Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2007 - STAFF REPORTS - 4.A. Pncndc of Public An hllp//www.fncndcoi'publicart.org/publican php(dEkeonamcnu/ ^' Sil7C, ly�1 IJ.1'� .-.J Home Artist Resume Mechanical Report Artist's Response Friends Comments Contact us The Wands q 1 v N Rai n _ mmrumesera,�lema�q Read Morn The Proposal and Concept The fountain is innovative, creative, using water which is Important to a desert environment.We have brought visitors to the valley to sae this and we are very proud of a Community's Investment in public art We would be very unhappy to see this work of art decommissioned Arlene Schnitzer board members of the Palm Springs Art Museum,the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the v - , Portland Art Museum IIMM7rt•� `�`_ I Arlene Schnitzer I I have visited Palm Springs and like Chicago I was pleased that you have a Reid Mery public arts programs ey all means promote public art and save this wonderful contribution to the public space of your community Jonathan Boyer The purpose and duty of the Public Arts Commission is to acquire and maintain Basin and Ampltheater artwork for the City of Palm Springs.To act otherwise is not properly following the charge for which the Commission was created I hear that the Arts Commission is _ removing pieces from the airport and trying to decommission the Rainmaker Fountain. How can such a small group of people make the decision tq undo the good works that the previous Commissions spent so much time and effort to create?The people of Palm Springs need to express their appreciation for the wonderful program the City has provided to this point.The City of Palm Springs l l of 11(7/07 4:09 PM Friends of Public All hup://www.friendsofpublicill org/pubhcart php/dBlog/cemmcnius/ has a wide variety of artwork which makes the City vibrant alive and attractive to tourists and businesses The Rainmaker Fountain in particular is truly unique It is a work of art and a social setting. It is a gathering place Of all the public art .. — pieces in the Coachella Valley I feel it is the most exciting. During the competition for selection of a fountain for this site the Desert Sun ran a story Read More asking readers to vole for their choke. Rainmaker was the hands-down winner Its Intent was to provide a place for concerts and community events At a time when North Palm Canyon was undeveloped and rather run-down it enlivened and rejuvenated an area in need of restoration It makes a grand statement as people enter Palm Springs from the north It welcomes visitors and announces that they have arrived IbLY%the first display of the exciting things ahead to be Rainmaker and Ampltheater experienced on the journey down Palm Canyon Drive. Not only is it exciting to watch it is an inviting event.You can participate and become of part of it It is public art at its finest. Not only should It be preserved and maintained .... it should be celebrated Diane Morgan City of Palm Springs Arts Administrator 1992-2003 Diane Morgan "The Rainmaker Is singularly, one of the most interesting sculpture works installed in Greater Palm Springs in the past 10 years. Its site placement In Francis Stevens Park was a significant act, especially at that particular location G years ago Rainmaker is a piece that Immediately engaged the public and maintained interactive Community Involvement with residents and visitors enjoying the water movement.the unique amphitheatre design and the way the piece � = weaves its way throughout the park. S Architectural .sculptural. organic environmental and best of all .relating to Read More nature as the artist originally and successfully Interpreted the Public Art Commission call-to action for this particular commission This important piece needs to be not only maintained, but CELEBRATED In our city This piece fain maintained, is an exciting fittingly multi-sensory 'street exporience'that interests, delights and engages the viewer Support This Artwork. Maintain This Dedicated Commission,selected by the PUBLIC and supported by the Public Arts Commission and City Council Step UP and Maintain Community Responsibility by CARING FOR COMMISSIONED PUBLIC ART Colleen Wick Public art in general Is a huge asset to a community, and The Rainmaker Is a particularly exciting installation. It has grace, color and wit I own a Small hotel in downtown Palm Brings and used to hear comments from guests about how much they enjoyed the fountain and pool—how It was both fun and relaxing It made me feel proud of our city that we would make such an investment for ourselves and for our visitors--an Investment that was good for our 5piriis and our economy Now I find It a bit embarrassing that the city would allow its art to fall into this state of disrepair Surely we can do better than this. Please save the Rainmaker Kathleen O'Neal It's Ingenms mechanical art and a wonderful public space It deserves to be maintained Craig Blau It is a beautiful art form as you drive Into downtown Palm Springs. It brightems the area across from Koff)and it has fixed the whole neighborhood area The whole area was a terrible moss some 10 years ago When a was put in it brought a better atmosphere to that part of town Please save this fountain and have it I 2 of 5 1117/07 4:09 PM ` Friends of Public Art http://www.frzondsofpublicarLorg/puhlicarLphp/dl3loglcomn(ents/ repaired to it's original stale Joel T. Cutler A very interesting piece An eyecatcher Guests to my home in Palm Springs see it and ask about it and want to go see it in more detail It is relaxing to watch Bob Mooney I like the fountain because it is different, beuatiful and unique It should be conserved at all costs. James Adams Hello, I want to express my love of art and in particular the public piece of art located on the Corner of Alejo and Palm Cyn My office is located at 77T N. Palm Cyn Dr and I pass the Rainmaker fountain every day when I go to