Architectural Review Committee Meeting

MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Wednesday, July 15, 2015 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm 580 PACIFIC STREET, COUNCIL CHAMBERS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Members Present: Freeman, Abma, Dawson, Searle, Silva Members Absent: Kimzey, Latasa Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Cole, Senior Planner Hopper, Community Services Director Bui-Burton, Building Official Kuehl, Recording Secretary Leinen CALL TO ORDER Chair Freeman called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. CONSENT ITEMS Christy Hopper said Item 4 of the Consent Agenda will not be heard because the City Forester approved removal of the tree in question due to its potential public health risks. Ms. Hopper said a neighborhood representative has suggestions for an additional Condition of Approval for Item 3 of the Consent Agenda. Committee Member Dawson made a motion to remove Item 3 from the Consent Agenda. Committee Member Silva seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Silva, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee removed Item 3 from the Consent Agenda: AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Freeman, Abma, Dawson, Searle, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Kimzey, Latasa ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None Committee Member Dawson made a motion to approve items 1 and 2 of the Consent Agenda. Committee Member Searle seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Silva, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved items 1 and 2 of the Consent Agenda: AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Freeman, Abma, Dawson, Searle, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Kimzey, Latasa ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None Approval of Minutes 1. July 1, 2015 ACTION: Approved as amended. Committee Member Dawson said he has no comments on the Minutes. Chair Freeman said that the Minutes should be amended to reflect that all Historic Preservation Commission members who are able to attend are invited to the Architectural Review  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Committee’s field trip to the Wharf and Waterfront Area scheduled for August 10, 2015. Other Consent Items 2. Consider Del Monte Beach Restroom; AR Permit 15-244 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of an Expanded Fence Enclosure to Screen Portable Toilets; Applicant/Owner City of Monterey; O Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review with Conditions of Approval. 3. Consider 639 Lighthouse Avenue Suite B; Sign Permit 15-232 for a Multi-Tenant Sign Program and One Awning Sign; Applicant Samuel Dufour; Owner Salvatrice Cappuccio Tr Et Al; C-2 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Removed from Consent; Discussed; Adopted a Resolution approving the Sign Permit with Conditions of Approval and added Special Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Ms. Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Samuel Dufour, applicant, said he will switch the “open” sign to a non-blinking mode per staff’s request. He also said he is open to community input and comments. Mr. Dufour said the proposed eave is 19 inches but he believes it should be only eight or nine inches instead and that he would like the awning to step out to meet the building next door. Committee Member Dawson said it is hard to tell the type of store from the proposed signage and suggested somehow clarifying the sign. Mr. Dufour said he appreciates the input and will run the idea by the sign maker. In response to Committee Member Abma’s question, Mr. Dufour said he is open to any color scheme for the awning and the logo, and that the sign company said seagull droppings would be easy to wash from the awning with a hose. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Silva said he likes the black color of the awnings. He also said he would like to see the 10% window sign regulation relaxed since the store is set so far back. Ms. Hopper said that 15 square feet per tenant is the maximum allowed. Committee Member Silva suggested allowing 16.5 square feet per tenant. Chair Freeman concurred with the suggestion. Chair Freeman said the proposed design helps move the Lighthouse Avenue area in the direction of being less plain and more colorful. Committee Member Silva made motion to adopt a Resolution approving the sign permit with Conditions of Approval and added Special Conditions of Approval as follows: 1. That each tenant shall be allowed up to 16.5 square feet of window sign in addition to the awning signs with a sign permit. 2  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, July 15, 2015 2. 639 A Lighthouse – Gold Coast – That the window signs shall be reduced to no more than 10% of the area of the window within 30 days of the date of this permit unless a sign permit for window signs up to 16.5 square feet is issued. 3. 639 B Lighthouse - That the A-frame sign in front of the building is a safety hazard, is not approved as part of this permit and shall be removed immediately. 