REGULAR CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE

Monday, August 19, 2002

MEETING LOCATION

3:00 p.m.

Suite 70, Conference Room

25 Van Ness Ave.

San Francisco 94102

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Explanatory documents are available for public inspection and copying at the Arts Commission office, 25 Van Ness Ave, Ste 240, during regular business hours.

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Minutes

The meeting commenced at 3:10 p.m.

1. Role Call:
   
   Commissioners present: William Meyer, Rod Freebairn-Smith, Barbara Stauffacher-Solomon, Andrea Cochran
   
   Commissioners absent: Stanlee Gatti
   
   Staff present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
   
   
2. SAN FRANCISCO TRASH RECEPTACLES
   
   Mohammed Neru briefly introduced the scope of the project. He explained that the new trash receptacle was a collaborative design effort between city agencies and community groups. Mr. Neru said that the project was to develop an attractive, functional, low maintenance receptacle that enhanced the neighborhood's image and identity. He continued to explain that the new receptacle would also support the city's recycling program. Mr. Neru introduced Elizabeth Wilmore, Forms + Surfaces, to comment on the specifics of the design.
   
   Ms. Wilmore described that the goal of the project was to replace dilapidated existing receptacles with the proposed design. In the case that the existing receptacle is in good condition then a new recycling top will replace the existing cage top. Ms. Wilmore explained that the proposed receptacle design was constructed of a heavy gauge powder coated stainless steel. The hardware is also stainless steel. Ms. Wilmore noted that the installation would utilize existing crane equipment. The proposed receptacle would also accommodate the new wheeled 36 gallon Toter liner. The new receptacle top will have separate openings to receive recyclable and trash independently. She explained that the dome top will prevent siting or standing. The San Francisco official seal and a special motif that reflects the characteristics of the neighborhood will be incorporated into the side panels of the receptacles.
   
   Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran commented that the design seemed fine and asked if the entire can was powder coated.
   
   Ms. Wilmore responded that the entire can is powder coated and sealed with an anti-graffitti coating.
   
   Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon commented that the design seems unnecessarily complicated and asked if the design team had seen the trash/recycling receptacles at Crissy Field. The receptacle is simple and elegant. She commented that they represented a good precedent to study. Ms. Stauffacher-Solomon commented that she could not support the design as presented.
   
   Commissioner Freebairn-Smith commented that the design was adequate. He asked if the proposed finish was more effective in resisting vandalization.
   
   Ms. Wilmore commented that the combination of the powder coating and graffiti resistant coating will be highly effective. She explained that a natural citrus based cleaner will be used to remove any graffiti.
   
   Commissioner Cochran asked how gouges in the powder coating would be repaired.
   
   Ms. Wilmore answered that a touchup kit would be provided.
   
   Commissioner Meyer asked what percentage of existing receptacles would be replaced and what percentage would be retrofitted.
   
   Mr. Neru answered that approximately 75% of the existing cans would be retrofitted.
   
   Commissioner Meyer commented that right now the vote is split in terms of support. Mr. Meyer asked for staff recommendations on procedure. He felt that more information should be shown regarding the design team's research into other options. He explained that this would help the commission take a better informed vote on the scheme that they have presented today.
   
   Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs, stated that it is reasonable to request that additional information regarding the design process be shown to the commission.
   
   Commissioner Cochran requested that the NorCal criteria be included in the revised submission.
   
   Commissioner Meyer requested that the design team come back to present the design and research that lead to the final product presented today. The presentation should be a side by side analysis of other options explored in relation to the final design.
   
   
3. SUNOL VALLEY FLORIDATION FACILITY
   
   Mike Pierron, Architect, Public Utilities Commission introduced the scope of the project. He explained that the proposal was an extension of the chlorination facility approved by the Civic Design committee. Mr. Pieron explained that the project would be a single new steel structure on a concrete slab with a metal roofing system. The roof will extend to create a canopy to protect delivery trucks. The building will be surrounded by a full height chain link fence. Due to chemical incompatibility, the building is separated by 20"
   
   Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 1
   Motion: Freebairn-Smith
   Vote: Unanimous
   
   
4. BEACH CHALET REVISED DECK AND IMPROVEMENTS
   
   Clark Manus, CEO, Heller Manus Architects explained that since the last Civic Design meeting, the design team has presented to the Landmarks Advisory Board and to the Planning Commission. Mr. Manus explained that they are presenting revised schemes based on the comments from these meeting as well as the last Civic Design meeting. Mr. Manus listed the primary design changes:
   
   1. Revised and more shallow roof section.

      More shallower pitch for the main skylight

      Single vs. Double columns along perimeter of the addition

      Fireplace has been reconfigured

      Porches on east side has been extended to encourage impromptu dining

   Mr. Manus introduced Mike Payner, landscape architect.
   
   Mr. Payner briefly described the landscape concept. He explained that a simple plan of open lawn and hearty plantings was the primary strategy.
   
   Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran asked how the retractable awning would operate.
   
   Eric Lundquist, Principal, Heller Manus Architects, explained that the roof would be either manually or electronically operated.
   Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon commented that she liked the design.
   
   Commissioner Freebairn Smith asked if there could be more dense planting along the northern edge to help control the wind.
   
   Commissioner Meyer liked the design. He asked if the client was satisfied with the canvas awnings.
   
   Mr Truppelli answered that he was most interested in a solution the afforded the most openness and that he was very satisfied with the architect's solution.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 1 & 2, revised deck and garden improvements
   Motion: Freebairn-Smith
   Vote: Unanimous
   
   

5. HELEN WILLS PLAYGROUND AND CLUBHOUSE RENOVATION
   
   Chris Downey, Architect, Holt Hinshaw Architects, briefly described the main components of the proposed design scheme. He explained that the program consisted of an elevated walkway, recreation center, basketball courts, play structure and resurfaced tennis courts.
   
   Mr. Downey commented that the issues from the last meeting were: noise abatement along the Broadway street edge and the density of structures in the park. Mr Downey explained that they proposed a series of planting wells integrated into the concrete retaining walls. Regarding the density of objects in the space, programmatic requirements prohibit the elimination of any of the structures.
   
   Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment
   
   Commissioner Freebairn Smith commented that open space is significant. Mr. Freebairn Smith commented that the shadow casting building located dead center within the space does not serve the design well nor does the overpass extending into the space. He stated that these are urban design issues that respond to the qualities of good open space.
   
   Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon commented that she liked the playfulness of the design.
   
   Commissioner Meyer asked if the ramp was necessary in terms of accessing the park.
   
   Mr. Downey explained that the ramp/boardwalk was an extension of the of the play structure intended to make it more accessible to children of all physical abilities.
   
   Commissioner Cochren stated that she liked the idea of the ramp as a design element that also provides accessibility. She also commented that she like the colors and overall design.
   
   Commissioner Meyer stated that he liked the design and the playfulness of the structures, He commented that he did not like the large spray on letters on the chain link fence.
   
   Commissioner Freebairn Smith commented that he really had a problem with the fact that there is no significant sound abatement along Broadway. He also stated that he is still in disagreement about the large red design elements in the park. He would like to have seen more opaqueness along the Broadway side of the park.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 2
   Motion: Cochran
   Vote:
   Yes-Cochran, Stauffacher-Solomon, Meyer
   No-Freebairn-Smith
   
   
6. Adjournment
   
   Meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.