Design Review Board Minutes 10/01/2018

Simsbury Design Review Board

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Subject to Vote of Approval

MONDAY, October 1, 2018 at 5:30PM

Simsbury Town Hall- Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT:             Anca Dragulski, Anneliese Frank, Steven Antonio, James Pennington (Alternate)

ABSENT:               Ron Perry, Elizabeth Beal, Elaine Lang

ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden CFM CZEO, Director of Planning & Community Development

I.             CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Mr. Antonio called the meeting to order at 5:45PM

II.            APPLICATIONS

1.            Discussion and Possible Action:

a.            Application #18-57 of Lori Wagner, Hello Lovely, Agent; GPF-Drake Hill LLC, Owner; for signage for Hello Lovely on the awnings on the Cannon Building on property located at 720 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G10, Block 227, Lot 001-2). Zones 1 and SC-3.

Ms. Wagner presented the application for the proposed changes to be made to the awnings on the Bill Selig Studio space on the south end of the Cannon Building. Ms. Wagner noted that no logos will replace the Bill Selig logos on the top of the awnings and the flood light above entry door to studio would be removed to bring it to compliance.

Mr. Glidden clarified the lighting under the center awning is out of compliance and explained the reduction of signage.

Commission members discussed egress lighting and hours of operation with the applicant.

Mr. Pennington asked about the color of the awnings. Ms. Wagner stated they would remain black.

Ms. Dragulski asked if the font will resemble the Hartford Sign and Design rendition. Ms. Wagner noted that the font is not exact, but almost the same as the image provided, and that one wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Ms. Wagner also noted that the print is her branding.

Motion: Ms. Frank made a motion to give a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for application 18-57 to change the signage and to remove the Bill Selig signs and the flood light. Mr. Pennington seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

b.            Application #18-54 of Ryan Kreiger, Agent; Hermes LLC, Owner; for a Sign Permit for The Winged Bear on the property located at 775 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G10, Block 203, Lot 005). Zone SC-1.

Mr. Kreiger presented plans for new signage, providing a revised sign proposal illustrating the size and design of the new sign. Mr. Kreiger noted that the new sign will be an exact replacement of the existing one.

Mr. Glidden informed the Commission that Mr. Kreiger  was alsoon the agenda for the Zoning Commission, clarifying dimensions of sign.

Motion: Ms. Frank made a motion to give favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for the sign change, which is now in compliance. Ms. Dragulski seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

c.             Application 18-55 of Anthony Piazza, Agent; Town of Simsbury Public Library, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for the installation of a brick screening wall similar to the one that screens other mechanicals along the eastern elevation facing Hopmeadow Street (see attached street view from Google Earth to illustrate existing screening wall).

Motion: Chairman Antonio made a motion to add Application 18-55 to the agenda, Ms. Frank seconded the motion.

M. Glidden presented the proposal for the addition of a brick wall to screen the back up generator. He noted that it would be similar to the other wall on the southeastern side of the building. It conforms to setbacks and  there are no coverage issues. It would provide adequate screening for the back-up generator.

Chairman Antonio asked if ivy would be used on this brick wall addition for similar covering. M. Glidden replied that it was just incidental. The rest of commission felt that the ivy would be nice and the Chairman asked if the Commission can request the ivy be included in the plan. Mr. Glidden noted that caution would need to be used regarding whether it would create a fire hazard.

Chairman Antonio noted that he would prefer that the vegetation match the other wall. Ms. Frank noted that she does not feel it is ivy, but hydrangea, and that it could easily be trimmed back.

Mr. Pennington requested that the Design and Review Board recommend that vegetation be added to the design and added to the wall to blend with the other wall.

Motion: Mr. Pennington made a motion to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for application 18-55, according to the drawing, similar to the other screening, adding vegetation already on site. Chairman Antonio seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

III.           GERNERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

1.            Proposed 2019 Design Review Board Meeting Calendar

Chairman Antonio questioned whether Zoning Commission had made a decision regarding any changes in the calendar. Mr. Glidden answered that the Zoning Commission had discussed whether there might be a change in days of the week or adding a meeting in August. The Zoning Commission would like to keep the meeting as scheduled. Chairman Antonio noted that if an application comes in mid-July, it is difficult to wait until September to address it.

Motion: Ms. Frank made a motion to approve the Proposed Design Review Board Meeting Calendar for 2019. Ms. Dragulski seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

2.            Dunkin Donuts, Email Request from Scott Fanning, Franchisee

a.            Mechanicals on top of the walk-in freezer

b.            Elimination of the south facing door at the front entrance

Chairman Antonio recused himself, as he is the property owner. Ms. Frank became acting Chairman.

Mr. Glidden discussed emails received about proposed fencing on both the east and west sides of the walk-in to screen the mechanicals. Scott Fanning was looking for approval to make changes to add an additional fence to screen the mechanicals on the roof. The members of the Design Review Board reviewed plans and photographs, asking questions about possible changes to decorative design. Mr. Glidden asked if the board needed revisions to the plans in order to approve. As Dunkin Donuts was looking to open this week. Mr. Glidden agreed to provide revised drawings to acting chair, Ms. Frank, with the design changes discussed, for approval.

Mr. Glidden presented the removal of the door. The Board authorized staff to approve the change for the location of the door. Staff will share the revised plans with the Board for the review and approval by the acting chair.

Mr. Glidden suggested that a bond be posted to complete the work. At the end of the time limit of the bond, if the work is not completed, the bond will be pulled and a company will be hired to complete the work.

Mr. Antonio noted that the Dunkin Donuts at the other end of the town (Weatogue) has used the same fencing at their site. He will provide the acting chair with pictures of the other Dunkin Donuts.

Mr. Antonio returned to the meeting as Chairman.

IV.          APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the September 17, 2018  Regular Meeting

Motion:  Chairman Antonio made a motion to approve the minutes with no changes. Ms. Frank seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

V.            ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION: Ms. Frank made a motion to adjourn at 6:10PM. Chairman Antonio seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Kimberly H. Rathbun

Planning and Zoning Clerk