CCMIN040406 - Laserfiche WebLink

Richard Larson, Larson & Associates, reviewed the landscape architecture for the Firehouse Arts Center. In order to meet the November timeline, Mr. Fialho said staff needs to obtain solid direction from Council as to whether this plan works. The proposal Council ultimately accepted and directed staff to do was to prepare plans and specifications that would allow staff to bid the project in November. To do that, the architects need to start on April 1st. This project has gone through a limited expedited review by the Planning Commission and the Pleasanton Downtown Association. In response to an inquiry by Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Fialho said the November timeframe for bidding the project was presented by staff to Council in January. Council ultimately adopted this timeframe as part of a comprehensive motion. Mr. Brozosky pointed out that the November timeframe was presented and ultimately approved by Council based upon the calculations for the cost and if the date were moved out, the City would incur additional costs. He asked what revisions occurred to the external design since the last time this item was presented to Council. Mr. Noland said the revisions were basically fa(fade refinements, which included the treatment to the exterior, addition of banners, a canopy, the material on the tower of the historic building, and the concept that the signage/artwork and marquees on both sides of the building be commissioned by an artist. Mr. Thorne pointed out that the staff report mentioned a possible ground water issue. He asked if this had been resolved or if it was a potential problem. Mr. Iserson said it is a routine issue that the Fire Department will work out as the tank is removed and the soil is tested. If the test shows contaminated soil, it will be removed. Staff was hopeful that the ground water was not contaminated. Ms. McGovern did not believe the issue was related to the interior of the Firehouse Arts Center but related to whether the exterior design meets the wishes of the community and the idea of whether it is a public work of art so that the Park plan fits in with the downtown. Mayor Hosterman invited public comments. John Loll, a Pleasanton resident, spoke in favor of the proposed design. He mentioned that he is involved with a group of residents who are interested in beginning a children's theater company in Pleasanton. It is the desire of this group of residents to produce plays for children and their families in the Firehouse Arts Center. It is important that the outside of the building clearly reflect the function and energy of what occurs inside. The theater element offers flexibility. The lobby entrance from both sides has a significant amount of visual interest. He liked the blending of the new with the old but believed it would detract in trying to compete with making the new element look similar to the old element. Mike Connors, a Pleasanton resident, mentioned that he owns a business near the Firehouse Arts Center. While he supported the project, he pointed out there is insufficient parking in the downtown to support it. He hoped the City would take the time to figure out a way to support parking for not only this project but also all of the projects in the downtown. Pleasanton City Council Minutes 13 04/04/06