Minutes
Community Development/Engineering Services Building –
Historic Commissioners Present: Dale Shostrom, Keith Swink, Sam Whitford, Terry Skibby, Jay Leighton, Allen Crutcher, Tom Giordano, and Henry Baker
Absent Members: Rob Saladoff
Council Liaison: Jack Hardesty - Absent
High School Liaison: None Appointed
SOU Liaison: None Appointed
Staff Present: Maria Harris, Senior Planner, Billie Boswell, Administration
CALL TO ORDER – REGULAR MEETING
At 7:05, Chairman Dale Shostrom called the regular meeting to order.
Mr. Baker pointed out two grammatical errors. Ms. Leighton made a motion to approve the minutes as amended and it was seconded by Mr. Swink. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC FORUM: No speakers
PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Action 2005-01674
Site Review - Reconsideration
Ron & Carrie Yamaoka
11
Mr. Giordano recused himself and left the room since he worked on the project.
Ms. Harris explained that the Planning Commission continued the planning action at its November 8th meeting and directed the applicant to work with the Historic Commission in regards to the recommendations from the November 2nd Historic Commission meeting. A revised set of site plans, front elevation, alley elevation and west elevation were submitted.
Staff had concerns about the two differing site plans “Addendum B” and “Addendum B Alternate” that were submitted. “Addendum B Alternate” shows a six-inch planter that intrudes into the sidewalk area creating a jog in the pathway and generating a possible trip hazard. Staff recommends approval of site plan “Addendum B”.
The applicant, Bill Emerson,
Mr. Crutcher asked about the two-foot scoring design on the sidewalk. Mr. Emerson thought the design was City Standard.
There being no further questions of the applicant and no one in audience, the public meeting was closed.
Mr. Skibby liked the new design including the vertical lines on the facade that were compatible with other buildings in the immediate area and the commercial-style windows in the front façade.
Ms. Leighton thought the revised design was well done in spite of trying to conform around the awkward regulations.
Chairman Shostrom asked if the Commissioners wanted to encourage outdoor eating areas. Ms. Leighton felt that outdoor public spaces are important design standards.
A short discussion followed regarding the Commission’s support of new buildings built to mimic old, historic buildings. Mr. Swink felt quality of the design and the materials made a difference. Mr. Skibby stated he would not support a detailed reproduction of a historic building.
Chairman Shostrom asked the Commissioners their opinion of the two sidewalk designs shown on Site Plan Addendum B and Site Plan Addendum B Alternate. Ms. Leighton and Mr. Swink both felt “Addendum B” to be more historic in design. They also encouraged the sidewalk scoring design to remain at five feet.
Mr. Skibby moved to recommend approval of the current design. It was seconded by Mr. Baker.
Chairman Shostrom was concerned about the planters and their potential trip hazard. He also requested specific details and relief of the building be brought back before the full Commission.
Mr. Skibby and Mr. Baker amended their motion to recommend approval of the new design with the following conditions:
· Approve façade change, and recognize it is well done given the need to conform to the vision clearance standard.
· Recommend sidewalk design on Plan B (not Alternate Plan B) because it is more consistent with simple historic style in the downtown.
· Scored concrete should match city standard or what is prevalent on sidewalk on either side of the site.
· Concern about low 6t” planter walls (i.e. near light pole and alley) as potential safety obstructions and not being typical of downtown.
· Eliminate planters on in entry alcove wrapping around front façade, and replace with concrete. Suggest container plants at entry.
· Submit scaled drawings of architectural details and materials for cornice, arch work, casements, relief of building, changes in planters and brick for review and approval of the full Historic Commission prior to submission of the building plans.
The motion was approved by the majority with Chairman Shostrom voting against it.
Chairman Shostrom stated for the record that he still feels the building design is too imitative and presents a false sense of historic style.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
SERA Architects – Greg Flenders and Mark Knox
Pre-Application comments on proposal for a Mixed-Use Development
Harris stated that there had been a miscommunication, and staff had understood that the applicant wanted to continue the informal review of the proposal to the meeting tonight. After the agenda was printed, the applicant’s representative informed her that they would not be attending the December meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
December 8th |
Terry, Jay, Keith |
December 15th |
Terry, Tom, Henry |
December 22nd |
Terry, Allen, Sam |
December 29th |
Terry, Jay, Dale, Rob |
January 5th |
Terry, Keith, Allen, Rob |
B. Project Assignments for Planning Actions
PA #2000-120 |
485 “A” Street (Steve Hoxmeier) |
Shostrom |
PA #2002-100 |
|
Leighton |
PA #2004-026 |
|
Giordano |
PA #2004-102 |
832 “A” Street (Ilene Rubenstein) |
Saladoff |
PA #2004-110 |
|
Whitford |
PA #2004-115 |
|
Swink |
PA #2004-138 |
|
Saladoff |
PA #2004-150 |
87 |
Shostrom |
PA #2004-154 |
|
Leighton |
PA-#2004-160 |
|
Swink |
PL#2005-00039 |
150 N. Pioneer (Stan Potocki & Bruce McLean) |
Leighton |
PL#2005-00869 |
|
Swink |
PL#2005-01043 |
|
Leighton |
PL#2005-01226 |
820 “C” Street (Randy & Helen Ellison) |
Shostrom |
PL#2005-01674 |
11 |
Skibby |
C. Co-Sponsorship with Conservation Commission for Fall Workshop – No Report
D. Lithia Springs National Register Nomination – No Report
E. Multiple Listing Survey for National Register of Historic Places – Ms. Harris reported that the grant money was received but must be used by August 31, 2006. She suggested that the RFP contain wording to include identifying survey methodology to complete the project in the limited amount of time. The Commissioners all supported the recommendation.
F. Single Family Residential Design Standards – No report
G. Brown Bag Meeting – Need to identify meeting topic(s) and respond to City of
NEW BUSINESS –
A. Renewal of National Trust forum membership – Consensus to approve renewal.
B. Ms. Leighton said Bill Molnar, Acting Planning Director, had asked her to participate on the interview panel to select the new planning director. She asked for suggestions from the Historic Commission on what qualities or viewpoints were important to ascertain in the interview process of selecting the new director. Mr. Swink said the Director would need to demonstrate support of the Historic Commission and its purpose. Mr. Skibby felt it was important that the new Director maintain the quality of Planning Department staff. He also suggested questions to determine what experience the candidate had in directly influencing historic preservation. Mr. Skibby also recommended selecting a candidate with experience in dealing with public hearings and commissions.
C. Mr. Swink reported he had contacted the Varsity Theater regarding a showing of the documentary film “Blue Vinyl” to be shown during Historic Preservation Week. He was unable to ascertain if the theater could accommodate the DVD format of the film. Additional venues were suggested such as the Gresham Room in the Public Library or the Co-op community space. Mr. Swink agreed to pursue that information.
D. Ms. Harris handed out a draft memo to the Mayor, City Council and the Planning Commission written by Mr. Giordano on behalf of the Historic Commission suggesting the Historic Commission or a new, separate Commission be formed to do “architectural review” on commercial and, possibly, all multi-family projects throughout the City in order to promote designs that are consistent and compatible with the Site Design and Use Standards of the City of Ashland. Since Mr. Giordano was not present at the meeting, the item was tabled until the next meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next Historic Commission meeting will be on January 4, 2006 at 7:00 pm in the Siskiyou Room.
With a motion by Leighton and a second by Skibby, it was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m.