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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