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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-2001 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES September 17, 2001 ROLL CALL: Present: Commrs. Hana Novak , Michael Boudreau, Rob Schultz, Mark Rawson, Vice-Chair Jim Lopes and Chairperson Charles Stevenson Absent: Commr. Zeljka Howard Staff: Associate Planners Michael Codron, John Shoals, and Deputy Director Ronald Whisenand PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, spoke about the Senior Center. She felt the Senior Center should be moved to 1341 Nipomo Street instead of the old USO building (now the Recreation Center) on the corner of Santa Rosa and Mill Streets. She expressed her opinion of the need for student housing and why the money for the senior center should be better spent for housing issues. Josephine Malone, San Luis Obispo County, noted there is a need for direction concerning signage, and she is waiting for this issue to come before the ARC. Deputy Director Whisenand addressed Ms. Malone and explained that the City does not have a signage program at this time. He noted that large retail design guidelines will come forward in October and other signage direction will be addressed at a later date. Staff will notify her when more information is available. Ms. Malone also addressed a question concerning a field investigation. Mr. Whisenand recommended working through the zoning enforcement officer, Don Wright. There were no further comments from the public. PROJECTS: 1. 3051 Augusta Street. ARC 115-00; Review of an 18-unit condominium townhouse development and site improvements, including a private street; R-4 zone; Augusta Partners, LLC, applicant. Michael Codron, Associate Planner, presented the staff report, recommending approval of the proposed development plan. He noted that the Planning Commission has forwarded a recommendation to the City Council to approve the proposed tentative map and recommended approval of the requested setback exception along the rear property line. Commr. Lopes expressed concerns about noise level impacts for the Cabrillo Care Center next door, and questioned why it was not mentioned in the staff report. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 2 Planner Codron replied that the City's Noise Ordinance addresses residential noise, and specific issues like loud music are enforced by the Police Department. Commr. Lopes questioned the Fire Department minimum drive aisle for the project. Mr. Codron replied that the Fire Department minimum drive aisle is 20 feet, but the Fire Department would not need access since every unit is designed with a sprinkler system. The farthest structure on the lot is less than 300 feet from the right-of-way. Commr. Novak asked if there was a distinction between guest parking spaces and resident parking. Mr. Codron replied that the plan was designed for one guest parking space required for every five units. There was discussion about the amount and location of required parking. Public Comment Mr. Hamish Marshall, applicant, 1880 Santa Barbara Avenue, spoke about the project and the difficulties of the site itself. He indicated the direction from the Planning Commission was to develop a plan with more dwellings and more affordable housing. He also noted that accommodations have been made for an easement for the Fire Department. Mr. Ernie Kim, project architect, spoke in support of the project and the challenges of developing a project that he feels addresses the direction given by the Planning Commission. He felt he has designed a project that maximizes the space available, and has incorporated variety and individuality. Carol Florence, Oasis Associates, explained that the units facing Augusta Street were designed to face the street to create a more residential feel. The landscaping includes various and numerous trees and planter boxes. She discussed a short wall, or "good neighbor fence" along units one through seven, which joins up to the Fire Department easement. The landscape plan calls for vines to grow over the fence. Commr. Schultz asked about trash pick-up. Mr. Marshall replied that the trash company would back down the street to the pick-up bins. Large trash receptacles have been included in the garage floor plans. Commr. Schultz questioned the width of the parking spaces and the turning radius available. Mr. Marshall replied that the parking spaces were to City standards. