4-21-14 Consulting Architect Presentation
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Review Role of Consulting Architect
Los Gatos Town Council
April 21, 2014
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BACKGROUND
Review requested by two Councilmembers
Added to 2014-16 Strategic Goals
Purpose of Study Session
Provide background information and history
Obtain Council direction on:
Any additional information needed
Potential changes for future consideration
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History
2000 – Concerns raised about PC design review
Efficiency (long meetings, backlogs, re-hearings)
Effectiveness (lack of professional input)
Pilot launched in 2002
Evaluation of Pilot
Positive feedback from applicants, residents, PC
Refocusing of PC time and efforts
Backlog eliminated
Architectural Consultant used ever since
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COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2002-25
Architectural Consultant reviews plans:
Recommendations included in staff report
Revised plans incorporate recommendations
PC makes findings to modify recommendations
Based on erroneous information
Mistakes of facts
Compelling evidence of privacy or n-hood impact
PC respects professional expertise of Architect
PC avoids continuing projects for revised plans
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SELECTION OF ARCHITECT
Works as “extension of staff” under CDD
Competitive process in 2001-02
Larry Cannon as primary
Mark Srebnik as secondary
Competitive process in 2011-12
Larry Cannon as primary
RMM Design Group as secondary
Applicants pay costs except for Town projects
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COUNCIL ISSUES
Public review of design alternatives
All designs are part of project file until acted upon
PC receives recommended changes and final plans
Applicants may submit preferred alternatives to PC
Public may submit requested alternatives to PC
Clarify or strengthen Resolution Section A
Increase or further limit PC design discretion
Add more PC findings allowing design modifications
Reiterate required findings for design modifications
Memorialize desired changes in Resolution Section B
Note: Some architectural support needed by staff
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COUNCIL DIRECTION
No direction (Maintain status quo)
Request additional information
Survey of municipal best practices for design review
Survey Town participants on design review process
Modify Resolution 2002-25
Regarding design review alternatives (Section A)
Regarding PC design review discretion (Section B)
Other sections
Rescind Resolution 2002-25
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