Architectural Commission & Historic Preservation Commission

City of Oconomowoc Architectural Commission Meeting Minutes August 2, 2023 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Flint at 4:30 pm. Members Present: Flint, Krogstad, Schulz and Schrang Members Excused: Johnson Staff Present: Gallo, Weber, Oelsner, Dehnert and Duffy 3. UW-Credit Union – Consider/approve a bank at the southeast corner of WI 67/Summit Avenue and Pabst Farms Blvd: Weber said this project was previously reviewed by the Architectural Commission in May and noted the only thing that has changed is the landscaping. The brick color remains blue though the members had requested it be changed to brown, and the applicant included information on metal light poles though they included the black bell style light in their drawings that Pabst Farms uses. Weber requested the light poles be the same black bell style in the Pabst Farms development and needs specifics on the HVAC units and screening. Gallo added this item will be on the Plan Commission agenda tonight, and he requested the members feedback on the style, color and material of the light poles. The applicant also included signage but it is not on the agenda for action tonight. Weber reviewed their request for a monument sign, super graphic signage on the building and wayfinding signage. She said the base of the monument sign should be the same materials as the building and moved out of the vision corner and easement, and the super graphic signage will require a special exception. Weber recommended approval with considerations listed in the background. The applicants, Dave Ewanowski and Samantha Freson of Kee Architecture and Cheryl Weisensel and Toro Oni of UW Credit Union were present. Weisensel agreed to use the Pabst Farms light fixtures as long as any new development that comes is required to install the same fixtures. Gallo acknowledged that he would recommend all future projects in the Pabst Farms development to use these same black powder coated steel bell style light fixtures. Ewanowski and Freson provided material samples and showed the members that the brick was actually more of a grayish blue and where the electrical panel, gas unit and piping would be located on the building. Members liked the proposed metal monument sign and the super graphic signage. Motion by Flint to approve the building plans for UW Credit Union as submitted with the following considerations: that the site lighting is to match the Pabst Farms bell style but to allow for an aluminum pole with the black color and finish to match; the monument sign should not have brick on the base; and the applicant is to provide HVAC unit specifics to staff; second by Schrang. Motion carried 4-0. 4. Sign Ordinance – Discuss Update to Chapter 17-6 in the City Zoning Code: Oelsner explained a decision by the Supreme Court in a 2015 case established that any content-based regulation of signage is subject to strict scrutiny by the court system. Recently staff began working on updating the City’s sign code to eliminate all content based regulation which is time consuming; is looking to categorize signs as either permanent or temporary; is reviewing wording for drive thru and directional signage and master sign plan regulations; and will be including sections on electronic message boards and abandoned signs. Oelsner said they have been working with a representative from the International Sign Association, attended a webinar and researched the sign ordinances of other communities to get direction. Oelsner concluded they continue to work through the code and will have the City Attorney review the ordinance once it is done. She said if there are any suggestions or changes, they should let planning staff know. Members asked how can you regulate how someone might feel about a sign; should consider adding a visual of the type of signage in the code; and keep current language on prohibited signage including no trailers, inflatable devices or fluttering signs. Gallo explained that only 50% or less of communities in the state are in compliance with their sign codes. Weber said there are items that are currently not in the code which she would like to add. No action was taken. 5. Reports and comments from the City Planning Department: Gallo told the Architectural Commission members that they are now also members of the Historic Preservation Commission as the Common Council S:Clerk/Committees-Commissions/Architectural/Minutes/2023/ACmin 8-2-23 approved the Historic Preservation ordinance at last night’s meeting. Gallo summarized the ordinance and offered to send a copy to the members. Weber reported the Starbucks trash enclosure was not built per the approved plans and was sent a letter noting their noncompliance and given a citation. They made changes to the enclosure and are in compliance. Pizza Hut has also been cited for noncompliance. They now plan to rubberize the roof and have been told if they don’t do it or there are issues with the roof and don’t correct it, they will be cited again. 6. Reports and comments from the Architectural Commissioners: None. 7. Adjourn: Motion by Schrang to adjourn at 5:33 pm; second by Flint. Motion carried 4-0. Chris Dehnert, Deputy City Clerk S:Clerk/Committees-Commissions/Architectural/Minutes/2023/ACmin 8-2-23