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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-01 HPC MIN Heritage Preservation Commission February. 1, 1999 Present: Howard Lieberman, chairperson Chuck Dougherty, Phil Eastwood, Jeff Johnson, Robert Kimbrel, Frank Langer, and Roger Tomten Absent: Katherine Francis Others: Planner Sue Fitzgerald Mr. Lieberman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. He welcomed new members, Mr. Dougherty and Mr. Eastwood. Approval of Dec. 7, 1998 minutes: Mr. Tomten suggested the minutes should be amended to indicate nominations for chair and vice chair were held at the December meeting, with Mr. Lieberman elected chair and Mr. Kimbrel vice chair. Mr. Langer said the minutes also should indicate Mr. Peterson submitted his resignation at that meeting. Mr. Kimbrel said it should also be noted the Commission discussed berming along Highway 5 (Video Update). Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Tomten, moved approval of the minutes as amended. Case No. DR/99-1 Design review of exterior signage at 213 S. Main St. DeJ Dejong, Hi-Tech Signs, applicant. Mr. Dejong was present and briefly explained the requested 2 x 3 projecting sign. Mr. Johnson noted the signage must be placed 8 feet above the sidewalk; the existing sign is lower, he said. Mr. Johnson further noted that signage in the glass is limited to one-third the surface area and the Water Street entrance is limited to graphics on the glass only. Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Tomten, moved approval as conditioned, with the additional conditions that the sign be placed a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk and that there be no exterior signage at the rear entrance at this time. Motion passed unanimously. Case No. V/DR/99-5 Design review of exterior signage for Dreamboat Café at 215 S. Main St. Lars-Erick Carlson, applicant. Mr. Carlson explained the requested 2 x 3 projecting sign would be placed on the existing bracket, be in the same location, and not lighted. There would be no exterior signage on Water Street. He noted the sign colors would be more subdued that shown in the graphic; the artist used colors to depict a sunrise, while the intent is for the colors to represent a sunset – the lettering will be deep purple and the sunrays gold, for example. Mr. Tomten moved approval as conditioned, with Ms. Fitzgerald to review the final colors. Mr. Johnson suggested adding a condition regarding signage at the Water Street entrance. Mr. Tomten added a fourth condition that any future signage request for the Water Street entrance be brought before the HPC for review. Mr. Johnson seconded the amended motion; motion passed unanimously. 1 Heritage Preservation Commission February. 1, 1999 Case No. V/DR/99-4 Design review of Phase II of the Maple Island project at 219 N. Main St. Tim Stefan, representing Main Stream Development, applicant. Mr. Stefan was present. He said that rather than extensive demolition of the building as discussed earlier, the plans have been revised so a lot of the existing structures are retained; most demolition will occur on the Water Street side of the buildings. He reviewed the proposed elevations and floor plans. Mr. Johnson asked whether the architectural features of the parapet/lintels would be carried through on all elevations; Mr. Stefan said yes and explained the plans for concrete lintels and window sill. Mr. Johnson said some kind of parapet detail is needed on the east elevation; Mr. Tomten suggesting bringing brick around on that elevation. Mr. Stefan stated the developers would like to use brick, but did not know if that would be possible. Mr. Johnson expressed a concern about an existing door which will be close to the new primary entrance. Mr. Stefan agreed with that concern and suggested the possibility of using a wood, sliding door; members were receptive to that idea. Mr. Langer noted the applicant is creating a new front on the Water Street elevation and needs to be concerned about the view from the river. Mr. Stefan said the developers will come back with a signage plan at a later date. The proposed awnings will be cloth, the same as used in Phase I, and of the same color family. Mr. Johnson asked about lighting and landscaping. Mr. Stefan said they had sent plans for review and input by the firm that did the Lowell Park plan for the City. Mr. Stefan noted the buildings go to the property lines, so much of the lighting/landscaping depends on what the City does; he said he would like pedestrian lighting as part of the TIF agreement with the City. Mr. Johnson moved approval as conditioned, with the signage and landscaping details to be reviewed at a later date and the applicant to look at doing something with the existing overhead doors