HARB (2 of 2)
Historic Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes
September 23, 2009
continued from 9-16-09
The Historical Architectural Review Board continued its September 16, 2009 meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. The session was called to order by Chairman Gary Shaffer at 7:30 pm. Members present were Nancie Gudmestad, Peggy Gustafson, Elwood Christ and Dale Gettel, Code Enforcement Official; along with Merry Bush, Historic District Administrator; and Claire Lewis, Borough Council liaison. Judi McGee was absent. A quorum was present.
Others present were Kathy Gilbert, Mark Egloff and Joe Edgar.
ADA Issues
Gary Shaffer reported that John Lawver ask him if HARB was the best entry way for ADA ramp reviews. Mr. Shaffer told him that he did not think it was, pointing out that HARB has no expertise in ADA Title II. Merry Bush said that she agreed and would recommend that the process be changed. Discussion followed.
Peggy Gustafson made the following motion: HARB wishes to express that the entry point for an ADA ramp review should be the engineers who will analyze the grade and certify that the ramp meets code before it is presented to HARB. HARB would only review the ramp if a railing is required. Review items for the Board will be the design of the railing and the material used on the fascia (side) of the ramp including the impact of the ramp on the Historic District. Nancie Gudmestad seconded and the motion carried, 5 to 0.
Mural at 100-102 Chambersburg Street
The Board agreed that wrapping the mural to the back of the building was appropriate in this case even though it may cover unpainted brick. The building is often hit by graffiti. The owner and artist have settled on a simple skyscape for the mural
Reading Borough Satellite Ordinance
Peggy Gustafson said that a building permit should be required for the installation of a satellite dish on any building in the historic district. The permit application should have the name, address and phone number and signature of the property owner. She explained what had happened to her when a college student had a satellite dish installed on her Chambersburg Street building when the that student actually lived in the building next door. The college student just assumed that all the buildings were owned by the college. Liability insurance is also crucial, she said. Satellite dish companies have no concern for the property or the owner.
It was noted that High Definition (HD) dishes are larger than regular ones so size should not be included in the definition.
Dale Gettel suggested that this is a Borough-wide issue and that the ordinance should be fashioned to cover the entire Borough. He also suggested that satellite dishes could be attached to pole not to exceed x number of feet.
Merry Bush will draft language as it pertains to the Historic District and present the idea that it should be Borough-wide to the Ordinance Working Group.
Draft Sign Ordinance
Gary Shaffer had a copy of Bob McIlhenny's comments regarding the draft sign ordinance. Mr. McIlenny is against street banners, which is interesting considering he makes banners.
Peggy Gustafson said that she was surprised to see that yard sales were limited to one sign. Merry Bush told her that is no different than the current ordinance. Ms. Gustafson said that people are not following the ordinance.
Ms. Gustafson had several questions about the draft ordinance that Merry Bush was able to answer. The questions involved banners on the college campus and unipole construction for billboards among others. She also was pleased with the time limit placed on nonconforming signs.
The meeting ended at 8:49 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Merry V. Bush
Planner and Historic District Administrator