DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

MINUTES OF MEETING

JULY 12, 2006

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Alan Seymour, John Cunningham, Ken Kraus, Dave Klug, Scot Draughn, Larry George.  There is one vacancy.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Steve Bell, Eric Phillips, George Schweitzer, Kevin Nowlin, Bruce Bagshaw, Richard Flynn, Dan Cress, Tami Alvarado, Jack Johnson, Melinda Johnson, Dave Warren  and Clerk Barb McCoy

 

Prior to the official meeting, Board members introduced themselves and briefly gave a bio explaining their interest in the Design Review Board.  Mr. Seymour gave an overview of the process of the meeting for the three new members.

 

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

 

ORGANIZATION:

 

Rules of Procedure:

 

Mr. Kraus made the motion to add the following to rule #4:

 

    …shall be limited to 5 minutes at the discretion of the Chairperson.

 

Voice vote was unanimous.

 

Election of Chairman:

 

    Mr. Kraus nominated Alan Seymour for Chairman of the Design Review Board.  Voice vote was unanimous.

 

Election of Vice-Chairman:

 

    Mr. Cunningham nominated Ken Kraus for Vice Chairman of the Design Review Board.    Voice vote was unanimous.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

A motion was made to move the discussion item of Design and Color Guidelines for Historic Uptown Marysville Ohio to the first agenda item.  Voice vote was unanimous.

 

Eric Phillips, Economic Development Director for Union County, distributed the first draft of the newly created Design and Color Guidelines for Historic Uptown Marysville.  He stated this is a new beginning for this board and a good opportunity for the community and this board to work together.  A review of the guidelines will take a full meeting by itself and requested board members review the contents carefully for review.  Mr. Phillips stated this Board or the Architectural Review Board had never had design and color guidelines.  These guidelines are only for the Historic Uptown Marysville District.  Would like to schedule special meeting.  He noted the areas in yellow highlights are areas Mrs. McCoy reviewed and pointed out are currently conflicts with the codified ordinances.  Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Draughn, Mr. Kraus, and the URT members were all thanked for their contributions.

 

Mr. Kraus stated the Design Review Board can grant variances in the district now and thanked Mr. Philips for his efforts.

 

Mr. Seymour commented he is not comfortable with no specific colors included in the guidelines.  Mr. Phillips stated you have to be careful not to mention name brands like Sherwin Williams over Benjamin Moore, etc.  You must be general in color.

 

Dari-Barn – 722 Milford Avenue – filed by Steve Bell for Jack Johnson

 

Steve Bell reviewed this project stating it will be an ice cream shop similar to the Dairy Queen.  The site plan has been approved by City staff.  Karen Page did the landscape plan.  The site will be paved and curbed with landscaping.  There will be a drive-thru on the north side of the building.  The existing building on the site will remain.  New sidewalks will be installed.  Curbs will be at the entrance, along the side by the laundry mat, and in the area near existing building to separate existing structure. 

 

Discussion was held concerning curbs not shown by the drive thru where it goes off site.  Mr. Bell stated he can add curbing in front of the parking spaces parallel to Milford Avenue.  The handicap space is closest to the front door.  Discussion held concerning moving the ramp to the right side of the handicap space.  Mr. Bell stated that can be done.

 

Mrs. McCoy reviewed the landscape plan stating overall it is a good landscape plan with it being noted 16 trees are required and 16 trees are shown.  Also need 10’ grassy area in front; only 5’ strip is shown.  Chapter 1140.07 permits the Design Review Board to allow landscape materials to be planted in different locations on the site if deemed impractical. 

 

Mr. Bell stated the building materials have changed since the original submittal.  The owners want the building to look more like a barn.  They are proposing red stucco with cultured gray stone up to the bottom of the windows on the front.  Proposed galvanized steel roof with white soffits with 2 cupolas.  This building is designed for seasonal use.  The roof is a standing steel roof system which appears to be metal to look like a barn.  This type of material no longer rusts like it once did.  The gutters and downspouts will run to the under drain in the parking lot.

 

Discussion held on the pitch of roof – decision was to change from 4/12 pitch to 5/12 pitch.

 

Discussion held on choice of red as color for building.  Mr. Bell said it is to make it look more like a barn.  It was noted the code states the building shall be 40% stucco, stone, etc.  It will be 100% of that material so it meets the code.  Mr. Seymour stated it does seem to be compatible with the surrounding area.

 

Mr. Bell stated the trash enclosure will match the rest of the building.  There will be three wall Pac lights.  There will be no direct lighting toward the streets or the rear of the property.  Can install shield on top part of lamp to help block light on back side of building toward the residential area.

 

Mr. Cunningham stated he would like to see sign plans because in past businesses go to BZA for larger signs than permitted by ordinance.  Feels applicant should return to the board with sign proposal.  Mrs. McCoy stated it is not always possible for applicants to have sign plans available at this stage of the design process, especially with these smaller local projects.  Mr. Kraus stated in the future applications should include signage proposal.  Discussion held concerning this.

