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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-02 HPC MIN4 R, • • HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 2, 2000 Present: Howard Lieberman, Chair Beth Diem, Jeff Johnson, Phil Eastwood and Roger Tomten Others: Sue Fitzgerald, City Planner Absent: Robert Kimbrel and Dean Miller Mr. Lieberman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Johnson, seconded by Beth Diem moved for approval of the minutes of September 6, 2000 as presented; motion passed unanimously. Comments were made that these were the last minutes that would be done by Sharon Baker as she resigned from the position of Recording Secretary effective October 1, 2000. Thanks were expressed for her fine work. Case No. DR/00 -26 Design review of exterior signage for Yacht Brokers. Applicant Brian Michael was present Mr. Michael stated that there had been some confusion regarding the process of design review, therefore the sign had already been installed. Sue Fitzgerald stated that Mr. Michael had taken down another sign as requested. Mr. Michael stated that that sign was actually leaning by the dumpster for disposal and apologized for any confusion. Mr. Johnson moved that the signage be approved as submitted and installed. Seconded by Mr. Eastwood. Comments: Mr. Tomten noted that a previous condition of Phase 2 of the sign package for this building stated 3 sign areas on the building and the rest of the building would be signed with a building directory. He wondered how or if, at this point, the entire sign package should be amended or modified. Ms. Fitzgerald stated the building owner was to bring in the entire sign plan but was unable to attend. Mr. Lieberman stated that the sign is perfectly in line with the guidelines but that it is inconsistent with what was approved by the commission for the sign program for the building. He asked how this could be "squared" with the program which stated there could be 3 signs on Main Street and 3 on Water Street. The Yacht Broker sign would be the 4th on Water St. Mr. Johnson explained that the original intent of the owner was that the retail businesses would have signs on the front of the building while the second story office tenants would be listed on a building directory or kiosk. Mr. Lieberman proposed that this sign be allowed because it does conform to the general downtown guidelines and because of the general confusion on the part of the building owner. He recommended approval with the condition that no further signage be allowed until a complete signage proposal is submitted to the HPC. Mr. Johnson moved approval as conditioned; seconded by Mr. Eastwood; motion passed unanimously. f5 Case No. DR/0027 Design review of a trash enclosure for Darla's Grill and Malt Shop. Present were Jennifer and Chris Cosgrove, applicants. They have installed a wooden trash enclosure with a roof on it. The structure is located on the corner of Water and Chestnut Sts. The HPC recommends that if the structure is to stay, it must be completely screened from public view because as is, it does not contribute to the historic nature of the downtown area. When questioned by Mr. Johnson, Mr. Cosgrove stated that they intended to paint the structure to match the building. Mr. Johnson voiced his concern for the low pitch gable roof which makes the structure look more like a utility than anything else. Mr. Lieberman stated that the structure does not meet the intent of the guidelines and would like to see this made less visible and more conforming to the design guidelines. Mr. Cosgrove asked what the guidelines were because he had never seen a copy of them. Ms. Fitzgerald offered a copy to him. Mr. Johnson stated that the intent of an enclosure is to improve the appearance of the dumpster and mask it in a way that it does not stand out as an accessory structure. Masonry would be better. Mr. Lieberman noted that the Cub Foods offices had a similar problem and that they put up a masonry wall that blends in with the rest of the building. Ms. Diem suggested that possibly trees could be used. Ms. Cosgrove sited miscommunication as a cause of the problem and that they never would have spent $2,000 on the structure if they had known it would be a problem. Mr. Cosgrove stated that they intend to open an appealing back patio area in the Spring but that the plans were not ready yet. They would not want the dumpster structure visible at all to their patrons. Mr. Johnson suggested that this matter be continued until the Cosgrove's plans for seating /landscaping /dumpster enclosure are finalized. Mr. Johnson motioned for this to be continued until the 1St Monday in April 2001; seconded by Mr. Tomten. No further discussion; motion unanimously passed. Case No. DR/00 -28 Design review of proposed building for St. Croix Orthopedics located at 1701 Curve Crest Blvd. Present were Mr. Jim Jordan, Architect and Andy ?. Mr. Jordan stated that he just found out about this meeting on Friday and just tonight received the pertinent information. Mr. Lieberman asked if Mr. Jordan had anything to say regarding the HPC's reading on the plan. Mr. Johnson stated that the commissions main concern was with the exterior lighting and that it be shielded. Mr. Jordan stated that cut -off fixtures would be used and were on the preliminary landscape sight plans. Theses fixtures will ensure that the light does not spread beyond the property lines. Ms. Fitzgerald noted that there is no berming on the boulevard but that it is a condition of approval. A certificate of occupancy will not be released before the approved landscaping is in place. Ms. Diem questioned the necessity of the berm on the boulevard and it was explained to her that it was part of the design guidelines that all businesses located in the West Business District have shielding from their parking lots to the streets. Ms. Diem asked if that would S • • interfere with any sidewalks, present or