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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Min 1991-10-29 TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Thayer called the adjourned meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon to order at 7:40 p.m., Tuesday, October 29, 1991, in the Del Mar School Multi-Purpose Room, Tiburon, California. A. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Coxhead, Kuhn, Logan, Thayer ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Friedman EX OFFICIO: Town Manager Kleinert, Town Attorney Ewing, Supt. of Public Works Iacopi, Planning Director Lohman, Police Chief Herley, Minute Clerk Kearney. B. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW TOWN CENTER (Architect Selection Committee's Presentation of Conceptual Site Plans and Design Program for New Town Center Facilities) 1. Introduction (Mayor Thayer) Mayor Thayer introduced the architects; stated they would be presenting conceptual site plan options for the new Town Center; further opportunities for discussion prior to a final decision will be provided; and the Town will be coordinating with RUSD and the Child Care Center during the master plan stages. Mayor Thayer also introduced Jim Wilson, former Planning Commissioner and Councilmember, and current member of the Architect Selection Committee. 2. Architectural Committee Comments/Recommendations (Chairman Wilson, Hal Edelstein, Mayor Jerry Thayer, Councilmember Michael Friedman, Town Manager Robert Kleinert) Jim Wilson reviewed the process whereby the architects were selected and stated the Town executed a letter of contract with Roland/Miller for specific tasks, one of which was to provide several alternative site plans for Ned's Way, although the preliminary plans could work for alternative sites as well. He further stated that before proceeding with the total design, a final contract and fee must be negotiated. TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #927 10/29/91 1 3. Presentation by Architects, Roland/Miller Associates (John Miller, Eric Glass, Mary Dooley) Eric Glass stated that first, the deficiencies in the existing buildings were determined, from both a code compliance and an efficiency /functional standpoint; and the needs of the various departments were documented. He stated the proposed preliminary site plans are functional only and not grandiose; and are the basis for a future design. The proposed square footage of the plans is approximately 24,000 sq. ft. and would cost between 4.4 and 4.9 million dollars. John Miller presented the four preliminary site plan options, the fourth of which is the recommended plan which provides for easy access from Ned's Way, a two level building--police on lower and administrative offices on upper, Council Chambers and Community Room on one side, and the closing of the present driveway between Reed School and Town Center. He also reviewed options for relocation sites for the Child Care Center one of which would be behind Reed School, and the Community Gardens which would be moved above its current site. 4. Council Comments/Questions Councilmember Logan questioned where the Town offices would be relocated during construction; and Mr. Miller responded that one possibility would be to rent portable buildings to be placed on the property below the proposed site. Vice- Mayor Kuhn expressed concern that the proposed traffic circulation modifications behind Reed School will increase the current congestion and safety problems for the school; and Mr. Miller responded that closing off the driveway should make it safer, but this matter is still to be negotiated with the School District. 5. Community Comments/Questions Don Batten, Belveron Homeowner's Assn. President, noted that the proposed site for relocating the Child Care Center would be closer to the school than it currently is and commended the architects on their proposals. Beth Christensen, Child Care Center Board Member, emphasized that it has not been determined that the best location for the Child Care Center is behind Reed School since the children would have to cross the parking lot and the land is unstable. Vickie Winblad, Tiburon Resident, expressed concern about the safety TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #927 10/29/91 2 of closing off the road behind Reed School; the additional one million dollar cost for the proposed Town Center; and questioned where the Thrift Shop would be relocated. Mr. Miller responded that the issues related to closing off the driveway behind Reed School are still to be negotiated with the R USD; there is room for the Thrift Shop to stay where it is, but it is unsightly; and the estimated cost for the new Town Center is not considered high for a facility of this type and size. Mr. Wolff questioned the need for the additional square footage for the proposed new Town Center; and Mr. Miller responded that they want to provide a building that the Town will not outgrow in 10-15 years. Mr. Kirschbaum, resident, requested a written handout be prepared for the public indicating the cost details for the different departments and a needs justification for each. John Tripp, Tiburon