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 3 Commr. Stevenson questioned the distance between units, noting the staff report indicated a distance of 23 feet. Mr. Codron replied that 23 feet is the distance between the upstairs where there is a projection. Commr. Stevenson discussed the decks in the back and their relationship with the property line. He felt the drawings in the plan were okay, but couldn't get a clear picture. There was discussion concerning double decks in the back, privacy issues, and the usability of the common open space areas. Commr. Lopes asked whether any consideration had been given to bringing the planters out into the drive aisle further. Discussion concerning planters and traffic flow followed. Mr. Marshall replied that the planters could be extended 6 inches on either side. Commr. Lopes asked if the overhangs would allow for additional trees, like a vertical tree such as a Brisbane. Ms. Florence replied that she would have to work with the engineers to determine turning area, and would be happy to put a tree in there. Commr. Lopes asked about the wall leading to the fire truck turn-around, i.e., the height and whether or not it will block the view for people driving out of the complex. Mr. Codron suggested that staff be given an opportunity, unless it's a specific design issue, to evaluate the wall to ensure there will not be any obstructions prior to review by the City Council. Commr. Boudreau asked about the parapet walls and the relationship to the properties. Mr. Marshall replied that they would be taking the air space to the outside wall, not the inside wall and there is a need to have the fire wall parapet going all the way up. Commr. Lopes asked if a lay-down parapet would work, with a double layer inside so that an exterior parapet would not need to go above the rear wall. Commr. Novak asked if anything would be done to the retaining wall on the west side of the property. Mr. Marshall replied that it would be repaired and stuccoed as needed, to create a finished look to the project. Commr. Lopes asked if there was a grading plan. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 4 There was discussion about grading lines and contour plans. Steve Del Martini, 962 Meadow Street asked for support for the project. He felt the plan has design elements such as the Cerro Vista project on Florence and Bushnell and that some of the location aspects that Villa Rosa had in a mixed use area. He also felt that if a developer is willing to take on such a project, the City should try to work with them as much as possible. The public hearing was closed. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Stevenson commented that the project has many interesting features and the architect did a good job trying to solve many of the problems. He felt it was unfortunate that the project is so close together with such a tunnel effect. He also noted he was hoping to see an attempt to look at more than two stories, possibly three or four flats where there is more open space and less tunnel effect. He did like the architecture and supported Commr. Lopes’ suggestion of possibly laying the parapet down. Commr. Lopes commented that he agreed philosophically with Mr. Del Martini, and appreciated the effort made to bring in more units to the project. He commented on the size aspects of each individual unit contributing to the "squeeze" problem. He suggested that if the project was designed as a two-bedroom unit with a family room, or third bedroom was eliminated, then the outdoor deck area might be pulled back from the edge so that it does not create an overlook problem on the adjoining properties. He was very concerned about the residential care facility being directly below the units on that side and was disappointed that the applicant did not respond positively to what is an apparent noise conflict that will develop. Mr. Lopes discussed the normal daily noise levels, which can impact the residents of the care facility. He felt this point should be made if the project is approved without some kind of noise mitigation. His preference would be to continue the project and have environmental review for noise impacts that will be generated on the project on the basis of a noise study. He felt this is the way impacts are usually addressed. Commr. Lopes also recommended the following: bring out the landscape areas more into the drive aisles so that it has a traffic calming effect; create room for more greenery, perhaps small trees, between units 14 and 15; 12 and 13, and 6 and 7. On the landscape plan, the trees shown for the edges between units 7 and 12, and in front of 9 and 10, are sweet shade trees. Because they are only a foot or two away from the building, he did not see how they could be planted there. He suggested another option be chosen, such as vertical shrubs. Also, the landscaping is shown out to the street sidewalk, so that if someone is driving in while another is walking out, there could be a problem. One option would be to extend the sidewalk around the radius curve so that at least a five-foot sidewalk extends into the project on each side for more safety. Commr. Lopes liked the architecture and felt that it responded well to a lot of issues while trying to bring interest to the project. He agreed with staff that the wall on the fire station side needed to be a solid block wall, not a wall with a fence on top. If the project ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 5 is not to be continued, he felt the commission should consider requiring a solid block wall, 6 feet high on the care facility side. Commr. Boudreau agreed with most of Commr. Lopes’ suggestions, but did not see design solutions to practically control residential sound. He felt this was more of a civil issue than an architectural issue. Commr. Novak concurred with Commr. Stevenson