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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-2000 DRB Minutes DESIGN REVIEW BOARD FEBRUARY 23, 2000 3:30 P.M. ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Ed McCrone called the meting to order at 3:40 p.m. and directed the secretary to record the attendance. Members Present Members Absent Staff Present Visitors Present Ed McCrone Dan Glenn Andrew Epple Dan Schmidt Dick Pohl Melvin Howe Jami Morris Gene Cook Jim Raznoff Bill Hanson Carol Schott Joanne Mannell Noel Henry Sorenson ITEM 2. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2000 - Not available ITEM 3. INFORMAL REVIEW Comfort Inn Expansion Informal #I-0009 - (Berger) 1370 North 71h Avenue - An Informal Application for advice and comment on a proposed expansion of an existing structure. Dan Schmidt and Gene Cook joined the DRC. Planning and Community Development Director Andrew Epple reviewed the expansion, noting the changes proposed which include suggestions made by DRB a year and a half ago. Mr. Schmidt noted the real problem was parking on the old plan, however, they are proposing fewer rooms - 35 - and conference space, which will require less parking. He reviewed the new design, noting the addition of balconies, windows, and other features. Mr. Cook noted the proposed plan shows more parking and more green area. Director Epple noted there is a height issue, even allowing for the change in grade. He stated the proposed structure is about 5 ff too high which could be addressed with a deviation and excellence in design. Mr. Pohl stated the slope of the elevations flows away from the retention area, and suggested the slope be towards the retention area. He noted the quantity of the proposed plant materials is fine, however, the choices could be improved. He suggested like more diversity of plant materials. Mr. Cook noted he has access to many large pines and spruces, and plans to use them in this and future projects. He asked if seedless cottonwood would be acceptable as they are quick growing. It was noted that greater liability risk is involved with cottonwood trees due to the tendency for limbs to break off in heavy weather. Mr. Pohl noted he'd like to see some massing of plants rather than uniform placement of them in and around the lot. Chairperson McCrone noted that for the Bozeman Inn/Santa Fe Reds project, the DRB suggested Design Review Board Minutes-February 23,2000 1 that the center islands in parking lots be eliminated in the interest of safety. He didn't feel the idea came across very well in Staff's report. He suggested that plant groupings might work for this project as well. Director Epple noted that alternative landscape designs can be considered through deviations and excellence in design. Mr. Pohl noted the islands serve as points of reference for vehicle owners. Mr. Schmidt noted he's like to do something spectacular along Oak Street with landscaping. Mr. Pohl suggested combining the center islands into end islands, which would be better use of the land. Mr. Raznoff mentioned that with the location of a seismic zone in this area, the doors and windows should be set back from the corners of the structures especially on the north and south corners. He stated this is a great looking addition to the structure. Chairperson McCrone noted they are blending the addition well with the rest of the building. Mr. Pohl asked if the balconies are functional or decorative. Mr. Schmidt noted they are functional. Planner Morris noted the snow removal area in the southeast corner is on top of the landscaping area. Director Epple suggested grouping the trees away from the retention area and increasing the size of the retention area. For the Betterment of the DRB. Chairperson McCrone noted there is a problem getting the DRB minutes before the City Commission. His concern is that approved minutes aren't being sent. He suggested e-mailing the minutes and preliminarily approving them by e-mail. He wants to have the approved minutes in the City Commission packets. Director Epple noted that the Planning Board and Zoning Commission have always sent preliminary minutes to City Commission. Chairperson McCrone wants the Board to be responsible for the completeness of the minutes. He feels the minutes are complete and well emphasized. He is concerned about the effectiveness of the Board if the minutes aren't approved and included as an integral part of the City Commission packets. Discussion followed on the lack of information from DRB coming to City Commission. Chairperson McCrone feels that the Board provides valuable information to the applicants and the City, however, the Commission isn't gaining insight from the DRB's thoughts. Mr. Pohl noted he doesn't have an issue with preliminary minutes. Chairperson McCrone noted it is an issue when the application is controversial. He suggested at least one Board member read the preliminary minutes, perhaps the Chairperson. It was agreed that Chairperson McCrone should have the minutes e-mailed to him for editing when he deems it necessary. ITEM 4. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Raznoff noted the next meeting is scheduled for March 14, which is Spring Break. The members asked Staff to reschedule the meeting after checking the City Commission's schedule Design Review Board Minutes-February 23,2000 2 and calling Mr. Shefchek. There being no further business to come before the DRB, Mr. Pohl moved, Mr. Raznoff seconded adjourn; the g was adjourned at 4:27 p.m. Ed Actrone, Chairperson Design Review Board Design Review Board Minutes-February 23,2000 3