Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout060623 HPC MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: June 6, 2023 Time: 3:00 pm Location: City Hall Council Chambers (staff and most committee members), and virtually via GoToMeeting webinar (for Craig Britton) Members Present: Richard Berg (Chair), Craig Britton (Vice -chair - virtual), Kathleen Knoblock, George Randels, Michael D'Alessandro, City Council member/HPC liaison Monica MickHager, Walter Galitzki; Kathleen Croston Members Absent (excused): None Staff Present: John McDonagh, Senior Planner; Suzanne Wassmer, Associate Planner Guests: Monica Mader and Simon Little of Studio STL, Mari Mullen of PT Main Street, Rob Larsen, Good Templar's building owner with Good Templar's business owners including Benji Project founder Cynthia Osterman and Bazaar Girls founder Kerri Hartman. Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action Call to Order Chair Berg called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Approval of May 2, 2023 Minutes The group recommended Item B reflect a "4-3" vote instead of a "4-0-3" vote. Motion to approve the minutes with this change by Galitzki, second by Knoblock. All in favor 7- 0. Approval of the Agenda As staff had requested the group discuss at the letter from the Mayor for the 2024 workplan, Berg suggested it be added to the end of the agenda. Galitzki had additional comments; Berg suggested they be added at the end of the meeting. Moved by Randels, seconded by Galitzki. All in favor 7-0. Correspondence/Attachments: None. Appearance of Fairness: Chair Berg recused himself from Item A Good Templar's signage as he did during the May 2, 2023 meeting discussion as he is consultant for the applicant. Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action Public Comment (for any non-Agenda items) None. No virtual hands up per McDonagh. Old Business A. HPC23-011 Good Templars Building 280 Quincy Street - Multiple Signs Chair Berg recused himself. Virtual Applicant Presentation: Building Owner Rob Larsen presented the revised packet and stated communication with Britton's internet sign locations and sizes remained the same except the Quincy Street sign was replaced by a connection was difficult, so Britton agreed sandwich board sign to meet the sign code requirement of only one projecting sign per with Berg that another member be storefront; the seven local women business owners recognize the historic aspect and revised nominated to take over as Chair for this colors and fonts, but asked for two exceptions: topic. Randels volunteered, Britton 1. Cynthia Osterman of the Benji Project explained that their chosen font is important to nominated Galitzki. Randels deferred. their mission and their teenage audience, and it is integral to the Benji Project identity. She wore a T-Shirt with Benji Project logo and font to demonstrate. 2. Kerri Hartman provided color chip samples of Benjamin Moore CW-335 "King's Red" which she proposed for the yarn ball on the Brigid's Loft signs. She said the color it that of local bricks, and seems to fit downtown. Motion by Randels, second by Croston to Additionally, Rob Larsen presented a color chip of the Benjamin Moore CSP-565 "Indi Go- recommend approval of signs as presented. Go" which had been pre-approved for the building sash color through HPC15-009. Motion carries:6-0 with one recusal (Berg). Committee: HPC thanked the applicants for their efforts to return to the group with the majority of the requested changes, and that the two requested exceptions are small asks. Staff: McDonagh stated that as a logo, the Benji project font is acceptable. Wassmer mentioned HPCs prior approval of Bishop Block Bottle Shop sandwich board sign that used their logo in a shade of red not on the palette (HPC22-009), but on May 2, 2023 HPC disapproved the same red for the existing 21 square foot internally illuminated wall sign (HPC23-009). Staff have written the decision for HPC23-009 as a denial, and that it is pending the PCD's Director's review. New Business A. HPC23-010 Main Street: Several Items: None Applicant Presentation: Main Street Representative Simon Little of Studio STL described the Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action three projects Main Street would like to pursue: 1.Kiosk in Front of Quimper Mercantile in Downtown Port Townsend: The electronic sign would be over 6 feet 8 inches tall and serve as advertising for local businesses and events. Software can be updated remotely, and sign could be turned off at night. From prior conversations with Public Works Director Steve King and City ManagerJohn Mauro, the group understands the current Sign Code does not allow this type of electronic "moving" sign. Committee: Croston asked if it could be placed on Sims outside the Historic District. Randels responded more people walk downtown. Galitzki asked about the interactive sign on Taylor Street in the Coldwell Banker window. Another member asked about the public event bulletin board behind glass on the McCurdy Building wall. Staff: McDonagh stated that printed real estate signs in the Windermere downtown window are not considered to be signs, and that Code Enforcement is needed for the Coldwell Banker electronic "moving" sign. Wassmer stated that staff have had conversations with the owner of Coldwell Banker, and that "moving signs" are prohibited in the sign code. McDonagh cautioned that the tall sign's location may block the existing Flagship