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Mr. Pavan summarized the staff report and noted that the Commission had expressed concerns about building colors and lighting at the last meeting. He noted that the applicant now proposes to paint the addition to match the existing building. With respect to the lights, it was suggested that the applicant install a dimmer switch to dim the lights. Instead, the applicant proposes reducing the number of lights by 25 percent, which would reduce the fence lighting by four to a total of 16 lights. The white picket fence material was provided to the Commission, demonstrating that this type offence had been installed in other areas of the residential portion of the Downtown area. Staff believes the fence style is attractive and complements the design of the Blue Agave restaurant. Staff further believes the revised project complements the architectural integrity of this historic Downtown site and meets all applicable requirements of the Municipal Code, the Specific Plan, and the Downtown Design Guidelines. Staff considers the design to be attractive with the attention to style and attention to scale and detailing and recommends that the Planning Commission approve this application subject to the conditions shown in the Revised Exhibit B, dated November 10, 2004. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Susan Garcia, applicant, described the compromise they reached regarding the building color and described the restaurant's membership in various regional associations and activities in the community. She noted that they had worked with staff, the arborist, surveyors, and the Downtown Association committees in an effort to be prepared to make their presentation. At the City's request, they provided a bigger design plan. She noted that the construction time would necessitate closing the restaurant during its slow business season. She added that they may need to postpone the work for a year if they are not able to meet that window. Commissioner Arkin noted that the Commission dealt strictly with planning issues and that community involvement and the financial impact of remodeling on the business were not taken into account. Charles Huff, project architect, noted that at the start of the project, the ADA requirements for the rest rooms and entryway were paramount in their minds. They also wished to enhance the appearance of the building. He added that they were pleased by the Commission's comments from the previous meeting and noted that the applicants were anxious to commence the work. He noted that they did not plan to change the colors drastically in accordance with the Downtown Design Guidelines. He believed that dimmers or a reduction in the amount of lights would be acceptable. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Roberts regarding the proposed reduction in lighting, Mr. Huff confirmed that the applicant would like to reduce the lights by 25 percent. He added that outdoor seating must be adequately lit so the customers are able to see at the table. He would be willing to reduce the wattage of the lights as well while keeping the original number of light fixtures and would be willing to obtain staff s approval. He added that the applicants did not want to present a garish image. THE PUBLIC HEARING WA5 CLOSED. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 10, 2004 Page 3 of 14