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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_ARTAB_10.15.2013Minutes of the Meeting of the Arts and Culture Board City of Georgetown, Texas October 15, 2013 The Arts and Culture Board met on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 4:30 pm in the small conference room at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Anderson, Philip Baker, Shana Nichols, Dar Richardson, Betty Ann Sensabaugh Regular Session — Chair Baker called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. A. Lashley reminded everyone of the ribbon-cutting for the Art Center on Saturday, October 26, at 11:00. He said they should be prepared for photos. B. There were no citizens wishing to address the Board. C. Consideration of minutes from the September 17, 2013 Arts and Culture Board meeting. Gary Anderson noted that the wording line 4 of paragraph E4 should be clearer if changed to read "the market is advantageous to promoters but not necessarily to artists." With that correction made, Anderson moved to accept the minutes as published. Richardson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. D. Art Center update — Eric Lashley. Lashley reported that the Art Center opened as planned on October 12 for the Gallery Georgetown tour and the opening of the show by Chadwick and Spector. He said the artists were very gracious and made no complaints about the unfinished aspects of the Art Center. The reception was very well attended and people were complimentary about the new space. The Center also was open the next day (Sunday), but then was closed Monday — Wednesday so that the lighting could be installed, bathrooms finished, and the sinks installed in the studio. He expects the Center to reopen Thursday at 10:00 and will be open through the end of the month. Business will be slow for a while until people become aware that it's open. The exterior sign will be installed in time for the ribbon-cutting. Drophouse is the lead contractor in that part of the project. Work that will be done after the ribbon-cutting includes finishing the concrete floor in the studio and installation of the cabinets in the studio and the desk and display case in the gift shop. Chair Baker said that the Board needs to look back and celebrate how long we've waited for the culmination of this project and how much has been accomplished. Lashley agreed, but reminded everyone that this is just the beginning and much remains to be done before the Art Center may be considered on a firm footing. Anderson suggested that the Board consider purchasing a piece of Chadwick & Spector's work. He said it would be appropriate to acquire something from the Art Center's first show as a remembrance of the event. The board members agreed to consider this proposal next month when all members might be present and when the prices of pieces are known. Anderson said he would get a price list. E. Consideration of changes recommended to Chapter 4 (Sidewalks element) of the Downtown Master Plan — Philip Baker and Eric Lashley. Lashley handed out the marked up chapter that he and Baker had worked on (made a part of these minutes). Changes they had suggested included (1) a pedestrian bridge parallel to the Austin Avenue bridges across the South San Gabriel, (2) the adoption of Type B enhancements for downtown intersections, (3) the use of multiple colors of brick pavers to set apart the proposed Festival Area on West 8th Street, and (4) promotion of Rock and Main Streets, not Austin Avenue for pedestrian mobility between the Square and the river. Lashley also said that he'd discussed Mark Schlesinger's proposals for painting sidewalks with Nore Winter. Winter believes that this type of decoration is effective when used as an accent, but doesn't think it should be pervasive. He also worried about painted colors fading in Texas sunshine. F. New pieces for the Main Street Sculpture Tour — Dar Richardson. Richardson referred to the photos of the sculptures that were included in the agenda packet. He said the sculptures on Main Street would be replaced Thursday, October 17. A brief discussion took place about the amount of the honorarium paid to each sculptor. Richardson had asked that it be increased from $100, but no motion had been made. Richardson moved to make the honorarium $300. Sensabaugh seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. G. Establish criteria for library art displays — Judy Fabry. Fabry said that she would like to have a list of the library's expectations to give to anyone who reserves the gallery space, but she is not sure what is realistic. Richardson and Anderson both said that many arts organizations already have established those kinds of criteria and that they probably are available on many websites. Both said they would send Fabry links to websites that might be useful. H. Consideration of dates of upcoming meetings — Eric Lashley. Baker noted that the November board meeting is on the same day as the next session in the Downtown Master Plan revision process. He suggested shifting the board meeting to another date. After brief discussion all present agreed to meet on Tuesday, November 12 at 4:30 p.m., at the Art Center. Chair Baker adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Judy Fa ry, Acting Secretary Philip Baker/ hair ou /UL. any u/ the /.e~u~u�/~.x~|.