DATE OF MEETING: August 1, 2002

TIME OF MEETING: 4:30 p.m.

PLACE OF MEETING: Cotati City Hall, Conference Room

201 W. Sierra Avenue

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Leys called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

Committee Members Present: Davis, LeDoux, Kagan, Rock, Leys

Committee Members Absent: Draper

Staff Present: Woltering, Voge, Baumgras

3. CHANGES TO AGENDA

There were no proposed changes to the agenda.

4. MATTERS AT HAND

1. Preliminary and Final Design Review approval to remodel a transitional housing facility located at 8050 Old Redwood Highway. The remodeling will result in an additional 120 square feet of building space.

Associate Planner Voge presented the staff report. One bedroom window will be removed on the south elevation, not four as indicated in the staff report.

Chairman Leys inquired as to whether the Plaza Specific Plan provides guidelines for properties located around the Hub.

Planning Director Woltering stated that this is City property. The City Council awarded a $29,000 grant for design and improvements to the facility. Planning and Finance staff will work with Community Support Network to establish a protocol for disbursing the funds.

Committee Member Kagan noted that there are two proposed paint schemes. Utilization of Color scheme #1 is one of the conditions recommended by Planning staff. The existing building is grey with a green roof. Mr. Kagan inquired about Community Support Network - what is it?

Dale Byrne, Director of the Community Support Network program, explained that this is a new program that was started in May 2001. The clients who participate in the program are from the jail system. Six people have successfully completed and graduated from the program since last May (2001).

Ms. Cleaver, the Project Architect, reviewed proposed changes to the building. The new porch is more attractive. The specimen oaks on the south side of the site will be preserved and protected during construction. From the front of the site, the look will be improved, partly due to landscaping improvements. A double-hung window will be added in the office area; this will not be visible from the front of the site. In response to Committee Member Kagan's question, the applicant stated that this office window will measure 1'8" x 4'.

Committee Member Kagan stated that there is a large opening in the fence leading into the area that will be utilized for parking spaces (3). The drawing showed that this space would be closed up. Mr. Kagan inquired about the purpose of the opening. The architect advised that the purpose of the opening is to allow access to the southern portion of the site with a lawn mower.

Chairman Leys requested PUBLIC COMMENT.

There was no PUBLIC COMMENT.

Committee Member Davis stated that the different phases of this project have been reviewed before. All in all, the current version of the project looks fine to him. Color Scheme 1 is okay.

Chairman Leys stated that the front porch is a nice addition, and it is a big improvement over the previous applications. The Chairman prefers Color Scheme 2 to Color Scheme 1, but indicated that the project architect should make choice.

Vice Chair Rock has two concerns: 1) the location of the gas meter, and 2) the choice of landscaping. Vice Chair Rock would like the gas meter to be enclosed by a door. The proposed landscaping is cyclical, i.e., the appearance will vary seasonally. At certain times of the year, the landscaping will look good, and at others it will appear to be barren. Fruit trees will drop fruit that will eventually decay.

Committee Member Kagan stated that this project plan allows more use of the existing space. The project architect should decide on the color scheme.

It was moved by Committee Member Kagan to grant Final Design Review approval for the application subject to the conditions recommended by planning staff.

There was additional discussion by Committee members and applicants regarding the color scheme. The applicant will double check with Planning staff on the color scheme. "Over the counter" approval will be made by staff. Landscaping concerns were addressed. One issue is determining whether the landscaping will be high or low-maintenance. Committee Member Davis stated that the landscaping would evolve and change over time, as well as vary with the seasons. The yellow of Color Scheme 1 may be a good background for the proposed English lavender plantings. The Project architect stated that the permaculture designer worked to incorporate seasonal changes. A year-round mulch is essential. The City of Cotati may showcase this type of sustainable landscaping through this project.

Chairman Leys requested that staff reiterate the motion made to approve the proposed project. The motion was to approve Preliminary and Final Design Review subject to the suggested conditions of approval as amended, as follows:

1. The applicant shall protect all oak trees on site during construction by installing temporary fencing along the driplines.
2. The applicant shall remit all required Design Review processing fees prior to issuance of a building permit.
3. The applicant shall utilize Color Scheme 1. The applicant shall remit the color scheme to Planning staff for over the counter approval.

Second by Committee Member Davis.

1. REPORTS BY STAFF

Six applications have been received for two Design Review Committee member positions. The applications will be reviewed at the August 19^th Planning Commission meeting; all applicants have been invited to attend that meeting. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation to City Council. The Council will make appointments on August 28^th.

Planning Director Woltering presented an overview of potential agenda items for the next Design Review Committee meeting (scheduled for 8/15). In response to an inquiry from the Design Review Committee, Mr. Woltering briefly discussed the status of the Albertson's project.

2. COMMITTEE REPORTS

There were no reports from the Committee.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Leys adjourned the meeting at 5:01 p.m.