Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

December 5, 2005                            Monday                                 5:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:      Commrs. Allen Root, Jim Lopes, David Smith, Greg Wilhelm, Charles Stevenson, Vice-Chair Michael Boudreau, and Chairperson Zeljka Howard 

All of the Commissioners were present. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:  

The order of the agenda was not modified, although the ARC agreed to hear a brief update from Betsy Kiser on the relocation of the public art benches directly after Finance Director Statler’s presentation. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:   

There was no public comment other than on regular agenda items.

BUSINESS ITEM: 

B1. Update on possible Revenue Ballot Measure, a presentation by Finance Director Bill Statler 

Bill Statler provided his PowerPoint presentation and the ARC and audience asked specific questions. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.   2178 Johnson Ave.  ARC 162-05; Review of a wireless telecommunications facility on the roof of the former General Hospital building; PF zone; Cingular Wireless, applicants. (Tyler Corey)

On a 7-0 vote, the ARC granted final approval of the project based on findings, and subject to conditions and code requirements. Gordon Bell, the project representative discussed the need for a high point along Johnson Avenue to meet service needs. The Commission added a condition that the existing cornice detail on the equipment screen wall be removed and replaced with a new cornice detail so the area of addition emulates the original in size and appearance.  

2.   1063 Ella Street.  ARC 74-05;  Review of demolition or relocation of a house and construction of residential condominiums; R-2 zone; Brian Rolph, applicant. (Phil Dunsmore) 

On a 7-0 vote, the ARC continued action on this project to a date uncertain with specific direction related to grading, trash collection, landscaping, pedestrian circulation, and building articulation.  The Commission felt that the overall scope and layout of the project had improved immensely since they conceptually reviewed it in September, but expressed concerns with the accuracy of plans and the livability of the project.  They wanted to see an accurate grading plan that showed all proposed retaining walls and heights consistent with the parameters included in the agenda report.  There was direction to submit larger scale elevations that clearly showed all proposed building details and was consistent with the grading plan.  A more refined landscaping plan was also requested.  There was discussion about the possibility of removing a unit from the project to help address some of the site development issues, but this was not a formal part of the Commission’s direction. 

Adjacent property owner Barry Williams spoke in support of the direction that revised project plans were going in, but still had concerns with the grading proposal and the intensity of development.  He submitted a letter discussing his remaining concerns. 

3    2061 Hope Street.  ARC 183-05;  Design review of a proposed new garage at the rear of the lot, and conversion of the existing garage to living space; R-1 zone; Lisa Batterson and Mike Howland, applicants. (Brian Leveille) 

On a 7-0 vote, the ARC granted final approval of the project based on findings, and subject to conditions and code requirements. Ron Batterson, project Architect and neighbor of 33 years explained the reasons for the house addition and how the new driveway provides access to the rear of the site. The Commission was impressed with the project and noted it can serve as a model for other garage conversion proposals.  

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

4.    Staff 

A.   Agenda Forecast - Pam Ricci provided a forecast for the next agenda. 

5.    Commission 

            A.   Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned 

Commr. Root mentioned that the lights for the flagpole at KSBY were still not properly shielded. 

There was general discussion about the flurry of e-mails exchanged which related to the Council review of the relocation of the “Community’s Bridge” public art benches to the County Government Center.  The Commission agreed that Commissioners had the right to submit their own individual comments, but should not attempt to relay the opinions of their fellow Commissioners.  The ARC would like to have draft minutes before them to review and approve prior to final action on items that they reviewed and are either considered by Council on appeal or through the project review process.  

The meeting adjourned around 9:00 p.m. to a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, December 19, 2005, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.