Architectural Commission & Historic Preservation Commission

City of Oconomowoc ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, October 14, 2020 @ 5:00 PM @ City Hall, Council Chambers NOTICE: If a person with a disability requires the meeting be accessible or materials at the meeting be in an accessible format, call Diane Coenen, City Clerk, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at 262-569-2186, or TDD at 262-569-3272 to request adequate accommodations. AGENDA: 1. Roll Call and Confirmation of appropriate meeting notification. 2. Approve Minutes of September 9, 2020. 3. 216 N. Lake Road – Consider/approve an accessory structure at 216 N. Lake Road. 4. Tower Ridge Condominiums – Consider/approve a special exception for an off-premise sign for 265 Thurow Drive at the NW corner of N. Lapham Street and E. Wisconsin Avenue. 5. Reports and comments from the City Planning Department. 6. Reports and comments from the Architectural Commissioners. 7. Adjourn. Members of other City governmental bodies (boards, commission, committees, council, etc.) may attend the above noticed meeting of the Architectural Commission in order to gather information. The only action to be taken at the above noticed meeting will be action by the Architectural Commission. Architectural Commissioners should notify the City Clerk's Office at 262-569-3236 if they are unable to attend.  City of Oconomowoc Architectural Commission Meeting Minutes September 9, 2020 Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Members Present: Kurt Schrang (5:01 pm), Kent Johnson, Jeremy Flint, Anne Krogstad and Paul Schultz Staff Present: Jason Gallo, Kristi Weber and Chris Dehnert 2. Approve the August 12, 2020 Minutes: Motion by Flint to approve the August 12, 2020 minutes; second by Schultz. Motion carried 4-0. 3. The Marketplace – Consider/approve a Master Sign Plan for 130, 132 & 134 E. Wisconsin Avenue: Weber explained members previously approved an update to this building’s façade in June, and this request is for approval of a master sign plan as the building will contain multiple tenants. The main building sign was also approved in June. Weber clarified the 2 proposed wall signs on the E. Wisconsin Avenue façade will be 30” H x 80” W black aluminum and lit by a gooseneck light. There will also be 2 wall signs on the rear elevation to be located above each doorway. Sign E is proposed to be 32” x 32” while sign D is shown as 32” x 15”. Staff suggested that both signs on this elevation be 32” x 32”. The applicant is also requesting an off-premises sign to be located on the west wall of the Children’s Gallery. The property owner of this location has agreed to the sign as long as the building owner of the Marketplace takes care of it. Weber noted any additional signage by the applicant, which he wants to be very simple, will be regulated under the City’s sign code. The owner/applicant, Jason Dvorak, said he is very pleased with how everything has turned out on the front and rear elevations of the building. Members noted approval of off-premises signs can be tricky; it’s an issue if the off-premises sign is on a front elevation but this sign is acceptable because it will be located in an alley; and the off-premises sign improves the aesthetic view of the façade it will be on. Members also suggested the area should be visible to these businesses if this is the only signage they will have. Dvorak noted he is planning sconce lighting on either side of the signage which will illuminate it but not shine directly on it. He added these businesses arrange private meetings with their clients so there should be limited foot traffic at night. Motion by Krogstad to approve the Master Sign Plan for the Marketplace at 130, 132 & 134 E. Wisconsin Avenue with the recommendations of Planning staff for updating text as presented; the elevation on the lake side may be unlit; and approve the off- premises sign as presented; second by Flint. Motion carried 5-0. 4. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church– Consider/approve a Digital Reader Board at 210 E. Pleasant Street: Weber explained this request is for a digital reader board to be placed in an existing monument sign located a block off the downtown. The sign currently has changeable copy, is internally lit and faces Wisconsin Avenue. Staff reviewed the request and agreed the proposed sign looks good but the issue is with the proximity of the reader board to the downtown. The City’s sign code states that signs in the downtown are not to be internally lit. They agreed, however, there is a reader board in the downtown that reflects time/temperature which was approved. Staff recommends denial of the request based on the location of the proposed reader board. Weber noted staff has received multiple complaints on other church reader boards which are located across from a residential neighborhood due to their brightness. Gallo said they have concerns with the precedence this request for a reader board in the downtown could set. He explained the types of complaints they have received, and how they have worked with owners to reduce the brightness of their reader boards. Pat Borgman and Glenn Leidel spoke on behalf of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, noting the history and their goal to update the sign and bring it up to date in order to provide information to the congregation and other members of the community. They agreed to work with the City on