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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Entrada Del Paseo Committee 02/09/2005�-G PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: BETH LONGMAN, SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT DATE: APRIL 7, 2005 SUBJECT: SUBMISSION OF MINUTES FOR THE ENTRADA DEL PASEO STEERING COMMITTEE Attached is a copy of the approved Minutes from the February 9, 2005, meeting of the Entrada del Paseo Steering Committee. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. 101 Attachment (as noted) G:%RDA\Beth Longman\Committees\EntradoWinute TransmMal.doc PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ENTRADA DEL PASEO STEERING COMMITTEE ! I � MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2005 I. CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Entrada del Paseo Steering Committee was called to order by Chairman McCarthy at 9:40 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Lauri Aylaian, Member Jean Benson, Member Buford Crites, Member Sheila Gilligan, Member Phil Drell, Member Mark Greenwood, Member Patrick Lilly, Member Bob Leo, Member Justin McCarthy, Chairman Carlos Ortega, Member David Yrigoyen, Member Also Present: Susan Harvey, Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce Kristy Kneiding, Marketing Manager Donna Gomez, Visitor Information Center Manager Ruth Ann Moore, Business Support Manager Maria Hunt, Recording Secretary Chuck Shepardson, HSA Design Group Bob Luther, HSA Design Group Peter Bray, Guest III, ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. G:1RDXFormer Employeesftamn OrtegatWpdata%CommitteestEntrada%Mmutes\M,nutes 2005%Minutes 020905.doc 1 ENTRADA DEL PASEO STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2005 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE ENTRADA DEL PASEO STEERING COMMITTEE'S REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2004 MOTION to approve the Minutes of the October 13, 2004 meeting made by Member Crites, seconded by Member Lilly, unanimously approved. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. RECEIVE AND REVIEW A PRESENTATION ON THE BUILDING FURNISHINGS SELECTED FOR THE PUBLIC AREAS AND OFFICE SPACES OF THE NEW VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER Ms. Aylaian reported that the Architect had gone through each room of the VIC and had identified the furnishings they thought were appropriate. Initially, there were three to four particular options for each piece that were presented. Staff and the Subcommittee looked -at each of those models in order to make a selection. There were a few times that the Subcommittee didn't like any of the architect's recommendations and asked for more options. After a couple of iterations, the Subcommittee decided on the furnishings that are being presented today. These furnishings are all common theme, and the design is very simple and streamlined. There are a number of pieces that have curved lines emulating the building's spiral tower element. Ms. Aylaian presented recommendations for: the lobby sofa, chairs, tables and ottoman; the theater benches; stools and tables for the alcoves; chairs and a table for the retail area; conference room tables and chairs; and desks, chairs, a work table, and a break room table and chairs for the back of house areas. At this point, Ms. Aylaian asked for comments. Following are Member's comments: Mr. McCarthy inquired about the furnishings' durability and maintenance. Ms. Aylaian replied that all but one of the recommendations had been reviewed for durability. The model that may not be appropriate for commercial use is the technician's and receptionist's work stations in the back of house, so something similar, but more durable, will be sought. G kRDA\Former Employees`Niamh DrtegalWpdata)ComrntteeslEntradatMinutes'Minutes 2005Mnutes 020905.doc 2 Mr. Lilly asked if the architect had recommended this particular style of furnishings. Ms. Aylaian replied that the overall style was driven by the architect's suggestions on what would work with the architecture. The architect provided suggestions, and the Subcommittee took a look and chose the ones that they liked best. Mr. Yrigoyen asked if an interior designer had been involved. Ms. Aylaian replied that there had been early on, but after some of the initial presentations, there was dissatisfaction expressed with the direction she was taking, so the Architect assumed those responsibilities. Mr. Drell asked what had happened to the warm wooded, soft -edge, almost Asian theme. When did we go into the euro retro? Is the interior of the building a euro retro style? He did not think the chairs looked comfortable. He felt that the Committee needed to have a real good image of the interior design of the building and of the spaces where the furnishings would be placed. Ms. Gomez stated that she had served on the Subcommittee and that they had taken direction from the Architect. The Subcommittee chose the furnishings they liked the best, but were relying on the Architect's expertise. Ms. Kneiding added that the architect's direction leaned towards the Palm Springs modernism type, but that the Subcommittee chose the ones that were less representative of that style. Mr. Crites felt that the Committee needed to know the theme of the building and the building's interior before making a decision. Mr. Lilly's concern was that if the furniture is too soft, it would be difficult for older persons to get up. He felt that if it is functional, durable and is what the architect recommends, the Committee should go with it. Mr. McCarthy asked if the materials were compatible with the building's interior materials. Ms. Aylaian replied that the architect had recommended these materials because the wood, leather and fiber on the chairs would blend well with the materials in the building's interior. The Subcommittee investigated extensively the