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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/05/1993, C-14 - CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSED COMMEMORATIVE BENCH PROGRAM FOR THE DOWNTOWN AREA, CO-SPONSORED BY THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO (ARC 211-92).4��h������lylllll�ul II _ MEETING DATE: city o r san Buis oBIspo / - - Mora COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER: / FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director; By: Jeff Hool ,,Associate Planner SUBIEC//T: Consideration of a proposed Commemorative Bench Program for the downtown area, co- sponsored by the Downtown Business Improvement Association and the City of San Luis Obispo (ARC 211- 92). CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving the bench program as recommended by the Architectural Review Commission. ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION On December 14th, the Architectural Review Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council approve the bench program as proposed by the Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) . Commissioners supported the "Renaissance Series" bench in the "Hunter Green" color (dark green sample and bench catalogue available in the council office), and emphasized that bench locations should provide adequate space, wind protection, and sunlight. BACKGROUND The BIA Beautification Committee, in cooperation with city staff, has developed a Commemorative Bench Program which allows citizens, merchants, and community groups to donate a bench to be placed in the downtown. Benches would include a metal placque to commemorate a person, group, or event, and would be located within the public right -of -way (eg. public sidewalks, parking facilities, and Mission Plaza). Precise bench locations would be determined by the City Engineer based on safety considerations, seating needs, and donor preference. As proposed, city staff would install and maintain the benches. This item was reviewed by the ARC because the Municipal Code (Ch. 2.48) requires ARC review of city projects, including "municipal buildings, park and open spaces, and street furniture." Since the program involves city funds, materials, or staff, it also requires City Council approval. Expanded downtown seating has been an ARC and City Council goal for many years. The City's 1982 Downtown Improvement Manual encouraged additional downtown seating and identified possible bench locations. In 1989 the BIA Beautification Committee studied the issue, and identified 20 downtown locations for additional pedestrian seating. This bench program is consistent with policies in the Downtown Conceptual Design Plan endorsed by the City Council this year, which recommends additional pedestrian seating. In January, a pilot bench program began, with the first "Restoration Series" bench donated by. the Kyle Family, and ���������►►i�►���►IIIfIIP�' 11l1l city Of San Js OBISPO NMI COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Staff Report Page 2 installed at the northeast corner of Chorro and Higuera Streets (in front of Audio Video Concepts) . From that experience, BIA and city staff decided that the program had merit and worked with SEDES, a local landscape architecture firm, to help select an appropriate bench design for downtown. Data Summary Applicant: Downtown BIA Representatives: Lynn Block, Pam Copeland, David Foote, Terry Westrope Zoning: C -C -H General Plan: Central Commercial, Historic overlay zone Environmental Status: Categorically exempt (CEQA Section 15301, Existing Facilities) EVALUATION The program consists of: 1) cooperation between the BIA and the City to promote and administer. the program; 2) a procedure for individuals, groups, businesses or organizations to donate benches with a memorial placque; and 3) selection of the Timberform "Renaissance Series" bench design, manufactured by Columbia Cascade Company, as the standard public bench design in the downtown. The benches are available in several colors, and the BIA proposes a "Hunter Green ", six -foot long metal bench (photo attached) as the downtown standard. The City has used Timberform "Renaissance Series" trash receptacles in some downtown locations, so there is a design precedent for this bench style. Bench Design and Color The design is attractive, and compatible with the downtown's "main street" architectural character. It is a contemporary version of a slatted bench design common in U.S. parks and cities during the 1800's and early 1900's. A similar bench design was approved as part of the planned Copeland's Downtown Centre. The benches are prefinished at the factory with a long - lasting "powder coated" color finish. Its welded metal construction makes this bench style highly vandal- resistant. As with any painted surface, however, the bench finish is likely to fade, scratch, and chip over time requiring periodic