Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-13 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes KAILUA VILLAGE DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING DATE: January 13, 2009 TIME: 5:00 p.m. PLACE: The MayorÓs Office Conference Room, Suite 103 Hanama Place Office Building in Kailua Village ROLL CALL 1.Members Present: David Ross, Jr., Paul Bleck, Cindy Coats, Fritz Harris-Glade, Stephen Herbert, Ann Kern and Gregory Ogin 2.Absent and Excused: Fanny Au Hoy and Sally Marone 3.Applicant: Mose Teinauri 4.Staff Present: Bennett Mark, Rosalind Newlon and Noriko Sauer 5.Public: None Vice Chair Ross welcomed those in attendance, and the Commissioners introduced themselves. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS 1.Design review of a proposed sign permit application for PayDayHawaii and Mobi PCS. Applicant: Kathy Cruz of Hawaiian Sign and Design. Land Owner: Lawrence L.W. Chan Trust Et Al and Linda Yee Wah Chan Trust. TMK: 7-5-004:011. Located at Kopiko Plaza, on the makai side of Longs Drugs of the Lanihau Sh Kailua Village, Kailua-Kona, HI. Staff Presentation Ms. Newlon oriented the Commissioners regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map, and described the two proposed signs: a marquee sign and an addition to the existing directory sign for Kopiko Plaza. She mentioned that the marquee sign is a combined sign for PayDayHawaii and Mobi PCS, who will be sharing the same store space. She noted that according to the Department of Public Works both signs are in compliance with the Sign Code, and that they appear to meet the Kailua Village guidelines, with reservations about the marquee sign due to the reflective material and possibly the excess numbers of type faces and colors used, d black and white are considered as colors. Commissioner Coats observed that the small font used for ÐPCSÑ i Ðmobi;Ñ therefore, two type faces are used on the sign, which is in accordance with the lettering guideline for the Kailua Village. 1 Applicant Presentation The applicant, Kathy Cruz, was not available. Mose Teinauri of PayDayHawaii was present and available for questions from the Commissioners. Public Testimony There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this agen Commission Discussion Commissioner Ogin inquired about the white background color of b looks much brighter than the other surrounding signs on the photo copies provided by the applicant. Mr. Teinauri confirmed that the brightness is due to a Photoshop-type computer program used to create the image photos, and then circulated another photo copy showing the existing temporary sign for color comparison. In response to Commissioner OginÓs inquiry, Mr. Teinauri stated that although he personally preferred a style similar to the surrounding signs, the business owner opted for the proposed design by reason of cost. Commissioner Ogin expressed his dissatisfaction with the marquee sign, noting that the style is quite different from the surrounding signs . Mr. Teinauri responded that maybe there is insufficient space fo Vice Chair Ross pointed out that the current design uses only 15 percent of the maximum square footage allowed by the Sign Code. Commissioner Coats con Teinauri that there is only one more store in the same corridor area, and so there seems to be a significant amount of space the applicant is not utilizing. However, Commissioner Coats also noted that since the Commission is not pleased with the design itself, having the sign made larger will not address the aesthetic aspect of their concerns. Commissioner Ogin reiterated his concern that although the landowner and/or property manager must have approved the proposed marquee sign since they signed the permit application, this might set a precedent for more inconsistent signs within the complex where the signage currently seems fairly consistent. Commissioner Harris-Glade asked whether or not Kopiko Plaza has a signage program. Ms. Newlon responded that her research found a sign variance issued in 1991 for lettering and logo height and for additional arcade signs, but no record of a signage program being in place. Commissioner Bleck said that the Commission can make suggestions to improve the marquee sign, such as adjusting the proportion of two business names to make it symmetrical and adding a wooden trim around it. Commissioner Harris-Glade said that rather than the Commission having to work with individual tenants, he would be more inclined to ask property managers to establish and manage a signage program for their own facilities since that is to their interest to have consistent signage. Commissioner Herbert opined that the marquee sign is not in compliance with the Sign Code, specifying that the sign is not consistent with the surrounding signs, it does not complement the building, and also the material has a shiny reflective surface. 2 Commissioner Harris-Glade at this time made a motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Herbert, to send an unfavorable recommendation to the Publics Works Director, and ask the applicant to consider the CommissionÓs com with a more appropriate sign. A discussion ensued as to how in general the Commission can involve property managers and/or landowners in its effort to achieve consistent signage in the Kailua Village. Commissioner Ogin, based on his experience as a property manager, commented that the best way is to approach landowners whose property value might adversely be affected by disorganized signage; they have the power to hire a sign company or direct their property manager to improve it. Commissioner Bleck circulated his drawing of the modifications he had suggested earlier, and raised a question as to how the idea of having commercial complexes create their own signage programs can be advanced. In response to Commissioner Harris-GladeÓs suggestion that the staff should screen applications and contact property managers about establishing a signage program prior to forwarding the applications to the Commission, Ms. Newlon explained how sign permit applications are processed by the Department of Public Works and the Planning Department, adding that the Sign Code does not require a signage program, but does require the Commission to review each completed application within 30 days of its receipt. Commissioner Harris- Glade expressed his frustration over having to discuss the same issue repeatedly and also his desire to find a solution even if it might entail an amendment to the Sign Code by the County Council. Other ideas including the following were exchanged: 1) Send to the property manager or landowner a copy of the Commission action letter to applicant, with or without a separate cover letter; 2) make a list of commercial complexes that are of interest to the Commission for the staff to write the landowners or property managers to request establishment of a signage program; 3) create a one-page document to hand out to applicants, which states the CommissionÓs goal and specific concerns about signage; 4) forward unfavorable recommendation based on lack of an overall signage program; 5) adopt a resolution to forward to the Director; and 6) put together a list of architects and sign companies available to help property managers create signage plans. To conclude the discussion, Vice Chair Ross suggested that all Commissioners think through the matter, and email their suggestions to the staff. Mr. Mark said that he will review their suggestions, and get back to the Commission with a recommendation at the next meeting. With respect to the motion made and seconded earlier, Mr. Mark pointed out that there are two signs on the table. Commissioner Harris-Glade agreed to modify his motion. Action It was moved by Commissioner Harris-Glade, and seconded by Commissioner Herbert, to recommend to the Public Works Director the denial of the marquee sign for the reason that the marquee sign is inconsistent with the guidelines specified in Section 3-54(a), Subsections (1) and (7), of the Sign Code, and the approval of the addition to the directory sign provided that the background color is consistent with the other existing signs on the overall Kopiko Plaza directory sign. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with six ayes (Harris-Glade, Herbert, Bleck, Coats, Kern and Ogin) and two absent and excused (Au Hoy and Marone). 3 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Minutes of the Meeting of December 2, 2008 Î It was moved by Commissioner Ogin and seconded by Commissioner Coats that the minutes be approved as circulated. Motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. ANNOUNCEMENT th Mr. Mark announced that the January 27 meeting has been cancelled since no applications came in by the due date. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at 6:08 p.m., it was moved by Commissioner Ogin and seconded by Commissioner Coats that the meeting be adjourned. Motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. Respectfully submitted, Noriko Sauer, Secretary A T T E S T: David Ross, Jr., Vice Chair Kailua Village Design Commission 4