Round Top, Texas

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETING 

April 2, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Barnell Albers at 6:35 p.m. in the Town Hall.

All board members were present.

The City Secretary read the minutes of the March 26, 2006 meeting. Motion by Ditsler to approve the minutes as read; second by Anderson. Motion passed with all in favor.

Albers announced that citizens that had signed the sheet requesting to be allowed to speak would be heard before the items on the agenda were considered.

Ida Bess Howes expressed her feeling that it is the Board's responsibility to maintain the German heritage of Round Top and to maintain the integrity of the old buildings.

Herman Weigelt voiced his concern about changes to historic buildings.

Georgia Tubbs, representing the Round Top Historical Society, stated that she was concerned about the addition to the Wantke home. She gave a short history of the Wantke home and passed out a more lengthy information sheet.

Dave Keely said that he felt that the addition to the Wantke house would destroy its historical significance.

Matthew Diehl spoke in favor of maintaining the integrity of the heritage and history of Round Top by partnering with other entities.

Karen Sanders came representing her mother, Evelyn Fricke. She voiced safety concerns about cars going too fast on Austin Street, parking on both sides of the street that makes the street too narrow, and blind corners. She also stated that the noise level from Bybee Square is unacceptable. She was also concerned that construction is being done before permits are applied for. She raised the issue of a drainage problem in front of Mrs. Fricke's house and requested that the ditch not be leveled; but that it be cleaned out, widened, and graveled. She also spoke in favor of preserving historic buildings.

Linda Tibolla, co-owner of The Gallery, advocated managed growth to support year-round business.

Scotty Lynch addressed the need for Bybee Square and the historic changes to the original buildings on Mill Street.

Karen Vernon, co-owner of The Gallery, stated that she really likes Round Top, but feels unwanted. She explained that one of her aims is to work with school children and create art tours.

Jeannette Burger stated that she felt it was possible to maintain the integrity of historic buildings and still adapt them to human use. She supported the use of the buildings as shops and homes.

Chairman Albers read letters he had received from Audrey Mallette and Dr. Kenneth Hafertepe, and an email from Chris Travis.

The Board then considered the following items:

•1.     Addition to Wantke house: This item was withdrawn by the applicant.

•2.     Move four building onto Bybee Square and multiple signs for The Gallery and Kaffee Bitte: Jacquelyn Distler represented this item. She explained the necessity of Bybee Square to financially support Henkel Square Museum. She then described the buildings to be moved and their intended use. A discussion ensued on whether the Land Use Ordinance addresses the number of buildings permitted on a lot. Further discussion involved the ownership of the property and whether the application is appropriate. Anderson expressed his concern about the runoff, traffic, sight lines, and lack of scale drawings. He stated that he was against adding more buildings to the site. Cies stated that he was not opposed to more buildings, but that the application does not contain enough information. After further discussion of the number of buildings and the site design, a motion was made by Cies to table consideration of the permit until a plan of the site, drawn to scale, is submitted; second by Anderson. Motion passed with all in favor, except Ditsler abstained. The secretary was instructed to place the item on the agenda for the next regular meeting.

Chairman Albers stated that he could find no restriction in the Land Use Ordinance on the number of signs a business could have. After a discussion of sizes and placement, a motion was made by Anderson to approve the signs requested by Kaffee Bitte; second by Howk. Motion passed with all in favor. The Gallery requested a 4' x 4' sign facing Austin Street and a 3' x 3' double-sided sign on Mill Street. Motion by Anderson to approve the signs requested by The Gallery; second by Cies. Motion passed with all in favor.

•3.     Temporary off-site sign for Laura Sgovio Designs: Laura Sgovio was present to represent the item. She explained that she wanted the sign in place during the antique shows to direct customers to her new location. Motion by Anderson to approve the request for a temporary off-site sign at the corner of Highway 237 and East Mill Street for Laura Sgovio Designs; second by Cies. Motion passed with all in favor.

There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,                      Approved,

___________________                       ______________________

Linda Suggs                                       Chairman

City Secretary