Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

January 27, 2010

Present: Angie Brunson, Bill Glasgow, Barbara Eck, Monte Edwards, Anita Jefferson, Ken Jarboe, Tom Kuchenberg, Donna Scheeder,      

 

The meeting was convened at 7:00 p.m.

 

1. Agenda

Motion: Ms.  Eck moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to approve the agenda as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.      

2. Minutes

Motion:  Mr. Edwards moved/Ms. Eck seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed without objection.

3. Treasurer’s Report

Ms. Eck reported that on January 27 the EMCAC Operations account bank balance was $13,534.24.  There were disbursements of $127.50 to Roberta Weiner for transcribing minutes; and a $300 transfer of funds to the Donations account.  There was a deposit of $300 for a dues payment for 2008 and 2009 from EMPDC. 

4. Executive Committee

Long-Term Leases

Ms. Scheeder reported that there had been a meeting with Robin Eve Jasper of DRES and John Kinkannon to discuss the issue of long-term leases, and that she was pleased to announce that as a result of the meeting, DRES will begin to work on the leases with the merchants.  She particularly thanked Mr. Glasgow, who, she said, was incredibly well prepared for the meeting and made a major contribution.   Mr. Glasgow thanked everyone for pushing the issue.  Motion:  Mr. Kuchenberg moved/Ms. Eck seconded a motion to send a letter of appreciation to DRES and the Market Manager for moving forward on the long term leases after such a long time and expressing our eagerness to hear about the progress..  The motion passed without objection.     

5. Department of Real Estate Services (DRES)

Jury Process for Outdoor Vendors

Barry Margeson distributed a new version of the jury process for new vendors, and has agreed with the Tenants’ Council to move forward with revisions on the guidelines for new vendors (holding off on existing vendors), with a goal of having them done by the end of February.  He said he would work with EMCAC on timelines.

Market Manager’s Office

Mr. Margeson reported that the drawings were presented to EMCAC electronically on January 7^th and is awaiting comments from EMCAC.  They will move ahead on the contracting process on February 7^th.

North Hall

He reported that there had been 12 events in the North Hall in January including six arts, one community meeting, three daytime private community meetings, and a Congressional event.

He distributed the new application permit and the terms and provisions for rental of the space.

Mr. Jarboe pointed out that there are no fees listed for rental of the North Hall Plaza.  He also asked about what events DRES would provide security for, and is it spelled out anywhere.  Mr. Margeson responded that it is not.  It was pointed out that more specificity is needed on when security is included and when the renter has to provide it.  Mr. Margeson said he would talk to the Protective Services Division at DRES to see what they feel should be done.

Enterprise Fund

Several questions submitted by EMCAC were answered:

·     Is the Enterprise Fund a separate line item in the DC Budget?  Yes, the Enterprise Fund is in the DC budget book as a separate line item/fund.

·     When will spending authority be granted for the Enterprise fund?  The reprogramming has been submitted to the Office of Budget Planning.  It was given to the Council on Monday (January 25).  Once the Council approves, authority will be available shortly afterwards.

·     Will the Enterprise Fund earn interest?  Yes, it will be an actual bank account that earns interest.

Ms. Scheeder asked whether there will be a bank statement because it is an interest-bearing account and EMCAC will want to see a statement because it is entitled to review records.  Mr. Margeson said he would check into that and Ms. Scheeder reminded him that under the legislation EMCAC is entitled to review all financial records.

Deli Cases

Mr. Margeson reported that there has been no movement on raising the cases “since the merchants and EMCAC are against having the cases at 3 inches.”  Mr. Edwards asked what no movement meant, and Mr. Margeson responded that there has been no change in DRES’s opinion about raising them six inches.

Market Rules

The Market rules are very close to final and will be promulgated soon.

Blinds

The blinds were scheduled to be installed February 1^st.

Marketing

MR. Margeson distributed copies of the websites for review, and asked for comments within a month.

He reported that there are now more than 3500 Facebook fans, and just 1,000 subscribers to the Eastern Market newsletter.

He said that there is now a new marketing firm –HMR—in place, and they are working on the social media, and will be giving DRES some overall advice for maximizing marketing, advertising and promotions dollars. Ms. Scheeder noted that the web site deign refers to volunteer opportunities. She stated that EMCAC would want to review what DRES has in mind regarding volunteers and how this would be managed before we begin to solicit names.

5. Marketing and Operations

Mr. Kuchenberg said that the Management and Operations had met on the jury selection process and it approved the following recommendations:

1. M & O finds that the application and lottery process described in the first three pages of the document is largely reflective of the process currently in place and recommends that, for the most part, it be adopted.  The Tenants Council will supply additional comments and EMCAC recommends that the Manager review those comments and work directly with the Tenants Council to make adjustments that are found to be merited.

2. With regard to the Market application forms, M & O recommends that the Manager work with the Tenants Council to revise items in the forms that might impinge on commercial confidentiality or that may be unnecessary.

3. In the interest of Market stability and continuity, M & O recommends that currently grandfathered and qualifying permanent vendors be given priority and that upon receipt of an acceptable Market application, the Manager offer leases to said qualifying vendors on an expedited basis.

4. M & O recommends that grandfathered Vendor status be recognized only for the vending day for which the vendor is eligible.  For example, if a Vendor has been selling for 25 years on a Saturday and has expanded operations to a Sunday in the last five years, said Vendor is grandfathered for the Saturday but not for the Sunday.

5. M & O recommends that in determining which new vendors should be admitted, the Manager and those participating in the Jury process should consider the existing market mix and the quality of the product the new vendor intends to sell.

6. M & O recommends that new vendors be subject to the Jury process and a probationary period and then pre-approved by the Manager to operate on a space available basis.  Qualifying new vendors should be considered for permanent status as such permanent space becomes available.

7. M & O recommends that before additional outdoor food vending spaces are made available that a strategic plan be in place for evaluating applications.

Mr. Kuchenberg pointed out that No. 3 was the most important recommendation.

Motion: Ms. Eck moved/Mr. Glasgow seconded a motion to accept the recommendations of the M & O Committee.  The motion was amended to include the words “and a probationary period” in No. 6.  The motion passed without objection.

6.    Finance Committee

Ms. Eck submitted a report of the Finance Committee meeting that was held on January 20^th:

The Budget document given to EMCAC at the November 22 meeting does not have the actual income nor the actual expenses for the last three months of 2009.  As of the January 20^th meeting we had not received this information, making it difficult for EMCAC to fulfill its statutory responsibility to review and comment on the proposed budget for 2010.  We need to assess whether the money is being spent in the best interest of the Market, to determine if there are needs that are not being budgeted and how we equitably balance the wants and needs of the Market.

We continue to repeat our request for actuals and asked that the following be provided in advance of the January 27^th EMCAC meeting:

1.   Actual revenue and actual expenses for the last three months of 2009.

2.   Total cost of the renovation of the Market.

3.   Utility costs:  Is the City paying estimated costs of utilities each month?  If so what is this estimated cost    based on and how long is this allowed by the utility companies?

4.   The rationale for Eastern Market bearing the expertise of the Capitol City Fellow for 2010 as well as 2009.  There was a Fellow (Stacy) when EMV was running the Market and EMV did not pay her fee.  Aren’t these Fellows assigned to get experience throughout an agency and shouldn’t their pay come out of the DRES budget?

We did, however, receive answers to some of our questions involving financial issues:

1.      The revenue projections from the outside vendors and farmers are based on increases in the number of vendors and the higher rents.

2.      The significant projected increase in North Hall revenue in April 2010 is due to the current booking of multiple events at the top rate and advance booking.  As knowledge of the North Hall is spreading, it is becoming a venue of choice for weddings, Congressional receptions and celebrations.  Janitorial and security are wrapped in the rental fee as would be done at any premier location.

3.      Beginning in January ’09, all the Market revenue is deposited in the Enterprise Fund and all management costs have been paid out of the Enterprise Fund (including the CC Fellow).  DRES has budgetary authority for $70,000 of that money, but the authority will rise to $600,000, but Barry didn’t know when.  Spending authority has be renewed annually.

4.      Rent projections are based on 90% capacity every month standard practice).

5.      South Hall merchants have a fixed rent, except that some merchants have underpaid and management is dealing with that.

There were many comments at the meeting that were pertinent to the financial discussion:

Mr. Glasgow asked if the budget could separate the Farmers’ Line and Outdoor Vendors in reporting revenues and expenses.  Mr. Margeson said it would serve no purpose.  Mr. Gallo pointed out that they do not pay separately any more.

Comments about security costs focused on the inadequacy of current security personnel and what EMCAC is getting for those salaries, given the crimes that have occurred.  Several people recommended that the money would be better spent on cameras.  Mr. Margeson said they were looking into cameras.

