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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 1974/08/21 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Held Wednesday LIBRARY August 21, 1974 An adjourned regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was held on the above date beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Conference Room, Civic Center, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, with the following Councilmen present: Councilmen Scott, Hobel, Hamilton, Hyde Councilmen absent: Councilman Egdahl Staff present: City Manager Thomson, Assistant City Manager Bourcier, Director of Public Works Cole, City Librarian Levine, Parks Superintendent Bradstreet LANDSCAPING OF NEW LIBRARY Director of Public Works Cole explained that the landscaping will be bid separately from the building itself sometime after July 1, 1975. He commented on the sidewalk adjacent to the proposed building site and the fact that it was put in in 1916. He discussed, in the light of the future widening of "F" Street, his department's plan for removing the old sidewalk and putting more landscaping in from the curb- line to the walk. Mr. Cole also explained the configuration of the entrance and various as- pects of the proposed landscaping, referring to sketches of the project. Ne indicated that the Department of Public Works does not agree with the landscape architect's idea for parking. Bill Tucker, Landscape Architect Mr. Tucker explained that his firm was retained Tucker and Kater to develop the landscape design, planting and irrigation around the library building only and to develop a preliminary plan for the northerly portion of the City block. They will then pre- sent an interim phase which revolves around the relocation of the annex building and then the park development of the north portion of the City block. All activities are being coordi- nated with the architect. Excess soil disposition Mr. Tucker noted the fact that there will be approximately 4,000 yards of dirt generated from the cut process in constructing the library building and that that dirt could be distributed on the northerly portion of the block if that were someday to be considered for a park site. He added that the budget his firm was given to work within was $70,000 for the landscape devel- opment of the library. Estimated cost Mr. Tucker explained the estimate as follows: $60,000 - basic construction cost 5,S00 ~ contingencies and maintenance costs by the contractor for a 90-day period Mr. Tucker described what this price ($65,500) includes (soil sterilization, preparation and fertilization of the soil and the planted areas, automatic irrigation system, tree planting, shrub planting, lawn and ground cover). City Council Meeting 2 August 21, 1974 Concept Mr. Tucker explained the concept of the land- scaping design, incorporating a serpentine walk with slightly undulating mounding of the lawn, which would be such that the parking lot could not be seen if one were to be driving down "F" Street. He discussed the possibility of a water element in front. Plant materials to be used Mr. Tucker indicated that one of the next steps which must be taken is to coordinate with the Parks and Recreation Department and Maintenance Department to determine what plant materials they found to be easy to work with, etc. Irrigation He stated that the entire area would be under automatic irrigation controlled by an electric sprinkler controller which would be located in the service area of the building -~ each tree would also have its own bubbler system. Annex structure Mr. Tucker said the annex building will be in place and will remain during construction and some time afterwards. When this building is removed there will be a project to relocate the building and then in order to finish the ser- vice area of the library a portion of this area will have to be excavated in order to get the proper size of service area for truck turn- arounds. This would depict another stage of development, consisting of excavation of the area and planting with ground cover, shrubs and trees on the newly-shaped banks and that turf area extended. Mr. Tucker indicated that the cost for the landscape development (not includ- ing the relocation of the annex building) -- grading, new asphaltic paving, landscaping compatible with the library -- would be approx- imately $15,000 plus contingencies. The total then would be $17,000 to $18,000, plus the structural costs involved in removing the annex structure. In answer to Councilman Scott's question as to the cost of removing the annex at the same time the library is being built, Mr. Tucker said there could be a 10% to 25% savings in doing this. Discussion on relocating Discussion was held on the possibility of re- annex personnel locating the personnel in the annex building and accomplishing all the grading and landscap- ing of this area at the same time as that of the library. Councilman Hyde introduced the idea of placing these employees in the old post office building if this were to be done. Staff to investigate The Council concurred that staff should look cost savings into this to see if the cost of moving into the temporary headquarters would exceed whatever is gained by doing all of the project at once. Front landscaping Mr. Tucker answered Council's questions on the landscaping of the front of tho library building. He indicated this area is to accommodate free traffic flow and off-loading, so it is difficult City Council Meeting 3 August 21, 1974 to develop a landscape element along here and still allow for this free traffic flow. He said that the shadow patterns of the planters located in this area would soften the stark appearance. Mr. Tucker added that