CITY OF SANTA ROSA CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2010

2:30 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Chair Much called the regular meeting of the Cultural Heritage Board to order at 2:30 p.m. on this day of Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

Present:          Flock, Garrett, Jessen, Much, Stoural

Absent:            Nieto

Boardmember DeBacker arrived shortly after roll call.

2. PUBLIC APPEARANCES – None

3. STATEMENT OF ABSTENTIONS BY BOARDMEMBERS – None

4. CONCEPT REVIEW – RON KING REMODEL –  Concept Review of remodel and additions to contributing building located at 615 Polk Street in the West End Preservation District – LMA 09-024

Senior Planner Erin Morris gave a presentation. The applicant, Ronald King, addressed the Board and answered questions. Gary Ottinger, who drew the plans, also addressed the Board. Mr. King has a letter of support for the project from his three contiguous neighbors. He has consulted with almost all of his neighbors on Polk Street and many neighbors on surrounding streets. No one has objected to the project.

Ex Parte Disclosures

• Boardmember DeBacker visited the site and has heard that there are some concerns in the neighborhood about the project.
• Chair Much visited the site and had a conversation about the project with Allen Thomas.
• Boardmember Garrett visited the site and the neighborhood.
• Boardmember Stoural visited the site.

Public Comment

• Judy Kennedy, 620 Oak Street, objects to having two story buildings in historic districts which are predominantly one-story single-family homes. They look out of place.

Board Comment

1. Lot configuration and massing are major concerns. Given the large lot size, there are possibilities that exist that haven’t been fully explored. The double lot size allows for possible alternate placement of the garage and the guest cottage and/or the second story addition.
2. The Board is not saying that a second story addition cannot be done. However, this design of the second story addition overpowers the house.
3. Natural wood materials (pine was suggested) would be preferable to Hardiplank.
4. Wood-clad windows are preferred.
5. There are no objections to the electric sectional garage door that mimics the appearance of a carriage door.
6. The width of the garage is problematic when the garage is toward the front of the lot. This is not necessarily an issue if the garage is placed toward the rear of the lot. Consider pushing the garage toward the side and rear of the lot, toward the southwest corner.
7. The kitchen addition/remodel/expansion south, in itself, is fine. It is the cumulative effect of the changes that is problematic.
8. Pay attention to the sightlines on the south façade.
9. The Board commends the applicant for bringing the project to the Board for input.

5. DISCUSSION ITEM – SCEIP

City Planner Heather Hines gave an updated presentation on SCEIP and window replacement in historic preservation districts.

6. DISCUSSION ITEM – DEMOLITION PERMIT PROCESS

Ms. Hines gave a presentation on the City’s demolition permit process.

7. BOARDMEMEMBERS’ REPORTS

The Boardmembers made announcements and reported on items of interest to the Board.

Boardmember Garrett left the meeting at 4:45 p.m.

8. DEPARTMENT REPORT

Ms. HInes reported on items of interest to the Board.

9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Cultural Heritage Board minutes of December 2, 2009 were approved as submitted.

10. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business before the Cultural Heritage Board, Chair Much adjourned the regular meeting at 5:00 p.m. to the regular meeting of Wednesday, February 3, 2010.