01/28/1997DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 28, 1997
Present:
William McCann
Mark Cagni
Alex Plisko
Howard Hamilton
Don McCarty
Gwen Legters
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Design Planner
Board Reporter
Absent:
Kathy Milam
Robert Herberich
MacArthur “Mac” Boykins
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Community Room, 1130 Cleveland Street. To provide continuity for research, items are
listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
Minutes Approval - January 14, 1997
Member Hamilton 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.
Proposals for Design Review
1. DRB 97-004 The SandCastle Hotel -- Lower Building Renovations
200 North Osceola Avenue -- Jeffrey Litton, Representative
Mr. McCarty presented verbal background, stating the applicant proposes a small storage building that cannot be seen from the street. Code requires DRB review in this district. A
site plan, locator map, and construction plan were distributed in the board packets.
Jeffrey Litton, representing the applicant, submitted copies of a photograph of the subject property. The proposed dry storage shed will be located on the water side of the hotel building,
completely out of view from the street. Referring to the perspective illustrated in the photograph, Mr. Litton explained the shed will not be visible above the fence from across the
back parking lot.
Mr. Litton responded to board questions, stating the shed will have a flat roof, and will serve as additional dry storage for the recently enlarged restaurant kitchen. Discussion ensued
regarding the fence height. Board members did not agree the fence is tall enough to completely hide the shed, as stated by the applicant. Mr. Litton responded the shed roof will be
painted white to match the hotel, so if a small portion of the roof is visible above the fence, it and blend with the background.
No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed.
Member Plisko moved to approve DRB 97-004, as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Board and Staff Discussion
1. Preliminary Mandalay Avenue Streetscape Design
Mr. McCarty reported the town meeting on this topic has been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 12, 1997, 7:00 p.m., in the banquet room of the Best Western Sea Stone Resort, 446 Hamden
Boulevard. Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford and City Engineering Director Rich Baier will attend to discuss the item and solicit public input. Mr. McCarty will present the
item to the DRB at the February 11 regular meeting.
2. 1997 Adoption of DRB Rules of Procedure
Discussion ensued regarding the complexity of making the design review application process customer friendly while ensuring: 1) applicants consistently submit enough data for appropriate
design review; and 2) property owners are adequately represented. Member Plisko suggested a rule amendment to include a list of the board’s minimum submittal requirements. Member Cagni
noted the design guidelines includes such a list, in the form of suggestions. Mr. Plisko indicated professional drawings and colored renderings should not be mandatory, but color chips
and basic sketches showing intended sign locations should be prerequisite to being agendaed for DRB consideration. Mr. McCarty will draft a list of required submission materials for
discussion at the next meeting.
Member Hamilton questioned whether the board should require written authorization for a representative to speak on behalf of a property owner. Mr. McCarty acknowledged this is an issue
of concern to regulatory boards, but questioned how it could be accomplished in a customer friendly manner. He referred to the results of a recent study regarding public perception
of the bureaucratic process. He asked the board to give this issue some thought for discussion at the next meeting.
Member McCann noted the simplicity of today’s design proposal, and questioned whether the board should discontinue the requirement for design review of every project. He suggested
limiting the board’s efforts to designs that affect the community interest. Mr. McCarty agreed, stating staff is looking at adding administrative approvals to the procedure, as part
of the comprehensive Land Development Code review. Board members agreed requiring a design presentation for a storage shed is not customer friendly.
Member Plisko moved to approve the 1997 DRB Rules and Regulations as presented at the last meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Other Issues
Mr. McCarty reported he is working with the consultant preparing design guidelines for Clearwater beach. The beach guidelines may differ from those established for downtown, focusing
on more specific styles in accordance with Blue Ribbon Task Force recommendations.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.