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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-12-2011 FSL Minutes�a FA�ADE, SIGN AND LANDSCAPING GRANT REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES Monday, December 12, 2011 5:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL: Present: Tom Collins Warren Dill Donna Keys 4 Lisanne Robinson Carolyn Anderson Staff present: Joe Griffin, Community Development Director Jan King, Senior Planner Dorri Bosworth, Planner/Secretary OLD BUSINESS Ms. Robinson requested updates on previously awarded grants: Washington Plaza with regards to the removal of the pole sign; Island Smoothie with regards to the handwritten cardboard sandwich sign; and Maxwell Plumbing with regards to the dead landscaping. Mr. Griffin stated Maxwell's new landscaping died after last year's freezes, a code enforcement officer was asked to speak to them about the issue, and gave them two weeks to replace the dead material. If not done in that time, they will be cited formally. Island Smoothie will be addressed. Ms. King stated she spoke to the Washington Plaza owners who relayed there was a delay by the contractor finishing the base of the new sign and removing the pole sign because of a family issue but that they would now be pursuing him to finish the project. The owners had so far only received a partial payment from the grant, and full payment would not be given until the new sign was finished properly and the pole sign was removed. Ms. Keys asked staff to research if the Island Smoothie grant award included plantings around the base of the monument sign, because there was none. She also asked for an update on uncompleted grant projects that were good for 12 months. Ms. Bosworth stated that Southern Sisters Phase 2 grant expired 1/5/12 but they had just submitted a letter requesting a six month extension, which would go before the CRA Board at their next meeting. River Grille's grant award was good until 3/23/11, and Washington Plaza had been partially paid and should be completing their project shortly. Mr. Collins verified that approximately $28,900 was actually available for a new round of grants. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Review of Budget and Funds Available Mr. Collins went over the chart included in the meeting packet. Mr. Dill stated the four applications submitted totaled over $70,000 and that only $28,900 was available so that all could not be funded to the extent requested. He asked how this would affect future applications received during the year. Staff confirmed there would be no more funds available for this fiscal year [until September 30, 2012]. Ms. Keys suggested that with the available grant funds becoming smaller each year, the November 15th application deadline should be enforced. B. New Applications The Committee decided to review all the applications and then discuss allocation of the funds. Clark Water — 1613 US Hiqhwav #1 In response to Mr. Collins, staff verified that the application was complete, and that the applicant was in compliance with the requirements. Mr. Keith Hockenbery of Clark Water reviewed their recent efforts to refresh their site, and that they have added a new product line, Softub, whose image they would like to feature prominently on the sign. Ms. Keys verified that the original sign had been destroyed thru a car crash, and asked if any money had been received from the insurance company for its replacement. Mr. Hockenbery stated they received $3,000. Staff discussed the sign setbacks for the unique-shaped property and reviewed the proposed placement. Ms. Robinson stated she liked the Art-Kraft sign, and the committee further discussed size, placement, and the Softub image. Mr. Dill suggested the sign be made smaller in width so as to not encroach into the setback. Mr. Hockenbery stated he preferred the sign with the largest image of the Softub, and verified for Mr. Dill that the panels could be interchanged if they stop selling the hot tub. The price of the proposals, and the large image of Softub looking similar to a billboard was discussed. Jan King reviewed the site plan, stated there would be room for landscaping around the base of the sign, and noted the applicant had requested monies for landscaping in their application. Ms. Keys stated she liked the siding on the base of the sign which complemented the building, had concerns with the billboard-like image also, and preferred the 7-foot width sign vs. the 10 foot. It was the committee's consensus to recommend the Art-Kraft sign with a smaller width, and take into consideration the insurance money. The Art-Kraft sign was preferred because of the smaller hot tub image. Suzy's Tiki — 1109 Indian River Drive Chris Pinson of Suzy's Tiki stated a name change was being discussed to "Tiki Bar and Grill", and because of the cost, the elevations submitted with the application had not been revised to reflect the new name. In response to Mr. Collins, staff verified that the application was complete, and that the applicant was in compliance with the requirements. Mr. Pinson reviewed their submitted description of the proposed improvements, which included a new metal roof, cupola addition, hardi-board plank siding, paint, shutters, landscaping, and F fence/enclosure on the NW corner to hide the exposed dumpster and outside