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I. CALL TO ORDER
DRAFT
DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 25, 2011
MINUTES
Chair Lynn Norman called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. in Annex Conference Room 2,
located on the second floor of One East Main Street, Auburn, Washington. Committee
Members present were: Chair Lynn Norman and Vice Chair Nancy Backus.
Councilmember Wagner was excused.
Staff present included: Planning and Development Director Kevin Snyder, Planning
Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain, Project Engineer Ryan Vondrak, and Support Clerk Bobbie
Hodgkinson.
Audience Members present were: Mr. Paul Fuesel and Coreen Schmidt, KPG, Inc.; Ronnie
Roberts, Gosanko Chocolates; Gail Spurrell; and Kathleen Keator, TADA.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Meeting Minutes — August 9, 2011
Vice Chair Backus moved and Chair Norman seconded to approve the consent agenda
items as presented.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2 -0
III. DISCUSSION/ INFORMATION
A. North City Hall Plaza Improvement Project — Design Alternatives
Mr. Fuesel provided the Committee and staff with copies of the Design Photo
Presentation prior to presenting design alternatives for the North City Hall Plaza
Improvement Project for the Committee's consideration. Mr. Fuesel said that with the
success of the SE Plaza, it is more inviting and wants to take those same characteristics
to the NW corner noting that both entrances are equal in importance.
Beginning with the cover photo of the NW corner, Mr. Fuesel opened the discussion with
some of the issues that will need to be addressed and stepped the Committee through
the goals proposed for project improvements and upgrades:
• Upgrading Plaza Pavement
Mr. Fuesel indicated that images of the SE Plaza were used as a reference
particularly on the geometries, colors, and materials.
Committee and staff reviewed the Paving Concepts diagrams. Chair Norman asked
how important is it to maintain the size if matching the shape and colors of the
current pavers used. Mr. Fuesel responded that the pavers allow for different
geometries, a different pattern, and a smaller grid can be investigated. For purposes
of the presentation, pavers were kept to the same geometry as the SE Plaza so
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Downtown Redevelopment Committee Minutes October 25, 2011
carpets on both entrances match visually. The drawing shows pavers brought out to
the back of the curb which allows for a larger grid which is the same geometry size at
the SE side.
The Committee decided on Concept B with the grid as shown and agreed that it
looks more finished with the banding.
Updating ADA Ramp Including Railing and Lighting
Chair Norman asked whether the ADA ramp will be the same size. Mr. Fuesel
confirmed the ADA ramp is shown as the same size and depending on the
constructability, if the ramp can be preserved in kind, all the pavement can be
removed and built around. He also indicated that overall the ramp meets grade but it
does not meet grade along any of the vertical relief and landings need to be
constructed. There are structural considerations but, assuming that the wall can be
preserved, the pavement can be dropped and the new surface put in. The surface
would be complementary to the concrete in place now with a broom finish and the
railings would be the brushed stainless steel railings to match the SE side. Mr.
Fuesel also noted that the walls will be pressure washed.
The Committee agreed that the ADA ramp should be illuminated. Mr. Fuesel noted it
is difficult to install lighting on the outside and becomes problematic on the back side
because of the building structures. The likely spots would be on the inside zone of
the ramp and in the planters. Mr. Fuesel suggested they can look at matching the
current fixtures or introducing something similar.
The Committee would like the yellow ADA warning strip located at the dip in the
sidewalk to be replaced with red to match the SE side.
Mr. Fuesel stated the stairs and landings are all in great condition and there is no
need to upgrade except for replacing all of the railings on the project.
Update City Hall Signage
Committee reviewed the signage concept diagrams based upon the SE Plaza
signature sign for City Hall. KPG performed AutoCad studies and came up with a
vertical sign with smaller letters and without the City logo that is complementary to
the new City Hall sign at the SE Plaza. The Committee prefers an internally lit
column rather than up lighted, depending on the cost. Ms. Chamberlain indicated
this can be explored to see if it is an option. The Committee unanimously agreed on
Concept B.
Mr. Fuesel noted the City Hall sign on the building was left as is since it fits well with
the SE Plaza with what is proposed.
• Review Site Furnishings
It was determined that site furnishings can be reused or removed.
Committee discussed adding a bench where the bike box is currently located or
possibly two with one on each side. Mr. Fuesel stated there should be room to add
two benches no longer than 6 feet each to accommodate two people comfortably.
Consultant proposed to move the bike box to the corner where there is an existing
mature tree. Committee would like to preserve the tree and considered other locations.
Staff will investigate moving the bike box to the vacant Directors' parking space on the
first floor of the parking garage.
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Downtown Redevelopment Committee Minutes October 25, 2011
Mr. Fuesel asked Committee if there is a desire to trim the tree canopy, otherwise, there
is nothing else proposed in terms of the existing landscaping. The trees provide much
needed shade, and the Committee agreed to "strategic pruning" in order to preserve the
tree canopy as much as possible.
Director Snyder suggested screening the trash enclosure with an architectural element,
and the Committee was in agreement.
Chair Norman thanked the presenters and stated that the Committee liked what was
presented. The only other element to consider would be adding uplights in the
vegetation. Mr. Fuesel stated they can take a look at this given they are going to
illuminate the ramp.
Chair Norman asked staff what the next step is. Ms. Chamberlain responded that the
goal is to be out to bid in December in order to get started with the project after the first
of the year.
Ms. Chamberlain stated that, on another topic, staff is working with the Auburn School
District on Auburn High School and wanted the Committee to know staff was
approached about sidewalk improvements using the Downtown standards. Chair
Norman asked how it would tie in to existing sidewalk patterns. Ms. Chamberlain
responded staff would need to look at how it transitions, but there would be a gap until
the rest of downtown eventually catches up.
B. Matrix
There was no discussion on the matrix.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Downtown Redevelopment Committee,
Chair Norman adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.
APPROVED THIS DAY OF
Lynn Norman, Chair Bobbie Hodgkinson, Support Clerk
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