Loading...
11/26/1996 DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER November 26, 1996 Present: William McCann Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Mark Cagni Board Member Alex Plisko Board Member Howard Hamilton Board Member Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty Design Planner Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter Absent: Kathy Milam Vice-Chair MacArthur "Mac" Boykins Board Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Chair led the Pledge of Allegiance and reviewed board rules of procedure. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM B - Approval of Minutes Member Cagni moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 12, 1996, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM C - Decisions of Proposals for Design Review 1) DRB 96-017 - Microfilm Services, Inc., Michael A. Stephens, President, 10 N. Myrtle Avenue The applicant requests placing four signs on two faces of a building at the Southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue and Laura Street. Microfilm Services, Inc., a relatively new downtown business, wants to identify their building and various entrance activities. The proposed 2-foot by 5-foot signs, mounted with simple metal frames, will not be illuminated and will feature the company's logo, name, and a minimal message. The signs are well within district sign regulations. Proposed colors complement the remodeled, repainted building and awning color scheme. Staff had suggested adding planters, urns, or limited landscaping to soften the hard-surface site. The owner said that would be difficult due to parking and building access restrictions. Staff recommends approval. They feel the signs are uniform in shape and size and are compatible with the building and with design guidelines. Design Planner Don McCarty said one sign will face Laura Street and 3 will face Myrtle Avenue. Michael Stephens, President of Microfilm Services, Inc., reviewed his proposal to install 4 Plexiglas signs featuring his company's logo, address, and departmental designations in 2-inch vinyl lettering. Department designations include Shipping and Receiving, Source Document, Microfilm Processing, and Hardcopy Services. He suggested the design and number of signs would provide his company with a corporate presence. In response to a question, Mr. McCarty said the building qualifies for 5 signs, with as many as 3 on one side. Concern was expressed that three signs will not improve the building's look. It was suggested a large sign featuring the company's logo and smaller signs only designating departments would be more attractive. Mr. McCarty said all 4 signs will feature the company's logo and name. Additional information will be included in smaller print on the signs' lower right. He did not think the proposed signage will overpower the 118-foot facade. Mr. Stephens felt the signs are symmetrical and will add balance to the building. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Hamilton moved to approve DRB 96-017 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded. Members Herberich, Cagni, Hamilton, and Chair McCann voted "Aye"; Member Plisko voted "Nay." Motion carried. 2) DRB 96-018 - Robert A. Dempster & Associates, Anthony Carvell, Agent, 501 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue The applicant requests a three-dimensional, 2-foot by 6-foot, elliptical sign with one-face to identify the business and replace a previous swinging sign. The proposed sign has a sand-blasted wooden face, maroon background finish, beige letters and border, and will hang from support brackets in the alcove adjacent to the entrance. Staff recommends approval. They feel the design is attractive, consistent with downtown design guidelines, and would be a welcome addition to downtown sign designs. It was felt the sign's concept and placement are appropriate for the building. Anthony Carvell, representative, said the sign will not swing. It will be located over the window to the right of the door. Mr. McCarty said the sign's position will not block the attractive glass panels over the door. It was hoped that more businesses would adopt this type of sign. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Herberich moved to approve DRB 96-018 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3) DRB 96-019 - Renaissance of Beauty, Connie Bylsma, Proprietor, 423 Cleveland Street This new business is locating in the 400 block of Cleveland Street at the site of the former CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) office. The applicant requests two signs: 1) a cherry-wood, wall-mounted sign that will not be internally lighted and 2) a double-faced, hanging sign of a matching design, mounted with brass chains. Staff recommends approval. They feel the signs are consistent with downtown design guidelines and display individual flair. Mr. McCarty said the petitioner was not present. An artist has been commissioned to paint the cherry-wood signs. The eye-level sign will replace the previous CRA one and a double-faced sign will hang under the canopy from brass chains hooked to brass rings. Concern was expressed that adequate clearance be provided for pedestrians and bicycle riders. It was noted children may jump and try to slap the sign. Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides said if the sign hangs over a public sidewalk, she recommended the petitioner sign a release form. Mr. McCarty will check if City or State regulations dictate a minimum height for signs over sidewalks. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Plisko moved to approve DRB 96-019 as submitted with a condition that requires a minimum 7-foot 8-inch clearance between the sidewalk and bottom of hanging sign. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM D - Chair's Items - None. ITEM E - Director's Comments - None. ITEM F - Board and Staff Items Historic Preservation Grant Mr. McCarty reported the City had obtained a Historic Preservation Grant to survey all buildings downtown and in the Old Clearwater Bay neighborhood. The City will match the State's $15,000 contribution with funds or in-kind services. The State will determine which buildings may be eligible for further study. He said survey results should encourage redevelopment. He will keep the board apprised of the project and its schedule. Design Guidelines for Clearwater beach and North Greenwood Mr. McCarty said a consultant is preparing design guidelines for Clearwater beach and North Greenwood. Preliminary drafts will be submitted after January 1, 1997. He estimated Clearwater beach design guidelines will be completed by the end of January, and North Greenwood guidelines by the end of February. Clearwater beach business survey Mr. McCarty referred to planned Mandalay Avenue streetscaping. Senior staff canvassed the area door to door in an attempt to speak with all merchants and property owners in the affected area. Survey results will be helpful in finalizing a streetscape design. A copy of the survey will be distributed with the information packet for the next meeting. Meeting schedule change Mr. McCarty requested the next meeting be rescheduled. He had discussed this issue with absent board members. Member Hamilton moved to reschedule the next DRB (Design Review Board) meeting to December 13, 1996, at 3:00 p.m. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Rewriting the Land Development Code Mr. McCarty reported staff has undertaken rewriting the Land Development Code within 6 months. A steering committee and focus groups are providing direction. Mr. McCarty will provide periodic status reports to the DRB prior to City Commission approval. Cleveland Street streetscape Mr. McCarty said this issue will be addressed at the December 13, 1996, meeting. Resignation In response to a question, Mr. McCarty said staff had not received written correspondence indicating any board members had resigned officially. ITEM G - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:43 p.m.