Title
Agenda Item:
Artesian Court Draft Concept Design and Interim Use Plan
(Rescheduled from June 11, 2013)
Body
Issue:
Update on the Artesian Court project
Council Committee Recommendations:
The Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) recommends:
· Approval of the draft Artesian Court concept plan with minor modifications which will be described at the Council meeting and with construction taking place late 2013/early 2014 for grand opening around May 1, 2014;
· Continued use of the site for parking until construction begins, including potential "Smart Lot" parking on the north end of the lot for downtown employees this summer, with no temporary food or other vendors in 2013.
Rationale:
LUEC believes that there will be a greater likelihood of success if the complete project is constructed this fall/winter, with a grand opening around the 1st of May, 2014. There are also some Health Department requirements for food vendors that make it a challenge to accommodate food vendors in the space this year. Temporarily allowing downtown employee "Smart Lot" parking on the north end (similar to the Smart Lot on State Street) may fill some of the open space until construction begins.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Recommendations (PRAC):
Attached is a memo from PRAC which outlines their recommendations, including approval of the draft concept plan; designation of the the area as a City park; addtional $53,000 in capital budget; and phased development.
City Manager Recommendations:
Move to approve the Artesian Court Concept Plan and construction timing as recommended by the Land Use and Environment Committee.
Refer the issue of whether to designate the Artesian Court property as a park. (PRAC recommends the designation.)
Council could consider an additional capital appropriation during discussion of the 2014-19 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP).
Note: Until construction begins, the City will offer downtown employees the opportunity to park in the lot at the Smart Lot rate.
Staff Contact:
Linda Oestreich, Director of Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8462
David Okerlund, Planning Program Manager, 360.570.5855
Presenter(s):
Linda Oestreich
David Okerlund
Background and Analysis:
Prior Council/ Committee Review:
February 7, 2012: This concept was presented to City Council as a component of the Downtown Project.
January 30, 2013: An oral project status report was presented to the Land Use and Environment Committee.
Ongoing: Two members of City Council have served on the City Artesian Court Design Team.
May 23, 2013: Presentation of the Final Draft Concept Plan to the Land Use and Environment Committee.
Background:
Project Purpose and Vision
The work by the City's Artesian Court Design Team is an extension of the planning effort for this space initiated during the fall, 2011 Project for Public Spaces exercise. This project will create a vibrant, multi-purpose urban courtyard offering a variety of activities designed and managed to be clean, safe and welcoming to all. Circulation and parking improvements will improve access to the artesian well-head. In the future, the artesian interpretive area will provide a space to explain artesian geology and celebrate the artesian phenomenon. The food court will serve as a gathering place for people who live and work downtown- including areas for socializing and dining. The hours of operation of the space have yet to be determined.
Public Involvement
City staff presented the Artesian Court Draft Concept Plan to five organizations and to the owners of the two adjacent buildings. Staff conducted a general public meeting at the Olympia Center on March 7, 2013 with about 25 attendees, members of PRAC were in attendance. Throughout the public process, over 100 individual comments were recorded and numerous e-mails were received. The comments were varied- exemplifying the uniqueness and diversity of our community. The public outreach process included meetings with the following organizations:
· Olympia Downtown Association (ODA)
· Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
· Adjacent building owners
· Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA)
· H2Oly
· Downtown Neighborhood Association
Revised Draft Concept Plan
Following the public process, staff made changes to address many of the comments received. The City Artesian Court Design team met on March 21, 2013 and further revised and finalized the draft concept plan. The revised cost estimate for this project is $153,000. Should this concept be approved, it is anticipated that the project will be constructed in fall 2013/winter 2014.
The revised draft concept plan was presented to PRAC on April 11, 2013. At its meeting, PRAC reviewed this project and received additional public comments. The PRAC recommendation memorandum to City Council is attached.
Site Operation and Maintenance
The food court hours of operation will be seasonal from May 1 through October 31, and the daily hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Directors of Public Works, Community Planning & Development, Parks, Arts and Recreation and the Police Chief met to identify and allocate roles and responsibilities for the on-going management and operation of the site. It was determined that this will be accomplished via an inter-departmental cooperative effort, with the assistance of the City Probation Crew, the Downtown Ambassadors and the operators of the mobile food units (MFUs). With the exception of the lease for the porta-potty unit ($225 per month), additional operating funds are not anticipated.
Selection of MFU Concessionaires
Staff has developed a Request for Proposals and selection criteria for securing the three MFUs proposed for the food court. This package has been reviewed and approved by City Legal Department.
Public Restroom Requirements
If tables and chairs are provided for patrons of the food court, Thurston County Health Department regulations require that a public restroom facility be provided within 200' of the MFUs. The proposed ADA-accessible porta-potty will meet this requirement.
Restroom Requirements for Employees of MFUs
Thurston County Health Department regulations also require that a restroom facility with hand-washing facilities equipped with warm running water, soap and paper towels be available within 200' of MFUs. A porta-potty will not meet this requirement. To meet this requirement, MFU operators are required to secure a Restroom Agreement with a neighboring business owner. The access hours to the restroom must be in sync with the hours of operation of the MFU, including set-up and take-down time. As a result, the ability to operate MFU's on this site is dependent upon the concessionaire's ability to secure the requisite restroom agreement.
Financial Impact:
$100,000 for this project was approved in the 2013-2018 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP). An additional $53,000 is being requested in the draft 2014-2019 CFP.