ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2015

 
Community Development/Engineering Services Building – 51 Winburn Way – Siskiyou Room
 
REGULAR MEETING - CALL TO ORDER 6:02 p.m. – SISKIYOU ROOM in the Community Development/Engineering Services Building, located at 51 Winburn Way
Historic Commissioners Present: Mr. Skibby, Mr. Shostrom, Mr. Whitford, Mr.    Giordano, Ms. Kencairn, Mr. Ladygo, Mr. Emery, Ms. Renwick
Commission Members Absent:  Mr. Swink(E)
Council Liaison :  Carol Voisin
Staff Present: Staff Liaison: Amy Gunter, Clerk: Regan Trapp
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mr. Whitford approved minutes from April 8, 2015 and Ms. Kencairn seconded.  Ms. Renwick abstained.  No one opposed.
                                                    
PUBLIC FORUM:   
Huelz Gutchin, 2253 Hwy 99, Ashland, OR 97520, addressed the Commission.  Mr. Gutchin spoke about climate control and the city’s need to encourage the use of solar panels in all neighborhoods.
 
Ms. Victoria Law stated that she has 5 large photos of historic Ashland that need a home.  She would love for them to be displayed in a city building.  Most of the photos are of the railroad district.  Ms. Gunter stated that there is a process to donate the photos and she will look into this and get back to Ms. Law.  
 
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: 
Ms. Voisin gave the Council Liason report.  She reported on the Iron Mike statue and that Mr. Swink and Ms. Gunter gave the Historic Commission annual report.  She stated that utilities will be increased by 7% and a surcharge on water for AFR will also be added to the utility bill.   The council approved an increase in parking tickets but there will still be some decision making on this as the parking ordinance has not been enforced in the past.  Ms Voisin explained that interviews are now happening for the Chief of Police position.
 
PLANNING ACTION REVIEW:
 
PLANNING ACTION:  PA-2015-00541         
SUBJECT PROPERTY:  345 Lithia Way 
APPLICANT:  Kistler, Small, & White Architects for Double R Products
OWNER:  Hays Oil
DESCRIPTION:  A request for a modification of a previously approved Site Review approval (PA-2014-01226) to convert the Lithia Way Texaco located at 345 Lithia Way into a retail and restaurant establishment. The proposal is to add an outdoor seating area adjacent to the building on the south façade adjacent to Lithia Way and a modification to the proposed exterior finishes.  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Commercial; ZONING: C-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09BD; TAX LOTS: 1801
 
Ms. Gunter gave the staff report on PA-2015-00541. 
 
Mr. Skibby opened the public hearing.
 
Matt Small from Kistler, Small & White Architects, addressed the Commission.   He discussed that they would like to maintain the existing structure and integrity of the building but also create one that would be inviting and attractive to customers.  The structure itself will not change with the exception of some paint. He presented the Commission with tile samples for the front of the building.  He spoke about the fact that the tile was a way to add complexity and color and would draw people to the entrance. Mr. Small called attention to the sizes of the wood components of the building  and said that it creates a simple design to the structure. 
 
Mr. Skibby opened to comments from the Commission. 
 
There was much discussion about the tile design and the sizing of the horizontal wood slats on the building.  After much discussion, the Commission recommended that the applicant utilize one of the tile designs that were presented and consider a smaller scale of horizontal wood slats. 
 
 Ms. Renwick motioned to approve PA-2015-00541 as presented.  Mr. Ladygo seconded.  No one opposed.
 
PLANNING ACTION:  PA-2015-00542                     
SUBJECT PROPERTY:  231 Gresham
OWNER/APPLICANT:  Ben Bryan
DESCRIPTION:  A request for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a one-unit Travelers Accommodation with the property owner residing on-site for the property located at 231 Gresham. The proposed accommodation unit will be located within the existing residence.  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Low-Density Multi-family; ZONING: R-2; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09CA TAX LOT: 7200;
 
Ms. Gunter gave the staff report on PA-2015-00542.
 
Mr. Skibby opened the public hearing.
 
Ben Bryan, owner of 231 Gresham, Ashland, OR 97520, addressed the Commission.  He emphasized that he loves the historic houses of Ashland and would like to share this home with people coming to visit the area.
 
Mr. Skibby opened to the commission for comments.
 
Ms. Ladygo motioned to approve PA-2014-00542.  Mr. Whitford seconded.  No one opposed
 
OLD BUSINESS: 
Iron Mike is now being called “Pioneer Mike”.  He is being cast in bronze.  Ms. Gunter  spoke about possible grant money for Pioneer Mike but would need to be applied for by someone from the Commission as it’s a lengthy process that she just doesn’t have time to do.  She is hoping someone will step up to do this.  Councilwoman Marsh would like to plan a large block party when the statue is unveiled.  This is something that will happen within the next year.  Ms. Renwick suggested that it tie in with Historic Preservation week for next year. 
 
 NEW ITEMS:
Review Board schedule
Project Assignments for planning actions.

Project Assignments for Planning Actions

ANNOUNCEMENTS & INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
 Next meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2015, 6:00 pm.
There being no other items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:40pm
Respectfully submitted by Regan Trapp