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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2015-03-10Approved by ILPC: 04-14-2015 1 of 12 Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) Minutes – March 10, 2015 Present: Ed Finegan, Chair David Kramer, Vice-Chair Katelin Olson Stephen Gibian Jennifer Minner S. Stein Bryan McCracken, Staff Charles Pyott, Staff Chair Finegan called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. B. McCracken indicated that one agenda item originally scheduled for later in the meeting (“Discussion: Collegetown Parking Overlay”) would be discussed first. IV. NEW BUSINESS • Discussion: Collegetown Parking Overlay Senior Planner Megan Wilson presented a brief overview of the proposal to repeal the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ). CPOZ was originally enacted in 2000 to establish stricter parking requirements in the Collegetown area ― however, since the enactment of the Collegetown Area Form Districts (CAFD) rezoning legislation, which changed the parking requirements, CPOZ no longer applies. Currently, about 145 parcels (most of which are in the East Hill Historic District) lie in the CPOZ zone and remain subject to those requirements. The purpose of the proposed repeal is to: (1) correct the conflicts between the two zoning frameworks; and (2) correct the Zoning Ordinance so it is consistent throughout the City. M. Wilson noted the parking requirement would change a little from one property to the next; and some of them would remain unchanged. M. Wilson explained that the proposed repeal was conceived partly in response to numerous demands to preserve as much greenspace within the historic district as possible. D. Kramer asked if any of the affected properties would see an increased parking requirement. M. Wilson replied, no. S. Stein responded that the proposal sounds reasonable. No other questions or concerns were raised by the Commission. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. 218-220 Eddy St., East Hill Historic District ― Proposal to Replace Bluestone Sidewalks City Sidewalk Program Manager Eric Hathaway presented an overview of the proposal, noting that there are 105 linear feet of sidewalk on Eddy Street in bad condition. The principal issue is that many of the stone slabs are raised in relation to one another, creating tripping hazards and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility problems. After receiving some price quotes for bluestone, the City decided it would prefer to perform the work in concrete, since the cost difference is over $12,000. With those savings, the City would be able to replace another 160 linear feet of sidewalk somewhere else in the city. ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 2 of 12 E. Hathaway further noted that using meshed concrete would also help prevent the heaving from happening again so soon. There is the added consideration that more property development may likely be taking place in that area of Collegetown, at some point in the near to medium future, which would mean the work would need to be redone. E. Hathaway also noted the bluestone does not support the weight of motor vehicles as well as the concrete, and there is a driveway in the area in question. Since it is generally better to use only one material consistently throughout, it would make sense to do the driveway in concrete. S. Stein responded that the sidewalks have been there for 120 years ― and they are in comparatively better condition than many other sidewalks in the city. In her opinion, it seems to be a problem that could be fixed without resorting to the concrete. It should be replaced with something similar to what is already there. She asked if anyone present happened to have any expertise on how slate is generally repaired. E. Hathaway responded that Assistant Civil Engineer Lynne Yost indicated she did not know of any instance of that having successfully been done. E. Finegan asked if it would not be possible to raise the slate. E. Hathaway replied, no. It would not hold up as well as concrete for the mudjacking process (the process through which a sunken slab is lifted by pumping grout in under the slab to lift it up). S. Stein asked if the City could install a concrete apron just for the driveway portion of the sidewalk and preserve the remainder of the sidewalk. She remarked that there does not seem to be much difference in how the slate has heaved. E. Hathaway replied the City would really like to address the heaving problem. D. Kramer recalled that the Commission actually considered similar work on that site a year ago and it was denied. S. Gibian agreed that was also his recollection. E. Hathaway remarked that was only for the sidewalk in front of 220 Eddy Street. K. Olson expressed sympathy with the City’s budget considerations; however, many private property owners are being held to the standard of replacing their sidewalks in-kind, so she would be very reluctant to approve this application for that reason. D. Kramer noted another issue the Commission should consider is the precedent it would establish if it approved the concrete. There must be a way to identify another solution. Perhaps the City could simply attempt to level the slate sidewalk as best it can and then re-assess the situation in a few years. E. Hathaway responded he would not be opposed to that idea, although he noted that the City’s construction consultant does not believe leveling would solve the problem. K. Olson asked how thick the slate slabs are. E. Hathaway replied that he is not sure. B. McCracken observed that some of the heaving may very well be the result of the extremely cold weather the city has experienced, in which case the problem would diminish in the warmer months. S. Gibian remarked the sidewalks are actually composed of Devonian