maintenance. One drawback of this design is that metal bench slats tend to be cold in winter and hot in summer; therefore, metal benches are likely to be somewhat less comfortable than benches with wood seats and backs, such as the pilot "Restoration Series" bench. The "Restoration Series" bench has a wood - slatted seat and back, with a cast iron frame. This bench is attractive and comfortable, however the light - colored "yellow Alaskan Cedar" wood slats stain m��ll�Ill�llllllglnli►►l City of San ..AIS OBISp0. i COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Staff Report Page 3 easily, requiring regular City cleaning or an applied finish to preserve the bench's high - quality appearance. At this time, the bench is not available in any other woods, and economic factors are forcing the City to trim maintenance costs. Consequently, the "Renaissance Series" is the BIA's and staff's preferred bench style. Bench Placement Donors could request specific bench locations, subject to City Engineer approval. Benches would be anchored in downtown sidewalks, typically with bench backs set at about 18" from the curb face, and with the bench facing the public sidewalk. Benches would be located to: 1) avoid conflicts with pedestrians, parked cars, and crosswalks; 2) consolidate street furniture when possible; and 3) implement city and BIA policies to provide additional seating where it is most needed. The BIA has already been approached by several prospective bench donors. A list of the possible donors and a map showing their preferred bench locations is attached. Donors would have the option of placing a memorial placque on the bench, approximately 3" by 7" in size. At this time, it is anticipated that the placque would be of cast bronze, permanently mounted on the bench backrest. Once installed, the bench would be owned and maintained by the City. Implementation Under the proposed program, implementation responsibility would be shared between the BIA and the City. BIA staff would be responsible for publicizing the program, ordering the bench and memorial placque, payment and recordkeeping, and advising city staff on bench location. The Public Works Director (currently, the Acting Public Works Director) would oversee program implementation, and be responsible for assembling and installing benches, installing the memorial placques, and maintaining the benches. FISCAL IMPACTS A minimum donation of $1,050 would be required to purchase and install a bench and placque. The City and the BIA would not incur any direct, out -of- pocket expenses for the bench program. There would be an in -kind city contribution of $180 per bench in labor cost. The BIA would cover its own staff costs from its operating budget. The actual cost breakdown is as follows: Item Cost #2806 -6 Renaissance bench, prefinished $ 925 city of san L.is oslspo COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Staff Report Page 4 (includes tax and freight) 3" X 7" bronze, engraved placque (includes tax and freight) SUBTOTAL - cost of materials Assemble and install bench, 4 hours @ $45 INSTALLED COST PER BENCH City in -kind contribution (labor) private donation TOTAL CONTRIBUTION PER BENCH 125 $1,050 180 $1,230 180 1,050 $1,230 The above costs are 1993 prices, and reflect a quantity discount for an order of three or more benches. If bench or placque costs rise, the minimum donation will be increased accordingly to adequately fund the program. No routine city maintenance costs are anticipated, however depending on their location and use, the benches are likely to need refinishing every three to four years. It is recommended that council consider allocating funds for bench maintenance in the upcoming 1993 -1995 budget. A preliminary estimate of the maintenance cost is $50 per commemorative bench per year. ALTERNATIVES The City Council may.approve the project as submitted, approve it with changes, or may continue consideration of the program for further study. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Adopt the attached resolution approving the bench program as submitted. Attachments: Draft resolution, BIA letter, bench specifications, or bench photo, prospective donors and bench locations, draft program brochure, draft ARC minutes RESOLUTION NO. (1993 Series) RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO APPROVING A COMMEMORATIVE BENCH PROGRAM IN THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA (ARC 211 -92) WHEREAS, the Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) has submitted an application requesting approval of the Downtown Commemorative Bench Program (ARC 211 -92); and WHEREAS, this council, after consideration of the Architectural Review Commission's recommendation, staff recommendations and reports. thereof, finds the proposed commemorative bench program would meet a demonstrated need for public seating in the downtown area; and WHEREAS, the proposed bench program will promote public safety and convenience, and is consistent with the Downtown Improvement Manual and with the Draft Conceptual Physical Plan for Downtown San Luis Obispo. