HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_10.27.2011_Special SessionHistoric and Architectural Review Commission Sign Subcommittee Page 1 of 2
Minutes
October 27, 2011
City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Sign Subcommittee Meeting
Minutes
Thursday, October 27, 2011, at 5:30 pm
City Council and Municipal Court Building
101 E. 7th Street, Georgetown, Texas 78627
Members present: Susan Firth, Chair; Dee Rapp; and Sarah Blankenship
Members absent: none
Staff present: Robbie Wyler, Historic District Planner; and Karen Frost, Recording Secretary
Firth called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
The Historic and Architectural Review Commission Sign Subcommittee is responsible for hearing
and taking final action on sign applications, by issuing Certificates of Design Compliance based
upon the City Council adopted Downtown Design Guidelines. This is a regular scheduled meeting
of the Sign Subcommittee, for consideration and possible action on the following:
1. Review and possible approval of the minutes from the September 14, 2011 HARC Sign
Subcommittee meeting.
Rapp asked that in paragraph 3 of page 3, the word is be added to complete the sentence. And
the intern’s name should be inserted, Stratton Hrncir, as the co-applicant for 500 S. Austin
Avenue on page 2.
Motion by Rapp to accept the minutes with the corrections. Second by Firth. Approved 3 – 0.
2. Public hearing and possible action on a Certificate of Design Compliance for new signage at
Lost Addition, Block 64 (pt), to be known as Texas Car Title & Payday Loan, located at 1000 S.
Austin Avenue. (CDC-2011-037)
Wyler presented the staff report. This application is for two flush-mounted wall signs and
illumination. The applicant, Jennifer Howard, was present for questions.
Firth opened the Public Hearing at 5:38 p.m. and there were no speakers. The Hearing was
immediately closed.
Blankenship questioned what happened to the original garage doors that were in the
application picture. Wyler stated he would look into that and if they were removed without a
permit, it would become a code enforcement issue.
Rapp questioned the area above the proposed signs and whether there would be enough room
for the proposed lights. Ms. Howard stated there was enough room.
Blankenship stated that she feels the replaced doors and the proposed signs take away from the
character of the building, in direct conflict to Guideline policy that states “a sign should be in
character with the material, color and detail of a building.” She suggested shielded neon or
single lettering would be more appropriate for this style of a building. She wants to see
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Sign Subcommittee Page 2 of 2
Minutes
October 27, 2011
something that more emphasizes the building elements.
Firth commented that she did not think the phone number on the main sign was appropriate,
that there should be other signage considered that would have the number. She felt the
application was incomplete, needing the total sign package as one application.
Motion by Blankenship to table action on the CDC until the next meeting when the applicant
can resubmit the other business signs, hours of operation and signage that reflects the
building style. (She suggested the applicant Google “art deco gas station”.) Second by Rapp.
The applicant questioned whether the colors were okay. Commissioners answered that the
colors would be fine in the right context. Approved 3 – 0.
3. Adjournment. Firth adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
The Subcommittee may forward these items to the next meeting of the Historic and Architectural
Review Commission for its consideration. That meeting is scheduled for October 27, 2011.
________________________________ _______________________________
Approved, Susan Firth, Chair Attest, Dee Rapp