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• Councilmember Brown acknowledged that the language provided by staff but requested confirmation that it would apply to permanent structural changes and not cosmetic changes such as paint colors or door knobs. Mr. Otto explained that within the sample language, Section 2 is simply a cleanup item that does not relate to historic structures and exempts cosmetic changes. Section 3, which was drafted for historic structures, would require for all exterior modifications or alterations including paint color, as it is currently written. Mr. Dolan explained that "structural" is somewhat of a loaded term in that implies a feature which is holding something up. He also acknowledged that "cosmetic" may not be the best term and assured her staff would find something more accurate before the language is finalized. Mayor Thorne opened the item for public comment. Linda Garbarino, Historic Preservation Task Force, said the most glaring issue for the task force was the omission of the first 10 feet from the current code. For the majority of homes she studied, this breadth really reflects the entirety of the home. She shared several examples of homes that did not benefit from Design Review at this level and suffered as a result. She said the city is fortunate to have someone with Mr. Otto's expertise in these matters on staff. She explained that these types of alterations are generally expensive to both make and to correct, and ultimately they challenge the value of properties in the surrounding neighborhood. She said she supported the code amendment as a sort of safety net to protect the value, aesthetics and character of these homes for both their owners and the larger community. She also expressed her support for the survey, which represents a real benefit to homeowners, and the proposed signage. Mayor Thome closed the public comment. Councilmember Brown said she supported the survey and also the idea of Design Review, despite her initial reservations on the latter. She said she liked the signage and suggested that something similar to the "More Shops" example would complement existing signage in the downtown while recognizing these neighborhoods in the manner that they deserve. Councilmember Cook-Kallio said she supported the survey and was particularly pleased to see a cost estimate of $30,000 less than was anticipated. She shared her support for exploring the code amendment; stating that it would seem to be consistent with the intent of the Municipal Code to apply the same design guidelines that address the second story of a historic home to the first 10 feet as well. She clarified that she was thinking specifically about the size, appearance and location of things like windows. She said she liked the idea of a more general historic neighborhood sign along the lines of what Councilmember Brown mentioned. Councilmember Narum said she supported the survey. She said she struggled some with the code amendment and would like to see the concept refined further. Specifically, she was interested in addressing changes that would be difficult to undo as opposed to things like door knobs, screen doors, paint colors or mailbox designs. She said she supported the sign option described by Councilmember Brown but would like to give the museum an opportunity to see if there is a way to designate each neighborhood individually. Failing that, she could support something indicating a more general historic neighborhood. Councilmember Brown concurred with her comments regarding Design Review. Mr. Dolan said staff would rework the text amendment language with the Council's comments in mind. He also said staff would reach out to the museum. City Council Minutes Page 21 of 22 November 18,2014