Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

December 18, 2006                          Monday                                 5:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:      Commrs. Zeljka Howard, Jim Lopes, Anthony Palazzo, Greg Wilhelm, Steven Hopkins, Vice-Chair Allen Root, and Chairperson Michael Boudreau 

Commrs. Howard & Palazzo were absent. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: 

The order of the agenda was not modified. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:   

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.      3971 So. Higuera Street. ARC PA 165-06;  Review of a new fountain and sculpture as proposed public art; C-C zone; M. Timm Development, applicant. (Phil Dunsmore) 

On a 5-0 vote, the ARC found that the proposed art piece met the City’s criteria for public art and approved its installation.  Commission discussion focused on ways to follow the public art jury’s recommendation to incorporate features of the sculpture in the low block wall surrounding the sculpture and fountain.  After extensive discussion about a variety of techniques including alternative materials for the wall and using the slate tile of the base of the fountain pool as a wall cap, the ARC ultimately altered a condition of approval that the plaque design for the piece coordinate with the artwork and be integrated with the top of the wall. 

2.      902 Southwood Drive.  ARC PA 168-06;  Review of proposed public art at the SLO Swim Center children’s/therapy pool; PF zone; City of SLO, applicant.  (Jaime Hill) 

On a 5-0 vote, the ARC found that the proposed art piece met the City’s criteria for public art and approved its installation.  The ARC reviewed an example of the tile work proposed in the proposed wall-mounted art piece or triptych, a term used to describe the distinctive style of three tile panels, and was very impressed with the beauty and craftsmanship. The only concern raised by the ARC with the piece was its accessibility to the public since it would be located within a fenced compound surrounding the pools. The ARC added a condition that, If feasible, additional visual access to the piece be provided from beyond the perimeter fence. 

3.      1617 Santa Rosa Street.  MOD/ARC MI 19-06;  Review of modifications to an approved addition (enclosed porch/roof deck)  to the Hotel Obispo; R-3-H zone; Elaine Simer, applicant.  (Jaime Hill) 

This item was continued to a date uncertain without discussion. 

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

4.        Staff: 

A.       Agenda Forecast - Pam Ricci gave an overview of upcoming projects for the January 8^th ARC hearing.  She mentioned that the meeting on January 22^nd would be held in the Council Chamber, rather than the Hearing Room because the CHC would be meeting on the same night. 

5.        Commission: 

       A.    Minutes: December 4, 2006 (amend or approve) - The minutes were approved with a few amendments.  Commr. Lopes suggested that the minutes better summarize the ARC members’ suggestions, rather than focus on questions posed.      

       B.    Budget Goals – A minor modification was made to Goal # 1, dealing with providing examples of affordable-by-design housing.  The ARC added language to clarify that written guidelines along with graphics be incorporated in the Community Design Guidelines to illustrate examples. 

       C.   Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned 

The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. to a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.