DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

MINUTES OF MEETING

JUNE 13, 2007

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Dave Klug, John Cunningham, Larry George, George McVey, Alan Seymour, Ken Kraus and Scott Draughn.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Bob Meeder, Jennie Gates, Steve Stolte, Brian Stanfell, Brian Bode, Larry Wright, Dan Pease, Joe Clase, Karen Page, Peter Griffin, Gary Lee, City Planner Greg DeLong and Clerk (Zoning Inspector) Barb McCoy

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  

 

The minutes from the meeting of May 9, 2007, were approved as presented.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Certificate of Appropriateness Historic Uptown – Modify Exterior of Building – 225 E. 5th Street – Marysville Development Company

 

City Planner Greg Delong stated he had no comments other than reminding the applicant no further work is permitted on this building until final approval.

 

Jennie Gates, project manager, stated they are asking permission to demo the addition at the rear of the building and the 1 story attached shed.  Would also request permission to demo the front façade to disclose what is there.  Ms. Gates requested no additional fees be charged to them for the next application because it is for the same building.  Mr. Cunningham stated he was not sure this could be done.  Mrs. McCoy stated an ordinance or resolution by City Council would be the only way you the fee could be waived.

 

Mr. Kraus made the motion to approve this agenda item for demo of the 1 story addition and shed and removal of the front façade.

 

The question put, stood:

 

Mr. George Yes Mr. Draughn Yes   Mr. Cunningham Yes Mr. Seymour Yes Mr. Klug Yes Mr. Kraus Yes Mr. McVey Yes

 

Certificate of Appropriateness was approved for this project.

 

Certificate of Appropriateness Historic Uptown – Modify Exterior of Building – 128 S. Main Street – Union County Commissioners

 

Greg DeLong stated that the board may wish to have a discussion about the north side of the building, wall mounted lighting sconces on the 6th Street side of the building, sidewalk in front of building, and also stated staff requests the final elevation plans that are submitted to the city also include “Proposed Renovation and Improvements” as identified in the submitted verbiage documentation dated May 31, 2007.

 

County Commissioner Gary Lee stated the county is excited about purchasing this building.  They had definite ideas in mind when it was purchased.  They are proud that the county has renovated other buildings in the City and they have turned out excellent.  The county wants the building to serve needs in the uptown area.  They want to make it blend with downtown.  We turned over the project to the architect to give them a challenge to make it right.

 

Dan Pease, Meacham & Apel Architect, stated the existing building is very contemporary.  On the Main Street elevation most buildings have nice rhythm of windows and they tried to repeat that.  Existing concrete material allows punching out windows.  They wanted to move the entrance to the center of the building.  They wanted to preserve the existing canopy but cut it back away from the corner.  They will be using metal windows, fiberglass surrounds.  They are adding parapet to emphasis entrance and to announce to the public what the building is with “Union County” at the top.  There will be no concrete panels exposed on front elevation.  Cast stone will wrap around building.  On the side elevation they offer two options; the alternate option is what they want; the first option is what will be permitted financially.  It is a very expansive area to place windows; they will have false windows.

 

Building materials were shown.

 

Mr. Kraus questioned what would be done with the north side of the building.  Mr. Wright stated it is actually a fire wall separating this building with the next building.  It has a smooth concrete material – all sides will be painted to match the new color of the building, including the rear elevation which will be refinished and painted the same as the rest of the building.

 

Mr. George asked if this will be handicap accessible.  Mr. Wright stated there will be a 16” step at the rear but the front is accessible.  Discussion was held on existing sidewalk.  It was noted they plan to replace the sidewalk on the south side of the building and hopefully do more landscaping and replace the existing trees.

 

Mr. Wright stated that the future use will require less parking than if this building would remain a retail building.

 

Discussion held on the “Union County” on the front of the building.  It was agreed that this would be part of the architectural design and not be considered a sign.

 

Handicap push buttons will be installed.

 

Mr. Lee stated the County would rather use the alternate drawing but it all comes down to finances and it depends on how much bids come in.  Hope we can, but cannot commit to the alternate design.

 

Mr. Cunningham stated the alternative might be murals such as in downtown Bucyrus.  Amazing things can be down such as painting false windows with people in the windows.  Would suggest talking to URT for that to be a project to study the idea.

