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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-28-96 - Adjourned w CDC 1 0 :3 5 ' MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL /COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MAY 28, 1996 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting at 5:05 p.m., May 28, 1996, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City --- Hall, Mayor /Chairman Gary P. McCaughan presiding. PRESENT: Council Members /Commissioners: Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Mayor /Chairman Joyce L. Lawrence Mayor Pro - Tem/Vice- Chairman Diane P. Boggs Barbara J. Riley ABSENT: Robert S. Brazelton (Excused) ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager/Executive Director Judith McDonnell, City Clerk/Secretary Art Rangel, Director of Economic & Community Development/ Assistant Executive Director James R. Jarrett, Director of Community Services Robert Brace, City Engineer Ronald Yoshiki, City Planner Jason Mikaelian, Economic Development Associate REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THEATER BLOCK STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS OPTION Mr. Rangel explained staff has been working with Lawrence Moss & Associates to develop a Theater Block Streetscape and noted the bid opening for the parking structure will occur later this week. He indicated that after presentation on this matter, staff would request direction from the Council to proceed with construction drawings so that the project can go out to bid. Mr. Steve Smith of Lawrence Moss & Associates discussed what is popular today with similar type developments in other cities in Southern California that have upgraded their downtown areas. He noted the challenge of this project has been to create a streetscape plan that would not only tie -in with the project but with other streets in the neighborhood and would compliment the contemporary art deco style building. Mr. Smith referred to various display boards and slides which he used throughout his presen- tation to demonstrate the variety of alternatives proposed for trees and other plantings; ground covering; sidewalks and concrete paving around the facility; lighting; bus benches; and trash recepticles. He referenced the different type of palms and other features proposed in the preliminary cost estimates presented. City Council /Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 5/28/96 (adj.) - r r' °s i J Mr. Rangel commented on the fine project that will be built and stressed importance of the streetscape. He then mentioned staff's preference for Boston ivy as opposed to another type of vining and said while the ivy does lose leaves, it still has a dramatic effect when dormant. Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence asked for more information about the London Palm, mentioning she liked the idea of palms on the striking facades of the Theatre. She noted there was dis- cussion about not having trees that will lift the sidewalks, and wondered about the London Palm. Mr. Smith complimented the London Palm as a commonly -used street tree because of its ---�Y adaptability to city conditions. He favored installing root guards to encourage the roots to go downward rather than out and under the sidewalk. He also stressed palms add a "Hollywood" effect to this type of dramatic theatre project. Commenting on the ivy, Mr. Smith suggested bougainvillea as an alternative. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs concurred with a tall, thin palm but suggested looking at the aesthetics of the parking structure on Second Street as it needs to be attractive. She did express concern about the Boston ivy because of its tendency to be dormant in the winter. Council Member /Commissioner Riley concurred with either of the palms suggested. Mayor /Chairman McCaughan also favored the palms but asked about the look of the dormant Boston ivy. He was told the ivy has seasons which would add to the look of the parking structure. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs talked about the narrow walkway and lack of space to plant the trees. Discussion was held regarding items contained in Preliminary Cost Estimate Option #4. Council Member /Commissioner Boggs asked how long the Boston ivy remains dormant in this climate and Mr. Smith predicted about two months because of California's warmer climate. Mr. Caton stressed the need for direction on this matter because the bid documents are being prepared. It was indicated the ivy can be changed at a later date. It was moved by Council Member /Commissioner Riley, seconded by Council Member/ - Commissioner Lawrence, and unanimously carried (4 -0) to approve Option #4 with some mixed vining. Council Member /Commissioner Lawrence asked that a meeting of the Downtown Blue Ribbon Committee be held for the members to meet representatives of Lawrence Moss & Associates to go over the Streetscape Plans. Mayor /Chairman McCaughan stressed coordinating the Streetscape with the Theatre architect. The meeting recessed at 6:22 p.m. and resumed at 8:50 p.m. with Council Members/ - Commissioners Boggs, Lawrence, Riley, McCaughan present; Council Member /Commissioner Brazelton absent. City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 5/28/96 (adj.) -2- 10354 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None The meeting recessed at 8:50 p.m. and resumed at 9:25 p.m. with Council Members/ - Commissioners Boggs, Lawrence, Riley, McCaughan present; Council Member /Commissioner Brazelton absent. ADJOURNMENT: 9:28 p.m. 1 c OE 4 ( Judith E. McDonnell, City Clerk/Secretary Gary P. Mc ughan, Mayor / hai Zan H:ICCLERKUMCDONNEWDJS -28. WPD City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes 5/28/96 (adj.) - -