cooler. Staff verified that the existing signs were non-conforming. Mr. Pinson stated since they took ownership in August they had worked on behind-the-scenes improvements, and that it was difficult to get sign companies to submit bids. Since the owners were working on new names and a logo, their application did not request funds at this time for new signage. Ms. Keys would like to see a breakdown of the costs for individual items listed on the three contractor's bids. She felt some of the items did not qualify for grant monies, such as the new roofing since it was not eliminating a non-conformity, and some were maintenance items [gutters and fascia]. Specific items were discussed: siding, shutters, and the proposed wood fencing. Mr. Pinson stated they chose wood vs. PVC to keep the fishing village look, along with natural cedar shutters, and indicated the wooden cooler enclosure would be left unpainted also. Ms. Robinson did not see a big difference with the existing site and the proposal, and felt most of the items were maintenance. She suggested extending the north-end roof to enclose the cooler and junk, which would then make the roof considerable. Mr. Pinson stated completely enclosing the mechanical equipment would be hard to do. The committee discussed options. Ms. Robinson also suggested grant monies could be used to remove the existing band area and construct a new stage with better sound buffers that would help with the noise situation. Ms. Anderson also liked using monies to help with the music problem. Mr. Dill felt there was benefit to the submitted application plans, and would like to see additional planters, similar to the existing ones. Ms. Keys noted the specific items she would like to see itemized costs for. Mr. Collins questioned if the existing non-conforming sign had to be brought into compliance for any grant award. Mr. Griffin noted the submitted elevations indicated fa�ade signage that would be sufficient until a monument-type sign was applied for, and recommended removing the existing freestanding sign against the north fence. Ideas for the north end enclosures and roof extensions were discussed. Mr. Pinson was asked to come back to the next meeting with the indicated itemized costs, and possible revised north-end elevations. Mr. Dill asked that landscaping estimates be included with the re-submission. Tire Kinqdom — 1677 US Hiqhwav #1 The developer of the project, Mr. Jack Mecca, was present. Mr. Griffin explained that Mr. Mecca approached him after the project was completed regarding the additional landscaping and hard-scape items the Planning and Zoning Commission required for approval of the site plan and stated that the previous Director had indicated he could apply for the grant. They had submitted final bills for the land and hard-scaping, in addition to bills for signage and fa�ade items. Ms. Keys noted that completed projects were not allowed for the grant. Mr. Mecca clarified that before the project was started the previous Director had told him he could be reimbursed up to $30,000 for the development but he was unaware that the amount could be shared with other applicants. Ms. Keys asked staff if the landscaping that was installed at the site was above the LDC. Ms. King verified what was planted exceeds the general landscaping code, but met the minimum code requirements for the Riverfront Overlay District where the project is located. Mr. Mecca requested any funds available. The committee discussed if they could recommend funds. Ms. Robinson verified with Mr. Mecca that he had received a grant application and tax incentive package from staff before his project started. She reminded the committee that City Council had previously revised 3 the grant application to not include retroactive projects, felt their hands were tied, and that it was up to City Council {CRA Board} to award any funds. Mr. Griffin stated that Mr. Mecca indicated to him that the previous Director had led him to believe he was applicable for this grant, which is why the application was being presented to the committee for their decision. Ms. Keys clarified that maximum reimbursement was $15,000 but felt that only the sign qualified for the grant [up to $7500 reimbursement] since the landscaping was required by code and most of the front fa�ade was existing. Mr. Dill stated the committee could not judge what was or was not heresay, read Section 3 of the grant application regarding ineligible projects, and suggested Mr. Mecca present his case to the CRA Board. Ms. King verified that the hard-scaping required by the Planning and Zoning Commission was an item above the required code, and that the previous business had a non-complying pole sign that was brought into compliance with the new Tire Kingdom monument sign. It was the consensus of the committee that Mr. Mecca present his request and application to the CRA Board. Riverfront Auto & Watercraft — 701 US Hiqhwav #1 In response to Mr. Collins, staff verified that the application was complete, and that the applicant was in compliance with the requirements. Mr. Glen Rohm, owner of the business, was present and explained that he was proposing two signs, one a v-shaped sign, the other single-faced, and discussed their location. He stated he preferred the Sign Access proposal and thought the lighthouse design blended well