 

Mr. Wright stated the alternate can be done later with a few adjustments.

 

Mr. Kraus asked if more decorative lighting could be installed on the side of the building.

 

Mr. Wright stated they could not make spacing work; intent on front of building is to draw attention to the entrance.

 

Mr. DeLong suggested two lights on the side; Mr. Wright stated they could work on that idea.  Mr. Cunningham stated that may emphasis the side more than needed.

 

Mr. Seymour stated from URT perspective, they should enhance the back of the building along the alley with landscaping to set stage for alley way.  Mr. Wright stated paving of alley goes right to the building; utilities go straight into building.  There is no room for landscaping – it is more of a service area.

 

Mr. Seymour stated this corner has 1800’s historic significance even if this building is from the 1970’s.  Personally would like to  see building not be credited to county but to name it as historic site.  Archives might show if once courthouse or some other site was there – example is the UNION BLOCK building.  Mr. Kraus stated that might work if this was the original building on the site but it is not.

 

Mr. DeLong asked the Board when they make recommendations they require everything that was mentioned they are going to do be added to the final drawing.

 

County Engineer Steve Stole stated the medallion between UNION COUNTY is the logo recently adopted by Union County Chamber.  He would suggest not using that logo because it may change throughout the year.

 

Mr. Lee stated they would like the shape of Union County inside the circle.  The halls will be lined with the 14 townships of the county.  He stated they are asking latitude with how exactly the medallion will look.

 

Mrs. Page stated it is nice to see this happening in the uptown areas.  This is wonderful and hopes the Design Review Board likes the proposal.

 

Mr. Seymour asked if the horizontal band on the side could be continued.  Mr. Pease stated they could agree that might be able to happen.

 

Mr. Seymour made the motion to approve this agenda item with the following conditions:

 

Ø     North side of building to be painted to match the rest of building

Ø     The rear of building to be dressed up to match rest of building

Ø     Tree replacement to be approved by city staff

Ø     Encourage alternate drawing

Ø     Continue horizontal line on south side of building

Ø     Include all changes on final drawing

 

The question put, stood:

 

Mr. Draughn Yes  Mr. Cunningham Yes Mr. Seymour Yes Mr. Klug Yes Mr. Kraus Yes   Mr. McVey Yes   Mr. George Yes

 

Delaware County Bank – 181 N. Coleman’s Crossing Blvd.

 

Brian Stanfell and Brian Bode, Meacham & Apel Architects, stated this new branch is located in the City Gate subdivision and will have a similar look to others being constructed throughout central Ohio. It will include a community room.  The site will be drained to detention area on the north side of property.  There is a very small enclosure for a trash cart to be placed; waste is minimal for a bank.

 

Mr. Kraus stated that a memo was received from City Engineer Phil Roush earlier that a sidewalk would be appropriate on Delaware Avenue.  Mr. DeLong stated it would tie into a new sidewalk Burger King would install at a future date.

 

The access area is from Lydia Drive only.  The building materials will be reddish brown brick – samples of the materials were shown.  Lighting will be 20’ poles with a decorative show box type; block or brown poles.  Mr. DeLong suggested staying with the shoe box to be consistent with other properties in the subdivision.

 

Mr. Bode stated they will submit lighting plans.  The building has decorative light fixtures at entrance.  The community room is accessible from the outside of the building with a separate entrance.  It can hold 26 people.

 

Mr. Kraus asked if handicap buttons could be installed on door.  Mr. Stanfell stated this can be done.

 

Mechanicals will be roof type units and cannot be seen.  Only thing shown is gas meter and electrical.

 

Mrs. McCoy stated no details were given for the signs shown on the building.  A monument sign is requested on Lydia Drive but it does not indicate the size.  If a monument sign is installed, one wall sign is permitted to be 37.2 sq. ft. and the second wall size is permitted to be 25 sq. ft.  Board members requested the monument sign be reduced to 5’.

 

Review of the landscape plan shows that tree species were not shown – these are required.  The 10-20-30 rule for diversity is recommended.  Mr. DeLong stated it looks like some trees are in the detention area.  Suggested moving trees over to the Burger King side away from retention area.

