HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-01-03 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
January 3, 1990
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:35 p.m. Members present
were Jim Lewis, Joyce Ward, Terry Skibby, Maxine Colwell, Lorraine Whitten, Susan
Reynolds and Rick Harris. Also present were Associate Planner John McLaughlin and
Secretary Sonja Akerman. Commission members Margaret Dode and Pat Warner were
absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Harris wondered if the letter to James and Margaret Foster, which resulted from action
taken at the December 6, 1989 meeting, should have been included in the minutes. It was
agreed to include it in the current minutes. McLaughlin then informed the Commission
that the Foster's request for a Variance had been denied by the Hearings Board on
December 13, 1989. He also stated the Fosters have the right to appeal the decision to the
City Council once the findings are adopted.
Harris moved to approve the December 6, 1989 Minutes as submitted. Skibby seconded
the motion and it was unanimously approved.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 90-021
Variance
595 North Main Street
Roberts Service
McLaughlin explained the applicants are requesting a height variance for their sign. The
Mobil Station has become a British Petroleum (BP) Station. The existing sign is non-
conforming, and in order to put up a new conforming sign, it can be no higher than five
feet. This, however, presents a vision clearance problem. Staff and the applicants have
looked at various places for sign placement. The most feasible placement would utilize a
larger existing pole that presently supports another non-conforming sign on the premises.
McLaughlin further stated the applicants have a 6' x 6' sign, yet it would need to be located
seven feet above ground instead of the required six because of vision clearance. Two non-
conforming signs will be replaced by one conforming sign if the Planning Commission
approves the Variance. Staff is recommending approval.
Commission members agreed that vision clearance is important, therefore, the Variance is
justified. Consequently, Whitten moved and Ward seconded to recommend approval of the
Variance to the Planning Commission. Motion passed unanimously.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
January 3, 1990
Discussion ensued regarding painting of the building, and the bricks in particular. Harris
then moved to strongly recommend to BP and the Planning Commission that the applicants
be allowed to leave the bricks in their natural state. Reynolds seconded the motion and
it was unanimously passed.
LINCOLN STATUE UPDATE
Skibby presented three montage photographs which he had created depicting the location
of the Lincoln Statue where the pedestal presently stands. When it was first brought to
Ashland, it was situated in the field by the Perozzi Fountain. Because of vandalism
problems, it was moved to the park entrance, where it stood for a number of years. He
stated the Commission needs to come up with a positive recommendation for locating the
restored statue, and suggested it be placed at the present site of the pedestal, where it will
be visible not only to park visitors, but also people in the downtown area.
Jeffrey Bernard stated that the issue of vandalism is a very real problem, as the statue on
top of the fountain has been stolen twice. Therefore, it will be cast in bronze and bolted
on. It would be much easier to vandalize the statue if it is located up by the fountain. He
went on to say that he favors the non-historical site (present location of pedestal) for
placement of the restored statue for a number of reasons. He feels that the more
accessible it is to the public, the more it will be appreciated. Since it is strictly a frontal
sculpture, it would not be necessary to provide access around the statue. Also, it would
have more of a valuable social function in the downtown area than in the middle of the
park, in his opinion.
Bernard informed the Commission that the clay molding of Lincoln has been completed and
he is now working on sculpting the head from a block of marble which has been attached
to the body of the original statue. The head is recognizable, and he hopes to have it
completed by Lincoln's birthday.
Harris stated he thought it would be nice to have an additional bronze placque with more
history about the statue, including reasons for its location in the City of Ashland.
Bernard said it was purchased in memory of Butler's father-in-law, Jacob Thompson, so it
was essentially bought in memory and honor of the pioneer spirit. Butler donated the
statue to the park. He also stated that good lighting will help the obstacle of vandalism and
that the installation of floodlights should not be a problem. He added that it would not be
an easy task to vandalize the statue. He stressed the fact that although he has a preference
in the location of the statue, the Historic Commission needs to make up its own mind for
a site.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
January 3, 1990
After a discussion on historic preservation, Skibby moved and Whitten seconded to
recommend to the Parks Commission that the restored statue of Abraham Lincoln be
placed at the entrance to Lithia Park, where the base exists now. The motion passed with
a unanimous vote. A letter will be sent to the Parks Commission.