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo that the Commemorative Bench Program (ARC 211 -92) is hereby approved, as generally described in Exhibit "A", and further, that the council authorizes the Public Works Director to implement the program based on the following guidelines: SECTION 1. Program Guidelines. The Downtown Commemorative Bench Program will be operated jointly by the City and the Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA). BIA staff is responsible for publicizing the program, ordering benches and memorial placques, payment and recordkeeping, and advising city staff 2-i// -S Council Resolution No. (1993 Series) Page 2 on bench locations. The Public Works Director will oversee program implementation, and be responsible for assembling and installing benches, installing the memorial placques, and maintaining the benches. Bench style and color shall be to the approval of the City's Architectural Review Commission. Bench locations shall be determined by the City Engineer, based on: 1) pedestrian and traffic safety needs; 2) environmental considerations for user comfort and convenience; 3) esthetic factors, including clustering of street furniture where appropriate; and 4) donor preference. SECTION 2. Program Funding. The following program costs will be funded through private donations, and do not involve any city funds: purchase costs of benches, memorial placques, and mounting hardware. The following program costs will be borne by the City: labor costs for supervision, site selection, bench assembly and installation, bench maintenance and repair. The BIA is responsible for administrative staff costs to promote and operate the program as described under Section 1. Donated benches shall become the property of the City of San Luis Obispo. SECTION 3. Program Changes or Termination. The bench program may be modified by mutual written agreement between the City and BIA, and may be terminated by either party upon 30 -day advance written notice to the other party. Changes to bench style or color shall require Architectural Review Commission approval. On motion of , seconded by call vote: and on the following roll e i'f -6 Council Resolution No. (1993 Series) Page 3 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of 1993. ATTEST: Mayor Peg Pinard Diane Gladwell, City.Clerk APPROVED: C City Administrative Officer. *1A rn Inters Public works Director 2111- 7 Council Resolution No. (1993 Series) Page 4 Community De lopment Director Attachment:. Exhibit "A" - BIA Program Description, December 7, 1992 Ciy -8 MEMORANDUM To: Architectural Review Committee From: Downtown BIA /Beautification Committee Date: December 7, 1992 RE: Downtown Commemorative Bench Project As a direct result of numerous requests by the City Council and the Architectural Review Committee, the Downtown BIA, through the Beautification Committee, has been working on a plan to place additional seating throughout the downtown core. Our Commemorative Bench Program will provide additional seating, while enhancing the appearance of our downtown, and will contribute to the concept of a more pedestrian - friendly public space as part of the overall downtown concept. We are pleased to submit our proposed bench design for approval by the ARC. We have researched the myriad designs and materials available, and believe this particular bench fulfills the many needs and design criteria of public seating in the downtown. The Renaissance bench by TimberForm is an all -steel bench specifically designed to withstand the abuse of the urban environment. The thick steel straps and solid steel supports are coated with a thick, lead -free polymeric urethane finish that is bonded to the metal. It is highly resistant to degradation by ultraviolet radiation, abrasion, impacts and other hostile, outdoor elements. The design of the bench is subtly contemporary while more strongly recalling a Mediterranean or Spanish colonial style, which we believe is conducive to the overall ambiance of the downtown plan. As a sidelight, it is manufactured by the same company as the bench approved for the Copeland project, and is similar in design to maintain continuity throughout the downtown. Bench locations have been discussed with City staff, and the consensus is that final designated locations will be subject to the approval of the City Engineer with consideration for the donor's preference. — Our program is outlined in the accompanying brochure, but simply stated, is based on donated memorial benches interspersed throughout downtown, installed and maintained by the City. We believe the bench design selected fulfills the parameters of affordability, low maintenance and applicability to the environment, while achieving the end result of