lunch I personaly feel it is a great work of art and it always gets a great response when I have visitors from out of town In my far. It would be a shame to decommission such an Intcrsting art work I feel it adds a lot to the entrance to downtown Let me know how I can help keep these works of art alive for my children to enjoy as well Thank you Craig Michaels I love the Rainmaker and have since it was chosen to be a part of Palm Springs To me it represents a modern outlook a resurgence of efforts to help create an "Uptown"PS The design is soothing and evokes thoughts of relaxation a background for listening to good music, a spot to read a good book.The money to maintain it should not be spent to take it away but rather to use as intended and provide a site of Interest that Palm Springs can surely use. I strongly support retention of the Rainmaker. Marcia Craig As a visitor to Plain Springs, I so look forward to seeing that fountain when I arrive in Palm Springs It made the ddference between arriving nowhere and somewhere.We'll stop and spend time there-its truly wonderfull Fran Offenhauser The Rainmaker was one of the first sights I remember as I fret moved to this valley. It Is very represontative of the serene nature of the valley The waving wands for me personified a welcoming wave to join the culture of the Coachella valley. I never miss an opportunity to view the Rainmaker.All of the guests that I have shown the Rainmaker to have also had very positive feedback about this unique piece of art Len Lorentz It is unique and beautiful amazing city sculpture and it definitely deserves to be fully functioning. its placed at the gorgeous spot In downtown Palm Springs and it truly deserves to be seen and admired not Just by local but all the visitor entering out city Art is necessary maya kalabic There are many things I enjoy about the fountian, however my favorite aspect is I the interactive nature It is a great place to play with Children and is always a '1 beautiful"Photo Op"for tourist and locals alike. Rainmaker is worth every penny 4 in repairs and matlonee it is truly a unique and beautiful addition to down town I 1 3 of 5 11/7/07 4:09 PM Friends of Public Art hup/Iwww.friendsofpuhLeamorg/publ Ieart.phpldBloo/comments/ Palm Springs angels kinky "This fountain Is one of my favorite landmarks Every time I visit Palm Springs I'm always fascinated by this piece and how the community members use it Please don't take away the Rainmakers' Jason Aiken it is the only peice of art of this kind that has ever been installed in Palm Springs This is like taking down a special part of our charm We are Rosalie Charion I strongly support keeping the Rainmaker Fountain It is aesthetically pleasing and a refreshing anchor to the downtown district Nicholas Kirchgessner 1 love the fountain Please make it work. Public Art is important for all Jim Burke II has been a part of the community and For someone to Just decide to get rid if it because of lack of funds when repairs are needed having knowledge of resources that can assist is unspeakable Save the Fountain Bertha Cardenas , It's relaxing and fun to sit a watch. John Buckner Its art and its a pan of the city" Palm Springs Is known for the art, you take away one piece .than another and another .you will start a snowball effect It i will take away from the erties uniqueness don t be lazy or cheap fix II and leave Will We lave our artll Michelle Reyes "I believe that I was divinely directed to he Rail-Maker Fountain as a MeetUp place for the Palm Springs Ron Paul 2008 MeetUp Group The Fountain was Y Included in the YouTube Vdeo that a Ron Paul supporter(Mark)shot It would have been nice If the fountain had been operational We have another MeetUp scheduled at the fountain this coming Saturday @ Ilam Come by and take some pislvideos for your cause Get the media involved Don " Donald Chappell I Think IT Brings Liveliness To The City And Is Very Peaceful Sal Barringer y Gorgeousl Amy King t W Works of art displayed in our desert cities need to be maintained as promised r Art helps to Booth the soul and shouldn't be left to become as a bligh A Loretto Young 7 7 4 of 5 1 1/7/07 4:09 PM Friends of Public Art ht[p.//www.friendsofpublicart.vrg/publican php/dBloe/commcn Ls/ The Reinmalcer is a fantastic piece that truly represents me Native American influence in the desert. It would be tremendous loss to see it go duo to the maintained needs and bureaucracy I]ayna Lorentz .. ...... . .......... i Contact Us i(=07 Friends of Public Art M Y 1 M M 5 al'S II/7107409 PM 1 November 7,2007 Palm Springs City Council Meeting Item: Rainmaker Fountain Comments by Robert Stone, Commission, Palm Springs Public Arts Commission RATIONALE BEHIND PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION NOT TO PROCEED WITH REPAIRS OF THE RAINMAKER FOUNTAIN AND TO PROCEED WITH DECOMMISSIONING THIS WORK 1. DECISION BASED ON OUR UNANIOMOUS CONCENSUS THAT THE FOUNTAIN'S DESIGN IS FUNDAMENTALLY FLAWED AND THAT,IF HISTORY IS ANY INDICATION, FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR AND REHABILITATE IT WILL NOT ONLY FAIL,BUT BE FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE. HISTORY 1. THE FOUNTAIN WAS ACQUIRED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $250,000 AND, CONTRARY TO TESTIMONY THAT MAY BE GIVEN BY OTHERS, SINCE THE FOUNTAIN WAS INSTALLED; IT HAS BEEN INOPERABLE FOR MORE TIME THAN IT HAS BEEN OPERABLE. 2. THE CITY HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS IN COMBINED ACQUISITION,MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR COSTS ON THE FOUNTAIN SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED 3. THE CURRENT ANNUAL MAINTENANCE COST OF THE FOUNTAIN, IF IT CAN BE RETURNED TO WORKING ORDER WILL BE OVER $69,000 4. THE ESTIMATE ON THE TABLE FOR REPAIRS AND REHABILITATION IS ESTIMATED AT $70,000 5. THE CONTRACTOR WHO IS SEEKING THE CONTRACT TO REPAIR THE FOUNTAIN CANNOT,AND WILL NOT, WARANTEE HIS WORK BEYOND THE INITIAL POINT OF COMPLETION THE PROPOSAL ON THE TABLE 1. THE PROPOSAL ON THE TABLE ESTIMATES REPAIRS AT$70,000 BUT DOES NOT CAP THE TOTAL COSTS AT THIS AMOUNT. /I/o y�Zo�7 2. HAVING REVIEWED EVERY LINE OF THE PROPOSED REPAIR,I CAN TELL YOU THAT APPROXIMATELY 30% OF THE LINE ITEMS ARE BASED ON GUESSWORK AND UNVERIFIED POSSIBLE FUTURE SCENAMOS. 