2006 08 14 CSC Minutes
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
August 14, 2006
I. CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Community Services commission was called to order at
7:00 p.m. in the La Quinta City Hall Study Session Room.
Commissioner Mark Weber presided over the meeting and Commissioner Bob
Leidner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairperson Mark Weber
Vice-Chairperson Robert F. Sylk
Commissioner Bob Leidner
Commissioner Andrea Gassman
Commissioner E. Howard Long
ST AFF PRESENT:
Edie Hylton, Community Services Director
Steve Howlett, Golf & Parks Manager
Tustin Larson, Recreation Supervisor
Christina Calderon, Recreation Supervisor
Angela Guereque, Community Services Secretary
Jean Wilson, Community Services Office Assistant
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Motion - It was moved by Commissioner Leidner and seconded by Commissioner
Gassman to confirm the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of July 10, 2006 minutes.
B. Monthly Department Report for June 2006.
Commissioner Long noted that on page 2 which read "reside" should have read
"preside." Commissioner Leidner noted that he did not move or second the
confirmation of agenda. Commissioner Sylk noted that on page 3, 3'0 paragraph,
CnflH'll :n1ty Sr-'VIC0S COln~,1ISS on MlllUtcs
/l.l.Jqd'~: 1 i! )0\' ,}
?
he asked what the new center of the population would be not the "center of La
Quinta."
Motion - It was moved by Commissioner Leidner and seconded by Commissioner
Gassman to approve the minutes as corrected and monthly report. Motion carried
unanimously.
V. PUBLIC HEARING
None.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Selection of Design for Library Bus Stop.
Ms. Hylton explained City Council requested that staff send out an RFP to design a
bus stop with a "Library Theme."
Commissioner Gassman questioned advertising in the Sun Line bus stops. Ms.
Hylton stated staff is working with Sun Line to meet approvals. The Artist that is
chosen will have to make their designs fit with the City and Sun Line requirements.
Once City Council approves the design, the Artist will be working with Community
Services staff, Building & Safety staff, and SunLine to make sure it meets all those
specifications.
Commissioner Weber stated that it is our intention that when we have a themed
bus stop and substantial modification occurs, we actually become the owner and
will maintain the bus stop.
Commissioner Long asked if there were any criteria that had to be met. Ms. Hylton
stated that the design has to meet the ADA specifications as outlined in the RFP.
The RFP allowed the design to have a theme and the design had to provide a safe
place, be well lit, have all the features of a normal bus stop.
Presentation by Kay Henkel Studio.
Commissioner Weber asked what material will be used and Ms. Henkel stated that
it would be cement. Commissioner Leidner asked why Ms. Henkel would not
recommend a bronze for this particular project. Ms. Henkel stated that on a bus
stop, people like to carve their initials into the bronze. Commissioner Leidner
asked if it was easy to carve into a bronze and Ms. Henkel stated that it scratches
easily.
Commissioner Sylk asked what colors Ms. Henkel had in mind. Ms. Henkel stated
Soft Jade or the Soft Turquoise.
Cr' l'l"lll'l'tV Snrvlcos C>vrnl <';S,11~1 i\~111UU;S
/\I...'1_j'" 1 'I. ')\1,;:;
"
Commissioner Gassman asked how long Ms. Henkel had been working with this
material and how many years Ms. Henkel had been an artist. Ms. Henkel stated
that she doesn't use it as much as bronze and the other materials. In 1979, Ms.
Henkel came to Palm Springs and had four art galleries which all had studio space
attached so she could teach.
Commissioner Sylk asked if any writing would be on the books themselves. Ms.
Henkel stated that she could put writing on them, maybe Shakespeare.
Commissioner Leidner asked if Ms. Henkel was using one color concrete
throughout and if the bindings on the books will all be the same color. Ms. Henkel
answered yes.
Commissioner Long asked about vandalism. Ms. Henkel stated that it is going to
be pretty stocky looking and there is going to be rebar and metal laid into the figure
itself and there is a stainless steel metal all through it.
Commissioner Long asked what her time frame is. Ms. Henkel stated 9 weeks.
Commissioner Leidner asked if Ms. Henkel had ever done a bus stop before. Ms.
Henkel answered no.
Commissioner Gassman asked Ms. Henkel if she knew of any potential conflict of
interest. Ms. Henkel answered no.
Presentation by Metal Revelations
Ms. Smith-Schooley explained that Metal Revelations wanted to create a bus stop
that was not only functional but had an interest related to the library theme. They
proposed a book for the roof of the bus stop, which would be all aluminum with
the legs being scrolls. The back part of the screen would be attached to the back
of legs of the bus stop in the form of a laser cut screen with the books on it. The
bench seating would be cast concrete in the form of armchairs or a couch.
