EMCAC

Minutes

August 29, 2007

Old Naval Hospital

Present: Brunson, Burger, Edwards, Gallo, Glasgow, Hanousek, Jarboe, Kuchenberg, Layman, Opper-Weiner, Scheeder

Ms. Scheeder requested that Mr. Burger chair the meeting as she had just returned home from South Africa earlier that day and was recovering from an 18-hour plane trip.

 

1. Agenda

Mr. Edwards requested that a proposed bylaws change be added to the agenda. Mr. Burger moved/Ms. Opper-Weiner seconded a motion to approve the agenda as presented. It passed without objection.

1. Minutes

Ms. Opper-Weiner moved/Ms. Hanousek seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the July meeting as amended. It passed without objection.

1. Capital Improvements Subcommittee

Mr. Edwards reported that he had no formal report, but he would speak to the issues remaining on the 90% drawings.

1. Interior Lighting

EMCAC recognizes that with the 100% Roof Design, the skylight debate has been brought to a conclusion (whether or not the resolution is historically justified), and the skylights will be installed with special glass that will prevent the transmittance of 99% of the UV light and about two-thirds of the visible light.

The skylight discussion raised the issue of washed-out food appearance that affects marketability and that remains a concern. Lighting of food products is indeed complex, influenced by both the display case lighting and the ambient lighting. The display cases are controlled by the merchants, and whatever special lighting for the display cases (such as Promolux) is a matter for the Merchants to evaluate. EMCAC’s role extends to the design of the building, and not the design of the display cases.

With the skylight issue resolved and the display lighting under the control of the Merchants, EMCAC’s focus on interior lighting is now directed to the two remaining sources of ambient lighting:

(1) light from the windows and door glazing.

(2) artificial ambient light.

Quantification and coordination of light from these two sources with the natural light with from the skylights is where attention now needs to be focused. Until that evaluation and dialogue takes place, EMCAC opposes the unexplained shading devices proposed for the South Hall on Sheet A604 and recommends further investigation of how sunlight control can be accomplished in the glass.

That evaluation will be advanced by the experience from the temporary structure, with its skylights and higher light level. It appears that the final specification of the window and door glazing can await the result of that evaluation, and should result in a better design. With the opening of the East Hall, we now have an initial data point: a washed-out appearance does result from the high light level as can be seen in the case display at Union Meat.

1. North Hall

Most of the discussion with OPM, the architect, and EMCAC has addressed aspects of rehabilitation and restoration other than the North Hall, and at the current 90% Design stage, there are proposals for the North Hall space that EMCAC does not understand or does not have enough information to support or oppose.

Sheet A102 shows a demountable stage that EMCAC support as providing flexibility of use of this space, consistent with the statutory requirement that the North Hall is to be operated as a community arts center and public meeting space (DC Code § 37-104). That same Sheet A102 also specifies three 38” x 38” carts, which are assumed to be for either storage of the demounted stage or the chairs when they are not in use. Clarification is requested, and if the intended use of the carts is for either of those assumed purposes, EMCAC supports the carts as consistent with the flexible, community use of this space.

EMCAC questions the specification on sheet A102 to provide a demountable wood dance floor. Apparently this is for the use of the Tango group that meets in the North Hall. As such, it apparently will be used by only that organization and may not contribute to the general statutory purpose for the use of this space, and for that reason EMCAC questions whether if should be provided at public expense. On the other hand, if the dance floor could be used by other community groups or for other public purposes, it would contribute to the general statutory purpose of the use of this space. If the dance floor is to be provided (either at public expense or paid for by the Tango group), such a proposal needs to be evaluated in terms of how it will be stored when not in use, and the impact on other operations of the required storage space.

The existing North Hall wood frame gallery partitions that are used to hang framed works are to be reinstalled in their present positions. (Sheet A102). EMCAC asks for further explanation of this proposal and as an initial position for that dialogue, supports the suggestion of CHRS that consideration be given to the addition of a continuous picture rail below the window sill (and maybe a higher picture rail, between the windows) – so that we don’t get nails in the renovated walls, in lieu of re-installing or re-building the wood frame gallery walls. If the gallery walls need to go back up, consideration should be given to providing a symmetrical layout on both sides (closer to the walls on the east and west sides with larger spaces paired with the entrance element on the north side) in order to make the space flow better and be more usable for a greater variety of functions.

Thus, in terms of the carts, the dance floor, and the wood frame partitions, EMCAC asks for consultation with OPM and QEA for a better understanding of these elements that are proposed for the North Hall.