additional seating for pedestrians. Should you have any questions, please contact Pam Copeland, Terry Westrope or the BIA office.. E "'XHID P O. Bar 140: • San Gdl Uhm„ • C i • Yiiul, ..Y05/T41 -Y_'A6 r - r P PRE " 2806 -6 Bench with Arrests li �I----------------------- - = - - -- _ �J 2806 2806 -6 TimberForm Renaissance Srlocel Leh= Wed:❑ He:onl Seal H-;gnl M,pnling lvlaf °_real Bench with 2807 -8' 8101, 2' 2" 2' 10" 1' 4- Surface* Steel Intermediate Armrest 2807 -10' 10,0" 2' 2" 2' 10" 1' 4` Surface* Steel 2807 -12' 12'0" 2' 2" 2' 10" 1' 4" Surface* Steel Material: Color -coaled steel. Options: Coating color. Suggestions: Specify matching litter container 2811 or 2814. ash receptacle 2812 and planter 2813. Notes: ' For permanent or movable applications (anchor bolts by others). Includes one intermediate frame with armrest. d S _I 2807 2807 -8 I TimberForm Renaissance Model Length Wldtn Heigh( Seat Height Mounting Material Bench with Armrests 2806 -5 51" 2'2" 2' 10" 1'4" Surface' Steel 280" .` 6-1" 2'2" 2' 10" 1'4" Surface' Steel 2806-8 811" 2'2" 2110" V4" Surface' Steel Material: Color- coated steel. Options: Coating color. Suggestions: Specify matching litter container 2811 or 2814, ash receptacle 2812 and planter 2813. Notes: • For permanent or movable applications (anchor bolts by others). li �I----------------------- - = - - -- _ �J 2806 2806 -6 TimberForm Renaissance Srlocel Leh= Wed:❑ He:onl Seal H-;gnl M,pnling lvlaf °_real Bench with 2807 -8' 8101, 2' 2" 2' 10" 1' 4- Surface* Steel Intermediate Armrest 2807 -10' 10,0" 2' 2" 2' 10" 1' 4` Surface* Steel 2807 -12' 12'0" 2' 2" 2' 10" 1' 4" Surface* Steel Material: Color -coaled steel. Options: Coating color. Suggestions: Specify matching litter container 2811 or 2814. ash receptacle 2812 and planter 2813. Notes: ' For permanent or movable applications (anchor bolts by others). Includes one intermediate frame with armrest. d S _I 2807 2807 -8 I nberForlm'S�te ComplemP - d ; I. y Introdtictior 2806-6 Bench Illllllllllll I �Ni f1 [JlI ��;::::;illllllli llllll Ili �, I 174, 1111111111J11 �� �l + FBI JJ�BBI� 2 M 2802, 2806, 2807 and 2811 -DT 2811 -FT Litter Container 2807 -8 Bench with Intermediate Armrest 2802 -6 Seat with Armrests lllll`l.l 2806 -6 Bench with Armrests All -steel benches, seats, matching litter containers, ash receptacle and planter in the Renaissance series provide unmatched utility in the most demanding public settings indoors or out. This series presents a rich looking and hard working design family capable of coping with intense daily usage in urban streetscapes or busy shopping mall settings. Thick powder coating on carefully fully welded components create end products with a much longer useful life than other similar appearing but tack welded and painted goods. Material: Steel. Options: Coating color and mounting method. Colors: Stocked uncoated. Eight standard TimberForm colors and over 170 special designer colors available. Shipped: Unassembled. Mounting: Movable or permanent surface mount and wall - mount. Permanent and wall mounting requires appropriate anchor bolts (by others). 1 `l i l ' 77 - �T '1'1MliK1t?O1tM SYSCINICATION RFRAISSANCH BENCE (Model No.LaU6) Az Manufactured by Columbia Cascade Company 1975 S.W. 51.1: Avr.nur., Pur•t.lxnd, Or-r.Ijun 972C1 1. Support Frames and Seating, Assembly Suppc:rt. Frames shall be. fabricated with baiid xt,rel bar shaved to fit. A " diameter X 4 -318" steel bar anrall oe welded top the frame and to annapr r.nP sAar assembly. The :.eat assembly shall be fabricatcd from 3/16" x 1 -1/2" sto:! xr,rxp, onnt.oured and fastened with a smooth rontiuuouw write to a 1-5/16" i.d. schedule 4U pipe. Support i•rames ana scat assembly snail bp ground emnnr_n., riahurrxr, ann r.nat.ari in accordance with paragraph two. 1. _. Me-81 Coating Where specified, steel shall be coated with CASPA% -7, a colored powder coating applied to a thickness of 3 mils. Epoxy or lead containing vawda- coatings are not accertab:e. PranarAti.on of the steel substrate shall incorporate the Phosphate system. Substrate preparation shall consizt firs of mechanical cleaning to remove heavy mill scale; varnisn. rust, grease, and the like; then chemical ;:leaning per TT- C -4;0C, methods i ana III. After cleaning, the substrate shall receive corrosion - inhibiting, iron phospbatr coating per TT- C -490C. Type II, prior to the application o' the final powder coat. The color coating ahall be appiiea o the eiect_rontatie method and then over. cared at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to chemically bond the coating to the substrate and to render the coated metal resistant to abrasion. impac -c.. chipping. weathering and rusting. :. Fabrication All fabrication and coating, shall take place in a factory by personnel experienced in the manirtanturw nt' slto nomnlwmanr.F. Fabrication shall ba in accordance ..;.t.h detniled drawings furnished by the manufacturer or approval by the owner's represecitative On reyuesL. hrlur Lu 1'a.Lr•tueLLiuu. 