one other idea would be to have a cut~out area next to each column with small planted spaces. Breakdown of costs Councilman Hobel queried the breakdown of costs. Mr. Tucker stated that approximately 40% of the cost is tied up in labor and other nonmaterial expenses; the other 60% would be for the green- ery and other materials. Maintenance period Mr. Tucker indicated there will be a 90-day period of maintenance before the City staff takes over the care of the area. Plan for vacant land Mr. Tucker explained that excess soil generated in Phase 1 of the construction of the library could be placed in the north half of the block in the land form which would be compatible with future park development. The landscaping plant- ing and irrigation in the contract stops here; thereby leaving a 3-acre field of dirt. Mr. Tucker explained an alternate plan, with an additive cost of $40,000, which would call for the planting of lawns only plus the irrigation system for that area. These improvements would alleviate the problem of dirt and dust from this otherwise unimproved area. Mr. Tucker said there would definitely be a cost break if both the main library irrigation system and that for the north half of the block were to be installed simultaneously. Mr. Tucker explained a proposal his firm had prepared for development of the "park" area consisting of grass, trees, circulation system enabling people in the residential area to get to the library, and children's play area (this area could be subject to donations or funding by service groups). He remarked that the "finishing off" of the "park" area (walkways, picnic tables, trees, etc.) would be approx- imately another $S0,000. This would not in- clude restrooms or lighting. Discussion further ensued on possible plans for the "park" area and how it could be utilized -- passive or active -- as well as some kind of water treatment (fountain, etc.) in this area in lieu of a "play" area. City Librarian Levine, in answer to Councilman Hobel's inquiry, indicated that the idea of an area adjacent to the library in which story- telling sessions could be held might not be feasible, as storytelling sessions are an inti- mate type thing and voices would not carry well outside. Mr. Kater, Mr. Kater remarked that an amphitheater-type Tucker and Kater setting could be achieved with the use of mounding. secondary in use to the library itself, but City Council Meeting 4 August 21, 1974 rather complement it. He discussed possible use of it by the schools on nature trips, areas for traveling sculpture for people's viewing, evening traYelogs, and so forth. The feeling of the Council seemed to be that this area should be condusive to a campus-type atmosphere, lending itself to the function of the library and relaxation as opposed to a play area, passive or active. Councilman Scott noted his opposition to any picnic or barbecue areas. Mayor Hamilton noted the number of senior citi- zens in the area who could partake of the quiet atmosphere of the library and enjoy walking through an area such as this. City Manager Thomson discussed Councilman Hyde's suggestion for bidding on both alternates and funds available for park acquisition. Councilman Scott pointed out two advantages in going ahead with the installation of lawns and irrigation system on the north half of the block as being (1) saving of money and (2) being able to see how the flow from the library would be and landscape accordingly at a later date. Director of Public Works Cole commented on the possibility of community involvement in many aspects of the library landscaping and the "park" area previously discussed. Mr. Herb Lathan inquired as to the possibility of the northwest corner being dedicated for a veterans memorial park. City Manager Thomson remarked that the $90,000 figure quoted previously does not include the $17,000 or $18,000 in terms of the annex. Lawns and irrigation of It was moved by Councilman Scott, seconded by northern part of block Councilman Hyde and unanimously carried that incorporated into plans incorporated into the plans for the library landscaping be the irrigation and the lawns on the northern part of the block. It was noted that the work on the annex will follow as staff proposes. Councilman Hyde wished to go on record as desir- ing to delete the term "park" from this complex, and refer to it as the library and grounds. No play area Director of Public Works Cole noted the consen- sus of Council that there be no play area. He also noted comments made in regard to the pos- sible utilization of certain areas for story- telling and quasi-amphitheater use and that it would be possible to stub out for electrical outlets to accommodate portable public address systems. The Council concurred that this would be worth considering. Lighting Discussion was held on lighting around the library grounds. Mr. Harry LaBore of the Library Board asked if any thought had been given to this. Director of Public Works Cole stated that none City Council Meeting 5 August 21, 1974 has been included in the price for the lawn. Mr. Tucker suggested a plan for fifteen walk lights throughout the area, the cost of which (for a moderately-priced fixture) would be approximately $700 apiece for installation. Director of Public Works Cole remarked that there will be exterior and flood lighting of the library and parking lot area. Schematics Approved It was moved by Councilman Hobel, seconded by Councilman Scott and unanimously carried that the schematics be approved and that the next phase be presented to Council. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hamilton adjourned the meeting to the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Tuesday, August 27, 1974. Deputy City Clerk