proposed. The berming must be done on the business' property — not on City right -of -way. Mr. Johnson asked about a complete sign package and wanted to be sure that what the business was intending was within the guidelines. Samples of brick and metal were shown. Mr. Tomten moved approval as conditioned. Phil Eastwood seconded; motion carried unanimously. Case No. DR 00/29 Design review for an exterior sign for Cutter Bar (formerly Cat Balou's) at 112 North Main Street. Present were Scott "Cutter" Junker and John Daly, applicants. Mr. Lieberman asked for agreement on what the term very muted, low wattage bulbs actually meant and what was the intention of the applicants. Mr. Junker stated that his intent was to simply replace the bulbs that were there and that they were 20 — 60 watts in strength. The light to the game room entrance will be shielded by a new awning and that the main business entrance will continue to be lit by carriage style lights. Phil Eastwood asked if the awning would be signed or lit in any way. Mr. Junker expressed security concerns if the pool hall entrance could not be illuminated. Mr. Johnson pointed out that the sign ordinance guidelines state one sign per business so that the awning could say something like "pool hall" but not list the name of the business. Ms. Diem asked if any interior remodeling was taking place. (Meeting interrupted by Vern Stefan regarding Case No. 00/26) Mr. Johnson asked about the painting of the lower knee -wall by Randy Raduenz - where the plans stood at this point. The painting will be of old -time sports figures on a gray brick background instead of the current black background. The plans will be submitted for approval prior to application. Motion to approve as conditioned (clarifying the definition of low wattage and that the awning, if reinstalled, not be illuminated) made by Jeff Johnson. Seconded by Phil Eastwood; all in favor. Would exterior paint be changed? Applicant stated that the existing paint color would be touched up. Mr. Lieberman requested that the wattage be limited to no more than is currently in use. Jeff Johnson added that condition to his motion, seconded by Phil Eastwood; passed unanimously. No further discussion. Tim Balstad of Best Western Hotel stopped in to display the colors for new awnings at his establishment as directed at an earlier HPC meeting. Case No. DR/00 -30 Design Review of a retail /office building located at 1700 Market Drive. Applicant Kellison Company represented by Chad Bouley. Also present was Deb Pierre of Heritage Embroidery, planning to be located in the building. Mr. Bouley stated that they plan to submit the sign package separately. Mr. Johnson questioned the landscaping that was to be installed. Will there be trees, lower than the proposed flowering crab trees, that will serve as screening of the parking lot? Mr. Bouley showed the plans for evergreens and rolling berms to be included with the crab trees. Mr. Bouley clarified the plans for the exterior of the building which will consist of burnished block and rock -faced block accented with a reddish efface band. Where the efface discontinues a similar colored band of burnished block will continue on the back side of the building. Mr. Johnson asked about the windows. They will be trimmed out with the burnished • • block. Mr. Lieberman asked about the proposed location of the building signage. Mr. Bouley explained that the tentative plan is for the signage to be on the wall of the building facing the street, towards the front entry. Mr. Johnson asked if there would be other signage. Monument signs are not allowed in this part of the business district. Mr. Bouley mentioned that because of the angle of the property, they may request additional signage on the rear side of the building. (facing Curve Crest Blvd.) Ms. Fitzgerald advised that this would probably require a variance. Ms. Pierre asked if window signage would be allowed. Mr. Johnson stated that since this is not an impulse shopping facility, additional signage would probably not be necessary. Ms. Pierre stated that because of the proximity of the Rec. Center and the fact that they sell licensed sports attire, she was interested in those patrons and "impulse" buyers. Mr. Bouley stated that they will probably be seeking a variance for the signage then. Ms. Pierre asked if an address, displayed on the building, counted as part of the signage. Ms. Fitzgerald explained that addresses are not considered business advertising. Mr. Tomten asked about the landscape plan and Ms. Fitzgerald stated that Mr. Bouley was made aware of the fact that no Certificate of Occupancy would be issued until the plan was completed. Mr. Johnson moved for approval as conditioned with the sign package being submitted separately and that the beini/landscaping meets with staff approval. Seconded by Roger Tomten; Ms. Diem abstained from voting; motion passed by the remainder of the quorum. Case No DR00/31 Design Review for 631 Hidden Valley Court. Present Pete Brockman, owner. Mr. Johnson questioned Mr. Brockman whether or not there was going to be water /sewer service to the accessory building. Mr. Brockman stated that there would be electricity only, no heating or plumbing. It was determined that this applicant did not need approval of the HPC because this was not an accessory dwelling unit. Ms. Fitzgerald explained that Mr. Brockman would be refunded his design review application fee. Mr. Johnson advised that a variance may be required, from the Planning Commission, for set -backs and fence. No action was necessary. Other items: • Roger Tomten talked about the HPC conference of September 28 and 29, along with Beth Diem, Jeff Johnson and Sue Fitzgerald who also attended. Stillwater issues, including the bridge dilemma came up several times at the conference. Overall, everyone felt that the sessions were well- attended. • The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Rogness Recording Secretary