Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/18/88 MINUTES RABakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Central District Development Agency of the City of Bakersfield, California, held in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, at 3:00 p.m., January 18, 1988. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Watson. The City Clerk called the roll as follows: Present: Absent: Agency Members Kronenberg, Paynter, Rubin, Watson, Araujo, Dunn Agency Member Killmer MINUTES Upon a motion by Agency Member Araujo, the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 4, 1988, were approved. PUBLIC STATEMENTS Marvin Lipco, 1209 19th Street, read into the record correspondence addressed to Assistant City Manager Pulskamp regarding his opposition to the 19th Street Specific Plan as follows: It is with mixed emotions that I return the enclosed ballot with a "NO". As you know, I've worked long and hard both publicly and privately with the DBA to improve Downtown Bakersfield. I was the first property owner on this block to renovate multiple store fronts and move my business from a run down building. I have worked for improvement and rehabilitation through five or six plans to rebuild downtown. In doing so, hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on surveys and plans. All were paid by funds earmarked for downtown redevelopment. None of which were ever implemented. We finally got the city to approve the facade program using redevelopment funds to assist property owners in remodeling and cleaning up store fronts or/and their buildings which worked just fine. This plan has been discontinued and funds frozen for the new 19th Street Corridor. We all met with the city staff where grand plans were unveiled. A project to cost $3.5 million dollars and our cost would be .15¢ on each dollar spent. Then this new plan of $1.4 million dollars and costing property owners .02¢ per square foot came to us out of city staff's meetings as a BAND-AIDE version to satisfy our complaints. It is too little and almost too late. And absolutely too expensive to live with. It is over two times more (annually) than our present tax assessment. It would cost me almost $40,000 in the next 20 years. Which is more than the building cost originally. The city staff is putting us in a position that we must refuse or choke on it. This has been very typical of all our discussions and plans with the city all these years. It is almost like there was some evil plan not to develop downtown which property owners in the core area were never aware of. I cannot Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 - Page 2 103 believe this is happening to us. It is a nightmare that must be corrected without delay. You also must consider that not one penny would be spent on our property. It would be improvements only to city property. We would continue to pay property taxes and redevelopment assessments. Making the total cost even more for us. I would still have the problem of remodeling my empty store or stores for a suitable tenant and expensive re-signing without any assistance of the city because our redevelopment funds will be frozen for the 19th St. corridor and other projects outside the core area, which the city staff decides needs funding more than we do. As long as downtown redevelopment funds are channeled to projects out- side the core retail area the downtown businessman is in trouble. The city has promised many projects to assist downtown business men and property owners. But only the facade program has been of real help, and has returned only a very small amount considering the total collected and expended for surveys, land banking, and projects outside the core retail area since the district was formed. I would hope that the new council and the CDDA will look at this matter realistically, and assess the plight of the property owner and business man in the core retail area before it is too late. Because if WE do not continue to support the city thru property taxes and sales taxes received, the city will have to support us. Harseu Singh Thiara, Jr., Owner of Bea's New Old Loft, 1800 Chester Avenue spoke in support of the Downtown Redevelopment. BILLS AND CORRESPONDENCE Upon a motion by Agency Member Kronenberg, Warrant Nos. 208 to 212 inclusive, in the amount of $204,735.60 were approved by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Agency Members Kronenberg, Paynter, Rubin, Araujo, Dunn None Agency Member Killmer Watson, REPORTS Design Review Committee Report No. 88-3 reviewing appli- cation by Fannah Ali for signage for a building at 929 21st Street reads as follows: On January 7, 1988, the Design Review Committee reviewed the application by Fannah Ali for signage for a building at 929 21st Street. The application dated December 28, 1987, which consists of a "Downtown Market" sign without the (Pepsi logos) was approved. This Committee submits this report for approval and implementation of its recommendations. 104 Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 - Page 3 Upon a motion by Agency Member Paynter, Design Review Committee Report No. 88-3 was approved and recommendations implemented. Design Review Committee Report No. 88-4 reviewing appli- cation by Comstock Sign Company for Signage at Bank of America Building at 1440 Truxtun Avenue reads as follows: On January 7, 1988, the Design Review Committee reviewed the application by Comstock Sign Company for signage at the Bank of America Building at 1440 Truxtun Avenue. The application dated December 10, 1987, and amended on January 7, 1988, was approved. Specifically, two additional signs (as presented) consisting of 18" metal letters with white plex face cut out face blue trim cap plus 6" trim cap letters blue face - blue trim plus a plex cut out panel saying "Professional Corporation" with blue trim - blue lettering was approved. Also, it is