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03/26/1996DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER March 26, 1996 Present: William McCann Kathy Milam Robert Herberich MacArthur “Mac” Boykins Mark Cagni Alex Plisko Scott Shuford Leslie Dougall-Sides Don McCarty Gwen Legters Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Central Permitting Director Assistant City Attorney Design Planner Board Reporter   To provide continuity for research, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:09 p.m. in City Hall. Minutes Approval - March 12, 1996 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. Audio-Visual Presentation -- Keeping Up Appearances Mr. McCarty showed the 20-minute slide and audio presentation, created by the National Historic Preservation Trust for its Main Street Center program. The presentation demonstrated how storefront design elements are the same throughout many communities. In response to a question, Mr. McCarty said this copy of the presentation materials belongs to the Central Permitting Department and is available to show to other groups. Mr. Shuford left at 3:24 p.m. to attend another meeting. Board Discussion 1. Review of March 19 Downtown Partnership Meeting Mr. McCarty reported favorable community reaction to his presentation of the main elements and highlights of the design guidelines. He said suggestions were made to 1) provide more background and emphasis on how and why the Design Review Board (DRB) was created; and 2) create a public awareness and education program as the design guidelines are brought forward. He said the Downtown Development Board (DDB) asked him to speak to them in more detail about the design guidelines and timetable for implementation. Mr. McCarty stated a question was raised whether approval was needed to paint a building. It was indicated the ordinance requires appearance before the DRB only for issues requiring City permits. Painting does not require a permit. Discussion ensued regarding whether a paint palette or range of colors should be included in the design guidelines. While the board did not want to mandate or prohibit specific colors, it was indicated some measure of control will be needed soon to preclude someone from using incompatible colors. Discussion ensued regarding other cosmetic changes that can be done without permits to drastically change a facade, including window and door replacement, and non-structural canopies and awnings. Mr. McCarty agreed several things of this nature need to be addressed. 2. Update of Design Committee of the Downtown Development Board Mr. McCarty said the DDB Design Committee is setting goals for the rest of this year. They plan to conduct a survey of downtown property owners to determine what is wanted, the level of commitment, and what assistance is needed. He indicated they will be instrumental in helping educate the public about the DRB and the design guidelines. The committee is still administering a small fund used to assist and reimburse property owners and merchants wishing to renovate their buildings. Discussion ensued regarding personnel changes in the Community Redevelopment Agency and how the City’s Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Board helps with programs in the North Greenwood neighborhood. Director’s Items Before he left the meeting, Mr. Shuford discussed highlights of recent State legislation regarding lobbyist registration. He explained persons wishing to lobby or influence certain City personnel must register with the City Clerk. Mr. Shuford cautioned board members concerning ex parte communications with the public. He will bring additional information to the next meeting. Mr. Shuford said the City Commission will likely schedule review of the design guidelines for their first meeting in May. Board and Staff Comments Mr. McCarty has compiled information regarding the background and history of the design guidelines, a statement of design review versus aesthetic control and an explanation of the point evaluation system. He offered to copy this information to anyone who requests it. Mr. McCarty reminded board members of the Appreciation Day dinner on April 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the Harborview Center. Mr. McCarty reported Graphics personnel will provide preliminary suggestions regarding the cover of the design guidelines. He will bring these suggestions to the next meeting. Member Milam questioned the board’s upcoming agenda. Mr. McCarty said he will bring preliminary Clearwater beach design guidelines to the second meeting in April. Discussion ensued regarding how to conduct design guidelines discussions once the DRB public hearings begin. G. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.