Ms. Scheeder asked how the Enterprise Fund is included in the City budget.  Are there line items for the Market and for the Enterprise Fund?  This fund was not intended to be used for Market expenses nor for capital improvements.  Mr. Glasgow said that EMCAC has talked with OPM for years about the need for a heavy maintenance fund to quickly fix problems before they are allowed to grow.  DRES management seems to think that capital improvements should come out of operating funds.

Ms. Scheeder pointed out that EMCAC needs to have a projection of expenses for the out years.  A long-term capital improvement plan is needed, as well as a cost analysis of the renovation costs.

Mr. Jarboe stated that there is nothing in the 2011 budget for the repair of facilities.  The only costs cited are for things like snow removal.  There appears to be no foresight, no planning.

MR. Gallo stated that a rent structure based on revenue stream is needed.  Mr. Margeson didn’t think that would be valuable or productive, saying that if the Market were to be broken into smaller pieces it would never run smoothly.  Mr. Jarboe said that trying to apportion the budget among various groups would harm the Market.  Mr. Gallo asked how a rent structure that meets the needs of the Market can be established if the Market’s needs are not known.

Ms. Scheeder said that the next step is to get the additional information so EMCAC can look at the budget.

7.   Capital Improvement Committee

Long-term Lighting Study

Mr. Edwards reviewed the background of the South Hall lighting, saying that the body had passed a resolution say that blinds were only a temporary solution to the problem with light in the South Hall, and a long-range solution had to be found.  He said he had contacted the lighting designer that had been used by Quinn Evans and was told that their scope of work did not include daylight studies or any analysis of tinted glass or shades, and declined from working on this issue.  Amy Weinstein recommended MCLA, they visited the Market for an assessment, and he received a proposal on January 21^st.

MCLA proposes a two part study: (1) measurement, and quantification thereby establishing there is a problem and (2) design of solutions such as shades, tinting or other means.  He said that he can talk to DRES, or find an alternative source of funding.  It will cost $3000 for the initialstudy—measurements, quantification and written analysis.  She will work with two merchants, to be coordinated through Mr. Glasgow.

Motion: Mr. Kuchenberg moved/Mr. Glasgow seconded a motion that EMCAC attempt to find funding to move forward on providing a study of the lighting in the South Hall.  The motion passed without objection.

Mr. Glasgow mentioned that the bakery has the worst problem because it gets light morning and afternoon.

Market Manager’s Office

Mr. Edwards submitted the following report on the Market Master’s Office:

The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) has been provided a PDF version of plans dated January 54, 2010 for the renovation of the Market Master’s office above the South Hall portico.  The proposed renovation and conservation of this space was the subject of a 2009 Conservation Report compiled by Ewing Cole.  The 2 010 plans propose changes to the first floor entry stairwell area and to the second floor area that was the original market manager’s office.  The proposed renovations appear to be generally consistent with the Conservation Report recommendations.  But there appear to be differences, and EMCAC’s concerns are expressed below.

First Floor:

The landing in this area is only about 10 feet square, and almost half the area is taken up by the doors and U-shaped winding stairs that lead up to the original Market Master’s Office and down to the South Hall basement, leaving a flat stair landing of about 10 feet by 5 feet (to the two doors to the stairs) and 7 feet (to the U portion between the doors). (Sheet AD!0)

The first floor landing area is proposed to become an exhibit area (Sheet A101).  The stairs leading up to the second floor Market Master’s Office would be enclosed with gypsum walls (drywall).  The door to the second floor stairs and portico entryway would be removed, a new gypsum wall and door would divide the stairs that lead up to the Market Master’s office from the remaining 7 feet by 7 feet (at the deepest part of the U) first floor stair landing area that is proposed to be the exhibit area (Sheet A102).

EMCAC has two concerns about this area:

1.      Will the new wall and floor reduce the area to the point that it will be difficult to move supplies to and from the basement and t b/to move large items (such as office desk and a ladder) up the stairs to the second floor?

2.      The resultant 6 feet by 6 feet area will have to be kept clear for pedestrian traffic and thus only the walls would be available as exhibit areas.  Will this be adequate for a meaningful exhibit area?

Second Floor:

EMCAC supports the following plans:

·     The exiting partition that divides the area will be removed.  According to the Conservation Report, this partition is not original and was likely installed about 20 years after the South Hall was built (Conservation Report, pp/38and 49, App. B,  . 27).

·     The floor and plaster will be repaired.

·     The existing nonfunctional fireplace will be retained.

·     New electric receptacles and period appropriate lighting will be installed.

·     The currently floor-mounted heating/cooling units (one of which blocks a window) are to be relocated to the attic area (Sheet AD10 and A 101) which will result in clear floor area and unobstructed windows.

Apparently some of the original wallpaper will be left in place and covered with 14” Plexiglas as “Vision Panels.”  Detail P1 on Sheet A 102 indicates there will three.  The only location that appears to be identified on the drawing is above the mantle (Photograph 8 on sheet A101.  Conservation Report, page 36, states that the most extant wallpaper is on the partition wall that is to be removed.  This raises two questions:

1.   Are there any plans to preserve or conserve the wallpaper on the partition wall?

2.   Where will the other two vision panels be located?

 

Attic Access:

 

Note 14 under the photograph on Sheet AD101 states EXISTING ORIGINAL ATTIC ACCESS CEILING HATCH TO REMAIN.  But on Sheet AD 101 Note 02-02 state REMOVE ITEM INDICATED appears to apply to both ceiling hatches.  EMCAC assumes that the note is merely misplaced and attic access will be provided.  The hatch is for access for the flagpole and with the attic-mounted heating/cooling unit, will provide access for services them.  It will require a ladder to be brought up and (and likely left there, as it is in the Note 14 photograph).  Because of the concerns, EMCAC previously recommended pull-down stairs to access to attic area and the flagpole (EMCAC’s Report Concerning the 90% Design Development Submission, September 8, 2007 and EMCAC’s Report Concerning Revised Drawings, June 24, 2008.  EMCAC renews that recommendation.

 

Paint Colors:

 

The proposed finish schedule on Sheet A 102 specifies the colors that are identified in the Conservation Report.  The drawings that have been provided do not show where these paint colors are to be applied.

 

The Conservation Report provides the following documentation (App. B, pp.7 0-72):

MAB 98623P is described as a light yellowish pink that was the original color of the window frames, sills and aprons as well as the baseboards, moldings and mantle.  MAB 96749 N, a dark brown, was the color of the cap/handrail on the North Wall.

S-W6991m an apparently different brown, was the color of the knee wall and the cap/handrail of the knee wall in front of the window on the east wall.

MAB98668P, described as a pale grayish pink, was the color of the plaster walls and ceilings.

MAB 90213N, a dark green,  Although the stairs, first floor doors and frames not originally painted, Mosca recommends that if they are to be painted, this color (which was first applied in 1945, be used).

 

EMCAC recommends that the historic paint finishes, as recommended by Mosca, be employed in the restoration, and requests that a drawing and specifications be provided to implement that recommendation.

 

Mr. Jarboe asked whether there had been any discussion of who was going to pay for the restoration.  Mr. Edwards responded he believes it’s included in the cost of the Market renovation.  Mr. Jarboe said he just wanted to make certain that was on the record.  The motion passed without objection.

 

11.          Tenants Council

Joe Snyder thanked the Management and Operations Committee for hearing out the Tenants Council on the jury process.  He also thanked Ms. Jefferson for her contribution to the discussion.

12.          Community Comment

Mike Bowers raised the issue of the back alley being used as a thoroughfare.  He said it was a change in the policy of the last forty years.  Mr. Edwards said that the property line of the Market extends to the Natatorium wall, and it is a private alley.  Mr. Glasgow says a sign that says it’s a private alley is needed.  Someone could get hurt there.  He said that fire engines have logical reason to be there, but people go speeding through there during the week and it’s dangerous. Ms. Eck said that EMCAC has been dealing with that alley forever, and mentioned that at one time there was agreement that the sidewalk was going to be taken up.

Ms. Scheeder asked what action needs to be taken.  Mr. Margeson said that they are not giving up control of the alley.  DRES relies on the expertise of PSD.  Ms. Scheeder said that PSD may have only partial information, and suggested that EMCAC begins dealing with PSD, and a meeting be set up.  Mr. Margeson said the alley is not being treated as a thoroughfare.  Mr. Glasgow said it’s an alley leading to 16 parking spaces, and loading space.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

It is not a good customer experience the way it is.  Ms. Scheeder reiterated that it was a discussion that needed to be held.

10.        Next Meetings

The next meetings will be 3/24, 4/28, 5/26, 6/23, 7/28, 8/25.

11.          Adjournment

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/ Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

January 6, 2010

Present: Chuck Burger, Bill Glasgow, Barbara Eck, Monte Edwards, Anita Jefferson, Ken Jarboe, Tom Kuchenberg, Donna Scheeder, Angie Brunson, Mike Bowers, Richard Layman

 

The meeting was convened at 7:00 p.m.

 

Ms. Scheeder opened the meeting by welcoming Anita Jefferson, the new Tenants’ Council representative.