 

Mr. Kraus made the motion to approve this agenda item with the following conditions:

 

Ø     Sidewalk to be installed on Delaware Avenue

Ø     Monument sign to be no taller than 5’ in height

Ø     Handicap button to be installed at main entrance

Ø     Landscape issues to be resolved with Barb McCoy and  Mr. McVey

Ø     Move trees from detention area to west property line

 

The question put, stood:

 

Mr. Cunningham Yes   Mr. Seymour Yes Mr. Klug Yes Mr. Kraus Yes   Mr. McVey Yes   Mr. George Yes Mr. Draughn Yes

 

Revisions are to be made and submitted for final approval.

 

Walgreens – 180 N. Coleman’s Crossing Blvd.

 

Due to a written request, Mr. Kraus made the motion to table this agenda item.  Question put, stood:

 

Mr. Seymour Yes Mr. Klug Yes Mr. Kraus Yes   Mr. McVey Yes   Mr. George Yes Mr. Draughn Yes Mr. Cunningham Yes  

 

Discussion, Review and Approval of Zoning Amendments and Rules of Procedures – Certified Local Government

 

Greg DeLong and Joe Clase distributed information concerning the Certified Local Government program.  Mr. DeLong stated this is very prestigious for the City.  He and Mr. Clase worked on it and got an e-mail last week stating City was approved.  It now needs to go to Planning Commission and City Council.  Will need to get the code changed and rules of procedure updated.

 

There is a possibility that property acquisition can be used with the grant money that will become available as result of this program.  It is a great opportunity and we need to get the ball rolling.   $80,000 is made available statewide yearly.

 

Mr. Clase stated we need to make some changes in Chapter 1136 to include landmarks.  A landmark can be point of interest as well as a building.  Chapter 1136.05 is labeling out criteria.  The rest is housekeeping for the change of title.

 

Mr. DeLong stressed none of the existing rules change.  It does not change the uptown.  Single family will still be excluded.  Wanted Design Review Board to know what is going on before it goes to Planning Commission.

 

It was pointed out that Chapter 1144 has no references to the Rules of Procedure.  This is maintaining system for selection of historic properties.  It was last done in the 70’s.  Can use grants for updating historic inventory.  The rules of procedures outline specific duties from Historic Preservation Office language. 

 

Mr. Kraus stated adding this is keeping with Certified Local Government guidelines.  If Board members have any questions, should let Joe or Greg know before July 2nd Planning Commission meeting.

 

Mr. Clase stated the City can start applying for grants in September.  Hopes to get Council approval in July.

 

Mr. Kraus made the motion to adopt the Rules of Procedures as presented.  Question put, stood:

 

Mr. Klug Yes  Mr. Kraus Yes  Mr. McVey Yes  Mr. George Yes  Mr. Draughn Yes  Mr. Cunningham Yes  Mr. Seymour Yes

 

Adoption of Rules of Procedure passed.

 

Mr. Kraus made the motion to approve changes to Chapters 1136 and 1144 and recommend to Planning Commission.  Question put, stood:

 

Mr. Kraus Yes  Mr. McVey Yes  Mr. George Yes  Mr. Draughn Yes  Mr. Cunningham Yes  Mr. Seymour Yes  Mr. Klug Yes

 

Discussion - Training – Secretary of Interior Standards

 

Mr. DeLong stated that he has arranged for someone to present hour long training on the Secretary of Interior Standards for the July 11th meeting.  Would like to move meeting up to 6:0 p.m.  This meeting will be beneficial to everyone.  It will be one of many training sessions.  Mr. Cunningham requested a special meeting so they can concentrate solely on the training.  Mr. DeLong stated he will try to arrange for the 18th.  This will be open to the public also.

 

COMMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS:

 

Mr. George stated tonight’s meeting is all good for the City.  Mr. Klug asked if the zoning inspector was aware of Benny’s not closing the south drive.  Mrs. McCoy stated she will check into that matter.

 

Mr. Seymour stated he applauds Mr. Clase and Mr. Delong’s hard work on the Certified Local Government.

 

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

 

Pete Griffin stated he is concerned about the Infinity Bar & Grill on Columbus Avenue.  The landscape is not in compliance and they have not lived up to the letter of the code.  Mrs. McCoy stated she will inspect again and let members know what can be done.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.