02/15/2000 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 2/15/2000 Mr. Gareau made the following statement about the CVS project: "In the fall of 1998, I ''~ introduced Ordinance 98-129, which imposed athree-month moratorium on building and construction activity in the historical district of the city. At that time, I was extremely concerned about the possibility of losing architecturally unique historical structures only to have them replaced by garden variety, architecturally bland chain drug stores and the like. That three-month moratorium was extended by this Council for another three months; and in the spring of 1999, I introduced an ordinance, Ordinance 99-40. Ordinance 99-40 was ultimately enacted for the purpose of revitalizing and empowering our Charter-based Landmarks Commission. Before Ordinance 99-40, historically placqued structures and our historical district were at the whim of developers who could, and would, remove structures with little more oversight than a routinely granted demolition permit. This demolition occurred despite our City Council's express acknowledgment that such buildings were, in fact, historically significant. What is more buildings erected where lost historical structures once stood were not scrutinized to ensure that they complimented the still remaining structures in the neighborhood. The standard was: there is no standard. This is no longer the case. Projects that occur within our historical district are now subject to a rigid scrutiny of our Landmarks Commission to ensure that new buildings and additions enhance and even expand our historical district. No longer will they detract from it. The CVS project before you tonight is the first project submitted under the new Landmarks ordinance. For those of you who have studied our government in North Olmsted, you will notice that it is markedly different from typical submittals to the Building Department. The structure is brick and not rectangular or square in shape; awnings have been incorporated; wrought iron fences and even a brick wall are included; the light standards are globes; the building incorporates sconce lighting; there are benches for seating; landscaping is extensive; signage is tactful. I believe it was a good effort and we achieved a sound project. One need only compare this project to the one at Clague and Lorain roads to see the difference. Although it is preferable to retain our historical structures, I am pleased with this result. Lastly, this building is the product of over a dozen meetings that I attended, including volunteer working sessions between members of the Planning Commission, A.RB, Landmarks, Council and the developer. Mr. Zergott of the ARB readily admits that this working session was one of the most helpful practices that he has ever seen, and I agree. I strongly urge our administration to use this project as a means to alter the way we do business in North Olmsted. 1 would suggest that we change our review process and retain an expert in areas of development. I suggest that we employ a trained City Planner to work with developers to ensure that every building in the future is as well thought out as the proposal you see before you tonight. If we do, I am confident that the west area of town--where much land is ripe for development--will develop in such a fashion that we can all take pride in the fact that the plans we laid in this day were thoughtfully and intelligently guided and made a reality that benefits our community for years to come." Mr. McKay, chairperson of the Finance Committee: 1) The Finance Committee met on February 8. Present were committee members Limpert, O'Grady and McKay; Council President Saringer, Councilmen Nashar, Miller and Kasler; Finance Director Copfer. The committee discussed Ordinance 2000-11, which establishes a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Fund. The purpose of the fund is to allow the city to recover 7