ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes of 2-8-2012

 CALL TO ORDER – REGULAR MEETING, 6:00 pm
 
Historic Commissioners Present:  Dale Shostrom, Keith Swink, Tom Giordano, Allison Renwick, Kerry Kencairn, Terry Skibby, Sam Whitford, Tobin Fisher
Commission Members Absent:   Ally Phelps
Council Liaison: Michael Morris
High School Liaison: None Appointed
SOU Liaison: None Appointed
Staff Present: Planner: Amy Gunter; Clerk:  Billie Boswell
 

Ms. Renwick moved to approve the January 4, 2012 minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Whitford and was approved unanimously.
 
Mr. Whitford moved to approve the December 7, 2012 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Swink and was approved unanimously.
 
 
PUBLIC FORUM:   No one in the audience wished to speak.
 
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT:  Mike Morris – No report.
 
PUBLIC HEARING: 
 
PLANNING ACTION:          2011-01656  (Continuation)
SUBJECT PROPERTY:     159 Alida
APPLICANT:                       Erika Karnitz
DESCRIPTION:                  A request for a Site Design Review permit for a 400 square foot accessory residential unit to be constructed in the garage off of the alley for the property located at 159 Alida Street. No additions to the unit are proposed. The applicant also is requesting an administrative exception to side yard buffering requirements and to not pave the parking spaces. 
 
Chairman Shostrom confirmed there were no conflicts of interest or exparte contact.  Ms. Gunter went over the additional plans and detail supplied by the applicant.  Chairman Shostrom asked if the lean-to structure would remain.  Ms. Gunter said it would stay and be used for bike parking. There was discussion regarding the lack of a sense of entry off the alley but concluded it was OK because it was an alley. 
 
Mr. Skibby made a motion to recommend approval of the project as presented.  Mr. Fisher seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
 
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PLANNING ACTION:          2011-01755 (Continued)
SUBJECT PROPERTY:     181 Morse
APPLICANT:                       Reichenshammer Building Design for the Malm’s
DESCRIPTION:                  A request for a Conditional Use Permit to exceed the Maximum Permitted Floor Area (MPFA) within a Historic District by 9 percent or 262 square feet to allow for a 699 square foot addition to the existing 488 square foot cottage. Properties in the Historic Districts are allowed a specific square footage of structures in relationship to the size of the parcel. The removal of a six-inch in diameter at breast height apple tree is also requested to be removed.
 
Ms. Gunter pointed out the changes made by the applicants to apply the suggestions of the Historic Commission.  The net resulted in 20 square feet less than originally than originally requested to exceed MPFA.  There were several comments from the Commissioners praising how well the applicants responded to the suggestions and how well the final design turned out.
 
Mr. Giordano made a motion to recommend approval of the project as amended.  Ms Renwick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Mr. Giordano thanked the applicants for their cooperation.
 
PLANNING ACTION:          2012-0001                                          
SUBJECT PROPERTY:     237 B St.
APPLICANT:                       Schnitzer
DESCRIPTION:                  A request for a Conditional Use Permit to convert an existing office in the R-2 zoning district into a 3-unit Travelers Accommodation located at 237 B Street. The proposal will create four off-street parking spaces in the rear of the property off of the alley. No exterior additions or modifications to the structure are proposed. 
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Low-Density Multi-Family; ZONING: R-2; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09BA; TAX LOT: 5400
 
Ms. Gunter explained that the interior spaces would be repurposed to create the three units including an additional bath.  Chairman Shostrom asked about exterior changes. A rear doorway and stairs would be removed and the exterior wall closed in.  There was also discussion about the interior bathrooms and their accessibility to the guests.
 
There being no further questions and no one in the audience wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
 
Ms. Kencairn made a motion to recommend approval of the project as presented.  Mr. Swink seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
 
 
NEW BUSINESS: 
 
A.  Review Board Schedule
 

 
 
 
 
 
B.  Project Assignments for Planning Actions – no changes

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 

It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

1. Solar Panel Green Code Update – Brandon Goldman explained a Municipal Code amendment to allow solar energy systems in Commercial and Employment zoning within the Historic District.  If 3 design criteria are met, site review would be waived.  The criteria would apply as long as the energy system cannot be seen above a parapet or from a public right-of-way.  If it goes through Planning Commission and City Council it could be in place by early May.  The amendments also include allowing a 3’ encroachment into setbacks for eaves; deer fencing; and rainwater systems in setbacks.  Any concerns or comments need to be submitted to Planning Commission by 2-14-2012.
2. Historic Preservation Week – Ms. Gunter said the theme of this year’s event is “Discover America’s Hidden Gems”.  She asked for ideas for our event.  Mr. Skibby suggested tying into the Ashland Library’s 100^th Anniversary.  Ms. Renwick suggested a picture gallery.  Ms. Kencairn thought a Cemetery Clean-up Day should be included.  Mr. Skibby said he would do a walking tour.  It was suggested that the theme be to highlight some of the “quirkey” history of Ashland.  The third week in May was selected and the award ceremony location was discussed.  Incorporating the Railroad Museum was also suggested. There was discussion of coordinating with the “Meet the Pioneers” organizers.  It was also suggested that the Historic Preservation League be asked to host a workshop.  Mr. Skibby and Mr. Shostrom said they would look into the Ashland Library and the Railroad Museum as possible meeting sites.  Ms. Boswell will prepare a nominations list for eligible award projects completed in the Historic District over the past 2 years.

 
DISCUSSION ITEMS:  Ms. Gunter said she would arrange a tour of the Gun Club for mid to late April.
 

ADJOURNMENT: