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02/13/1996DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER February 13, 1996 Present: William McCann Robert Herberich MacArthur “Mac” Boykins Mark Cagni Leslie Dougall-Sides Scott Shuford Don McCarty Gwen Legters Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Assistant City Attorney Central Permitting Director Design Planner Board Reporter      Absent: Kathy Milam Mary Mavronicolas Vice Chair Board Member   To provide continuity for research, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. A. Call to Order & Introductions The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:11 p.m. in City Hall. B. Minutes Approval -- January 23 and January 30, 1996 Member Cagni moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted in writing by the Board Reporter to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. C. Board Discussion 1. Further Discussion of Project Evaluation Analysis for Design Guidelines Mr. McCarty distributed revised copies of the analysis outline and “point” system discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Shuford explained the points are intended to provide a way to ensure that adequate weight and consideration are given to all design features with a view toward meeting overall design guidelines. He stressed the goal is not to achieve a cumulative number of points, but to make sure some degree of weight is placed upon each category. Mr. McCarty concurred, stating the analysis is simply a reference system to ensure all aspects of a design were considered. The Board supported approval of the document. It was indicated Mr. McCarty did a good job evaluating the amount of emphasis placed on each facet of design. Mr. Shuford stated the City Commission wishes to delay their review and approval of the design guidelines until after the March Commission election, giving the Board more time to finalize other details of their operation. He stated he would try to get the design guidelines on the work session agenda for the second meeting in April. Consensus of the Board was for Mr. McCarty to combine this project evaluation analysis with the design guidelines and other documents into a package for Board approval in mid-March. Mr. Shuford explained the next step would be for him to work with the Legal Department to prepare a resolution authorizing the City Commission to adopt the package as the official design guidelines for downtown. The Board would be able to begin hearing cases concerning downtown while staff begins work on guidelines for Clearwater beach and North Greenwood. 2. Final Revised Process and Procedures Mr. McCarty distributed copies of a proposed format for conduct of meetings and order of agenda. Questions were raised whether the Board’s cases will be advertised as public hearings and conducted as formally as other administrative board meetings. Ms. Dougall-Sides did not feel the Board’s cases would need to undergo advertising and the full public hearing process. She suggested eliminating some of the steps and combining others to make the format less formal. Discussion ensued regarding her suggestions for revisions. In response to questions, Mr. Shuford stated design review meetings will be televised as a public service and a means of educating the public. He indicated the notification of surrounding property owners will not be required. Mr. McCarty will revise the form based on today’s suggestions and copy it to the Board. It will be included in the package for final approval at a later date. 3. Other Issues In response to questions regarding other meeting details, it was indicated Mr. McCarty will represent City staff, serving as liaison to the Board, with Mr. Shuford filling in occasionally. Ms. Dougall-Sides stated she will attend the meetings as the Board’s attorney and will be available to do research. Mr. Shuford stated staff will represent the Board and uphold their decisions during any appeals to the City Commission. D. Chair’s Items Member McCann circulated a November 26, 1995, Tampa Tribune article featuring photographs of unattractive storefronts on Clearwater beach. Brief discussion ensued. E. Director’s Items Mr. Shuford stated he will present the design review guidelines to the City Commission in a work session after the March election. See additional discussion in C1 above. Mr. Shuford reported Mr. McCarty will make a presentation to the Downtown Partnership in mid-March, updating them on progress with the City’s design review process. He invited the Board to attend, stating he will notify them of the date and time. F. Board and Staff Comments Under the proposed schedule discussed earlier, Mr. Shuford said it looks as if the Board can begin hearing cases by mid-May. Mr. McCarty said he is continuing to investigate printing and binding for the design review guidelines. He invited suggestions from the Board. In response to a question, Mr. McCarty stated the Board is technically at a full complement of members. He announced Alex Plisko has been appointed to replace Mr. Shand and will begin his term on the first meeting in March. Mr. Plisko will complete the second of his two terms on the Development Code Adjustment Board at the end of February. It was indicated another appointment cannot go forward until a formal resignation is received from Ms. Mavronicolas. G. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.