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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 21,1993_3 I I cJl',-)_ ~'I 1,1;)..21'1.[ 35:0329 cc- CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK M I NUT E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 21, 1993 The City Council met in the City Hall Council Chambers at 8:47 p,m. for a Special Meeting. CITY ATTORNEY The City Attorney announced that, "a special meeting has been (Special Mtg. scheduled. The twenty-four hour notice was provided as required Announcement) by law. The specific item on the agenda, which has also been ,()(t'O _ 90 provided, is the Review and Consideration of the Proposed Library Architecture Relative to the Library Expansion Project. That item may be considered at this time", ROLL CALL PROPOSED ARCHITECTURE LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT (CONT'D TO JAN. 11, 1994) 07..30_70 NS-P PRESENT: Councilmembers Fasching, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett and Ciraulo ABSENT: None Consideration of the proposed library architecture design - relative to the library expansion project. Renderings had been presented to the Library Building Advisory Committee and the Library Board, and were presented this date for further review by the Council. Before proceeding with the architectural design, staff requested Council's direction as to whether or not this concept is acceptable. The renderings are based on the project budget that Council gave to staff and the architect to work with. The project budget is $4.5 - 5 million dollars. Mayor Pro tern Lojeski feels that the building on that particular corner is one that should present a statement -- there are many students going back and forth from the schools, and a great deal of traffic passing by that intersection. The City has made a fine statement with the new community center and with the new fire station. Mayor Pro tern Lojeski felt that the rendering is extremely stark, perhaps a change could be made on the side that says Arcadia Public Library at the top. This is a style of architecture he is not particularly impressed with -- he thinks it is dated. He thinks the entire Council should take a look at it, and that Council and staff concerns should be discussed here, The project architect from Charles Walton and Associates was present to answer questions, and stated that there had been input from concerned citizens at the design camp. He proceeded to explain the rendering and the budget restraints within which the firm has had to work. He discussed the proposed entryway and the trellises. This is a concept we are seeing more and more of. It is a design that is warm and inviting. The architect has no budget for a high sloping or tile roof. They have designed openness in the building. He described the inside design, including color and plantings to help bring the outside inside, Mayor Pro tern Loj eski would like to see a more interesting exterior. Councilmember Fasching said that the original intention was to provide more room inside, facilitate more foot traffic within the library and make room for more book shelves. This plan makes sense to him, The architect is having difficulty accomplishing these objectives while staying within the budget. We will be adding onto the building, but this is not a conventional library type building, Librarian Kent Ross said l2/2l/93 1 35:0330 that the concept drawing has been available at the library for the public to view, Also, this concept was brought before Council at the time the funds were approved, The work on the outside elevation is more recent. It was not the recommendation to approve the design tonight, but the rendering was presented in order to get the reaction of the Council to the exterior architecture. Some discussion ensued as to whether or not Council wishes to establish a goal to have a commonalty of City buildings, or a distinctive and different type of architecture beyond what we see now. Councilmember Harbicht said that 99% of his concern about the building is the function of the building. 40,000 people a month go through the building. Our plan was to provide the '.'1 expanded facilities that are needed -- to do that and make it look as nice as possible. It was a stretch to get the money, and he is not interested in adding another quarter million dollars to dress up the facade, We have to realize that we have a limited budget. Councilmember Fasching agreed that when Council started this, the main concern was to improve the interior and the access; to expand the library to allow more people inside in better surroundings. Councilmember Fasching thought the rendering is quite nice. It allows for expansion. The main thing is to concentrate on the interior of the library, The budget has increased from three million dollars to what we now have. Council gave the architects a limited budget, and this is the best they can do within that budget, Councilmember Fasching said he didn't like the appearance of the building to begin with - - he agrees it should look more like a traditional library building, but the inside is what we need to concentrate on. Councilmember Harbicht noted that some people are seeing the elevation rendering for the first time. Maybe Council should hold this over and give everybody time to come in and study it, rather than viewing it on the video monitor, Council can take this up again at the next meeting at which time everyone will have the opportunity to come up with some ideas before we make any final commitments. Councilmember Fasching agreed that the architectural firm should not do anything further or spend any money until decisions have been made. Councilmember Harbicht said there is a lot of work to be done that has nothing to do with the architecture of the building, and we should be moving ahead with that. Councilmember Fasching inquired about assistance from the proj ect management firm with which Council approved an agreement earlier this evening. The City Attorney replied that the contract has not been finalized and there will be a short time lag until insurance is checked, etc, In response to questions, the City Manager replied that the architect's rendering will be on display in his office so that people may walk in and look at it. I It was Mayor Ciraulo's suggestion and the consensus of Council that this matter be considered further at the January ll, 1994 Council Study Session. 0110. '-It') /0/$ F CITY ATTORNEY The City Attorney announced that, "the Council has requested a (Closed CLOSED SESSION pursuant to government code section 54957 to Session) consider an employee evaluation". ADJOURNMENT (Jan.4,1994 5:30 p.m.) At 9:25 p.m. the City Council ADJOURNED to a CLOSED SESSION, RECONVENED and ADJOURNED at 10:45 p, m. to 5:30 p. m., Tuesday. January 4, 1994 in the Conference Room of the Council Chambers for an Adjourned Regular Meeting to conduct the business of the Council and any Closed Session necessar discuss personnel. litigation matters and evaluation 0 roperc"es AT Mayor 2 L'/2i193