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HomeMy Public PortalAbout07/25/2013MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW AND PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF GULF STREAM, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013, AT 8:30 A.M., IN THE TOWN HALL, 100 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM, FLORIDA. I. Call to Order: Vice- Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M. II. Roll all: Present and CParticipating Thomas Smith Vice - Chairman Paul A. Lyons, Jr. Board Member Amanda Jones Board Member Malcolm Murphy Board Member George Delafield Altemate Member Absent: Scott Morgan Chairman Also Present and William H. Thrasher Town Manager Participating Rita L. Taylor Town Clerk John "Skip" Randolph Town Counsel Martin O'Boyle Resident Richard Jones Architect Mark Grant Owners' Attorney Thomas Laudani Developer David Bodker Landscape Architect III. Minutes: Regular Meeting and Public Hearing held on May 23, 2013 Vice - Chairman Smith suggested the May 23, 2013 minutes be deferred until the nest ARPB Meeting, as they were not in the Board Members' packets. All agreed. IV. Additions. Withdrawals, Deferrals. Arrangement of Agenda Items• Vice - Chairman Smith asked for any changes to the agenda. There were none. He also confirmed that each member received a copy of Chairman Morgan's letter, in addition to their meeting packet. V. Announcements: A. Meeting Dates Vice - Chairman Smith announced the upcoming Regular Meetings and Public Hearings. 1. August 2013 — No Meeting 2. September 26, 2013 @ 8:30 A.M. 3. October 24, 2013 @ 8:30 A.M. 5. November 2013 - TBD 6. December 2013 - TBD Vice - Chairman Smith inquired regarding the re- scheduling of the ARPB meeting dates during the holiday season. He also reminded Board Members to contact Town Clerk Taylor when they will be unable to attend any ARPB meetings. ARPB - Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Town of Gulf Stream July 25, 2013 — Page 2 Town Clerk Taylor responded there has been no decision made, as yet, on any date changes, and suggested that those be determined at the September 2013 hearing. Vice - Chairman Smith asked for ex -pane communication relative to the items this day. There were none. Town Clerk Taylor swore in all persons who planned to speak at this meeting: Martin O'Boyle, Richard CJones, Mark Grant, Thomas Laudani and David Bodker. VI. PUBLIC HEARING: A. Applications for Development Approval 1. An application submitted by Richard Jones, as Agent for Harbour View Estates LLC, the owners of property located at 1224 N. Ocean Blvd., Gulf Stream, Florida, legally described as Lot 5, Hidden Harbour Estates Plat 2. a. NORTH OCEAN BOULEVARD OVERLAY PERMIT to permit the installation of landscaping and the easterly portions of privacy walls within the North Ocean Boulevard Overlay District. b. LEVEL 3 ARCHITECTURAL /SITE PLAN REVIEW to permit construction of an 8,726 square foot, partial two -story, Colonial West Indies single family dwelling with a 3 -car attached garage, pool and cabana. Mr. Jones introduced himself and stated he represented Seaside Builders, as well as, Mr. Bodker and Mr. Grant. He discussed and displayed the renderings of the three (3) houses well under construction in Harbour View Estates. Mr. Jones continued that two (2) of the three (3) under construction have been sold, and one of the remaining lots has also been sold. He further reported that out of the six (6) lot subdivision, three (3) have been spoken for. Mr. Jones continued that Lot 5 is a very important lot, due to the fact that it is directly adjacent to the entry of Harbour View Estates, and it sets the tone for the entire community. He recapped that Lot 3, Lot 4 and Lot 6 have been approved and that they all have their own unique appearance; two (2) of the homes are designed in a classic Bermuda style, and Lot 6 is a Colonial West Indies style. Mr. Jones continued that all three homes meet the Town's codes for setbacks, ratio and diversity to its neighbors. He described the differences with Lot 5's site orientation by displaying its landscape plan. He reported another difference of the three (3) approved homes is their second floor carriage homes above the garage with full courtyards on each lot. On Lot 5's home, the carriage home was brought down to ground level and attached to the home. Mr. Jones continued that another difference is that it implies classic symmetries with the two (2) projected wings. He reported on historical homes that have this type of classic design. Mr. Jones further detailed how the unique characteristics will blend together. He displayed the floor plans and the colors and feels that this home will be the nicest house in the community. Board Member Lyons inquired regarding the elevations. He also asked Mr. Jones to address some of Chairman Morgan's concerns that were listed in his letter. ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Heating Town of Gulf Stream July 25, 2013 — Page 3 Mr. Jones detailed the north, south and east elevations of the home. He continued that he appreciated Chairman Morgan's opinion, and stated that the house contradicts itself due to the wings. Mr. Jones further discussed its charm and character with the design. He repeated that Lot 5 is different and that the developer achieved their style quite nicely. f Board Member Lyons commended the developer. Vice - Chairman Smith inquired regarding the two (2) story mass between the two (2) homes from scale photographs to confirm that the bedrooms were not visible from one to the other. Mr. Jones displayed and discussed the second floor layouts where there were no overlaps with the houses. He reported that his client has a lot of money at stake, and his architectural designs are the best. Vice - Chairman Smith inquired regarding the height and if the artificial fireplace on the east side of the home was for symmetry. He was concerned the smoke would enter the 2 d floor windows. Mr. Jones responded that it is a functioning fireplace, but it is approximately 15 feet away and does meet codes for clearance. Board Member Jones inquired regarding the distance between main house and garage. Mr. Jones stated approximately 27 feet or one dozen (12) steps. Vice - Chairman Smith asked if any thought was given to bringing in either one of the wings a little. Mr. Jones answered one (1) or two (2) feet would employ classic symmetries. Mr. Laudani discussed how he takes pride in his work. He continued that he took exception to Chairman Morgan's comments in his letter and his absence from this meeting. Mr. Laudani stated that after the home is built, it -,vill be a signature property as he is an expert developer. He requested that the design be left as drawn. Board Member Lyons discussed his impression of the wings eventually being all blended in on the home. �- Mr. Laudani gave an overall review of the structure and the development. Vice - Chairman Smith inquired regarding the building on the east side being a guest house. Mr. Laudani responded that it could be a guest house or a gym. Mr. Bodker completely detailed the landscape with photographs and descriptions of the plantings. He also discussed his plans on the other adjacent properties in the community. ARPH Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Town of Gulf Stream July 25, 2013 — Page 4 Town Manager Thrasher requested the PDF of the drawings for Lots 3, 4 and G. He also asked for the Condition of Approval. Town Clerk Taylor responded that she wasn't sure regarding their roof sample being received in Town Hall. (� Mr. Jones displayed a sample of the gray slate -like tile. Vice - Chairman Smith inquired if the Board could, in the future, see all six (G) masses on the eventual site, so they can see where all were positioned on the property. Mr. Laudani stated that he would do a massive study for Board Members' viewing. Vice - Chairman Smith asked for any comments from the audience. Mr. O'Boyle stated that if the Board Members heard ample testimony and feel they could make a favorable recommendation, he felt he did not have to speak at all. He addressed the letter from Chairman Morgan whom he favored very much, but questioned its contents. Town Counsel Randolph stated that it was not in violation to be distributed to Board Members. He continued that if there were comments back, that would be in violation of the Sunshine Law. Town Counsel Randolph responded that he always encourages communications like this to come to the public meeting, as opposed to appearing before the meeting. He repeated the Sunshine Law stating that no two (2) or more members of a board may communicate in regard to something. Vice - Chairman Smith asked the Board Members if any two (2) or more members communicated with anyone regarding Chairman Morgan's letter. They all responded "No ". lvfr. O'Boyle discussed Mr. Laudani's project in the Town, and their "roller coaster" relationship. He continued that he finds the home acceptable from his experience and what the markets say. Mr. O'Boyle suggested that the Board Members have to yield to Mr. Laudani's discretion, his taste and his experience. He commented negatively on Board Chairman Morgan's letter. Mr. O'Boyle highly recommended Iblr. Laudani's knowledge and experience in building homes. Vice - Chairman Smith inquired if all neighbors were notified and if there were any other comments received. Town Clerk Taylor responded that all were notified and Chairman Morgan's letter was the only one received. ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Town of Gulf Stream July 25, 2013 — Page 5 Board Member Murphy moved and Board Member Lyons seconded that approval of a North Ocean Boulevard Overlay Permit based on a finding that the landscaping and easterly portion of a privacy wall, meet the minimum intent of the Design Manual and applicable review standards be recommended. All voted AYE. Board Member Murphy moved and Board Member Lyons seconded recommendation of Level 111 Architectural /Site Plan based on a finding that the proposed partial two -story single family Colonial West Indies style dwelling, a 3 -car attached garage, pool and cabana, a total of 8,726 SF meet the minimum intent of the Design Manual and applicable review standards with the following conditions: 1. The entry feature, measured from FFE to top of railings, shall be <14'. 2. The electric service lines shall be buried. 3. A sample of the gray color roof file to be provided for approval. 4. Any minor modifications in the landscape plan shall be submitted to the Town Manager for review and approval, and any major modifications shall be brought back to the ARPB for review and approval, prior to commencement of landscaping. 5. Wall and /or fences will be measured from the lowest abutting grade with a maximum height of 6' including any lighting fixtures that may be attached. 