recommended that should any future signs be approved, they should follow the previously described format. This Committee submits this report for approval and implementation of its recommendation. Upon a motion by Agency Member Paynter, Design Review Committee Report No. 88-4 was accepted. DEFERRED BUSINESS Design Review Committee Report No. 88-1 Establishing Committee Rules and Regulations reads as follows: On December 10, 1987, the Design Review Committee completed work on the "Rules and Regulations". The Committee recommends approval of the following: I. INTRODUCTION The City of Bakersfield General Plan Redevelopment Element provides for the establishment, by the Central District Development Agency of the City of Bakersfield, of a duly authorized Design Review Committee whose function is to promote orderly and harmonious development in the downtown project area insuring the enhancement of Bakersfield's character and assets; preserving the values and investments of the community through good community design; and assuring that the public structures and spaces shall be pro- tected by the exercise of reasonable controls over the character and design of all revita- lization efforts. II. MEMBERSHIP The Design Review Committee shall consist of three (3) members. The Committee shall be appointed by the Central District Development Agency Chairman. Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 Page 4 105 III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties of the Design Review Committee shall be to review and approve, conditionally approve, cause to be modified, or disapprove the design of all proposed developments. This can include public projects, requiring qualified aesthetic and architectural judgment to the end that the general appearance of all proposed development shall preserve or enhance the physical environment and character of the downtown in harmony with the adopted General Plan Redevelopment Element. This responsibility shall include all signage, environmental review encroachment permits, parking, landscaping, site and building design including exterior building components and color. The Committee shall not review interior designs or layouts except when required by a Specific Project Disposition and Development Agreement. This responsibility shall be limited to the Downtown Project Area. No action shall be taken on an application for issuance of a building permit for construction or improve- ment of a building, structure or sign within the designated project area without action first from the Design Review Committee and ratification by the Central District Development Agency. IV. STAFF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITY The Development Services Department, Economic/Redevelopment staff shall receive and schedule for consideration all applica- tions for Design Review. Staff members may provide advice and recommendations to the Committee on such applications. The Design Review Committee Coordinator shall be pri- marily responsible for the administration of this process. The staff shall prepare and promulgate Committee agendas. The items appearing on the agenda will be those referred to this Committee by the Central District Development Agency. This procedure is con- sistent with other Central District Development Agency Committees. V. MEETING PROCEDURE The Design Review Committee shall hold regu- larly scheduled meetings. An applicant, upon the filing of an application, shall be present and shall be advised of the date, time, and place of his hearing before the Committee. The applicant or his represen- tatiave shall be present and shall partici- pate in the review process, unless deemed unnecessary by the Chairman. Two members must be present to hold a Committee meeting. 106 Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 - Page 5 VI. REQUIRED APPLICATION AND PLAN SUBMITTAL Application for Design Review shall be sub- mitted on a form prescribed for that purpose, together with the following materials, as applicable to the specific project, in suffi- cient quantities as determined by the commit- tee: 1. A dimensioned site plan showing: --The lot area in square feet. --The siting of all structures on the property. --Street names. --Existing and finished grades. --Landscaping areas. --Fencing of yards. --Setback areas. --Design of ingress and egress. --Off-street parking and loading facilities. --Any other material needed to evaluate the proposal. Dimensioned architectural drawings including elevations to scale of all sides of the proposed project, showing buildings and fences, signs, and indicating colors and materials to be used. Preliminary landscape plan, designating areas to be landscaped, and number, spe- cies, and sizes of plant material to be used. 4. Site photographs or elevations showing existing and adjacent buildings. Other materials at the request of the Committee, such as color and texture samples of actual materials to be used; perspectives, models, or other graphic materials. Ail plans shall be drawn at a scale which will adequately illustrate the intent of the developer. VII. DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE ACTION The Design Review Committee shall review the materials submitted with the application and base its evaluation upon the following fac- tors: 1. Site utilization. 2. Architectural considerations including review of: a. The height, bulk, and area of the buildings. b. The colors and materials to be used. c. The physical and architectural rela- tionship of the proposal with exist- ing and proposed structures. Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 Page 6 107 VIII. d. The site, layout, orientation, and location of buildings and their relationship with open areas and the topography. e. Height, materials, colors, and vari- ations in boundary walls, fences or screen planting. f. Appropriateness of sign design and exterior lighting. Landscaping, including plants and paving materials, street furniture, fountains, statuary sculptures, and other features. 