 

1. Agenda

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/Ms. Eck seconded a motion to approve the agenda as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

2. Minutes

Motion:  Mr. Edwards moved/Ms. Eck seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed without objection.

3. Treasurer’s Report

Ms. Eck reported that the opening balance of the EMCAC was $11,838.55, including $10,000 in funds from the capitol Hill Community Foundation (CHCF) to cover historic documentation fees.  There were disbursements of $152.58 to Roberta Weiner for transcribing minutes; $482.80 for the scrap price of the manhole covers; and a $300 transfer to a new Donation account (see below).  There were deposits of $350 for a donation; $358 in memorabilia sales; and $250 for Kids’ Restaurant Week contribution, leaving a balance of $13,961.74.

Ms. Eck announced that the Executive Committee agreed that a separate Donations bank account should be established, with $400 as an initial deposit, and future financial statements will reflect the separation.  She also reported that 2010 dues notices will be distributed at the January 27^th meeting.

Ms. Scheeder added that the Finance Committee should meet to figure out what the money in the Donations account should be used for.  Money that’s raised (e.g. memorabilia sales) should go into the Enterprise Fund, and there are resolutions directing that money raised be spent for a specific purpose. (e.g. – the chairs).  But the Finance Committee should meet between now and January 27^th to resolve the expenditure question, and she suggested that legal help might be needed to sort it all out.  Ms. Eck also suggested that a Finance Committee meeting be held on January 20^th to discuss the Eastern Market budget.

Chairs

Ms. Eck reported that the folding chairs for the North Hall can be purchased from Fragers at a very good price—it’s the same chair they use for rentals, and is metal, sturdy and practical.  She said that carts and locks will also have to purchased. Fabric-seated chairs would be more expensive.

3. Executive Committee

EMCAC Governance

Ms. Scheeder stated that at the November meeting Mr. Margeson had announed there would be a new RFP, but that has changed.  EMCAC has had conversations in the past about governance. There also have been conversations among the Executive Committee and with Councilmember Wells.  DRES will not be issuing an RFP until the governance structure is looked at., It is a good time to have this discussion, to seek advice outside of EMCAC, and take a good look at governance structure for the Market.  She asked whether a resolution was needed, and it was agreed it could be done by consensus.

Mr. Burger said it was a well-deserved discussion and EMCAC was in a unique legal situation.  He said it would be helpful if someone from Tommy’s office or someone well-versed in DC law would be involved.  He added that legal advice would be  needed on what can be done and what needs to be done to get there.

Mr. Layman suggested that EMCAC should use examples within the City such as BIDs and other organizations, even private, and look at other public markets throughout the country.  Review, he said, is in order, but EMCAC should be broadminded.  Mr. Burger agreed.

2010 Meeting Place

Ms. Scheeder pointed out that Naval Hospital construction would soon be beginning and an EMCAC meeting place was needed for 2010 and maybe beyond.  She said she hoped something can be worked out the Market but the meeting may have to be on a different night (although the last week of the month seems to be working).  Mr. Jarboe said that ANC 6B will be meeting at the People’s Church on 8^th Street SE.

4. Department of Real Estate Services (DRES)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Barry Margeson reported that he is waiting for comments on the DRES proposed budget for the Market.

Amendment to Merchants’ Leases

Mr. Margeson reported that he is still awaiting comments from the merchants on the proposed amendment to the East Hall lease.  Ms. Scheeder reminded him that EMCAC is supposed to review leases and they should be sent to her and Mr. Kuchenberg.

He said he got together with the merchants on dates and hours for the holidays, and reported that some merchants chose to close during the holidays. He said he would like to add to the amendment that it is a default under  the lease if the merchant is closed during working market hours.  Mr. Glasgow said that some people took long weekends during the holiday and that three or four people choose to open at 8 or 9 and lose customer business, leading to people not coming in early in the morning.  He said that most people will even stay open late if someone comes in at 7 pm.  He said that a death in the family or a wedding is an extenuating circumstance, and said that every one of the merchants had come in on the Saturday of the snow storm, and worked until 4 p.m. (He mentioned that he had stayed at a hotel)

Mr.Layman said that shopping centers’ standard leases include provisions on DC government’s policies on weather closures.  Mr. Burger questioned the language that merchants would be in default and suggested that may be in default would allow some flexibility.  As at malls there would be a grace period with heavy fines, and there would be some flexibility on the management side.

Ms. Eck said there was a sense of support for some language and suggested that Mr. Margeson come up with a clause with flexibility.  Mr. Jarboe mentioned that Market Lunch is the only merchant that closes down for vacation, and Mr,. Margeson said that would be covered. Ms Scheeder said there is a difference in function between Market Lunch and the other vendors.

Mr. Glasgow raised the issue of the failure to finally negotiate long term leases.  He said that the merchants at the Wharf have leases and questioned why Market merchants have never been asked to participate in making comments on a proposed lease.  He said the problems could be resolved, and there’s no reason there can’t be leases in 30, 60, 90 days.  Motion: Mr. Glasgow moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion that DRES immediately move on working with the merchants on leases. 

Mr. Burger said that they have been working on leases forever.  Previously, he said it’s been smoke and mirrors, and a complete lack of willingness on the part of OPM to negotiate.  He said that previously there was the belief that there would be some kind of single management structure, but now DRES wants to get out of market management.  The type of leases is important to the future management structure.  He said that things were at a crossroad and need to proceed carefully.  The District is looking to extract itself from market management and two things are known: 1/ leases are needed, and 2/the Market structure will be different in five years.

Mr. Margeson said, in answer to a question, that they are now amending the holdover lease from the East Hall.  Mr. Glasgow added that the wants a 20-30 year lease.  Ms. Scheeder said she’s uncomfortable making a decision without discussion and that Mr. Burger makes a good point that since different kinds of management are being considered, there should be conversation about how to move forward.  She said that at any other time she would be banging the table to urge the process forward, but that the circumstances are now different.

Mr. Edwards asked whether there would be a greater comfort level referring the motion to Committee.  Mr. Glasgow said he would be comfortable with a long-term lease.  Ms. Scheeder said that in the past EMCAC has rounded corners and found surprises, and said she believes there should be long-term leases but caution is now necessary.

Mr. Layman said that talking about sustainable markets means looking at management structure, financial structure and lease structure.  Mr. Jarboe said he supports referring it.  Mr. Kuchenberg said that a bare bones lease that has a clause that can be added to might work.  Mr. Burger said that leases are very complex and for 20-30 years they get very complicated with equipment, etc.  He said that EMCAC is ill-equipped to hammer out the details.  Ms. Scheeder mentioned that there will be a fifth amendment to the current lease..

The motion, as amended to be referred to the Management and Operations Committee, passed without objection.

Rent for Outside Vendors

Mr. Margeson reported that the rent has not been returned to normal for outside vendors.  He said that a decision hasn’t been made on new rents, but they may wait until spring.  Ms. Jefferson asked for some sort of documentation how the rent structure was developed and whether other markets have been looked at.

Regulations

Mr. Margeson reported that the Market Regulations are now being reviewed by DRES Protective Services division.

Jury Process

Mr. Margeson asked for input or comments within 30 days.  Mr. Kuchenberg remarked he had asked for comments from EMCAC and had received none.  Ms. Brunson asked whether this was for old or new vendors, and was told that the process is only for new vendors.  Current vendors are being asked for documentation that they’re selling good that fall within the defined product mix.  Ms. Scheeder said that vendors are required to maintain the prescribed product mix.

Deli Cases

Mr. Margeson said that a cost estimate was being developed for dropping the deli cases 3”, with direction from Robin Eve Jasper, and the approval of the Department of Health. Mr. Edwards said that lowering the counter 3” will not solve the problem and will be in violation of the law.  He said they should be lowered to the ground.  Mr. Burger said it depends who’s interpreting the law.  The reason they are not being fully lowered, according to Mr. Margeson, is that Curtis Clay demanded that they be raised.  His reasons are: corrosion of the cases’ bottoms, vermin infestation, and the closing of drains.  Mr. Kuchenberg said there are ways of avoiding corrosion and vermin.  Mr. Burger added that the equipment was not ordered with the Market in mind, and it could be more apt to corrosion and would have to be retrofitted to meet the market’s needs.  But Mr. Glasgow said that the cases are not designed to be on stilts, they are floor cases just like those he’s had for the past fifty years.  Mr. Jarboe distributed a resolution passed by ANC 6B supporting the lowering of the cases.  Motion: Mr. Glasgow moved/Mr. Jarboe seconded a resolution reiterating EMCAC’s demand that the cases be lowered to the floor:

EASTERN MARKET COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Resolution on Deli and Food Display Cases at Eastern Market

 

WHEREAS, DC health regulations (25 DCR 1702) requires deli and food display case to sit flush on the floor and be sealed to the floor or elevated a minimum of 6 inches above the floor for cleaning and sanitary purposes; and

 

WHEREAS, the deli and food display counters in the reconstructed Eastern Market are raised six (6) inches above the floor; and

 

              WHEREAS, the result has been that many patrons and merchants have difficulty seeing over, or even being heard when speaking to each other, thereby creating a wall between the merchants and their customers; and

 

              WHEREAS, such a situation diminishes the shopping experience in Eastern Market, seriously inconveniences both the merchants and the customers and thereby threatens the economic viability of the Market by degrading the customer’s ability to make purchases; and

                           

WHEREAS, such a situation has also resulted in merchants and their staff climbing on cartons and stepstools and in some cases constructing a raised platform in order to conduct business which create safety hazards,

             

              WHEREAS, The Department of Real Estate Service has refused to agree to lower the cases to the floor, but has rather suggested that the cases be lowered three (3) inches, which would not solve the problem and is in violation of the regulation cited above; and

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) very strongly recommends that the Department of Real Estate Services allow the deli and food services cases be lowered to sit on the floor in a manner that conforms to all health code requirements.

