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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2001 HPC Minutes ~ . Date: Place: Type: City of Saratoga HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, March 6, 9:00 a.m. Warner Hutton House, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Regular Meeting 1. Present: Absent: Staff: Guests: Routine Organization A. RollCall Hunter, King, Koepernik, Peck, Peepari Wyman Heather Bradley, Phil Block Chuck Paige, Planning Commissioner, Ann Waltonsmith, Venkat Kalkunte B. Approval of minutes from 2/13/01 Minutes were approved 5-0 C. Posting of the Agenda Pursuant to Government Code Section 94954.2, the agenda was posted on Wednesday February 28, 2001 E. Oral Communications Comm. Hunter would like to see a Mission Statement prepared by the Heritage Preservation Commission to put in writing what the Commissions goals and objectives are and that statement should be available to applicants who will be working with the Commission so they are familiar with what the Commissions purpose is. She would also like to see the Commissions agendas be clearer as to what they are supposed to accomplish at each meeting so that the discussion stays focused. Commissioner Koepernik would like to set up a special meeting to talk about outreach programs for the Heritage Orchard. Comm. Hunter suggests this would be a good topic to also discuss at the proposed joint meeting with the Planning Commission. F. Written Communications National Register Bulletins - Given to Jill Hunter CLG 2001 Grant Application (May 1,2001 deadline) - Given to Norm Koepernik II. Old Business A. 14625 Fruitvale Avenue - Design Review-00-059. Request to demolish the Saso Herb Garden and structures (including house which is on the Heritage Resource Inventory) to construct a new two- story residence. Please note the Arborist Report included in this packet. .... Comm. Peck said that he was impressed with the amount of the original structure that was intact after visiting the site today. He was in conflict over a desire to see things stay the same compared with the forces of progress. He does want to preserve the "essence" of Saratoga and doesn't see this project maintaining that essence. But he is unsure if this is sufficient reason to deny the project. He doesn't feel this house is appropriate for this location. Comm. Peepari said that he has thought about this project and discussed a lot already. He reiterated his concerns over the architectural style and incompatibility with the neighborhood. He said that the metal roof is overpowering and the conical roof over the breakfast area is immense. He also said that most homes on Farwell are symmetrical in design and are mostly ranch style or have craftsman details, all with shake roofs. The neighborhood has a rural or rustic character and the design of this house would detract from that. He feels his duty on the Heritage Preservation Commission is to preserve historic homes and neighborhoods and recommends that the HPC and the Planning Commission consider these issues in their decision. Comm. King said that she would like to see a different house style, but she wouldn't agree with a motion to deny the project, as that would limit the property owner. She feels preservation of the landscape on this site is more important. Comm. Hunter said that she would like to commend the property owner on all of their efforts to design the house around the trees and landscape and to incorporate the wishes of the Saso's and the neighbors. However, she thinks that aspects of the design are unappealing, particularly the metal roof. She said that the Saso house wasn't marvelous to begin with and can appreciate the owners desire to take it down. But the design of this house will knock you down when you drive by. She agrees with Comm. Peepari that the design should be toned down, not be so ostentations. She wants to make sure the garden is put back and all of the trees on site are preserved. Comm. Peck said that in the final analysis he agrees with Comm. Peepari. Comm. Koepernik said that there are two issues, the garden which he thinks the Commission and City don't have a lot of control over as is it difficult to force the owners to maintain them, and the house. He would have like to have worked with the owners sooner, before they reached a final design, but he likes the house design. He would like to see the applicant hire an Arborist to work onsite to make sure the oak tree is preserved without any damage. Comm. Peepari makes the motion that the Heritage Preservation Commission does not approve of the design of the submitted application and that a more coherent design, compatible with the houses in the Farwell neighborhood should come back for Heritage Preservation Commission review and approval. Comm. Hunter seconds the motion. Motion approved 3-2 (with Comm. Koepernik and King opposed). The applicant Mr. Kalkunte said that he feels the roof and fal;ade changes are something that can be done, but he feels the floor plan is harmonious with the site and should not change. He feels there is room for creative modifications, the quoins can be removed, but still feels that the design is sound. Comm. Hunter said that those types of changes to the roof and fal;ade along with removing the stone would help her to support the project. Staff Bradley suggests that the applicant come up with preliminary sketches for review before investing too much time into complete drawings. B. 14499 Oak Street - Approval of color and material board The Color Board was approved 5-0. III. New Business .... . A. None IV. Items Initiated by the Commission A. Discussion of Joint City Council/HPC meeting and possible future joint Planning Commission HPC meeting Comm. King said that she would like to see the Commission approach the joint meetings differently. She would like to give the Council some background on issues the HPC wants to discuss prior to the meeting, like a staff report. She also would like the Commission as a group to decide on the topics of discussion. Commissioner Hunter agrees, as the joint meeting with the City Council is the most important meeting of the year for the HPC. Comm. Koepernik would like to have a special meeting to discuss topics for a future joint meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss ideas and decide as a group what should be discussed. The Commission discusses dates for a possible special meeting and joint meeting with the Planning Commission. Because there will be new commissioners appointed to both the Planning Commission and HPC in April the Commissioners decide to wait to pick a date for the joint meeting. Also since there are not yet any items for the regular HPC meeting for April it is decided that the topic will be put on that agenda for discussion. If there is not enough time to discuss it then a special meeting will be set up. V. Items Initiated by the Secretary A. None VI. Adjournment 9:00 a.m. Tuesday April 10, 2001 - Warner Hutton House Respectfully Submitted by, Secretary)