Councilman Gabino Aguirre asked if the cost being absorbed by the applicant is standard practice. “Absolutely,” replied Bobkiewicz.“I don’t want to get into” paying for architectural review and then have the project rejected based on design, noted Mayor Rick Cook.Such a process can potentially avert such situations, said Bobkiewicz. “I think it is really how you craft it.”Councilwoman Mary Ann Krause suggested that staff return with “fleshed out proposals,” including the use of a consultant and “some of the tools in the suggested options.”Cook said he was skeptical and said he wanted to avoid those approaching the city with a project, and “then we start jabbing them with additional fees....”“It could raise the flag immediately” at the Planning Department counter that a proposed project might be unsuitable, averting design problems down the line, said Bobkiewicz.
City Council: Architectural input for new projects studied
July 07, 2006
Santa Paula City Council
To ensure that the quality of future development blends well with the community, the City Council agreed that the services of an architect should be investigated, and at the June 5 meeting they asked that more details on options be brought back.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesTo ensure that the quality of future development blends well with the community, the City Council agreed that the services of an architect should be investigated, and at the June 5 meeting they asked that more details on options be brought back. The report by Planning Director Janna Minsk was in response to a Council request to investigate designating a city architect to assist with review of proposed projects.City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz noted that staff had discovered a “variety of ways” an architect could be utilized, based partially on “experiences culled from other cities.”Minsk said that options for further study include developing and adopting “comprehensive architectural guidelines for citywide projects or specific areas,” empowering staff with training to review those projects that would not go before a deciding body, creation of a professional design review board, and reviewing Planning Commission guidelines for possible modification to include “strong design review” of members. Hiring a consultant paid by the applicant is also an option, as is a combination of the options, noted Minsk.“There is a wide array” of options, ranging from minimal review to strong oversight, she added, and during the study city staff learned “We are not the only ones” considering utilizing an architect or guidelines established by same.“A lot of firms that work as teams of people” can offer diverse expertise that would probably best suit the city’s needs, said Bobkiewicz.