 

The Resolution was adopted by unanimous vote, and Ms. Scheeder said she will get a letter to the relevant parties.

Blinds

Mr. Margeson said he has gotten estimates on the shades, and Gary Peterson of the CHCF is planning to pay for them.  Mr. Edwards said he is meeting with a lighting consultant on January 19^th (see below).

Market Manager’s Office

Mr. Margeson reported that he is waiting for designs from QEA, after which they will be forwarded electronically to EMCAC for review.  (He mentioned that DRES is now doing all document forwarding electronically).

Trees and Bike Racks

He reported that the trees and bike racks have successfully been installed on the North Hall Plaza, and the tree roots are doing well.

Website

Content for the website has been reviewed, and Kevin is making updates and it will be circulated for review.  The EMCAC chair will receive the link because it is not ready for public dissemination.  Ms. Scheeder said she has been talking to Kevin about what EMCAC material should be included.

New Marketing Contractor

A new marketing contractor was to be announced in January, and will be paid $4000 a month for advertising, postcards, web page, etc.

North Hall

Mr. Margeson reported that North Hall rentals have been going very well, and six major events, including the first wedding, brought in a total of $24,000 last month.  He mentioned that the DCCC was having an event there the night of the meeting.

He also reported that the North Hall brochure is still in the works; that the market now has 2880 Facebook fans; that 792 people are subscribing to the Market newsletter.  He noted several instances of Market publicity, and noted that events will be posted on the Facebook page, including post-event photographs.  He also said that the holiday decorations, which were installed by DRES facilities staff, will be coming down.

Mr. Glasgow reported that someone had, that afternoon, taken a bolt cutter into the employee locker room and broken into five lockers.  Mr. Burger wanted to know whether “best practices” on sound had been developed; and that the wi-fi at the Market was not working.  Ms. Jefferson asked whether there is some way that web site revisions, newsletters, etc. could be checked before they went out and Ms. Scheeder said that Mr. Margeson has regularly been circulating materials.

Ms. Scheeder asked about the status of the Enterprise Fund and Mr. Margeson reported he had legal spending authority of $600,000.

5. Market Operations Committee

Mr. Kuchenberg said that the Management and Operations Committee would be meeting soon and had a very heavy agenda: the market rules; long term-leases and the jury process.

6.    Capital Improvements Committee

South Hall Light

Mr. Edwards noted that the EMCAC resolution on South Hall lighting explained the need for a long-term solution that the shades will not take care of, part of which is measuring and analyzing light levels in the building.  He said he was working with Amy Weinstein, who recommended Maureen Moran of MCLA as a consultant.  He was to meet with her on Tuesday, January 12 at 11:30 a.m. She will give EMCAC an estimate what it will cost for her analysis, which can then be shopped to CHRS and CHCF. She will take initial readings, which she will then translate into peak lighting levels, and then come up with alternatives.    Ms. Scheeder noted that she had recently come across a resolution on South Hall lighting from 2006.

7.   Tenants’ Council

Joe Snyder said that a sublease is needed by the tenants before they can comment on issues like the jury6 process or the rules.  Ms. Scheeder said that Mr. Margeson clearly said that the jury process if for new vendors, not existing ones.  She said the Market rules are given to vendors and tenants for comment, but the process is between EMCAC and DRES. She said that rules are there as a condition of doing business.  Mr. Edwards suggested coming up with a sublease that says the tenat will adhere to Market rules. Mr. Snyder said he looked forward to having the rules, but there is still no appeals process.  Mr. Burger said that if the legislation states there are written annual leases, there should be a lease, before agreeing to the rules.  Mr. Snyder said that he understands that tenants need the security of a lease, and that it also for a tenant’s protection.  Ms. Scheeder said that tenants have to agree to the rules—rules of the market are rules of the market and there is no option to agree or disagree.

Collection Time

Mr. Snyder raised the issue of the weekly collection of fees from vendors.  The payment deadline has been moved from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., but it’s not possible to pay after 9:30. While there are management people present, no one from the Treasurer’s Office is there.  Ms. Scheeder noted that the Tenant’s Council was set up so tenants could talk to Market Management and issues would only be brought to EMCAC if there were irreconcilable differences, and asked what the Market Manager had to say about that.  Mr. Snyder responded that he says that payment is dependent on the Treasurer’s people.  Mr. Burger noted that Mr. Snyder talked about possible corruption in his written report, and Mr. Snyder said the possibility was there.  Mr. Margeson said he was absolutely certain that he did say no, but the old process of walking around collecting is not better than giving money to a person who can put it directly into the system.  Ms. Scheeder said the matter should be referred to the next Tenant’s Council meeting.

Mr. Burger said that things have come a long way, and EMCAC is dealing with issues it would have loved to have dealt with five years ago.  However, he said, patience is required, and enforcing issues without a lease is a problem.  Maybe, he said, an interim lease Is necessary.

8.    Community Concerns

Jane Michel, a vendor expressed her concern that there’s so much less respect for outdoor vendors, and they’re required to obey rules.  Ms. Scheeder said that rules are there to protect the vendors.  Ms. Michel said that she doesn’t hear that about indoor merchants.  Mr. Glasgow assured her that it was the same. Ms. Scheeder noted that the discussion earlier in the evening regarding hours of operation and requirements for merchants to open their stands on time is an indication that rules are an issue for all of the merchants and vendors alike.

Carol Wright recollected that, at the time of the legislation, Councilmember Ambrose wanted single control, and “sublease” referred to a sublease from from a single market manager.  She said the lease is critically important.

She also reminded Mr. Snyder that vendor checks are made out to the DC Treasurer so there can’t be any corruption.

9.    Next Meeting

Ms. Scheeder announced that the next meeting of EMCAC would be on Wednesday, January 27, at 7 p.m.   at the Old Naval Hospital.

10.          Adjournment

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/ Mr. Burger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.

1

 

 

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

November 18, 2009

 

Present: Chuck Burger, Bill Glasgow, Barbara Eck, Monte Edwards, Larry Gallo, Ken Jarboe, Tom Kuchenberg, Donna Scheeder, Angie Brunson, Mike Bowers, Richard Layman

 

The meeting was convened at 7:03 p.m.

 

Ms. Scheeder opened the meeting by congratulating Joe Snyder on his being featured in an article in the Washington Post.

 

1. Agenda

Motion: Mr. Kuchenberg moved/Mr. Jarboe seconded a motion to approve the agenda as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

2. Minutes

Motion:  Mr. Eck moved/Ms. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed without objection.

3. Executive Committee

Eastern Market Town Square Meeting

Ms. Scheeder reported that preliminary design work has begun for the area around Eastern Market Metro. There are three proposals for the area:

1.    Leave it as is—improved but with no major changes.

2.    A “triptych” with a nice-sized central square area, with open spaces in its core.  It would be an “urban oasis.

3.    A central park, which would be a large square.

The Task Force voted and the triptych received the vast majority of support. All three proposals will be submitted for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  They want to try to have something that will make it easier to move from the 8^th Street to the 7^th Street shopping area.  Ms. Scheeder said she can invite Amy Weinstein, the project architect, to a meeting after January 1^st.

Goethe Institute Event

Monte Edwards reported on a wrap-up forum on the Market at the Goethe Institute on November 3^rd. with Baird Smith, Joseph Brown, Tina Beauchamp, Curtis Clay and himself.  The Eastern Market video was shown, as was a video from Heilbrunn, Mr. Edwards spoke about the unified management of the Market and the need to look into a new form of market governance that might perform some of the functions now performed by DRES…  He presented Ms. Scheeder with a tote bag that was a gift to EMCAC from the people of Heibrunn.

Business Roundtable Meeting

Ms. Scheeder announced that the group is continuing to meet, but they are having a hiatus now and will begin meeting again after the holidays.

4. Department of Real Estate Services (DRES) (Property Management)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Barry Margeson began by distributing the draft budget for the Market.  He said it has not yet been approved by DRES Director Robin Eve Jasper, but he would like comments from EMCAC.