|~e/~u~,m.^u,V_b in �D�|:�- cD�-p I. er a8. �o fOp.K TO bicyclists. /^ � n In recent years, the City has constructed new sidewalks and enhanced existing L \"I [Oe8'nfhe downtown with brick pavers, lighting, benches, signs and plantings. This has established a distinct and attractive image around the square. &nm' streetscape improvements should be extended tn other portions nfthe down- town, and it should be integrated into an overall Ded---'-- circulation -�--- m that accommodates the entire downtown and not just the Town Square Historic M/ xx~; { sidewalks exist only along a few ofthe blocks in the downtown. This discontinuity in the pedestrian system is a major impediment to de- velopment of u healthy retail eactO[ and it also negatively affects the ability to attract offices and residences into the area. The sidewalk system ahVU|d be extended to all block faces within the planning area and this should be a high priority for implementation. A system for extending the sidewalks into blocks with varying conditions is described later in this chapter. This system i8tobe used indetermining specific sidewalk designs for individual applica- tions, where building setbacks, parking layout and topography may influence the design [f curb, gut- ter and GidevvG|k' Pedestrian Circulation Routes Pedestrian ways, bik8trails and streets should be considered iDa broad context. They should be8 means of circulation that strengthen business cen- ters and link neighborhoods. Therefore, roadways, sidewalks and trails should be coordinated in a comprehensive system that assures continuity Of circulation especially for pedestrians and bicyclists. Links between dOVVD8]VVn development anchors are defined (D the basic framework strategy. These links should be enhanced tO connect established improvements to nearby neighborhoods. Connec- I bon should also be expanded for regional trail/ 1. Enhance sidewalks and crosswalks to establish amenme of hierarchy in pedestrian routes. The primary routes that pedestrians are expected to use the most should receive the focus of sign- age and sidewalk improvements. Along these pri- mary routes, installing sidewalks and improving oPUaevv@|ka should be high priorities. Map #7 on page 58 details the hierarchy Of sidewalk designs that should ba used downtown in order to estab- lish 8 hierarchy Cf primary and secondary pedes- trian routes. Within this hierarchy, the amount of decorative paving used varies, iD response t0the |eVa|a of use anticipated. 2. Strengthen the functionality of the pedestrian and bicycle systems. The pedestrian system is a complex network of Okd9vv3|hO, p8th8, trails, edlgV8, crosswalks, light- ing, benches, waste receptacles, bicycle racks and signs ' These components should be assembled iD various ways, from b|ook-tO-b|ooktO respond b3 specific conditions. Expanding the pedestrian sys- tem "kit Of parts" throughout much of the down- town will st0GOg1h8D the [0|e pedestrians play in Georgetown's economy. The pedestrian system should include: • Plazas, parks and other places t0 rest and re- fresh, • Directional signs and wayfiOdiOQdevices tai- lored to the pedestrian and, page 57 City of Georgetown • Downtown Master Plan • A series of destinations that make downtown • a fun place to explore at all times during the day, week, or year. 3. Provide trail connections to and from the downtown core for pedestrians and bicyclists. The City of Georgetown's Parks and Recreation Department is planning an expansive trails sys- tem in and around Georgetown. Connections to these trails to and from the downtown area should be provided. Priority should be given to trail im- provements that would link downtown to outlying neighborhoods. of particular importance are the trails found along the banks of the North and South San Gabriel Rivers. Trail improvement actions: • Provide clearly defined paths between the river and downtown. • Install markers as important parts of these re- gional trail connectors. Study the feasibility of providing pedestrian connections across both the North and South forks of the San Gabriel River, that are sepa- rate from those used by automobiles. 