Planning & Design Meetings Subcommittee Meeting 5/1/2012 - MinutesSubcommittee Meeting
Palo Alto High School
01 May 2012
Page 1
PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL
Palo Alto Unified School District
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PAC) SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
DATE: 1 May 2012, 3:30 pm -4:30 pm
SUBJECT: Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center
ATTENDEES: Sign-in sheet (attached)
The following are the highlights of the meeting:
1. Tom Hodges (TH) explained that the Schematic Design Phase of the project is now
complete and that the purpose of the meeting is to review the design as it is now
realized in greater detail. He explained that a Value Engineering session with DLM and
consultants occurred to evaluate the design and cost. This meeting will review value
engineering items being discussed that could potentially impact the Subcommittee.
Subcommittee reviewed the latest interior and exterior renderings and expressed
approval.
2. The following Value Engineering items were discussed:
• Removal of the third catwalk
o Subcommittee expressed acceptance of the removal of the third catwalk
(previously provided for the purpose of maintaining the rear row of house
lights. TH mentioned that Ron Smith had confirmed that the District has a
lift that can be used to maintain the lights if they cannot be accessed by a
catwalk.
• Green Room, folding Partition
o Subcommittee expressed acceptance of a manual folding partition in the
Green Room in lieu of the motorized partition currently shown in the
documents. TH relayed Ron Smith’s concern that a motorized partition
would eventually break or required maintance. Subcommittee stated that
they had thought it was going to be manual all along and did not know
that it was being shown to be motorized.
• Classroom window height
o Subcommittee expressed acceptance of reduced window height at the
classroom (with a new top height of approximately 9 feet above finish
floor). Subcommittee stated that they do want some windows but taller
windows were not necessary and would just make blocking them when
necessary more difficult.
• Basement size
o Brad Gunkel (BG) reviewed reduced basement size and explained that
DSA may require an elevator (in lieu of the wheelchair lift currently
shown) if the basement size is not reduced. Cost of basement space is
high as is that of an elevator.
Subcommittee Meeting
Palo Alto High School
01 May 2012
Page 2
o Michael Najar (MN) stated that it would be helpful if a method of
organizing storage were introduced (such as cabinets or shelves) to
better structure the use of the reduced space so that it does not become
too cluttered. Taking this into consideration, Subcommittee accepted
reduced basement square footage.
o James Hilmer (JH) stated concerns about maintenance and cleaning of
mechanical plenums under stage. He asked if a screen could be
provided at the grate to prevent items from falling through. He also asked
if a portion of the grate in front of the doors to piano storage could be
deleted to provide a smooth surface for the piano to roll out over.
3. Other Discussions:
• JH explained that after discussion and evaluation of the motorized counterweight
sets for fixed electric battens, the theater group prefers it not to be motorized.
Next Meetings (Information):
4. A Technical Check-in Meeting will be scheduled during the Design Development Phase.
5. Landscape Committee Meeting scheduled for May 15th at 1:30.
END
Prepared by Brad Gunkel of Deems Lewis McKinley. Please advise in writing if you feel that any of the above items
are inaccurate.
cc: Attendees, File