3. Insmallation benches shall be ahippea d:3a3aemoied and include all nPreRaary hardware and netaiien arawings, anonor oalt.s are ,:xc:udcd. 7743 fifDCtJff SltfFl• ILi A�U-:IfS i/�POFNH K2h ttY:G: C7;rnpi•^4+i• `d•: Zw Eo. ^,,11:: -111-1 62- � -i� -/3 r BUSINESS ASSOCIAITON BENCE DONATION PROJECT PROPOSED LOCATIONS: 1. Cornerstone Realty 2. Copeland's Sports 3. Charlie's Bar & Grill 4. City of SLO S. First Bank 6. Letter Perfect 7. Ross Dress For Less 8. Wineman Hotel 9. Fanny Wrappers 10. Avanti /Chamber of Commerce 11. Network Mall 12. Earthling Books 13. MoLintock's 14. MSO Other interested merchants: Time N Treasure Burrito Wagon NOTE: The City of SLO Transit Manager stated that the downtown bus stops can be incorporated into the program since funds have been appropriated for bus stop furniture. C -/il -/# a as z z 0 r z 0 Q z ,Z W � yW. Wz y n 0. 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U L > `�' O 0 O 3oa °O �,w O� E O v N V E h E C s ° -C-0 O = _ ° O O• O 0 y 0 0 C U O ° U C O 0 E H � a C: -C O U x O c E �c °aa)a) `I Qa D 3L U t O O C-0 Q) O 0 3 aE -0 0 c� 0�QO��poc h 2 cn C U Oa U O cm U° 0 O O E > 00-00C c o - o �o >Q3 Qw 000 oL E o E 0 9 9 '�!0.00 s aC.c oo a) a-a a �a) O N 0 a 0 o o > o L o o >� -�'a) a 0 H w -0 C 3 N L t J J C r O ca)0 pm O >cn > aao o o� �o E C �U Umrn o V) 0 � �Ea �3a o a c O o ° m V p ACC O °Q 3N- mo v Q ja O Q � Q < I< N Q O � `I Qa D 3L U t O O C-0 Q) O 0 3 aE -0 0 c� 0�QO��poc h 2 cn C U Oa U O cm U° 0 O O E > 00-00C c o - o �o >Q3 Qw 000 oL E o E 0 9 9 '�!0.00 s aC.c oo a) a-a a �a) O N 0 a 0 o o > o L o o >� -�'a) a 0 H w -0 C 3 N L t draft ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION San Luis Obispo, California Regular Meeting - December 14, 1992 PRESENT: Commrs. Woody Combrink, Allen Cooper, Madi Gates, Jim Homer, Curtis Illingworth, Bruce Sievertson, and Chairman Mike Underwood STAFF PRESENT: Whitney McIlvaine, Associate Planner, and Allen Hopkins, Administrative Assistant OTHERS PRESENT: Cultural Heritage Committee Members Victoria Wood, Denise Fourie, Dan Krieger, Jerry Michael, Leo Pinard, and Jack Lewis MINUTES: Regular meeting of November 9, 1992. Approve or amend. On motion of Comm r. Combrink, seconded by Commr. Illingworth, the minutes of November 9, 1992, were approved as amended. PROJECTS: 1. ARC 211 -92: Downtown Area. A request for architectural review of a new bench program in downtown San Luis Obispo; Downtown Business Improvement Association, applicant. Whitney McIlvaine, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending that the commission recommend that the City Council approve the program as submitted. David Foote, representing the BIA subcommittee, responded to the staff report and noted that the subcommittee chose the color based on the fact that they felt the bench should stand out. He indicated that olive green as considered as an alternative color for the benches. He noted that the manufacturer would pre =drill the benches for mounting the commemorative placque. He stated that there were twenty BIA- recommended sites for the benches in and around the downtown. C -i11-18 Pam Copeland and Terry West, subcommittee members, noted that the BIA wanted a color that was not trendy, therefore, they chose "Hunter" green. Commr. Illingworth supported the program and liked the proposed bench color. Commr. Gates liked the design but would prefer black or a deeper green used. Commr. Cooper supported the selection. His main concern was with location. He felt that sunlight was important to location choices, as well as wind screening, and leg room. Commr. Combrink supported the program and liked the color and design. He agreed with Commr. Cooper that narrow sidewalks could pose a problem to location. Commr. Homer supported the program. Chairman Underwood indicated that the new ARC Guidelines should address bench locations. He liked the proposed color. He felt there should be a standard size for the commemorative placque. Commr. Combrink moved to recommend that the City Council approve the bench program as submitted. Commr. Homer seconded the motion. AYES: Combrink, Homer, Illingworth, Cooper, Gates, Underwood NOES: None ABSENT: Sievertson The motion passed. SIGNS: 2. ARC 215 -92: 723 Higuera Street. A request to allow a projecting sign for Big Music; C -C -H zone; Bob Obrien, applicant. Whitney McIlvaine, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending that the commission approve the proposed sign, if the commission determines the materials and mounting location are consistent with the desired downtown character, and with the architectural style of the building facade. Allen Root, representative, responded to the staff report and explained the dimensions of the sign. He said the sign should intersect the raised horizontal stucco rail. He indicated that the owner wanted also to retain the neon sign. 61-14(-1 q