 

Mr. Kraus summed up the review of this project:

 

·  Existing sidewalk to be replaced

·  Curb will be added in front of parking spaces along Milford Avenue

·  Will flip handicap loading/ramp

·  There will be 10’ grass strip between right of way and parking lot in front

·  Existing trees will remain on east side of property for buffering

·  Landscape plan in compliance

·  There will be a 5/12 roof pitch

·  Choice of color red is keeping with requirements of 1144.10

·  Dumpster to be enclosed, constructed of stucco

·  Will shield light pac at rear elevation of building

 

Mr. Cunningham made the motion to approve the request with the above conditions.  The question put, stood:

 

Mr. Draughn Yes  Mr. Cunningham Yes Mr. Kraus Yes   Mr. Seymour Yes  Mr. Kraus No  Mr. Klug Yes  Mr. George Yes

 

Revised plans to be submitted to Mrs. McCoy for final approval.

 

McDonalds – 17781 SR 31N – Revision to approved Exterior Design

 

Dave Warren, representative of McDonalds, stated the franchisee for this project now wants an all brick building with copper color roof.  The roof is not real copper, it is painted.  There will be trim on doors with darker paint color for soffit.  The closest McDonalds like this one is north of Dayton. 

 

It was noted the lighted roof beams have been approved previously.  These roof beams will be much softer against the copper roof that what would have been on the red roof.  The dumpster enclosure does not change. 

 

Mrs. McCoy stated the sidewalk along SR 31 has been eliminated because ODOT wanted the City to take responsibility of them.  Mr. Kraus commented that based on the minutes of previous meeting, they have complied with all requests.

 

Mr. Kraus made the motion to approve the request.  The question put, stood:

 

Mr. Cunningham Yes Mr. Kraus Yes   Mr. Seymour Yes  Mr. Kraus No  Mr. Klug Yes  Mr. George Yes  Mr. Draughn Yes 

 

KFC/Long John Silvers – 839 Delaware Avenue – Filed by Geo-Graphics, Inc., for Bagshaw Enterprises, Inc.

 

George Schweitzer, engineer for this project, stated the existing building is fairly old and the applicant would like to do a total rebuild.  The existing building is 2400 sq. ft; the new building would be 3,202.  The old site has 400 sq. ft. of green space; the new site would have over 6,000 sq. ft.  The site has uniqueness to it that prevents complete compliance with the landscape requirements.  The eastern border of this property has a cross access easement which prevents anything being placed in that area.  It is very critical that this area remains open; they don’t have the right to use it because of the easements in place.

 

Mrs. McCoy discussed the proposed curbing along E. 5th Street.  The street department superintendent noted it extends into the City right of way.  Mr. Schweitzer stated they are trying to detour cars from flying into their parking lot.  Discussion held on curbing.  Board members agreed it should remain – it would be beneficial to community to have curb with sidewalk.  Mr. Kraus stated the sidewalk should match up with the existing sidewalk along E. 5th Street for Taco Bell, to be located 1’ inside right of way.  Mrs. McCoy also noted the Fire Department has commented the building is required to have at least 20’ on east property line for direct access; building required to be moved to the west ½ foot.

 

It was noted the property is curbed with the exception of the east side where the easement is located.  The trash enclosure will be accessed off E. 5th Street in order to keep truck traffic off the parking lot.

 

The site draining is being designed with the building on the high spot of the lot with water draining to the northwest on Delaware Avenue.  There is a catch basin on flower shop property.  The water will sheet drain in back to E. 5th Street, running east.  There are no drainage improvements in immediate area.  There will be less impervious area than what is located there now.  Will be working with the City Engineer for approval.

 

Mrs. McCoy reviewed the landscape plan with it being noted that the violations are no 4’ grassy strip on either side of property and 18 trees are required with only 7 shown.  Need to find area for 11 more trees.

 

Mr. Bagshaw stated they are not permitted to install the 4’ grass strips on the side because of the cross access on the east property line and electrical easement along Taco Bell property line on the west side.  According to 1140.07(b)(3), in areas where the Design Review Board has determined that strict applications of the landscape ordinance will interfere with the function of the area, the required interior landscaping may be re-located to an area approved by the board.    Also, 1140.07 states if the Board determines that the landscape standards are not practical due to topographic conditions or physical site limitations, the landscape materials are allowed to be planted in different locations on the site.  Mr. Kraus stated because of the before-mentioned, the 4’ wide strips on both side property lines can be waived if the 11 trees can be planted elsewhere.  Applicant agreed this can be done; plans will be revised and resubmitted.

 

The building materials were reviewed with it being noted the majority of the building is to be red brick with accent brick for the chair rail and at top of building, and for the Long John Silvers tower.  The KFC tower will be white brick. 

 

Gray aluminum shutters are proposed.  These are false windows for aesthetics.