He also said that he will offer a 5^th amendment to the current lease that extends the lease term out for a year and half, and he is awaiting comments from the merchants.  The rents will be the same as in the East Hall.  He stated that DRES does not wish to continue to manage the market themselves but will put out an RFP for new management.

He also distributed the final version of the Rules for Farmers, Vendors and Community Groups. It does not include a review process for Market Manager decisions.  They don’t want another committee, but grievances have come through the Tenant’s Council up until now.

He said they are planning to put the rent back to normal for outside vendors who received discounts when the street construction was just finished.

He also passed out a detailed Jury Selection Process application, the object of which is to keep everyone selling what they’re selling.  Jennifer Eubanks is working with several merchants who are not grandfathered who are selling outside the preferred product mix, and she has given people weeks and months of notice.  She has also tracked down 143 out of 168 tax certificates, and currently has 25 outstanding and will turn them in.

North Hall Activity

Mr. Margeson said that there have been a number of events in the North Hall, but more events are needed, and the website, which will be a good marketing tool, is almost done.

Marketing

He said they have doubled the number of website hits in a month, and the Market now has 1600 Facebook friends.  He said that Kevin Kovaleski, the Market’s Capitol Hill Fellow is working on the website.

The new North Hall brochure will be improved and slightly different.

The Express newspaper readers voted Eastern Market the Best Farmer’s Market and Best Craft Market in the District.

They will shortly award a contract to a marketing contractor, one of the firms that bid on the contract.

Mr. Gallo said that the Finance Committee should meet as soon as possible.  He is concerned that the vendor rents will be raised on December 1^st, but that no one’s been notified.  He asked that DRES notify the vendors and move the increase to January 1^st.  It’s only fair, he said, that vendors have notice. Ms. Eck said that Mr. Margeson had said they had been talking about the increase for several weekends, and some people got lucky because everyone is paying the same rate, whether they are in prime space or not.  He said he would take the issue under advisement.

Questions on Budget

Mr. Edwards asked about the actuals in the proposed budget, specifically what the fees are for the Natatorium.  Mr. Margeson responded that there is an MOU with DPR, and that’s what they’re charging for the use of the Natatorium.  However, he said, they; are floating without any payment at the present time and maybe they won’t charge DRES again.  Ms. Scheeder said that DPR has never been paid, and the Natatorium has been used in the past.  EMCAC would not approve of that kind of questions on the Jury Selection process should be submitted to Mr. Kuchenberg who will collect them.

Mr. Jarboe asked about whether there is a timeline for lowering the deli cases.  Mr. Margeson reported that Curtis Clay feels the cases should be as they are or on 3”-6” legs. They issue comes up everywhere. He said he would talk with Ms. Jasper about them and get a date, and if there’s no date, work on lowering one as a test.  Mr. Glasgow said the cases are giving the Market a black eye, and the customers keep asking about them. Ms. Scheeder suggested that the merchants collect anecdotes.  Mr. Kuchenberg suggested giving it one more month and then start handing out flags that customers can wave for service.

Mr. Gallo said he had asked for a report on the Enterprise Fund.  Mr. Margeson said that at the end payment.

Mr. Edwards asked about whether the $25,000 allocation for electricity was an actual number.  Mr. Margeson said it was approximately correct, but he hasn’t received a bill from PEPCO yet.  He said he was waiting for the building to be metered and then get a bill.  Ms. Scheeder said that no bill should be paid until the building is metered.  Mr. Kuchenberg requested that the information about metering should be submitted to EMCAC in writing so it’s available when PEPCO comes screaming.

Ms. Scheeder said that Ms. Eck will collect questions to forward to DRES.  She also said that of FY 09, the fund had $189,284.56 for FY10 it has $253,106.50.  Ms. Scheeder said that an audit is now being conducted, and questions about the Fund will then be answered.  Ms. Eck asked whether any of the funds can be accessed, and was told that $79,000 is accessible.  Mr. Margeson said the Fund is moving along better than it has been.  Mr. Gallo asked whether revenues collected are going into the fund, and Mr. Margeson said that expenses can be met.

Mr. Jarboe asked about holiday decorations, and Mr. Margeson said that Edge Advertising, whose contract has expired, will be hired on a one-shot basis to do the decorations.  Mr. Margeson said that Santa Claus will be at the Market, but the date has not yet been decided.

Finally, he said that the parking meters are up and running in the Hine parking lot, but that not that many people are using them.

5. Market Operations Committee

Mr. Kuchenberg said he is looking for progress on the question of leases, stating that for 11 years he gas been urging long term leases, and DRES seems to be talking 1 ½ year leases because of the proposed Market Manager search.  He said he would assume that the new Market Manager would accept the leases.  Mr. Margeson responded that he is not interested in doing that.   Mr. Kuchenberg stated that it is a policy decision, not a legal one and it will be raised at a Market Operations Committee meeting.

6.    Capital Improvements Committee

South Hall Light

Mr. Margeson began by saying he had faxed about the arrival of the shades, but had received no response.  Mr. Edwards reiterated the need to get a proper engineer to study the situation with the light in the South Hall. He asked whether a long-term analysis is being pursued.  Mr. Margeson said that no money is available.  Ms. Scheeder said that there have been issues with the lighting from the beginning, and the merchants and EMCAC have raised them over and over again.  She said they need serious attention, and Next Day Blinds are not engineers.  She pointed out that the City has made a tremendous investment in the Market, and shades are not a long-term solution.  This is not made up out of our heads, and it has been a serious problem.

Mr. Margeson pointed out that the shades will cover the entire window, which will help to mitigate the problem.  Ms. Eck said that the Capitol Hill Community Foundation will not pay for the shades until a professional signs off on the correct solution

Heat and Air Conditioning

Mr. Edwards raised the issue of the heat and air conditioning, saying that on at least two occasions the doors were wide open, and people were told to open the doors to regulate temperatures.  Mr. Margeson said that the facilities manager is still calibrating the HVAC, and in order to do that the heat has to be on all the time, and on warm days, it makes it difficult.  Ms. Scheeder asked if Mr. Margeson could please provide an explanation of the operation of the heat and air conditioning.

7.   Tenants’ Council

Mr. Gallo reported that a letter will be coming to the Chair stating that the Tenant’s Council had conducted an election.  There were two nominees, the ballots were distributed, 93 people voted, and Anita Jefferson was elected to serve as the new Tenant’s Council representative.

Ms. Scheeder expressed the thanks of all of EMCAC for eleven years of valuable and important service, and expressed the hope that he will continue to work with EMCAC.  Ms. Eck stated that he will still be on the Finance Committee. Mr. Edwards thanked him for his non-food merchant perspective.  Mr. Glasgow added that he had represented his group very strongly.  The remarks were greeted with applause.

Joe Snyder, Tenant’s Council Chair, said that Larry has been a 24-hour-a-day representative, meeting, walking through the Market and watching out for the vendors.

Ms. Scheeder said EMCAC was impressed with the process of the election.

Mr. Snyder said the Tenant’s Council has been having ongoing discussions with management, with Mike Bowers working out a process so that ads can be run by the Tenant’s Council so that errors can be avoided.

Rents

Mr. Snyder said that the law says that 30-day notice is required for rent increases, and the proposed increase should be formally presented to the Tenant’s Council and to EMCAC.  He said they have asked that the construction rent structure remain until March because January and February are bad months for the vendors and the rent structure has to be sorted out with the Tenant’s Council.  He said these are terrible times for many of the vendors, and it would be generous to wait.

Jury Selection Process

Mr. Snyder said that that the assessment is based on arbitrary criteria, and there is a structure described in the legislation.  Ms. Scheeder suggested that Mr. Snyder look at the sections of the law that says that vendors shouldn’t be selling products outside the scope of the legislation.  She suggested she look at it in terms of the people who are selling at the Market.

8.    Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer office is in transition, and there was no Treasurer’s Report.

9.    Next Meeting

Ms. Scheeder announced that the next meeting of EMCAC would be on Wednesday, December 30, at 7 p.m.   at the Old Naval Hospital.

10.          Adjournment

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/ Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

5

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

 July 29, 2009

Present: Barbara Eck, Chuck Burger, Monte Edwards, Larry Gallo, Ken Jarboe, Tom Kuchenberg, Bill Glasgow, Donna Scheeder, Lisa Brooks, Angie Brunson, Richard Layman 

 

The meeting was convened at 7:03 p.m.

 

1.      Agenda

Motion: Mr. Kuchenberg moved/ Mr. Burger seconded a motion to approve the agenda.  It passed unanimously.

