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07/23/1996DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER July 23, 1996 Present: William McCann Kathy Milam Robert Herberich MacArthur “Mac” Boykins Mark Cagni Alex Plisko Howard Hamilton Leslie Dougall-Sides Don McCarty Gwen Legters Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member 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 3:00 p.m. in City Hall. Mr. McCarty introduced Lisa Mui, a summer intern assigned to Mr. McCarty’s area in the Central Permitting Department. Having graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in civil engineering, Ms. Mui is pursuing a Masters degree in architecture. Minutes Approval - July 9, 1996 Member Plisko moved to continue minutes approval to the next meeting as board members did not receive minutes in time to review them. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Presentation - Proposed Mandalay Avenue Streetscape Improvements - Don McCarty Mr. McCarty delivered a slide presentation prepared as part of a preliminary concept plan coordinated and prepared by staff, at the direction of the City Commission. The plan was introduced during an informational community meeting held July 17 at Memorial Civic Center. Photographs of existing conditions along Mandalay Avenue were compared to computer enhanced photographs showing how major streetscape improvements could be accomplished to create a more pedestrian oriented environment. He observed recent improvements to City and commercial developments show attention to the Tropical Seascape theme, but much more needs to be done. With buildings constructed up to the property lines along Mandalay Avenue, an accumulation of signs and paraphernalia contributes to the crowded conditions of the narrow sidewalks. Mr. McCarty demonstrated how better utilization and maintenance of clear space, brick sidewalk and crosswalk treatments, benches, gas lights, enhanced landscaping, buried power lines, and mast arm traffic signals will dramatically improve the ambiance of the right-of-way. Traffic lane reconfiguration to eliminate a four foot wide strip down the middle of the street, and reduction of on-street parking, will allow better utilization of space. Through computer graphics, he showed an effective, attractive, and overall pedestrian and tourist friendly environment that could be created on the beach. Mr. McCarty and Ms. Mui displayed a conceptual drawing showing brick (or simulated brick) crosswalks bordered by bands of rock-salt textured concrete, extensively landscaped traffic neck-outs, benches and additional palm trees. The community meeting experienced a good turnout. He reported residents and business owners who had been skeptical before the meeting received the plan well and hoped it can be implemented soon. Due to the extensive coordination and planning required, construction is not proposed to begin until the end of next winter’s tourist season. A major concern had been expressed with sacrificing about 32 parking spaces. The public wanted reassurance the City will address the beach parking issue comprehensively. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of an elevated parking garage and an idea to declare a large segment of Clearwater beach as a redevelopment area. A preliminary cost estimate of $850,000 to $1 million for the Mandalay streetscape project depends on the intensity of landscaping used. While the cost of burying power lines is significant, at roughly $120,000, it was indicated streetscape improvements would be wasted otherwise. No specific time has been set to bring a funding request before the City Commission. One member indicated this type of attention is needed in the North Greenwood community and questioned how to get a redevelopment project started. Mr. McCarty said projects are often started when a community joins together to express its concerns to the City Commission and requests remediation of adverse conditions. It was indicated the North Greenwood Community Task Team has been meeting with Central Permitting and City Engineering staff to see what can be started. General discussion ensued regarding extension of improvements into side streets, and the close coordination needed with the community regarding disruption of activities and loss of parking. Concern was expressed streetscape improvements have been discussed for twenty years, but very little has been done. Concerns were expressed proposals for a police substation or parking garage at the gateway to Clearwater beach would present a negative image and adversely affect aesthetics. The board would not have an opportunity to review the designs because the area is outside board jurisdictional boundaries. Staff was commended for the high quality of the design work in the presentation. Mr. McCarty will keep the board informed as the process evolves. Discussion of Proposals for Design Review Mr. McCarty reported he met with the applicants whose proposal to install illuminated plastic signage above the second story windows at 519 Cleveland Street (DRB 96-004, 7/9/96) was denied at the last meeting. He gave them a copy of the UC design guidelines, went over the reasons their design was denied, and encouraged them to come back with an overall plan for building signage. Parks and Recreation will be asked to inspect the site to see if trees are due for pruning. The applicant in the proposal to remodel Green Benches and More (DRB 96-003, 6/28/96) at 703 Franklin Street, called to request administrative approval of two decorative columns he wished to add to his design. Ms. Dougall-Sides pointed out no code provision or policy is in place to allow administrative approval of design changes. When time is a limiting factor, applicants may bring or send photographs and drawings of proposed design amendments to a meeting for consideration by the board as an add-on agenda item, as time allows. Discussion ensued whether the board wants to amend the code or add a policy authorizing staff to administratively approve minor variations to approved designs. Consensus was the current procedures are adequate, but the board may consider an amendment if the case load becomes too great. Mr. McCarty reported Rowe Architects will bring the Municipal Services Complex signage package to the next meeting for design review. Board and Staff Discussion Mr. McCarty distributed full-sized copies of the final edition of the Design Guidelines. He noted the book was also done in a smaller size for the convenience of applicants. Board members complimented Mr. McCarty on the appearance of the handbook. Member McCann said last night’s design workshop regarding signs and awnings was very informative. He encouraged members to attend the two remaining sessions. Proposed Meeting Date Change Mr. McCarty said he will be out of town for the regular September 17 meeting and questioned whether the board wished to reschedule. Member Plisko moved to reschedule the meeting to September 24, 1996. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Annual Report to the City Commission Mr. McCarty said he has prepared the report for presentation at the August 1 City Commission meeting and invited board members to attend. Discussion ensued regarding what goes into the annual report. Some felt the report is a good vehicle to relay recommendations and concerns to the Commission. Others felt the annual report should focus on accomplishments, leaving recommendations to be brought forward throughout the year. Discussion ensued regarding items the board wants to bring to the attention of the Commission. Members wished to relay their strong interest in: 1) completion and adoption of Clearwater beach and North Greenwood design guidelines; 2) conceptual streetscaping plans for Cleveland Street and commercial North Greenwood Avenue; and 3) more inclusive DRB jurisdictional boundaries. Clarification was requested regarding who will present the report to the Commission. Unanimous consensus was for Chair McCann make the presentation. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:16 p.m.