Community Development/Engineering Services Building – 51 Winburn Way – Siskiyou Room
 
CALL TO ORDER:
Commission Chair, Mr. Skibby called the meeting to order at 6:00pm in the Siskiyou Room at the    Community Development and Engineering Offices located at 51 Winburn Way, Ashland OR 97520.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mr. Ladygo motioned to approve minutes from December 2, 2015.  Mr. Whitford seconded.  No one opposed.
 
 PUBLIC FORUM:   
There was no one in the audience wishing to speak.
 
 Mr. Skibby closed the public forum.
 
 COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: 
 Ms. Voisin gave the Council Liaison report.

 DISCUSSION ITEMS:
 Southern Oregon History Show presentation – Maureen Flanagan Battistella
 Public Arts Commission presentation – Theater Corridor Project

Ms. Battistella spoke about The Southern Oregon History Show.  Ms. Battistella announced that the Southern Oregon History Show is a weekly community access television show that is broadcast locally and also webcast and archived to the internet archives at Southern Oregon University.  She went on to say that the show can be viewed on RVTV on Thursdays at 5PM.  She briefly described the show and who they would be interviewing.  Ms. Battistella presented the Commission with informational flyers regarding the specific episodes that are to be aired. 

Public Arts Commission, Theater Corridor Project:
Ms. Margaret Garrington chair of the Public Arts Commission addressed the Commission regarding the Theater Corridor Project.  Ms. Garrington explained that the location of the project is on the paved pathway that goes from Main Street, between Earthly Goods and Starbucks, and back to Thomas Theater.  She went on to say that the Public Arts Commission is requesting information to include in the draft RFQ before the call to artists is released. Ms. Garrington gave a brief history on the project and summarized what the Beautification Committee has requested for it, including lighting and that no artwork is to be attached to the sides of the buildings (walkway only).  Ms. Garrington requested the Historic Commission provide the Public Arts Commission with historic information about the site and general area if anything is available.  She believes this will help educate artists regarding the area and give them a context or starting point to base their artwork.  Ms. Garrington spoke about what qualifications they are looking for from artists for the project.  She explained that the Public Arts Commission is asking that the Historic Commission respond with what they feel are important considerations for the installation of public art in the Theater Corridor.  Ms. Voisin conveyed the importance of the Historic Commission giving the Public Arts Commission some recommendations so that they may move forward in a timely manner.  It was requested by the Historic Commission that the Public Arts Commission come back and present this project once the artist is selected.  Ms. Renwick emphasized the fact that the Historic Commission, email Ms. Garrington their ideas and concerns in writing as soon as possible.  The Commission will email their ideas to Mr. Skibby by February 12, 2016 and staff will compile the responses for Ms. Garrington. 
 
Mr. Skibby read aloud the procedure for public hearings.

PLANNING ACTION REVIEW:
PLANNING ACTION:  PA-2015-02203
SUBJECT PROPERTY:   868 A Street
OWNER/APPLICANT:  Linda McMilleman & Steve Saturen/ Mark Lackey
DESCRIPTION:   A request for Site Design Review and a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a second story addition to the existing cottage at the rear of the property located at 868 A Street.  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Employment; ZONING: E-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09AA; TAX LOTS: 6800. 
              
Mr. Skibby, Ms. Renwick and Mr. Emory all stated that they had ex-parte contact with Mr. Lackey during a     review board session.  They discussed scale, massing, lowering plate height, and other options for this project.  Mr. Emory went on to say that he did give Mr. Lackey a few drafting (tutoring) sessions before this project was underway but no money exchanged hands. 

Mr. Schexnayder gave the staff report on PA-2015-02203.  Mr. Schexnayder conveyed that staff has concerns with height, setbacks, scale and massing of the building, and parking. 
 
Mr. Skibby opened the public hearing to the applicants.
 
Ms. Amy Gunter from Rogue Planning and Development Services and Mr. Mark Lackey from Integrity Building, addressed the Commission regarding PA-2015-02203.  Ms. Gunter went into detail regarding the changes that have been made to the project since December’s meeting.  Reduced plate height and roof pitch, addition of belly bands, new windows, and rhythm of openings are among some of the changes that have been made to this project so it can more conform to the Historic design standards in the area.  Mr. Lackey briefly outlined the changes in design and feels that he has done everything the Commission has asked, while still addressing the neighbors issues regarding the view.  
 

Mr. Skibby closed the hearing to the applicants and opened to public for comments. 
 
Mr. Robert Monroe, owner of Cabinet Works at 864 A Street, addressed the Commission.  Mr. Monroe stated his opposition of the project because of scale, massing, height, setbacks, and off street parking.
 
Ms. Stacy McCullough, of 267 Eighth Street, addressed the Commission.  Ms. McCullough stated her opposition of the project because of obstructed views, blocked sunlight, and parking. 
 