1. Exterior Lighting

Pole type “historic” light fixtures are specified for the 7^th Street entrances (Sheet A101a, Doors 118, 121 and 123). They would likely be an impediment to people walking along the sidewalk since they are placed away from the building in the limited space between the Market building and the Farmers’ Line Shed. At the time the replacement Farmers’ Line Shed was designed, the community was promised lighting on the building side of the shed to illuminate and highlight the architectural features of the building: lighting that would “wash” the entire 7^th Street façade with “soft” lighting. The community and EMCAC endorsed this lighting proposal and have advocated its installation since the time of the Farmers’ Line Shed design. EMCAC continues to support that lighting proposal and opposes the pole type lighting proposed for the doors along 7^th Street.

EMCAC supports the proposed special event lighting of the North Plaza that would allow that space to be used for nighttime events. There is a concern about the impact of the light standards both in terms of damage to the tree roots during installation and the crowding of the tree roots.  EMCAC recommends that the North Plaza Special Event Lighting design be submitted to the Urban Forestry Division of DDOT for their review.  

Further, EMCAC suggests the special event lighting should be designed to be controlled to operate only at the time of such events, and that in addition to the special event lighting, general-purpose lighting also be provided for when there are no special events. General-purpose lighting would serve nighttime users of the North Hall as well as passers-by, in the same manner as streetlights in terms of brightness at the curb. General-purpose lighting for this façade should be coordinated with the lighting on the Farmers’ Line Shed to illuminate the architectural features of this north facade of the Market building.

In addition to the concerns about non-special event lighting along 7^th Street and the North Plaza for pedestrians, there is also concern about the lighting of the new flagpole. EMCAC has recommended that a flag be flown from the restored flagpole (a feature that is incorporated in the Eastern Market logo), and rather than have to take it down at dark, the flag should be lighted. Sheet E701 provides for LED fixtures to illuminate the acroteria on the main entrance portico, but lighting of the flagpole is not specified. EMCAC recommends lighting of the flagpole.

1. Roof Hatch.

The need to provide a roof hatch in the roof of the South Hall portico has been questioned in the comments of CHRS. EMCAC notes that there was such a hatch at the same position in the old roof, and this is merely replacing and upgrading that original hatch. The original roof opening was accessed through the original Market Manager’s office by stepladder through a ceiling opening, with a permanent ladder from the ceiling to the roof (there was about 3-4 feet between the ceiling and the roof). The proposed flag over the portico will require access for raising and lowering the flag and for maintenance of the nighttime lighting for the flag. Additionally, the existing hatch has been used each holiday season to hang decorations and lights over the main entrance: clearly safer than having installers traverse a wet or icy slate roof to do so. The hatch will serve those functions. EMCAC supports the roof hatch; however, we need to address how the roof hatch will be accessed from the original Market Manager’s office. This needs to be addressed as part of the design, because if we merely rely on a step ladder for access, the ladder would likely end up being stored in the original Market Manager’s office, because of the difficulty in carrying a ladder up and down the narrow, direction-changing stairway. Research is planned concerning restoration of the original Market Manager’s office.  Recognizing that fairly frequent access to the roof will likely be required, and that access will have to be through the original Market Manager’s office, that access needs to be designed in a manner that does not adversely impact the future restoration of that space.

1. General Note G-2

 

This note states that the building will be occupied during construction, and reflects the pre-fire expectation. The fact that at least the South and Center Halls of the building will not be occupied should simplify and thereby affect the bidding for the work.

1. West Façade Improvements.

Sheet C-2 specifies a speed bump (Note 16) and the pedestrian cross-walk to connect to the Aquatic Center Plaza angled to match the parking spaces (Note 17), both of which EMCAC supports. However, Note 15 specifies a new concrete pad for the dumpster in it present position. This position of the dumpster, immediately adjacent to the building, was a contributor to the fire and imposes a significant obstacle to pedestrian traffic entering the alley from C Street. EMCAC recommends relocation to the other side of the alley.

EMCAC again renews its advocacy for the removal of the alley chimney to provide pedestrian access from C Street to the West façade.