Commissioner Leidner asked if the open books would be the back. Ms. Smith-
Schooley stated that it is a screen going across the back and it would be between
the two supports. It would be aluminum and laser cut.
Commissioner Gassman stated that she was concerned about the scrolls, using
metal, and whether the edges would be sharp. Mr. Smith-Schooley stated that she
would make sure the edges weren't sharp.
Commissioner Leidner asked if there should be any concern with the aluminum and
the heat beating down on it. Mr. Smith-Schooley stated that it would be under
CnrTJfllllnlt'l Sr~rVIC(;S Com,q SSIO'l Mrnutr,s
;:\"';'J1,.:t I ~ )O(:~
4
cover and someone would get the same thing as if they leaned up against a pole.
It doesn't hold the heat such as a bronze or steel.
Commissioner Sylk commented on the time of completion being about 17 weeks.
Ms. Smith-Schooley replied yes, from the time of approval to getting it completely
installed.
Commissioner Gassman asked what their availability was. Ms. Smith-Schooley
answered anytime.
Commissioner Weber noted that he had a little bit of concern with the bench detail;
some of these details are not included and would like an explanation in reference to
the mosaic. Ms. Smith-Schooley stated that there are many places where they
have benches in bus stops where they use mosaic over the concrete to add a color
or to bring out what's on the building behind them.
Commissioner Weber asked about the maintenance of the mosaic. Ms. Smith-
Schooley stated that the tile, if it's fired to the proper temperature, is really easy to
maintain. The only thing that possibly could discolor would be the grout.
Commissioner Leidner asked how long the firm has been in existence. Ms. Smith-
Schooley stated that the firm has been in existence six years, and she has been an
artist for 20 years.
Presentation by Twin Graphics - Cindy Pierce - Wendy Olson - Brian Murphy
Ms. Pierce stated the different activities included are a librarian giving story time,
an elderly person reading a large print book, a student doing research on a
computer, someone checking out a book, and someone that is browsing the library.
Geckos were chosen because there are a very natural animal to the area. The
library would actually be made of rock (concrete) and the geckos would blend into
the display. The geckos are a core base of foam and actually carved out.
Underneath there is rebar welded together for a solid skeleton and then the foam
carving is created around that. FoamWorks puts a hard coat on the foam, then the
painting and airbrushing is done. Then it goes back to FoamWorks for an industrial
clear coat that goes over the final project.
Commissioner Gassman asked how it is cleaned. Ms. Pierce stated that you can
just hose it off. The rock work is very durable.
Commissioner Sylk asked how high off the ground this begins. Ms. Pierce stated
that it is about 15' wide and the tallest point should be about 6', starting about 4'.
CO!T1r'-',If1lt? SnrVlC0S COMmiSSion lv1tnut(~'-;
1\UQl,,:t l' , 7tiCJ
"
Commissioner Gassman asked why they chose the gecko rather than Gamby the
quail. Ms. Pierce stated that with the rock work the geckos would actually work
better and wanted to get something extremely durable.
Commissioner Sylk asked what the time limit would be from start to finish. Ms.
Pierce answered 3 months.
Commissioner Weber asked about the maintenance of the planting and the lighting.
Ms. Pierce stated that they Technoscape, who would tie into the existing line so
the maintenance would be very little.
Commissioner Gassman asked about their availability. Ms. Pierce answered
immediate.
Ms. Olson commented that one thing they did not mention was the bench. They
had suggested a cast concrete bench, but they could also do a rock formation at
different levels that people could sit throughout at different levels on rock.
Commissioner Weber commented that they were not necessarily touching the stop
itself, so would the roof stay the same? Ms. Pierce answered yes.
Presentation by Peter Urbon given by Edie Hylton
Ms. Hylton stated that Mr. Urbon was ill and dropped off his maquette with a few
talking points. Peter Urbon's design is taking the roof line of the library. The
overall dimensions of the structure: the length of the bench is 10'6"; the length of
the structure is 22'; the low end height of the roof is 8'. The color of the structure
is to match that of the library. He is looking at a replaceable wood bench seat and
backrest. All steel weatherized construction except the roof tiles and the bench.
The color of tile has not been indicated.
Commissioner Sylk commented that this design has less protection from sun and
weather. Commissioner Gassman stated that the way it is oriented there is going
to be sun exposure. Commissioner Leidner stated that there won't be protection
until the afternoon.
Commissioner Gassman commented another concern is the wood bench. No
matter how many times you seal it, it's subject to splinter and fading.