 

The lighting will be 200 watt lamp gooseneck lighting that shines down.  Lighting under awning to accent the awnings.  The red and white towers will be illuminated from inside for KFC; blue tower lit from inside for Long John Silvers.  There will be a small area of neon lighting at top of towers.  The parking lot lighting will be decided by a lighting specialist to determine lighting needs.  There will be no wall pacs and the lighting will be downlit.

 

The trash enclosure will be constructed to match building, 1’ higher than dumpster, with locking gates.

 

Proposed signs were discussed.  Mrs. McCoy stated the Board can review for appropriateness, she will determine the number and sizes permitted.  Mr. Bagshaw stated they want to use the same freestanding pole and use a new sign face.  Mr. Kraus stated the building looks a bit busy.  Mr. Seymour stated they should eliminate red and white tile under windows.  Mr. Bagshaw agreed that could be done.  He stated the colors are not as busy as they appear on paper.  It knocks you down on paper but a lot milder in person.  Will remove red/white tile but the corporate office is strict on the other corporate images.

 

Mr. Kraus summed up the review of this project:

 

·  Acknowledge this is Ύ acre lot which is narrow with cross access easement

·  Move building ½’ west

·  Curb along E. 5th Street approved if Street Department approves

·  Sidewalk required along E. 5th to match with Taco Bell

·  Install trash dumpster with plan to potentially reverse access to dumpster in future

·  Storm water issue to be approved by City Engineer

·  Work with Barb McCoy for tree requirements

·  1140.07 – landscape permitted to be moved to other areas on site

·  4’ grass strip on east not required due to cross easement and on the west due to electrical   

·  easement.  Due to lot size/shape of lot, ok not to have according to 1140.04

·  Colors ok  per 1144.10(2)

·  4 site lights to be determined

·  Dumpster to be brick enclosure

·  Eliminate red/white tiles under colonel’s picture on two sides of building

·  Zoning Inspector to determine quantity and number of signs permitted by sign ordinance

         

Mr. Cunningham made the motion to approve the request with the above conditions.  The question put, stood:

 

Mr. Kraus Yes   Mr. Seymour Yes  Mr. Kraus No  Mr. Klug Yes  Mr. George Yes  Mr. Draughn Yes  Mr. Cunningham Yes

 

Revised plans to be submitted to Mrs. McCoy for final approval.

 

First Congregational church of Christ – 124 W. 6th Street – Carry-over of Architectural Review District Agenda

 

Dan Cress and Reverend Dick Flynn representing the church stated the door was painted green before they knew this process was required.  Rev. Flynn stated everything the church does to express faith is symbolic – green is hope.  Church becomes expression of our faith.  Mr. Draughn stated if there is a reason behind the color green it does make a difference.

 

Discussion held on possibility of church obtaining house to the north of the church for their use.  May demo or keep and remodel.  It was explained that there is only a process if the house is torn down or the exterior is changed in any way.  Mr. Seymour suggested they bring in a sketch under citizen comments or they can add to agenda for preliminary review if they decide to do anything to the building.

 

Mr. Kraus made the motion to approve the request.  The question put, stood:

 

Mr. Seymour Yes  Mr. Kraus No  Mr. Klug Yes  Mr. George Yes  Mr. Draughn Yes  Mr. Cunningham Yes  Mr. Kraus Yes  

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Taylor Ridge Apartments – Taylor Avenue/SR4 – filed by Isaacs Enterprises (tabled from March Design Review meeting)

 

A letter was submitted requesting this item be tabled until the September meeting.  Mr. Kraus made the motion to table; voice vote was unanimous.

 

COMMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS:

 

Discussion held on date for special meeting to review design and color guidelines.  It was agreed to use the next Design Review Board meeting date of August 9th  unless there are more than 2 items on the agenda.  If more than two, the meeting will be August 16th.

 

Mr. Klug – meeting was very enlightening.  Applicants prepared to talk.

Mr. George – honesty in applicants.  Looking forward to getting more in depth on future projects.

Mr. Draughn – good meeting

Mr. Cunningham – acknowledged previous members of the Design Review Board.  In past have received bad plans; now applicants know what the City wants and expects.  Had to be up front with applicants.

Mr. Seymour – took criticism with Wal-Mart taking so many meetings.  Design Review Board has come a long way.

Mr. Draughn – Long John Silvers and KFC would not be approved in other cities with the lighted cupolas.

Mr. Kraus – important to take notes and keep them.

 

Discussion held on the building marker on the first Scotts building on S. Main Street  Should make all the historical markers standard.  Mrs. McCoy suggested talking to URT and Kathy House.  Mr. Cunningham stated this could be added in the guideline book.  Also need statement that stipulates historical significant building.  Mr. Draughn stated URT (Uptown Renewal Team) is to develop list of architectural significant buildings.

 

Mr. Kraus stated it is possible to have emotional responses if not in guidelines.  Cannot make decisions based on emotion. 

 

To be added to next agenda:  DISCUSSION ON HISTORICAL CRITERIA FOR BUILDINGS

 

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.