July 16, 2012

An audio recording of this meeting is available online at the following address: http://www.sfgov3.org/index.aspx?page=3420

CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, July 16, 2012
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70 

Minutes

Commissioners present: Cass Calder Smith, Dorka Keehn, Kimberlee Stryker
Commissioners absent:  Leo Chow
Staff present: Tom DeCaigny, Vicky Knoop

Call to order: 3:00 p.m.

1. SFMTA Operator Convenience Facilities: Phase 1
   Kerstin Magary, SFMTA Project Manager, introduced the project and gave an overview of the current lack of adequate operator facilities at the terminus of bus lines.

   Tara Lamont, Interim Manager, DPW BDC presented the locations of the proposed five new prefabricated restrooms. The revised proposal has moved the siting of some of the restrooms from the parking lane to safer locations off of the street. Others will have a sidewalk bulb with a bioswale around the restroom. The prefabricated buildings are plumbed into the City’s water system. SFMTA requirements, such as a one week construction period, limit the type and style of the structures.

   Commissioner Keehn commented that the siting and design are significantly improved.

   Commissioner Smith suggested exploring colors that relate to existing City systems. He also expressed a preference for the curved design option.

   Commissioner Stryker suggested combining elements, such as signal boxes and bus shelters, with the new structure to minimize the impact on the street.

   Ms. Magary explained that the bus shelters are controlled by a contract with Clear Channel and are unable to be changed.

   Commissioner Stryker commented favorably on the bioswale bulb outs.

   Commissioner Smith suggested presenting Phase 2 and Phase 3 together, but asked to be sent images of the selected prefabricated structure prior to the next Committee review.

   Commissioner Smith opened the floor to public comment.

   Eric Williams, Transportation Workers Union, said that he appreciates the Commissioner’s comments and that the revised design has responded to many concerns. He reminded the committee of budget and time constraints.

   Commissioner Smith closed the floor to public comment.

   Motion to approve Phase 1 of the SFMTA Operator Convenience Facilities with the contingency of exploring additional color options, presenting a more detailed site plan and working with the alternative design options: Commissioner Keehn
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
    

2. Moccasin Control and Server Building: Phase 1
   Steve Thomazin, Project Engineer, SFPUC HHWP, explained that several of the buildings in Moccasin are from the early 1900’s when the SFPUC purchased the town. The Moccasin Control and Server Building will replace one of the older buildings on site that is currently unused. He presented historic photographs of the site and building. He explained that the existing structure is in very poor condition, but the new facility will have the same footprint. The new structure will be a powerhouse operators control room and server data back up center. The building will not be open to the public. The design inspiration is from the existing buildings on site. The town of Moccasin has a population of 160 people with 150 working for the PUC facilities. Fifty people came to a public meeting and spoke in favor of the stucco and tile building.

   Commissioner Smith asked about the total construction cost.

   Mr. Thomazin said it is $1.5 million.

   Commissioner Keehn asked about solar power.

   Mr. Thomazin said that the PUC has decided not to do photovoltaic power in Moccasin. As the powerhouse control room, the facility has a nearly unlimited power supply.

   Commissioner Stryker recommended looking at the water consumption of the selected plants. She also suggested adding trees to shade the parking lot.

   Mr. Thomazin explained that the planting palette is derived from successful plants in the area.

   Commissioner Smith said they are headed in the right design direction by matching the stucco and tile of existing structures.

   Motion to approval Phase 1 of the Moccasin Control and Server Building: Commissioner Stryker
   Vote: Unanimously approved

   
    
   

3. Washington Square Restroom Replacement: Phase 1
   Mary Hobson, Project Manager, Recreation and Parks Department, explained that Washington Square Park has landmark status, but the restroom does not.

   Paulett Taggart, Paulett Taggart Architects, presented the site of the restroom which is near the existing playground. Currently, this is the second most used restroom in the parks system, but is not ADA accessible. The new design will expand the size of the restrooms and provide maintenance and custodial space. The play area may be expanded at a later date, and the new building is accounting for that possible expansion. Additionally, the roof is designed for rainwater catchment for use in future community gardens. The roof is zinc and will be recyclable in the future.

   Commissioner Smith suggested using a lighter color concrete.

   Commissioner Keehn commented that the color could be picked up from the previously approved Recreation and Parks restrooms.

   Commissioner Smith asked about extending the roof.

   Ms. Taggart responded that they are looking to pull in the screens to make the roof look larger.

   Commissioner Smith opened the floor to public comment.

   Ken Maley commented that the Friends of Washington Square are pleased with the community process and requested more discussion on the exterior color of the building.

   Commissioner Smith closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 1 of the Washington Square Park Restroom: Commissioner Keehn
   Vote: Unanimously approved

    
   

4. Public Comment
   There was no general public comment.
    
5. New Business
   There was no new business.

6. Old Business
   There was no old business.
    
   
7. Adjournment: 4:30 p.m.

vmk 7/26/12

vmk 10/22/12 Edit to Roll Call: Commissioner Breitenberg was not in attendance