and Commr. Lopes. She expressed reservations about the lot pattern and the tunnel effect of the design, and felt the usability of the common space was placed in as an after-thought. She discussed her visits to the site at different times of the day and the noise levels generated by the Fire Station. She said there are design solutions, such as landscaping to mitigate or lessen the impacts of noise. She expressed mixed feelings about the garden boxes, recommending elimination of the garden boxes and finding different ways to create more useable common space, such as staff’s recommendations to eliminate landscaping along one side and creation of stepping stones or some type of pathway. She asked if the Negative Declaration of environmental impact mentioned something about providing short- and long-term bicycle parking spaces, and asked if there was a planned area for bicycle parking. Commr. Novak expressed concern about space in the garages for two cars and bicycles, along with normal storage usually found in a garage. Mr. Marshall discussed the complex across the street from the project, and that a photograph was taken of an open garage, which showed that storage, cars and bicycles all fit together. Commr. Stevenson expressed concern about the design including a family play area, which has the potential to become a bedroom. Mr. Marshall replied that it was required by the Planning Commission to have it recorded in the CC&R’s, that it couldn’t become a bedroom. Mr. Codron added that the Planning Commission Resolution specifically stated that the space shall be labeled family play area, and that will be recorded as part of the CC&R’s. Commr. Lopes presented a motion to continue this item to a date uncertain. He asked that a noise study be done to determine the anticipated noise impacts from the project site to the adjacent care facilities, as well as from the fire station on to the site. He asked that project revisions be done to respond to any recommendations from the noise study to mitigate impacts to area residents. Commr. Stevenson seconded. Mr. Codron asked that the Commission consider what standard will be looked for from a potential noise study. The current ordinance and general plan do not provide particular standards for noise generated by residential uses. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 6 Commr. Lopes replied that CEQA doesn’t have specific standards to pick out from an ordinance. He felt there is a need to have an expert determine the impacts on this project to the neighbors of the project. Mr. Codron stated that a noise study will only provide what the noise levels are and that it will need to be evaluated. Staff will need some direction as to a particular standard for evaluation. Commr. Lopes mentioned that the City’s noise ordinance levels are set at 60 decibels exterior and 45 decibels interior. John Shoals, Associate Planner noted that this standard was for transportation generated noise levels and did not apply to noise generated from a residential project. If defined as a stationary noise source, the standards in the noise ordinance can be used for comparison. Commr. Novak asked if the motion should address the “tunnel effect” and any concerns on how the complex could be “tweaked” to create more of a village space. Commr. Lopes stated that there would be more opportunity for the village effect if the master bedroom and upstairs decks were facing the drive aisle. Mr. Marshall discussed the difficulty of placing a deck over a living space. Chairman Stevenson called for a vote on the motion. AYES: Commr. Novak, Lopes, Stevenson NOES: Commr. Boudreau, Schultz, Rawson ABSENT: Commr. Howard The motion failed 3-3. Commr. Schultz noted that the project is zoned R-4, so the high-density issue will not be changed. He felt the commission must try to keep an eye on the architectural issues. He indicated his support of the project, and presented a motion to approve the project based on the recommendations noted in the staff report. The motion was seconded by Commr. Lopes for discussion. Commr. Lopes asked for an amendment to consider adding something about extending a narrow sidewalk from the public sidewalk to the front units. Commr. Boudreau suggested changing the material at the driveway entrance to give it a scored, textured colored band about 12-feet wide to connect the two walks next to unit #1 and unit #18. Commr. Lopes supported the idea, but felt it only needs to be four feet wide. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 7 Commr. Schultz agreed. Commr. Boudreau suggested incorporating the parapet walls into the architecture if the code allows, and to push the landscape out between units #14 and #15. Commr. Novak requested that Condition #3 be expanded to include the CC&R’s shall include maintenance of landscape areas below the decks and within all common open space areas. She also asked to consider replacing the sweet shade tree with two small shade trees from between units #14 and #15. Commr. Schultz agreed. Commr. Stevenson said he would like to see language added to the first finding that says the project is architecturally compatible with the site because of the unusual or relatively narrow site dimension. There was some further discussion on the motion. Commissioner Stevenson called for a vote on the motion. AYES: Commrs. Schultz, Lopes, Novak, Boudreau, Stevenson, and Rawson NOES: None ABSENT: Commr. Howard On a 6-0 vote the ARC approved the project based on findings and subject to conditions of approval as noted in the ARC action letter. 