with the fishing village theme. Staff reviewed the codes for having two signs and verified the square-footage would be in compliance, including all signs for the site [Southern Sisters Restaurant]. How much grant money could be granted to the signs as proposed together or if Mr. Rohm waited three years to apply for a second grant was discussed. Ms. Keys asked if Mr. Rohm would consider putting lap or hardi-plank siding on the base or bottom portion of the sign. Mr. Dill suggested landscaping be added around the base, and questioned if there was existing irrigation. Staff stated there was proposed irrigation through the Southern Sister Phase II grant award. Ms. King stated there could be some traffic safety concerns at the intersection with the illuminated lighthouse top and there was discussion on the LED bulb wattage. Dimensions and height of the sign along with the berm were also discussed. Mr. Collins suggested reducing the base to 2.5 feet. Ms. Robinson suggested staff review the height of the Southern Sisters new sign and make sure either sign isn't looming over the other one. It was the consensus of the committee to recommend hardi-plank be added to the base, reduce the base to 2.5 feet high, and add landscaping around the base and maintain it. The committee took a break @ 7:00 pm. The meeting resumed @ 7:06 pm and all members were present. The committee discussed costs of the applications and worked numbers to decide final recommendations for the grant awards: For Clark Water they liked the Art-Kraft sign which was quoted @$8,500, but requested the smaller width. Ms. Robinson discussed awarding $5,500 (quote minus insurance monies) +$500 for landscaping. For Riverfront Auto & Watercraft discussion started with $7,500 for the Sign Access lighthouse sign. A suggestion was made for $6,000. 4 The committee calculated that approximately half would be left for the remaining two applications, depending on CRA Board's decision on Tire Kingdom, and their review of the requested revisions for Suzy's Tiki at the next meeting. Meeting dates were discussed along with tentative dates that the CRA Board could convene for final award. After final deliberations: Clark Water: The committee recommended $4,500 towards the sign and $500 towards landscaping. They would like a smaller width (approx 7 feet) so as not to encroach into the setback. They do not want the Softub billboard-like image and preferred the Art-Kraft design because of the smaller picture. They would like the height lowered to 9 feet to make the sign proportional. Mr. Hockenbery agreed to the changes. (Final amount was re-discussed) Motion by Dill/Robinson to recommend awarding $5,000 towards sign, $500 for landscaping, sign to be 7' wide by 10' tall using the Art-Kraft sign that's in the packet. ($5,500 total) A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. Riverfront Auto & Watercraft: The committee recommended Hardi-plank be added to the bottom, landscaping included, brightness of the lighthouse light reduced, and the base made smaller from 3' to 2.5'. The v-shaped Sign Access design was preferred. It was verified that irrigation could be hooked into the Southern Sisters when theirs was installed. Motion by Keys/Robinson to recommend awarding $7,000 for the sign, $500 for landscaping, base of the monument be changed to Hardi-plank, 2.5' feet high, v-shaped sign, total height @ 6.5 feet not including the lighthouse cupola. ($7,500 total) A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. Staff questioned if leftover landscaping monies could be moved over to signage costs, or visa-versa, if applicable. The committee stated they wanted to see decent landscaping planted so that all designated monies should be used for landscaping only. Tire Kingdom: The committee discussed if they wanted to recommend an award conditional on CRA Board's decision or wait until the decision was made to come up with an amount. Motion by Keys/Collins that we deny the Tire Kingdom application until we get clarification from the [CRA Board]. A voice vote was taken. 4 were in favor, 1 against (Mr. Collins). There was a discussion between staff and the committee if this denial could be "appealed" to Council. Mr. Collins clarified that he felt the committee was not against giving any money to Tire Kingdom but that their hands were tied. Mr. Dill felt it was not an appeal since there was no record to review. Ms. Robinson felt since the application couldn't be reviewed, it may not even be a denial. 5 Ms. Keys requested to rescind her previous motion. Mr. Collins withdrew his second from the motion. Motion died for lack of a second. Motion by Dill/Robinson that the committee recommends to the CRA Board that they review retroactivity of an application to see if this applicant is eligible. A voice vote was taken. All members were in favor. Suzy's Tiki: Meeting dates were discussed with staff and Mr. Pinson to determine how soon the requested information could come back before the committee. The next meeting was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 3�d, 2012. Ms. Keys stated she felt the sign code was very restrictive on what applicants could come up with and she suggested a workshop to review the sign code. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM. Approved � 0 Regular Meeting by h man, FSL G ant Review Com. �