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06/09/1998DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER June 9, 1998 Present: William McCann Chair Kathy Milam Vice Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Alex Plisko Board Member Mark Cagni Board Member (arrived 3:05 p.m.) Howard Hamilton Board Member 7th Seat Vacant  Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty Design Planner Gwen Legters Board Reporter To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and review of meeting procedures. City Commissioner J.B. Johnson related the value of Design Review Board (DRB) involvement in the City’s future. He asked board and staff members to alert the City Commission if they become aware the City Commission is considering any project that requires design review, but did not come before the DRB. Minutes Approval -- May 12, 1998 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 98-005 - Cigar Central, Eric Parks, Owner 40 North Fort Harrison Avenue (New Signage/Existing Canopy) This item was continued from May 12 to allow time for the applicant to explore changes to his proposal. Design Planner Don McCarty said it has been determined resurfacing an existing non-conforming canopy without altering or adding to it would be considered maintenance, and allows a non-conforming canopy to remain. He noted gooseneck lamps proposed to extend from the building’s front as depicted in the new drawing would not be allowed as they would add to the non-conformity. Business owner Eric Parks submitted a sketch of a proposed sign for the building’s north side, and a computer graphic of the name, “Cigar Central” in reflective letters on the front of the 18-inch-tall canopy. He said the store will not have exterior canopy illumination. He wishes to commission a professionally-painted mural on the north building face, depicting a man smoking a cigar, blowing smoke up and around lettering spelling the store’s name. The building’s exterior will be painted cigar brown with blue awning and trim. Discussion ensued regarding maximum allowable signage area, the limited value of reflective letter on the canopy, the business location, City mural policy, and availability of grant funding for exterior improvements. Assistant City Attorney Dougall-Sides read into the record a discretionary ruling regarding criteria for considering artwork to be advertising that must meet maximum allowable signage requirements. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Staff recommended approval of the wrap-around awning as depicted, without lighting, and with non-reflective lettering, due to the limited visibility of the canopy front and traditional style of the building facade. Board members encouraged the applicant the pursue his mural idea with staff’s assistance. In response to a question, Mr. McCarty said a mural may be lighted. Member Cagni moved to approve DRB 98-005 without canopy lighting, pending staff review and approval of signage on the building’s north side. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2. DRB 98-006 - NationsBank, West Central Signs, Inc., Agent 600 Cleveland Street (Replacement Signage/Name Change) 3. DRB 98-007 - NationsBank, West Central Signs, Inc., Agent 630 Laura Street (Replacement Signage/Name Change) Representative Mike Chawk said the applicant is changing the business name on existing signage at two bank locations, due to NationsBank’s recent merger with Barnett Bank. Nothing else at the sites is changing. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Staff recommended approval. Member Plisko moved to approve DRB 98006 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Milam moved to approve DRB 98007 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4. DRB 98-008 - St. Petersburg Times, Marlin Sign Company, Agent 710 Court Street (Replacement Signage) The applicant was not present and was not represented. Staff recommended approval of the proposal for illuminated green channel letter displays spelling the business name, to be placed on both the Court and Franklin Street building faces. Size will meet maximum allowable signage area requirements. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Plisko moved to approve DRB 98-008 as presented by staff. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 5. DRB 98-009 - Exxon Service Station (Fina), Easy Lift Sign & Awning, Agent 1285 Cleveland Street (Replacement Signage/Name Change) Representative Richard Grist discussed signage details related to conversion of an existing Fina service station to Exxon. Size of a pole sign and signage on the east and west building elevations will be reduced to meet code. New and existing illuminated canopies, column covers and pump toppers will reflect the new name. Total signage area will not exceed the maximum allowed by code. In response to a concern that service station sites can become excessively bright, Mr. Grist said “day lights” are being used to give a softer light while providing necessary security. The building color is being changed from white to beige; sign frames are being changed from black to beige. Staff will work with the applicant on the landscaping package. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Staff recommended approval. Member Plisko moved to approve DRB 98-009 as presented. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 6. DRB 98-010 - One Stoppe Shoppe, Paris Morfopoulos, Owner 411 Cleveland Street (New Awnings/Canopy with Signage) Owner Paris Morfopoulos has acquired an existing building for use as a small retail store, similar to an old-fashioned general store. He discussed his proposal to replace three existing awnings with a single awning over the double doors in the center of the building. The awning would be supported by open ironwork corner posts extending down to the sidewalk. State approval is required, as the front awning would extend into the Cleveland Street (SR 60) right-of-way. City of Clearwater Engineering Department has approved replacement of an existing awning over the rear alleyway entrance. Because the building is being refitted for multiple tenants, another front door is required to meet egress requirements. Board concerns were expressed the new awning and supports, existing door design, proposed new door design, and new door placement are not compatible with the classical facade design. Discussion ensued regarding old versus new canopy design and supports, the existing uninterrupted span of tall window glass in front, and use of the large two-story open space inside the building. The applicant was requested to resubmit the application with: 1) a more compatible front canopy design, 2) more accurate measured drawings showing how the front canopy and any support columns relate to the storefront and surrounding structures, and 3) consideration of compatible, aesthetic design elements for the front door(s), and 4) relocation of the front door, arrangement, in harmony with the symmetrical facade design. Member Plisko moved to continue DRB 98-010 to a date to be determined by staff and the applicant, to allow time to create a facade design more compatible with the building’s classical style. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 7. DRB 98-011 - Church of Scientology, Ministerial Training & Pastoral Counseling Center 201 South Fort Harrison Avenue (New Development Proposal) Representative Matthew Pearse requested a continuance to the June 23 meeting, as one of the proposal’s major presenters could not be present today. Concern was expressed with granting a continuance, as two members are scheduled for vacation, leaving only four members to hear this item at the next meeting. Member Herberich moved to continue DRB 98011 to the meeting of June 23, 1998. The motion was duly seconded. Members McCann, Herberich, Cagni and Hamilton voted “Aye”; Members Plisko and Milam voted “Nay.” Motion carried. Board & Staff Comments Concern was expressed with having only a bare quorum at the next DRB meeting when two large items are expected to come forward. Mr. McCarty reported the request for a member to fill the DRB vacancy has been pulled from the City Commission agenda twice. The item is scheduled to go forward at the July meeting. Discussion ensued regarding plans for the Fred Thomas “Freedom Park.” Concerns were expressed implementation of exterior design at the downtown Pinch-A-Penny site was not done according to what was approved, however, the pole sign was praised. Questions were raised regarding the AIDS Coalition site. Brief discussion ensued the anticipated Scientology counseling center design proposal presentation. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:32 p.m.