any issues that may arise; reduce light levels if necessary; or set hours when it would be allowed to be illuminated. They noted the current sign is illuminated with 2 light bulbs; there are other internally illuminated signs on Wisconsin Avenue; and there have been no safety issues at the intersection of St. Paul and Pleasant Streets. The reader board will be 2’ x 3’ and they feel most other reader boards are much larger and gawdy. They desire S:Clerk\Committees-Commissions\Architectural\2020\ACMin 9-9-20 something small and unobtrusive to get information out to their congregation on weekend and evening activities. Zach Wenger of Lemberg Electric explained the proposed reader board unit is a very smart system; has an automatic eye to know when to dim down or can be turned down manually; the sign will shut off if it malfunctions; light from the reader board will not shine off to the sides; and the reader board cannot livestream events. Members comments included: don’t believe a reader board at this location is a problem because it will be located off Wisconsin Avenue, is not directly adjacent to single-family housing, is located next to a high rise with businesses on the first floor and it can be controlled manually; questioned if it is the Church’s intent to show videos on the reader board; they have a problem with showing videos or photos on the reader board; concerned with propaganda on the reader board; likes showing photos on the reader board; and likes the sign but content on a reader board is always the issue. Leidel suggested the members could approve the reader board and provide that no pictures are to be displayed on it. He added if the church wanted to show pictures on the reader board at some point in the future, then maybe it could be allowed as a trial. Leidel concluded the church is willing to have the reader board illuminated from 6 am to 10 pm and do whatever else the Architectural members want. Gallo read Section 17.609(4)(a) of the City Zoning Code regarding approval of signs by the Architectural members. He noted each illuminated sign that has been approved in the downtown has history as to why it was approved, and then each request that comes after is addressed case by case though the sign code does not permit illuminated signs in the downtown at all. Motion by Krogstad to approve a digital reader board for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 210 E. Pleasant Street subject to the following restrictions: no fixed imagery but should only be letters; the digital reader board may only be illuminated from 6 am to 10 pm; the light level of the sign is to be approved by City staff after installation; and any changes to the reader board are to be approved by City staff; second by Schrang. Motion carried 5-0. 5. Reports and comments from the City Planner: None. 6. Reports and comments from the Architectural Commissioners: None. 7. Adjourn: Motion by Schrang to adjourn at 5:53 pm; second by Schultz. Motion carried 5-0. Chris Dehnert, Deputy City Clerk S:Clerk\Committees-Commissions\Architectural\2020\ACMin 9-9-20  Department of City Planning Kristi Weber | 262.569.2173 oconomowoc-wi.gov/planning Architectural Commission Background October 14th 2020 : 5:00 pm at City Hall in Council Chambers Item #3 – 216 N. Lake Road; Accessory Structure / Detached Garage The applicant is requesting approval of an accessory structure / detached garage at 216 N. Lake Road. Per Section §17.204(5) of the City’s Municipal Code, “all proposed accessory buildings located within the IRM and IRS zoning shall be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Commission.” The applicant is proposing an accessory structure / detached garage on an existing concrete and gravel area approximately 45’ from the ordinary high water mark. This application complies with zoning ordinances and will not require special exceptions and/or additional review by the Plan Commission; only building design review by the Architectural Commission. Building Colors The application does not identify the material colors. A rendering was provided and identifies black garage doors, yellow composite siding with gray standing seam metal roof. After completing a site visit, Planning Staff suggests that the colors be changed to match the principal structure; cream siding, white garage doors, trim, fascia, soffit, shutters, and planter boxes. Applicant to provide building material and color samples for review and approval at the Architectural Commission meeting. Roof Initially, due to the location on the Isthmus, Planning Staff was not in support of the type of proposed roof (flat rubber membrane) and the selected material (standing seam metal roof ). After completing a site visit, Planning Stuff understands why this type of flat roof was utilized – to not impede on the lake view from the principal structure first floor deck. However, the primary structure has tan dimensional singles, not a standing seam metal roof. The adjacent neighbor to the north has a dark-colored metal roof. Based on the design of the roof and the limited amount of visible metal, Planning Staff would support a standing seam roof however, it is recommended the color be changed to light tan to match the principal structure. Recommendation: Approve the accessory structure for 216 N. Lake Road, with the following considerations: • Building Colors: Colors to match principal structure: cream composite siding, white garage doors, trim, fascia, soffit, shutters, and