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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-13 . '� "�. � CITY OF PALM DESERT �"•��\ / , � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES May 13, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Ronald Gregory, Chairman X 9 Kristi Hanson X 6 3 Chris Van Vliet X 9 John Vuksic X 8 1 Karel Lambell X $ � Nancy DeLuna X 8 1 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Renee Schrader, Associate Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Missy Grisa, Assistant Planner Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Janine Judy, Senior Office Assistant III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 22, 2008 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic,, to approve the April 22, 2008 meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0-0-1, with Commissioner Hanson absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS V. CASES: ' ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: SA 08-170 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SIGN-A-RAMA, 41-945 Boardwalk, Suite L, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of sign program; Desert Arches Business Center. LOCATION: 75-178 Gerald Ford, Bldg A& B ZONE: PCD Mr. Swartz presented and summarized the project. He stated that the tenant relocated the monument sign and lowered the tenant signs. The Sign-A-Rama representative indicated that the signs were reduced from 24 inches to 12 inches. Commissioner Van Vliet expressed that the Commission didn't want a lot of signs facing the freeway, but didn't mind that there was some identification signs next to the doors. The rep stated that because the signs have been moved down considerably they are now low enough that they won't be as noticeable from the freeway. Commissioner Gregory stated that the signs should be oriented towards someone in their car or truck and Commissioner Van Vliet stated that they had discussed at the previous meeting of getting it down to the small door going in. The Commission discussed placing the signs between the man door and the roll up door. They also expressed that the signs were still too big. Commissioner Vuksic stated that he felt that the signs need to come down by the man door because their intent is for identification for vehicles back there not for signage. The Commission discussed the issue of having tons of signage on the backs of the buildings near the freeway in other communities. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesWRC Minutes\2008�AR080513.min.doc Page 2 of 15 ' ARCHITECTURAL R�fEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 Commissioner Vuksic expressed his concern regarding the color choices for the signs. He felt that that would just make it worse with the tenants choosing their colors for their logos and lettering because then there would be signs that were blue or red or yellow. The Commission stated that the signs need to come down to eye level for a truck; below the top of the door right adjacent to the man door. Commissioner Gregory stated that the sign would become difficult to read and very small if it goes between the man door and the roll up door. The Commission discussed where to place the location of the signs. They felt that the signs should not be above the man door because there will be a lot of different sized signs for this building. The rep expressed his concern that it wouldn't leave a lot of room for signage. He stated that the signs are done to code and the tenants were happy with the signs and felt that they wouldn't be read well from the freeway. Commissioner Vuksic stated that there was about five feet of wall between the man door and the overhead door. So if the signs were four feet wide he felt that that was a pretty good width to place a sign that a customer could read from their vehicle when next to the building. Commissioner Lambell stated that the signs are not meant to attract people from the freeway; they are meant to identify the tenant space. The representative stated that his client would like to push for a vote now and if they have to resubmit they will. Action: It was moved by Commissioner DeLuna and seconded by Commissioner Lambell, granted approval subject to relocating tenant signs to the side of the man door and constrained to fit into the space; six inches on either side no higher than the man door. Motion carried 5-0-0-1 , with Commissioner Hanson absent. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesWRC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 3 of 15 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 2. CASE NO: MISC 08-184 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JOE VILLANUEVA, 643 Port Dunbar, Chula Vista, CA 91913 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of roof height between 15 feet and 18 feet. LOCATION: 72-925 Shadow Mountain Drive ZONE: R1 20,000 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic and seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to grant an approval by minute motion. Motion carried 5-0-0-1, with Commissioner Hanson absent. 3. CASE NO: MISC 08-200 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): D.R. HORTON, 2280 Wardlow Circle #100, Corona, CA 92880 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to remove vinyl panels around air conditioner condensers. LOCATION: 261 Paseo Gregario ZONE: P.R. Mr. Swartz presented and summarized the project. He presented photos to the Commission stating that the A/C condensers were in a bad location and are being screened by vinyl panels. The applicant wants to remove the panels and replace them with landscaping; small lower shrubs and other plants. The Building Department's new building codes states that plants and shrubs have to be a certain feet away from A/C condensers or metal. Staff feels that the little shrubs won't conceal the condensers. Currently they have vines growing on the panels and Staff feels that they should leave it as is and hopefully in time the vines will cover the panels. Staff is asking the Commission for other suggestions to screen the panels without using landscape. