HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-16 HPC MIN
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
February 16, 2022
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairwoman Mino called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairwoman Mino, Commissioners Finwall, Heimdahl, Larson, Thueson, Walls, Councilmember Junker Absent: Commissioner Holmes Staff: City Planner Wittman
OPEN FORUM There were no public comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of January 19, 2022 Regular Meeting Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Walls, to approve the minutes of the January 19, 2022 meeting. All in favor.
CONSENT AGENDA
Case No. 2022 -08: Consideration of a Design Permit for façade painting. Property located at 126 (124) Main St S in Stillwater Commercial Historic District. Mark Lazarchic, applicant and LDL Company, property owners. Motion by Commissioner Thueson to adopt the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Larson asked that the item be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Commissioner Thueson withdrew the motion. City Planner Wittman explained that Blue Sun Soda & Sweet Shop is requesting approval of a Design Permit to repaint the wooden storefront elements in Whip Lash Red, Upbeat Yellow, and Peaceful River Blue colors. Staff recommends approval with two conditions. Commissioner Larson noted the absence of a rendering from the applicant showing how the new colors will look when done. He generated an image for discussion. He understands that colors are not part of the design guidelines but would appreciate discussion of whether the proposed colors fit the historic character of downtown. He appreciates the applicant toning down the colors for a subdued version of their logo colors. Chairwoman Mino felt the prevalent blue color would stand out. Councilmember Junker noted this applicant and future applicants will want signage to match their logo colors. Commissioner Thueson wondered if the red and blue colors could be reversed. Amanda Stone, controller for Blue Sun Soda Shop, said they would be open to reversing the blue to the red as described by Commissioner Thueson, and hopeful it can be approved tonight. Commissioner Larson said the goal is to decrease the brightness of the blue and to have the dominant color be the least bright color. Commissioner Finwall said if red is dominant, it might clash with the red brick. Ms. Wittman agreed.
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Chair Mino suggested toning down the blue and graying it somewhat. Ms. Stone said they can work with that suggestion. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Heimdahl, to approve Case No. 2022-08, Design Permit for façade painting at 126 (124) Main St S, with the two staff-recommended conditions, adding Condition #3 stating that the dominant blue color shall be darkened with black or gray. Prior to painting the color sample shall be submitted to staff for review and approval. All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case No. 2022 -09: Consideration of a Design permit for the design of a new single-family home to be constructed on the property located at 505 Elm St W in the Neighborhood Conservation district. Emily Blaser, of Oevering Homes, applicant. Michael Russ of Archangel Assets 4 LLC, property owner. City Planner Wittman explained that 505 Elm Street West was approved by the City to be split (re-subdivided) from 819 William Street North. The property is under contract with Oevering Homes to build a new single-family residence on the property. A request for a Design Permit for a new home on this property was denied in 2021 as that design did not conform to the Neighborhood Conservat ion District guidelines for new construction. The applicant has requested Design Permit approval to build a 28’ wide, 2.5 story, single-family home with a 22’ wide attached garage. The home ’s footprint conforms to the zoning code’s 25% maximum coverage. Staff recommends approval with eight conditions. Emily Blaser, Oevering Homes, said they would be okay with putting LP siding on all four sides per one of the staff-recommended conditions. Chair Mino opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. She closed the public hearing. Commissioner Finwall thanked the applicant for making the changes suggested by the Commission. The design is much improved and fits the vernacular of the neighborhood. Chair Mino said she would like to review the materials in more detail and discuss adding shakes on the back to correspond to the shakes on the front. Jeff, Overing Homes, explained the mix of materials. LP is used because it is stable, keeps its finish for a long time and is warrantied. They use LP on all their houses because of its longevity and look. Commissioner Larson remarked the gables in front should be treated the same as other gables in the back. The HPC prefers LP to vinyl as it looks more like wood. With the drop in grade, the side elevation appears almost three stories tall, but four-sided design and LP siding would help. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Wall, to approve Case No. 2022-09 , Design permit for the design of a new single-family home to be constructed at 505 Elm St W, with the eight conditions recommended by staff, adding Condition #9, following four sided design, the gables on the garage and front and back shall be treated in a consistent way; and addition Condition #10, consistent material on all four sides, being LP siding and trim, shall be required. Michael Russ, Archangel Assets 4 LLC, stated that Condition #4 talks about a variance which is not needed now, based on staff recalculation of total lot coverage. City Planner Wittman replied the proposal is in conformance with that requirement so it’s fine. All in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