resident, questioned the appropriateness of continuing discussions on this project prior to reconsideration of the utility tax. Mayor Thayer stated that nothing final would be done on the project prior to reconsideration .of the tax. Hal Edelstein, Architect Selection Committee member, stated that part of the increase in square footage needs and costs from the 1988 proposed estimates resulted from an increase in personnel, the addition of an emergency facility, and inflation. He noted that the longer the Town waits the more expensive it will be. Bob Ross, Tiburon resident, stated the proposed costs are excessive and questioned why a smaller building could not provide sufficient space. Susan Deluxe, 3333 Paradise Drive, asked who would pay the Child Care Center's moving expenses and why the Town allowed the current facilities to fall into such disrepair; and Mayor Thayer responded that the Child Care Center relocation issues will be resolved during discussions with representatives from the Center and the School District; and he stated the Town has improved its current buildings as much as feasible, but it is not cost effective to improve them beyond a certain point. Virginia Brunini, former Planning Commissioner, questioned whether the site development costs of approximately 1/2 million dollars are for providing the upper parking lot and the associated excavation that will be required; and whether additional "soft" costs have been determined. TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #927 10/29/91 3 Wilson responded that additional "soft" costs will result from financing expenses, temporary relocation of Town offices, special studies or reports, offsite development costs, architectural and consulting fees, etc. and have not yet been determined. David Hansen, Tiburon Fire District, suggested the Town consider another site because the site preparation costs are too high; stated it is extremely difficult to work out of temporary buildings; the soft costs will be substantial; the Fire District was able to build their new building by saving money and not raising taxes. Luigi Baker, Tiburon resident and businessman, stated it is too dangerous to have the Police Department located so closely to the school and he preferred the Mar West site for the new Town Center. Nicki Wolff, Greenwood Beach Road, questioned whether funding would be available for the EOC from other sources since it serves the entire Peninsula. Anne Marie Maher, resident, expressed concern about the cost and size of the proposed buildings and questioned whether the Town has considered remodeling the current building; any new plans should be kept simple and functional; she prefers using the current site and retaining the Community Garden; and asked if this matter will be presented to the voters for approval. Patsy Kirschbaum, resident, questioned what considerations are being given to relocating the Thrift Shop; and Mayor Thayer responded that the Town recognizes the value of the Thrift Shop and the need for a convenient drop off point and will work with Thrift Shop representatives regarding a new location. Nat Marans questioned whether the size proposed is in the range for a town Tiburon's size and whether it could be built in phases; and Mr. Miller responded that the proposed structure is considered mid-range in size and it would be more expensive to build in phases. Lou Brunini, former Supt. of Public Works, questioned the need for a 2,000 square foot lobby; and Mr. Miller responded it would be used for spillover space for the Council Chambers if needed, and would serve all the departments except Police. Deirdre McCrohan, ARK reporter, questioned whether any of the proposals call for phase development and whether Town people will be hired for contract work. Mayor Thayer responded that building the structure in phases would increase costs; and Mr. Miller stated that consultants have been selected for their experience although the structural engineer is from Tiburon. TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #927 10/29/91 4 Norah Grove, Cazadera Lane, questioned why the Town has not considered Point Tiburon as a possible site and expressed concern over the costs projections. Mayor Thayer responded that Point Tiburon was considered and for various reasons including inadequate space for the Police and litigation regarding the lagoon, it was determined to not be an appropriate site. c. SPECIAL REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS - COMMUNI1Y GARDEN PROGRAM Mayor Thayer introduced Tom Lacy, representing the Community Garden. Mr. Lacy expressed delight that the Garden has been included in the Town's plans. J an Phelps presented a video whereby various Garden workers were interviewed. Mayor Thayer noted that former Councilmember Carlisle Becker has offered to design the new garden beds and the Town will assist in moving the garden at the appropriate time. D. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon, Mayor Thayer adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m., sine die. ATTEST: ~<n(~ ERESE M. HENNESSY, WN CLERK TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #927 10/29/91 5