 2.    Minutes

Motion:  Ms. Eck moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed without objection

 3.    Executive Committee

Status of Hine JHS Site

Ms. Scheeder reported that there are now three proposals in the mix because the campus proposal has, based on community input, been removed.  She reported that she had sent a letter based on letters that EMCAC received, but that did not indicate a formal position for EMCAC. The letter did review the proposals as to their pros and cons based on the standards already established by EMCAC. Discussion ensued on whether or not EMCAC should take any additional action

Leases

Ms. Scheeder reported that she had talked with Robin Eve Jasper, Real Estate Services (formerly OPM) Director and Market Manager Barry Margeson on the question of merchant leases.  She said that there was a proposed rent increases are over the cap in the Eastern Market legislation.  said it was agreed that there is not much experience with the model of a market, and there is no experience with the North Hall, and that at least one month’s utilities rates are needed to begin formulating costs. She said that Ms. Jasper will have a meeting to discuss Market finances, but for now they are holding back on decisions.  It will probably be two to three months before anything happens.

Opening Reception

Ms. Scheeder thanked Barbara Eck for their hard work on putting together the EMCAC reception on the Friday evening before the Market opening.  She also thanked the merchants for their generous contributions of food.

4.       Sign Tigers

Mr. Burger reported that the summer-fall plan is looking for sign locations.  He also reported that they are applying for a $30,000-$50,000 grant to fill in the Historic District disk signs and to maintain them over the next three to four years.  They are also working on developing the new Wayfarer’s signs.

The Capitol Hill BID is running a “beta test” by establishing an information tent at the Eastern Market Metro entrance from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.  The Metro entrance serves several thousand people each weekend, and the tent serves as a welcome to the neighborhood—restaurants and shops, as well as the Market, and teaches people that the Circulator comes there from Union Station.  They provide discounts for neighborhood establishments—e.g. for a local hair salon.  There is the possibility of making a permanent structure at the Metro for the winter.  They would like each local organization to commit to sitting with the BID person from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. one Saturday in three months.  Mr. Burger suggested that it would be a great opportunity to sell posters.  Motion: Mr. Burger moved/Ms. Eck seconded a motion to commit EMCAC to spending ten hours every three months to work at the BID booth at Eastern Market metro. Mr. Burger said that he would take responsibility for coordinating the volunteers.

 5.    Department of Real Estate Services (DRES) (Property Management)

Jennifer Eubank, who is in charge of weekend operations at the Market, said she is on site Wednesdays through the weekend.  She said that there were between 15,000 and 20,000 people at the Market opening, along with a full house of vendors.  She reported that the volunteer program she implemented was successful, and there were no major incidents.

Tenant’s Council

Ms. Eubank said that there has been one meeting with the Tenant’s Council under the leadership of Joe Snyder.  They are working out the Rules and Regulations for Farmers, Vendors and Community Groups.  They are discussing the evaluation and jury process for new vendors, and will compile all the comments they receive. 

She reported that they have had more than 30 requests for space, and are working out new ideas for space configurations.

She said they have scaled back about eight spaces at the Natatorium to allow more space.

Facilities Wish List

There are many punch list items that need work.  A big issue is the height of the display cases, which were measured to be closer to the ground.  However, the bottoms were changed and not sealed to protect the Market from rodents.  The Health code says that deli cases shall be on the ground and sealed, and it could be very expensive to lower them.

The CHCF shopping bags were a great success.

Parking

Ms. Eubank reported that signs are being printed to allow 30 minute parking on the west side drive of the Market. 

She said, however, the meters in the Hine lot have never been activated.  Mr. Layman said that there should be a program developed for Monday through Thursday parking.  He said that it takes a while for DDOT to do what it’s supposed to do, and asked whether there should be a motion to send a letter to DDOT to implement the activating of the parking meters.  Ms. Scheeder said she would prefer speaking with them.  Motion: Mr. Layman moved/Ms. Eck seconded a motion to send a letter to DDOT asking that the meters should be made operational.  Ms. Scheeder said she already sent a letter to Gabe Klein (DDOT Administrator) and asked that Monte Edwards follow up.  Mr.  Mohamed asked that the community wait until August 1 because they’re doing work at Hine.  Ms. Eck then requested that the motion be laid upon the table to see if the implementation does occur.  Ms. Scheeder said that the letter thanks DDOT for their efforts on the 7^th Street streetscape, but the community has been waiting a long time for the implementation of the Hine parking.

 

Ms. Eubank reported that they have developed food stamp machine capability.  Three farmers are part of the WIC program.  She announced that the second week in August was National Farmers’ Week.

Mr. Burger said that an economic model for the North Hall has to be worked out because it’s very important for the functioning of the Market to maximize its use as a revenue stream.  It has to be done, he said, with serious consideration and not be locked into any plan too early

In response to a question, Ms. Eubank said that they are not planning to put vendors on C Street, but are looking at the overall flow of things.  Ms. Brunson said that C Street by law is for the Farmers’ Line, and there has to be a reason.  Mr. Gallo added that he feels strongly that the entry to the Pottery Studio on C Street should be maintained as an entrance to the Market.  Mr. Kuchenberg thanked her for coming up with a comprehensive plan.

In answer to a question, she said that all vendors are forbidden from selling imitation brand name products.

Mr. Burger suggested that protocols have to be developed for the use of alcohol in the North Hall.  Mr. Jarboe said that he felt uncomfortable about using the North Hall to maximize revenues from the Market.  Mr. Layman said that the signs on the C Street side of the building should be changed to be consistent with the rest of the Market.  Roberta Weiner said that the North Hall needed chairs and both large and small tables for community to make the space viable as a meeting venue.  Ms. Scheeder said that alternative marketing may take care of that.  Ms. Eck added that there is nothing objectionable about maximizing community use for revenues, and that chairs and tables can be rented from Frager’s.

Curtis Clay then reported that there are lots of things that are not quite finished, and he has a list about forty pages long of items which were slated to be completed by the end of August.  He said he is dealing with merchant issues on a daily basis.  He pointed out there are signage issues, including none relating to hours, the handicapped, etc.  Mr. Clay said that DRES can’t contract directly with Edge Advertising and will have to work with EMCAC to implement the signage.

He said that once the punch list is completed, they will have to start work on the Market Manager’s office so it can be used.  Mr. Gallo asked whether the office would be just a preserved space or a functioning office and was told that it would be a working office.

Ms. Scheeder asked about the East Hall, and Mr. Clay said they are working with liquidators on selling the remaining equipment.  Things, he reported, are under discussion.

Mr. Glasgow asked whether temporary signs with the hours could be installed, and thanked Mr. Clay for the fly catchers. 

He introduced Carmel Brunson of DRES who will be the facility manager for the Market.  They are transitioning from construction mode to someone on site to do facilities management: trash, rodents, etc.  Mr. Burger asked whether that is billed to Eastern Market by DRES and was told that it’s a DRES function.                                      

 6.    Tenant’s Council

Joe Snyder, the new non-vendor Chairperson of the Tenant’s Council reported that they have started laying out an agenda for the Council, and they were planning a meeting for the third Wednesday of August.

He suggested that the issues about C Street should be referred to the Tenant’s Council.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

He said that they are starting to develop their protocols with DRES, but they also have to set up internal protocols.

 7.    Finance Committee

Motion: Ms. Scheeder moved/Mr. Edwards seconded a motion to refer the Eastern Market financials submitted by DRES to the Finance Committee to be read and analyzed. The motion passed without objection.

 8.    Capital Improvements Committee

Mr. Edwards reported that a gas leak in front of Port City Java on 7^th Street caused Washington Gas to rip up the street with jack hammers, rather than  remove the paving so it could be replacd  DDOT has told the utility that it has to restore the paving, and DDOT has spare paving material

He reported that Italian public television had filmed at the Market on July 29, and it will air in November.  There was also a report about the large number of media people interested in reporting the Market story.

He reported that a major sewer connection has to be fixed at 7^th and C, in front ot the gate to  the Hine parking lot, and once it is done, the gate to the Hine parking lot from 7^th Street can be opened for more direct access to the parking and the 15 minute parking sign on the north side of C Street (at the Market) can be reinstalled.  It was suggested that perhaps there should be a meeting with the 7^th Street merchants and the Market merchants to discuss the Hine parking.

9.      Treasurer’s Report

Mr. Gallo reported that as of June 25^th, there was $445.27 in the EMCAC account.  There was a payment of $134.28 to Roberta Weiner for taking and transcribing the June minutes, leaving a balance of $281.71. The report indicates that the proceeds from the sale of posters and plaques at the Market opening, and the proceeds from Kids’ Restaurant Week are yet to be determined, but there should be a working balance of approximately $3000. 

He also reported that EMPDC and the Farmers’ Line each owe $300 in dues for two years, and that Stanton Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA) owes $150 for one year.

10.  Community Comment

Mr. Kuchenberg said that it was incredible to see the flood of people at the Market since the re-opening.

Mike Bowers said that the merchants should get a list of the things being transferred to the liquidator.

11.  Next Meeting

Ms. Scheeder announced that the next meeting of EMCAC would be on September 23 at the Old Naval Hospital.

