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08/26/1997DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER August 26, 1997 Present: William McCann Chair Kathy Milam Vice Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Mark Cagni Board Member Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty Design Planner Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Alex Plisko Board Member Howard Hamilton Board Member MacArthur “Mac” Boykins Board Member The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance and review of board procedures followed. To provide continuity for research, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Minutes Approval - July 22, 1997 Regular Meeting and August 5, 1997 Special Meeting Member Herberich requested amendments on page three, to clarify the language and highlight his concern regarding use of aluminum window frames in the Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church remodel (DRB 97-019.) The board had wanted the aluminum window frames to replicate the original wood frames. He also recommended deleting the reference to restroom access on page three, in discussion of handicapped accessibility at Club More (DRB 97-020.) Member Herberich moved to approve the July 22 minutes as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Milam moved to approve the August 5 minutes as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Proposals for Design Review 1. DRB 97-021 – Pinellas County Courthouse Complex – Michael Mason, Architect Oak Avenue & Chestnut Street / Facade Renovations - Parking Garage Mr. McCarty related background of the proposal to improve the parking garage facade in conjunction with the Pinellas County Courthouse Complex. Architect Mike Mason, with Mason Blau and Associates, gave an overview of the proposal to install ventilation grillework and exterior cement plaster (stucco) details, unifying the appearance of the garage with other structures in the courthouse complex. He displayed samples of the proposed anodized aluminum grille and cement plaster materials, four elevation drawings and a site plan. Because anodized aluminum has such a limited color palette, it is has not been decided whether the bronze or clear finish will be used. Two full-sized grille mockups will be created, installed, and reviewed by County and City staff to determine the most aesthetic color selection. Mr. Mason noted the small “egg crate” size of the grillework openings was selected to prevent pigeons in the parking garage. Jerry Cora, with Pinellas County staff, praised the architects’ approach to the project, stating Mr. Mason has done a good job unifying the appearance of the various structures, and the County is pleased with the result. He was grateful for the pigeon control offered by the grille material. Referring to the evaluation form, Mr. McCarty said the County has done a good job of unifying the appearance of the complex wherever possible, in view of the different eras in which the buildings were constructed. He has met with the applicants regarding choice of grille color, and agreed the decision will be difficult until the proposed mock-ups are in place. He complimented the County for pulling together and simplifying the existing site elements. Staff recommended approval as the proposal is consistent with design guidelines and will provide a good pedestrian environment. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. In response to questions, Mr. Mason pointed out specific grillework and stucco locations on each elevation, explaining how they will blend with existing window and wall treatments. It was indicated the entire site is being upgraded, and special attention will be given to the more visible western and southern elevations along Pierce Boulevard and Chestnut Street. Member Milam moved to approve DRB 97-021 as submitted as the proposal is in compliance with the Design Guidelines. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. In response to questions, Mr. Mason said completion is targeted within 90 days. Mr. Cora said the County hopes to have a grand opening in conjunction with Veteran’s Day festivities in November. Board and Staff Discussion Mr. McCarty stated he has consulted with several potential applicants, but has received no official requests for design review at the September 23 meeting. Member McCann was pleased to see the progress made since City staff began working with the public to improve the City’s appearance, one property at a time. He was proud of the board’s role in the improvements. It was not known whether the applicant has approved the board’s requested arrow size reduction on the Pinch-A-Penny freestanding sign. Member Milam reported she cannot attend the board’s next meeting as she will be out of town on September 23. Member Milam expressed concern with the Planning and Zoning Board’s failure to recommend landscaping on a portion of the Pinch-A-Penny site during a recent conditional use hearing. Ms. Dougall-Sides explained landscaping was not a requirement associated with the request for outdoor retail display of merchandise. Staff had recommended a five foot wide landscaping buffer where the property abuts the Pinellas Trail, but the applicant was only willing to install a two foot strip. As City environmental officials have determined a two foot landscaping buffer will not thrive, and landscaping was not a code requirement associated with the specific request, the board did not pursue the landscaping recommendation. Discussion ensued regarding factors involved in the conditional use deliberations, outdoor display location, Trail access, and code requirements. Member Milam emphasized the importance of staff keeping all the advisory boards apprised of the many issues associated with this applicant. Mr. McCarty responded planning and zoning staff consulted him and included DRB recommendations in their report to the Planning and Zoning Board. The applicant has been informed he will have to appear before the DRB if he plans to do something more extensive with the site. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:39 p.m.