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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-2002 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2002 ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Allen Root, Michael Boudreau, Rob Schultz, Zeljka Howard, Jim Lopes, David Smith, and Chairperson Charles Stevenson. Absent: None. Staff: Associate Planner Lynn Azevedo and Recording Secretary Irene Pierce. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS MaryBeth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, SLO, commented on the televised consultant that spoke on Urban Planning and asked that the City Council not be influenced by them. Lee Price, City Clerk, reported on what other cities are doing to televise their ARC meetings and explained some options. Chairperson Stevenson commented that the public would benefit from seeing many of the projects that are brought before the ARC so they could provide comments since these projects affect the community in years to come. There were no further comments made from the public. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. 951 Monterey Street. ARC 112-02; Review of possible placement of wireless telecommunications antenna and support equipment on an existing building (Anderson Hotel); C-C-H- zone; Sprint PCS, applicant. Associate Planner Lynn Azevedo presented the staff report recommending final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions and code requirements. Commr. Howard asked if the tower extension was part of the original building. Planner Azevedo replied it was a portion of the building that was added in the 1930’s. ARC Minutes December 2, 2002 Page 2 Commr. Howard asked if any of the antenna that would stick out. Planner Azevedo replied the GPS antenna would stick out. David Thornburgh, Representative for Sprint PCS, presented an explanation of the areas that are being proposed for antennas and the equipment that would contain the cables. He explained that the camouflage that would be used to hide the additions to the building are wood and stucco. Larry McKinney, Teleflauge representative, gave a presentation showing different sites that are camouflaged. He explained that the type most specific to this type of situation would be referred to as an infill site. He explained an RF material would be used on this project, and noted that their products are guaranteed for five years. The Commission asked questions about the proposed materials and where the equipment would be located. Commr. Lopes asked if an assessment had been done on the exposure for the residents on the top floor. Debra Robinson, RF Radio Frequency Engineer, explained the antennas are directional antennas and the RF transmission is going out from the antenna horizontally is very minimal. PUBLIC COMMENTS: MaryBeth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, SLO, commented that the historical sites are slowly deteriorating because of investors that come to this area and take over these sites. She questioned if there is a guarantee that there would be no harm to the residents that live there from the radio frequency. Ralph Mashufee, Construction Manager, commented on the grounding issue and the potential electrical hazard due to electrical storms. He explained that each of the antennas is grounded and each of the antenna mounts is grounded. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Lopes asked if this could be done in a way so the companies could accommodate more than one antenna Mr. Thornburgh replied that it has been designed at the minimum for Sprint, but it could not be said that another carrier could not go there. ARC Minutes December 2, 2002 Page 3 Commr. Howard felt there are other alternatives rather than these historical buildings and felt this antenna should have been placed at a location like a parking garage. Commr. Root concurred with the comments made about placing these antennas on historical buildings, but expressed support for the statement made that there would be a financial instrument to ensure that the site is restored when the installation gets to a point that it is obsolete. Planner Azevedo noted there is a standard in the ordinance regarding facilities that are no longer in use and their enforcement provisions. Commr. Lopes felt this particular security should be in place for the life of the project. Chairperson Stevenson expressed concerns on how would this look over time and would it fade the same way. He asked what type of paint would be used. Mr. McKinney replied acrylic paint would be used and explained if there were a problem with the paint, they would fix it. Planner Azevedo interjected with some language that would address this problem. Mr. Thornburgh explained the long-term maintenance is the same issue the building needs to deal with overall and mentioned that Sprint would do their best to maintain the site. Vice-Chair Schultz suggested a condition to remove the remainder of the water tower . Planner Azevedo explained removal of the water tower would have to go back to the CHC because they found that it has historical significance. Vice-Chair Schultz moved to grant final approval, based on findings and subject to the conditions and code requirements noted in the staff report, with the addition of condition 4. the derogation to the addition be repaired and modified. Chairperson Stevenson asked if there should be a time frame set on when it should be repaired? Commr. Root suggested that there be guaranteed maintenance of the visual integrity of the camouflaged portion of the building. Vice-Chair Schultz added that Condition 2 be modified to: financial security shall be posted to the approval of the Community Development Director and City Attorney, to guarantee maintenance, repair and restoration of the camouflage system components both during and upon termination of the use of the telecommunication facilities. Seconded by Commr. Boudreau. ARC Minutes December 2, 2002 Page 4 Mr. Thornburgh noted the amount that would be posted has not been discussed. George Moylan, Housing Authority, stated they could make it as restrictive as they would like. He commented that housing authority is not the owner of this property and what is crafted should say, “Housing Authority for the owner.” AYES: Commrs. Schultz, Commrs. Boudreau, Root, Smith, Lopes, & Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Commr. Howard The motion carried 6-0. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 2. Staff: A. Agenda Forecast: December 16, 2002: Monterey Street Review; Rockview Place proposed 9-unit development project. 3. Commission: A. Budget Goals Commr. Lopes commented that the CHC had a priority that housing is critical, and the ARC has a similar proposal as the CHC’s. Chairperson Stevenson commented the staff was going to look for commonality and report to the City Council that three out of six commissions all recommended these things. The ARC amended a few of their Budget Goals. There was discussion on public workshops to discuss housing. Vice-Chair Schultz suggested that (1) provide funding to prepare a new downtown Urban Design Element; (2) provide funding for special corridors studies; (3) provide funding to promote housing in the city. B. Recent Project Review-Lessons Learned-Marsh Street Garage The Commission commented that the Marsh Street Garage is not pedestrian friendly, not vehicle friendly, there are not enough liner shops, and it lacks decorative elements. The Commission supported the exterior and dark colors. ARC Minutes December 2, 2002 Page 5 The Commission discussed the wall on DeVaul Ranch project and felt the wall was too high. The Commission noted they do not recall the wall being 10-feet tall and suggested there be a reinforcement call on it. ADJOURNMENT With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for December 16, 2002, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Hearing Room. Respectfully submitted by Irene E. Pierce Recording Secretary