SIGN CODE ORDINANCE DRAFT REVISIONS '
McLaughlin distributed a draft copy of the Sign Code Ordinance draft revisions and
reminded the Commission that several years ago, George Kramer had a great idea to
protect signs. The draft is a composite result of ideas from Kramer, McLaughlin and
adopted ordinances from other cities.
McLaughlin stated that one of the first steps would be to establish an inventory of
historically significant signs, which would be adopted by the City Council. The draft states
that these signs must be substantially in existence at the time of application and meet one
of four criteria (which is basically the same as criteria for structures requesting placement
on the National Register of Historic Places). An owner may request that said sign be
placed on the list upon written application to the City Council. Applications must include
findings addressing the criteria and photographs of the sign. The Council shall refer
applications to the Historic Commission for review and recommendation. After the
recommendation is received, notice according to Type I procedures would be sent to notify
surrounding property owners of a public hearing before the Council. The Council will make
the final decision, based on the criteria and Historic Commission recommendation.
Historically significant signs would be exempt from most sections of the Sign Code
Ordinance. If an owner wanted to add another sign, that sign would have to conform to
all regulations. McLaughlin stated this ordinance would not protect signs but allow them
to be retained.
Kramer remarked that he would like to protect the signs and require owners to get
approval if they want to demolish their signs. He stated once again that there has to be
clear definition of "restoration" and "recreation".
McLaughlin maintained that the Sign Code Ordinance is an aesthetic control and it needs
to have clear and objective standards per LCDC.
Discussion ensued regarding more protection of signs and process to follow if an application
is made to move or demolish a sign on the inventory list (similar to the Ashland Heritage
Landmarks List). Kramer recommended a time frame whereby an owner would be
required to talk with the Historic Commission to review options without destroying the
sign.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
January 3, 1990
Kramer contended that signs are an integral part of the streetscape and feels there is a
need to recognize that signs are a part of Ashland's history. He went on to say that wall
graphics should also be considered (i.e. the paintings on Tommy's and Brother's
Restaurants). He suggested they be preserved with a protective coating rather than
repainted, however.
Also discussed was the fact that certain historic signs were originally designed to flash or
move. It was the consensus of the Commission that such a section should not be included
in the revisions.
McLaughlin will consult with Kramer and John Fregonese to make changes in the draft and
have another ready for review during the February meeting.
BUILDING PERMITS
The Commission then reviewed a building permit application for a foundation permit
located at 666 "A" Street (recommended approval). Jim Lewis is proposing to move a
house from Medford (currently slated for demolition) to this site. He presented pictures
of the house for review and stated he is applying for a Conditional Use Permit in order to
locate the house by the "Boyden" house and depot.
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
December follow:
Laura Laurence
Laura Laurence
Brent Thompson
Brent Thompson
James/Margaret Foster
Dean Royce
570 Siskiyou Blvd.
115 Sherman St.
115 E. Main St.
548 Rock St.
146 Manzanita St.
610-618 Iowa St.
Remodel
Remodel*
Addition
Enclose Carport
Garage
5 Condos
Denotes a permit that was approved by the Historic Commission in
conjunction with PA 89-086, based on comments made by the applicant at the
Historic Commission meeting of 10-4-89.
OLD BUSINESS
Ordinance Revisions
The study session for discussion of the ordinance revisions will be held January 11, 1990 at
Pioneer Hall. Ward will contact Tom Giordano.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
January 3, 1990
Review Board
It was decided to have the Review Board meet in the Planning Department every Thursday
from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. This will enable the Historic Commission to be more available to
the public, and also eliminate time spent during regular meetings reviewing plans.