4. Coordinate bicycle circulation as a system. Bicyclists do use the many regional trails in and around Georgetown. Strengthening the linkages to the downtown and improving signage to key destinations will improve the role which this user group plays in the economy. This includes linking existing and planned trails, as well as providing for bicyclists on some streets. Bicycle system actions: • Bicycle routes should be clearly defined. • Bike routes should be implemented to provide continuity of access from outlying areas to the downtown. • Bicycle racks should be provided at activity centers. River I A better pedestrian connection needs to be made to the trail along the South San Gabriel River. Stairs should be considered that lead from river-side developments to these trails. page 58 O _\N- -Z:r7 C-1 I Chapter 4 Pedestrian Circulation & Trails Key: SAN GABR L BLVD.cs 0 z Type I Sidewalk > N Type 11 Sidewalk In OUTH SAN GABRIEL RIVER:,. Type III Sidewalk Type A Crosswalk 3 Type B Crosswalk 0 ❑ o 0 0 liD❑ o 0 F-1 c El Type C Crosswalk Potential R�M' N F1--1 C] 0 (Note: All other Pedestrian routes and Intomactlons In the downtown that am not spocifica IV Identified IV) Connection 1-9 0 gDO X C should h— a Typo I sidewalk design and Type 0 crosswalk.) to Pedestrian C31:3 DI? 10 ❑ 10, Bridge X Downtown Overlay District Boundary n ❑ P 0 0 250 500 1000 North Note: 8.1dig footpdal' m.ppt.sh,.j. le —1. and I..t;.. They are irfu&d for alustmt;va PUW34s only. Winter & Company rr—== ■ LL I U07 U ■ Illlln I F Continue Sidewalk Intersection Treatments to SWU - Courtho 0 ❑ Square E 9TH ST. oo]F—1 M Poplar Avenue- Boulder, CO 80304 Georgetown, Texas (303) 440.8445 - www.winterandcompany.net with: Georgetown Downtown Master Plan Parshall + Associates Architects Sidewalk & Crosswalk Design Bender Wells Clark Design Map #7 April 6, 2003 page 59 City of Georgetown • Downtown Master Plan 5. Provide clearly defined pedestrian routes between the downtown and Southwestern University. An important asset to the community and market for the downtown businesses is the student body at Southwestern University. Clear and safe pedes- trian routes should be provided. Note that this particular pedestrian connection should be well lit as an extra measure of security for those students who travel this route at night. Actions: Improve walking conditions to the university with new sidewalks, where conditions permit. Install decorative lighting and directional signs along the route. Improve crosswalks as indicated on the inter- section improvements plan. 6. Provide a physical pedestrian connection between the downtown and the west bank of the South San Gabriel River. Apartment complexes and overnight accommoda- tions located across the river from downtown are a missed opportunity. Presently there are no con- venient routes for these residents and visitors to walk to the downtown, which is surprisingly close. When confronted with an automobile trip, their decision is likely to take them onto the interstate and out of town because its access is more con- venient. Action: Study the feasibility of installing a pedestrian bridge across the river to link downtown with development to the west. To help guide pedestrian activity in and around the downtown, four types of sidewalk designs are recommended. This level typology provides for a range of experiences from basic scored concrete to routes with brick pavers, benches and decora- tive lighting. Map #7 on the previous page illus- trates where these different levels of sidewalk design should occur. Proposed sidewalk enhancements are based on the following basic streetscape principles: page 60 Install improvements and amenities in re- sponse to high levels of pedestrian activity Install decorative crosswalks in areas where pedestrian crossing volumes are high Decorative paving should be used strategically, to express a visual theme for downtown. Decorative Paving should denote special activity zones, such as intersections and pedestrian crossings, street furniture areas and public plazas. The decorative paving design proposed in the sidewalk typologies that follow are based upon those developed for the Town Square Historic District. Again, the ba- sic approach here is to expand these existing ele- ments into the surrounding blocks. In some areas of intense pedestrian activity, deco- rative paving should be installed throughout the entire intersection. This will help to identify these intersections as places of major pedestrian use and will establish the downtown as a strongly pe- destrian-oriented area. Sidewalk Widths: Minimum: 6 feet Standard. 8 feet Optimum: 10 feet Type I Sidewalk In this classification, the entire sidewalk is con- structed of brick paving, in order to indicate its high level of pedestrian use. These sidewalks offer the highest level of pedestrian enhancement. This design is currently in place on the four blocks fac- ing the Courthouse Square. Key features: • Brick paver laid in a herringbone bond • Brick paver bands on both sides of central pavers, laid in a stack bond (use of both single and double bands of these accent bricks are seen) • Concrete band (curb and gutter) on street side of pavers Tree and flower planters Decorative lights, benches and waste recep- tacles Chapter 4 - Pedestrian Circulation & Trails This sidewalk has a band Of brick pavers at the outside edge Of the walk. The remainder of the vv8{k is finished uoDurato, scored in 2 foot square [nodU|ao. This provides texture and iDbsneat in a more economical manner, and helps 1odistinguish these streets from those that are all brick. Key features: • Modular pavers along the sidewalk edge, laid ina common bond • Concrete bands (curb and gutter) oO street side of pavers • Tree and flower planters • Decorative lights, benches and waste recep- tacles ��� .yx�e=. �� ~^"~"~~""="= In this c|800hUc8iVn, the sidewalk is constructed of scored concrete, iD the 24bot square module. Brick pavers would be used for accents, at spe- cial seating areas or corner landscape features. These sidewalks can either ba installed detached from the street and separated byalandscaped planting strip or attached tO the street with 8con- crete curb and gutter. Installation is dependent upon the existing atnaetSOapg character along the block. Key features: • Scored concrete iO2'fox) [nodU|ao • Decorative lights, benches and waste recep- tacles should be installed on the 7th Street route to Southwestern University, which i8one route designated for this application. Example ofa Level /sidewalk. 