Commissioner Long commented that the metal is too exposed in the heat. Ms.
Hylton commented that most often you see concrete.
Commissioner Leidner asked Ms. Hylton about the height dimension on the tallest
part. Ms. Hylton answered 14' at the highest part.
CD'lln'lJrlrlY SnrVICeS COrnmIS<)IOn i\/lnUlr:~,
I\\H ] l : I I~- , J;;' 1
o
Commissioner Gassman asked
performance or qualifications.
information.
if there was any information about his past
Ms. Hylton replied it wasn't provided in the
Commissioner Weber asked if it showed lighting. Ms. Hylton answered yes, there
is lighting shown underneath the roof.
Commissioner Sylk commented that it's about six months to complete.
Presentation by Bill Ware
Mr. Ware has been an artist for 39 years. This idea is using the existing bus stop.
He chose bronze to make the sculpture pieces.
Commissioner Gassman asked if he also did the horses outside the Embassy Suites.
Mr. Ware answered yes. There is a raven on the roof which is two times life size
and bronze. The tortoise and the hare will weigh several hundred pounds. Mr.
Ware would like to cover the roof with sheets of copper with insulation inside and
just let it change so it matches the top of the library. As far as the color, it would
be left the same. The tortoise and the hare with books underneath are about five
feet tall. The books say "Library copy," on the paper edge.
Commissioner Sylk asked if there was a material that when the sun is shining it is
one color and when it's not is another color. Mr. Ware stated that it will have a
metallic look; the columns will be in auto paint. Everything is either bronze or
stainless steel.
Commissioner Gassman commented that Mr. Ware had in his original drawing small
color glass shapes and prisms and she is concerned about the heat that comes
through colored glass. Mr. Ware replied that he didn't think they would really allow
any heat.
Commissioner Leidner asked what would be used to clean off graffiti. Mr. Ware
replied that the bronze gets three coats of lacquer and then on top of that lacquer
is two coats of wax. Once a year it has to be waxed. If you have that wax on
there once a year, even if vandalized you can clean it off with mineral spirits.
Commissioner Leidner asked if the existing bench was being used and Mr. Ware
replied yes.
Commissioner Weber asked if the structure of the roof would have to be modified
to accommodate the lighting inside. Mr. Ware stated that there is a solar panel up
there and that he is going to put a low voltage light shining on the raven.
rO'TlII'.JIl,ty SerVices Co....,ml~~;I(J!1 Mlfllltf~S
hu[]i' I ') ),',;
7
Commissioner Weber commented that a lot of hard work, thought, and time has
gone into the presentations and the maquettes and the Commission was
appreciative of the quality of the work.
The evaluations were ranked 1 - 10 (10 being the best) on various categories (past
performance and qualifications; familiarity and capability; ability to commence
immediately to complete the work; the firm's experience, staffing, stability, and
past performance; the work proposal was ranked with the format, the presentation,
and the ability to demonstrate no conflict of interest.
Rankings received are as follows:
1. Kay Henkel = 307
2. Bill Ware = 294
3. Twin Graphics = 279
4. Metal Revelations = 276
5. Peter Urbon = 177
Commissioner Leidner suggested that City Council have the opportunity to take the
two highest recommendations.
Motion - It was moved by Commissioner Sylk to send the top two designs to City
Council for their consideration. Seconded by Commissioner Long. Motion carried
unanimously.
B. Selection of Design for Arch Sculpture
Presentation by Harvey Silverman
The metal plates all covered with backer board because the tile will pop off of the
metal as it expands. The entire back is a little mirror and it faces the tennis courts.
Commissioner Leidner asked why there were mirrors on the back. Mr. Silverman
stated that he thinks of it as a piece of jewelry and also a little bit like cathedrals.
Commissioner Leidner asked what the people playing tennis behind those mirrors
are going to see. Mr. Silverman replied that right now there is green netting around
the courts. The marbles are there for the glitter.
Commissioner Weber questioned the maintenance. Mr. Silverman replied to just
use glass cleaner, water is not good. Water has a lot of chemicals in it and it
doesn't work with tile.
Commissioner Weber commented that one of the concerns was the compliance
with the RFP requirements in that the piece adds the mountain portion across and it
ClJ'~i111lJr.:'I Sf~rV1CCS CO:Tlnl,~,Sl(lI' IV\lI'UI(~S
^"[J..>t t' 7[J~]{,
8
closes in the structure. Ms. Hylton replied that the original intent was to have it
become more like a replication of a logo.
Commissioner Leidner asked how long Mr. Silverman estimated it would take to
complete. Mr. Silverman replied that the proposal calls for a year. Commissioner
Weber commented that he was concerned with the amount of time it would take.