Ms. Harriet Saturen, owner and applicant of 868 A’ Street project, addressed the Commission.  Ms. Saturen spoke about the history of the property and how they came about in purchasing and  went on to say that she feels that they have done everything they can to make this a positive impact on the alley and the street.  She stressed that they will have less need for parking since their business is run online and they will have no need for the extra spots.     
 
Ms. Linda McMilliman of 256 Sixth Street, owner and applicant of 868 A’ Street, addressed the Commission.  She gave a brief history on how she came to the Ashland area and how the property was acquired.  She loves the neighborhood and feels the project will only add to the historic feel of the neighborhood.
 
Mr. Alan Adelman of 886 A’ Street addressed the Commission.  Mr. Adelman stated his opposition of  the project because the height of the structure will be intrusive to his privacy.  Mr. Adelman has other concerns regarding solar as well and said that he could not support this application even though the owners have made significant changes. 
 
Mr. Steve Saturen, owner and applicant of 868 A’ Street addressed the Commission.  He stated that they are not violating any ordinance and the options that they have presented are less obtrusive to neighbors.   Mr. Saturen would like the Historic Commission to approve this project as they have proposed it. 
 
Ms. Gunter addressed the Commission during her rebuttal time.  She reiterated what the land use code says regarding non-conforming structures, and answered concerns regarding seismic upgrades, parking, solar access, scale and massing. 
 
Mr. Schexnayder reminded the Historic Commission that their recommendation will go to the Planning Commission for a final decision next Tuesday February 9, 2016.  He went on to say that a 50% on street parking credit may be granted by the Planning Commission if they choose to do so.  Ms. Gunter stated that she was confused because she had thought that the parking situation was already in place.  Mr. Schexnayder  stated that staff requested documentation showing that a third parking space had been added off the alley and received nothing from the applicants as of yet.  Only 2 parking spaces have been approved at this point.  Mr. Schexnayder added that the applicant is still required to provide 2 parking spaces somewhere on site and appeal to the Planning Commission in order to do so. 
 
Mr. Skibby closed the public hearing and opened to the Commission for discussion. 
 
The Historic Commission unanimously recommends approving the application as submitted. The Historic Commission believes that the applicants have made changes to architectural details of the structure that make the building more historically accurate. In addition, the height, bulk, and scale of the structure is appropriate for the historic district.
 
Mr. Whitford motioned to approve PA-2015-02203 as presented.  Mr. Swink seconded.  No one opposed. 
 
PLANNING ACTION:  PA-2016-00073                                                                                     
SUBJECT PROPERTY:  151 North Pioneer Street
APPLICANTS:  Elizabeth York
OWNERS:  Elizabeth York
DESCRIPTION:  A request for Site Design Review approval to reconstruct a one-story commercial structure, consisting of an art gallery and studio for the property located at 151 North Pioneer Street. The property is located in the Railroad Addition Historic District and Detail Site Review overlay.  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Commercial; ZONING: C-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09BB; TAX LOT: #12700 
 
There was no conflict of interest or ex parte contact. 
 
Mr. Schexnayder gave the staff report on PA-2016-00073
 
Mr. Skibby opened the public hearing to the applicants. 

Mr. Carlos Delgado, Architect, at 217 Fourth Street addressed the Commission regarding PA-2015-00073.  Mr. Delgado stated that he was confused regarding the process and approval of this project and that he had discussed this with the review board at a prior meeting.  Mr. Delgado discussed changing an option on the facade that wasn’t previously in the plans and spent some time detailing what materials the applicant would like to use for it.  There was much discussion from the Commission on types of materials that would be appropriate for this project.
 
Mr. Skibby closed the hearing to the applicants and opened to the Commission for discussion.
 
The Historic Commission recommends approving the application as submitted
 
Mr. Giordano motioned to approve PA-2016-00073 as presented.   Mr. Swink seconded.  No one opposed.

NEW ITEMS:
      Review board schedule.
      Project assignments for planning actions.
      Historic Preservation Week - Nominations and Schedule of Events. (May 16 – 20)

 A schedule of events for Historic Preservation week was discussed by the Commission. The  Commissioners decided on the list of events below:

OLD BUSINESS: 
Mr. Schexnayder gave an update on the Historic Marker’s project.   He went on to say that there is $11,000 allocated for this project but they are still looking for matching funds.  This project is itemized under the Downtown Beautification project.  Ms. Renwick announced her resignation and conveyed that she needs another Commissioner to take over the Historic Marker’s project.  Mr. Skibby stated that he needs Ms. Renwick to turn in all the documentation regarding this project to the Staff Liaison. 
                                          
COMMISSION ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
Next meeting is scheduled March 2, 2016 at 6:00 pm.
There being no other items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at  8:30 pm
Respectfully submitted by Regan Trapp