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files�ARC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 4 of 15 , � � , ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 Mr. Bagato stated that currently the condensers are enclosed with landscaping on the vinyl. The applicant's preferred solution is no vinyl around it at all, and the alternative solution would be to put vinyl only on the ends with low shrub landscaping in front. Mr. Swartz mentioned that pedestrians would pass the condensers as they are walking along the path leading to their front doors and even with low shrubs they would see the condensers. Commissioner DeLuna asked what the objection was to the current screening. Ms. Amy Moore, with D.R. Horton, stated that because of the required separation between the unit and the fencing it ended up coming out so far that you feel a little claustrophobic as you are walking along the path. They wanted to see if there was something that was a little more aesthetically pleasing. She mentioned that they are working with their mechanical engineer to see if there was any way to place at least one or two of the units on the ends of the future phases. Commissioner DeLuna stated her concern that bushes grow and have quite a maintenance issue, as well as being an eye sore if they die and are not replaced right away. She felt that the vines growing up the sides of the vinyl would satisfy the builder's concern about aesthetics and not encroach into where the units would be. Ms. Moore stated that the plants that are currently on it are on the ends because the panels in front of the units have to be removable to be able to work on them. The Commission discussed maintenance of the units and the placement of the vinyl and the landscaping. It was suggested to replace the vinyl with wrought iron or something more creative that had a sleeve system. Ms. Moore asked if they relocated the units to the ends of the buildings where they are out of the paseos would they be able to entertain not having the screening around them in areas where there is an abundance of landscaping. The Commission stated that they would have to return for a review of the proposed locations and solutions. Ms. Hollinger asked if this was for the existing phase and Ms. Moore stated that it would apply to future phases because unfortunately they can't move the units that were already in place. She was hopeful that the engineer could come up with a way to move them. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesWRC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 5 of 15 , �� � . � ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Lambell and seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to grant a continuance subject to: 1) checking with mechanical engineer on relocating condensers on future phases; 2) painting vinyl screening a warmer color; or 3) using wrought iron to screen condensers. Motion carried 5-0-0-1, with Commissioner Hanson absent. 4. CASE NO: MISC 08-205 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PETE CARLSON'S GOLF & TENNIS NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a fa�ade enhancement. LOCATION: 73-741 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Ms. Schrader presented and summarized the project. She stated that this project is a maintenance issue not a fa�ade enhancement and that the applicant proposes to refurbish the existing rooflines and paint. Surface treatments would include the possible application of stucco over the renewed wood, or corrugated metal on the roof fascia. Design recommendations would allow the applicant to be informed of the best and most appropriate maintenance and repair solution. She presented sample photos of stucco covered fascia and a project board illustrating the choices and the existing conditions for review. Mr. Chuck Topolian, Construction Zone, stated that they were trying to clean up this location and wanted to know what direction to go in order to solve this issue. The reason they presented the project board was to set up a few examples on how it could be dealt with. He discussed several methods of how they would refurbish and repair the building that could be cost effective for the owner and the City would get a cleaned up building. He wanted to submit a couple alternatives to the Commission and see what would be acceptable before they go out and create a price and final draft of this nightmare that the City has been looking at. He stated that he could clean up the building exactly the way it is and not change a whole lot. He wanted to get some kind of idea of what the Commission is looking for then he could probably come up with something to bring back to ARC. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesWRC Minutes\2008WR080513.min.doc Page 6 of 15 ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 Commissioner Vuksic stated that he was glad that Mr. Topolian was involved with this design and mentioned that the Commission was concerned with the last submittal. Even though it was interesting it had the potential to be disastrous if it wasn't detailed out really well. Mr. Topolian stated there was a lot of vagueness to it, although it was there in concept and could have been a pretty picture. Commissioner Vuksic stated that the horizontal corrugated metal is an interesting idea and felt that the vertical wouldn't work because it would look like a corrugated metal screen. He pointed out that the building has modern lines and thought that plastering the eaves would be good by creating a thin wafer rather than the having the exposed joists. He thought that creating some kind of raceway to encase the wiring in metal would work as long as it was done architecturally. Mr. Topolian stated that there were ways to clean this building up and it would just be a matter of trying to make it look a lot better than it currently does. He thought there wasn't a lot they could do about the storefront property, but maybe they could fix the rest of it. The Commission discussed the attempt to modify the building in terms of access points or windows. Commissioner Gregory stated that the Commission was looking for an integrated design approach. He suggested having an architect work with Mr. Topolian to address relatively easy means of making it work for everyone and present it as a whole. Mr. Topolian pointed out that the Commission would ultimately see an architect's rendering of what is going on, but what they were doing for this submittal was testing the water to see what the Commission wanted so they wouldn't have the same thing happen like the last submittal. Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, stated that Staff has had conversations with Pete Carlson and the other owner's representative on the other side and Staff has consistently held out for making it a meaningful renovation and really doing the project right. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be consensus among the building owners to do that. Our Code Department has been trying to enforce citations because the owners are not maintaining the property. The owners will do what is necessary to maintain the properties, but there is not a consensus with everyone to come forward, hire an architect, and design a whole fa�ade enhancement program. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesWRC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 7 of 15 ARCHITECTURAL RE�/IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 Mr. Allan Bixen, representative for the building owners, stated that Mr. Carlson represents the interior portion of the building and two other clients own the rest of the property. He stated that he has been coming here for three years now wanting to do something with this building. Wanting to take advantage of the fa�ade enhancement program they put something together, but the previous architect came up with some ideas that were not acceptable and the project dwindled. Mr. Pete Carlson, one of the owners has not wanted to make the financial investment to go along with the fa�ade enhancement program; which the other two owners were willing to do. Mr. Bixen stated that they were trying to do something amiable that would satisfy Mr. Carlson and the City that would bring the building back to its original state. In our early meetings with Staff we discussed the possibility of doing some restoration. Unfortunately Mr. Carlson went out and hired a painter and started painting the building without talking with the owners first. Mr. Bixen indicated that he had the painting stopped and would now like to submit some great ideas from Mr. Topolian on how best to restore the building. They are now looking for direction from the Commission regarding materials, color choice, and suggestions on how they can accomplish the upgrade. Commissioner Vuksic stated that a way to do it cost effectively is to preserve the modern lines of the building and maybe restore it, but also enhance it in mid century motif. The Commission and the applicant discussed possible solutions to restore the building. Commissioner Van Vliet asked that the applicant submit an integrated design or rough sketches for staff review. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic and seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to grant a continuance subject to: 1) restoring and enhancing in a mid-century modern motif; 2) plastering eaves to create a thin wafer instead of exposing joists; 3) additional work on the ends; 4) create raceway or other mitigation to conceal existing exposed wiring; 5) submittal of an integrated design or rough sketches for staff review. Motion carried 5-0-0-1, with Commissioner Hanson absent. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files�ARC Minutes�2008�P,R080513.min.doc Page 8 of 15 ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 NOTE: Staff requested that an additional item be added to the Agenda. Commission concurred. It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Lambell, adding Case No. MISC 08-215 to the agenda. Motion carried 5-0-0-1, with Commissioner Hanson absent. 1. CASE NO: APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): OMRI GO MED, 73-675 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to paint existing stone on building the color of white. LOCATION: 73-675 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Swartz presented photos of this project and stated that staff doesn't want to see the rock painted and asked the Commission if they would be opposed to having the rock plastered and painted white. Mr. Omri Siklai, owner, gave the Commission a little history on how he opened this restaurant and stated how very old and neglected the building was. He mentioned that all the buildings in that location need to be rebuilt and stated that the corporation that owns that complex, DelRod Inc., had major plans to rebuild the complex, but that has been placed on hold. Mr. Siklai stated that this is a good restaurant, but the location is very difficult. The approach to the restaurant is Highway 111, but the approach wall is very narrow and small. The space they are talking about painting is small, because 70% of the faCade that faces Highway 111 is window. He indicated that he could stucco the rock, but now he would have to convince Mr. Rodriquez, the owner to stucco it or end up doing the work himself and spending additional money to complete. He felt painting that small area would accommodate the Mediterranean feel of the restaurant and work well with the modern sign being placed there. Commissioner DeLuna stated that she had a problem with the color white. Mr. Siklai mentioned that since the restaurant was a Mediterranean restaurant the color white has an ocean front feel of white-washed buildings in Greece or Italy or around the G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files�ARC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 