Minutes

March 2, 2006

North End - Huntington Heights Architectural Review Board.

Present:  Katie Stodgill, Carolyn Hughes, Bea Dahlen, Phil Shook, Fred Whittaker, and Steve Hudak

Staff present:  Pat Diggs, David Watson, Al Riutort, Collins Owens

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.

The minutes were approved with one grammatical change.

 COA-06-155  347 59^th Street.
David Galinski  presented an application to replace 17 Jalousie style windows with white, double-hung six over one vinyl windows and to wrap the trim with white solid pvc wrapping.  Mr. Galinski stated that he could not get a fixed price contract for window replacement unless wrapping was included in the job.  Without wrapping the trim he could only get an open-ended contract. Mr. Galinski stated that the existing trim would most likely be damaged with the removal of the existing windows and would need covering or replacement.  He would perform some carpentry on the more damaged windows prior to window replacement and trim wrapping.  Mr. Whittaker expressed his belief that careful workmanship would result in the removal of the existing windows with minimal damage to the existing wood and therefore not require the wrapping of the trim.  Mr. Galinski strongly disagreed and asked for flexibility in the guidelines in order to wrap the trim on the windows he is replacing.  He stated that the architectural detail that would be lost would be miniscule.  The Board replied that the guidelines state clearly that the wrapping of windows is prohibited and that this section has been consistently enforced without exception.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the installation of 17 six over one double-hung windows without wrapping the trim.  The motion was made by Ms. Dahlen and seconded by Ms. Hughes.  Mr. Hudak was not present at the time of this vote.

After the vote, Mr. Whittaker explained to the applicant that by making an exception for this one case would create a sweeping precedent that would make enforcement of the guidelines very difficult.  He stated his belief that the request to allow wrapping of the trim was based solely on economic considerations.

COA-06-156 347 59^th Street

David Galinski presented this application to allow the installation of either a wooden or pvc 6’ tall privacy fence.  After a discussion of the merits of pvc vs. wooden fences, the Board agreed that the ultimate decision between the two styles would be up to the applicant.  If the wooden option were selected, painting or staining would be required within one year of installation.  Either option would require the finished side to face outward. 

Ms. Dahlen made he motion to approve the application subject to the aforementioned conditions, it was seconded by Mr. Hudak.  The Board unanimously approved the application.

COA-06-157  333 57^th Street. Frederick S. Koehl presented an application to build a 12x20’ gable end shed on a concrete slab.  The Board extensively discussed the design characteristics and determined the following criteria:

1)     The roof pitch shall be no less than eight over 12 and no greater than 12 over 12.

2)     The gables may have up to two feet of overhang.

3)     The siding will be vinyl in a width matching the primary dwelling.

4)     The windows shall be vinyl and may be of a single hung or double hung design.  Dividers may range from two over two up to six over six, but all windows must be consistent in appearance.  Fixed windows are not permitted.

5)     The door will be framed with cross battens and placement shall be centered in the front as shown in the submitted picture.  The doors will be 4’ wide and 6’8” tall.

6)     There will be no soffit.  Facia board, trim and gutters are permitted.

7)     Windows will face into the yard.

Ms Dahlen made the motions to accept each criterion, Mr. Whittaker seconded.  The criteria were unanimously approved.

Old Business

Submission deadlines have been increased to 21 days from 14 days.

The Board wishes to have a half-hour work session, starting at 6:00 pm prior to the application review that will start at 6:30 pm.

New Business

Changes in the Planning Department’s Historical Preservation web page were noted.  The board requested that Board application information to be linked from the historical preservation web page.  Mr. Watson stated that could easily be done.

Mr. Shook announced that Anita Garner has resigned from the ARB, effective immediately.  City Council will appoint a new member in the near future.

Mr. Shook stated that he would like to change the by-laws so that all proposed changes to the guideline would be spelled out verbatim.  The Daily Press ad should be paraphrased and the complete text will be available on-line and at the public libraries.  The Board would like an opportunity to review an ad before it is placed.

Mr. Owens recommended that when a case is voted, that a roll call vote be employed when voting on applications.

Mr. Whittaker inquired about available training for ARB members.

The Board stated its intent to complete a photo inventory of the houses in the district.

Mr. Hudak stepped to the other side of the table to discuss with the Board as a property owner an issue regarding his house.  Specifically, he would like to move/replace an octagon window located in the back of his house in the utility room.  The Board stated that it did not foresee any problems and looked forward to reviewing his application.