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Case No. 2022 -07: Consideration of a Design Permit for courtyard renovations and exterior modifications. Property located at 102 2nd St S in the Downtown Design Review District. Jennifer Noden of 7 Edges Design LLC, applicant and Ross Larson of Nordic LUV LLC, property owner. City Planner Wittman stated that the applicant is requesting a Design Permit to: 1. Remove a rear-access door currently located approximately 3-4’ above ground grade and replace with new, dark-colored metal storefront door and transom window; 2. Replace an existing, rear-facing window with a new, white-colored metal frame window; 3. Remove a wooden, second-story deck and stairway system and replace with a black metal and composite deck board walkway, stairs and overhang system; 4. Remove and replace exi sting Northern and Western railing with new, black metal fence; 5. Remove existing vegetation to construct a new, at-grade, concrete wall and thin -set limestone surrounded and landscape paver patio and walkway at the rear of the building; and 6. Add downward projecting wall sconces and landscaping lighting. Staff recommends approval with four conditions. Chair Mino asked if the windows on the upper level will be replaced as well. She also noticed there are a couple different colors of grout Jennifer Noden, 7 Edges Design LLC said this project involves just the lower level. They will try to match the original grout under the door. Commissioner Larson asked what will be between the arched lintel and the new dropped door. Ms. Noden replied they will fill the space up to the lintel with the window. Councilmember Junker and the Commissioners said the improvements will be unbelievably beautiful. Motion by Commissioner Thueson, seconded by Commissioner Walls, to approve Case No. 2022-07, Design Permit for courty ard renovations and exterior modifications at 102 Second St S, with the four staff-recommended conditions. All in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business.
OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS National Preservation Month and Annual Awards Program The consensus of the Commission was to acknowledge National Preservation Month in May but to award the Heritage Preservation Awards in the fall, as was done last year. City Planner Wittman will email the Commissioners some ideas for discussion at the March meeting. HPC “Committee” Work Ms. Wittman agreed to help facilitate meetings of the following HPC informal “committees”: Neighborhood Conservation District Best Practices - Commissioners Larson and Holmes will be putting together a best practice guide for the Neighborhood Conservation District. Commissioners are invited to submit pictures of examples of infill housing. Community Group Presentation - Commissioner Thueson and City Planner Wittman have been invited to speak at the Stillwater Women ’s Readin g Club in April. Mural Guidelines - Commissioner Heimdahl will start exploring possible guidelines, specifically addressing public art on structures and determining what are the best practices of doing that in a way that is respectful and doesn ’t harm or detract from the historic district. City Planner Wittman added she will talk with staff internally also. Noting that some cities require a comprehensive sign plan for a mural, Commissioner Finwall also asked to serve on this committee.
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2022 Workplan – Local Designation Program - Ms. Wittman will set up a meeting with Commissioner Thueson and Chair Mino to look at past studies and explore the landmark site program.
FYI Assistant City Planner Vacancy Ms. Wittman shared that the opening for Assistant City Planner has been posted. City Improvement Projects Ms. Wittman said the City submitted a request for the state bonding bill to include funding for riverfront park improvements, including Lumberjack Landing, Lowell Park Gazebo, Chestnut Plaza, Bridgeview Park, Bergstein shoddy mill and warehouse, and a transient dock at the south end of Bridgeview Park. Supporting Local Control for Zoning Ms. Wittman stated that the City Council recently adopted a Resolution supporting the protection of local decision -making as it relates to zoning, development fee and building permit fees. As it relates to the work of the HPC, past legislative bills have included language that would restrict the ability for cities to require certain exterior materials unless already required by State Building Code. This would have a significant effect on the Design Review Districts.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Walls, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Amy Mino, Chair ATTEST: Abbi Wittman, City Planner