9 of 15 ' ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 Mediterranean Ocean and works with the theme of the restaurant. He suggested that he could tone down the color making it a little less white, but expressed that it was appropriate for the restaurant and an additional help for the success of the restaurant. He mentioned that he has several employees and is responsible for their well-being and believes that this will be a big help for the restaurant to succeed without hurting anyone. This will be a very small space making it easy for people to identify the restaurant as they are driving by. Commissioner DeLuna stated that the rest of the center doesn't lend itself to white. She understands that he is trying to get visibility for his business and would like the business to succeed, but the Commission has to look at the entire area and she didn't see white as being something that enhances architecturally or visually and that it would stand out. He asked why it would stand out. Commissioner DeLuna stated that it was just too bright. Mr. Siklai stated that that was the point. He wanted people to recognize it as a new restaurant; to make it successful so he can pay the revenues and the taxes. Commissioner Gregory explained that the City of Palm Desert has rules and one of them has been that pure white has been very much discouraged. He stated that the Commission wasn't saying that he couldn't paint it white but suggested warming up the white. Mr. Siklai stated that he would bring in three off white color samples. Commissioner Gregory suggested something along the line of a sack finish using a burlap sack and mortar mix and rubbing it over the rocks to fill in the gaps; ending up with a very lumpy interesting look and then painting that. Action: It was moved by Commissioner DeLuna and seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to grant a continuance subject to: 1) a sack finish with a stucco appearance on the rocks; 2) submittal of warmer color chips for staff approval; and, 3) site visit by staff to review a section of the wall. Motion carried 5-0-0-1, with Commissioner Hanson absent. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files�P,RC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 10 of 15 � ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: DA/PP/CUP 08-50 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BERNARD INVESTMENT GROUP INC., 3991 MacArthur Blvd. #340, Newport Beach, CA 92660 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval to develop and construct 20 studio senior citizen apartments. LOCATION: 73-582 Catalina Way ZONE: R3 SO Mr. Swartz presented the project and stated that the applicant was present to explain the changes made since the previous meeting. Mr. Ken Bernard, owner, stated that they have tried to address the Commission's concerns from the previous meeting. On the rear patios they put a slanted roof that would also match the roof above allowing five feet of coverage. They added additional punch outs and explained that each unit has a tremendous amount of sheer. He informed the Commission that after checking with their engineer they were unable to penetrate the sheer wall. Wherever there are punch outs they will be putting in either a large 16 x 16 piece of slate or travertine stone that will add additional color. They have added additional pop outs where the green is and different stucco types; smooth, sprayed, raked, and pebbled. Also where the green is there would be six inch pop outs with a slant to make it a little more contemporary. Mr. Bernard stated that at the previous meeting the Commission had concerns with the air conditioning units requesting that they fit within the parapets. He indicated that they found a ductless heat pump unit that is only eight inches high. The actual size is 8 inches high x 30 inches deep x 24 inches wide and can be laid horizontally on the roof. They wanted to keep from putting condensers down below because of the noise and trying to hide them and found this ductless air conditioning and heating system. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files�ARC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 11 of 15 ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 The Commission discussed the ductless system. Mr. Bernard stated that there would be two units for each apartment. Commissioner Vuksic asked what type of base this unit required. Mr. Bernard answered that it would be a 2 x 2 angle iron base. He also stated that it was a heat pump system and instead of having a split system where you have a furnace with cooling coils and a fan this is all encased in a 8 inch high x 24 inch deep x 24 inch wide ceiling mounted system. Commissioner DeLuna complimented Mr. Bernard on his attention to detail and stated that it made a huge difference from what was submitted the first time. She asked if there were amenities offered with this project, like a manager's office and an activity pool. Mr. Bernard stated that there wasn't an onsite manager's office or a pool, but there was a BBQ area and a sitting area. Commissioner DeLuna suggested having a circuit training walkway around the exterior edge available to the tenants to avoid having them walk right through the driveway after being dropped off by a senior vehicle. Mr. Bernard believed that they could do that because they have five feet available to them with this project. Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development stated that by doing that they would lose five feet of landscaping around the perimeter. Mr. Felipe Gonzalez, Design Manager, stated that they would have to check with the landscape specialist. Mr. Bernard stated that that was one of the issues that they had on the Santa Rosa project, but Building and Safety indicated that they do a sidewalk on the exterior perimeter so the tenants wouldn't have to come up through the center. Mr. Bagato stated that a meeting will be scheduled with Public Works, Building and Safety, Fire and Mr. Bernard because there were issues with the dual driveways and the placement of a fire hydrant. The issue of the circuit walkway could be discussed at that time as well as the loss of landscape. The Commission discussed the two single loaded parking areas and making it more efficient. Commissioner DeLuna stated that she would like to see some type of an activity pool and some sort of a meandering pathway throughout the project so the tenants would have some sort of activity. Mr. Bernard stated that the complex is about 200 feet from the Joslyn Senior Center and the Catalina Gardens. Ms. Aylaian stated that in reference to amenities we would get more involved if this was going to be owned and operated by the City, but for private G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files�ARC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 12 of 15 ' ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 developers coming in and proposing new projects, the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) would take a look at the aesthetics and architecture. If there were amenities that needed to be addressed it would be a Planning Commission issue. So the focus at ARC would be more on the architecture. Commissioner Lambell stated that with these current changes this is a much more interesting looking building than the previous submittal. She asked what the horizontal green area was. Mr. Bernard stated that was the new rake look because they were trying to have different textures to give it more definition; raked, sprayed, smooth and pebbled. The green is also a pop out coming out six inches and the different colors will delineate the three dimensional aspect to it along with each unit being set back five feet from the other. Commissioner Gregory asked if the windows were set in so they weren't flush with the building. Mr. Bernard answered that they provided a six by around the window for them to pop out all the way around. Commissioner Vuksic had concerns with the depth represented on the floor plan, the different plaster textures, different planes and the columns. He wanted to state for the record that this will be a real problem with marrying all these materials and thought they will be making decisions in the field just to get it done He felt that they will end up with pretty odd relationships with the materials. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that unless it is drawn on the plans it is not going to happen in the field. Commissioner Vuksic stated that it was approvable but felt that it was poorly detailed. Mr. Bagato asked if those were details that they would see on construction drawings. Commissioner Vuksic stated that thEy could check the drawings and point these items out on the construction drawings but right now it looks like they are not sure what the answers are even in the design drawings. He explained that he has seen this many times where the decisions are being made in the field by the framer and the subs and the project ends up being not what you would expect. Commissioner Van Vliet had concerns with the veneer and the two inch aluminum fry reglet and stated that those were the kind of details that needed to be addressed now and not in the field. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesWRC Minutes�2008V1R080513.min.doc Page 13 of 15 � ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 Commissioner Gregory stated that the applicant has done an unusually good job with coming back with an approved plan pursuant to the Commission's request and suggested that this be continued subject to bringing back material samples, and to show some of the details that the Commission can feel comfortable with before moving forward. Mr. Bernard stated that he didn't realize that at this stage they needed such detail, but he informed the Commission that the construction drawings would include all the detail that was being requested. Mr. Bagato stated that construction drawing details aside, the floor plan should reflect how the building will come together. Commissioner Vuksic expressed to Mr. Bernard that he follow through on what they were representing on the floor plan and really make sure how they are marrying all these materials together. The floor plan should reflect the changes in the plane so the Commission can see that they thought about it and made decisions about it. Mr. Bernard stated that at this stage they were trying to be conceptual. Commissioner Gregory stated that it was easier to have any misunderstandings clarified now so that when they go into working drawings hopefully iYs a rubber stamp at that point. Commissioner Gregory asked the Commission if the building design in terms of a preliminary submittal was okay. The Commission agreed that it was. Commissioner Vuksic stated that he was okay with it going to working drawings and felt that the Commission voiced their concerns that the applicant needed to work out the details. He informed the applicant to be aware of that when he is making their working drawing submittal so they follow through on this design that they so obviously worked very hard on. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Hanson and seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to grant preliminary approval subject to the submittal of a site plan, materials board, landscape plans, construction plans and clarification of details. Motion carried 5-0-0-1, with Commissioner Hanson absent. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesWRC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 14 of 15 � ARCHITECTURAL R�IEW COMMISSION � MINUTES MAY 13, 2008 C. Miscellaneous Items: None VI. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner Lambell, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0-0-1, with Commissioner Hanson absent. The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m. TONY BAGATO PRINCIPAL PLANNER G:\Planning\JanineJudy\Word FilesWRC Minutes�2008WR080513.min.doc Page 15 of 15