3. THE CONTACTOR'S ANALYSIS OF THE FOUNTAIN'S PROBLEMS IS NOT UNLIKE AN AUTO MECHANIC ASKED TO INVESTIGATE WHY AN AUTOMOBILE IS NOT RUNNING,BUT DENYING THE MECHANIC THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD OR TURN ON THE IGNITION. 4. AT THE TIME THE EVALUATION WAS DONE,TIM FOUNTAIN HAD NO WATER,THE PUMPS WERE NOT TURNED ON,AND THE ELECTRICITY WAS SHUT OFF. CRITICAL ISSUES REGARDING DRAINAGE,LEAKAGE,PLUMBING,AND WIRING COULD NOT AND WILL NOT BE ADDRESSED UNTIL THE CONTRACTOR ACTUALLY BEGINS WORK WHICH WILL NOT ONLY INCLUDE TESTING,BUT SOME DEMOLITION OF EXISTING ELEMENTS TO PRECISELY DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEMS. 5. BENEATH THE CONSULTANT'S ANALYSIS OF THE FOUNTAIN'S PROBLEMS IS THE INFERENCE THAT ALL THE EFFORTS OF THOSE WHO HAVE UNSUCCESSFULLY MAINTAINED AND REPAIRED THIS FOUNTAIN OVER THE YEARS HAVE BEEN CHARACTERIZED BY INCOMPETENCE. IF YOU BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE, THEN APPROVING THE PROPOSAL MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE. THE ARTS COMMISSION DOES NOT BELIEVE THIS TO BE THE CASE; IT DOES BELIEVE THE FOUNTAIN'S DESIGN IS INHERENTLY FLAWED AND THAT IT WILL NEVER WORK PROPERLY. 6. THIS MEANS THE $70,000 FIGURE IS AN OPENING VOLLEY, ONE WHICH THE ARTS COMMISSION,LONG EXPERIENCED WITH UNSUCCESSFUL REPAIRS OF THIS FOUNTAIN,FEELS WILL INEVITABLY EXCEED THE INITIAL COST ESTIMATE 7. IF COUCIL APPROVES THIS EXPENDITURE,WITHIN 24 MONTHS OF TODAY'S MEETING,THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS WILL HAVE SPENT THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILLION DOLLARS ON THIS FOUNTAIN 8. THE ARTS COMMISSION FEELS THIS IS FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE,AND IF THE FORMER ARTS COMMIISSION AND COUNCIL KNEW THIS FOUNTAIN WERE GOING TO INCUR EXPENSES IN THIS RANGE, IT WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN PURCHASED AND INSTALLED IN THE. FIRST PLACE. 9. FOR THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILLION DOLLARS,THE CITY COULD HAVE ACQUIRED A MONUMENTAL PIECE OF PUBLIC ART BY ONE OF MANY INTERNATIONALLY REKNOWNED SCULPTORS, AND NONE WOULD HAVE COME WIITH THIS SORT OF MAINTENANCE EXPENSE. WE BELIEVE IT IS TIME TO DECOMMISSION THE FOUNTAIN AND START FRESH WITH A NEW INSTALLATION INCURABLE FLAWS 1. THE FOUNTAIN HAS SOME INCURABLE, FLAWS THAT MAY NEVER BE FIXED,EVEN IF THE CONSULTANT IS SUCCESSFUL IN HIS REPAIR PROPOSAL. 2. WHEN WORKING,THE FOUNTAIN IS USED BY THE HOMELESS AS BOTH A,LATRINE AND A BATHTUB. THESE, PRACTICES,TAKING PLACE, AT A PROMINENT GATEWAY TO THE CITY,DO NOT LEAVE A GOOD IMPRESSION ON VISITORS. 3. THE WANDS AND CONCRETE IN THE FOUNTAIN CONTAIN MANY HARD WATER STAINS THAT CANNOT BE AVOIDED WITH THE MINERAL CONTENT OF PALM SPRINGS WATER,WHICH COMES PRIMARILY FROM THE AQUIFER. THE QUALITY OF THE WATER WILL CONTINUE TO DO AESTHETIC DAMAGE AND CONTINUE TO ERODE THE EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF THE PUMPS. 4. WHEN WORKING, THE MOVABLE WANDS SPLASH WATER ON PASSERS BY IN THIS WIND-SWEPT LOCATION, GIVING PEDESTRIANS AN UNEXPECTED DOSE OF WATER WHOSE CONTENTS ARE LESS THAN SANITARY. S. BECAUSE. THE FOUNTAIN WAS DESIGNED TO BE INTERACTIVE— TO HAVE PEOPLE USING IT AND CLIMBING INTO THE POOLS—IT REPRESENTS AN ONGOING LIABILITY ISSUE FOR THE CITY, INVITING SLIP AND FALL LAWSUITS AND HAVING THE POTENTIAL FOR INFANT DROWNING IN THE SHALLOW POOL AT THE EAST END OF THE INSTALLATION. d. PARK.AND REC HAS ALREADY INFORMED THE COMMISSION THAT THIS USE COULD ALSO TRIGGER THE CODE REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS OR,AT THE VERY LEAST,NECESSITATE THE INSTALLATION OF HANDRAILS TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM SPLASHING AROUND IN THE WATER. THE COST OF THESE MODIFICATIONS HAVE NOT YET BEEN INCLUDED IN ANY ESTIMATE,AND THEY WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE AESTHETICS OF THE FOUNTAIN. FOR ALL THE PRECEDING REASONS,THE ARTS COMMISSION BELIEVES IT IS FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE FOR THE CITY TO INVEST ANY MORE MONEY IN THIS FOUNTAIN. AND IF COUNCIL CHOOSES TO DISAGREE WITH OUR UNANIMOUS RECOMMENTATION,IT MAY BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITIZENS OF PALM SPRINGS TO HAVE THESE PROPOSED REPAIRS PLACED ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT IN THE FORM OF A REFERENDUM BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION. rT VC, C� OF PALM Sp ti �Z V � N �b+reee, City Council Staff Report DATE: November 7, 2007 SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF RAINMAKER FOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENTS FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Department of Parks and Recreation SUMMARY The Rainmaker fountain, located in Frances Stevens Park, was constructed in 1999. Since that time, maintenance of the fountain has become difficult and resulted in closure at various times. Currently, the fountain is not operational. Staff is presenting a work plan based upon the assessment of by Waterline Studios, which includes recommendations for several items to be repaired or replaced. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Direct staff to proceed with the appropriate procurement process to complete Rainmaker Fountain repairs identified in the Waterline Studios assessment — and return to Council for funding and contract approval. STAFF ANALYSIS: The Rainmaker fountain, located in Frances Stevens Park, was commissioned through a national design competition for sculpture. Comprised of two structures, the fountain is intended to have kinetic water elements that move and pour water from colored pipes at various intervals. The large basin overlooks an amphitheater space, and a symbolic "arroyo" carries water to the lower pool structure. Since shortly after its completion in 1999, maintenance has been an ongoing challenge. Waterline Studios, a highly qualified firm located in Colorado, was retained to complete a comprehensive assessment of the fountain, including the mechanics, electronics, structure, design, and function. The President of Waterline Studios conducted a daylong assessment of the fountain. Staff from each of the departments involved with the maintenance was interviewed, along with the contractor who completed the original project, and the artist was called from the site to provide additional information. The report identifies a number of items that can be repaired or replaced to bring the fountain back into working order and other items that will improve the long-term viability and reduce long-term maintenance costs. ITEM NO. DATE: November 7, 2007 SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF RAINMAKER FOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENTS PAGE: Two This item was discussed at the Arts Commission on September 13, 2007. At that time, the commissioners also requested cost estimates for demolition of the fountain_ The City Engineer's estimate to remove the fountain is approximately $60,000 to $75,000 (not including site remediation). On October 11, the item was reconsidered by the Arts Commission. They voted unanimously to recommend to the Council that the fountain be decommissioned and removed. An item of particular concern to the Commission was the ongoing maintenance costs. FISCAL IMPACT: Repair costs are estimated at $75,000; however, actual costs will be obtained with a formal bid process. The City Engineer's estimate for demolition is between $60,000 and $75,000. The current ongoing maintenance costs are approximately $61,000. However, after the comprehensive repairs have been completed, maintenance costs may be reduced. V Sharon Heider, Director Troy tzlaff, As sttis t City Manager Department of Parks and Recreation Admin rative Se i David H. Ready, Cikylanager Attachments: Waterline Studios report Letter from David Morris 2 VATRUNL ST LID 10S August16,2007 Ms. Sharon Iieider City of Palm Springs 401 South pavilion Way Pahn Springs,CA 62263 Pie: Rainmaker Fountain Site Visit Dear Sharon: Thank you for your time and hospitality on my recent visit. Further to our conversations, the fallow ng report outlines my findings as to the condition of the fountain and associated equipment, and my recommendations for its renovation,refitting and re-comntissioning. Current Fountain Condition There are actually two fountain systems on the project,and from the drawings they are identified as the Rainmaker Fountain consisting of the wand pool, arroyo (runnel) and lower pool. The other fountain is identified as the waicrwash. The fountains were not running at the time of my visit The following represents the current condition of the fountains and the issues associated With them as slated by the various attendees: Lights 1. The lighting did not stem to be operational, and the location of transformers for the light fixtures in the wand pool was unkirown. 2. It was believed that there may be a junction box beneath the sidewalk somewhere, but this could not be confirmed. Pools 1. The pools were duty but seemed to be generally in good shape structurally. 2. Some diverter plates in the wand pool were broken and should be replaced. 3. One of the wands consistently splashes water onto the sidewalk and keeps it wet. 4. The lower pool does not have a drain in it and the overflow grill oRcn clogs with debris. 5. The lack of drain here requires the pool to be vacuumed. 6. There was some clipping of surface material in the watctwashes, and a different color material was visible undernoath. It is unknown whether the lop material was adhering to the bottom material and whether this is a local problem or will spread. 7 I did not get to look into the water wash stunp. 8. The overflow gill at the watcrwash often clogs and the pool overfills. This is likely a result of a failed water level control and the small size of the overflow grill. 9. There is a drain in the bottom of the waterwash pool that the drawings indicated goes to storm,but no one lahows if an actual connection to storm sewer exists on the site. WATER FF,ATURE CONSUL rANTS 3 4710 5 CullegL Me Port Col I.,Colorado 90525 (970)2D7 9697 • Page 2 October 3,2007 Surge Tank 1. The surge tank had son a water in it and was dirty but appeared in good shape. 2. llie two 6"gravity drain pipes fzom the lower pool were visible as were the 6"and 2"suction pipes for the display and filter pumps respectively,and the 4"overflow pipe. All appeared to be free of damage. 3. The water level control probes for the fountain were in this vault and it was unknown what condition they are in. 4. It was stated that the overflow for the guise tank goes to a dry well under the sidewalk and this well also served as the drain point for the sump pump in the vault. 5. It was indicated that the surge tank overflowed and flooded the area and water entered the vault during this event,but there was no clear indication this happened. Equipment Vault I. The equipment vault was in fan condition,but had standing water in the sump trough and the ventilation fan was not operational. 'llhis made for a very hot and humid envtromnent and the equipment showed the signs of this with rusting and corrosion. 2. The electrical panel showed signs of water leakage and it was unknown if the components are operational but it was stated that the pauel does not work. 3. The filters and chlorinators were intact but the water till solenoids were not wired. 