EMCAC has previously expressed concern about providing two ADA entrances on the east façade of the South Hall and their associated ramps and railing that would be located inside of the South Hall because of their impact on the South Hall vendors whose stalls are adjacent to those new ramps and railings. Further problems associated with using the east façade as the primary ADA access to the South Hall are the congestion and high level of pedestrian traffic that occurs along the Farmers’ Line on weekends. EMCAC’s January 16, 2007 Report concerning the 65% Design Submission and EMCAC’s June 13, 2007 Report concerning Post-Fire Revised Submission recommended that only one of the South Hall east façade ADA entrance ramps and railings be provided and that access to the west façade entrances to the South Hall be improved by relocation of the dumpster and removal of the existing chimney, which would thereby provide an unimpeded walkway from C Street along the west façade. If a third ADA entrance is needed for the South Hall, it can easily be provided on that west facade, without the requirement of an interior ramp or railing. To do so, the dumpster needs to be relocated, the chimney needs to be removed and the sidewalk adjacent to the Market needs to be improved. EMCAC recommends the dumpster be relocated, the chimney be removed and the sidewalk adjacent to the Market be improved.

g. Discussion and Comment:

Following his description of these issues, Mr. Edwards asked for discussion and comments that might be addressed in a 90% Report that is now being prepared and suggested that when complete, the 90% Report would then be distributed for approval prior to the next EMCAC meeting so that it could then be submitted to OPM and the architect.

 

Mr. Gallo questioned the comments on the utilization of space in the North Hall, mentioning that the display panels are jerrybuilt, and that some thought and creativity should be given to the design of the North Hall: Mr. Gallo and Mr. Jarboe expressed the view that there should be a consultation/dialogue on the North Hall to look at the design and utilization of the building. Mr. Jarboe added that the Capitol Improvements Subcommittee should meet with Quinn Evans and other consultants on these issues.

Mr. Glasgow raised the issue that the display cases and walk-in refrigerators have self-contained compressors, and that the previous plans to get the compressors off the floor, and in a dedicated room in the basement so their heat can be exhausted to the alley, rather than remaining in the building, may no longer be operative, since the equipment has been purchased with compressor units that are part of the equipment, and cannot be located remotely. Mr. Edwards said he would bring that to the attention of Quinn Evans.

Mr. Layman said that the dance floor was not an amenity for just one group, but would positively expand the uses of the North Hall, Ms. Scheeder said there is a difference between what equipment the North Hall has, and what people bring in for their own. For example, Individual production groups would have stage lighting for their production and that is different from lighting the walls for exhibits. She reiterated that it is imperative to move the dumpster to the other side of the street. Ms. Opper-Weiner raised the issue of the alley sidewalk located on the east side of the pool.

1. Market Manager

Rick Cohen reported in the absence of Bryan Cook who is in Paris. He introduced Charles Nelson, who is working for EMV at the East Hall on a daily basis dealing with operational issues. He said he was excited by the opening turnout, and thanked everyone involved. He said he is working with Turner Construction and OPM to resolve the issues that have arisen since the opening.

Ms. Opper-Weiner asked whether parking plans are in place for both merchants and customers. Mr. Cohen responded that Mr. Cook is working with OPM and the parking plan is not finalized. Ms. Opper-Weiner said that there was a parking study done in 1997, which requires coordination with the schools, and consultation with the merchants and vendors. Mr. Burger added that the parking plan from OPM had been approved by EMCAC. Ms. Scheeder said the Tenants’ Council recommendations on parking should be looked at as well.

Mr. Gallo suggested that EMCAC should send a letter to the Mayor, DDOT and OPM thanking them for doing the East Hall so expeditiously, and it should be published in the Rag and Voice of the Hill. Ms. Scheeder said the Executive Committee would handle it.

Ms. Scheeder said that an agreement had been signed to extend EMV’s management until June and asked what is in the contract. She asked about the status of the North Hall, and if their rent had been paid. She said that if EMV is responsible for the North Hall, the street and the East Hall, there is a tremendous amount of work to be done to get these all running smoothly.

Mr. Glasgow asked about the metered parking on 7^th Street and whether it was still planned. He also asked about the construction fences and whether, since the potential hazard of falling debris has been removed and staging for the construction has not begun, the fences could be moved closer to the building on weekends to permit easier pedestrian passage.

Ms. Opper-Weiner asked what activities EMV has generated to promote the Market, and said that was a very important part of the job. Mr. Jarboe said that the neighbors have a stake in the parking, and the C Street alley is a problem. He also asked about trash clean up around the Market. Mr. Cohen responded that he has increased trash pick-up to six days and, while he can’t get a garbage truck on Sunday he is trying to get a hauler for Sundays. He said that DOT has offered the Market three trashcans they have in a warehouse for use at the East Hall. He gave Mr. Nelson’s cell phone number if there are problems: 301/671-4358.

Patty Glasgow said that trashcans are needed and that a cigarette butt container is also needed for outside the building. Ms. Brown said that people are complaining about having to walk long distances from their cars.

