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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 1997-06-19 158 City Council, Special Meeting City Council Chambers 1313 California Street Redding, California June 19, 1997 10:00 a.m. The special meeting was called to order by Mayor P. Anderson with the following Council Members present: R. Anderson, Kehoe, Murray, McGeorge, and R. Anderson. Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, City Attorney Wingate, Public Works Director Galusha, Director of Administrative Services Starman, Assistant City Engineer Aasen, Senior Planner Hanson, and City Clerk Strohmayer. DESIGN AND MODEL OF TURTLE BAY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE 6} S-o to-o s o -5-00 Senior Planner Hanson provided an overview of the Report to City Council dated June 17, 1997, incorporated herein by reference, containing information regarding the Turtle Bay Pedestrian Bridge's, i.e., design review, architectural description, the proposed alignment, and the environmental review process. He explained that the project was a cooperative effort between the City and The McConnell Foundation. He related that the bridge's design, function, and location were an important ingredient to Turtle Bay's future success. In addition to connecting both sides of the river, the bridge would also function as a visual draw to encourage Turtle Bay visitors to visit the arboretum and provide an outdoor classroom to further Turtle Bay's education mission. Mr. Hanson indicated that the Memorandum of Agreement between the City and The McConnell Foundation established a design team comprised of the following individuals to provide input to Dr. Calatrava: Terry Hanson, City of Redding;John A. Mancasola, The McConnell Foundation; Stephen Becker, Marcia Howe, and Judy Lalouche, Museums of Turtle Bay. In order to facilitate the design review, he stated that The McConnell Foundation also engaged the firm of Dangermond & Associates. Ken-i Gates, Dangermond&Associates, addressed the City Council regarding the importance of the bridge's design and location to both the City and the expanded Turtle Bay project. He stated that the bridge should provide the City with an opportunity to embrace the river with public space and recreation. He believed that the pedestrian bridge was a critical element in attracting individuals to the area. He stressed that the purpose of the pedestrian bridge was not merely to transport individuals from one side of the river to the other, but to create a special place for people to gather. World-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava delivered preliminary designs for the Turtle Bay Pedestrian Bridge. The nine-foot model on display depicted that the unique span bridge would have a 150-foot-tall concrete mast on the northern edge of the Sacramento River that would anchor the bridge deck, which is supported by steel cables that stretch to the southern bank. The bridge's frame would be assembled on the shore and swung across the water into place without touching the riverbed or disturbing the fish. Mr. Calatrava explained that the bridge's surface would be made of laminated glass, a translucent material strong enough to carry vehicles. He stated that the glass deck would prevent the bridge from casting a shadow on the river. The center section of the 26-foot-wide bridge would be designated for bicyclists and skaters with benches separating it from the pedestrian decks. He reemphasized that the 840-foot-long bridge was more than a means to get from one shore to the other. Further, when the sun beams, the towering mast acted as a sundial,which would not only indicate the time, but also the month. There would also be steps which lead to.a plaza below the north side of the bridge where visitors could walk right up to the river. Dr. Calatrava also provided a slide presentation showing some of his other creations, i.e., bus and train stations, pavilions, and cathedrals. Mr. Hanson explained that the preliminary cost of the harp-shaped bridge is between $4 million and $5 million, with $3 million coming from the City's sale of Benton Ranch and the difference being paid by The McConnell Foundation. 06/19/97 159 Council Member Murray questioned whether an analysis had been performed regarding the bridge's maintenance costs. Dr. Calatrava replied that the bridge would require two types of maintenance: sidewalk and structural. He explained that based on his experience, he did not anticipate that the bridge's steel construction would require significant maintenance. In response to Council Member Murray, Mr. Hanson stated that the bridge's mast would be slightly higher than the bluffs. Council Member R. Anderson complimented Dr. Calatrava on the bridge's design. He believed the bridge would be renowned throughout the State. Council Member McGeorge stated that he originally envisioned the bridge being constructed of wood to match the surrounding scenery. However, after seeing the bridge design and how it would fit into the community and would be utilized by students, he fully supported the bridge's design as presented. Council Member Murray expressed his gratitude to The McConnell Foundation for its participation in this public/private partnership and for its role in bringing this beautiful structure to the City. Council Member Kehoe conveyed his appreciation to all those individuals who participated in this phase of the bridge project which will truly be a community treasure. He said this collective effort brings to bear the resources of the City, a world-class bridge designer, and the generosity of The McConnell Foundation. Mayor P. Anderson commented that the City was very fortunate to have Dr. Calatrava designing such a unique, high-caliber bridge for which the community could be extremely proud. MOTION: Made by Council Member R. Anderson, seconded by Council Member Kehoe, to accept the design for the Turtle Bay Pedestrian Bridge as presented and authorize the bridge construction to proceed on schedule. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 11:25 a.m., Mayor P. Anderson declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED: Mayor ATTEST: dopf,,ce. /A City Clerk / • 06/19/97