Presentation by Ric, Susan, and Tim Vigallon
Mr. Vigallon explained that he has been doing art shows in the valley for 10 years.
He works with stainless steel and aluminum. Everything is hand drawn, hand cut,
one of a kind pieces. There is a family of quail's with 2 palm trees on the side (7').
It is stainless steel and colored with heat and dyes. There was a concern that the
points could be a problem but they are going to be up and will make them so that
they are not so pointy. The city script will go on the first arch and the gem of the
desert on the 2nd. Everything is welded together to the actual structure.
Commissioner Leidner asked how large the smallest quail was. Mr. Vigallon
answered 2'.
Commissioner Gassman asked how long Mr. Vigallon had you been doing this. Mr.
Vigallon responded that he has been an artist for 12 years.
Commissioner Gassman asked if Mr. Vigallon had any conflict of interest with the
City of La Quinta. Mr. Vigallon responded no.
Mr. Vigallon explained it can be done by January 2007.
Commissioner Sylk asked if the lacquer can stand up to 120 degrees. Mr. Vigallon
responded that he has been using it for the last 5 years and hasn't had any
problems.
Commissioner Sylk asked for a little more detail about the "La Quinta Gem of the
Desert" lettering. Mr. Vigallon explained that it will be the City font on the La
Quinta.
Commissioner Sylk asked if there was anything he would do to the existing
structure? Mr. Vigallon answered no, that all this is ready to bolt on. Mr. Vigallon
was considering repainting it. He would like to repaint it so the ones in front are
more visible. Commissioner Gassman commented that the quails would really help
even if we kept the colors the way they are, because it would break up the colors.
Commissioner Leidner asked Mr. Vigallon if he was awarded the job, did he feel he
could be done in January. Mr. Vigallon stated that his shows drop dramatically
during the holidays, so it is slow and he could have it done by then. It would be
l:i\'"Y'r:' (1 ;'/ S(~rVtc(>s COiT1ml~;::IOI1 J\~IIIUtC:,
,^" ](1\'~ :
;:J; {)
~)
mounted so it's all off the ground and there will not be wet exposure from watering
the grass. The marine lacquer used holds up really well.
Commissioner Weber commented on the great concepts. He hopes that whoever is
not recommended will continue to come back and try again. He loved both
concepts, completely different.
Rankings received are as follows:
1. Ric Vigallon = 290
2. Harvey Silverman = 236
Motion - It was moved by Commissioner Gassman to recommend that City Council
consider Ric, Susan, and Tim Vigallon's concept. Seconded by Commissioner Sylk.
Motion carried unanimously.
C. Centre Point Park
recommendation.
Playgound color selection and park naming
Commissioner Weber explained that the Commission was being asked to consider
naming as well as selecting playground colors for the park. This is the park over
near the new hotel off of Washington Street and Miles Avenue.
Motion - It was moved by Commissioner Sylk to choose Green, Option 2.
Seconded by Commissioner Leidner. Motion carried unanimously.
Park Naming:
Mr. Howlett explained that the park naming is up to the Commission's discretion, it
has not gone out for public input.
Commissioner Gassman stated she liked the form that was developed. If it is going
to go out to the community she likes the area where the community is allowed to
give an explanation of the park name. Ms. Hylton explained that staff can take it
out to the community, ask for suggestions, and bring those suggestions back to
the Commission. Most of the 13 parks are currently directional names, with either
the name of the subdivision or the name of a nearby street, with the exception of
Fritz Burns Park.
Mr. Howlett explained that the grading is done; they are just waiting for the final
plans. The playground equipment has been established, they are just waiting for
the color scheme. Once a color scheme is chosen, playground equipment will ship
at the end of September.
CeVllnllJnlty SnrVlces COPlmrS'-iIOn !V Inutes
^urj',,~~ I'~ :lQD,'
10
Commission Weber commented on his concern that this is a new area and we
don't have residents yet. Ms. Hylton believed that the subdivision itself has been
listed as Centre Point.
Commissioner Gassman suggested that we should give people an opportunity to
choose. If the Commission makes a decision tonight and calls it Centre Point Park,
we are taking that away from the other people who live in La Quinta.
Motion - It was moved by Commissioner Leidner that the park naming be put out
to get recommendations. Seconded by Commissioner Long. Motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Howlett asked what media the commission would like to see this in. Ms.
Hylton suggested The Gem and the website as a couple of venues. The
Commission agreed.