1. Market Operations Subcommittee

Ms. Scheeder reported that there had been a meeting with the Project for Public Space and there was a meeting scheduled that week to discuss the next steps in the project. She said that Mr. Kuchenberg was putting together the comments he had received and would circulate an e-mail after the meeting about the contract and scope of work of the Project for Public Spaces.

1. Nominations and Credentials

Mr. Burger announced that the election of EMCAC officers would be held at the September meeting, that they elected from the EMCAC Board, and that nominations had to be submitted by September 15^th.

1. By-laws Change

Mr. Edwards moved a change in the by-laws that he had announced at the July meeting, modifying the meeting notification requirements to better reflect expanded means of communication since the by-laws were originally written:

105 MEETINGS

105.1.1 Meetings of the Committee shall be held in public session at least quarterly.

105.1.2 Notice of a meeting shall include:

105.1.2.1 The time and place of the meeting;

105.1.2.2 Whether the meeting or a portion thereof shall be closed to the public; and

105.1.2.3 Any member of the Executive Committee is authorized to respond to requests for information about the meeting.

105.3 An amended announcement shall be issued for any change in the information provided by a general notice in accordance with the requirements of these Bylaws, and shall be given in the manner prescribed in these Bylaws and at the earliest practicable time.

105.1 NOTICE TO COMMITTEE MEMBERS

105.1.1 Except as provided in Section 105.1.2 of these Bylaws, notice of the next meeting shall be established at the current EMCAC meeting and confirmation shall be sent by email or otherwise provided to each Member of the Committee at least five (5) days before the date of the meeting.

105.1.2 If a majority of members of the Executive Committee determines that the Committee business requires a meeting on fewer than the specified days notice, notification shall be provided at the earliest practicable time.

105.2 NOTICE OF MEETINGS IN PUBLIC SESSION

105.2.1 Notice of a meeting of the Committee in public session shall be given by posting a copy of the notice on the EMCAC website and providing a copy of the notice to the editorial staff of the Rag and The Voice of the Hill at least five days before the meeting.

Mr. Edwards pointed out that no change is proposed in Bylaw 105.5.1 that requires the Chair to prepare an agenda that is to be provided to EMCAC Members prior to the meeting.

The Bylaws amendment was adopted by unanimous vote.

1. Office of Property Management

Ms. Scheeder introduced Stacy Norris, the new Eastern Market representative from OPM, and thanked OPM for their extraordinary efforts in getting the East Hall up and running. Mr. Burger asked that she address the issues concerning Eastern Market Ventures and issues of concern to the 7^th Street merchants.

Ms. Norris introduced Tony Esse and Gerick Smith who are overseeing construction on the East Hall and the Market building. She said she has talked with legal counsel and is finalizing the language on the agreement with EMV. It is a six-month contract, and will involve their overseeing the East Hall. She said she is working on the North Hall issues, and will have meetings with the tenant and other affected parties. She said she is aware of the equipment problems in the East Hall, and been there and plans to continue being a presence there. She also said she is eager to work with EMV to develop a parking plan.

Mr. Burger said the EMCAC needs definitive information on the notice to quit and the arrears in rent in the North Hall. He also said that there have been several parking plans, but it is a different situation now and has to be resolved. Ms. Opper-Weiner said that there had been a settlement agreement with the North Hall and the tenant is in violation of the agreement, and the City has to go back to Court. She expressed her frustration as to why the consent judgment isn’t being enforced.

Ms. Scheeder said that the EMCAC legislation says that EMCAC should be consulted on the management of the Market, and before things go to lawyers, EMCAC should have that opportunity to advise. She told Ms. Norris that because of the organization’s history, EMCAC can be helpful.

Ms. Scheeder said that parking has been one of the most contentious issues, and it has been dealt with successfully because everyone was included in the discussions.

Mr. Gallo said that the 500-pound gorilla no one has mentioned is that 7th Street is closed. The public is happy to have a street that is safe and walkable. But the parking plan has the meters open. It is necessary to focus on the future, and there are daily operational issues because it is necessary to find a way to make sure outdoor operations are handled in a rational way. He said he would like to the street stay closed.

Mr. Burger reiterated that there are problems with the North Hall, with EMV and with parking that all wind up at OPM, and OPM should set up a roundtable with a cross section of stakeholders to resolve these issues. Mr. Jarboe said that the Project for Public Spaces has experience in dealing with these issues.

Mr. Glasgow said that there should be accessibility to the food market on 7^th Street. He also mentioned the leases, which were signed at 110% of CPI, which means the rent can be increased every year, which was not the intent of the legislation, and the technical change requested for so long should be acted on.