7J/ Example ofu Level 8sidewalk. SC) page 61 City ofGeorgetown a OOxVDtOxVD Master Plan Type IV Sidewalk In this cb3sGifkcabOn, the eDbno skjovVa|k is con- structed 0f scored concrete. These sidewalks can either be /O8kaUed detached from the street and separated by a landscaped planting strip or at- tached b}the street with o concrete curb and gut- ter. Installation /e dependent upon the existing st[metocape character along the block. Key features: 0 Scored concrete sidewalk Sidewalk Implementation Akey issue in downtown is how G consistent side- walk kaVout can occur, in existing blocks where irregular setbacks exist and parking varies from diagonal to perpendicular t0 parallel. Essentially, 8 sidewalk with curb and gutter should define each street edge. |D some cases, where room does not exist for diagonal pull-in park(Og, paU3||e| parking should be installed. However, there are some lo- cations where there is adequate room for diago- nal parking while still maintaining sufficient side- walk widths. Each of these situations must be con- sidered on a case-by-case basis. The sidewalk system may be extended iOC[enleO- 1allyRGproperties redevelop. When this occurs, the site should be evaluated to d81eO0iOg which sidewalk layout iSmost appropriate, taking the use Df the property and the setback [f the building into consideration. Wherever feasible, pull-in parking that obstructs pedestrian flow should b8eliminated or redesigned. Sidewalks with curb and gutter ahVU|d then be installed, and on-street parking should be established. VVhU8 iOC[80gDtal CDDstnuO1oD of the sidewalk gvotg0 is possible, a preferred alternative is to construct several blocks Of sidewalks at one time. In order to do 80, an i[npPOVa08nt district should be considered, a8 described iM Appendix A' /\CdonS: • Develop RD improvement district b3construct sidewalks. (See Appendix A for potential fund- ing b}ol8.) • Construct sidewalks iDa phased program (See also Appendix A for suggested phasing Etnate- page 62 liff W &i4si 4 * Rom Safe street crossings are essential for a vital pe- deetrian-O[ieO1ed environment. Crosswalks should bo clearly identified and ample space should be provided to allow groups of pedestrians 0o un}So. They should be designed such that motorists vvoW|d be discouraged from pa[NOQ so close to the corner that the visibility of pedestrians would be impaired. Attractive crosswalks are especially important iD encouraging downtown patrons k} use off-street parking lots. Because sidewalk amenities and pleasant street crossings enhance the walking experience from these locations, they can help tO reduce traffic congestion and relieve demand for on-street parking spaces. Adding pedestrian-controlled crossings will greatly increase the safety mf pedestrians in the downtown. (Anderson, SC) Then] are few pedestrian crossings along Austin Avenue except at 7th and 8th Streets, and it is seen bv many 8G effectively cutting the downtown in tmo, due to heavy traffic volumes and high speeds. While there are striped crossings a1most major intersections, these are not safe due 03 turn- ing traffic and the distance Of the crossings. Routes between destination points are not well defined or marked either. Chapter 4 ® Pedestrian Circulation & Trails Adding pedestrian - controlled signals at 3rd, 5th and 10th Streets will greatly increase the safety for pedestrians, as well as help to clearly identify the preferred routes that pedestrians should take. This means moving away from "timed" traffic lights which are quite popular but which only encourage high speeds that are not appropriate through a pedestrian environment. In response to the varying levels of use of inter- sections within Georgetown, a range of crosswalk designs should be employed. Many of the inter- section designs include the use of decorative pav- ing to more clearly identify the crossings, estab- lish visual continuity and enhance the pedestrian experience downtown. Intersection typologies are identified on Map #7 on page 59. The following intersection design categone� should be used: �„� Type A Intersection In this classification, the intersection is constructed of decorative paving, in order to indicate its high level of pedestrian use. These intersections offer the highest level of pedestrian enhancement and provide the strongest identity for crossings in the