HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/11/2025 - Regular Minutes - Design Review Board
Minutes
Design Review Board
July 11, 2025
City Hall 1938 Executive Conference Room
Board Members Present: Chairperson Jason Cornelius, Board Members Dr. Keith Sylvester, Nicole Gallucci, Barry Ely, Ivan Rustyn and Andrew Arizpe
Board Members Absent: Board Member Ray Holiday
Staff Present: Director of Planning and Development Services Anthony Armstrong, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services Molly Hitchcock, Land Development Review Administrator
Robin Macias, Senior Planner Jeff Howell, and Staff Assistant II Tiffany Romero
Call to order
Chairperson Jason Cornelius called the meeting to order at 11:33 a.m.
Hear Visitors
No visitors spoke.
Agenda Items
3.1 Consideration, discussion, and possible action to approve meeting minutes.
July 14, 2023
Board Member Rustyn motioned to approve the minutes. Board Member Sylvester seconded the motion, which passed (6-0).
3.2 Presentation, discussion, and possible action to consider an appeal to the landscape buffer standards in the Unified Development Ordinance Section 6.4.AB. “Specific Use Standards”
for 111 Cooner Street, which is zoned GC General Commercial and R-4 Multi-Family. Case #AWV2025-000028
Senior Planner Howell presented the request explaining the buffer requirements from UDO Section 7.7. He stated the applicant is requesting to reduce the required 20-foot wide landscape
buffer to 15 feet wide so BTU can expand existing utilities. The applicant is proposing to install an 8-foot tall wall along the project boundary and utilize existing trees to meet
the buffer planting requirements. He mentioned staff is recommending denial of the appeal request. BTU stated it is not possible to meet the required maintenance and operational electrical
safety clearances with the 20-foot buffer requirement. However,
Senior Planner Howel stated that the applicant indicated that the project could be redesigned to provide the required buffer. He also stated that the buffer serves not only as a visual
separation but also as a means to mitigate the negative impacts of more intense land uses. This location is planning to expand and double in size.
Board Member Gallucci asked for images of where the trees are being used for the buffer. Senior Planner Howell showed a visual of the location. There was general discussion amongst the
board.
Board Member Arizpe asked if the Design Review Board had granted buffers variances before, and if it is five feet, does it really make a difference. Senior Planner Howell stated that
the Board granted a variance in 2019 for landscaping and streetscaping for the existing BTU site. There was discussion amongst the board.
Board Member Sylvester asked what were the general safety concerns of the neighborhood. Director Armstrong stated that the physical separation is a safety measure.
Spenser Ferguson and Sam Kramer with Burns & McDonnell presented additional information on the item stating that the Shady Lane Substation was constructed in the early 1960’s and that
upgrades and expansion happened in 1980’s. Mike McMillan from BTU was available for questions. The applicant stated that the purpose of the project is updating the substation, which
is necessary to improve overall reliability and personnel safety with an improved visual impact to the surrounding area. He also indicated that aging and outdated equipment need upgrading
and that there is limited capacity for load growth. The applicant also stated that they need to keep already existing infrastructure energized while in construction so there is limited
space for construction. There was general discussion amongst the Board.
Chairperson Cornelius stated he would entertain a motion to approve the appeal with conditions that no other development occur other than pavement within 25 feet of the property line,
with the wall being no less than 15 feet to the property line. He continued stating that the wall needs to be a version or equivalent to durable precast with a minimum height of 8 feet.
He concluded stating that the alleyway needs to be maintained by BTU, seeded, and fenced off with an accessible gate per structural plans.
Board Member Arizpe motioned to approve the waiver as presented by Chairperson Cornelius, Board Member Rustyn seconded the motion, which passed (6-0).
Possible action and discussion on future agenda items.
There were no items presented.
5. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 12:57 p.m.
APPROVED:
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Chairperson, Jason Cornelius
ATTEST:
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Tiffany Romero, Board Secretary