Mr. Jarboe said that the parking study for the new ballpark extends the exclusionary parking zone as far north as C and 7^th Streets. EMCAC and OPM should weigh in on the impact of that decision. Ms, Scheeder said the issue has been referred to the Market Operations Subcommittee.

Mr. Burger suggested that a working group of EMCAC representatives and others work with OPM because we need to have answers on these outstanding issues. He said he also wants an answer from OPM on the second ADA ramp.

Mr. Gallo reported that the bank parking lot, which has been used by merchants on the weekends without charge, is now charging $5 for parking.

Mr. Esse reported that the contract for the permanent roof project has been awarded to Minkoff construction, and they are now in a materials purchase mode, including the truss pieces, and expect to have them next month. He said that they will replace the roof on the North Hall as well as the South. They are doing the window work separately, and a contract has been awarded to a small firm, and they are starting on procurement for that project as well. The window replacement will require mock-ups. They will re-use window frames where possible and rebuild where necessary. Mr. Glasgow reminded OPM that they had given the contract for the Shed gutters to a small business and they came out wrong. Mr. Esse said it would not be a problem because this job will be closely monitored. Ms. Opper-Weiner said the gutters on the Shed are still leaking and asked when they would be fixed. Mr. Esse said he would look into it.

Ms. Hanousek said that there should be a space to exhibit historic artifacts in the Market. The Market Master’s Office will be documented, and a decision has been made to include whatever comes out of the documentation process in the construction of the office.

1. Tenant’s Council

Mike Berman spoke for the Tenants’ Council and reported that there is a great deal of confusion on several issues, including space assignments, parking, security and traffic cones, bathrooms (which have been locked in the middle of the afternoon), and public awareness of what is happening with the Market. They just haven’t heard from EMV.

He also said that the DC Commission on the Arts was issuing a Call for artists to do a project on the alley side of the East Hall. This time the Eastern Market artists will be included. Mr. Berman said he would facilitate the project. Ms. Opper-Weiner asked how much it is costing the taxpayers, and reminded Mr. Berman that EMCAC has an advisory role in the project. Mr. Glasgow said that the merchants should also be consulted.

Mr. Edwards said that a bulletin board has been designed to tell people what’s going on, but the location, the Arch Stall of the Center Hall, is now blocked by the construction fence and it’s now up to OPM to produce it at some alternate location. Ms. Norris said that Mr. Esse is working on it.

(Complete Tenants’ Council report attached)

1. Eastern Market Archives

Ms. Hanousek reported that she is identifying possible locations within the South and North Halls for exhibit space for historic artifacts relating to the Market. Baird Smith says it does not have to be done immediately. The DC Preservation League and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are funding a project to document the Market Manager’s office, and she is hopeful that over the next few years the community will be able to work on other cultural resource programs related to the Market. Ms. Scheeder said that extensive discussions will be necessary to see how such programs fit in with the Capital Improvement plans because it involves space utilization. Mr. Burger said that these are important cultural elements and it should be referred to the Executive Committee.

1. Treasurer’s Report

Ms. Hanousek asked to table the Treasurer’s Report until there is a legal opinion on the tax category status of EMCAC. The motion to table was accepted without objection.

1. Community Comment

Kirk Smith said that he had put together a list of organizations, like USDA, that have expertise in the display of food products and the affect of light on food spoilage, but he had found no way of getting it to EMCAC via e-mail. Mr. Edwards thanked Mr. Smith, and said he had contacted USDA, the DC Department of Health and the Washington Restaurant Association concerning the affects of direct sunlight in the context of the skylights. Ms. Scheeder said that there is a “Contact Us” link on the EMCAC website.

Carol Wright said that EMV is totally unacceptable, and that she has asked month after month for a business plan and a parking plan, and the problems existed before the fire. Mr. Burger responded that EMCAC had taken a strong position on the last lease and will do so again, and there was not a long time to wait for some action.

1. New Business

Ms. Brunson said that the farmers were told that their rent was going back to normal, but because of the fall off in business, they were asking to keep the rent down for a while.

Rick Cohen said that a lot of the issues brought up are not EMV issues alone, the rent for one. The situation with the North Hall does not rest with EMV, and it is taking the blame. Mr. Burger said that improvements in communication are imperative. The people at the table know these are multi-level decisions.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of EMCAC will be held on Wednesday, September 26^th, 7 p.m. at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 at 9:14 pm and is filed under Meeting Minutes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.