downtown area. In some cases, the existing curb line and corner radius should be retained, but in some special conditions, corners of sidewalks may be expanded to protrude into the parking lanes to provide additional area for street furniture and plantings, similar to those around the square. The advantage of using expanded corners on side- walks is that they prevent illegal parking at pedes- trian crossings where visibility would otherwise be impaired, and they make it easier for pedestrians to be seen by motorists before entering the cross- walk. The expanded corners also effectively re- duce the crossing distance for pedestrians, thereby improving pedestrian safety. The radius of the ex- panded corner should also be designed to facili- tate turning for large delivery trucks. Key features: • Decorative paver at corners Decorative paver in center of intersection ® Scored concrete crosswalks ® Pedestrian controlled crossing signals Example of a Type A intersection. 'Jtp Type B Intersection In this category, either decorative pavers or scored concrete is used within the sidewalk boundaries at corners. The crosswalk areas are defined by scored concrete. The "paver" treatment is depen- dent upon the type of sidewalk designation for the intersection and should be consistent. Example of a Type B intersection. page 63 City of Georgetown • Downtown Master Plan Key features: • Decorative pavers at corners • Scored concrete crosswalk Type C Intersection In this category; scored concrete is used within the sidewalk boundaries at corners only, while the crosswalk areas are defined by conventional stripes. This level of intersection design is appro- priate in areas of lower crossing conflict. Key features: • Striped crosswalk • Scored concrete corners M® Example of a Type C intersection. Type D Intersection In this category, intersections appear as conven- tionally designed. No upgrades or enhancements are necessary. Intersection Implementation Actions: • A series of intersections should be constructed at one time, as a set, such that one of the key pedestrian routes is completed. These may be financed as a part of the city's capital improve- ments program, or through a special improve- ment district. These techniques are described in the appendix. page 64 • As an initial step, detailed designs must be de- veloped, based on the conceptual sketches provided in the plan. One issue related to the streetscape is the wide variety of design elements that presently are used throughout the downtown. The Town Square His- toric District, for example, has several streetscape features that give it a distinct identity: street trees in grates, period lighting fixtures with banners, decorative paving and landscape elements at sev- eral corners. While these elements contribute to an identity for a few blocks in the downtown, ex- tending these elements into the surrounding blocks would enhance the overall pedestrian experience. The design and treatment should help create a more pleasant downtown experience, and help identify the downtown area as a cohesive, inviting place to work, live, shop and conduct business. In order to achieve this vision, the following basic principles should be followed: 1. Use different combinations of street furniture to distinguish the two sub-areas in the Downtown Overlay District. Street furniture within the historic district should Street furniture in Area I would continue the wood slat bench and waste receptacle design. Street lights would include hanging baskets and banners. Chapter 4 - Pedestrian Circulation & Trails Street furniture for Area 2 would include black strap metal benches and waster receptacles. This historic acorn street light would be continued. continue the use of the wood slat benches and wood slat waste receptacles, along with the his- toric acorn'street light design. Ornamental hang- ing flower baskets and banners should be used within the historic district. Street furniture in Area 2 should use black metal slat benches and waster receptacles, along with the historic acorn street light design. These should remain simple, without use of hanging baskets. This will provide a subtle distinction between the two areas. 2. Enhance major pedestrian routes within the downtown area. Apply the hierarchy of sidewalk paving designs to define pedestrian routes. 3. Use on- street parking to buffer pedestrians from auto travel lanes. Apply parallel and diagonal parking layouts as conditions permit. (See page 66 for those layouts.) 4. Install street trees where conditions permit. . In some cases, street trees may be installed in mid -block locations. In others, room may only ex- ist at corners where expanded "bulb- outs" provide additional room. 2� C_X �) t" page 65 City of Georgetown o Downtown Master Plan I Pa 4' 7 s� �j Qi S 0- adjoining Sidewalk Parallel Parking Design: Where space is limited, parallel parking should be installed. page 66 Diagonal parking Suilciing Diagonal parking Planting Strip Sidewalk Diagonal Parking Design: Where space permits, diagonal parking maybe provided, but first, a sidewalk must be accommodated