sandstone, not slate. He noted maintenance is a critical part of preserving the stone (e.g., the lack of snow removal may have contributed to the heaving, which is the property owner's responsibility). He recalled that when the ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 3 of 12 Commission met with Lynne Yost, she suggested various techniques that could be used to repair different slabs of stone. E. Finegan observed there are numerous stone sidewalks in the Historic Districts, so this issue will come up again. He suggested perhaps E. Hathaway could investigate some options for retaining as much of the stone as possible. J. Minner suggested there may be different seals that could be used to address some of these kinds of issues and the City could identify some proven best practices. E. Hathaway responded he has never heard of using that approach for stone. J. Minner suggested perhaps the City could focus on only replacing the portions that demonstrably do not meet ADA requirements. Public Hearing On a motion by K. Olson, seconded by S. Stein, Chair Finegan opened the Public Hearing. There being no public comments, the Public Hearing was closed on a motion by K. Olson, seconded by S. Stein. E. Finegan suggested the Commission consider tabling the application. J. Minner asked if the applicant would have more information to provide the Commission, if it tabled it. E. Hathaway responded that the City will be moving forward with 2015 construction projects. If the issue is not resolved by a certain time, it would not be addressed this year. He is not entirely sure if he could get all the information the Commission needs by its next meeting. S. Stein recommended the City factor in how long the proposed concrete would last, compared to the stone, which can last as long as 120 years. B. McCracken asked if the City could simply revisit the issue in 2016. E. Hathaway replied he would ideally prefer not to perform work on another sidewalk that was identified as a lower priority, but it is certainly possible. B. McCracken asked the applicant if he would prefer the issue be tabled, or if he would rather have a decision this evening. E. Hathaway replied he would certainly be willing to perform some more research and see what kind of options could be identified. ― The application was TABLED until the next meeting. ― B. 102 W. State St., Clinton Block Historic District ― Proposal to Replace Doors B. McCracken indicated the discussion this evening will only focus on the doors themselves, since the public notice sign was not posted on the property in time for the Public Hearing. Applicants Elly O'Brien, Handwork Cooperative Craft Store, and Tom Fritz, Fritz Contracting, LLC, presented an overview of the proposal. T. Fritz explained that the doorway comprises two 20” doors that are in a serious state of disrepair. They sit in a masonry alcove, so the opening size cannot be altered. The doors are difficult to open, close, and secure. The applicants propose replacing the double doors with a single door that would mimic the appearance of the double door. S. Gibian asked which way the proposed door would swing. T. Fritz replied it would open out. S. Gibian then asked if it would include the panic door hardware. T. Fritz replied, yes, as required by Building Code. ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 4 of 12 S. Stein asked if it would be a custom-made door. T. Fritz replied, yes. S. Stein asked if anyone can walk into the building from the street during business hours. E. O’Brien replied, yes. J. Minner asked if the Commission should consider the existing doors a character-defining feature of the building. B. McCracken replied that they are the type of doors that were common in commercial buildings at the turn of the twentieth century; and they have largel y disappeared. They are defined as character-defining feature of the building; and there is no indication they are not original. T. Fritz remarked that the doors have been subject to a series of poor repairs over the years, and both the glass and hardware are not original. B. McCracken asked if the applicant could not fuse the existing doors into a single door to achieve the same goal. T. Fritz replied he does not think it would be worth the time or money. K. Olson asked what efforts have been made to waterproof the doors or improve them in any way. E. O’Brien replied, she does not know, although she could certainly find out. K. Olson asked what, beside the glass, is structurally deficient in the doors. T. Fritz replied, the hardware. In addition, the width of each door is only 20 inches, which is very narrow. The existing push bar also does not meet current Fire Code. E. O’Brien remarked there is only so much space for people to navigate in and out through the doors; and the doors generally do not fit well into the space. Some tenants regularly carry large items in and out of the building, which is definitely a struggle for them. She has received many complaints. S. Gibian expressed concern with how the proposed new 40-inch door would operate ― it would need to open up almost 90 degrees before being passable. He added there are some details in the submitted specifications he was having a little trouble understanding, along with some inconsistencies between the specifications and the drawings. D. Kramer observed that it seems that for the same amount of money the applicants could simply recondition the doors. T. Fritz replied he does not believe that would be cost effective, and the reconditioned doors would still not function as well as new ones. K. Olson suggested installing a latching mechanism so people could prop the door open to unload and load large items. T. Fritz noted that would certainly be possible. J. Minner noted if the applicants genuinely need to replace the doors, the Commission would have some flexibility in approving it ― as long as they appear compatible. K. Olson remarked that, given the uniqueness of the existing doors, it would be helpful if the applicants could demonstrate to the Commission that all other alternatives have been exhausted. ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 5 of 12 B. McCracken suggested the applicants explore adding a new set of doors to serve as the new exterior doors, in order to preserve the existing doors. K. Olson asked the applicants to put a bid together to show what the cost would be for converting the two doors to a single door. ― The application was TABLED until the next meeting. ― C. Olin Library, Arts Quad Historic District ― Proposal to Replace Roof Applicant Darlene Hackworth, Cornell University, presented an overview of the proposal. She explained that a study was conducted several years ago that concluded the roof needed to be replaced. It would be replaced in-kind with some additional insulation. The color would remain the same. There would be no significant visual change to the building. B. McCracken explained that he included the application on this evening’s agenda, because it is such a large building on the Arts Quad and he also wanted to make sure the Commission felt the proposed materials and color are appropriate. If the Commission is amenable, he would certainly be willing to approve it himself on a staff-level basis. Public Hearing On a motion by K. Olson, seconded by S. Stein, Chair Finegan opened the Public Hearing. There being no public comments, the Public Hearing was closed on a motion by D. Kramer, seconded by S. Gibian. D. Kramer proposed that, since it is an in-kind replacement on a non-contributing building, it should be delegated to the staff-level. S. Stein agreed. No objections were raised. II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST Theresa Alt, 206 Eddy St., spoke regarding the proposed 210 Eddy Street project, noting she opposes the retaining wall. She is very concerned the reconfiguration of the topography would generate significant run-off into her basement, possibly damaging the stone foundation. III. OLD BUSINESS • 707 E. Seneca St., East Hill Historic District ― Review Site Plan (pursuant to January 13, 2015 Certificate of Appropriateness condition) Applicants Tom Schickel and Noah Demarest briefly described the status of the proposed project. T. Schickel noted that Demarest was retained per the requirements of the Planning Board to help address the landscaping issues associated with the project. The project has received both Site Plan Approval and a Zoning Variance. He noted there was one minor design change to the building itself: the addition of some basement windows to break up the massing of the wall. Since the last time the applicants appeared before the Commission, they investigated constructing an embankment; however, given the steepness of the slope they chose to pursue another approach. N. Demarest explained that they added a second tier lower-level retaining wall (3-feet tall), as well as another bank along the planting bed, thereby reducing the height of the principal retaining wall from 10 ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 6 of 12 feet to approximately 4 feet. This also provided an opportunity for planting the retaining wall with some Virginia Creeper, which would grow over both retaining walls. At the top of the concrete wall, they would place a low barrier rail. S. Gibian asked if the owner planned to buy the adjacent property as originally mentioned. T. Schickel replied, no. RESOLUTION: Moved by J. Minner, seconded by K. Olson. WHEREAS, 707 E. Seneca St. is located in the East Hill Historic District, as designated under Section 228-3 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in 1988, and as listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1986, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-6 of the Municipal Code, an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, dated January 25, 2015 was submitted for review to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) by Thomas Schickel, architect, on behalf of property owner 707 E. Seneca Street, LLC, including the following: (1) two narratives respectively titled Description of Proposed Change(s) and Reasons for Changes(s); (2)three photographs of existing conditions on adjacent sites; and (3) seven sheets of drawings depicting the proposed retaining wall, guardrail, landscape plantings and basement windows, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has also reviewed the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form for 707 E. Seneca St. and the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Statement, and WHEREAS, as stated in the narrative Description of Proposed Change(s), the project involves the installation of retaining walls, a guardrail and landscape plantings associated with the construction of five exterior parking spaces, and the addition of eight windows in the basement of the three-story, multi-family apartment building to be constructed on the vacant lot at 707 E. Seneca St., and WHEREAS, a Certificate of Appropriateness was issued at the January 13, 2015 regular ILPC meeting for the construction of a three-story, multi-unit apartment building and five exterior parking spaces and associated drive with the condition that the applicant would return to the ILPC for final approval of the landscape features or site modifications associated with the exterior parking spaces, and WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board at its regular meeting on January 27, 2015 required the applicant to incorporate basement windows into the design to admit light into the internal parking area, and WHEREAS, the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance for which no further