ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION

Meeting Minutes

April 6, 2011

Community Development/Engineering Services Building – 51 Winburn Way – Siskiyou Room

CALL TO ORDER – REGULAR MEETING, 6:00 pm

Historic Commissioners Present:  Dale Shostrom, Terry Skibby, Keith Swink, Sam Whitford, Allison Renwick,

Tom Giordano, Alex Krach, Ally Phelps

Commission Members Absent:  Kerry Kencairn (u)

Council Liaison: Michael Morris, absent

High School Liaison: None Appointed
SOU Liaison: None Appointed
Staff Present: Planner: Derek Severson; Clerk: Billie Boswell

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Ms. Renwick pointed out that Commissioner Ally Phelps was at the March meeting but was not listed. Mr. Whitford moved to approve the March 2, 2011 minutes as corrected and the motion was seconded by Ms. Renwick. Mr. Giordano abstained due to being absent and the minutes were approved unanimously by the remaining Commissioners.

PUBLIC FORUM:   None

PUBLIC HEARING: 

PLANNING ACTION:         2011-00244          

SUBJECT PROPERTY:     485 A Street

APPLICANT:                      Steve Hoxmeier

DESCRIPTION:                  A request for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Review approval to convert an unenclosed rear porch to interior business space and to operate a seasonal, outdoor food cart at 485 A St.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Employment;

ZONING: R-1-7.5; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09AB; TAX LOT: 6500

Chairman Shostrom verified there was no exparte contact or conflict of interest.  Mr. Severson explained the applicant wished to enclosed a 7’x14’ porch on the railroad side of the building and also provide space for an outdoor food cart. Chairman Shostrom thought it was a good idea because it would add vitality to the area.  Mr. Whitford agreed because there are plenty of commercial businesses in the area.  Mr. Hoxmeier was unsure what type of food would be offered.

There being no further questions of the applicant and no questions or concerns from the audience, the public hearing was closed. 

Mr. Giordano made a motion to recommend approval of the request as presented. It was seconded by Mr. Swink and the decision to recommend approval was unanimous.

PLANNING ACTION:         2011-00251          

SUBJECT PROPERTY:     304 N. Main St.

APPLICANT:                      Pat Kirkpatrick

DESCRIPTION:                  A request for a Sign Variance to bring an existing non-conforming pole sign closer into conformity with sign code regulations located at 304 North Main Street.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Low-Density Multi-Family Residential;

ZONING: R-2; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 05DD; TAX LOT: 700

Chairman Shostrom verified there was no exparte contact or conflict of interest.  Mr. Severson stated the proposal had gone before the Historic Review Board and they had preferred retaining the original sign for its historic nature.  But the sign was damaged when hit by a customer and needs to be replaced.  Sign code requires it be brought into compliance.  The applicant is asking for a 20 square foot sign instead of the 15 square feet allowed by code.  There being no one in the audience wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. 

Mr. Whitford said the lower height fits better in the predominately residential neighborhood and felt the original sign was not historically significant.  Mr. Swink disagreed stating that the sign was part of the town’s history and added quaintness to the drive into town.  Mr. Skibby pointed out that the market building was not historically significant.  Ms. Renwick preferred the old sign but understands the cost and code restrictions. Mr. Krach pointed out that the neon portions of the sign are non-working and questioned if the neighborhood would want them restored.  Mr. Severson reported the sign contractor could not fix it; the sign was too far gone.  Currently it is roped together and potentially dangerous.

Mr. Whitford made a motion to recommend approval of the new sign as presented and Mr. Giordano seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by a 7-1 majority with Mr. Swink opposing.

PLANNING ACTION:         2011-00256          

SUBJECT PROPERTY:     134 Terrace / 19 Hillcrest

APPLICANT:                      Carolyn and David Allman

DESCRIPTION:                  A request for Physical and Environmental Constraints review permit approval for Hillside Development to construct a new single-family residence on a vacant parcel located at 134 Terrace Street.  Also included are a Lot Line Adjustment, and Variances (2) to reduce the rear yard setback from 20 feet to 11 feet, six and ½ inches and to make the existing non-conforming lot, which is wider than it is deep, more non-conforming through the Lot Line Adjustment.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Single Family Residential;

ZONING: R-1-7.5; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09CA; TAX LOT: 11300 & 11301

Chairman Shostrom confirmed that there was no exparte contact or conflict of interest.  He said that the applicants had been to the Historic Review Board several times while remodeling the old house at 19 Hillcrest and that he had visited the site at that time.  This project is for a new house off Terrace Street.  Mr. Severson described how this house would be set below the street on a steep slope, minimizing the height and mass.  The owners, Carolyn and David Allman explained that the original home did not meet their lifestyle needs and they would like to build new one at the rear of their lot off Terrace St.  The older historic house and rock wall will remain.  There being no further questions of the applicant and no questions or concerns from the audience, the public hearing was closed.  Mr. Skibby commented how this lot was at the edge of the historic district and the design captured both the old and new.  Mr. Giordano pointed out it was a difficult a lot to design on.

 Chairman Shostrom made a motion to recommend approval for the project as presented.  Mr. Skibby seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS:   

A.  Review Board Schedule

C.  Project Assignments for Planning Actions –

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Mr. Krach announced that he did not renew his Historic Commissioner position for another term and this would be his last meeting.
2. The Secretary position was reassigned to Ms. Phelps.
3. Mr. Swink reported that changes were made to the plans for a deck at 231 Gresham.  Mr. Severson said he would notify the building inspector.
4. Mr. Krach commented that he thought the tan color for sidewalks in the historic district was too dark.  Chairman Shostrom said they do fade to a lighter color.
5. Gun Club – Mr. Severson said the lease discussion was continued until July.  If a tour is arranged for Council, Historic Commission will be notified so they can attend.  Mr. Skibby said he saw new berms on Google Earth.  Mr. Severson thought they could be from the archery area.

ADJOURNMENT