HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-16 HPC MIN
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
May 16, 2018
7:00 P.M.
Chairman Larson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He noted that May is National Preservation Month.
Present: Commissioners Goodman, Hadrits, Steinwall, Welty, Chairman Larson, Council
Representative Junker
Absent: Commissioners Krakowski and Mino
Staff: City Planner Wittman
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Motion by Chairman Larson, seconded by Commissioner Welty, to elect Mino as Chair. Motion passed 5-0.
Motion by Chairman Larson, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to elect Hadrits as Vice Chair. Motion
passed 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of April 18, 2018 meeting minutes
Motion by Commissioner Hadrits, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to approve the minutes of the April
18, 2018 meeting. Motion passed 5-0.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
Case No. 2018-13: Consideration of a Design Review Permit to install a wall and a projecting sign for
Pearl and the Thief on the structure located at 112 Main Street North in the CBD District. Jose
Val Leon of Leon Properties, LLC, property owner and applicant representing Joseph Pirri of
Pearl and the Thief.
The Consent Agenda passed 5-0. no motion/second)
PUBLIC HEARING
Case No. 2018-10: Consideration of a Design Review Permit to demolish accessory structure on the property
located at 914 Second Street South in the RB District. Steven and Stephanie Schifsky, property owners.
City Planner Wittman stated that the applicants are requesting approval of the demolition of an
approximately 200 square foot accessory structure. After demolition the property owner would like to
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 16, 2018
Page 2 of 4
reconstruct a functioning two-car, detached garage with attached workshop. Neighbors at 910 Second Street
South indicated parts of the garage have already fallen into their yard. Staff recommends the Commission
make the finding that there is no feasible alternative and approve the demolition of the accessory structure.
Property owner Steve Schifsky stated the north side of the structure is buckling. They will recycle some
materials from the structure for their new 2 1/2 car garage to be constructed at the rear of the property. They
plan to replicate the house grille pattern on the new garage.
Chairman Larson opened the public hearing. There were no comments. The public hearing was closed.
Motion by Commissioner Welty, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to approve Case No. 2018-10, Design
Review Permit to demolish accessory structure on the property located at 914 Second Street South. All in favor,
5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Case No. 2018-11: Consideration of a design permit for a self-serve bicycle rental kiosk, an outdoor
Commercial Recreational Business, on an undeveloped portion of the parking lot associated with 101 Water
Street South, the Water Street Inn in the CBD District. Chuck Dougherty, property owner and Darren Dobier of
Diro Outdoors, applicant.
City Planner Wittman explained that Darren Dobier of Diro Outdoors, a local outdoor activities and gear
rental business, is requesting the installation of a self-serve kiosk facility with up to 17 bicycles, to be
located on the undeveloped portion of the Water Street Inn’s parking lot. While this business will be
operated seasonally, the signage and bicycle mounts/locks would be permanent. There would be no onsite
management but, rather, users would be able to rent a bicycle from their smartphone. The applicant is
requesting consideration of: 1. a 23’ wide by 27’ deep, natural and dark gray slab stamped concrete area
surrounded by cedar mulched beds on the west and north sides; and 2. two signs: a) one 16 square foot sign
proposed to be inserted into a 4x4” cedar frame that will be charred for weather resistance. The sign, with
lettering in Diro Outdoors signature green color, will contain instructions on use, and a map of Stillwater,
Oak Park Heights, and state trails; and b) one small sign, affixed to the sign frame, which will indicate the
area is monitored by video surveillance. The proposed design generally conforms to the intent of the
Downtown Design Review District guidelines. With certain conditions, the signage can conform to the
standards for Design Permits and the Downtown Design Review District guidelines. Therefore, staff
recommends approval with two conditions.
Darren Dobier, Diro Outdoors, explained the concept and offered to answer questions.
Commissioner Steinwall asked if the center walkway will be a different color. Mr. Dobier stated it will all
be gray.
Councilmember Junker asked about future plans. Mr. Dobier stated he is not planning to open additional
stations right now but would be able to in the future. At first there will be ten bikes and ten racks,
expandable to 17 bikes if there is a demand for them.
Commissioner Welty asked about the signage, and what would prevent people from hooking their own bikes
to the racks. Mr. Dobier replied the sign will eventually be of a more permanent material like aluminum. He
has no permanent solution to people using the racks for personal bikes but he will monitor that activity as
time goes on. The Water Street Inn agreed to add a camera on their building focusing on the site.
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 16, 2018
Page 3 of 3
Commissioner Steinwall asked if the rear basket is considered signage. Ms. Wittman replied that staff
determined that to be exempt. It will not be considered offsite advertising.