6. All chain link fencing will be screened from neighbor's view. All voted AYE. VII. ITEMS BY STAFF AND ATTORNEY: A. Proposed amendments to the Town's Zoning Code, including Design Guidelines. Mayor Orthwein thanked everyone serving on the ARPB for all their hard work. She discussed how the Town should rethink the codes and expand changes to them. Mayor Orthwein stated that the world is changing and how we have to also. She also mentioned flexibility and going £onward in regards to the building codes. Mayor Orthwein commented how she liked the new homes in Town. Vice - Chairman Smith agreed and stated that he would like to see other residents on the ARPB, as alternates, to get their ideas. Mayor Orthwein responded that the search for more ARPB members has been on the Town's website for a long time with no responses. She continued that any interested party has to write a letter to the Town or attend a Commission Meeting and show their interest in becoming an alternate ARPB member. VIII. ITEMS BY BOARD MEMBERS: Alternate Board Member Delafield inquired regarding a power point presentation for better audience viewing of visuals with regard to site plan approvals, at a Commission or Board Meeting. Board Member Lyons commended the idea of having a committee to update codes and he suggested possibly a developer being on the committee which may have the process work even better. ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Town of Gulf Stream July 25, 2013 — Page G Mayor Orthwein agreed with the developer being involved as they have helped the Town's property values go up, and put their investment in the Town. Town Counsel Randolph stated if the Board Members agree with Mayor Orthwein, they should make a recommendation to the Commission that they appoint a committee to look into the issues that she has raised, e.g., how the codes can become more user friendly, try to prevent a "cookie cutter" look in the Town, and to make more versatility in Town also. He admitted it's going to be a big job for a committee to take on because they would have to start from scratch, e.g., is a design manual the way to go which was utilized in the past, and which did not allow flexibility and versatility. He reminded Board Members how there were problems that came up these past couple of years with regard to colors, metal roofs, etc. Mayor Orthwein stated she would take suggestions and would consider Mr. Laudani and other developers. Board Member Lyons moved and Alternate Board Member Delafield seconded to recommend the Town Commission appoint a special committee to review comprehensively the codes and regulations to provide a little more flexibility to meet today's concerns. All voted AYE. Town Counsel Randolph stated that motion will take care of the substantive portion of it. He suggested also that the Board pass on to the Commission to add three (3) words to real estate signs "and political signs". Vice - Chairman Smith commented on the importance of uniformity of exterior wall colors on all structures on a property. Board Member Lyons inquired on accent colors and trims. Town Counsel Randolph explained that both the color codes and sign codes can be looked at also by this new committee, and if need be, the color codes may even be done away with completely. Vice - Chairman Smith asked if these changes are intended to be recommended for adoption in the meantime and the answer was, yes. He then asked for feedback from the Board members. Board Member Murphy commented on the black and white colors on the signs at the present time. Board Member Delafield asked the status of the new traffic signs and was advised that an order would soon be placed. Town Clerk Taylor inquired if these new issues needed to be read into the record. Town Counsel Randolph responded "No" and that it should just be recommended that the Commission give consideration to them and to include ordinance amendments to adopt them. ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Town of Gulf Stream July 25, 2013 — Page 7 In response to Vice- Chairman Smith's request for public comment on these issues, Mr. O'Boyle stated he emphatically concurs with Mayor Orthwein and Town Counsel Randolph's statements. He also wanted confirmation that political signs no longer require review. �- Town Counsel Randolph stated there is no review required for political signs. Board Member Murphy moved and Board Member Lyons seconded that it be recommended to the Town Commission that in the interim, consideration, and possibly amendments, be made to the sign code and the section of the code relating to "color" as suggested by Attorney Randolph in his letter to the ARPB. All voted AYE. IX. PUBLIC: Mr. O'Boyle discussed his home's rear elevation issues. Town Counsel Randolph stated that these are an attempt at a clarification of what was intended by the code, "having uniformity of the colors ". He continued that by doing this he was not trying to usurp the work of this committee, which could look at what Mr. O'Boyle suggested. Town Counsel Randolph stated that it was done to clarify the code at present and have uniformity of color on all walls. He continued that maybe this new committee can come up with a suggestion for Mr. O'Boyle. Mr. O'Boyle stated that there are a lot of conflicts in the code. He related his efforts with metal roofs. A discussion ensued regarding the colors of the home discussed earlier at this meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT: Vice - Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting at 9:40 A.M. Sandra Fein Recording Secretary