furnishings that were made out of recycled, reusable materials; unfortunately, the industry is not very advanced yet. There were only limited pieces of furniture, and they were very unattractive. Mr. McCarthy wanted to know if there were any furnishings with hard edges where children and the elderly persons could run into and hurt themselves in the lobby area or the public spaces. Ms. Aylaian stated that there were two tables that could be potentially of concern. She stated that Member Benson had suggested that different type upholstery be used for the chairs because children could easily puncture leather with pencils. GARDA1Former EmployeesWtamh OrtegalWpdatalComrrntteeslEntradaNMmuteslMinutes 2005ttlinutes 020905 doc 3 ENTRADA DEL PASEO STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2005 Ms. Aylaian asked if the Committee would like for her to request that the architect prepare renderings/sketches of the interior showing the furnishings in context, or if there were any volunteers who would want to have more direct interaction with the architect, giving more direction as to what the Committee would like to see. Mr. Lilly felt that the Committee should go with the furnishings recommended. Ms. Gomez questioned the necessity of having tables and stools in the alcove areas since there would be built-in counters. Ms. Aylaian stated that they were not necessary, but the alcoves are a little large and there is room for a table and stools for persons waiting for someone that is looking at the brochures. Dave Yrigoyen stated that he sensed hesitation on several of the items. He would like to see what the furnishings would look like in the building. Mr. McCarthy asked if there would be any objection to continuing this item subject to some artistic or graphic representations of how this furniture would fit into the building. It was noted that the users of the office space were comfortable with the furnishings that would be used in those areas. MOTION to approve the furnishings for the theater, back of house and office furniture as presented made by Member Lilly, seconded by Member Yrigoyen, and unanimously approved. Staff was directed to bring back artistic sketches illustrating the furnishings in the lobby, alcove and retail areas. B. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FOR COMMERCIAL NURSERY AT ENTRADA DEL PASEO Member Crites stated that there is a proposal from Armstrong Nurseries who wants $1 million from the Agency and wants to be located along Highway 11-1. MOTION to reject proposal for commercial nursery on land fronting on Highway III due to incompatibility with the Entrada development plan, and direct staff to send a letter to proposer thanking them for their consideration made by Member Crites, seconded by Member Lilly, and unanimously approved. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None. G•\ROATormer EmployeesWtarrh OAega\WpdataLCommdlees\Entrada%MjnuteslMinules 2005Mtnutes 020905 doc 4 Vill. OLD BUSINESS A. RECEIVE AND REVIEW A PRESENTATION OF FINAL DESIGN FOR THE ENTRADA DEL PASEO LANDSCAPING AND PHASE 2 OF THE ERIC JOHNSON GARDENS Ms. Aylaian introduced Chuck Shepardson and Bob Luther of HSA Design Group to provide the Committee with an update on the landscaping. The final design is being completed and prepared to go out to bid. It was presented to the Landscape Beautification Committee last week, and they had a concern with the gabion walls concept. Their recommendation was that the gabion wall concept and two alternative concepts be presented to the full Agency Board. At that time, staff would also address the Committee's recommendations regarding the overall landscaping presented at the meeting and the gabion wall concept. Mr. Shepardson began with an overview of the whole Entrada del Paseo gardens. Phase 2 will encompass the Visitor Information Center, the Indian Canyons area, as well as the Multi -Sensory garden. Various uses of the gabion walls were presented. The gabion walls are typically used to retain. They are made of mesh baskets (meter cube in size) that are filled with cobble and tied together with wire, very easy to construct, and a very economical form of retaining. A more artistic representation would be used to build the canyon walls. It will be done with rebar running both horizontally and vertically and holding the mesh with the cobble sandwiched in between the rebar. Stone slabs will be in between the different gabion panels. The concrete that runs through the canyons will be colored to simulate a stream running through the canyon. Outside of that is 100% stamped concrete that is done with a mat and done in waves giving the impression of water pushing sand. From there it will go to embedded washed cobble, some DG areas and landscape areas to the edge of canyon walls. Fan palms are shown in illustration because they are typically seen in this type of environment. Aquatic plant materials will be appropriate for the zone. The next feature presented was the Agave Pavilion, the shade structure. It will be made of steel arms with tension sails located on top that will be supported by the center column, and will resemble an agave blossom. To support the look, real agaves will be used in the raised planter underneath the shade structure. It will be a six -sided structure with an overall height of 20' and lower element height of 9'. There will be a handrail around the pavilion. In the Central Plaza, the design entails a self-contained water feature that will act as the start of the streambed that will run through the canyon. It will have its own self-contained submersible pump, which will be very quiet. G %RDA%Former Employees%tWamh Ortega%Wpdata%Commttees%Entradalb4nutes%bhnutes 2005%Minutes 020905.doc ENTRADA DEL PASEO STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2005 The signage proposed was presented. One sign will be placed at the entry on El Paseo, and the other will be placed