Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-2003 SCAC MinutesCITY OF DUBLIN DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF: FEBRUARY 6, 2003 Roll Call Committee Members Present: Bielke, Gifford, McHugh, Payton, Silvas Oral Communications - None Approval of Minutes - IT WAS MOVED BY PAUL SILVAS, AND SECONDED BY MARY LOU BIEKE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 12, 2002 (UNANIMOUS). Written Communications - None New Busines Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson Chairperson Gifford conducted an election for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson separately. George McHugh and Paul Silvas were nominated for the position of Chairperson. The Committee elected George McHugh as Chairperson. Paul Silvas and Mary Lou Bielke were nominated for the position of Vice- Chairperson. The Committee elected Paul Silvas as Vice-Chairperson. Schematic Design for New Dublin Senior Center The Parks and Community Services Manager gave an overview of the development of the design to date. Architect Karl Danielson from Dahlin Group presented a final schematic design of the floor plan and elevations of the exterior of the new Senior Center to the group of 20 seniors in attendance. Some of the changes to the floor plan included making the kitchen accessible to both sides of the hall; two storage rooms in the main hall; a new storage room between two of the classrooms; and, improvements to the hallway to allow handrails. A folding wall was added between the two “wet” classrooms. The patio outside the game room and lounge was opened up to allow access to the outdoor space. A distinct entrance feature leading into the Senior Center parking lot was added to separate it from the Target parking area. Using some of the current city building colors as a palette, the cream and teal colors and flagstone will be used on the exterior. Common elements include a metal roof, flagstone at the base of the wall and columns and canopy of the drop off area. Since the vehicles approach the building from the back corners of the building, the Architect included bay windows that look like glass lanterns at the corners of the building to take advantage of the northern light and allow those passing the building to see in to the activities. Overall, those in attendance were positive about the design. Some of the issues addressed during this agenda item included the following: Parking and Canopy at the Front Entrance: It was determined that the canopy area will extend about 60 feet from the Senior Center to the curb of the parking area, but not across to the housing. The housing unit will have parking under the housing. The Senior Center parking lot will include 63 spaces plus hundreds of spaces in the adjacent parking lot. The Senior Center parking lot configuration has been designed to allow full access by fire trucks in case of emergency. Refrigerator: A front-loading refrigerator versus a walk-in will be likely purchased. The trade off is that individual units are more cost-effective to purchase, and also if one unit breaks down the other refrigerators will still be operating. Storage: There was some concern over whether there will be enough storage space in the main hall and throughout the meeting rooms. The architect assured that the areas will be designed to accommodate all the tables and chairs during events. It was suggested that there be more storage area instead of patio space. There was concern about the size of the storage room between the classrooms and if it will be difficult to maneuver tables into the storage room. A suggestion was made that the two doors be placed across from each other. Another suggestion made was to have sliding pocket doors. The Project Manager explained there will be plenty of storage space and stated there will be several built-in cabinets in each of the rooms for storage of equipment and supplies. Outdoor area: Some voiced the need for more storage space than outdoor area. Yet others voiced appreciation for the inclusion of outdoor and patio space. Others felt that the outdoor space would be important to those living in the senior housing units. Vehicle Entrance: The current entrance to the “old” library parking lot will not be an entrance for the new Senior Center. Instead it will only be an exit from parking lot. The current signalized intersection at Donohue Drive will lead to the new entrance for the Senior Center. Building Entrance: For security reasons there will only be one entrance to the Senior Center building. There will not be a side or rear entrance to the building for the public. Overhang: Someone expressed concern that the overhang on the south side of the building will not provide adequate lighting into the main hall. The person was also concerned that the trellis would create too much shading and not allow enough light into the lounge area. The Architect stated that the shading from the southwestern light is needed and would not necessarily diminish amount of light in those areas. Windows: Someone felt the metalwork between the windowpanes appeared busy and not appealing to the eye and that none of the windows seemed to be the same size and height. A suggestion was made to simplify the window design. Skylights: Someone asked if any skylights would be placed in the new Senior Center. It was stated that because of potential problems with leaks or cracks in the future, the City would most likely not have skylights installed over the interior of the building. However skylights would be installed over some exterior areas such as the covered walkway and covered patio area by the game room. Public Art: There was a lengthy dialogue about the custom copper grillwork shown on the exterior of the building. The Architect suggested that this grillwork could be a potential public art project. However, members of the Senior Center Artist Selection Committee who were in attendance expressed concern that the location of the grillwork was not one of the locations potential artists were asked to consider in the Request for Qualifications. The Architect suggested that the grillwork be part of the building design and construction budget. Unfinished Business Purchase of a Charter van for the Senior Center Staff presented the Advisory Committee with a report that included a brief history of the Trips and Tours Program, and information regarding the purchase a 15-passenger accessible charter van. During the first seven months the program served 200 people (134 different people were served of which 80 were Dublin residents). An average of 13 people attended each trip and an average two people were on the waitlist for each trip. A variety of problems were encountered using rented passenger vans, which are not designed to meet the needs of seniors. Many participants are not physically able to get into the van and maneuver to the back. The seats are usually too narrow and the van is not wheelchair accessible. The proposed van will accommodate twelve regular seats plus two places for wheel chairs or ambulatory riders with a wheelchair lift in the back. Upgrades proposed for the van include a raised floor to eliminate riders from having to sit on a wheel-well, upgraded seats and upholstery with retractable seatbelts, overhead storage bins, and numerous safety upgrades. Staff will be creating a job description for professional drivers. In addition to requiring a Class B driver’s license, drivers will be given additional driver safety training by the City. To start, the van will be used for two or three day-trips per month and for limited use for other programs such as the Trail Trekkers and transportation to the monthly special events. Staff reviewed the capital and operating costs associated with purchasing the van. It was estimated that if the van were purchased the net operating cost to the City would increase by approximately $7,500 next fiscal year. This is primarily due to increased driver and maintenance costs, as well as the addition of transportation service for the Trail Trekkers and the monthly special events. The Committee unanimously voted to recommend approval of the van purchase to the Parks and Community Services Commission. City Council Goals and Objectives Paul McCreary gave a detailed overview of the status of the Fiscal Year 2002-2003 City Council Goals and Objectives related to Parks and Community Services. Staff also reviewed the preliminary Goals and Objectives proposed by Staff for Fiscal Year 2003-2004. Since planning for expanded programming at the new Senior Center will be a high priority for Staff next year, no new goals were proposed relating specifically to seniors. The Committee unanimously voted to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Preliminary Goals and Objectives as presented. Adjournment: 11:15 A.M. by Burr Cain and George McHugh Respectfully submitted, Anna Hudson Recreation Coordinator