2016-12-06 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes

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was to make recommendations to the Planning Director or the Director of DPW, as the case may be, it would be more appropriate to send it through them. Mr. Dunlap presented a photograph of signs that appeared to be in violation of the Sign Code, which had been found on the particular building façade that the H&R Block sign was proposed to be mounted on \[Agenda Item No. 1\]. He clarified that the purpose of the photograph was not to discuss the particular case, but to show an example of the signage situation in the Kailua Village. Messrs. Dunlap and Childs also mentioned other businesses in the Kailua Village special district, whose signs were potentially in violation, including Lex Brodies, American Savings Bank and Famous Footwear. The consensus was that the lack of enforcement was contributing to the differences in awareness of the Sign Code among the businesses, and that they should be better informed and educated. Regarding the letter to be sent to the County Council, Commissioner Roth opined that although the Commission’s authority was limited to the Kailua Village special district, it would be unfair to single out the district and the corresponding council members, and that enforcement of the Sign Code should apply throughout the County. Mr. Childs commented that the County was increasingly recognizing special areas and the need to designate them as special district as in the case of the Kailua Village and the Pāhoa Village. Chair Dahlberg said that the Commission should go on record as disapproving what was happening with commercial signs in the Kailua Village, which could be the starting point of the letter. In response to questions about the Commission’s past discussions on this topic, Messrs. Childs and Dunlap said that numerous discussions had been held several years ago regarding possible revisions to the Sign Code, including a PowerPoint presentation by representatives from DPW in May 2011. Commissioner Andreae commented that it looked as though the pending amendment was being used as an excuse for non-enforcement, and that there was no reason for DPW to wait in order to enforce the current code. Commissioners Kern and Andreae accepted the task of drafting the letter for the Commission to review at a future meeting. After a short discussion about their availability and procedural matters, the Commissioners agreed that the follow-up business was to be placed on the agenda for the January 24, 2017, meeting, even if there were no other items to be agendized, and that the draft letter was to be emailed to the commission secretary, who would in turn distribute copies to the Commissioners as a part of the meeting packet and also make it available to public inspection once agendized. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2017 It was moved by Commissioner Kern and seconded by Commissioner Van Pernis that Peter Dahlberg and Shaun Roth be re-elected as chairperson and vice chairperson, respectively. The motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote. ANNOUNCEMENTS There were no announcements. 3