Planning & Design Meetings 10/18/2011 - PresentationLandscape Meeting
Palo Alto High School
18 October 2011
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PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL
Palo Alto Unified School District
DATE: 18 November 2010, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
SUBJECT: Palo Alto High School Landscape review
ATTENDEES: Mary Gordon Aimee Lopez, OCMI/PAUSD
Nancy Bjork Tom Hodges, OCMI/PAUSD
Kathie Laurence Beau Hale, DLM
Phil Winston Chuck McDonald
Anne Anderson Penny Proctor
Tim McBrian Todd Young
The following are the highlights of the meeting:
1. Todd Young (TY) opened the meeting reviewing the landscape design of the
upcoming PAC project.
a. Tom Hodges (TH) explained the status of the project and the intent on going
to the BOE for schematic design approval.
b. Some design elements included but were not limited to:
• 2 step lowered amphitheater at entry.
• Trees lining the edge of the 100 building which direct you toward the
entry area of the PAC.
• Seating area at existing trees between PAC and 1600 building.
c. TH requested a layout to present the board to identify which trees are
staying and which were being eliminated. TY discussed which were (E) to
remain.
d. TH explained that there are small trees currently planted by Chuck and the
Paly Alumni group, and recommended relocating the trees this summer.
Mary Gordon (MG) stated summer is not the best time for tree relocation, it
should be done in winter. Anne Anderson (AA) stated that the alumni
committee will need to weigh in on this decision as they have so much
invested at this point. The relocation will need to be out of the construction
envelope. AA will contact the alumni group and follow-up on this.
e. The loading dock/ set building area in the back of the building were
discussed. TH stated that this will need to be left somewhat open and this
area will need to be identified on the plan prior to the board meeting. The
committee asked to see the revised building and planting plan as soon as it
is complete. TY agreed to distribute this when complete.
f. The drop off area was discussed and explained. No issues were raised.
g. All agreed that the District’s arborist will need to weigh in on the construction
of the seat wall at the existing trees.
h. Plaza drainage was discussed. TY described the drainage as sheet
drainage toward El Camino. Tim McBrian (TM) noted that the drainage of
the quad will not be addressed until the portables are moved from the
current location.
2. Discussion moved to the Palo Alto HS Classroom and Media Arts Building
(PACMA) landscape design.
Landscape Meeting
Palo Alto High School
18 October 2011
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a. MG stated that the drawings are not large enough to review typically and this
has been a continuing problem. Drawings were given to her that were at
scale.
b. MG stated that she does not think that the final landscape design was ever
reviewed. Phil Winston (PW) was under the impression that all discussion
regarding the PACMA was complete. TY stated that the last group of
requested changes that were made were implemented as directed at the
meeting. PW asked if changes could occur to the plans. TM answered that
minor changes could be made at this time (changes in plant species for
example) but more extensive changes would be made at a premium price.
The committee stated that with past projects what has happened is that the
detailed plans were made for DSA submittal and once approved the
changes were provided to the committee for review. This was not done with
this project.
c. Discussion moved for some time to the bidding process and how it takes
place. The committee asked how the alternates were accepted or rejected.
There was concern of the rejection of the permeable pavers. TM stated that
of the 11 alternates 10 were included in the project. Beau Hale explained
that the reason for not accepting the permeable pavers was a cost issue.
The price was nearly 10x the average cost of the other bidders.
d. It was decided that discussion of the bidding process should occur at a later
time and TH and PW will determine this venue.
e. MG stated that the bottom line was that the goal was to raise the standard
within the District.
f. Kathie Laurence (KL) asked how the District standard colors were arrived
upon. They seem plain in her opinion. TH stated that they were decided by
a board action.
g. MG voiced concern over the softening of the building edge that was
previously discussed and does not seem to be reflected.
h. MG voiced concern over the lack of irrigation at some existing trees near the
Media arts project. The construction/ design team said it was not allowed
and sleeves were installed for future use when and if new trees are planted.
i. The committee sated that they never received a copy of the arborist report
for review once issued.
j. TH stated that there never seemed to be a consensus or agreement
regarding what would happen to the existing trees. Because of this the
committee will meet with the arborist to review all of her reports and
documents. TM volunteered to head this meeting.
k. Moving forward the landscape committee will review the plans prior to
bidding.
3. The Stadium Improvement Project discussion was tabled until a later time due to
time constraints.
4. TM agreed to arrange this meeting likely for 10:00 on 10/21/2011 in building ‘D’.
END
Prepared by Beau Hale of Deems Lewis McKinley. Please advise in writing if you feel that any of the above items are inaccurate within 48 hours of receipt.
cc: Attendees
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