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Home My WebLink About10-25-2011 � �-* CI'IY OF -�.�' • DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPAAENT COMMITTEE WASHINGTON OCTOBER 25,;201'I MINUTE$ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lynn Norman called the meeUng to order at 4'02 p.m. in Annex Conference Room 2, logated on the second floor of One East Main Street, Aubum, Washington. Committee _ ._ -_ Members present were: Chair Lynn Nortnan and Vice Chair Nancy Backus. Councilmember Wagner was excused. Staff preseM included: Planning and Development Director Kevin Snycler, Planning Manager Eiizabeth Chamberlain, Project Engineer Ryan Vondrak, and Support Clerk Bobbie Hodgkinson. Audience Members presentwere: Mr. Paul Fuesel and Goreen Schmidt, KPG, Inc.; Ronnie Roberts, Gosanko Chocolates; Gail Spurrell; and Kathleen Keator, TADA. II. CONSENT AGENDA A. Meeting Minutes—August 9, 2011 Vice Chair Badcus moved and ChairNortnan seconded to approve the consent agenda items as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2-0 III. DISCUSSION/INFORMATION A. NorEh City Hall Plaza Improvement Project—Design Altematives Mr. Fuesel provided the Gommittee and staff with copies of the,Design Photo Presentation prior to presenting design altematiVes for the North City Hall Plaza Improvement Project for the Committee's consideration. Mr. Fuesel said that with the success of the SE Piaza, it is more inviting and wants to take those same characteristics to the NW comer noting that both entrances are equal in importance. Beginning with the cover photo aF the NW comer, Mr. Fuesel opened fhe 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 particuiarly on the geomefies, 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 pattem, and a smaller grid cam 6e investigated. For purposes of the presentation, paveis were kept to the same geometry as the SE Plaza so Page 1 Down�wn Redevelooment Committee Minutes October 25: 2077 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 wiil be the same size. Mr. Fuesel confirmed the ADA ramp is shown as the same size and depending on the constructability, 'rf the ramp can be preserved in kind, all the pavement can be removed and buiit around. He also indicated that overall the ramp meets grade but it does not meet grade atong any of the vertical relief and landings need to be constructed. There are structural considerafions but, assuming that the wall can be preserved, the pavement can be dropped and the new surface put in. The surtace would be comp�emerrtary to the concrete in place now with a broom finish and 4he railings would be the 6rushed stainless steel railings to matchthe 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 'R is difficult to install lighting on the outside and becomes problematic on the badc side because of the building structures. The likely spots would be on fhe 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 waming strip located at the dip in the sidewalk to be replaced with red to match the SE side. Mr. Fuesel statecl 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 projed. • Update City Hall Signage Committee reviewed the signage concept diagrams based upon the SE Plaza signature sign for City Hall. KPG pertortned AutoCad studies and came up with a vertical sign with smaller letters and without the City logo that is complementary to the new City Hell sign et the SE Plaza. The Committee prefers an intemally lit column rather than up lighted, depending on the cost. Ms. Chamberlain indicated this can be explored to see 'rf R is an option. The Commiftee unanimously agreed on Concept B. Mr. Fuesel noted the City Hall sign on the building was left as is since it fds well with the SE Plaza with what is proposed. � . Review Site Fumishings � It was detertnined that site fumishings canbe reused or removed. Committee discussed'adding'a:6ench uvhere the bike tiox is currently located or possibly iwo with one on each side. Mc Fuesel stated there should be room to add two benches no longer thari 6 feet each to,accorrimodate two people comfortably. Consuftant proposed to move the bike box to the comer where there is an existing maturetree. 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. Page 2 Downtown Redevelooment Committee Minutes October25. 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 "§t�ategic 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 pre"sented. 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. Ghair Norman asked staff wha4 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 Aubum School` District on Aubum High School and wanted the Committee to know staff was approached about sidewaik improvemeMs using the Downtown standards. Chair Norman asked how it would tie in to existing sidewalk pattems. 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 adjoumed the meeting at 4:45 p.m. A PROVED T IS/,3 � 'DAY OF�.s��„I� .�70//. � r� i ��a�.,C !��.E..�.o�s.-�� nn Nortnan, Chair Bobbie Hodgkinson, Su port Glerk Page 3