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2013-08-01CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Approved 9/5/2013 BOARD: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Design Review Board August 1, 2013 William Finch, Jane Brusca, Karen Bebergal Rachel Matthews, Ellen Flannery Kirk Baker Kirk Baker Finch calls the meeting to order and introduces the first item on the agenda: Wall Sign — 4 Enon Street — Learning Express Toys The applicant, Greg Sahagian, proposes a Thigh by 18.5' wall sign to replace the existing sign of the same size and in the same location. The members note that the Zoning Official has signed off on it. The new sign will use the existing illumination. The members agree that the proposed sign looks better than the existing sign, and, is more compatible with the educational theme of the store. Finch states he has no problem with the sign, and asks for a motion to approve the sign. Bebergal makes a motion to approve the sign as presented. Brusca seconds the motion. The members vote unanimously, 4 -0, to approve the wall sign as submitted. Green Papaya — Modifications to previous sign approval: Finch states he will abstain since he was not present at the meeting where this application was originally deliberated and decided. The sign contractor states that he was given the incorrect facade dimensions by his client, and as a result, the proposed wall signs will not properly fit and thus need to be slightly modified. The Cabot Street wall sign is to be 16" high by 104" long and the logo will now go at the end of the text. The Bow Street wall sign, due to the location of a column to the left of the door which extends to the roofline, will need to be reconfigured so that the text is on two lines. The members express satisfaction with the proposed wall sign modifications The sign contractor also asks the Board about using tinted windows along the front facade on Cabot Street. The members note that they had approved the original windows as part of the facade improvement but there was no indication given on the submitted exhibit in regards to the degree of window tintedness. Finch stated that he questioned whether it was within the Design Review Board's purview, but also indicated that he does not prefer the use of highly tinted to completely opaque windows since their use typically make an otherwise lively facade to appear lifeless. The other members agreed with Finch's assessment and expressed the consensus view that the windows should be mostly transparent. Baker stated that he would be willing to look at any window samples to make sure they were acceptable. Bebergal made a motion to approve the amendments to both wall signs as presented. Brusca seconded the motion. The members voted unanimously, 3 -0, (Finch abstaining) approving the walls sign as submitted. Gas Price Canopy Sign — 455 Essex Street — Mobile Gas The sign contractor, Andy Layman of Sign Art, on behalf of the applicant Mobile Gas, is proposing to install two, digital LED, gas pricing signs onto the existing 15' high, front canopy structure. Brusca asks Mr. Layman whether his client also installed the sign awning which she questions whether it has actually received an official approval. Mr. Layman states that he is not familiar with how the awning sign was installed. Baker states he will check with Municipal Inspections in regards to the awning sign. Finch questions whether the existing price signs will remain as well. Layman confirms they will be removed if the LED signs are installed. Baker states that this sign will require ZBA approval due to the proposed number of LED signs, the maximum sign areas, heights, and their locations on the canopy structure. Finch states that while LED signs may be appropriate for highway use, setting a precedent for their use along Beverly's main streets is extremely inappropriate. Baker asks Layman if they would consider locating the LED price signs where the existing price sign are currently located on the pump island at ground level. Layman, states that existing electrical conduits prevent this as an option. Baker passed around some pictures that he had taken earlier of other gas station price signage throughout Beverly. While conceding that the pictures did not represent anything close to an exhaustive inventory of the types of gas price signs throughout the City, he said he found only one, "grandfathered" example (Beverly Gas and Tire on Cabot Street) which was just north of the downtown. The other examples consisted mostly gas price signage located on freestanding or monument signage. Brusca makes a motion to notify the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) that the Design Review Board is not in favor of allowing the applicant to install the LED price signage onto the existing canopy due to their strong belief that such an approval will set a precedent that clears the way for the propagation of such a type of signage throughout the City. Bebergal seconds the motion. The members vote unanimously, 4 -0, to approve the motion to notify the ZBA that the DRB is not in favor of the LED gas price signage on the canopy. Sandwich Board Sign — 198 Rantoul Street — Beverly Bootstraps Heather Johnston, the Director of Donor Relations for Beverly Bootstraps, is requesting approval of a 3' high by 2' wide "plasticade" sandwich board sign on which the place name and web address will be imprinted and and with space for interchangeble messages pertaining to daily and weekly specials. She also states that the sign is not intended for daily display, rather, it will only be used on days when specials are available. Ms. Johnston also notes that the surface of the sign is a dry erase surface so that it will be easy to make changes. The Board notes that there is plenty of space available on the sidewalk for the sign and pedestrian activity. Finch makes a motion to recommend approval of the sandwich board sign to the City Council as presented,. Bebergal seconds the motion. The Board votes and the motion approved unanimously (4 -0). Minutes Brusca makes a motion to approve the minutes from July 11, 2013. Bebergal seconds the motion. The Board members vote and the motion passes (4 -0). Adjournment Brusca makes a motion to adjourn. Bebergal seconds the motion. All members vote in favor of the motion. The meeting adjourns at 7:15 p.m.