Motion by Commissioner Hadrits, seconded by Chairman Larson, to approve Case No. 2018-11, Design Permit
for a self-serve bicycle kiosk to be located on an undeveloped portion of the parking lot associated with 101
Water Street South, the Water Street Inn, with the two conditions recommended by staff. Motion passed 5-0.
Case No. 2018-12: Consideration of an amendment to Design Permit 2016-27 for the Crosby Hotel to be
located at 232 Main Street South in the Downtown Design Review district. Anne Loff, property owner and Matt
Hoefler, applicant.
Ms. Wittman stated that design permit was granted in 2016, additional design modifications have
necessitated new Design Permits. This request is a combination of certain design changes that staff has
determined to be substantial and not in conformance with the originally-approved design permit, as well as
improvements requested by the HPC to be brought back for review. The applicant is requesting approval of
modifications to the hotel’s previously approved design as well as approval of all mechanical components.
The modified proposal includes: North Elevation: • The addition of balconies on the second story that will
serve as an overhang above a first story entrance. East Elevation: • Changing single doors to double doors
on the 1’ depth balcony units. • Reconsideration of full-depth balconies proposed in 2017, and partially
denied by the HPC, on the second and third stories. Ms. Wittman noted that last night, the City Council
denied the applicant’s request to direct the HPC to reconsider the full-depth balconies. • Addition of a
rooftop mechanical guardrail. South Elevation: • Second story balconies, above a kitchen expansion
approved by the HPC in 2017. Mechanical and Plumbing: • The installation of five ground-mounted air
conditioning units on the north, west and south sides of the building. • The installation of a 1,200 MBH
ground mounted air intake to be situated directly to the west of the property located at 218 Main Street
North. • Air conditioner units (exteriors to be black) on all façades. • A series of rooftop heating units, all
situated back from the 24” parapet. • A total of 15 rooftop plumbing protrusions to be painted black. • Three
stainless steel kitchen vents located on the southern elevation. The applicant’s submission indicates there is
a request to review a roof deck. No specifications or details were included in the plans. Staff recommends
approval with seven conditions, not including the balcony expansion.
Chairman Larson asked if the screening proposed will have a cap. Mr. Hoefler said it will be six feet tall and
will block the view of the all the AC condenser units.
Chris Ziebol, property owner, said as a result of meeting with the Building Inspector regarding the
mechanical designs, all but one of them were moved from the north to the west side of the building.
Councilmember Junker asked if the screen will muffle the sound from the mechanicals. Mr. Hoefler said
somewhat.
Chairman Larson asked about the mechanical unit’s close proximity to the property line. Mr. Hoefler replied
that it is within code as long as the intake is at least ten feet from the property line, which it is. Chairman
Larson asked about the protruding steel pipes. Mr. Hoefler said the 24” stainless steel ducts will be flush
with the top of the two foot parapet on the roof. There will be three rooftop units, two hood vent exhausts
and 15 plumbing vents that will be painted black.
Councilmember Junker asked about the view from Second Street. Mr. Hoefler reiterated that the two foot
parapet will surround the vents. Ms. Wittman noted that industry standards are trending toward higher
rooftop units due to snow load. Building codes also are becoming concerned with screens becoming junk
collectors for debris.
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 16, 2018
Page 4 of 4
Mr. Ziebol said a neighborhood meeting was held and neighbors seemed excited about the project. He
explained the unique wood burning grill design that will be used for the restaurant. He said he is optimistic
for a September 2018 opening.
Motion by Chairman Larson, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to approve Case No. 2018-12, amendment
to Design Permit 2016-27 for the Crosby Hotel to be located at 232 Main Street South, with the seven
conditions recommended by staff, modifying Condition #2 to state “those plans submitted for and viewed at the
May 16, 2018 meeting” and modifying Condition #6 to indicate “an 80% louvered metal panel shall be utilized
for screening.” Motion passed 5-0.
OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
Heritage Preservation Awards
Councilmember Junker commended staff and Chairman Larson on the well done presentation of the
Heritage Preservation Awards at last night’s City Council meeting.
STAFF UPDATES
Comprehensive Plan Historic Resources Chapter Update
Ms. Wittman provided a draft chapter for review and invited the Commission to a Comprehensive Plan
Advisory Committee meeting May 23.
Other Projects
Ms. Wittman informed the Commission that the retaining wall at the Historic Courthouse will be repaired.
She also stated MnDOT is constructing the upper loop trail. On May 10, work was stopped because two
small wall and foundation segments were found in the archaeological district. They were determined by the
onsite archaeologist not to be historically significant. City staff has asked that any additional artifacts found
be retained for City review. Also some carved stones were found on the Aiple property which are now in
possession of the City. In addition, the Historic Courthouse is doing an architecture exhibit which will
include some of the City’s resources.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Goodman, seconded by Chairman Larson, to adjourn. All in favor, 5-0. The meeting
was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julie Kink, Recording Secretary