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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPCC Minutes 1990-11-07SRCC MINUTES (Special Joint Workshop) 11/7/90 Page 1 AT SAN RAFAEL IMPROVEMENT CLUB, FIFTH AVENUE AND H STREET, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1990 AT 7:30 P.M. Special Joint Workshop: Present: Lawrence E. Mulryan, Mayor San Rafael City Council Albert J. Boro, Councilmember Dorothy L. Breiner, Councilmember Michael A. Shippey, Councilmember Joan Thayer, Councilmember Library Oversight Committee: Joan Thayer, Councilmember Bob Roumiguiere, Supervisor Pamela Nicolai, City Manager John Haeuser, Member, San Rafael Board Library Trustees Anne Appel, County Library Director Vaughn Stratford, City Library Director Also Present: Katie Korzun, Senior Planner; Robert Oringdulph & John Meadows, BOOR/A Architects COMMUNITY MEETING FOR THE CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF THE CITY/COUNTY LIBRARY AND MULTIPLE USE PROJECT ON THIRD AND SECOND STREETS - File 4-13-79 x 9-3-61 x 12-8 Mr. Oringdulph presented an update on the conceptual design for the new library. Designs presented are preliminary and will be the basis for the application to the State for matching funding. The following are comments about the presentation and the design: I. Mayor Mulryan noted that he was impressed with the features of the project and liked the balance in the design. He felt there was exciting potential in the development. 2. Councilmember Breiner asked how retail delivery would occur for retail stores on B Street. BOOR/A noted that they could continue to be served from B Street and that there will be curbside areas for short-term delivery parking. 3. Councilmember Thayer noted that she liked the vaulted roof, bay windows, fireplace idea, natural light, and transparency of the building. 4. Councilmember Boro said this was the finest conceptual presentation he has heard yet. He liked the ideas and the life the architects have given the project. 5. Councilmember Shippey was impressed with the positive aspects of the project and is very excited about the direction of the design. 6. Mr. Stratford and Ms. Appel noted that the plans were being developed and refined to function well for the library. 7. Members of the audience had the following comments and questions: a. The exterior design should focus on continuity with the downtown. b. The existing Spanish tradition should be considered in the development of details that would go well with the roof forms and the plaster finish. c. A question was asked about whether the site had been officially decided upon. Mr. Roumiguiere noted that the decision had been made to place the library on this site for the purpose of seeking state funding. d. Audience members commented that they liked the design and the way it incorporates different elements from San Rafael. Suggestions were made that the final design soften the lines for a more lasting and fitting image. e. Questions were raised about the historical facade of the Grainful Bread building. This issue needs further study. f. One member of the audience was impressed with the progress made and with the presentation. A question was raised about the connection between the library entry and the parking garage elevator: Why require people to walk outside between the two structures? A suggestion was made to have the elevator enter into the library foyer. SRCC MINUTES (Special Joint Workshop) 11/7/90 Page 1 SRCC MINUTES (Special Joint Workshop) 11/7/90 Page 2 g. Another audience member was quite pleased with the design and liked the suggestion to cover the connection between the elevator and the entry. h. A comment was made that it was a very good presentation although more parking is needed on site. If the City looks to off-site parking, that parking may not be available in the future, limiting the parking for the library. i. A suggestion was made that parking be free for library users. j. A comment was made that the traffic at Second and Third Streets is too noisy, that this is still not a good site; didn't like the idea of mixed-use on the site, would rather have grass and trees, and thinks the main part of the library building looks too long and severe. k. Councilmember Thayer discussed the site selection process and agreed that this was not the best site imaginable, but it is the best site available that fits the needs and is a good one and offers good regional accessibility. 1. Mr. Oringdulph noted that he thinks this is an excellent site with good visibility, accessibility and regional access, and is a site that can reinforce the downtown retail core. This site will result in a very positive influence on development downtown. 8. Supervisor Roumiguiere thanked everyone for their participation and expression of interest. He noted that he was pleased that BOOR/A had been selected and thought they had done a great job on the design. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. PAMELA :J4 De uty C t Clerk/City Manager P APPROVED THIS OF , 1991. LAWRENCE E. MULRYAN, Mayor SRCC MINUTES (Special Joint Workshop) 11/7/90 Page 2