4, The motorized butterfly valves that fed the wands appeared corroded and it was stated that they were not operational and no one knew how they were programmed to operate. 5 The vault hatch is a heavy steel door with no spring assist lifts and is dangerous as it can fall uncontrolled. 6 It was indicated that die motors were bad due to prior submergence but the interior of the vault did not show signs of major water entry. I could not tell if this was indeed the case but it would be prudent to remove the motors and have them checked and serviced prior to placing the fountain back in operation. 7. It was not clear if the sump pump was operable but it was assumed that this pump discharges to the same dry well. It was also stated that this pump backed up sometimes and allowed water into the vault, Somc speculation was that the dry well was clogged with fines but this could not be confirmed. 8. One of the filters is plumbed backward Observations I believe that the fountain can be placed back into operation with some work,but there are some issues that have to be addressed on a broader level. It was indicated that the fountains are meant to be. interactive and that has implications along a number of avenues: 1. California regulates interactive fountains through their swimming pool code with some explicit requirements for filtration and water volumes. While 1 believe that the fountains at the park meet most of the requirements there is the issue of water born diseases that have been contributed to the interaction of people with fountain water. Some of these are not killed with chlorine except at very elevated levels. We would recommend that if people are going to be allowed to enter tine water, a LTV sanitizes be added to the filtration loop to help sanitize the water. 2. If the city decides to allow people to enter the water, they should decide on how they are going to monitor the water quality. Currently chlorine is added through an erosion feeder that continually adds sanitizes to die water. There is no way for maintenance personnel to observe the chlorine levels without manually testing the water. Many municipalities we have worked with have decided to treat interactive fountains as they do swimming pools raid test the water twice daily and Ing the results. The installation of an automated chlorine controller would also help in this regard. WATER FLA"CURE.CONSULTANTS 4710 S Cnlleae Ave 4 Fed Collius Cnlorndo 80515 (970)2U7 9697 • Page 3 October 3,2007 3. Part of the interactivity of the fountain includes people in the wand pool and walking along the runnel. Both of these structures exceed the 30"rule for the requirement of handrails. These noes are stated both in the IBC and ADA. Confined Spaces Both the equipment vault and surge tank are confuted spaces as defined by OSHA. OSHA,has two levels for this Classification the highest being `permit required confined space' which requires two people to be present when servicing these spaces with one person standing by with life safety equipment While the vault and tank do not quality as permit regwrcd confined spaces,the issue should be reviewed by the proper person within the city. Vault Access The vault and the tank are accessed via very heavy doors that do not have spring assist operators and that rotate 180 degrees to lay on the ground. This is a dangerous condition with a free swinging hatch. We would recommend that these hatches be modified to have lift amps fitted to them or replaced altogether with new hatches by a company like Bilco Hatch Company. The new hatch could likely be surface mounted without cutling concrete. Additionally,the access ladder requires someone to lean down and grab the hatch lid to move down the ladder. We recommend that the ladders be replaced with vertical aluminum ladders with a Bilco Ladder Up bar installed to safely enter and exit the vault. Vault Ventilation The ventilation fan in the vault should be replaced with a larger fan and larger vent piping to allow more air to circulate through the vault.This will require coring larger holes for the piping. Vault Sump Pump-Storm sewer connection It was not clear if the vault sump pump worked or not but this item is essential to the longevity of the equipment The pump should be able to evacuate almost all of the water from the sump trough,. If the pump is inoperable, it should be replaced as a first priority This pump apparently discharges to a dry well and is not connected to storm sewer. If the dry well is no longer functioning, it is paramount to get this siurip pump discharge connected to a storm drain point. I would like the city to investigate whether there is an actual storm water connection on site or if everything is routed to the dry well. The drain at the bottom of the watcrwash pool is very deep to be routed to a dry well. Vault electrical I could not deterinine if the control panel was operable or not but on inspection it did not look like it was too bad off. We recommend that the panel be cleaned and the vault dried out, if necessary by placing a heater in the vault and allowing it to dry. An electrician should then test the equipment to determine its funclaonality and need for replacement. There was indication that water was entering the panel via conduits and these conduits should be opened at the penetration point and sealed with duct seal to prevent any further moisture entry. It is likely that the water level controls may need replacement,both the control boards in the panel and the probes in the pool. We would recommend that the original prints be obtained from the supplier or artist and used as a basis for the remcdiation work. If the pumps have been submerged the inotors should be removed and baked out and tested as to their functionality. WATER FF,ATURE CONSULTAN rS 4710 S Colluge A+e C ran Coll.,Coimdu 90525 J (970)207 Q697 • Page 4 October 3,2007 The solenoid 0 valves should be re-wired or replaced. Vault Mechanical The basket