Landmark Commission Minutes - 10/20/2005MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSI
October 20, 2005
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
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MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ken Dowdy, Vice Chairperson ■ Members
Michael Collins ■
Stacie Flood ■
Douglas James ■
Dianne Thueson ■
Charles Elmore ■ Council Liaison
David A. Clark, Dir., Community Development ■ Staff
Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ■
GUESTS:
B.C. Gilbert, applicant ■
ABSENT:
Jan Schaaf, Chairperson ■
Shirley Craft ■
Joshua Miller ■
Cindy Cotton (non- voting member) •
II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Ken Dowdy, Vice - Chairperson called the meeting to order and called for discussion and
approval of the September 30th meeting minutes. Mr. Michael Collins introduced a motion to
approve the September 30th minutes as presented. Ms. Stacie Flood seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
III. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW — 600 6th STREET - SIGNAGE
The Vice - Chairperson introduced the application and requested staff provide an overview. Ms.
Gagne distributed drawings and photographs of the proposed sign design that the applicant is
requesting to place on the building at 600 6th Street. The application is a follow -up from a design
application reviewed by the Commission at their September 30th meeting. Mr. Gilbert described
the details of his proposed pole sign, being perpendicular to the Ohio fagade, weighing about
35lbs, being 6ft from the building, non - illuminated and approximately 18ft in height. He noted that
he'd already discussed the sign restrictions with City Building Inspection staff who indicated a
permit was required along with having the sign professionally installed. Mr. Gilbert commented
that the sign would be constructed of plywood covered in high- tempered masonite with a reflective
green background and white lettering. Mr. Dowdy inquired about the reason for having the sign
professionally installed. Mr. Gilbert responded that the City's building codes require any
freestanding sign to be able to withstand 90mph winds and be professionally installed. Councilor
• Elmore questioned staff about the Code requirements for sign installation. Mr. Clark outlined the
reasoning for the requirement and indicated that the Building code requirements for signs are not
just for the historic districts but applicable citywide.
Landmark Commission October 20, 2005 page 1
Mr. Douglas James introduced a motion to approve the sign design as presented. Ms. Dianne
Thueson seconded the motion. The Vice - Chairperson called for discussion. Ms. Gagne
commented that Ms. Shirley Craft apologized for being unable to attend but had concerns
regarding the wording and materials for the sign. Staff added that Ms. Craft had no issue with the
sign design, color, wording, etc. but had concerns regarding the construction materials and
whether the message was really representative of his custom ironwork business. Mr. Gilbert
commented the sign's shape was similar to that of Dairy Queen but the sign's wording /designs
were based on his business cards and the registered business name. Councilor Elmore
suggested utilizing the fagade panels along Ohio Street for the signage. Commission members
commented that it was more appropriate to paint the filler panels to blend with the brick fagade
and have a separate sign attached to the building. Ms. Thueson asked the applicant why he
chose not to design a custom ironwork sign to help advertise the business. Mr. Gilbert responded
that the sign will be edged with ironwork and he hesitated incorporating a specific style of ironwork
on the sign since it is within the historic district. He noted that his ironwork designs tend to be
modern and based on customer orders rather than period pieces. Mr. Dowdy called for a vote,
the motion passed unanimously. Staff indicated that a Certificate of Appropriateness would be
mailed within the week confirming the Commission's recommendation.
IV. DISCUSSION OF SUBMITTAL TO PRESERVATION TEXAS — 2006 MOST
ENDANGERED LISTING
Staff referred members to the handout that was submitted to Preservation Texas nominating the
Berry Brown City landmark for the 2006 Most Endangered Places List. The application materials
included the nomination form, background documentation with a limit of 400 words and three
digital images of the structure /site. Ms. Gagne commented that the nomination, if selected, would
provide statewide and national attention to the dilapidated structure in the hope of someone or an
agency purchasing the property for restoration. Councilor Elmore questioned if anyone had talked
to the owners encouraging them to either sell or fix up the property. Mr. Brown's two
grandchildren own the property with a 50/50% interest. The property was court ordered for
Sheriff's sale in 2004 (penalties /back taxes) but within days of the sale one of the property owners
paid the fees. Mr. Clark noted staff had approached the Kemp Center for the Arts organization
about the potential for obtaining the property and restoring the house. Mr. Dowdy questioned the
benefit of the Most Endangered List. Mr. Collins stated that Preservation Texas was an
independent not - for - profit entity named as a statewide partner for the National Trust for Historic
Preservation with funding opportunities for identified historic properties in severe need of
assistance. Ms. Gagne informed members they'd checked with Preservation TX staff to confirm
the City was not responsible for obtaining a release from property owners prior to nomination.
Mr. Clark added the City's legal staff verified there were no liability issues with signing the release
authorization. No action required — Commission authorized submittal of Berry Brown nomination
at September meeting.
V. OTHER BUSINESS:
Resource Materials — Staff referred members to the information in their meeting
packets and provided a Designated Landmarks /District handout for their reference.
VI. ADJOURN
Mr. Dowdy thanked Mr. Gilbert for attending the meeting and adjourned at 2:45 pm.
Jan S aaf, Chairpe
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