4. That the blinking open sign shall be removed or permanently switched to solid. 5. That the awning sign for Tenant B is approved as part of this application. Committee Member Abma seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Silva, seconded by Committee Member Abma, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee Adopted a Resolution approving the sign permit with Conditions of approval and added Special Conditions of Approval: AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Freeman, Abma, Dawson, Searle, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Kimzey, Latasa, ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 4. Consider 17 Via Del Pinar; Tree Removal Permit 15-209 for the Removal of One Holly Tree; Applicant/Owner Melanie Hill; R-1-8 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Item not heard; Removal of tree in question approved by City Forester due to potential public health risks. ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE Committee Member Silva recused himself from items #5 and 6 and exited the room. 5. Consider 654 Cannery Row; AR Permit 15-257 for Final Architectural Review of Sidewalk Changes and Amending AR Permit 14-437; Owner Inns of Cannery Row (Cannery Row Company); Applicant Patrick Ottone (Lalla Oceanside Grill); Cannery Row Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving AR Permit 15-257 for exterior sidewalk changes and amending AR Permit 14-437 with Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Kimberly Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. John Kuehl, City Building Official, was also present and answered Committee Members’ questions. 3  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Applicant Craig Riddell, on behalf of owners Pat and Tony Ottone, said he is glad to be at the current stage after the long ARC, Planning Commission and Costal Commission process. Mr. Riddell said he is supportive of the proposal and thinks it is a good solution. He also said he is agreeable to a plant buffer, but would like to work with the City to ensure there are no trip hazards. Mr. Riddell said the project is 70-80% completed and he would like to get to the point of completing the patio. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments In response to Committee Member Dawson’s question, Ms. Cole said the landscape plan is not developed yet. In response to Committee Member Abma’s question, Ms. Cole confirmed that the landscaping will be at curb level. Committee Member Dawson made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving AR Permit 15-257 for exterior sidewalk changes and amending AR Permit 14-437 with Conditions of Approval. Committee Member Abma seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Abma, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving AR Permit 15-257 for exterior sidewalk changes and amending AR Permit 14-437 with Conditions of Approval: AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Freeman, Abma, Dawson, Searle NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Kimzey, Latasa ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 1 MEMBERS: Silva Chair Freeman recused herself from item #6 and exited the room. Committee Member Dawson took over as acting chair. 6. Consider 301-375 Alvarado Street; Permit 15-247 for Final Architectural Review of Exterior Improvements - Landscape Plan, Fencing/Gates, Sunroom, Awnings, Tables and Chairs, and Lighting; Owner Paseo de Alvarado Associates (John Valenti); Applicant Peter Silva (WRD Architects); Planned Community - Downtown (PC-D) Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving AR Permit 15-247 with Conditions of Approval and Amended Special Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Ms. Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Edward Dooling, property manager for AG Davi, said both the Monterey Crepe Company and Round Table Pizza have agreed to update their awnings, and Round Table has agreed to remove the front door awning, unless it creates a slip and fall hazard, in which case it will be reinstalled. Mr. Dooley said he would like to work with staff for a color scheme and that he understands signage requires a sign program. He also said the tenants are open to creating logos in the same size and shape for uniformity. Henry Ruhnke, Wald, Ruhnke and Dost Architects, said Ms. Cole and the staff report provided lots of information. In regards to Committee Members’ questions regarding the 4  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, July 15, 2015 fence, Mr. Ruhnke said vinyl slats in the brown color shown will be used. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Abma made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving AR Permit 15-247 with Conditions of Approval and Amended Special Conditions of Approval as follows: 1. The awnings for the Crepes restaurant and Round Table Pizza are not approved. A consistent shape and improved color scheme should be pursued. If signs are proposed on the awnings, a sign permit shall be submitted. Staff can review these changes administratively if they comply with City guidelines. Committee Member Searle seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Abma, seconded by Committee Member Searle, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving AR Permit 15-247 with Conditions of Approval and Amended Special Conditions of Approval: AYES: 3 MEMBERS: Abma, Dawson, Searle NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Latasa, Kimzey ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 2 MEMBERS: Freeman, Silva Acting Chair Dawson called recess at 5:08 p.m. Chair Freeman reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 7. Consider Portola Plaza (Plaza Design); AR Permit 15-202 for Final Architectural Review of Portola Plaza; Property Owner/Applicant City of Monterey; Visitor Accommodation Facility (VAF) Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Final Architectural Review for the renovation of the Portola Plaza with Conditions of Approval and added Special Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Ms. Hopper introduced Community Services Director Kim Bui-Burton. Ms. Bui-Burton said the recent 4th of July parade and festivities drew 20,000 people and it is exciting that Portola Plaza will be a future gathering place for these types of events. Ms. Bui-Burton also respectfully asked the ARC to take one more look at the fountain as a centerpiece to the plaza in order to honor the opinions expressed at community meetings and City Council meetings and due to further research done by the research team in response to the ARC’s comments at the prior meeting. Ms. Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Member’s 5  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, July 15, 2015 questions. Ms. Hopper introduced Gary Strang and Aaron Jensen of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, who also answered Committee Members’ questions. Committee Member Searle said the ARC gave clear direction to staff at the prior meeting regarding the fountain, and reconsideration of the fountain it is not helping to move the project forward. Chair Freeman said the image displayed in the Monterey County Herald’s article was a misrepresentation of what the Plaza will be. Ms. Hopper said the City has no control over what images are published in the newspaper, but she is aware of comments sent to the editor requesting that the image be changed or removed. Ms. Hopper gave a summary of the public comments received regarding the Portola Plaza and provided her analysis and staff’s recommendations. Public Comments Jim Greer, managing owner of the Portola Hotel since 1978, said he has been very involved with the hotel since it was built and appreciates all the attention given to the plaza by the ARC. Mr. Greer said a fountain has the potential for creating a memorable space and could also be used as a directional landmark, while trees could potentially interfere with the hotel’s identity. Mr. Greer asked the ARC to recognize the merits of the fountain and approve it. Renee Boskoff, Monterey Marriott Hotel general manager, said the Marriott has a wonderful working relationship with Portola Plaza Hotel and what’s good for Portola Plaza and the Conference Center is ultimately good for the Marriott as well. Mr. Boskoff said he is very supportive of the plaza remodel and also supportive of the fountain element due to the soothing nature of water. Mr. Boskoff asked the ARC to consider the safety aspect of having greenspace in the middle of the plaza and to at least reconsider their decision of trees as a centerpiece. Gary Cursio, chairman of the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA), said he has been involved with the project from beginning and has attended most, if not all, meetings. Mr. Cursio said the plaza should be looked at from the view of the end users and that not to have a fountain as the centerpiece would be a tremendous mistake. Mr. Cursio also said a fountain is appealing and draws people to the area and he urged the ARC to reconsider their decision and to take staff’s recommendation and include fountain in the plan. Sam Teal, co-chair of government affairs for MCHA, said 100 % of MCHA members are in favor of a fountain at the plaza and not additional trees. Nancy Soule, homeowner on Larkin Street, said she visited the Monterey area for 40 years before moving here but was not aware of how beautiful the Old Town area is because she mainly visited the Wharf, Cannery Row, and Carmel. Ms. Soule said a fountain would be soothing and would draw people into the downtown and the Old Town area. She asked the ARC to reconsider the fountain proposal. Janine Chicourrat, general manager of the Portola Plaza Hotel and Spa, said she is thrilled that many safety aspects are being addressed and that she supports the statue’s location as proposed. Ms. Chicourrat also said the fountain creates a sense of arrival for guests and absorbs noise, and said the current fountain has been great at abating noise. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Silva said there is a pinch point leading to the parking garage at the 6  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, July 15, 2015 area of the southeast planter and suggested reducing the size of the planter. Chair Freeman said she likes “tree-centric” nature of the proposal. Committee Member Dawson said he is in favor of a fountain with a vertical element because it would be a good feature for the plaza and would be a gathering place. He also said he likes the added plantings and the lit lane markers. Committee Member Dawson said the three trees proposed have the potential to block the view of the hotel and the Conference Center. Committee Member Silva complimented the design team on the lighting plan and use of shale aggregate, but said he has issues with the fountain because it is bound by traffic and as presented is not a public gathering spot. He also said he prefers the center planting approach with Monterey Cypress trees, but is compelled to support a fountain approach due to community interest, but not the fountain as proposed with empty, negative space. Committee Member Abma said she agrees with many of Committee Member Silva’s comments and said Custom House Plaza is a more appropriate place to gather around a fountain. Committee Member Abma said the space in the plaza is important but she does not see it as a gathering space. She also said the fountain designs as presented are not complete. Committee Member Searle said the fountain as proposed downplays the significance of the plaza and referenced Trafalgar Square as a plaza with two fountains that are not in the center. He also said if a fountain goes into the plaza it should be one that is not intended to play in or gather around and one that creates enough action in the center of the plaza and is more than just a reflecting pool. Committee Member Searle said one of Monterey’s charms is its gardens and greenery, and that he still feels landscaping with appropriate placement of the Portola Statue would work. Chair Freeman said the applicant has increased the planting to paver ratio addressed the wall to ground transition and addressed bus stop seating as requested by the ARC, so the issue remaining is whether to have a fountain or trees in the center of the plaza. Chair Freeman said Norfolk Island Pine would be a suitable tree choice for the center, but since the public has requested the fountain, she echoes Committee Member Silva’s comments and would like to see more renderings of the fountain in the plaza. Chair Freeman said three design ideas would be a fountain that could be enjoyed from afar, a fountain that allows seating around the edge, or a fountain that incorporates the Portola statue in some manner. Committee Member Silva said if the issue of the fountain is continued for re-design, more direction should be given as to how the ARC envisions the fountain. Chair Freeman suggested that the ARC gather resources and present ideas. Committee Member Silva said the fountain should not encourage pedestrian interaction for safety reasons and could incorporate a light display with LED colors. Committee Member Dawson asked the applicants if they have enough information to go forward. Mr. John Hill said enough information has been given to have clear direction for the design team. Committee Member Dawson made a motion to approve Final Architectural Review for the renovation of the Portola Plaza with the exception of the fountain. Committee Member Silva said he is troubled by the pinch-point at the southeast planter. 7  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Committee Member Dawson amended his motion to approve Final Architectural Review for the renovation of the Portola Plaza with Conditions of Approval and added Special Conditions of Approval as follows: 1. That prior to installation the following items shall return to the ARC for review and approval: a. The final design of the fountain; and b. A revised landscaping plan showing a reduction in the “pinch-point” at the southeast planter. Committee Member Silva seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Silva, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving Final Architectural Review for the renovation of the Portola Plaza with Conditions of Approval and added Special Conditions of Approval: AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Freeman, Dawson, Silva, Abma NOES: 1 MEMBERS: Searle ABSENT: 2 MEMBERS: Latasa, Kimzey ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS Regarding the O’Connell house in Pebble Beach, Committee Member Dawson said Monterey County has ordered an administrative hearing but because the house is unsafe to enter the owner has asked for a reprieve in order to work with a contractor and make the building safe to enter. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 8. Planning Office Update  Update received  Ms. Hopper said there will be concept review of a new building at 625 Cannery Row at the August 5, 2015 meeting and that the field trip to the Wharf and Waterfront Area is tentatively scheduled for August 10, 2015.  Committee Member Searle said he will not be in attendance at the August 5, 2015 ARC Meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Christine Hopper Chair Senior Planner Architectural Review Committee 8