TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
KILBURN MEETING ROOM
Committee Attendees: Joelle Greenland, John Watanabe, Ramsay Gourd.
Staff Attendees: Planning & Zoning Director Janet Hurley.
Public Attendees: None.
Hurley began recording. Greenland called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
Minutes of the February 2, 2022, Meeting.
Watanabe motioned to approve the minutes as drafted. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Ben & Jerry’s, 460 Depot Street, New signage. Application 2022-02-009, Tax Map 37-50-21.00.
Hurley shared the sign renderings on screen. Greenland wondered how the proposed sign would weather. Hurley read that it would be a natural barn board base with ¾ inch raised letters and cone. One depiction submitted was a photo of the sign in Florida that the applicant hoped to emulate. The rendering with the black bracket is proposed and would replace existing hanging panels. Gourd asked if the barn board would be stained. Hurley did not know and the applicant was out-of-town and unable to attend.
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval as proposed. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Prospect Rehab, 7252 & 54 Main Street, New signage. Application 2022-02-011, Tax Map 16-21-31.00.
Hurley shared the proposed design for two panels to be mounted on either side of the existing freestanding sign. Greenland asked whether the panels consisted of wood. Hurley did not know, but argued that it would not matter in this location, not being in the downtown, for these small replacement panels on the existing wooden sign structure. Gourd agreed that changing out panels of the same size on this structure was of minor concern. Greenland stressed the importance of consistently applying the design guidelines with preference for wood. Watanabe suggested that the new panels should be consistent with those already there.
Gourd motioned to recommend approval provided the panels are consistent with existing materials. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Town of Manchester, 340 Rec Park Road, Site and design plan review of a splash pad. Application 2022-02-012, Tax Map ID 15-20-27.00.
Gourd asked what the surface would be. Hurley said it would be concrete. Hurley shared the site plan showing the splash pad adjacent to the rec park pool. She relayed that the exact location of the pad could change but would be within the rectangular area adjacent to the pool fencing. A new sidewalk it proposed from the Park House along the south side of the pool fencing to the splash pad on the west side of the pool fencing. She also displayed the drain plan, spray plan, and electrical plan on screen.
Committee members discussed whether the pad should be fenced and wondered if there were a liability issue. Hurley thought there would not be, as there is no risk of drowning. Gourd worried about vandalism. The committee suggested stainless steel over fiber glass. Gourd added said that powder coat is difficult to repair, so Aqua Armor may be the better choice. Watanabe said brass fittings would be preferable as well. Committee members worried about skateboarders on the pad. There was more discussion about whether it should be fenced. The committee discussed where it should be located. Watanabe argued that its location has already been determined. The committee concluded the splash pad should be playful and colorful and available without fencing.
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval as submitted with the colors to be chosen at the discretion of the applicant. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Dinan Rings, 69 Elm Street, Sign for customary home occupation. Application 2022-01-004, Tax Map ID 32-51-60.00.
Hurley explained that the applicant would be moving to the former American Hairlines building and would operate her jewelry making business on the first floor as a customary home occupation. The existing sign hanging from the porch would be removed, no window signage is proposed, and a new 9 sq. ft. carved wooden sign panel is proposed for the freestanding sign structure. Hurley had explained to the applicant that the existing sign lighting would need to be removed.
Gourd motioned to recommend approval provided the sign is mounted between the two posts, not surface mounted to the posts and any new lighting would need review by the committee. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Joshua Smith Interior Design, 685 Depot Street. New signage. Application 2022-02-013, Tax Map ID 38-50-20.00.
Hurley shared application submittals. One 8 sq. ft. wall sign, cream with brown letters, is proposed to be installed where the Village Tile sign was previously. The front doors will be painted cream to match the sign color/building trim color. Committee members noted that the application did not include material composition for the sign, but suggested PVC or styrene with vinyl letters.
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval as proposed provided any sign lighting be reviewed before installation. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Other Business.
The next meeting of the committee will be March 30, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. No other business was discussed.
Watanabe motioned to adjourn. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
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For the Design Advisory Committee Date