4. Graphics, including all exterior signs. Design Review Guidelines are to be pre- pared by the Design Review Committee, and adopted by the Central District Development Agency. The Design Review Committee shall determine whether each proposal conforms to the adopted guide- lines. The Committee shall recommend approval, conditional approval, modification; or disapprove each proposal. The Committee may require the applicant to provide guarantees that the condition of appro- val will be complied with. The recommendation of the Committee and ratification by the Central District Development Agency shall be considered final and conclusive. In acting upon an application, the Committee shall not have the authority to waive, modify, or otherwise allow any deviation from the requirements of the Uniform Building Code, Sign Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and any development restrictions and standards set forth in the General Plan Redevelopment Element or adopted by the Central District Development Agency, unless such authority is specifically granted therein. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY The Committee may, at its discretion, authorize the Director of Economic Development, acting on its behalf, to under- take any of the actions provided in Section VII. IX. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL DESIGN REVIEW AREAS The Design Review Committee may, from time to time, recommend to the Agency that cer- tain special architectural and/or historical review areas be established within the Project Area with specific criteria to be considered in reviewing applications for development within said areas. The Agency shall refer such recommendations and may recommend approval, modification, or denial of same to the Agency. 108 Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 - Page 7 X. ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS Any recommendation of the Design Review Committee and final action of the Central District Development Agency shall be reported to the Building Director, who shall ensure that all plans submitted with an application for a building permit conform to the plans approved by the Agency. The action of Design Review Committee is separate and apart from any determination regarding the conformance of a proposal with other codes, ordinances and regulations of the City of Bakersfield and Central District Development Agency. No action of the Committee may cause to be approved any pro- posal which would otherwise be in violation of the provisions of the General Plan Redevelopment Element, the Zoning Ordinance, the Sign Ordinance, the Uniform Building Code, or any other ordinance or regulation of the City of Bakersfield or the Central District Development Agency. On any development that requires design, no building permit shall be issued until the plans therefore have been submitted to and approved by the Central District Development Agency in the manner provided herein, and all other requirements of the City and Agency have been met. XI. COMPLIANCE No final building inspection or Certificate of Occupancy shall be granted unless the completed work complies with the plans approved and the conditions required by the Design Review Committee and Agency and any other requirements, conditions, or restrictions imposed by the City. The enforcement of the conditions and determina- tions of the Central District Development Agency shall be the responsibility and duty of the Building Director. Upon a motion by Agency Member Paynter, Design Review Committee Report No. 88-1 was approved with the addition of the word "not" added to the last paragraph of Section VII.4. to read as follows: " .in acting upon an application, the Committee shall not have the authority to . " Design Review Committee Report No. 88-2 Establishing Committee Statement of Purpose, Goals, and Objectives reads as follows: On December 10, 1987, the Design Review Committee completed its preparation of the Committee Statement of Purpose, Goals, and Objectives. The Committee recommends approval of the following: PURPOSE The purpose of the Design Review Committee is to protect property on which buildings are constructed or altered, to maintain the high character of Community Development, and to protect the real Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 - Page 8 109 estate within the Central City from impairment or destruction of value, by regulating according to proper architectural principles the design, use of materials, finished grade lines, and orientation of all new buildings, hereafter erected, and the alteration, improvement, repair, adding to or razing in whole or in part of existing buildings. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES GOAL NO. ONE Development of a comprehensive concern for the visual and other sensory relationships between people and their environment. Objective 1: Recognize and strive to protect major views in the City with particular attention to those of open space and mountains. Objective 2: Emphasize the unique character of each community or neighborhood. Objective 3: Increase the visibility of major destination areas and other points of orientation. Objective 4: Continue systematic review and evalua- tion of the City's zoning, subdivision, and building regulations and the Downtown Redevelopment Element to ensure a conscious choice of the best of available options, instead of mere satisfaction of minimum standards. Objective 5: Recognize, protect, reinforce and beautify the existing street pattern. Objective 6: Protect and promote large-scale land- scaping and open space that define districts and neighborhoods. Objective 7: Increase the clarity of routes for residents and travelers in City. circulation the Central Objective 8: Indicate purpose of streets by means of a Central City Plan for street landscaping. Objective 9: Indicate the purpose of streets by means of a downtown plan for street lighting. GOAL NO. TWO Conservation of resources which provide a sense of nature, continuity with the past, and freedom from overcrowding. Objective 1: Preserve in their natural state the few remaining areas that have not been developed man-made places existing in a natural state. Objective 2: Preserve notable landmarks and areas of historic, architectural, or aesthetic value and promote the preservation of other buildings and features that provide continuity with past develop- ment. Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 - Page 9 Objective 3: Use care in remodeling older buildings, in order to enhance rather than weaken the original character of such buildings. Objective 4: Review proposals for giving up of street area in terms of all the public values that streets afford. GOAL NO. THREE Moderate major new development to complement the City pattern, the resources to be considered and the neighborhood environments. Objective 1: Promote harmony in the visual relationships and transitions between new and older buildings. Objective 2: Avoid extreme contrast in color, shape and other characteristics which will cause new buildings to stand out in excess of their public importance. Objective 3: Promote efforts to achieve high quality design for buildings to be constructed at prominent locations within the Central City. Objective 4: Promote building forms that will respect and improve the integrity of open spaces and other public areas. Objective 5: Relate the height of building to important attributes to the City pattern and to height and character of existing development. the Objective 6: Relate the bulk of building to the prevailing scale of development to avoid an over- whelming or dominating appearance in new construc- tion. Objective 7: Recognize the special Urban Design problems posed in development of large properties. Objective 8: Consider the accumulation and develop- ment of large properties with respect to this impact upon the surrounding area and upon the City. Objective 9: Encourage a continued awareness of the long term effects of growth upon the physical form of the City. This Committee submits this report for approval and implementation of its recommendation. Upon a motion by Agency Member Paynter, Design Review Committee Report No. 88-2 was accepted with the addition of the words "Downtown Redevelopment Element" in Goal One, Objective 4. NEW BUSINESS Election of Agency Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Upon a motion by Agency Member Rubin, Robert Watson was elected Agency Chairman. Upon a motion by Agency Member Araujo, Diane Dunn was elected Agency Vice-Chairman. Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 - Page 10 111 Amendment to the Owners Participation Agreement between Moseian Development Corporation and the Central District Development Agency for the construction of the City Center Office Commercial Project. Upon a motion by Agencymember Rubin, the Amendment to the Owner's Participation Agreement between Mosesian Development Corporation and the Central District Development Agency for the construction of the City Center Office Commercial Project was referred to the Development Committee for review and recommendation to be brought back to the Agency meeting of February 1, 1988. Selection of Developer for Community First Bank Project. Greg Bynum of Greg Bynum & Associates, answered ques- tions regarding Community First Bank Project. Upon a motion by Agencymember Araujo, the issue of Selection of Developer for Community First Bank Project was referred to the Development Committee. Relocation of Undergrounding of utility lines which serve the Haberfelde Building. Economic Development Director Kennon and Interim City Manger Hawley gave background information regarding the reloca- tion and undergroundign of utility lines. Richard Monje, Legal Representative for Mosesian Development, spoke in support of staff's recommendation to direct staff to draft necessary agreements with P. G. & E. and implement the utility relocation project as presented. Upon a motion by Agencymember Kronenberg, staff will proceed to work with P. G. & E. on the agreement. Oral Presentation on Solicitation for the 19th Street Improvement District. Assistant City Manager Pulskamp gave a presentation regarding solicitation for the 19ht Street Improvement District. Ken Reed, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the 19th Street Specific Plan, spoke regarding the 19th Street Improvement District. Upon a motion by Agencymember Rubin, the issue of Solicitation for the 19th Street Improvement District was referred to the Development Committee. Presentation by AIRCOA regarding the selecton of General Contractaor and Construction Schedule for the Clarion Hotel. Assistant City Manager Pulskamp made introductory remarks and introduced Mr. Gordon Bell, Vice President for Development for AIRCOA, who spoke regarding the selection of General Contractor and Construction Schedule for the Clarion Hotel. Discussion regarding Workshop on the 2010 Plan set for January 23, 1988. Assistant City Manager Pulskamp spoke regarding the Workshop on the 2010 Plan. Bakersfield, California, January 18, 1988 - Page 11 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Agency, Chairman Watson adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m. Agency Member Araujo requested that an issue of the Teglar Hotel fire be placed on the Agenda for February 1, 1988. Chairman Watson requested that the issue of Outside Legal Services be placed on the Agenda for February 1, 1988. CHAIRMAN of th~tral District Development Agency of the City of Bakersfield ATTEST: SECRETARY of the Central District Development Agency of the City of Bakersfield jlm