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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-06-2003 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTUAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2003 ROLL CALL: Present: Commrs. Michael Boudreau, Rob Schultz, Zeljka Howard, Jim Lopes, David Smith, and Chairperson Charles Stevenson Absent: Commr. Allen Root Staff: Associate Planner Michael Codron, Utilities Director John Moss, and Recording Secretary Irene Pierce ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as presented. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTE: The Minutes of September 3, 2002 were accepted as amended. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: There were no comments made from the public. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Citywide. ARC 197-02; Review of proposed improvements for the City’s reclaimed water system including distribution facilities; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report recommending final approval to the project, based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. David Pierce, Water Project Manager, briefly described the project and clarified what would be above ground, where the existing road would be extended, and where the wetlands would be located. Commr. Boudreau asked if it would be a challenge to coordinate the bike paths so the project would only be reviewed once. Mr. Pierce explained this project is proceeding now, but the bike path is five to six years away. He explained one of the reasons they are staying with this configuration is because of drainage, noting that this entire area is subject to flooding. Utilities Director John Moss explained that the original design for this project, as proposed by their consultants, included an above-ground storage tank separate from any contact chambers, which has been crunched as much as it could. He mentioned that this is a very tight footprint, and noted the berms are going to be stockpiles that will be graded out in the future for the bike path. ARC Minutes January 6, 2003 Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, commented that a lot of money is being spent and felt the community could live without this. Carol Anderson, SLO, expressed a concern that this is the gateway to the City with much new development and noted there are hazardous chemicals that could pose a danger to this area. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Chairperson Stevenson clarified that the ARC’s role in this project is the physical appearance. Commr. Lopes expressed concern with the proposal for the landscaping as it relates to the buildings and the shade structure, and how they would look together. He mentioned that his preference would be to have the plan revised so there is a mixture of plant types (similar to the approach taken north of the project) with a continuing line of variety and texture. He noted there are several trees proposed to be removed, and the trees in this plan could be revised to be located further down. He mentioned the proposed California Bay tree is a slow growing tree and must be heavily watered, which is opposite of the Pepper Tree. He felt it is not appropriate to have California Bays in this location where more drought tolerance is needed. He suggested that different trees be added to supplement the Pepper trees north of the site, along with Melaluca on the frontage at the highway. He suggested there be a condition that the buildings have the complimentary earth-tone colors, the shade structure be open air, and the roof be a darker color. Mr. Pierce responded that a light color is easier to take care of and it eliminates the sunlight, which is part of the focus there. Chairperson Stevenson requested something non-reflective. Mr. Moss replied that it could be colored similar to the color of the split face block of the buildings, which is a taupe color. Chairperson Stevenson asked if this building needs to be open and if siding could be put on it. Mr. Pierce replied that there is no reason for siding because it is primarily to keep the sun off. Chairperson Stevenson asked what the height of the building is. Mr. Pierce replied 15-feet. Commr. Boudreau concurred with Comm. Lopes’ comments, noting he supports the ARC Minutes January 6, 2003 Page 3 Pepper tree, and agreed that some variety would be good so as to continue the theme. He commented that there is going to be 6,000 cubic yards of dirt, and hoped in a few months there would be some corroboration between the two agencies to make it work to have the bike trails. Commr. Smith mentioned the issue with the Bob Jones Bike Trail is that it crosses private land and easements are needed from the landowners. Commr. Lopes noted that the alignment for the bikeway cuts across and runs along the highway for quite a distance and asked if there is a way to continue on the existing road and cut across so the distance could be lessened. Director Moss explained that moving the bikeway towards the freeway is an attempt to get people away from the creek and the immediate interaction with the wildlife that exists along the creek corridor. Commr. Lopes expressed concern with the high voltage power line along the freeway. Mr. Moss noted there is an electrical drop located there. Commr. Lopes asked if they could underground along the highway. Mr. Moss replied that it would be a major expense for this project to absorb because it is not directly related. Commr. Lopes moved final approval with the findings and conditions in the staff report with the addition of: Condition 4. The motor control cinder building shall use earth-tone colors similar to the existing buildings, Condition 5. The shade structure shall be a non- reflective earth-tone paint color on the roof. Condition 6. The landscaping plan shall be revised to mix the distribution of plants in a manner similar to the plants to the north of the site, to choose tree and shrub plants that minimize the pollen content and to substitute other trees or large shrubs such as Miroporin for the Bay tree selection, and substitute Escolonial for the Pink Melaluca. Seconded by Commr. Howard. AYES: Commrs. Lopes, Howard, Boudreau, Schultz, Smith, and Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: Commr. Root ABSTAIN: None. The motion carried 6-0. 2. 