strainers in this vault are very small and I would recommnend replacing them with a larger capacity strainer such as a Prostrainer (n wvv.prostrainer.cont). Utilizing these strainers could increase the maintenance interval for cleaning. We would also recommend changing the filter pumps to pumps with prostrainers as the capacity of the Pentair Whisperflo pumps is dismally small. It should be worked out if there is adequate space for such a replacement,but my observations would indicate that it is possible. The fillers are 100 sq it and could be increased in size to increase the interval between cleanings. At the very least I would recommend that two set of cartridges be purchased to have one on hand to change while the other set is taken and cleaned for the next change.The filter that is plumbed backward should be fixed. If the filters are replaced with larger units,I would install the largest size that will practically fit and again keep an extra set of cartridges on hand. Drain valves and pipe should be added to the filter tanks to allow to drain off nuisance water to the sump pump- Another choice is to change the filters to sand type filters which are flushable and do not require changing of cartridges. The use of these types of filters would likely decrease die overall maintenance time spent on the fountain. The implication of this is a requirement for a connection to samtary sewer loot the back wash line. This would require the routing of a sewer lane to the vault and coring a hole for the pipe. The change to a sand filter would also allow for draining of the sump and tank via the filter pumps. The discharge piping to the upper pools and the wands all have check valves on them. This means that water is held in the pipe and is not allowed to drain backward. The problem is drat there is no means to drain this trapped water out of the pipes and that water has been sitting in the piping since the last use of the fountain. This water is surely dirty and growing things and introducing new water will spread the algae throughout the fountain. I recommend that drain valves be added to the piping down stream of all check valves in the vault. These should be nvnirnum 1/1"and should be routed to the sump pump. Sanitation The chlorine feeders are adequate for the job but they are not automated and there is no way for the maintenance personnel to monitor the chlorine levels We would recommend that a chemical controller be installed with a solenoid valve in front of the erosion feeders for on/off operation. Santa Barbara Controls has a reliable unit forppm and PH control and monitoring. www.shccntrols c(m) In addition to the chemical controller, we recommend that a UV sanrtizer be installed on the filter loop. We like Delta UV(www.deltauy.conn)13P models. AYest kit and adequate regents should be purchased and maintained on site for testing water quality. Automation and programming The Rainmaker fountain is automated inasmuch as ire wands do not continually fill with water but are sequenced to the artist's original direction. This was accomplished with a small programmable logic controller(PLC) and tbree motorized butterfly valves. The PLC is typically programmed by the supplier of die electrical panel which in this case was Prau Electric in Portland. The PLC is progaunnhed to open one or both of the wand valves wlule closing the bypass valve to direct water to the wands. Water would fill tie wands and they would spill into the pool. This would happen for a set amount of time then the wand valves would close and the bypass valve would open and allow water to flow to the wand basin. WATER FEATURE CONSULTANTS 4710$College Avi 6 Fon Cull.,Colorado 90525 (9711)207 9697 • Page 5 October 3,2007 As stated before,it was indicated that the automatic valves do not work which is not surprising given the humidity in the vault. The motors for these types of valves should be supplied with internal heaters to keep the motors dry. It should be decided if the automation of the fountain is important for long term operation. While the motorized valves could be replaced as part of the overall renovation work to return the fountain to the original artists intent, they likely could also be removed and allow the wands to operate all the time. While this is a departure from the original design, it would eliminate the need for the PLC and any support for this device. If kept,the PLC could likely be serviced by a local distributor for the particular type of controller. Witter Level Controls The water in Palm Springs is very hard and this will have an effect on the water level sensors. The types of probes being used are resistive types that utilize the water level to open and close control circuits. As hard water deposits build up on these probes they loose their conductivity and the solenoid valves either fail to open or fail to close. Primarily,these probes have to be a point of regular maintenance by cleaning deposits off of thein with emory cloth. On the surge tank, that unit could conceivably be replaced with an ultra some model that does not require contact with the water. The sensor in the walerwash fountain is permanently installed and needs to become part of the maintenance regime. )Drainage Typically fountains are drained to sanitary sewer because of their likely hood that chemicals have been added to the water. The Rainmaker fountain has no actual drain at all and all water must be pumped out of the lower pool, and I could not see how the wand pool was drained. It was indicated that the pools and tank are all drained via a sump pump and hose, and likely discharged to the storm sewer system in the street. This process likely-violates the code for contaminated water discharge unless the water has been allowed to sit and dissipate the chlorine prior to drainage. Allowing the water to sit to dissipate chlorine is an acceptable means of avoiding the cost of bringing