2. 4041 Broad Street. ARC 148-00; Study session to review a 105,000 sq. ft. commercial development consisting of a 102,000 sq. ft. office park and 3,000 sq. ft. for a gas station/car wash and parking. Michael Cannon, applicant. John Shoals, Associate Planner, presented the staff report asking the ARC to provide direction to staff and the applicant to assist with developing the final design. Commr. Stevenson referred to the site design of the Rancho Cucamonga site, and asked what the height of the berm was, and asked if there was some concern with the height. Mr. Shoals indicated that since the project was a study session, that issue had not been evaluated. He suggested that the applicant be asked to provide specifics on wall and berm height. Commr. Lopes addressed the future use of the right-of-way. He felt the design seems to assume that the area of the right-of-way may remain on Tank Farm Road, but that it may end up as future roadway. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 8 Mr. Shoals noted that they are showing about 20 feet of landscaping, with roughly 35 feet in the corner. He noted the concern is that in the future there could potentially be a widening of the roadway which would result in a loss of landscaping. There was discussion about the landscaping and future use of the corner area. Michael Cannon, applicant, said that Caltrans, the City, and the County have confirmed that Tank Farm Road will eventually be six lanes in the vicinity of the project. Commr. Stevenson requested that only the changes be highlighted. Mr. Bill Toucelay, BFGC Architects, spoke about the revisions to the curb, turn lanes, landscaping, and pedestrian connections. He noted the layout is basically the same; the new design provides a strong relationship between the amphitheatre area and office park to the dining area located in the back corner of the market. Also, the screening system for the project starts at ground level at the sidewalk and steps back through a series of raised planters to 6 feet in the back. On the inside is another planter to soften the wall, which is done through a series of retaining walls in the different locations at the side. At the corner, the planting area from the inward side of the sidewalk back to the 6- foot high retaining wall provides for a very soft slope. Mr. Cannon mentioned that with the ultimate build-out, the sidewalk along Broad Street would go straight out to the corner. Mr. Tuculet discussed the slope, screening heights, landscaping, and car wash screening at the corner and along the sides. Commr. Stevenson asked about the heights of the parapet and the wall of the car wash. Mr. Tuculet replied that the parapet is about 9 feet and the wall of the car wash is a little taller than 12 feet. Commr. Lopes asked if the City Council was concerned about blocking views of the cars and gas pumps or blocking views of the entire project. Mr. Tuculet replied that they were primarily concerned with landscaping to effectively screen the corner. Commr. Stevenson added that the landscaping density was the important factor. Commr. Lopes asked if the Council suggested that the market be located at the corner? Mr. Tuculet replied that the Council liked the idea of entering from both sides of the market and tying the market to the office park by having the outdoor dining area and connecting it to the amphitheater. The direction was to have effective screening at the corner. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 9 There was discussion concerning screening of the site, and limited views to the site from the road. Commr. Lopes asked what would be the next phase of the project, i.e., addition of tree wells to the sidewalk? There was discussion concerning trees, blocked views and building heights. Mr. Garcia, Garcia Architecture & Design, discussed the site design of the car wash, minimalist approach to the canopy, and market building design with a second floor for office spaces, with a focus on the screening at the corner of the site. Commr. Stevenson discussed some elements in the first design consisting of a soft arch roof feature. He asked Mr. Garcia if similar elements had been considered for the current design. Mr. Garcia replied that they had considered using similar elements, and that they were trying to give the building some character of its own while giving it a sense of place. He tried to achieve a nexus between the buildings on the site. He picked up some clues from the other buildings and gave it some vertical elements. Most of the equipment will be roof-mounted and shielded from below. Commr. Stevenson mentioned that staff did not recommend support of the layout for the carwash, primarily because of what’s happening at the