2003-12-01 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1902 December 1,2003 The historic specialist architect reviewing the condition of the Women's Magazine Building (City Hall) recommends the engagement of professionals to do a technical assessment of the ceiling murals and the exterior terra cotta. Mr. Ollendorff recommended approval of a contract with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. for these investigation services in an amount not to exceed $32,000 under the supervision and direction of Trivers Associates, the prime contractor. Ms. Welsch, who decided to abstain from voting on this item, explained that since her husband, Bill Chilton, began working for Trivers Associates on September 10, 2003, and since Trivers Associates are mentioned in this measure, she preferred to not vote on it. She then left the chambers. Mr. Sharpe moved to adopt the measure, and Ms. Colquitt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, with Ms. Welsch absent from the chambers. Ms. Welsch returned to the chambers. AGENDA ITEM #2 - Zoninq Text Amendment Public Hearinq A public hearing has been set for 7:30 p.m. on December 1, 2003 in these Council Chambers as the time and place for a public hearing to consider zoning text amendments requested by the Board of Adjustment and recommended by the Plan Commission which would allow variances on lots meeting prevailing patterns in their subdivision but less than the 4500 square feet minimum size. All setbacks remain in force. Mayor Adams declared the Public Hearing open at 7:35 p.m. John Cavanaugh, 17 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, represented Highland Homes of St. Louis, and said they have an interest in three properties affected by this measure. They are owners-under-contract of two properties and private owners of one property. They built a two-family property on Amherst Avenue last year after appealing to the Board of Adjustment and waiting for a lot of approximately 4200 square feet. This condominium product is what his company hopes to continue building with the approval of the City Council, which he hopes will be expedited as soon as possible. He said they await approval from the Board of Adjustment. Two units have already sold and there is interest is developing more for sale in University City. Mr. Lieberman reminded the Council that any changes of the Zoning Code do require review by the Historic Preservation Commission, although they do not need to "pass on it, yea or nay." Review was held on November 18, 2003, and it was acceptable to them. Mr. Wagner expressed concern about the change of variance issue embedded in the Ordinance, specifically stated that change of ordinance can be made so that variances Page 2