in a sanitary sewer connection. The waterwash basin has a drain in it that does not appear to have been used as the seal does not appear to have been broken. This drain is called out as being connected to storm scwcr but I am not sure if this is the case or it is connected to the dry well. This is one of the items I would like the City to investigate, If it is connected to storm sewer and will be used to drain the fountain, the water in that basin will have to be let to stand while tie cliorinc dissipates before draining to storm. If the decision is made to bring a sanitary sewer line to the site—this would be for a sand filter backwash- then I would recommend coring a hole in the iniddle of the lower pool and installing a drain fitting to allow for easier maintenance of tie pooh. The process would include coring the hole in the pool and excavating a sump area and boring a pipe over to it from the trench area of the sanitary line. 7'lic drain fitting and pipe could then be installed and the bore hole and sump ares filled with concrete or hydraulic cement. Overflow The Rainmaker fountain overflow is in the surge tank and it has been slated that this has backed up. l£this is indeed the case then it would indicate that the dhy well is indeed inoperable and would hequire the routing of a storm line to the overflow pipe outside of the tank. If this is executed, then the sump pump discharge line from the vault should be tied into that line as well. The watcnvash fountain overflow is a very small grill and often gets blocked with debris causing the pool to overfill (also a likely result of fouled water level sensor probes). This overflow should be modified to provide a means of WATER FEATURE CONSULTANTS 4710 5 College Ave 7 Port Collins Colorado B0525 (970)201 4697 • Page 6 October 3,2007 removing water from the pool without clogging. Putting a hood over the grill that extended below the water level would allow water to rise up inside the hood while debris stayed on the outside of the grill. Wand Sculpture The wands are leaking and in speaking to the artist while on site,I understood him to say that the O-rings that were intended to seal the wands caused too much friction and the wands would not rotate fast enough. The o-rings were replaced with some kind of packing to facilitate the movement of the wands and while there was dripping fi-om the wands this was acceptable. The artist also indicated that the packing may have become fouled over time and that this may be slowing the rotation of the wands and contributing to the splashing out of the pool. I believe that the wands should be disassembled and cleaned to learn how they work and how much maintenance they are going to need. The artist may be able to provide drawings of the assemblies and possibly photos to see how they are put together. With respect to the splashing out of the pool by the wand flow,I would recommend that the simplest solution would be to attach a diverter over the end of the wand to direct the water downward. This would interrupt the discharge angle of the water and Wright look odd,but this should be evaluated once a temporary diverter is placed. The other option for the splashing wand is to shorten it so that the water falls farther back into the pool. This would also require changing the weight in the base according to the artist. Lower Pool The lower pool overflow to the tank is accomplished via a grill on the seat of the pool. This grill has a strap across it and could stub toes or cut feel if people are allowed into the pool. This grill also clogs with debris. I would recommend replacing the grill with a solid plate and cutting the front of the seat out to create an open weir on the pool side. This would allow for free flow Into the gravity pipes. The runnel terminates in the lower pool and spills water over the structure which then evaporates and leaves deposits on the walls. I would recommend that a weir blade be installed on the end of the runnel to project the water into the pool and off of the structure- Hard water deposits There are devices available for treating hard water and keeping tlae minerals in solution. While the climate of Palm Springs is very severe in this regard, installing one of these devices Tight reduce the amount of visible deposits. If this is not an issue,then annual power washing might suffice. Lighting In order to get the fountain lighting operational, the transformer location for the wand pool lights needs to be identified. I found two swimmm1-pool type transformers in a box directly next to the vault but could not determine if these were the transformers in question. The artist indicated that he might be able to speak to the original installer to try and locate the transformers as did Rich. It is likely that the transformers and lights will need to be replaced. The same goes for the two wall lights in the lower pool. If new lights are purchased, T would recommend that extra gaskets be purchased at the same time in anticipation of future maintenance. WATF,R FEATURE CONSULTANTS 4710 5 College Ave n Fort Cnllias Colorado 80525 O (970)207 9697 • Pago 7 October 3,2007 Conclusions Decisions for the City: 1. Decide if this is going to be an interactive fountain. 2. Decide if this fountain should drain to sanitary sewer. 3. Determine if the dry well is functional and then decide if a storm water connection exists on site and whether one can be brought to the surge tank. 4. Decide if the sequencing of the wands as designed by the artist is an important part of the visual nature of the fountain or if operating the wands constantly would be acceptable. 5. Review confined space issues. Required fixes for the fountain to be placed back in operation -• minimum fixes. These would get the fountain into operation but it would still splash and would still depend on the dry well for drainage and overflow. 