Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

January 20, 2010                         Monday                                     5:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:      Commrs. Jim Duffy, Suzan Ehdaie, Steven Hopkins, Chris Weber, Greg Wilhelm, Vice-Chair Anthony Palazzo, and Chairperson Allen Root 

Commr. Duffy was absent. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as submitted. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:  There was no public comment other than on regular agenda items. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.     3600 S. Higuera Street.  ARCPA 94-09; Review of new public art sculpture along property frontage; C-S zone; Meathead Movers, applicant.  (Continued from the December 7, 2009, meeting)  (Brian Leveille)

RECOMMENDATION:  Adopt the Draft Resolution which finds that the proposed art piece meets the City’s Guidelines for Public Art in Private Projects, based on findings, and subject to conditions. 

ACTION:  Moved by Vice-Chair Palazzo, seconded by Commr. Hopkins, to adopt a resolution finding that the proposed art piece meets the City’s Guidelines for Public Art in Private Projects, based on findings, and subject to conditions (6:0).  Condition No. 2 was modified to add the following sentence: “The overall height of the art piece may be increased to a maximum of 10 feet from adjacent grade.”

2.     1269 Vista Lago.  ARC/ER 74-09; Environmental and architectural review of a new bicycle and pedestrian path extending from Vista Lago to Oceanaire Drive and a connecting bridge in Vista Lago Park, including a creek setback exception; C-OS-40 zone; City of San Luis Obispo – Public Works Department, applicant. (Pam Ricci) 

RECOMMENDATION:  Adopt the Draft Resolution, which:

    a. Grants final approval to the project design, based on findings, and subject to conditions and mitigation measures;
b. Approves a creek setback exception, based on findings. and
c. Adopts a Mitigated Negative Declaration. 

ACTION:  Moved by Commr. Weber, seconded by Hopkins, to adopt the resolution as recommended by staff with modifications to conditions (5:1, Commr. Wilhelm voting no). The first sentence of Condition No. 1 was modified to require that proposed lighting fixtures for the bridge be a different style to better complement the aesthetics of the bridge.  Condition No. 3 was added:  “The design of the bridge shall be modified to include entry embellishments and a softer appearance to the approval of the Public Works and Community Development Department Directors.  Roof elements were suggested as a design consideration, but not mandated.” 

The ARC also noted other issues brought up by the audience outside of their purview such as a contingency plan for patrols and other safety concerns and a needs assessment.  The Commission did not include any formal recommendation on these topics as a formal part of their resolution, but suggested that the City Council would be the proper review body to hear their concerns on these types of issues. 

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

3.            Staff: 

     a.   Agenda Forecast – Pam Ricci provided an agenda forecast for upcoming meetings.  She announced that the next regularly-scheduled ARC meeting of Monday, February 1, 2010, would be cancelled. She also announced that the second ARC meeting in February is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 2010, because of the Presidents’ Day holiday.
b.  ARC Recruitment:  Pam Ricci mentioned that the deadline for applications for the three vacancies on the ARC was Friday, January 29, 2010.  She suggested that members spread the word to potential candidates.

4.            Commission: 

a.  Minutes:  December 7 & December 14, 2009 - The minutes were approved as submitted. 

b.      Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned 

Commr. Hopkins mentioned that the new Mission Community Bank at the corner of Prado Road and South Higuera Street was completed and that the finished product was very attractive.  Other Commissioners agreed with this assessment. 

The Commission discussed the metal panels on the new freestanding structure adjacent to the historic Railroad Square building and had comments about the finish and details. 

Council Member Ashbaugh addressed the Commission mentioning a recent article in The Tribune which was critical of the design of the new storage building on the south side of Fire Station No. 1.  Pam Ricci explained the review process for the project. 

ADJOURNMENT  

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Architectural Review Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the Community Development Department, 919 Palm Street, during normal business hours.