Landing wall sign. 2. Splash Pad at Pope Marine Park: Little stated the group met with the City Parks and Rec Board, who stated their long range plan specifies a location for a splash pad at Bobby McGarraugh Park (Cherry Street between P and S Streets), a park with play equipment for toddlers, and that the Board has no funding. Per Little, the downtown location was chosen to energize downtown and Pope Marine Park, but they are also looking for alternative locations. Committee: Galitzki asked what HPC's role is in this. McDonagh responded it would be a municipal improvement, so only the Secretary Guidelines would be used and they do not include splash parks. Berg added the Streetscape Plan would be the closest plan. Britton stated they want to review the project before Main Street goes for a grant, and thinks it is inappropriate for downtown and would only be used a few days out of the year. Knoblock does not want to pave any more of downtown, and does not approve of the lighting. Croston Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action echoed Britton that the group needs to come to HPC before they apply for the grant and not rush HPC into a decision when they have the money and a grant deadline. Randels noted the submitted photos show splash parks in larger, more modern Cities, and is concerned with busy Water Street next to Pope Marine it may not be safe for kids, and suggested Fort Worden. D'Alessandro likes the water feature but not the site. Galitzki feels Port Townsend is windy, disapproves of the increased pavement, increased water use and pointed out that kids can go down to the adjacent beach and splash around. Berg suggested a downtown location that is already paved like by the Cotton Building. Applicant response: there is a good chance the Splash Pad would not be located within the Historic District. Little would like HPC members to refer to the HPC guidelines and not base their comments on their personal opinions. The group has come to HPC prior to applying for grants. Staff: McDonagh stated the cost of repair and maintenance should be considered, and shoreline permitting may be required at Pope Marine Park (within 200 feet to the shoreline). 3. Bike Storage near the Cotton Building and Pope Marine Park: The group discussed the location by the public restrooms with Steve King, and it was agreed it was a good location - across from the bike shop and near Elevated Ice Cream — that would not take away pedestrian walkways or vehicle parking spaces. The packet included a variety of shelter designs and sizes in the packet. Committee: Galitzki agrees with the location, suggests wrought iron be incorporated in the design. Knoblock: asked if the public has requested more bike parking. Little responded no, but it has been on the City workplan. MickHager stated the request comes up several times a year at City Council meetings. Croston is in favor but would like a fancier shelter. D'Alessandro in favor of site but wants more location options. Britton in favor of location and would like a design that fits downtown. Randels in favor as PT is a bike -friendly community, but asked if it meets an existing or created need; he is in favor of a design that compromises between cost and simplicity. Berg: in agreement with others. Staff: McDonagh asked if the bike rack should be simple like the downtown Transit Shelters which were designed to fit into the historic district. The Urban Waterfront Plan should be reviewed for guidance. Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action Public Comment: Guest Monica Mader said the more bike parking, the better. Other Business/Announcements: HPC16-024 Main Street—Tables and Chairs—McDonagh briefly described HPC's approval of Berg proposed the discussion be tabled until Main Street's durable green metal chairs and tables downtown, and requests HPC expand the July meeting so that this meeting could staffs ability to approve additional chairs and tables. end at 5:00 PM. The group agreed unanimously. Discussion was tabled until next time. Welcome Back John — Galitzki welcomed John McDonagh back. The group agreed unanimously. Letter from the Mayor to Advisory Body Chairs — 2024 Workplan Invite Berg stated he could update last year's On June 5, 2023, staff had forwarded to Berg the Mayor's letter asking Committees to letter and submit it again regarding HPC provide action items for the 2024 workplan. guidelines and inventory work. The group agreed unanimously. Additional Comment from Galitzki: feels HPC did well today with the HPC colors and fonts, and that there was a small percentage of exceptions. He asked if approving exceptions creates a slippery slope for HPC members in the future and whether they should enforce pre - approved colors and fonts. Britton responded that sometimes the exception to a building color becomes an exception to a future sign color. Berg responded that in his 20 years on the committee, the slope has slipped and HPC has approved exceptions to HPC colors and fonts to provide flexibility. Galitzki noted the green color for the Main Street tables and chairs is not on the HPC pre -approved color palette. Next Scheduled Meeting: Next meeting July 11, 2023 at 3:00 PM. As the next regularly scheduled meeting is on July 4, a National Holiday, the group discussed The group agreed unanimously. an alternative date and agreed to meet one week later on July 11 at 3:00 PM. Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 5:02 p.m.