environmental review is required, and WHEREAS, the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 7 of 12 WHEREAS, a Public Hearing for the purpose of considering approval of the original Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on January 13, 2015 now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: As identified in the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Statement, the period of significance for the area now known as the East Hill Historic District is 1830-1932. The East Hill Historic District comprises 264 contributing elements, and contains some of the finest examples of 19th and early 20th century architecture in the City of Ithaca. The district’s architecture reflects the City’s growth from a small industrial community to an influential and prominent educational center, a result of the founding of Cornell University and the New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The East Hill Historic District retains a high level of integrity. 707 E. Seneca St. is a vacant lot. In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction, or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is consistent with the historic value and the spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-5 of the Municipal Code. In making this determination, the Commission is guided by the principles set forth in Section 228-5B of the Municipal Code, as further elaborated in Section 228-5C, and by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and in this case specifically the following principles and Standards: Principle #3 New construction located within an historic district shall be compatible with the historic character of the district within which it is located. Standard #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. With respect to Principle #3 and Standard #9, the proposed retaining wall, guardrail and landscape plantings are compatible with the historic character of the East Hill Historic District, and more specifically, with the massing, size, scale, and landscape features of the property and its environment. The proposed two tier retaining wall will minimize the visual impact of this large landscape feature on surrounding properties and the district. The impact will be further minimized through the use of landscape materials, including Virginia Creeper, ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 8 of 12 Forsythia, and Lily of the Valley, that will grow around and on the retaining walls and obscure these hardscape features. Also with respect to the Standard #9, the proposed retaining walls and guardrail will be differentiated from surrounding historic structures through the combined use of contemporary and historic materials and construction techniques. The upper retaining wall will be constructed of rebar-reinforced concrete. The lower retaining wall will be dry-laid quarry-block limestone and the low guardrail will be wood. Also with respect to Principle #3 and Standard #9, the proposed basement windows are compatible with the historic character of the East Hill Historic District, and more specifically, with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of other properties within the district. The placement of the basement windows directly below the first-story windows is consistent with the fenestration of other properties within the district. The proposed windows will be fiberglass Anderson A-Series units in Sandstone. RESOLVED, that, based on the findings set forth above, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the East Hill Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-5, and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-5 of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the original condition placed on the project’s Certificate of Appropriateness has been satisfied. RECORD OF VOTE: Moved by: J. Minner Seconded by: K. Olson In Favor: E. Finegan, S. Gibian, K. Olson, J. Minner, S. Stein, D. Kramer Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: M. McGandy Vacancies: 0 • 210 Eddy St., East Hill Historic District ― Review Parking Space Details & Retaining Wall Material (pursuant to November 18, 2014 Certificate of Appropriateness condition) Applicant Brian Buttner presented an overview of the proposed project. In response to the public comment earlier in the meeting, he noted that if one examines the site plan one can see the contouring away from the adjoining property, which terminates with swale which is where the run-off would be discharged. He added he would not be raising the driveway significantly (except the curbline to protect the stoop area). The applicants chose to install the retaining wall over the curvature of the driveway so that they could retain most of the existing flagstone walkway running through the garden. There would also be an evergreen hedgerow to obscure the vehicles from the garden area. ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 9 of 12 B. Buttner concluded he believes the applicants have followed the spirit of what the Commission requested, reducing the project impact to just one additional parking space. He stressed there would be no additional run-off resulting from the project. While he did not have opportunity to bring the stone material with him, the owners indicated they would be willing to use Llenroc stone, limestone, or Colonial riverstone. It would be a flat dry-laid stone, stabilized with an epoxy-like material. S. Gibian observed that drawing B-100 depicts a modular stone retaining wall. B. Buttner replied that was left over from the prior drawing. S. Gibian asked the applicant to confirm that a natural stone would be used. B. Buttner confirmed that is the case. S. Gibian stressed that regular maintenance will be critical to reducing the project impact (e.g., snow shoveling, mowing). He agreed that