planter boxes. • Roof: Color to match principal structure: light tan standing seam roof  Architectural Commission Meeting Background October 14th, 2020 – Page 2 Item #4 – Tower Ridge Condominiums; Off-Premise Sign The applicant is requesting approval of a special exception for an off-premise sign advertising Tower Ridge Condominiums at 265 Thurow Drive. The sign would be located at the NW corner of N. Lapham Street and E. Wisconsin Avenue. Per Section §17.604(3)(c) of the City’s Municipal Code, “No sign shall identify or direct attention to a business, activity, or enterprise that is not located on the same premises as the sign. Off-premises signs, except official signs, are prohibited in the City of Oconomowoc.” Location The Applicant is requesting a sign to be placed off-premise on City property, due to online mapping / direction programs sending contractors / future unit owners the wrong way. The Owner explained people are instructed to use an access drive next to the hardware store. The Commissioners to determine if the sign is warranted on City property. Duration The Applicant is requesting the sign to be installed through the end of next year (December 31st 2021) or when sales are finished, whatever date comes first. The Architectural Commission has reviewed requests for temporary signs that exceed the code (Section §17.603(1)(c)) allowance of 30 days in the past (example Aldi’s for their remodel and grand opening in February 2018; motion allowed sign through construction and 30 days after grand opening). Commissions to determine if the duration of time is warranted. Type of Sign The Applicant noted that this request is based on an issue with google providing the wrong directions to the development. However based on the text it is unclear if this sign is meant only as a directional or a billboard for real estate sales. Since the sign is being requested on City property, Staff suggests that based on the rationale submittal that only a directional sign is necessary. In order to accomplish this, Staff suggests just the name of the development (Tower Ridge Condominiums), address (265 Thurow Drive) and arrow is warranted. Beacuase this request is a special exception for off-premise and being placed on City land, Staff feels reviewing the amount of content is appropriate. Square Footage The sign is 32’ SF (sign is 4’x8’, posts are 4’ high, total height is 8’). Per Section §17.603(1)(c) of the City’s Municipal Code, the maximum square footage allowed for a temporary sign is 24 SF. Staff asked the Applicant to place a mock same size sign in the same location. Commissioners to determine if the size of the sign is warranted. Installation & Removal The Applicant has shared that no concrete will be used to anchor the sign; however, they do expect to place the posts into the ground. Applicant to provide additional details on the sign installation. When the sign is removed, the applicant to put the site location back to the pre-existing condition.  Architectural Commission Meeting Background October 14th, 2020 – Page 3 Additional Logistics: • Sign Permit Required: Pending approval of the sign, then a sign permit may be issued from the Building Inspection Department located on the second floor of City Hall for $50. • Diggers Hotline Required: the Applicant is responsible for calling Diggers Hotline prior to sign installation. Recommendation: Approve the special exception for an off-premise sign for Tower Ridge Condominiums at the NW corner of N. Lapham Street and E. Wisconsin Avenue, with the following considerations: • Location: The Commissioners to determine if the sign is warranted on City property. • Duration: Commissions to determine if the duration of time is warranted. • Type of Sign: Sign to have name of the development (Tower Ridge Condominiums), address (265 Thurow Drive) and arrow. • Square Footage: Commissioners to determine if the size of the sign is warranted. • Installation & Removal: When the sign is removed, the applicant to put the site location back in pre-existing condition. Kristi Weber From: David Hoffmann <dphoff123@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2020 12:45 PM To: Kristi Weber Subject: Re: Tower Ridge Condo Sign - 10/5 AC Submittal. Attachments: 20201006_090444.jpg; 20201006_090522.jpg; 20201006_090458.jpg Email #1. Pictures Attached. The sign would be 4 feet off the ground using heavy duty U-Channel posts. Sign material is a medium density overlay (MDO) 1/2" thick, double sided. The pictures depict where the sign would be placed and represents the actual size. Placement would be approximately 23 feet from the curb of North Lapham and 32 feet from the curb of Wisconsin Avenue. Traffic vision is uninhibited. Best Regards, David Hoffmann HM&I LLC Tower Ridge LLC 262-391-7475 On Mon, Oct 5, 2020 at 12:30 PM Kristi Weber <kweber@oconomowoc-wi.gov> wrote: Hi Dave, After review of your Architectural Commission submittal, it is incomplete. Since it was already a late submittal and based on the timeframe to get my packets out, if you want to still be on October’s AC, I need the following by 4pm Tuesday, October 6th. Otherwise I will hold your application until it is complete. As always, all cut-off are available on our website: https://www.oconomowoc-wi.gov/775/Meeting-Dates We need the following information:  Is it a double sided sign?  What is the material of the sign?  More information is needed about the base of the sign: o Height o Materials 1