introduced and welcomed to the meeting. C. Board Discussion Mr. McCarty distributed copies of photographs provided by Mike Sanders of the Clearwater Historical Society. Discussion ensued regarding the Clearwater historical buildings depicted as well as other significant buildings and elements around the City. Ms. Dougall-Sides stated, as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Key West, Florida, she was active with their Art, Historical and Preservation Boards. She said Key West is listed on the National Register of Historic Districts and has obtained grant money to publish their design guidelines. The main street district in Key West is called Bahama Village. Ms. Dougall-Sides mentioned some of the issues in Key West, including tin roofs, picket fencing, siding materials, windows and painting permits. She said their design review board sometimes has 50 to 60 design review applications at a meeting. She is to provide copies of their ordinance and design guidelines. In response to a question, Ms. Dougall-Sides discussed the similarities and differences between the ordinances and board responsibilities in the two cities. She stated Clearwater’s Board has broader powers to review, evaluate and decide on building and sign plans and make policy recommendations to the City Commission. She stressed the importance of setting guidelines and design criteria in order to make consistent, supportable decisions. Mr. McCarty stated he will be working with Ms. Dougall-Sides to ensure the Board’s decisions will have a legal basis. Discussion ensued regarding design guidelines and criteria for Clearwater. Member Milam stated she recently returned from the City of Palm Springs, California, where they have a beautiful design system with no written guidelines. She said the Palm Springs city planners leave design criteria to the discretion of the contractors and architects. Ms. Dougall-Sides explained the Clearwater Code says the City Commission will adopt ordinances establishing design categories. It was agreed flexibility will be needed to establish and enforce design parameters while being responsive to individual situations and creativity. Mr. McCarty stated they hope to achieve cooperation by educating the public what the City is trying to achieve. Mr. McCarty stated he is compiling information on how other communities with design review guidelines function. He gave an overview of how similar boards operate in Orlando, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg and Crystal River. He hopes to bring more information to the next meeting. In response to a question, he stated the guidelines and criteria formulated by the Board will be reviewed by the Legal department, then recommended for adoption by the City Commission. Concerns were expressed with information coming in without a time frame or a clear plan how to manage it. Member Boykins requested clarification of the Board’s focus and objectives, action steps and time frame. Member Herberich indicated one of the goals at the onset was to begin consolidating information after the first of the year. Mr. McCarty is to meet with Mr. Boykins separately for orientation. Member Milam suggested developing the Design Review Board’s (DRB) final guidelines and criteria based upon the book, Design Guidelines, A Guide to Renovation and Rehabilitation for the Central Business District of Clearwater, Florida, prepared for the Downtown Development Board in July, 1994. Consensus was for all Board members to read the book and be prepared to discuss amending and adopting it as the official design guide for the downtown district of Clearwater. Mr. McCarty noted the consultants who put together the Downtown Redevelopment Plan used the book as a reference and made recommendations for adapting it for use in Clearwater. Member Milam suggested asking Mike Sanders if any Historical Preservation guidelines are in place that might also be adopted by the Board, in order to avoid duplication of effort. Mr. McCarty is to investigate. Member Mavronicolas questioned if any provision exists to protect historical buildings from being demolished by their owners. Ms. Dougall-Sides said the City does not have a comprehensive historical ordinance that seeks to maintain historical properties in their current condition without a review by a historical board. She stated the City has not designated any structures to prohibit changes from taking place and a survey of existing structures would be needed to accomplish this. A question was raised if any action was taken to coordinate the proposed improvements in Coachman Park with the requested changes at 500 Cleveland Street by the Church of Scientology. Mr. McCarty said the item is to be placed on an upcoming City Commission agenda for official action after he coordinates items with the Parks and Recreation Department. D. Chairman’s Items Vice Chair McCann noted a change in location to the City Hall Annex for the DRB meeting of November 14, 1995. E. Director’s Items - See Item F F. Board and Staff Comments Mr. McCarty stated he has received notification the State will begin receiving grant applications for financial assistance on projects like historical analysis of sites and buildings. He said the design subcommittee of the Downtown Development Board is excited about the prospect and hopes for endorsement from the DRB. Referring to earlier discussion regarding protection of historical structures, Ms. Dougall-Sides suggested taking this opportunity to apply for grant money for a survey of existing structures and asking the City what they want included. Referring to a memo from the City Clerk Department, Mr. McCarty reported the City Commission has indicated they would like to meet with individual advisory boards next year during Commission Work Sessions. It was felt the current practice of advisory board annual reports to the City Commission is too formal and the Work Session environment might help to develop better communication. Mr. McCarty stated he will have a time line ready for consideration at the next meeting and Scott Shuford expects to go over it with the Board. It is hoped Ms. McCullough will have photographs of downtown buildings to present for discussion. G. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m.