Architectural Review Committee Meeting

MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Wednesday, February 19, 2014 AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 580 PACIFIC STREET MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Members Present: Latasa, Freeman, Kimzey, Silva Members Absent: Dawson, Sullivan Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Kinison Brown, City Forester Reid, Recording Secretary Nelson CALL TO ORDER Chair Latasa called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm. CONSENT ITEMS On a motion by Committee Member Silva, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved the CONSENT ITEMS: AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Kimzey, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Dawson, Sullivan ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None Approval of Minutes 1. February 5, 2014 ACTION: Approved as submitted. Other Consent Items 2. Consider 1098 Del Monte Avenue; AR Application 14-011 for Exterior Alterations (Enclose Staircase); Applicant Steven Krebs; Owner Eureka Group, GP; Community Commercial (C-2) Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving the exterior alterations with Conditions of Approval. ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 3. Consider 620 Devisadero Street; AR Application 13-028 for Modifications to an Existing Personal Wireless Service (PWS) Facility; Applicant Jason Osborne for Crown Castle/Sprint; Owner California American Water Company; Community Commercial (C-2) Zoning Designation; Exempt from CEQA Requirements Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2014 ACTION: Continued the application to a date uncertain for applicant to work with staff to address issued raised by neighbors and ARC Members. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Taven M. Kinison Brown presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. City Forester Robert Reid was also present and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Jason Osborne, applicant, said the faux tree is made of fiberglass and the branches age and fall off due to moisture and weather conditions. He also said the pole portion of the tree is 45 feet but the foliage is taller to prevent a topped off look. Mr. Osborne said he agrees to all proposed Conditions of Approval and is willing to work with staff on tree replacement. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s question, Mr. Osborne said the main goal of planting replacement trees is to provide screening for Jessie Street and that he would defer to staff and the City Forester for placement of the trees. He also said the trees need to be planted in a way that will not block CalAm’s access road. In response to Committee Member Silva’s question, Mr. Osborne said he is unsure if there are any underground utilities where the trees are proposed to be planted. In response to Chair Latasa’s question, Mr. Osborne said the trees will be professionally planted and watered with a one-half inch drip line or gel packs. Mr. Osborne also said he is not aware of any noise increases from the new noise cabinet. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s question, Mr. Osborne said that a Radio Frequency Study showed the subject facility giving off less than 5% of the 100% allowable limitation and that signs are posted at the site due to a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) mandate. In response to Vice Chair Freeman’s question, Mr. Osborne said the long-term goal of the facility is to provide cell phone service for customers in the area with the least impact to the city. Public Comments Kerry Conbow, Jessie Street resident, said that the faux tree is ugly and will remain ugly even with 25 foot trees planted around it. He also said there is no mitigation to make the antenna more attractive and that it should be relocated to an unrestricted, non-residential area due to its ongoing maintenance and Sprint’s desire to expand. Mr. Conbow said the neighborhood absorbs a lot of impact from the antenna maintenance and CalAm. Committee Member Kimzey requested that the applicant come forward to address the Committee. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s questions, Mr. Osborne said he has not considered relocation of the antenna because the current hilltop site is ideal and leasing land from the Defense Language Institute (DLI) would be difficult. In response to Vice Chair Freeman’s question, Mr. Osborne said CalAm access is available on Jessie and Devisadero Streets. Laurie Putnam, Jessie Street resident, said she resides directly across from the tower and agrees with Mr. Conbow that the site has always been unattractive. She said it causes an unpleasant view from her window and that the proposed trees may not mature quickly enough to provide adequate screening due to shady and cool conditions of the area. 2  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2014 Committee Member Comments Committee Member Kimzey said that planting larger trees could help with the screening issue. Mr. Reid agreed that use of 36 inch boxed oaks could speed up the growth of the project, but said 24 inch boxed Japanese Black Pines are difficult to obtain. Chair Latasa said a Condition of Approval should be added requiring planting trees closer to the site fence for more coverage. He also said a different material should be used for the faux tree to cause it to look more natural. Committee Member Silva said the application should be continued for the applicant to create a revised landscape plan. Chair Latasa concurred. In response to Chair Latasa’s question, Mr. Reid confirmed that he would like the applicant to coordinate with him regarding placement of the replacement trees. Committee Member Silva made a motion to continue the application to a date uncertain for applicant to work with staff to address issued raised by neighbors and ARC Members. On a motion by Committee Member Silva, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee continued the application to a date uncertain for applicant to work with staff to address issued raised by neighbors and ARC Members: AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Kimzey, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Dawson, Sullivan ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 4. Consider 611 and 617 Lighthouse Avenue; AR Permit 13-537 for Repainting a Commercial Façade in a Non-neutral Color, Awning Replacement, New Exterior Lighting and Sign Program for the Bulldog British Pub and Wash-Dry; Applicant Christine Kerr; Property Owner Anna C. Vermi Trust; C-2 Community Commercial Zoning District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving the new paint color, awning, lighting and signs, with added Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Mr. Kinison Brown presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Christine Kerr, applicant, said the wall signs will be painted by a local artist and made from strong plywood mounted flat against the wall. Ms. Kerr also said a picture of the copper awning is not available at this time because it is still being made. John Heenan, awning craftsman, said the existing awning frames will be re-skinned in copper with the shape of the frame showing through and a seam down the middle. In response to Committee member Silva’s questions, Mr. Heenan said there will also be a seam four feet up from the bottom of the awning that will not be visible from ground level and that the awning’s bottom edge will be 12 feet from the ground. In response to Chair Latasa and Committee Member Kimzey’s questions, Mr. Heenan said the awning will have a straight edge along the bottom and overlapping copper 3  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2014 panels on the edges of the frame. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s question, Mr. Heenan said stainless rivets will attach the existing frame to the copper awning and that the patina area of the sign will be a natural brown color and the letters will be shinny copper. He also said the patina finish can be applied in the shop or after the awning is installed. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Silva said the exhibit included in the Agenda Report does not closely reflect the proposed project and that he would benefit from seeing a more accurate simulation. Vice Chair Freeman said she supports the proposal and the richness and color it will bring to the neighborhood, but suggested adding a Condition of Approval requiring the paint on the building to wrap to the vertical edges of the shed roof. Committee Member Kimzey said he cannot judge the quality of the wall signs due to their lack of definitization. Chair Latasa said that plywood is not a strong material and that the applicant should ensure the wood used for the wall signs is of good quality. Committee Member Silva commended the applicant for investing in the Lighthouse Area with quality materials and colors. Chair Latasa concurred. Vice Chair Freeman made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving the new paint color, awning, lighting and signs, with added Conditions of Approval as follows: 5. The burgundy paint color used on the front façade shall wrap around to the vertical edge of the shed roof. On a motion by Committee Member Freeman, seconded by Committee Member Silva, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee Adopted a Resolution approving the new paint color, awning, lighting and signs, with added Conditions of Approval: AYES: 3 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Silva NOES: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Dawson, Sullivan ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None Committee Member Silva recused himself from item #5. 5. Consider 296 Lighthouse Avenue; Sign Permit 13-360 for Sign Program for Multi- Tenant Building; Applicant Phil Vanderkraats; Property Owner A.G. Davi; C-2 Community Commercial Zoning District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving one of four new signs proposed, with Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Mr. Kinison Brown presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. 4 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2014 Applicant Phil Vanderkraats, applicant, said developing a multi-tenant sign program for the building has been difficult and that a readable sign is necessary due to the speed at which motorists pass by. He also said a “Mattress Nation” fascia sign is appropriate for the site because fascia signs are not uncommon on the street, the sign would complement the “Subway” fascia sign on the other side of the building, and the property owner supports the proposal. Mr. Vanderkraats also said a large, memorable sign is necessary due to the small parking area of the business and that the one-tenth linear feet sign area requirement for the Lighthouse Area is not appropriate. In response to Vice Chair Freeman’s question, Mr. Vanderkraats said that placement of the signs on the stucco facade above the eaves may be too high up for business purposes and may not be favorable with apartment tenants above. In response to Chair Latasa’s question, Mr. Vanderkraats confirmed there is a planting strip below the eave on the Dickman Avenue side of the building but said a hung sign in that location would be inconsistent with the Subway fascia sign on the opposite side. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s question, Mr. Vanderkraats said that a fin sign would allow eight feet of clearance with the sidewalk slope below. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Vice Chair Freeman said she supports staff’s recommendation to approve one fin sign, but having eyebrow eaves with fascia signs would cause a cluttered look. Committee Member Kimzey said he supports staff’s recommendation. He also said the current roof feature is attractive and the proposed B signs would not enhance the look of the building. Chair Latasa said he supports staff’s recommendations to approve one fin sign with the Conditions listed in the Agenda Report. He confirmed with the applicant whether they would prefer an approval of staff’s recommendation, appealable to the Planning Commission, or a continuance for redesign of the project. Mr. Vanderkraats said that an approval of the fin sign and continuance of the proposed wall signs would be in his best interest. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s request for clarification regarding continuance of the application, Mr. Kinison Brown said staff’s recommendation in the Agenda Report is to approve only sign A for Mattress Nation and give direction to the applicant to return for design of the other signs. Vice Chair Freeman made a motion to approve type A projecting sign for a fin sign for mattress nation only and continue the application for the type B wall-mounted signs pending re-design. On a motion by Committee Member Freeman, seconded by Committee Member Latasa, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee Adopted a Resolution approving one of four new signs proposed, with Conditions of Approval: 5  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2014 AYES: 3 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Kimzey NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Dawson, Sullivan ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 1 MEMBERS: Silva COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS Chair Latasa’s asked for follow-up information regarding the roof sign at the Wharf Market Place. Mr. Kinison Brown said the Historic Preservation Commission approved a Sign Permit and Historic Permit for the neon sign at their August 8, 2013 meeting and thanked Ms. Nelson for her research and assistance obtaining information on the project. Chair Latasa said he will be attending the Mayor’s Meeting on March 10, 2014 and asked the Committee for topic suggestions. Committee Member Kimzey suggested that Chair Latasa speak about the overlap in jurisdiction between the Historic Preservation Commission and the Architectural Review Committee. Committee Member Silva said that he recently learned that state planning law and CEQA requires all buildings 50 years and older to be subject to environmental review for historic significance regardless of their design or attractiveness. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS Mr. Kinison Brown told the Committee that Mr. Boris Jacoubowsky will be honored with a proclamation by the City Council and that the Planning Office is still gathering information regarding Mr. Jacoubowsky’s service and accomplishments for the proclamation. Mr. Kinison Brown said that the North Fremont Specific Plan was not heard by City Council on February 1, 2014 due to a request of the Neighborhood Association to move the item to March 18, 2014. Mr. Kinison Brown also reminded the Committee that Form 700’s are due to the City Clerk’s Office no later than March 1, 2014. 6. Planning Office Update ACTION: Received Planning Office Update. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:58 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Taven M. Kinison Brown Chair Principal Planner Architectural Review Committee 6