HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_03.28.2024Minutes of the
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Georgetown Historic and Architectural Review Commission met on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at
6:00 PM at Council and Court Building, 510 W 9th Street.
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The following Members were in attendance:
Present were: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein, Alton Martin,
Jennifer Powell, Robert Blomquist, Stuart Garner
Public Wishing to Address the Board
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registration form which can be found on the
table at the entrance to the meeting room. Clearly print your name and the letter of the item on which you
wish to speak and present it to the Board Liaison prior to the start of the meeting. You will be called forward to
speak when the Board considers that item. Only persons who have delivered the speaker form prior to the
meeting being called to order may speak. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak. If you wish to
speak for six minutes, it is permissible to use another requestor's granted time to speak. No more than six
minutes for a speaker may be granted. The requestor granting time to another speaker must also submit a form
and be present at the meeting.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: A request must be received by the Advisory Board or Commission
Liaison prior to the day the agenda for this mee ng is posted. Each speaker will be given three minutes to
address the Board or Commission members. No action can be taken.
1. Regular Session
1.A Meeting Minutes
Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the February 22, 2024
regular meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission -- Erica Metress,
Planning Specialist
Moved by Lawrence Romero; seconded by Evan Hein to Approve the meeting minutes
as presented.
Motion Approved: 8- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein,
Alton Martin, Jennifer Powell, Robert Blomquist, Stuart Garner
Voting Against: None
1.B 2024-6-COA (506 E. 14th Street)
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness
(COA) for replacing a historic architectural feature with a non -historic architectural
feature for the property located at 506 E 14th Street bearing the legal description of
Block 5 (SE/PT), Hughes Addition (2024-6-COA) -- Olivia Beams, Historic and
Downtown Planner
Olivia Beams presented the staff report.
Bruce Denham, owner, approached the podium to address the Commission and noted
that the window repairman was late to the meeting due to traffic. Denham shared that the
windows don't appear to be vinyl windows and highlighted that there is an option for the
lattice to be added. Denham explained that the windows look like wood windows and will
last longer than real wood.
Commissioner Hein inquired about the condition of the original windows. Denham
explained that the original windows are not in good condition.
Chair Walton inquired about the different lattice options. Denham noted that lattice can be
place on top of the windows or the glass can be divided into panes.
Commissioner Powell noted that aluminum clad or fiberglass clad windows meet the
criteria.
Commissioner Romero requested that the owner look at alternative materials.
Chair Walton opened the public hearing.
Liz Weaver, 1221 South Main Street, approached the podium to address the
Commission and noted that there are no indications that the existing windows would
need to be replaced. Weaver highlighted that the defining feature on the house is the
windows.
Chair Walton closed the public hearing.
Chair Walton asked about the material of the current windows. Denham responded
that they are wood windows.
Chair Walton asked for the scope of the project. Denham explained that the scope of
work is 17 windows, which does not include the two windows in the kitchen that is in
the back of the house.
Chair Walton inquired about the windows that are in HARC's purview. Beams explained
that HARC's purview is the front windows.
Chair Walton asked if the windows can be repaired. Denham acknowledged that they
have not considered that option yet.
Commissioner Romero noted that the report states that 50% of the window is fiber
glass and asked about the remaining material.
Jason Linde, Home Depot representative, approached the podium to address the
Commission and explained that the intent is to only remove the rotted sashes and adding
in a square vinyl window. Linde noted that the owners do not want to add grids to the
windows but explained that it is possible to add them if HARC requests it. Linde
explained that they are not trying to change the look of the house and will be able to
maintain the exact look.
Commissioner Romero repeated that the report states that 50% of the window is fiber
glass and asked about the remaining material. Linde explained that the windows are
100% vinyl.
Commissioner Romero inquired about the adhesive backed trim found in the plans and
specifications document. Linde explained that the material is not necessary because they
are not completing a full frame window replacement and repeated that the window is
100% vinyl.
Moved by Alton Martin; seconded by Lawrence Romero to Continue the item to the
April 11, 2024, HARC meeting to allow the applicant and representative an opportunity
to provide staff and the commission more precision and specificity regarding the scope
of the request.
Commissioner Romero requested that the applicant explain the half fiber glass seal
extender screen. Linde explained that the screen is the only part that has fiber glass
and that the window frame is 100% vinyl.
