HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-03 - AGENDA REPORTS - COMMUNITY CENTER STUDY (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: �andCity Council tubers
FROM: enmp, Intel' City Manager
DATE: September 3, 2002
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY CENTER FEASIBILITY STUDY REPORT
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. City Council receive report from staff and RRM Design Group
2. Receive information on the specific facility scope and possible locations RRM Design
Group should use to develop conceptual plans for a new Community Center in Newhall.
3. Direct staff to identify funding sources.
BACKGROUND
At the March 5, 2002, City Council Study Session, staff held discussions with the City
Council regarding alternatives for the short- and long-term needs of the Newhall
Community Center. The needs reviewed included the following requirements:
• A safe site within walking distance for residents.
• A service area for Newhall residents from Downtown Newhall to Sierra Highway.
• Separate rooms for multi -faceted programming.
• Ample parking.
• Possible space for an outdoor play area.
City Council has identified the Newhall Community Center as one of its priorities. On
March 26, 2002, the City Council approved a contract with RRM Design Group to conduct a
Community Center Feasibility Study. The study was to include public participation, site
analysis, and a review of the programming needs and the corresponding requirements. The
RRM Design Group scope of work included an overlay of the requirements onto the physical
constraints of the three potential sites provided to the City Council. Consultants were
directed to present the advantages and disadvantages of each site for a future Community
Center at the City Council's Study Session on September 3, 2002.
Councilmember Smyth presided at a Town Hall meeting at the Community Center on
July 11, 2002. Seventy residents attended and expressed their wishes and concerns for the
current situation and discussed the long-term solution. Short-term solutions were
addressed regarding the current conditions as follows with a tentative renovation timeline
of November 2002:
Agenda Item :�
• The roof will be repaired.
• Carpet will be replaced.
• Air conditioning issues will be addressed.
• Temporary partitioning of the building will be assessed.
• Rodent abatement will continue as a high priority.
Residents were assured that this short-term solution would be completed by November
2002. Staff has begun plans to accomplish these tasks within the timeline.
On August 1, RRM conducted a public participation meeting at Newhall Elementary
School, with over 100 residents in attendance. Programming needs were discussed, based
on residents' previous input. After listening to the potential options, participants cast their
votes on the programming options presented for the new Community Center. The
community input is the basis for the concept plan that will be presented by RRM Design
Group.
The siting of the concept plan to be developed by the consultant is still unknown. The
current owners of the Kinnen property and the Ryan property (previously known as the
Hickock property) have both expressed an interest in working with the City to locate the
Community Center on their property. The City has also acquired the Anawalt property as
a potential site in concert with the Metrolink parking expansion. The final Feasibility
Study will assess the Community Center's needs within the context of each site's
constraints.
Next Stens
• Public participation meeting at Newhall Elementary School on Thursday, October 17, at
6:00 p.m., to obtain input on the conceptual plan in order to prepare the final draft.
• Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Thursday, November 17, to approve the
final concept plan.
• City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 19, to present study findings and receive
direction.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
No alternative actions have been identified.
FISCAL IMPACT
To be determined by City Council direction.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
AM:ada
council\study session\community center2.doc