Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting
 

December 19, 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 

Commissioner Lopes was absent due to his attendance at a Tree Committee meeting. Chairperson Howard left the meeting after announcing that she would refrain from participating in the discussion of Item No. 3.. 

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 HEARNIGS: 

1.        1015 Court Street.  ARC MI 201-05; Review of a facade remodel to the Thai Palace Restaurant; C-D-H zone; Teerapan Teeratarkul, applicant.  (Pam Ricci) 

On a 6-0-1 vote, the ARC granted final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions.  The Commission liked the color and vibrancy of the remodel which they felt added to the pedestrian experience.  They also supported the changes including the new doors that accommodated outdoor dining.  The ARC wanted to see detailed information on the mosaic pattern on the columns return to them and a more ornate gate added to the exit corridor. 

2.        2932 Augusta Street.  ARC 159-05; Review of a new 10-unit residential condominium project; R-4 zone; Steno-Wolf Associates, applicant.  (Phil Dunsmore) 

On a 6-0-1 vote the Commission voted to continue the item to a date uncertain following approval of the condominium map by the Planning Commission and City Council. Commissioner discussion focused on the required common open space areas and how best to implement the required common open space and recreation amenities. Commissioners discussed the differences between ownership condominiums and rental apartments and felt that additional quality common open space needed to be incorporated into the project design.  Commissioners agreed that the overall design theme was appropriate for the site and supported staff’s direction that included improvements to roof tile and decorative paving for the project. 

3.        254 Granada  Drive.  ARC 198-05; Review of a new satellite dish in the C-S-SP zone; Comtel Pac Link, applicant.  (Tyler Corey) 

On a 5-0-2 vote, the ARC granted final approval to the dish installation, based on findings, and subject to conditions.  The Commission was convinced that this particular dish, although large, could be an acceptable addition to the site with painting to match the building and landscaping added to screen its base and along the street frontage to camouflage it from street views.  The Commission made it very clear with enhanced findings why this installation was unique including its location about 100 feet from the street in an alcove bounded by the building on two sides, the unique parabolic shape of the dish that allowed it to be better integrated with the building, and the added screening landscaping. 

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

4.    Staff: 

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

5.    Commission: 

       A.    Minutes: November 21, 2005 (amend or approve) - The minutes were approved with some minor amendments. 

       B.    Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned 

The ARC discussed the importance of having the opportunity to conceptually review projects prior to their review before the Planning Commission and City Council.  Commr. Stevenson suggested that the ARC conduct another project tour to look at some completed projects in the field.  Vice Chair Boudreau suggested that the tour highlight some multi-family projects, which the other Commissioners supported. 

The ARC adjourned at 8:20 p.m. to a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2006, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.