Update April 24, 2009:

During the "public hearing" portion of the previous Council meeting no one from the A R B or Planning Commission came forward to speak on the issue of changes to the ARB.

As anticipated Council, on April 20, 2009, during a 26 minute meeting, voted in favor of changes to the structure and purpose of the A R B, thus further reducing citizen involvement in the operation of city government and centering more power in the hands of the Building Commissioner and City Administration. 

Update: Monday, April 6, 2009

During the Council Caucus Meeting discussion of the restructuring the Architectural Review Board some interesting points were brought to light.The recommended changes are the result of an Administration review of the ARB that will reduce the number and the involvement of the civilian members of the ARB.

The bottom line result is that control of the ARB will be given to the Building Commissioner.

There is every indication that Council will vote seven to zero to give unfettered control of the ARB to the Administration.

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AN ORDINANCE REPEALING EXISTING CHAPTER 1246 AND ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 1246 OF TITLE SIX OF PART TWELVE OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF STRONGSVILLE CONCERNING THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD, AND DECLARING AN EMENGENCY.

During the "public comment section of the Council meeting of March 16, 2009 TONY ZUBEK made the following observations regarding the afore mentioned Ordinance sponsored by Mayor Perciak and Council at Large member Mr. Coyne:

"The Architectural Review Board was reworked in December 2004 and March 2005..

Council will hold a public hearing on April 6 for public comments on Ord: No. 2009-014 to change the role and function and structure of the Architectural Review Board.

INTENT:   Now....shall assist and advise the Planning commission
                  IF ADOPTED:...the A R B will review

ESTABLISHMENT:  Now...7  members including three non-city employee members...one  of the appointed shall be a registered architect having practiced in Ohio for no less then 5 years.
                   IF ADOPTED....two non-city employee members, a registered architect with zero years experience and one appointed member shall be a landscape architect and four city employees.

TERM OF OFFICE:  (change...no time limit on Chairman)

MEETINGS:  Now the Planning Commission determines the schedule for meetings.....Proposed..the A R B shall meet at the date and time determined by the Chairman or designated by the Mayor..

QUORUM:  Now...not addressed...(Proposed 4 members).

1246.07: Now Planning Commission may refer all proposed site development to the A R B.....(Proposed...eliminated)

1246.08: SIGNAGE APPLICATIONS..... now not addressed....(Proposed..Building Commissioner shall process..)

REVIEW OF SITE PLAN:  "changes are subtle and should be reviewed by those affected before public hearing...

Tony Zubek......Constructive change is important, however, one question to be asked by this legislative body is...why is the Planning Commission willing to give up its' right to determine and advise the A R B of it's meeting schedule...and what does that imply..?

Perhaps on April 6th a civil member from one of the two Boards will attend the public hearing and outline how the passage of 2009-014 will "up the professionalism of the Board as far as the community is concerned"