Commissioner Hein requested that detailed pictures of the front existing windows are
included in the next presentation and that an evaluation for repair of the windows is to be
provided.
As a result, Commissioner Hein made an amendment to the original motion.
Moved by Evan Hein; seconded by Lawrence Romero to Continue to provide detailed
photographs of the front 6 existing windows and an estimate to repair the windows by
April 11th.
Motion Amended: 7- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein,
Alton Martin, Jennifer Powell, Robert Blomquist
Voting Against: None
The Commissioners proceeded to vote on the original motion.
Motion Approved: 7- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein,
Alton Martin, Jennifer Powell, Robert Blomquist
Voting Against: None
1.0 2024-3-COA (602 E. University Ave)
Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request to allow signage that is inconsistent with
the applicable guidelines in the historic overlay district to allow for a new pole sign on the
northwest corner of the property for the property located at 602 E. University Ave, bearing
the legal description of 0.204 acres out of the NW Corner of Block 83, Dimmit Addition
(2024-3-COA) -- Olivia Beams, Historic and Downtown Planner
Olivia Beams presented the staff report.
John Montgomery, applicant, approached the podium to address the commission and
noted that the building is setback 60 feet and therefore cannot be seen from Walnut
Street and Ash Street. Montgomery shared an image that exhibited the previous pole
sign's location on the property.
Chair Walton referred to section 10.06.010 that states that pole signs are not permitted.
Commissioner Powell asked staff about the duration of existence for the other poles in
the vicinity. Beams explained that based on google street view, the signs in the vicinity
have existed prior to 2008 and noted that pole signs were outlawed in the most recent
update in 2021.
Commissioner Romero asked staff to provide more information on illumination. Beams
explained that the requested sign will be internally illuminated with a soft white light.
Beams noted that the entire sign panel will be illuminated and highlighted that the design
guidelines allow for a halo or push -through style of illumination which causes the request
to be noncompliant.
Chair Walton opened the public hearing.
Tom Paxson, 1302 South College Street, approached the podium to address the
Commission and shared that the convenience store improves the quality of life for the
community. Paxson highlighted pole signs for different businesses in the area. Paxson
shared that he believes that the intent is to increase traffic into the convenience store.
Paxson continued to share that safety is more important than the UDC guidelines, so
raising the height of the pole sign is appropriate. Paxon believed that the sign will help
the business succeed.
Liz Weaver, 1221 South Main Street, approached the podium to address the Commission
and noted that she was interested in the sign and its impact on the neighborhood.
Weaver believed that the sign would distract the public's attention from the Dudley
Snyder house. Weaver shared that the business will be affected by their
product and not the pole sign. Weaver noted that the community is already aware of
the business.
Chair Walton closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Romero shared that he did not believe a pole sign should be in the
proposed area and that the sign is not in character with the surrounding area. Chair
Walton highlighted that the UDC is clear about pole signs.
Commissioner Burns shared that she agreed with Chair Walton. Commissioner Burns
explained that she was opposed to pole signs and believed that there should be an
alternative signage.
Chair Walton asked staff if there would be changes if they placed a monument sign on
the curved path near the road. Beams explained that the curved path near the road is
outside of property owner's ownership and the applicant will need to request a license to
encroach which would be unlikely to be approved.
Moved by Alton Martin; seconded by Robert Blomquist to Deny.
Motion Approved: 7- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein,
Alton Martin, Jennifer Powell, Robert Blomquist
Voting Against: None
1.D HARC Commissioner Training
Training Session on Parliamentary Procedures, Code of Ordinances, Communication
Between Commissioners and HARC Review Authority -- Maddison O'Kelley,
Preservation and Redevelopment Manager, Kimberly Spencer, Interim Assistant
Planning Director, and Erica Metress, Planning Specialist
Maddison O'Kelley presented a training opportunity on HARC review authorities and
purviews.
1.E Discussion Items
Updates on Upcoming Training for HARC Commissioners, Downtown Master Plan, UDC
Rewrite, and Commissioner questions and comments -- Maddison O'Kelley,
Preservation and Redevelopment Manager
There were no discussion items addressed.
Adjournment
These minut were approved at the meeting of
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