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01/13/1998DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER January 13, 1998 Present: William McCann Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Alex Plisko Board Member Mark Cagni Board Member Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty Design Planner Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Kathy Milam Vice Chair Howard Hamilton Board Member MacArthur “Mac” Boykins Board Member The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:00 p.m. in the City Manager’s conference room. 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 - December 9, 1997 Member Cagni moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Proposals for Design Review 1. DRB 98-001 Cournoyer Construction Office 1135 Pierce Street (Building & Signage - Existing Rehab & New) Mr. McCarty presented background information stating the applicant proposes to renovate an existing building and shed to create offices, storage, and signage for three businesses: BriCour Development, Cournoyer Construction, and Brico Electric. A site plan and color elevation drawings were submitted for the record. Brian Flannery and Pierre Cournoyer detailed the proposal to remodel and update the existing wood frame structure, keeping the same design theme. The project will have pale yellow walls with white trim, corbels, and balustrade; green doors, and green storm shutters. The existing sheet metal roof will be cleaned and painted. New wood latticework, gingerbread, and handrails will complete the design theme. A five-foot three-inch tall, freestanding wooden monument sign will be painted in the same colors and located to the north, in front of the building, perpendicular to Pierce Street. Board members raised concerns that no onsite parking or retention is available and none is required by code. Concerns were expressed with situating the building within five feet of the property line, and that minimum setbacks standards are not in effect for this type of project. These were felt to be loopholes in the code that need to be addressed. As no pavement is in place, a question was raised regarding vehicular access the storage shed for loading and unloading materials without driving on the grass. Mr. Cournoyer said materials will be hand carried to and from the storage shed. Discussion ensued regarding use of the driveway shared with the adjacent property. Mr. McCarty stated restoration of this type building can be a pleasant addition and would complement the surrounding neighborhood as long as care is taken to straighten the uneven roof, porches, etc. Staff recommended approval of the building and proposed signage. Mr. Cournoyer responded to questions regarding the designing architect. He said the applicants are developers and it is in their best interest to create a project that will look nice to potential clients. The interior and exterior remodel will be high quality, good restoration. Board members credited the applicants for their choice of location. Member Cagni moved to accept DRB 98-001 as proposed for the building renovation and sign. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. McCarty requested the applicants to ensure drawings submitted for permitting purposes show the proposed signage and the building’s proximity to the property line as presented to the board during today’s hearing. Board and Staff Discussion 1. Election of Board Officers Member Herberich nominated Bill McCann as Chair for 1998. Mr. McCann accepted the nomination. No additional nominations ensued. Upon the vote being taken, Bill McCann was unanimously reelected as Chair for 1998. Member Plisko nominated Kathy Milam as Vice Chair for 1998. Ms. Milam was not present. No additional nominations ensued. Upon the vote being taken, Kathy Milam was unanimously reelected as Vice Chairperson for 1998. 2. Annual Review of DRB Rules and Regulations The board received copies of the rules as amended last year. Consensus among the board was the rules have served well and no changes are needed. Member Herberich moved to approve the DRB Rules and Regulations as written. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Other Issues Mr. McCarty reported Mr. Shoemaker has accepted a position as interim Assistant City Manager for the City of Gainesville, Florida. A new interim Central Permitting Director will be appointed for Clearwater. Concerns were expressed the City appears to be softening its parking requirements. Member Plisko requested staff to clarify details regarding today’s Case #DRB 98001. He questioned why retention was not required, and which City zoning representative reviewed and approved the project with no onsite parking for the occupants. Board members were skeptical about information provided concerning the project’s architect. Staff was requested to investigate. Discussion ensued regarding David Little’s multiple use development on Clearwater beach, recently approved with only two onsite parking spaces because public parking exists across the street. Mr. McCarty reported the Pinellas Trail mural program is underway. Discussion ensued regarding the decision for the City Commission, rather than the Design Review Board, to judge the artwork. Discussion ensued regarding the program’s funding, history of murals in Clearwater, when and where they existed, and why they disappeared. Discussion ensued regarding murals as art versus advertising, and the merits of murals versus billboards. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.