HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/1/2008 - STAFF REPORTS - 4.A. September 30, 2008
Mr. David Ready, Esq., Pb.D.
City Manager
City of Palm Springs
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
RE: Francis Stevens Park
"Rainmaker Fountain"
Dear Mr. Ready:
In response to your request to make an onsite review of the above referenced
sculpture/water feature with the idea of converting it to a planter,here are my
observations:
1. The large water feature basin has an 8', or so, apron of concrete around it and the
basin is poured-in-place concrete. It has a bowl-shaped base and soil could be
mounded in this feature to achieve enough soil depth for planting. However, it
would be very difficult to run an irrigation line in this planter and make it look
attractive. Adequate drainage for the planter would be a problem as well-
2- The meandering strearmbed that runs away from the large fountain is too shallow
to hold soil adequately for planting.
3. The lower fountain area lends itself well to being filled with adequate soil to
support planting. Irrigation and drainage of this planter, though difficult, could be
accomplished.
In conclusion, I believe the entire artistic water feature is not a good candidate for
transformation into a planter at this prominent location.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Buccino, Principal
Michael Buccino Associates, Inc.
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Date: OCTOBER 1, 2008 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Subject: RAINMAKER FOUNTAIN
From: David H. Ready, City Manager
Initiated by. Public Works and Engineering Department
SUMMARY
Council is requested to give direction to staff on the final disposition of the Rainmaker
Fountain, located in Frances Stevens Park. Options are to repair, de-commission or
remove the fountain.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Direct Staff as appropriate.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Per Council direction staff formally advertised for bids in July to repair the fountain. Bids
were opened on August 19, 2008.
The low bid from Rich Parzinsky Pools, Inc. of Palm Springs was for $63,500. The bid is
good until October 19, 2008. In addition to that repair cost there is a $22,500 cast for
Waterline Studios as a technical consultant during the repairs and an estimated $20,000
cost to the City to install a sewer lateral as well as an estimated $10,000 for contract
administration and inspection for a total cost of$116,000, plus an estimated $24,771 per
year for on going maintenance.
As an option, Council could consider de-commissioning the fountain which will leave it in
place without water. It will not operate and certain areas will need to be backfilled to avoid
having areas that will pond stagnant water. Should Council wish to choose this option,
staff will return with details and a cost for accomplishing the fountain decommission. This
is the option that the Arts Commission recommended on October 11, 2007.
Item No. 4 . A .
City Council Staff Report
October 1, 2008 - Page 2
Rainmaker Fountain
A third option is to remove the fountain components, backfill and re-landscape the park
area. This is estimated to cost between $60,000 and $75,000 for demolition only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None. Staff will bring an item back to Council in accordance with direction given.
David H. Req�fy v David J. Barakian
xp�City Manager Director of Public Works/City Engineer
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