3889 Long Street. ARC MOD 113-01; Review of Public Art proposed for the northeast corner of Long Street and Tank Farm Road; M-SP zone; Kevin Kennedy, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report, recommending approval of the proposed public art sculpture as recommended by the art jury. ARC Minutes January 6, 2003 Page 4 Chairperson Stevenson questioned how this sculpture meets Finding #4 of the Public Art Guidelines. Planner Codron responded that is an appropriate discussion and the finding should be made by the Commission. Commr. Howard asked why this particular art piece was chosen. Planner Codron replied the original proposal was different, involving a dolphin and human figures. The art jury recommended that the artwork be simplified so the artist chose to focus on the dolphin forms. Chairperson Stevenson asked if there were other proposals. Planner Codron replied no. The artwork was commissioned by the applicant and he worked directly with the artist of his choosing. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, felt the dolphins are suitable, but questioned if it is safe for the public to go to the Kennedy Center because of soil contamination. Chairperson Stevenson replied it was not their focus to review the safety, only the art that is proposed. Kevin Kennedy, applicant, explained they wanted to do something that was a standout on the corner and felt the landscaping design will compliment the sculpture. He explained why they came up with dolphins, what kind of lighting would be on the sculpture, and how the name of the sign would be incorporated into the rock feature in front of it. He noted the sculpture is about 17-feet tall. Commr. Lopes asked if the lighting would be inside the dolphin shapes. Mr. Kennedy explained they considered doing it in a plexiglas form with high bracket lighting, but noted the lighting still needs to be designed. He noted the Airport Land Use Commission did not want any up-lighting. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Chairperson Stevenson commented he could not support this art sculpture because it is not appropriate for the location and does not meet Guideline #4. He felt true public art should be business neutral and suggested something that ties more to the agricultural history of the area. Commr. Lopes asked if the City would benefit more from an in-lieu fee. ARC Minutes January 6, 2003 Page 5 Planner Codron replied that the requirement could be met by paying an in-lieu fee, but the applicant would prefer to put the money towards improving his own property, and the ordinance allows him to make that decision. Commr. Lopes concurred that public art should be business-neutral and should reflect the context of the site and be compatible with the history and the character of the town. Commr. Howard asked if there were other options. Planner Codron explained if this proposal were denied because of finding 4, then the applicant would have the opportunity to redesign the artwork and come back before the Commission. Commr. Smith felt they should call this proposal signage. Planner Codron responded that the sign is before the Commission because it is integrated with this artwork. Vice-Chair Schultz asked what would be appropriate for this location. Commr. Lopes suggested some wildlife. Planner Codron stated that the proposed artwork was approved by the art jury and noted it is a nice piece. He stated that based on the guidelines, staff did not see any conflicts or incompatibilities with the dolphin. Chairperson Stevenson commented there is no connection to dolphins with the Tank Farm Road setting and stated it would be more appropriate for an ocean setting. He suggested something that represents the setting in this area. Vice-Chair Schultz moved to approve the proposed art, as recommended by the art jury. Seconded by Commr. Smith. Commr. Lopes commented that part of this artwork relates to the signage and suggested the two-foot wall be the base for the sign. Commr. Howard expressed that she is torn and felt if they look at the guidelines it would be hard for them to find that the dolphins are compatible with the site and the neighborhood. Vice-Chair Schultz expressed support for the signage and suggested adding a water feature to the sculpture. Planner Codron stated that the art jury considered a water element as part of the original proposal, but the fountain was eliminated in an effort to simplify the piece. Chairperson Stevenson expressed concern that this would set a precedent for public art and felt they could not make Finding #4. He commented it is part of a business ARC Minutes January 6, 2003 Page 6 promotion and felt this could be associated with the business as a logo. AYES: Commrs. Schultz and Smith NOES: Commrs. Boudreau, Howard, Lopes, and Chairperson Stevenson ABSENT: Commr. Root ABSTAIN: None The motion failed 4-2. There was much discussion on giving direction to the applicant. Chairperson Stevenson commented they like this corner for public art and suggested something with a more historical context. Commr. Lopes moved they continue consideration of the project and asked the applicant to provide a different proposal. He suggested encouraging the applicant to work with the public art coordinator to issue an RFP through the County Arts Council, and asked if the applicant could provide a financial guarantee to enable issuance of the building permits before the artwork is approved. He encouraged the applicant to work with the public art coordinator to seek public art that meets guideline #4, so that the art is specific to the San Luis Obispo context. Seconded by Commr. Howard. AYES: Commrs. Lopes, Howard, Boudreau, and Stevenson NOES: Vice-Chair Schultz and Commr. Smith ABSENT: Commr. Root ABSTAIN: None The motion carried 4-2. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 3. Staff: A. Agenda Forecast: January 21, 2003: Motel Inn; VAS Entertainment marquee sign; Remodel for a bar and grill; SLO non-profit housing corporation senior housing. March 3, 2003; Downtown lighting. 4. Commission: Commr. Howard commented on the metered parking within the parking structure at the Marsh Street Parking Garage and noted there was no sign stating this. Commr. Lopes felt there should be a sign stating there are pedestrian stairs on the side. ARC Minutes January 6, 2003 Page 7 Commr. Lopes mentioned on February 28, there is a conference addressing the challenges of growth in San Luis Obispo County. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for January 21, 2003, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Hearing Room. Respectfully submitted by Irene E. Pierce Recording Secretary