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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 07/02/1987LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING - MINUTES July 2, 1987 The meeting began at approximately 5:30 p.m., at 200 West Mountain Avenue. Members in attendance were Wayne Sundberg, Michael Ehler, Carol Tunner, and Dick Beardmore. Members absent included Sally Ketcham. Staff was repre- sented by Kari VanMeter and Judy Reed. Also present were Bud Frick and Andrew Mutz, newly appointed members to be confirmed July 7, 1987, and Tom Peterson, Planning Director. AGENDA REVIEW MotherLode Gallery and Boutique: Reviewed by Michael Ehler and Carol Tunner. ISSUES/COMMENTS: The changes to the sign seem to fit within the guide- lines. The only concern would be the method of hanging, which is currently by a chain. Unsure if we gave them guidelines on how to hanq the sign. Carol later found that chains were approved in the guidelines. 112-116 Trimble Court and 132 N. College: Reviewed by Dick Beardmore and Wayne Sundberq. ISSUES/COMMENTS: Work entails tuck -pointing the masonry on the Trimble Court side of building, and painting previously painted brick. Off-white color is good. Received a favorable comment regarding proposed work from neighboring businessman, George Chow. Some replacement of brick has been started on the lower level. Mortar mix appears acceptable. Covering over some of the areas of brick is not as desirable as replacing the brick, how- ever there are several different types of brick, making replacement very difficult. Questioning if the area by the foundation line will be new stucco to match. "Trimble Court Artisans" painted on the wall shall be painted out with this work, but is proposed to be reinstated by sign application at a later date. Museum Maintenance Work: No regular application has been submitted, how- ever the board would like to review the proposed repairs. MOTHERLODE GALLERY AND BOUTIQUE Mark Richardson appeared before the board, representing MotherLode Gallery. Mr._Sundberg asked if there were any changes to be made other than the sha- dowing. Mr. Richardson stated that the other work on the sign had been completed, as approved, and only the shadowing was left. Dick Beardmore moved to approve application as submitted. July 2, 1987 LPC Minutes Page 2 Michael Ehler seconded the motion. Motion to approve passed 4-0. 112-116 TRIMBLE COURT (South & East walls) AND 132 N. COLLEGE (South and Applicant Martha Scott Trimble was present. She corrected the addresses to include 140 N. College and all apartments above. She stated that in the preservation of property, the property is not the way it looked at the beginning. The owner tried to improve the inside to suit the tenants and the outside to suit the city and neighboring owners. She stated that she has been trying to paint the outside for the past two years. Mr. Sundberg asked if she was going to replace some of the brick. Ms. Trimble stated that her repairman gave her the information on the tuck - pointing, which the board had requested. She decided to use Navajo White instead of a pink shade and would keep it all the same on that side. Mr. Sundberg asked to have the paint chip sample of Navajo White. He stated that it's a good color and will brighten the area. Miss Trimble mentioned the cement at the bottom of the building. Mr. Sundberg asked if the repairman would fill in where the hole is, making it level. Miss Trimble stated he would. She also listed the composition of the mor- tar to be used for repairs: Two parts lime, one part Portland, six parts sand. Bricks to be used are red in color. Kari VanMeter pointed out that this information is included in the staff report. Miss Trimble explained that between bad weather and ill health, she has not been able to complete the work. Mr. Beardmore asked if the crumbling brick will be realcram,'. Miss Trimble stated that in some places the brick has been replaced. 1�1.,t that some will be patched or repaired. Mr. Beardmore asked if the East side of the second floor is to repaired. Miss Trimble stated no painting will be done to that area. Mr. Sundberg asked if the location to be repaired was just 132 N. College. Miss Trimble agreed. She asked if the board could address the problem of the trash haulers parking by her buildinq. July 2, 1985 LPC Minutes Page 3 Mr. Sundberg noted that it was a continuing problem for the downtown area. Mr. Beardmore asked to clarify if the brick under the windows that is not painted now will remain unpainted. Miss Trimble said it will be painted. Mr. Beardmore stated that Michael Ehler pointed out that these color combi- nations are very similar to what is in the 200 Block of N. Linden. Mr. Beardmore moved to approve the application as submitted. Ms. Tunner seconded the motion. Motion to approve passed 4-0. MUSEUM MAINTENANCE WORK Mr. Sundberg stated that the City would like the Board to take some action on allowing the work to begin, but not be treated as a formal application, they are just asking for direction. Mr. Beardmore asked, regarding point of procedure, if this work is just repairs. Mr. Sundberg stated no, however he has requested more information. Mr. Beardmore