Commissioner Leidner dismissed himself at 9:37 p.m.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
A. Calendar of Events
Commissioner Gassman commented that somewhere in the reading material she
noticed that there was a teen dance on August 25, 2006, yet that is not on the
August calendar. Mr. Larson explained we are looking into dates in September that
will work best with DSUSD. Commissioner Gassman suggested that the written
document be updated.
Commissioner Weber explained that he attended the Open Air Movie, which was
nice, Tustin did a great job and there was a great turnout. Ms. Gassman gave
kudos to Vector Control. Commissioner Weber commented that he liked the way
we did the orientation. The layout and the logistics seem to be seamless. Mr.
Larson explained that we are shooting for October 14, 2006 to do one at the Civic
Center Campus. Commissioner Weber suggested to swap them out, compare
them, and see if there is a permanent venue that we want to select. Commissioner
Sylk suggested that to increase attendance, we should invite one of the stars that
are in the movie to appear. Ms. Hylton explained that we don't have a budget for
that. Commissioner Weber suggested partnering with the radio station, which
helps drive traffic to these events.
Commissioner Sylk asked if on September 7, 2006 the open house is only one hour
and if all Commissioners would be present. Commissioner Weber explained that it
would be great if all Commissioners' would seriously consider attending a few of
these events.
C~W'r'lIIn ty S(~rVI(:CS (:on.".:li',') on MII~lJ\D~;
Au\;. s' 11 '0:')1,
,1
Commissioner Gassman explained that Commissioner Leidner and she are both
involved in the 25th Anniversary, which has had one meeting as a group since the
last Commission meeting. She went to the Open Air Movie, Shrek. Her husband
was in her place at the La Quinta Boys & Girls Club Fitness Center opening and the
Padres excursion.
Commissioner Sylk explained that he attends all the Chamber events and the
Mayor's luncheons, as well as the Mayors Golf tournament and plans on being at
the September 7th open house.
Commissioner Weber asked about the golf tour awards. Ms. Hylton explained that
it is the culmination of the end of the season and they have prizes and awards for
the people participating in that league.
Commissioner Weber asked if there was any need for the Commission to attend the
City Council meetings. Ms. Hylton explained that the Commission is always
welcome to attend any of the meetings. If there is something controversial or
important, staff would certainly ask the Chairman to attend.
B. 25th Anniversary and Logo Update
Commissioner Weber explained that Andrea talked about the 25th Anniversary
events and the logo update. The committee is continuing to meet.
C. Community Services Grants
Commissioner Weber explained that it is nice to see that we are continuing to
move forward on these.
D. Online Registration
Commissioner Weber explained that there is an example of what the online
registration is going to look like and continue to move forward. Commissioner
Gassman asked it was up and running. Mr. Larson stated September 5, 2006 is
when it will be operating. Commissioner Weber explained that he thinks it is going
to be a model for some of the other areas within the City, because of the credit
card.
E. Fall 2006 Open House
Ms. Calderon explained that the concept came up last year to give a one on one
with the community. People get a chance to come in, see instructors, see what's
available, be able to ask their questions of staff, and view the Senior Center
facility, where a majority of our classes are held. This is our 2nd year; the idea is to
do it every season, Fall and Winter-Spring, which are the two biggest seasons.
Cnr'l'TlUnlty ServIces CommiSSion Minutes
/\ur>.~: 1~, )()~;~J
17
Commissioner Weber commented on the community calendar. This is a really good
comprehensive calendar; it shows not only our activities, but those of the
Chamber, the Historical Society, and the Arts Foundation, its going to be a nice
addition. Ms. Hylton explained that it will also be on the City's calendar.
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
Commissioner Sylk suggested the Commission take an afternoon and have a field
trip to the parks.
Commissioner Sylk suggested we put together an art tour where people can meet
or go on their own to each of the art pieces. Commissioner Gassman explained
that if they could wait for the 25th Anniversary contest, there will be an
opportunity.
Commissioner Long asked when the decomposed granite is going to go in at
SilverRock. Mr. Howlett explained that we are working with a contractor right
now. Commissioner Long asked if we think we might get the Hope Classic. Ms.
Hylton explained that it finishes out the work that needed to be done to have met
the PGA and Hope requirements.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Gassman and Commissioner Sylk to adjourn the
Community Services commission meeting at 10:05 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
NEXT MEETING INFORMATION:
Monday, September 11, 2006 @ 7:00 p.m.
La Quinta Civic Center - Lobby
Suj:)mitted by:
. ,- (' (- (/(
I' I / " . / " I ~ I
,~;\.I ~ \. x.,or-- ~~\J,_,,--A 1'\ \. ~ '----
Angela Guereque, Community Servic~ecretary