and the parapet banding on the south elevation. Mr. Lieberman asked if the condition regarding screening of utilities should be clarified; Mr. Johnson added that utilities be screened so they are not visible to the streetscape and that color/massing/screening be utilized so as to minimize the visibility from other elevations. It was further clarified that awnings shall not be internally or back lighted. Mr. Dougherty seconded the motion. Mr. Langer and Mr. Kimbrel expressed a concern about the proposed stucco use on the south elevation. Motion passed unanimously. Other items Letter to Victorian Building owner – Mr. Lieberman said he had talked with City Attorney Magnuson about how to deal with such matters in the future and about developing a process for seeking injunctive relief in future situations. Mr. Lieberman said he hopes to have something regarding such a process for discussion at the next meeting. Mr. Tomten talked about a process 2 Heritage Preservation Commission February. 1, 1999 for informing businesses moving into the downtown area of the City’s design guidelines. It was agreed to request the Victorian Building owner to appear at the next meeting. Mr. Lieberman also expressed a concern regarding the use of the word “variance” in Mr. Magnuson’s letter, noting that the HPC does not grant variances. Update on pop machines – Ms. Fitzgerald said Mr. Magnuson agrees that the pop vending machines are against the City’s sign ordinance. She said the HPC could go before the City Council and ask that the Council direct staff to deal with the matter. There was discussion about other ways of dealing with the issue. Mr. Dougherty suggested contacting Coke and Pepsi to see if there are machines that are not internally lighted. Ms. Fitzgerald also agreed to contact Galena, Ill., to see how that City deals with the issue and report back by the next meeting. Memo regarding rule change to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act – The City Council was to consider the matter at its Feb. 2 meeting. Mr. Johnson had prepared a possible response from the HPC. Mr. Kimbrel said the response should address Section 39.4 of the Act. It was agreed to have Mr. Kimbrel and Mr. Johnson work together in refining the HPC response prior to the Council meeting. There was a brief discussion regarding Mr. Lieberman’s comments at the lift bridge meeting held the previous week. Nature and Art at Lake McKusick – Ms. Fitzgerald said Ms. Nancy Brown was going to appear before the Council in February and has requested a letter of support from the HPC. After a brief discussion, it was agreed not to provide a letter indicating any official HPC position. Meeting attendance – Mr. Lieberman asked if there was support for a provision that would have the HPC consider a member for removal if that member missed three consecutive meetings; he noted dismissal would not be automatic but could be considered after an absence at three consecutive meeting. Mr. Langer noted the Council appoints HPC members and perhaps the suggested rule should go through the Council. There was some discussion as to whether by-laws exist. Mr. Kimbrel moved to establish a by-law that a member could be considered for removal after missing three consecutive meetings; Mr. Johnson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Other items: ? Mr. Lieberman raised the issue of St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman’s firing of members of that city’s HPC. No action was taken. ? Mr. Johnson asked about revised sign for Stillwater Medical Arts Building; Ms. Fitzgerald said no action was required; the material was included in the packet for information only. ? Ms. Fitzgerald suggested writing a letter of appreciation to Amoco for their cooperation and for obtaining the old Standard Oil sign for the downtown Amoco station; Mr. Lieberman will write a letter on behalf of the HPC. Mr. Langer asked about recognizing Mr. Peterson with a plaque for his years of service and made a motion to that effect; Mr. Kimbrel seconded the motion. There was discussion about whether that recognition should be standard policy. Mr. Langer and Mr. Kimbrel agreed to 3 Heritage Preservation Commission February. 1, 1999 amend the motion to include recognition to Mr. Michels; motion passed unanimously. There was some discussion as to whether to give a plaque or certificate of recognition, due to cost. Mr. Langer was put in charge of obtaining the appropriate recognition. ? Mr. Tomten noted the City has installed wall pack lighting at the police entrance, contrary to City ordinance. Ms. Fitzgerald will talk to the chief regarding the issue and report back at the March meeting. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Mr. Eastwood, moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 4