12/07/2020 Design Review Board Minutes
Simsbury Design Review Board
Town of Simsbury
Regular Meeting Minutes - Subject to Approval
Monday, December 7, 2020 at 5:30 P.M.
The public meeting was web-based on Zoom at:
https://zoom.us/j/2574297243
Meeting ID: 257 429 7243
PRESENT: Steven Antonio, Anca Dragulski, Polly Rice
ABSENT: Katherine Beal, Elaine Lang
ALSO PRESENT: Thomas Hazel, Code Compliance Officer
Jackie Battos, Board of Selectman
Bob Crowther, Economic Development Commission
Laura Barkowski, Land Use Specialist
I. CALL TO ORDER- Chair Antonio called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL
1. Appointment of Alternates - None
III. APPLICATIONS
1. Discussion & Possible Action
a. Application for a Sign Permit and Zoning Compliance Review - Stephanie Civitillo, Owner/Applicant for a restaurant and signage at the property located at 10 Wilcox Street
Mr. Antonio inquired if there was a unified sign package for Fiddler’s Green voicing his main concern is the color scheme allowed. Stephanie Civitillo indicated that the signs on the building are various color schemes. Ms. Civitillo discussed the following details of the application: the proposed sign is a 4’x4’ round, metal sign to be located on the left side of the front door, either flat against the wall or no more than 6” from the wall. The proposal is for a royal blue background and white lettering, or a royal blue background with fleur de lis and white lettering.
Ms. Dragulski inquired if the plan was to scale for the size of the sign and its placement. Ms. Civitillo stated it was not to scale. Mr. Hazel clarified actual dimensions and location of the proposed sign.
Ms. Rice inquired if the landscaping currently on the property will block the sign and how it will be addressed. Ms. Civitillo explained the reason for the location change from the previous tenants sign. She explained a possibility of a future lease of the balcony from Phase Zero. If this lease is pursued stairs would be constructed in the location that houses the sign currently therefore she is proposing the new location as indicated on the site plans. Ms. Civitillo further indicated she intends to expand the patio to approximately 60’x14’ with small knee wall to raise the existing beds level with the current patio. The existing walkway will remain as is and materials used for the expansion will be same concrete pavers as the existing patio. The Board further discussed the landscaping and it was clarified that the expansion of the patio would require a separate application with more detail.
It was inquired if the sign was to be illuminated. Ms. Civitillo discussed the intent was to illuminate the sign from the ground. Lighting details were not provided in the supplied application materials. Mr. Antonio indicated that lighting detail could be handled administratively however cautioned her about oversplash of light from ground fixtures. Ms. Civitillo inquired if sign could then be illuminated overhead. Mr. Antonio discussed other lighting options permitted. Ms. Civitillo modified the proposal from ground lighting to gooseneck lighting fixtures of either cooper or black.
MOTION for a positive referral to the Zoning Commission for the sign as presented with gooseneck lighting of either black or copper by Ms. Rice. Seconded by Ms. Dragulski. Motion passed unanimously. 3-0-0
Mr. Antonio inquired as to the Zoning Compliance portion of the application being that three different components were included within the submitted application materials including the two French quarter light poles, the patio expansion and fire pit. It was determined that each elemoent should be handled separately
Mr. Antonio inquired as the location of the two lamp posts and if they are to be centered on the door. Ms. Civitillo confirmed the intent is for the light poles to be centered on the entrance. Ms. Rice inquired if all the doors are to be painted black. The main doors will be painted black but the ones located on the right side will remain white to match the white siding. The intent is also the paint the 1909 above the door. Mr. Antonio explained for design purposes the Board would like her to stay within the color scheme of black or cooper colored.
Ms. Dragulski had questions pertaining to the railing picture included within application materials and the need of creating this patio enclosure. Ms. Civitillo discussed the reasoning behind the railing was due to alcohol consumption on the patio. Mr. Hazel discussed having an enclosed area is a requirement of the liquor control board for outside service. The patio discussion and railing was put aside to decide upon the lamp posts.
MOTION for a positive referral to the Zoning Commission for the color and placement of the lampposts by Ms. Rice. Seconded by Ms. Dragulski. Motion passed unanimously. 3-0-0
The discussion returned to possibilities for the railing. Ms. Rice discussed the possibility of making the railing a French quarter design. Mr. Antonio discussed possibility of reclaimed wrought iron railing. Mr. Hazel reminded Ms. Civitillo that a Zoning Commission approval is needed for the outdoor patio area and railing. The Board agreed to table the patio, railing and gas fire pit for more information.
IV. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Adoption of 2021 Meeting Schedule
MOTION for the adoption to the 2021 Meeting Schedule. Seconded by Ms. Dragulski. Motion passed unanimously. 3-0-0
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the October 5, 2020 regular meeting
The minutes were tabled.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Antonio made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Rice seconded; Unanimously approved
Meeting adjourned 6:14 pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Barkowski
Acting Clerk