corner. He asked for an explanation of the height of the carwash and canopy. Discussion concerning the height of the car wash, canopy and tower element ensued. Commr. Rawson asked what the purpose of the tower element was. Mr. Garcia replied that it was designed to give a vertical element and tie it into the other buildings on the property. Commr. Stevenson discussed the canopy again, expressing concern that it detracts from the project considerably. He noted that what was interesting before was the soft barrel design and braces. Commr. Rawson asked about the state law concerning prohibiting the pumps from not being covered. There was discussion concerning state law dealing with a covering during inclement weather so that rain doesn’t wash spilled gasoline into the storm system. Exact law was not known. Commr. Stevenson expressed concern that the canopy lights be screened by a proper fascia to prevent glare. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 10 Commr. Lopes mentioned that Flyers Gas Station on Broad Street handled the lighting situation well. The lights are inset and glare is prevented. Commr. Boudreau asked Mr. Garcia if the light situation could be solved with a fixture selection? Mr. Garcia replied that he felt that was possible by using flush or deck mount lights that directs the light straight down and prevents light spillage. The public hearing was opened. There was no public comment. The public hearing was closed. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Stevenson reminded the commissioners to focus discussion on the fact that this is a study session and to direct comments on the specific issues requested by the City Council and staff as delineated on page 2-4 in the staff report. He noted he would like to see the discussion end in a motion with specific direction. Commr. Novak said that it would be helpful to see the topography lines delineated on the landscape plan to determine if the berms and the screen walls function well as a screen. She expressed concerns about the elimination of the parkway and recommended finding a way to increase the landscaping proposed. What was appealing about the photographs of the Rancho Cucamonga site was that there was sod on both sides and some substantial landscaping and trees on the parkway. She noted she would like to see the elevation lowered in the car wash, and felt it could be scaled down and softened. She agreed with Commr. Schultz’s suggestion about carving out some chunks of the canopy above the gas pumps, because this should help soften the look as well, and expressed concern about articulation and pedestrian access around the building for people who work in the buildings nearby. There was some discussion about access. Commr. Boudreau felt the project was great in many ways. He expressed concerns about the length of the screens. The convenience store is intended to be seen from the street. He would like to see the function under the canopy and the car wash screened. He expressed concern about the lights. He noted that the landscape density is better than what is shown in the Rancho Cucamonga design. The market/office relationship is good and will be successful for the market. Lowering the car wash would be good, however, the architectural design is important and seeing some of the building would be fine if the design is appealing. Commr. Stevenson expressed appreciation for the changes made. He said he would like to see some introduction of a type of barrel feature. He agreed that the canopy could be reduced in size, and liked the previous design with a soft barrel and braces. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 11 His biggest concern is the car wash being so big, boxy and sticking out on the corner. He felt it was too high and does not fit in with the rest of the buildings. There is a stacking area so people using the car wash may come through looking for places to park to dry their cars. He was not comfortable with the building at that location. Mr. Shoals clarified that the discussion of the Council dealt with the service station. They had approved the station use, but had not said whether the carwash was in or out. Commr. Schultz said that the market had a great design. He would like to go back to the barrel feature on the canopy, having it 14 feet along Broad Street and going up to 16 feet. He would like to see the state law issue addressed as part of the conditions. Commr. Rawson felt that it was a great job. His concern dealt with the canopy. He felt that the building had a lot of strong character to it, a lot of interesting angles. He wondered if there was any latitude to give the canopy more “sizzle”, like the “neo- agrarian” feel. He felt they should find an element to tie it in to the market. Commr. Lopes felt that the convenience store had a lot of “zing”. He suggested modifying to incorporate some barrel aspects and features from the other buildings. He likes the rear of the building with the window wall and possibly incorporate some type of porch effect with exterior shade area. He appreciated the changes made to accommodate pedestrian flow. There is a parking space across from