1. Determine the functionality of the entire control panel-with or without the PLC based on no.4 above and repair or replace as necessary. 2. Test and service the pump motors-replace if necessary, 3. Make suunp pump operational. 4. Replace the vent fan and piping with a larger fan. 5. Rc-plumb the cartridge filter that is backward_ 6. Purchase spare cartridges for the filters 7. Add a UV sanitizer on the filter loops. 8. Repair or replace the existing water level control probes. 9. Repair or replace the cxistng solenoid fill valves. 10. Seal all conduit entries into the vault with duct scat, 11_ Install drain lines on all pipes downstream of check valves. 12. Obtain a chemical test kit and regents for on site water testing. 13. Install lift assist arm on the batches or replace altogether. 14. Install vertical aluminum ladders in vault with laddLr-up safety posts. Optional l!xes: For long term viability. I. Replace the existing basket strainers on the main pumps with new stainless steel strainers. 2 Replace the existing filter pumps with new pumps and stainless steel basket strainers. 3. Replace the existing cartridge filters with larger models or sand filters. (A sand filter will require a connection to sanitary sewer). 4. Add a de-ninerali=r on the filter loops. 5. Bring a storm sewer line auto the site and direct the tank overflow and vault sump pump discharge to this line. It is possible that when installing such a line the waterwash overflow and drain line can be found and directed to this connection. 6. Bring a sanitary sewer line onto the site for connection to new sand filter backwash lines and possibly a new dram line from the lower pool. 7 Add a scoop over the overflow grill at the waterwash pool. 8. Replace the grating at the lower pool with a solid plate and cut dawn the side wall to create an open weir flow, 9. Install a diverter on the end of the splashing wand or cut down the wand and adjust the,weights. 10. Remove tine wand assemblies and renovate or re-build the bearings to clindnate leaking and allow proper rotation. WAFER FEATURE CONSULTANTS 4710 5 C.11e a A,e 9 rort COltwe Col...a.90525 (970)207 v(.')7 • Page 8 October 3,2007 Other objectives 1. Obtain original drawings from the vault supplier and wiring diagrams from the control panel supplier. The supplier of the vault was,Anderson Pacific of Portland, Oregon and the panel builder was Prair,Electric of Portland. 2. Create a schematic drawing of the pumping systems and mount in a laminated plastic cover in the vault identifying all functional equipment and valves. Add valve tags to all valves. 3. Assemble cut sheets and parts lists for all equipment along with sources from local suppliers. Secure all information in a maintenance manual. 4. Describe daily,weekly,monthly and yearly maintenance issues and have them on a single sheet at the front of the maintenance manual. 5. Photograph the wand assemblies when rc-worlcng them and document the process of cleaning and maintaining the bearings. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss next step options,please do not hesitate to call me. Regards, Dominic Shaw Waterline Studios,Inc WATER FEATURE CONSULTANTS 1710 S C.11,6 Ave 10 Fon Coll.:Color,du B0525 (95n)20 9x.n WATERLINE _ SrMOS October 9,2007 Ms.Sharon Hcider City of Pahn Springs 401 South Pavilion Way Palm Springs,CA 62263 Re: Rainmaker Fountain Site visit Dear Sharon: Below please find our estimate for the costs for the recommended fixes from Dominic's Tap Report dated:August 16,2007. ^jSSLTC, ., - �. .i P'RIC]G Duterriiiiie"iU litiicti6uaHty of,;thc'enlue;control.Panc`1'^.— lvith;'or wilhoYat the PL,C. aced on no:4!ah'ove,,arid re au'r or'rc i 9610000"'. k �_ Place as�il'egessary:,,^ Test'and,setii,cetthe',pitizip m'ui"UCs;,-replace i(;neces'sary. 50 1 Iyis l[e sutiil)PUMP Opera 4i im. " p00. ,j Rep`lace'the vein`;Tsui"arid pil uig',w,itva.lauger fan. Url Re-plmnb ih cailr'idgc f'lte�that'i's';,ba'cicwvd:_ 50� Puxcliase apa ti cvti;idgcs,fob-the fltz�5.,' " 40, Add a'W saiiitSze'iiarrilcflterloags20Op;' F.RTag'gf rePlace;dlzeiuxaS,tinig v ater'luuel coutcol'prnb'es. ,^ TZe� not xe��lace;l}e;ez4s1U1R,sol'eno d fill valvos. `650Q Seal'all condhi}enties, he vault v l,th dpctseal. $1 U�^ Tnsis 11 di'?ui lidGs"on'all pipes dUv tispAa n gf cliecic Xalves, f^ 1$'looD' O61.ani a chemical fest`ki l ztnd regents l'01,an site water trs ing. �,ti00 1nsta111iit assis't'9rih.or iltlie lla'iclies,or z4place lltogoihcr. 000 Titst l VcGtica111itrrrinuIn,la l'lers in"raid iYhh ladder-,up safety,posts.11 r �p200. y. Replace tbb 6xi'sting,hasket strainers on the•maiu pim';ips ,with"new,stainles's, l' steel siraih'ers: '�6U0D..,i Replace the.cxistuiy filiunj utitgs with npw pumps,ana,Staite^sssi cl baslcef i' strainers. Both10 . jRepl"Jlie existing Ei uidge lilters with larger models,or,sa14filters,.�(A I.. , lF'1000 swd filler will re'gti'tre'a coimection to sanitary sewei).,Both Add a de-miiierali2er..on.thc filter Poops.,(k2) 77 IS,ring,a stornti'sev✓�r li��ei;�irtici„;thc sjte:,and�'direct-k]ie:tgjlk;overllow,anJ:V,aul ^ '! '"� � ^-- `�j '5ump'pgwng discliargeto t]us,ino-, f4js,pos4le,uuat wlieh nstalliilp:sg'elr a, liLie,the Vai'e vlasl •ovar$loly id elrain line,ciu,Zehiir d'rihd,6,6cte.4 to,Us, - 'CQ7117eCh(917.: d.;.A Bring,nvsa liiary .,ipmr,line oi0'(1ie;•szie;for conzicct on to MA slid filter, Ibaekwaslihigs,atA¢;'pqx;9iblyaiiew•;dnaim,lliih,e`frowlheiti;crp4cl:'•, $1,gTt1+5'K Ad'd`a scoop over;die 8verflowl,#ill at-the watieiwash pool:, °' ,, . $200- Replace'ihc grating"at 11ie;loWar;pop''I`i9illi a"sb7id 'late ard,'cirt tldwn'tc" wall.Yo creaie'a t optd,Weicow;. IT $�5J'0.' Install?a'dicertc�„nn:i#e d'd,of"the:sllashing:wand'p%bind'©wu;Ylie_wuid 'a ,l, a�jdslah'e,we'i,gfils:j,1'.'• e;', ' s:F?fJOCj,.. cmbLe;'tlie wafi'd °Sc K_ . as..pi'l hc's`'and' i6ovate of,rc••build"1lie ,be�u�gs 'to woo, 7 7- eliihinalc+Ica$innd''allow propet T,d noon: TOTAL'' ai r Regards, Dominic Shaw Waterline SWdios,Inc 12