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10/14/1997DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER October 14, 1997 Present: William McCann Chair Kathy Milam Vice Chair Mark Cagni Board Member Howard Hamilton Board Member Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty Design Planner Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Robert Herberich Board Member Alex Plisko 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 - August 26, 1997 Member Milam 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 97-022 -- Donald M. Fox, DDS, Owner 915 Court Street (Signage Request) Mr. McCarty presented background information and staff recommendations. The applicant proposes to place two identification signs, on the east and west sides of his office building. Dimensioned color sign graphics and location drawings were submitted for the record. Donald Fox, the owner/applicant stated he is a board certified orthodontist whose only service is applying braces to straighten teeth. He submitted an amendment to the original sign graphic, changing the word “orthodontist” to “straight teeth,” to clarify his service, in response to a recent industry survey. A seagull in the design is compatible with the area. The signs will be unlighted, ¼-inch special plastic or painted gypsum board. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Mr. McCarty said he has worked with the applicant regarding sign colors, border, lettering size, and amount of verbiage to ensure the character is compatible with the building and surroundings. The signs conform to dimensional requirements for the zoning district. In response to questions, it was indicated an existing pole sign will remain to supplement the two new signs. Dr. Fox discussed rationale for placing signage oriented westward toward Chestnut Street, stating a sign facing traffic passing the rear facade would give his office more visibility. Member Milam moved to approve DRB 97-022 as submitted, as the proposal is deemed compatible with the design guidelines for the district. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2. DRB 97-123 – ARC Car Rental Service -- Michael Ratcliff, Agent 200 North Ft. Harrison Avenue (Remodel Building/Site and Landscaping) Mr. McCarty presented background information and staff recommendations regarding the proposal to remodel and improve an existing building on a corner lot for use as a car rental/service establishment. Color graphics of neon signage in the fascia area, elevation drawings, location drawings, and a site plan were submitted for the record. Michael Ratcliff, general contractor, outlined the property location and usage history of the former gas station. The building design and landscaping will mirror what exists across the street at Checkers restaurant. He related City Traffic Engineering Department recommendations regarding traffic flow through the site and adjacent alley, and explained proposed improvements to landscaping density. The building structure will not change. The facade is to be covered with stainless steel and the building washed with pink and purple neon lights shining downward, shielded with Plexiglas to prevent vandalism. The neon lights will not be visible from the front. The use will be strictly car leasing and rental offices. No mechanical, service work, or fueling will occur on site, but will be done at a related facility located further northward up Ft. Harrison Avenue. Restrooms will be upgraded to meet ADA standards. He agreed existing landscaping is an eyesore and needs improvement. In response to questions, Mr. Ratcliff said existing pavement will be cleaned and restriped. Building signage will be addressed and brought before the Design Review Board later. The three existing bays will remain. Referring to the rendering, it was indicated the proposal to cover the “jukebox” treatment framing the front door, the vertical elements between the bays, the canopy and fascia with polished stainless steel was part of the engineering drawings. The proposal is undergoing the required reviews now. Mr. Ratcliff will meet with planning, zoning, and building department representatives so everyone will be aware of the proposal. Mr. McCarty noted a number of issues need to be addressed: 1) new conditional use approval for the subject use; 2) updated parking plan; 3) landscaping compliance, and 4) signage approval. While the proposed use of neon does not violate the design guidelines for the downtown district, it is hoped the applicant will consider softening the proposed colors in the final plan. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed decorative elements. One member felt the design’s use of polished steel and glass block could be interesting for the area. It was indicated the existing garage doors will not be replaced, but refurbished and repainted. If the Planning and Zoning Board approves the November 18 conditional use request, the job will be priced out. As the landscaping, site lighting, and signage designs will be resubmitted, Mr. McCarty requested that the DRB consider approval in concept to give the applicant a feel for whether the board favors this type of facility and conceptual design. Member Hamilton moved to approve the conceptual plan for DRB 97-023 as submitted. In response to a question, board members favored giving Mr. McCarty the latitude to approve the proposed colors and landscaping amendments so the only thing the applicant will need to bring back is the signage packet. Member Hamilton amended his motion, to approve the conceptual plan for DRB 97-012 as submitted, subject to staff review of the colors and revised site plan. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Board and Staff Discussion Mr. McCarty provided an update of the ongoing study regarding the request for a State historic preservation grant. Field work and building survey work has been done to compile the master files. Individual building site sheets for the entire downtown area and the Old Clearwater Bay neighborhood have been prepared. The study has progressed well and it is anticipated a preliminary final report will be available for City review by December, for completion by the end of the year. Mr. McCarty reported the Mandalay Streetscape project has been put on hold until other elements of the Clearwater beach strategic plan can be worked out by consultants and the City. Other important elements are key to the plan to tie together beach revitalization. Brief discussion ensued regarding the meeting schedule for the rest of the year. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:38 p.m.