the market that would be better served to be sacrificed to allow for a sidewalk access. He noted he would prefer using wider setbacks from the property line in the front. He felt that the car wash needs to go. He felt the Council will review the plan with the idea that the car wash would be at the corner. He presented a motion that the ARC provide a response to the proposal with the following suggestions: # 1: Provide parkways at Tank Farm as well as Broad Street for landscaping and street trees at the ultimate right-of- way location. #2: Lower the elevation of the car wash building to be as low as feasible and provide additional screening of the car was area by extending the wall, or delete the car wash completely. # 3: Widen the setbacks to at least 20 feet from the property line for the pavement area of the convenience center. # 4: To add barrel features to the market, provide horizontal glass and overhang feature elements to the Broad Street side of the building. Elements of the three office buildings should be more specifically tied to the market. # 5: To reduce the size of the canopy area and consider modifying the design of the canopy to be asymmetrical or provide a barrel feature to the roof. # 6: To add shade features at the rear of the market, including an alcove and adjustable shade features to the patio. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 12 # 7: to provide lighting proposals that will minimize off-site glare from the canopy as well as other lights. # 9 to replace the parking space at the axis of the amphitheater for disabled persons access. Commr. Novak second. Commr. Boudreau felt that the conditions were too specific. The main intent was to do a better job of hiding the car wash and the function of the pumps. It should be assumed that the right-of-way is not there in the design, and the applicant must address that issue. Deleting the car wash is one solution, but he didn’t know if that is the only solution. Widening the setbacks is more an issue of design than setback, and the applicant can prove that their design meets the intent. He didn’t feel that specific dimension is important. The Commission has provided much input on the canopy design. The issue of shading at the rear of the market is too specific, but the architect can work out something with that. The issue of # 7 was discussed, and he agreed to provide some type of access. Commr. Stevenson agreed but was inclined to just delete the car wash. To be acceptable, it would need to be quite a bit lower and set back a little further so that the exterior wall is more completely landscaped. Commr. Lopes suggested changing the item to make it an option so that if the elevation of the car wash was lowered, screen the car wash and canopy more effectively by a series of landscaping and extending the wall. Then, widen the setbacks to the recommended 35 feet. Mr. Shoals mentioned that the City Council was very cognizant of the setback standards. There was discussion about setback distances and berms to create a green area. Commr. Stevenson said there is a slight retaining wall, but there is a space behind the retaining wall and that does not substantially change the dimension very much. There was discussion about wall heights and the objective of hiding the car wash without making it look like a fortress with a lot of walls. Mr. Shoals suggested the Commission not use the term “consider” when submitting suggestions. He stated they should give direction on what the final design should look like. Commr. Lopes suggested making a change in the motion from “consider” to “provide direction” to the applicant. AYES: Commrs. Lopes, Novak, Stevenson, Schultz, NOES: Commrs. Boudreau and Rawson ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 13 ABSENT: Commr. Howard The motion passed. 3. Staff A. Agenda Forecast Mr. Shoals provided the agenda forecast. 4. Commission A. Presentation by Caltrans and Public Works on the Brizzolara Street Sound Wall Mr. Terry Sanville, Principal Transportation Planner, gave a report on the 1,800 foot long, 16 foot tall sound wall located to the west of Brizzolara street. He noted the goal is to create a sound barrier while still maintaining vegetation and avoiding a canyon look. Mr. Dave Rasmussen, Project Manager, and Caltrans Team Members; Mr. Bob Carr, Mr. Jeff Whitaker and Ms. Edu Jie Imoisili, were introduced. Mr. Rasmussen offered to answer questions concerning the wall, its features and landscaping. He was open to ideas, bearing in mind we have to work within Cal Trans standards. Commr. Stevenson asked if the all of the designs were within the budget. Mr. Rasmussen replied that pretty much they were. Mr. Carr discussed the plans, and designs, and made several recommendations. The primary goals were to save as much vegetation as possible and minimize impacts by scaling to the Brizzolara side. There are a lot of articulations designed to save existing vegetation. All of the designs are post and panel types. (Referred to packets) Commr. Stevenson asked if the posts at 12-foot centers could be varied. Mr. Carr replied that the posts are a standard distance relative to height. Commr. Stevenson asked if the post distance could be altered to accommodate trees. Ms. Imoisili replied that that was the reason they went out in the field to measure, so that the posts and panels could be pre-made. Mr. Carr said that with the post and panel construction, there are a couple ways to go. There was some discussion about the available options. It as noted that wood shrinks and develops gaps. Both wood and concrete meet Cal Trans standards. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 14 The public hearing was opened. Jim Perry, 589 Brizzolara Street, felt any wall would be acceptable as long as it is hidden by vegetation as much as possible. George Moylan, Housing Authority, agreed that something needs to be done as soon as possible. He acknowledged that this is a very noisy area. There were no further comments. The public hearing was closed. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Commr. Novak preferred selection # 4. She liked the idea of growing vines over the wall because it would help reduce the massiveness of the wall. She was conflicted between the maintenance issue and aesthetic issue. She suggested additional landscaping to provide a foreground, middle ground, and background feel to the wall., and perhaps some small trees. Commr. Boudreau commented that he liked # 1 as a texture and # 5 as a landscaping scheme. He agreed with previous comments concerning landscaping. He liked the horizontal lines created by the pre-cast wall. The wood is nice, but he could see the difficulties with long-term maintenance. For simplicity, he felt that # 1 is the way to go. Commr. Stevenson agreed with choice #1 with some vines. He was concerned about # 4. There was discussion about architectural treatments and panel material. Commr. Stevenson’s preference would be for concrete material and that the color be dark so as to recede from view. Mr. Carr asked if there was a City standard with regard to color/tint. Commr. Stevenson said that there is no City standard, but he just felt that a darker color would be best, as anything that was bright or had a glare would be a problem. He did not feel that staining would work, indicating the color should be in the pigment. There was discussion about the form liners and concrete post and panel, as well as concern for graffiti, so the wall needs to be covered as soon as possible. Commr. Schultz preferred choices # 1 and # 5. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 15 Commr. Rawson liked the vines in # 5, but beyond that liked any of the cast walls. He liked the wall texture on # 1 and # 4, but once the vines were on # 5, it would be fine. Commr. Lopes liked the concrete in #1, liked the color and rail cap in # 2. He liked the vines as well and suggested having them on both sides of the wall. The rock face would be nice but might be hidden by a shrub. He liked the landscaping plan, but had some questions about the types of trees. He suggested Sycamore or London Plane, but noted that Cottonwood is fine. He suggested shrubs on the coffee-berry or ornamental side. Commr. Boudreau presented a motion to suggest alternative # 1, with the following embellishments; a rail cap integrated into the panel; use of a darker toned color; planting scheme similar to that shown in alternative # 5 with suggestions of the following trees: Sycamores, London Plane, sweet shade and tristania. Second by Commr. Schultz. There was further discussion about why the wall was not continued further up Dana Street. AYES: Commrs. Lopes, Novak, Stevenson, Schultz, Boudreau and Rawson NOES: None ABSENT: Commr. Howard 4. Commission B. Presentation by Todd Martin, City Arborist on Street Trees There was discussion on why certain trees are removed and others left. Most of the reasons dealt with disease or safety issues. Issues are usually sent to the Tree Committee and Mr. Martin provides expert testimony to help make decisions. The list of suggested trees is reviewed annually at an open meeting. There are problems right now with many trees because of the glassy winged sharp shooter. Commr. Stevenson said he would like to see more of an effort on the part of designers to design projects around historic trees. Mr. Martin replied that by the time the plans get to him for review, new trees are already in the plan and the plan has passed most of the review process. A suggestion was made to include Mr. Martin in the review process at an earlier stage of development. There was discussion concerning City Codes regarding street trees and who makes the decisions regarding particular tree removals or plantings. Commr. Stevenson thanked Mr. Martin for coming in to speak with the Commission. ARC Minutes September 17, 2001 Page 16 4. Commission C. ARC Budget Requests and Council-adopted Goals There was discussion with Mr. Whisenand about budget goals. Review of minutes from the ARC Meeting of June 4, 2001 On Motion by Commr. Schultz to approve the minutes. Commr. Novak second. AYES: Commrs. Lopes, Novak, Stevenson, Schultz, Boudreau and Rawson NOES: None ABSENT: Commr. Howard The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nora O’Donnell, Recording Secretary