Following is the schedule until the next meeting:
January 11 - Skibby, Whitten and Ward
January 18 - Harris, Reynolds and Lewis
January 25 - Skibby, Whitten and Colwell
February 1 - Harris, Reynolds and Lewis
Pamphlet
Skibby expressed the importance of having a pamphlet which should contain such matters
as a logo, Historic District map, Historic Commission facts and information and
membership list. He will have a draft ready for the next meeting.
Foster Letter
Harris read the letter which was written to James and Margaret Foster as a result of
Historic Commission action during the December 6, 1989 meeting. A copy of the letter is
attached and made a part of these minutes.
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers
Whitten moved and Ward seconded to retain Jim Lewis as Chairperson and Susan Reynolds
as Vice Chairperson. The motion passed unanimously. It was also agreed to retain
Lorraine Whitten as City Council Liaison and Terry Skibby as Planning Commission
Liaison.
Absenteeism
Lewis reviewed a list of absenteeism for the 1989 year. He emphasized the importance of
attending the meetings and stated he will call those members with the most absences. He
also mentioned that Skibby had zero absences.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
January 3, 1990
(Harris moved to extend the meeting for another five minutes and Ward seconded the
motion. It passed unanimously.)
Other
Harris informed the Commission that the watershed area will be logged in the near future.
The only access is through Granite Street. He feels the Historic Commission should
monitor the impact on the Historic District in case the City Council needs input.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
December 11, 1989
James and Margaret Foster
144 Nutley Street
Ashland, Oregon 97520
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Foster:
As a member of the Ashland Historic Commission, I have been asked to write to you
regarding your recent request for a Variance to the required setback for your garage
addition. On December 6, the Historic Commission voted its approval of your request,
but expressed some concern as to the circumstances which necessitated a Variance in
the first place. The Commission felt some clarification of City ordinances was required
in order to improve the quality of your future restoration efforts.
First, the Commission wants to stress the great satisfaction in working with property
owners such as yourselves - your attention to maintaining the historic character of
Ashland is evident in the beautiful restoration/remodel of your home on Manzanita.
From the design phase to architectural drawings to execution, the quality of work is
superlative. Yours is an excellent example of the type of renovation the Historic
Commission would like to see and to encourage in the District, and you are to be
commended for the contributions you are making.
There is one aspect of your project which is of great concern, however, and that is your
lack of adherence to the established process of approving the nature of work to be done
in the Historic District. It is the position of the Historic Commission that ordinances
concerning building permits, setback requirements and uses of auxiliary structures are
designed to protect the historic quality of Ashland, and they should be taken very
seriously when considering a renovation project. The need for legal building permits
prior to starting construction, for example, helps to prevent the kind of unregulated
building which results in a hodge-podge of architectural styles and unsafe construction
techniques. Setback requirements help to keep neighborhoods homogenous, whether
they are residential, commercial or industrial, and they also help preserve the privacy of
adjacent property owners. Auxiliary structures are regulated in order to ensure proper
density standards in residential districts, which in turn helps to preserve the character of
single family neighborhoods. When these ordinances are circumvented, or when
Variances are issued to accommodate poor planning or an over-ambitious construction
schedule, it sets a dangerous precedent for those who would seek to get around the
"system" in the future. The Commission feels that it is vitally important that building
ordinances be strictly enforced if the preservation efforts in the Historic District are to
succeed.
The Commission wants to stress again its appreciation of the work you are doing in the
Historic District, and encourages your continued preservation projects. Your service to
the City through the renovation of the Manzanita house is truly exemplary, and it adds
immeasurably to the spirit of historic restoration in Ashland. If you can just make a
stronger effort to follow the guidelines of the City building ordinances in the future, your
work in the Historic District will be appreciated even more.
Sincerely,
RH/sa
Rick Harris
Ashland Historic Commission
CC.'
Joyce Ward
Planning Staff
Planning Commission