at the western end of the project. Some modifications to the sign will have to be made because of the relocation of the Visitor Center. Mr. McCarthy wanted to know how dependent the completion of the signage is on the landscape plan. Ms. Aylaian stated that the biggest concern has been that the main sign that is located at the turn pocket (eastbound on Highway 111) is right where berming is planned. It has been adjusted to make sure that the line of sight to the buildings is maintained. The main entrance sign will have Entrada del Paseo, the other two will have the list of the buildings. Donna Gomez expressed her concern because the VIC has been moved from Highway 111 and signage is pertinent to its success. She asked if Cuistot had "top billing." Ms. Aylaian stated that at one point the Committee agreed that Cuistot should go on the top of the sign. Mr. McCarthy inquired about the ersatz streambed. Phil Drell stated that the gabion walls are a great alternative to architectural retaining walls, but are not an alternative to a natural canyon. Mr. McCarthy stated that he understood that the Committee had decided the gabion wall issue. Ms. Aylaian noted that both the Steering Committee and the Landscape Beautification Committee had decided the gabion wall issue. Mr. McCarthy stated that the gabion wall is an architectural feature that is going to be considered by the Council. He asked if the Committee wanted to reconsider its gabion wall recommendation. MOTION was made by Member Drell to have the Entrada del Paseo Steering Committee reconsider the issue of the gabion walls. Motion died for lack of a second. Ms. Gomez stated that the gabion walls add a different level of interest. Mr. Shepard added that they were trying to do a different type of representation of the canyon walls. Ms. Gomez added that there is a good combination of natural landscaping all around it. Mr. McCarthy again inquired about the ersatz water. He stated he did not like the appearance. Mr. Shephardson explained that the purpose was to simulate water running down the canyon, and that it is a sidewalk. Mr. Shepardson stated that mockups of all the concrete samples would be made and presented. Mr. Lilly stated that it looks fake and we should get rid of the blue flowing stream and stick with the sand. Ms. Aylaian explained that the Committee was being requested to review the final landscaping design and Phase 2 of the Eric Johnson Gardens. It was noted, however, that because of Member Crites early departure from GARDATormer EmployeesWtarm OrtegalWpdata\CommtteeslEn"da\Minutes\Minutes 2005Minutes 020905 doC :�J the meeting, the Committee would not be able to take any action for lack of a quorum. Mr. McCarthy asked if this action was time sensitivity. Ms. Aylaian replied that the gabion wall item would be going before the Council on February 24. Mr. McCarthy asked if they would like to continue the presentation. It was decided that they would continue with the landscape concept. Mr. Luther proceeded with the presentation. He provided the Committee members with the Multi -Sensory Garden Plant Palette. The Multi -sensory garden area is located in front of the Multi -use Building and consists of the Hummingbird Garden, Songbird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Arroyo Garden, Sentry Garden, Evening Garden, Grass Garden and Succulent Garden. The Hummingbird Garden will consist of friendly shrubs and plants; mostly bright colorful flowers located on the backside of the steepest parts of the repetitive landforms. It will have pop outs with signage with repetitive use of plants that will be selected. The Songbird Garden will consist of more trees for nesting, will have drip emitters that are going to cobble beds to provide water for drinking, which is a key element for songbird habitat and shelter. The Butterfly Garden that will consist of butterfly friendly shrubs. Signs will provide information to homeowners or visitors of plants that they can use in their own yards. The Arroyo Garden will have a denser massing of colorful shrubs with a gravel streambed, and boulder outcroppings. The Sensory Garden will be based on touch, smell, sight, textures, and will have raised mountings to highlight the different elements of the plants. The Evening Garden with have night blooming elements, things that will attract insects, birds, bats, but also daytime interest. In a garden that is nocturnal and has bat interests in mind, bats or birds would take care of the insect problems in a natural way instead of spraying insecticides. The Grass Garden will have filling grasses with their textural elements within the garden. The Succulent Garden will consist of agaves, cactus, and will tie into the open spaces on the shallow slopes of the dunes. A portion of the garden will be on top of the Multi -use Building. There will be shallow slopes, DG underneath, boulders, small pockets of concentrated plants with wide G %RDATormer Empioyees%Niamh OrtegalWpdatatCommdlees\Enlfada%Mmutes\M�nutes 2005\Mmutes 020905 doc 17 ENTRADA DEL PASEO STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2005 expanses of exposed soil and decomposed granite. Some of the desert plantings will provide color, texture and floral interest. The arroyo and succulent plantings used will be the more colorful varieties. Garden art will be introduced to help reinforce the concept of a butterfly, hummingbird or songbird garden. The garden signage would identify specialty plants from each garden (name, blooming times, etc.,) and would provide education to the visitors. Mr. McCarthy thanked Messrs. Shepardson and Luther for their presentations. XI. ADJOURNMENT At this point, Mr. McCarthy adjourned the meeting because of the lack of quorum. The remaining Agenda items were not discussed. Maria Hunt, Acting Recording Secretary GARDA1Forrner Empioyeesftanth O"ega%Wpdata\Commllees�EntraoaNMinutesNMinutes 2005Winutes 020905 doc 0