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01/23/1996DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER January 23, 1996 Present: William McCann Kathy Milam Robert Herberich MacArthur “Mac” Boykins Mark Cagni Leslie Dougall-Sides Scott Shuford Don McCarty Gwen Legters Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Assistant City Attorney Central Permitting Director Design Planner Board Reporter      Absent: Mary Mavronicolas Board Member   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 1:00 p.m. in the Central Permitting Department at the City Hall Annex. The meeting recessed for the trip to St. Petersburg. B. Field Tour of St. Petersburg Streetscape Program While enroute, Mr. McCarty gave an overview of the program and features the Board would be seeing. He circulated a copy of Plaza Parkway--Design Guidelines, a book complied by the Bay Plaza Company specifying design elements for the Streetscape program. He noted the book is very specific about streetscape improvements. A question was raised regarding enforcement of guidelines and conditions of approval. It was felt this needs to be addressed as part of the review process. Mr. McCarty pointed out an entrance monument alongside the interstate on the north side of the downtown area. He said an identical monument was placed on the south side of downtown and they set the stage for the streetscape improvements. He explained the three levels of design intensity, with the most concentrated attention to detail in the retail core of downtown. The group arrived in downtown St. Petersburg at 1:45 p.m. and began a walking tour of Central Avenue from Fifth Street to Second Street. Mr. McCarty pointed out the high level of landscaping, pedestrian oriented street lighting, lighted bollards, and traffic “neckouts” created to make the streets more pedestrian friendly. Mature trees were brought in and planted in wide sidewalks, surrounded by flower beds or tree grates. He noted where design elements were incorporated into building facades, sidewalks, planters, trash receptacles, benches and bicycle racks. A question was raised how Clearwater could begin to implement a redevelopment project of this nature. Mr. McCarty responded the Bay Plaza Company formed a strong redevelopment commitment with the City of St. Petersburg. Over a three year planning and funding period involving numerous local agencies, a joint public/private partnership was formed. He explained a streetscape reflects the attitude of a community, so a strong commitment is needed from them as well. Mr. Shuford stated the Board has the authority to recommend such projects for Clearwater. Staff presents these recommendations to the City Commission. Discussion ensued regarding the design potential for Clearwater. Continuing the tour, Mr. McCarty pointed out how traffic flow on Central Avenue was narrowed to two lanes. Diagonal street parking, mid block “cross-overs” and pedestrian curb cuts were created to encourage a more friendly environment for the public. Mr. McCarty demonstrated the different styles of street and pedestrian oriented lighting. Special building materials and sidewalk treatments, seating nodes with custom brick moldings, plaques and medallions of the Plaza Parkway logo served to continue the theme throughout the parkway. Strategically placed information kiosks reflected the design of the entrance monuments along the interstate. Parking garages with ground floor leased retail, and other building renovations in the vicinity, showed attention to color, scale and historical character in their exterior treatments. The walking tour culminated at the Bay Plaza Building, where Mr. McCarty called attention to the distinctive architecture, copper domed towers, and hand made decorative tiles. A drive-by discussion ensued regarding other points of design interest in downtown: the Pier and waterfront, St. Petersburg Times building, the restored Vinoy Hotel and Chamber of Commerce building, the Palais Royale adjacent the International Museum, and the Coliseum. Mr. McCarty stated the old St. Petersburg High School was converted to condominiums for moderate income families. The van returned to the City Hall Annex at 3:30 p.m. where the meeting recessed for travel to City Hall. C. Continuation of Board Meeting The meeting reconvened at 3:50 p.m. in City Commission Chambers. Mr. Shuford did not rejoin the meeting, due to a prior commitment. D. Minutes Approval - January 9, 1996 Member Milam moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted in writing by Mr. McCarty to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. E. Board Discussion Discussion ensued regarding the streetscape elements of Clearwater’s design guidelines. Mr. McCarty canvassed the board for their feeling and impressions of the tour, and what they wanted to see implemented for Clearwater. Support was expressed for adopting a specific plan, allowing for flexibility, and focusing on uniformity in a three block core area around Cleveland Street, with lessening degrees of intensity farther away from the core. In response to a question, Mr. McCarty explained at length the combination of factors used to establish the three levels of development intensity used in St. Petersburg. The possibility of including this concept in the City’s redevelopment plan was discussed. Mr. McCarty stressed a long range total funding commitment plan must be in place for the concept to succeed. Discussion ensued regarding the relative size of the Clearwater’s downtown Urban Center district. Areas where certain streetscaping elements could and could not be implemented were examined. The level of detail wanted in the plan, and getting this information out to the public were discussed. Mr. McCarty acknowledged it will take some time for public awareness, education and acceptance of the benefits of the Design Review Board. It was felt moving forward with streetscaping would be a strong, positive step forward for the City. Mr. McCarty stated he has obtained a number of product catalogs for sources of trash receptacles, benches, precast concrete planters and light poles. He felt this would simplify starting the process. He noted that going into extensive additional detail will delay City Commission approval of the design guidelines needed before the Board can start hearing design review cases. Discussion ensued regarding the recommendation and approval process and the timing needed. The Board considered if any additional details are wanted for the design guidelines, or if they can go for Commission approval with only minor updates. F. Chairman’s Items G. Director’s Items Mr. McCarty distributed handouts of the Board’s design review process. Discussion ensued regarding time deadlines for submission and review of applications. Discussion ensued regarding how to work with an applicant on suggestions for design or site revisions. A points system of analysis, review procedure and application process were briefly discussed. It was felt among Board members, that staff should use their professional judgment to prioritize items and schedule meetings. Meeting conduct was briefly discussed. In response to a question, Ms. Dougall-Sides said she will research whether design review cases have an advertising requirement. Mr. McCarty discussed recent meetings he and Mr. Shuford had with the Beautification Committee. It was indicated a lengthy review process was not wanted by the committee. Mr. McCarty distributed copies of a letter from, and Mr. Shuford’s response to, Robert Kirn, Vice President of the Harbor Oaks Historic District. It was indicated they wish to have additional architectural controls in place for their neighborhood. It was suggested the members of the historic district prepare and agree upon their guidelines, then submit them to the Board for inclusion and/or implementation. Ms. Dougall-Sides noted Mr. Shuford’s letter states this issue will be addressed in the draft amendments of the City’s comprehensive plan. H. Board and Staff Comments Member Milam questioned if the design of the Pier 60 redevelopment will continue the Tropical Seascape theme wanted for Clearwater beach. Mr. Shuford said he felt that it would and he would bring the design project to the Board for their information. Mr. McCarty stated an appointment to fill the vacancy on this Board is scheduled for the February 1 City Commission meeting. In response to a question, he stated he hopes to finalize the application and hearing process at the special meeting called for January 30. He announced the next regular meeting is February 13 and encouraged all members to attend. I. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.