stated that the documentation seems minimal and might be more appropriately submitted as a formal application. Mr. Ehler agrees with Mr. Beardmore, and also notes that this is a border- line case. Ms. VanMeter submitted a sample of the metal cap to be used. Mr. Beardmore asked if there is a photograph that shows what the window looks like. Mr. Sundberg stated that he had requested a simple sketch, but that the Board can request a formal application. Mr. Beardmore asked if they could replace the sill. Mr. Sundberg stated he was told that would entail a great deal more work. Mr. Ehler stated that he was informed the windows are no longer functioning and have deteriorated to the point it would be difficult to remove them without extensive damage. Mr. Beardmore explained that it was a contributing structure and a city facility and if we have guidelines we expect the private sector to follow, then we need to be consistent. July 2, 1987 LPC Minutes Page 4 Mr. Sundberg stated we can ask for a formal application. Mr. Beardmore noted this is a good case in point that Kari will be able to work with applicants in clarifying these points in applications. Mr. Beardmore also pointed out that by capping the sills with the metal, if the wood underneath the cap is rotted, this procedure will accelerate dete- rioration. Mr. Sundberg mentioned the screens may have contributed to the problem, and they will not be left in place when the work is performed. He is not cer- tain if this work is considered routine maintenance or something that requires the Board's input. Mr. Ehler asked if removing screens and repainting the same color requires approval. Mr. Beardmore noted that other repairs are to be performed, such as the brick molding. He also had questions regarding the effectiveness of the metal cap, which would be anchored by galvanized nails, if moisture worked under the cap, would it seep out, or be trapped. Mr. Sundberg has no problem with the paint color, which is the same as what is currently in place. Ms. VanMeter stated she would contact the museum and get more information regarding the window repair if the Board would go ahead and approve the first two items. She also noted the handout given to the Board, showing proposed maintenance reworking the wrought iron fence, so that it functions as a gate and not a fence. The same materials will be used and shall be painted a flat black. This makes four items for the Board to review. Mr. Beardmore noted he would have no problem with the fence, since it is not considered historic. Ms. VanMeter stated she understood it would be hinged on both sides and open in the center. Mr. Beardmore and Mr. Ehler asked for clarification. Ms. VanMeter will ask for more detailed specifications; hinges, opening and latch. OLD BUSINESS Rio Grande Restaurant Ms. VanMeter noted the applicant Rio Grande Restaurant, did in fact use the color "Utah Clay". Mr. Sundberg noted the applicant was given two choices in the paint color. July 2, 1987 LPC Minutes J Page 5 Mr. Beardmore moved that the color "Utah Clay" be approved. Mr. Ehler seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0. Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau Mr. Sundberg noted the Board approved sign #1 as submitted, sign #2 to include a frame. Framing was included on the two large signs. Ms. Turner stated the Board approved a different color that had been approved. However, the color is not that much different and she is not opposed to the current color. Ms. Tunner pointed out that the placement of one of the signs has caused the mounting bolts to be imbedded directly in the brick, which is in oppo- sition to what was specifically approved. Mr. Sundberg noted that bolts are in the grout at the top. Mr. Beardmore moved to approve the border on the signs as modified, the two larger signs have a 2" border, and the two smaller signs have a small painted border. Ms. Tunner seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0. NEW BUSINESS Kari VanMeter, Senior Planner for the Historic Preservation Program, addressed the Board. She will be professional support to this decision making body. She hopes to present procedures, submittal applications and reports that are complete and in order, with all information coherently presented, so this body can perform more smoothly. She hopes to meet with the individual Board members in the next few weeks. Members are encouraged to contact Ms. VanMeter. Phone number is 221-6756. MINUTES June 3, 1987: Minutes were approved as submitted, with the note by Mr. Beardmore that the fence at Rio Grande Restaurant is not actually "redwood", but is painted a redwood color or stain. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Beardmore read a "Thank You" note from Wayne Feuerborn, City Develop- ment Department, Kansas City, thanking the Board for the copy of the Ordi- nances and Design Review and guidelines. July 2, 1987 LPC Minutes Page 6 Mr. Sundberg brought up the point of problems with enforcement of guide- lines. Linda Ripley will be helping develop guidelines for properties out- side Old Tam, and hopes to work with the Board. Mr. Tom Peterson, Director of Planning, addressed the Board. He believes that Historic Preservation is politically on shaky ground, and he would like to examine the past and explore the future direction of the program. He would like to submit to the Board a rough draft of guidelines. Mr. Sundberg stated that he attended a meeting with the Mayor, Assistant Mayor, City Manager, and Department Heads held for Boards and Commission Chairs, and he was handed the list of Council priorities; Historic Preser- vation is not on the list. There may be a need for the Board to push its importance. Mr. Beardmore stated that Council has not had much exposure to the Board. Mr. Peterson noted that it is possible the Board could lose staff support. Mr. Ehler asked if there might be a movement to dilute the Board's author- ity. Mr. Peterson mentioned the bad feedback on the Agnes' Very Very matter. Mr. Sundberg stated that Susan Kirkpatrick was interested in the Board because they seem to operate very independently and did not feel the need to involve Council. Mr. Beardmore noted that the Board had invited Council members several times to attend their meetings. Mr. Peterson replied that one of the reasons for that was the Board's smooth functioning. Mr. Beardmore suggested checking the interest level with the citizens of the City. Ms. VanMeter stated the public might not know if the Historic Preservation Commission is important to them and that this Board's efforts might be directed at educating the public as to the value of the Commission. Mr. Beardmore mentioned the interest in the Post Office situation. Mr. Peterson brought out the point of the Board's frustration on has cer- taip. items are dealt with. The Board needs to decide on how it wishes to proceed with Strategic Plan. There are suggestions in the rough draft being submitted. We currently have the expertise and some funds available for the Board. Enforcement is a very important issue that needs to be addressed. July 21 1987 LPC Minutes ' Page 7 Ms. VanMeter spoke to the Chief Building Official regarding signage and how it is enforced. It doesn't appear that this is clearly defined. Ms. VanMe- ter plans to find process for enforcement and enlighten all involved in that process. She also hopes to develop some type of formalized complaint procedure the Board can follow. The Building Division has been enforcing the sign code as written on the books, they have not been enforcing LPC conditions. We will present documentation that enables them to enforce those conditions. Mr. Beardmore suggested requiring some additions or revisions to the zoning or sign code. Mr. Peterson added this all suggests that we might handle information from these meetings better. Mr. Sundberg noted that the Board should develop a statement and/or proce- dural guidelines. Mr. Beardmore stated possible goals and objectives might be of a higher priority than detailed procedures. Mr. Sundberg stated that in light of what has been done in Old Town, it might be proper to completely rewrite guidelines. Mr. Peterson stated Linda Ripley will have a portion of her time available to work on the guidelines. Mr. Ehler asked how soon will the decision for allocations of staff support for LPC be made. Mr. Peterson stated he didn't think anything will be happening in this year's budget, so the Commission will have this year and maybe next, but the issue needs to be addressed now. Mr. Sundberg stated he felt the procedure was cumbersome and confusing for applicants, and he hoped to streamline and simplify the procedure. Mr. Beardmore added that regarding design guidelines, there are two ways to approach this, subjective, which gives the flexibility, or prescriptive guidelines which are more rigid. Mr. Ehler stated some of the past problems have been with communication, in that applicants don't understand what is required of them. Other problems were concerning an uncooperative attitude by applicants. Mr. Sundberg added the applicants need to work more with staff when changes are suggested. Mr. Peterson noted that the Board's function is design review, not RE - design. July 2, 1987 LPC Minutes Page 8 Mr. Sundberg mentioned the problem the Board has with color. A palette of color might help applicants, alleviating the Board of that responsibility. Mr. Peterson suggested applicants might be able to consult with an archi- tect or planner through the City. Mr. Beardmore mentioned this is available in Loveland. Mr. Peterson noted the downtown business community is one of the strongest supporters of the Historic Preservation Program. They are also the best enforcers. Ms. VanMeter proposed to give the Board adequate time to review the draft while she and Mr. Sundberg work on a format for a strategic review of the plan. Mr. Sundberg would like to work with Ms. VanMeter and submit some ideas to the Commission for discussion purposes, such as changing requirements. Ms. VanMeter asked the Board to read the draft, jot down ideas, be prepared to discuss points pertinent to the Board. Ms. VanMeter stated that for Andrew and Bud's benefit, she would be sending them orientation materials: ordinance, guidelines, procedural flowcharts, whatever will help them become acclimated. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:40.