the retaining wall does not appear too tall. RESOLUTION: Moved by K. Olson, seconded by S. Stein. WHEREAS, 210 Eddy Street is located in the East Hill Historic District, as designated under Section 228- 3 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in 1988, and as listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1986, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, dated February 16, 2015, was submitted for review to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) by Brian Buttner on behalf of property owners Greg and Matoula Halkiopoulos, including the following: (1) two narratives respectively titled Description of Proposed Change(s) and Reasons for Changes(s); and (2) a section drawing depicting the proposed changes, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has also reviewed the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form for 210 Eddy Street, and the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Statement, and WHEREAS, as stated in the narrative Description of Proposed Change(s), the project involves the installation of an 16” retaining wall and landscape plantings associated with the creation of one additional parking space on the property, and WHEREAS, a Certificate of Appropriateness was issued for the creation of one additional parking space at the November 18, 2014 regular ILPC meeting with the condition that the applicant would return to the ILPC for final approval of the retaining wall, other hardscape elements, and the vegetative buffer along Eddy Street associated with its installation, and WHEREAS, the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance for which no further environmental review is required, and WHEREAS, the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and WHEREAS, a Public Hearing for the purpose of considering approval of the original Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on November 18, 2014, now therefore be it ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 10 of 12 RESOLVED, that the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: As identified in the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Statement, the period of significance for the area now known as the East Hill Historic District is 1830-1932. As indicated in the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form, 210 Eddy Street was constructed between 1872 and 1874. It is a modest mid-19th century house, extensively remodeled in 1912. Constructed within the period of significance of the East Hill Historic District and possessing a high level of integrity, the property is a contributing element of the East Hill Historic District. In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction, or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is consistent with the historic value and the spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-6 of the Municipal Code. In making this determination, the Commission is guided by the principles set forth in Section 228-6B of the Municipal Code, as further elaborated in Section 228-6C, and by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and in this case specifically the following principles and Standards: Principle #2 The historic features of a property located within, and contributing to the significance of, an historic district shall be altered as little as possible and any alterations made shall be compatible with both the historic character of the individual property and the character of the district as a whole. Principle #3 New construction located within an historic district shall be compatible with the historic character of the district within which it is located. Standard #2 The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property will be avoided. Standard #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 11 of 12 Standard #10 New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. With respect to Principle #2, Standard #2, and Standard #9, the installation of the proposed retaining wall and plantings will not remove distinctive materials and will not alter features and spaces that characterize the property. Also with respect to Principle #2, Principle #3, and Standard #9, with the addition of the proposed retaining wall and plantings is compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of the property and its environment. The retaining wall will be constructed of a dry-laid natural stone in a random-bond pattern. With respect to Standard #10, the proposed retaining wall can be removed in the future without impairment of the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment. RESOLVED, that, based on the findings set forth above, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the property and the East Hill Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-6, and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-6 of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the original condition placed on the project’s Certificate of Appropriateness has been satisfied. RECORD OF VOTE: Moved by: K. Olson Seconded by: S. Stein In Favor: E. Finegan, S. Gibian, K. Olson, J. Minner, S. Stein, D. Kramer Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: M. McGandy Vacancies: 0 IV. NEW BUSINESS (Previously discussed.) V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES As moved by J. Minner, and seconded by D. Kramer, Commission members approved the following meeting minutes, with one minor modification. • February 10, 2015 (Regular Meeting) ILPC Minutes March 10, 2015 12 of 12 VI. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS None. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by consensus at 7:36 p.m. by Chair Finegan. Respectfully Submitted, Bryan McCracken, Historic Preservation Planner Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission