03-C Main Street (06/12/02)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
MAIN STREET ADVISORY BOARD
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2002 2:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. Present Board Members: Bill Payne, Barbara Wilson, Linda Suarez,
Karen Wilkerson, David House, Lisa Spann, Zach Saffle, Linda Ryan
Absent: Mary Ann Chalaire, Suzy Harper, and Patsy Davis
2. Discussion of the streetscape project-Reeves Hayter presented preliminary
plans for the TEA-21 Streetscape Project. Maria Pope began discussions by
stating other organizations that are interested in the type of historical lighting we
select: The Depot Project, ArchiTexas-Lamar County Courthouse Restoration
Project, Denny Architects-Lamar County Courthouse Annex, Heritage Hall, and
various neighborhood associations. Reeves Hayter discussed the completed
survey and stated that we are on schedule with the grant. He presented a
drawing and asked for the board's input- to later provide budget estimates. He
outlined the following: new grey concrete sidewalks on all four sides excluding
sidewalks leading up to the fountain, proposed knuckle removal, proposed new
handicapped parking spaces to bring the City to code (we currently have 77 and
will lose one space), no crosswalk reconstruction, additional electrical outlets,
planter boxes and trees/shrubs. Barbara Wilson suggested that tree wells are
not viable for the longevity of trees/shrubs and asked that we consider a new
design. Reeves Hayter indicated that we can easily change that aspect of the
plans, and we discussed various factors involved in the selection of design such
as distance from curb, height and head-in parking. Barbara Wilson asked about
the grey concrete. Terry Townsend indicated he instructed Reeves Hayterto use
grey concrete because that is what was previously used and pointed out the old
needs to match the new. Karen Wilkerson asked about decorative crosswalks
and asked if there was budgetary space for it. Terry Townsend indicted that
once we looked at the figures we could later consider it upon TX Dot's approval.
Karen Wilkerson asked if it was an extravagant expense and Terry Townsend
indicated we would investigate the costs. Barbara Wilson suggested we
consider a`signature' design for the streetscape project and supported the idea
of decorative sidewalks. Terry Townsend confirmed that we would not know
until we get cost estimates about what we can add to the project. Maria Pope
informed the board of images that have been gathered over the year showing
other streetscape projects. Maria Pope suggested the Texas Capital
Improvement Fund to extend sidewalk construction for areas that need
improvement. Reeves Hayter pointed out that they have found a manufacturer of
glass blocks and gave an estimate of $100 per foot. They will photograph the
glass blocks and send it to the manufacturer. Karen Wilkerson asked if it is just
for aesthetics and Reeves Hayter explained the glass blocks provide light to the
basements. Reeves Hayter estimated the cost at $200,000 for 2000 square feet.
We continued to discuss crosswalks and the regulations pertaining to
crosswalks and ramps. Reeves Hayter stated the crosswalks and ramps must
have texture contrast for ADA reasons and made reference to Bonham's ramps
and crosswalks. Barbara Wilson suggested brick in the ramp and crosswalk.
Karen Wilkerson confirmed that the ramp must have a different texture, but can
have the same color.
Reeves Hayter suggested a non-skid trench grate on the sidewalk and electrical
conduit around the square. Barbara Wilson suggested additional locations for
outlets to avoid running extension cords during festivals. Terry Townsend
indicated that new poles could have outlets attached to them. Reeves Hayter
indicted it could be a cost issue because it would take two lines to separate the
light and outlet. Barbara Wilson and Karen Wilkerson suggested at least laying
the conduit during construction if cost is an issue. Reeves Hayter stated that
construction only goes half way down the first block and Karen Wilkerson asked
if we could extend it to the corners of each block. Terry Townsend and Reeves
Hayter indicated it would be a cost factor and that we might reduce the scope to
just the square if needed and approved. Bill Payne asked if this affects
courthouse construction and Karen Wilkerson indicated they are primarily
concerned about lighting due to time constraints. Reeves Hayter summarized
the plans and the changes he will make for the next meeting. Linda Suarez
suggested an email list to circulate photos of various suggestions pertaining to
planters, trees,and landscaping.
Maria Pope introduced Tim Filesi and he presented lighting options for the
board to review. Reeves Hayter stated HADCO provided one set of photo
metrics and suggested 16 foot poles on the inside, and 30 foot poles on the
outside of the square. Barbara Wilson explained the 1800's original design
began with the Bishops Crook, and later added the acorn. She stated that it
has been an evolution and that we need to be sensitive to what we are creating
from scratch because of the different stages. Maria Pope stated that the
various lights represent different periods, therefore recommending the acorn
light because it represents design after the 1916 fire. Bill Payne pointed out
the consideration for various neighborhood associations because they are
interested in an affordable matching light.
Karen Wilkerson stated she has seen other communities that have added
complimentary lighting that extends from the main lighting. Barbara Wilson
suggested we invent a new complimentary light, although not historically
accurate- can be the best solution.
Tim Filesi suggested a standard light that resembles the pole and arm with
scrolls to fit the budget and period. Tim Filesi stated that the style designed
for ArchiTexas is somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,000 per pole for
material costs, (cast iron.) Barbara Wilson recommended we consider
something other than cast iron. Linda Suarez suggested we take into
consideration the banners and that tapered poles do not hold banner a well.
Tim Filesi discussed various light fixtures pertaining to acorn poles. Barbara
Wilson suggested we move past the acorn to an identical Shepard's crook.
She asked if we do 30-foot around the outside and 16 on the interior-could we
use a stock pole at half the price of custom and still suit ArchiTexas. Tim
Filesi discussed the various scenarios for light pole heights and displayed
samples in response to Barbara Wilson's question. Karen Wilkerson selected
a sample from the display book. Tim Filesi suggested a decorative smooth-
straight base verses a more costly tapered base. Karen Wilkerson suggested
not many would know the difference between a custom and a look-alike.
After reviewing design ideas Tim Filesi confirmed he would return with a new
set of photo metrics based on a standard pole Karen Wilkerson and Barbara
Wilson selected. Maria suggested that we have a follow-up streetscape
meeting.
3. Discussion of the proposed ordinances- Maria Pope stated that in order for
the City Council to consider the proposed historical ordinances- the board
must make a motion to submit the request. Motion was made by Barbara
Wilson, seconded by Karen Wilkerson, motioned approved to submit request
to City Council.
4. Discussion of Code Enforcement program- Maria Pope stated that she has
been working with Code Enforcement Officer Millie McDonald to clean up the
historic district. She stated that she has done some title research to confirm
ownership of alleys and is trying to identify violations.
5. Discussion of Fourth of July events-Maria Pope described events that are
scheduled for downtown on July 4t" and displayed the promotional poster.
Barbara Wilson suggested the poster announcing the Fire Brigade Games
include the Fireworks and Band on July 3rd
6. Discussion of committees-Maria Pope suggested we begin considering our
committees and the board agreed. She suggested we consider a request to
have the new Historical Preservation Commission also serve as the Design
Committee. Terry Townsend commented that the new commission might
have time constraints.
7. Discussion of mailer- Linda Suarez made a request to re-print the mailer that
promotes shopping in the Historical District. Terry Townsend submitted
approval for the City of Paris to pay for printing. Karen Wilkerson spoke to
Marvin G. about revamping the mailer. Linda Suarez made recommendations
for color and card stock. Maria Pope stated she would get price quotes for
Linda Suarez. Terry Townsend made the approval for payment. Karen
Wilkerson commented that the VCC logo was color and needs to be black and
white.
8. Comments and Suggestions-
Karen Wilkerson recommended a format of communication similar to
that of Mineola, TX.
Barbara Wilson suggested a retreat for our next planning session.
9. Meeting adjourned, next meeting scheduled for July 10, 2002