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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBooster Pump Review Committee Minutes 07 24 07 MEMO DATE: August 2, 2007 TO: Germany Park Architectural Committee ? Peggy Bell ? Pam McIntosh ? Clay Duval ? Staff ? Consultants FROM: Gene R. Smallwood, P.E. Director of Public Works SUBJECT: Minutes of 07.23.07 meeting. Attendance. Pam McIntosh; resident Clay Duval; resident Charles Manning, P.E.; Engineering Consultant Michal Tincup; Landscape Consultant Byron Folse, AIA; Architectural Consultant Bob Whaling, P.E.; City Engineer Gerry Bradley; Park Director Bud Smallwood, P.E.; DPW Background. Bob Whaling thanked everyone for attending the meeting and proceeded to review the landscape plan and revised elevations of the proposed pumping station. In response to a question from Mr. Duval, Mr. Whaling indicated that a sidewalk could be added along the west side of the pumping station (along the east side of Roland), allowing access to the park from the south. Both Ms. McIntosh and Mr. Duval expressed their satisfaction with the building and landscape plans. Because Ms. Bell could not attend the meeting, she asked that Ms. McIntosh present several questions she had regarding the proposal. Staff responded as detailed below: What are the limits of perimeter fence? The proposed cast iron fence with masonry columns runs along both alleys, with a pedestrian gate just west of the intersection. Columns may be approximately forty feet apart. Fencing is not planned for the north and west sides of the landscaped area surrounding the pumping station. Access will be controlled by landscaping; Request for three or four big oaks or other good trees along the fence. Staff illustrated (on the landscape plan) that several large trees will be planted as part of the project. These trees will be a minimum of 6” in diameter and will serve as a buffer for the home owners as well as providing shade and visual impact for park patrons. The actual tree species are under review, but evergreen live oaks will be the primary choice in providing year-round screening. Staff also plans to provide strategically-planted ornamental trees in an effort to provide seasonal color and contrast. The trees would also provide some mitigation of noise from the tollway. A sound consultant has developed information prior to the reconstruction that will affirm that the engineer’s comment that the proposed booster pumping station will not produce any noticeable difference in sound levels; What is the location of the outside electrical system and what screen is proposed? No changes will be made in the source of electrical power for the pumping station. The poles along the alley south of the pumping station (along with the associated transformers and appurtenant equipment) will remain. The aforementioned trees that will be planted will provide screening; What is the location of the playground? Staff proposes for the playground to be located in the center of the park for the following reasons: ? Playground Structure – As a key element of the park’s design, staff believes that the location of the playground should be placed in the center of the park site, serving as a focal point. It will serve as the main anchor of the site, providing continuity and functionality to those support features such as walkways, botanical plantings, picnic tables, and benches. The utilization of this center area will also greatly reduce size of open space for organized sports activities which the design committee wished to discourage; ? Safety – Staff also supports the center location due to the age of the children the park will serve and its proximity to the parking lot. The playground will be designed to accommodate 2 to 6 year old users, who may occasionally wander from the playground location. The central location will provide an adequate safety distance from the parking lot and moving vehicles. The location will also afford law enforcement a clear view of the playground on their routine patrols. Will there be room to get out of alley driveways? Yes, nothing will be changed with the existing alley alignment. Recommendation. Staff proposes to take the architectural drawings and landscape plan to Council on 08.07.07 and request authorization to solicit bids for construction. That meeting will be held in the temporary Council Chambers at the southwest corner of the new fire department bays at 3800 University Blvd at 5:15 p.m. We would appreciate members of the architectural committee attending that meeting.