12.  Adjournment

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/ Mr. Burger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

June 24, 2009

Present: Barbara Eck, Chuck Burger, Monte Edwards, Larry Gallo, Ken Jarboe, Bill Glasgow, Donna Scheeder, Lisa Brooks, Angie Brunson, Richard Layman 

Excused Absence: Tom Kuchenberg

 

The meeting was convened at 7:08 p.m.

 

Ms. Scheeder began the meeting by noting that the meeting was prior to a major milestone in the Market’s history: the June 26 Grand Reopening of the restored Market, and it was a cause for celebration.

1. Agenda

Motion: Ms. Eck moved/ Mr. Layman seconded a motion to approve the agenda.  It passed unanimously.

1. Minutes

Motion:  Mr. Layman made a minor correction to the May minutes.  Mr. Layman moved to approve the May minutes as amended.  The motion passed without objection

1. Executive Committee

Street Closing

Ms. Scheeder reported that there will be a community meeting at the Tyler School on 7^th Street on July 7^th. 

Mr. Gallo reported that he had attended the ANC meeting on the subject of re-opening the street, and was quoted in the Voice of the Hill as speaking for EMCAC, and he wanted to make clear on the record that he was not, as EMCAC does not have a position on whether or not the street should be open.

Mr. Jarboe reported that the ANC passed a resolution asking Mayor Fenty to rescind his Executive Order ordering the street closed.  He said the resolution says the ANC will consider an interim closing of the street while the process is going on, and asks for the collection of better data on the impact of the closing.

Hine Junior High School

Ms. Scheeder reported that there are four developers who are finalists out of ten that originally submitted bids.  Three of the four had provisions for a variety of parking options.  The fourth bid suggests a campus proposal without much in the way of specificity in meeting the previous input of the community.  She said the city had been quite responsive to community wants in the RFP and asked that proposals meet it.  CHRS was wondering why the City accepted the fourth proposal.

Mr. Edwards said that there had been a letter sent from CHRS, Barracks Row and EMCAC saying that the fourth option was not responsive to the principles previously established for the RFP

Mr. Burger said that CHAMPS did not sign on to the letter.  It abstained because of many existing conflicts of interest within the group, and they don’t want to challenge the City’s RFP process.  At the end of the day, there is faith in the RFP process. When there was discussion regarding the fact that community meetings were taking place on this RFP, Ms. Scheeder said there is a difference between putting out an RFP for a proposal and putting out an RFP for contracts.  She said that EMCAC would be derelict if it did not comment.  She announced that the comment period had been extended until July 10^th—should there be a desire on the part of groups to do anything, now would be the time to do it.

Mr. Layman said that two of the proposals were responsive, and one was okay.  The National Leadership Campus was not.  Two of the groups he said, have strong community ties—Stanton Development and Street Sense were both very good.

Mr. Burger asked how at the ANC meeting on the proposals they were going to pick the group and whether there will be any weighting.  He said that the BID, CHAMPS and Barracks Row had [asked for another meeting with the developers - and EMCAC should– and they should formulate specific questions of financial strength.

Mr. Edwards commented that what some have characterized as the potential appearance of conflicts of interest with Buzzuto /Scallon and Stanton may be better described as those  groups having an understanding of how the community works.  He said the Stanton proposal provides 97 stalls for vendors and the proposals that provide more office space provide parking that can be used by shoppers on weekends.

Mr. Gallo said that he had personal experience working through a development on H Street NE where the design changed considerably after the developer worked with the community to make changes.

Ms. Scheeder said that the situation is not going to be resolved at the meeting, and that one suggestion has been made that can be followed through on which would be to seek additional information..  There is a consensus that Mr. Burger will pursue co-sponsoring an additional meeting with the developers.  She said that Mr. Gallo’s comments on a change process should be taken into account.  Mr. Burger said that a horse hasn’t yet been picked, but there are lots of criteria to look at, and he doesn’t recommend tying into one group or another.

Financial Reports

Ms. Scheeder announced that the financial reports had been received from the City and they had been referred to the Finance Committee made up of Mr. Gallo, Mr. Jarboe, Mr. Burger and Ms. Scheeder.

Market Opening on Saturday

Ms. Scheeder announced that there would be posters for sale.  They are 18”x24”.  The remaining plaques will also be sold for $125.  Steve Ackerman will be selling his self-published book on the Market.  There has been lots of press: ABC affiliate, Roll Call, Washington Times, the Washington Post, Kojo Naambe.  She said that it would be nice if all that stuff could be digitized and put on the web site.

1. Sign Tigers

Mr. Burger reported that the Sign Tigers has joined with the Navy Yard, and they have identified 25 locations for Wayfinder signs.  Sixteen have been put up by an inter-organizational group to provide a quick tie-in with the Navy Museum.  The Wayfinder signs are temporary –2-5 years.  The Sign Tigers are working in conjunction with the District’s sign department, which has adopted them.  They are now working on locating the historic district disks.  He said that DDOT will work with them on looking or a federal grant for permanent Wayfinder signs.  It is up to the community to maintain the signs.  He said that he is working with a good, dynamic group.  He also reported that a lot of the green and white signs that are no longer relevant are going to be removed.

Mr. Layman suggested that there should be a master plan for Eastern Market.

1. Office of Property Management

Curtis Clay reported that the inspections were finished that day, and the Certificate of Occupancy had been received.  The move-in had started, and will continue the next day.  The little things on the punch list will be taken care of on Thursday.  Move-in should be complete by Thursday.  The Department of Corrections is helping.  The keys will be turned over to Mr., Margeson on Thursday, and the alarm system will be set.  He is planning to sit down with merchants to discuss new elements.  There will be training on elements and systems in the North Hall, such as setting up the stage and the dance floor.  The exhibit will be set up on Thursday.  He said that there will be a 10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting on Friday, and the vendors will be open for business. 

West side drive parking will be available on Saturday.  The ceremony will be on the North Hall Plaza.  The Mayor thought he would have a Cabinet meeting in the North Hall, but decided against it.

Mr. Margeson reported that the Kids’ Restaurant Week kick-off at the Market had been a great success, with lots of kids wearing chef’s hats, etc.  Mike Bowers did a presentation about the Market.

He reported that the plan for trucks on the Farmer’s Line on Saturday and Sunday has been changed and the trucks are now up against the curb.  There are four 18’ foot openings for people to cross the street.

He said that for the opening there will be four bands, and entertainers on both the north and south sides of the street, and there will be tours and the exhibit in the North Hall.

He reported that the leases are not done yet, but he has distributed Rules and Regulations for Outdoor Vendors for comment (copy attached).  He said he is moving the flea market vendors on Sunday out from under the shed, and he has received some push back on that.  He has put the grandfathered people back in.

He said the July 4^th Parade will not come to the Market, but will end at Eastern Market Metro plaza, and reported that the BBC program Real America will be coming to film at the Market on Sunday.  In August, the Market will appear on allrecipes.com.  He said he had spoken to Destination D.C., the local tourism marketer, and they charge $2500 for including a location on their site.  He asked whether EMCAC would be interested in using some of the poster money to pay for the site.

Mr. Gallo asked whether 7^th Street would be closed from Pennsylvania Avenue to North Carolina, and was told yes.  He asked whether the Enterprise Fund had been depleted and was told no.  Mr. Margeson said that Eastern Market as an entity was not making money now.  He was asked about North Hall rentals and was told that he would be getting to that.

Motion: Mr. Gallo moved/Ms. Eck seconded a motion to send a letter to Robin Eve Jasper and Mayor Fenty thanking them for bringing the Market back, and mentioning specific people’s work.  Mr. Edwards suggested mentioning the Mayor’s commitment, and the work of the Foundation.  The letter, he said, should be sent to the Hill Rag and Voice of the Hill as well.  The motion passed without objection.

Mr. Layman said that he would like to make a motion about an EMCAC website.  Ms. Scheeder said that the Finance Committee is looking at the financials to see what kind of funds are available.  Mr. Gallo added that the EMCAC cupboard is bare.  Ms. Scheeder suggested that EMCAC could have a Facebook page for now.

Mr. Jarboe asked when the meters at Hine be turned on, and was told that DDOT said that the kiosk at Hine would start issuing receipts.

Mr. Burger spoke about a meeting with Market Row, because they are looking for a comprehensive plan.

1. Capital Improvements Committee

Bicycle Racks

Mr. Edwards reported on the location of the six bicycle racks proposed for Eastern Market, which had to wait until the North Plaza special events lighting and the tree boxes were located.  That was done, and the recommendation for the location of the bicycle racks is as follows: (complete, detailed report attached)

• Two bicycle races to be located on the perimeter of the North Plaza, One rack should be installed in the middle for the continuous 55-foot tree box along North Carolina Avenue and aligned with the trunks of the two trees.  Urban Forestry is recommending an 18” high protective barrier on three sides of each tree.  It would require “stepping stones” for parkers to walk through the tree box.  The second rack should be installed in the row of bollards on North Carolina Avenue, and would require the removal of one or two bollards.
• Four racks located in front of the Market Row merchants’ places of business, the locations to be determined by the Market Row Merchants Association..

The two located in the North Plaza will not provide an obstacle to pedestrian traffic, or to vending.  Plus, with their Eastern Market design, they will help announce the Market.

Motion:  Mr. Edwards moved/Mr. Burger seconded a motion to accept the report on bicycle racks prepared by the Capital Improvements Committee.  The motion passed without objection.

Benches, Picnic Tables and Trash Receptacles

Mr. Gallo reported that the Market Lunch tables had multiplied to six.  Mr. Edwards reported that there is a bench in front of the East Hall.  As for heavy trash receptacles, a preliminary perusal shows there are none.  Mr. Clay reported there is a double bin for recyclables and newspapers, and four trash receptacles, one at the North Plaza, one at the East Hall, and one at the south end of the Market.

Mr. Gallo said that trash pick-up is the responsibility of the Market Manager, and that trash is picked up three or four times a day on the weekends.  Mr. Clay said that because EMCAC is not a member of the BID, the Market has to take care of all of that itself.

Street Lights

Mr. Edwards reported that there are now four period light fixtures on the North Plaza, four at the ADA entrances along the 7^th Street façade of the South Hall and two at the C Street façade of the South Hall.   DDOT is planning to install a very different trapezoidal four-panel replica gas light at 7^th and C. . Mr.Edwards has suggested it would be visually inappropriate and has suggested that the same tear-drop pendant fixture that is at the intersection of 7^th and North Carolina be installed at this location.  Mr. Burger asked whether the replacement tree boxes would be planted in Turtle Park.  He said it is rundown, and perhaps EMCAC, with others, could adopt the park.  Ms. Scheeder suggested putting that on the agenda for another meeting.

Mr. Jarboe asked about the installation of a four-way stop at C Street, and Mr. Edwards said  an all-way stop had been installed that day.

1. Tenant’s Council

Mr. Mike Bowers said that the merchants will have elections for EMCAAC, with Ms. Brunson adding they will take place after the opening.  Mr. Gallo said that the Tenants Council should look at the new Rules and Regulations and make comments.

1. Community Comment

Peter Waldron spoke, saying this would be the last EMCAC meeting he would cover, and that he had been sitting and listening for two years.  He said in jest that he had two disappointments: one that he had never heard a word from Lisa Brooks, and second that Monte’s manhole covers are not up for sale at the Market opening.  He said that EMCAC was a dedicated group of people, and it was fascinating to see them all work together.  It is everything he thinks an advisory body should be, and it deserves thanks. 

Curtis Clay announced that there will be wi-fi at the Market beginning the following week.

Ms. Scheeder announced that the next meeting of EMCAC will be on July 29^th.

1. Adjournment

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/ Mr. Burger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

 

Present: Chuck Burger, Barbara Eck, Monte Edwards, Larry Gallo, Bill Glasgow, Ken Jarboe, Donna Scheeder, Tom Kuchenberg, Angie Brunson, Richard Layman, Lisa Brooks (for Dan Tangherlini).

The meeting was convened at 7:06 PM.

1.      Agenda

Motion: Mr. Kuchenberg moved/ Mr. Burger seconded a motion to approve the agenda.  It passed unanimously.

 2.    Minutes

Motion:  Mr. Burger moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to table the February minutes until the April meeting

 3.    Executive Committee

Brainstorming meeting on Reopening of Market

Donna Scheeder presented the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Return to Eastern Market:

A group consisting of EMCAC members and representatives from the various business and community organizations and interested individuals met at the Old Naval Hospital on March 26^th, 2009 to brainstorm ideas relating the Market’s reopening in the renovated building and a series of events and activities that would follow over the ensuing months.  Barry Margeson anticipated that the Market would be ready to open in early July.  The merchants, including Market Row and Barracks Row, will have a series of promotional tie-ins to various Market events.  After discussion, the group consensus was that activities would begin with the already-planned music series in May and conclude in late October with a fall hoedown.

There were numerous suggestions, and so far what can be put on a timeline is the following:

May/June: Concert Series

July:

·         4^th of July Parade

·         Event providing sneak preview of the South Hall: dependent on clearance from OPM.

 

·         Ribbon cutting ceremony with a street festival atmosphere.  Seth Shapiro and Jennifer Eubank agreed to come up with a list of fun activities for parents and children, such as a clown, face painting, etc.

·         There could be a parade of merchants moving a last symbolic item across the street to officially open their businesses to the tune of When the Saints Go Marching In.

·         It was suggested that we ask Parker Jayne to compose and write a song and perhaps get a DC poet to compose a poem for the occasion.

·         There will be a North Hall exhibit of photos of the Market construction and a continuous showing of the documentary about the Market the fire, and a how the Market has risen from the ashes.  The video has been commissioned by the Community Foundation.

·         Tours of the Market continue throughout the summer and fall

·         Contractors Ball

 

August:

 

September:

·         Concert series resumes

·         Homecoming event and promotions to welcome back vacationers and others who have been out of town for the summer and to kick off the fall harvest season at the Market

·         On-line silent auction to benefit the Market.  Will include the art that hung on the windows.

·         Suggestions included selling bricks and slate from the roof as commemoratives and we still have plaques left.

 

·         There was agreement to also have a fundraising event in the North Hall that could also serve to showcase it as a venue for events as a rental space.  There was discussion that has continued about tickets, pricing and timing.  Depending on when this was held, proceeds could be used to underwrite some of the other activities that are planned.  Nancy Breuer and a former EMCAC board member have agreed to organize this.

 

·         People also want to have a street dance for the neighborhood on a Friday night.  The Halloween on the Hill event was very popular.

 

·         It has also been suggested that a brochure on the Market and its history be done.  Roberta Weiner ahs volunteered to work on this.

 

·         There was also discussion about the fate of Market Day.  There was a general consensus that a sprint event at the Market celebrating the return of the famers, a kind of May Day celebration, would be a good way to go.

 

The focus is to go beyond Eastern Market and include the surrounding businesses in the promotional efforts.  “You can spend all day at Eastern Market” campaign which would encompass Barracks Row as well as 7^th Street and the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue.

 

The website needs to be re-focused to advertise the upcoming events.

 

Vendors would be encouraged to create items with a tie-in to the Restoration of the Market, and the re-occupation of the finished space of the Market.

 

Finally, there was discussion of the need for come professional help to pull this all together and the where the resources would come from to support that.  It was also suggested that some activities could be sponsored by the contractors.

Signage

Mr. Burger has been appointed chair of the Signage committee.  He reported that it is a group formed to address the signage for pedestrians and car traffic.  He said the group was calling itself the Sign Tigers and has representatives from EMCAC, CHAMPS, Barracks Row, the BID and ANC 6B.  They have met with DDOT and are taking an inventory of the signs that exist.  There are three kinds of signs: wayfinder signs (the large blue signs with directional arrows); a mish mash of green signs (this way to Eastern Market, etc.); and the round disks that are the Historic District signs (the BID does those).  He said they are looking at different gateways—arriving by car, bus, etc. from Union Station, Eastern Market Metro, etc.

He said it is an excellent group, with a big job.  After the inventory, it will take a year or two to have the signs in place.  A lot of work has already been done, but it hasn’t been executed.  The previous surveys have to be resurrected and implemented.  The signage of the Southeast Expressway is the really big job.

Approval to Use the Natatorium during Construction

Ms. Scheeder reported that the Executive Committee voted to approve the use of the Natatorium Plaza for vendors during streetscape construction, and it has been implemented.

 4.    Office of Property Management

 Management Operations

Barry Margeson reported that, despite the work going on on 7^th Street, there were 102 vendors on the Saturday previous to the meeting.  He said the Natatorium Plaza is working out well, and was very active on both Saturday and Sunday.  He reported that it is a bit of a puzzle for vendors to get in under the shed because there is only entry on the north and south ends of the street.  He said, however, that he has a team of workers from the Department of Corrections, under the supervision of Sgt. Battle, who are very much on top of things.  These are men who usually have Saturdays and Sundays off, but they volunteer between 6:30 and 8:30 on those days.  They are residents of a local halfway house.

He said that he would be taking a clicker count of visitors to the Market and getting numbers every few hours.  MR. Burger mentioned that there could be a safety issue with people crossing at North Carolina Avenue, and he was assured that it has been made perfectly safe.  Mr. Gallo asked for the financials on the Enterprise Fund.  He also expressed concerns about the wayfinding signs for help in finding a way through the construction.  He asked whether postcards could be printed for the vendors to hand out with a map.  Both Mr. Edwards and Ms. Scheeder complimented Mr. Margeson on the operation of the Natatorium Plaza.  Mr. Layman suggested that signage, similar to that used for the recent Marathon be posted on 7^th Street.  Mr. Burger suggested that a map of 7^th Street be forwarded to CHAMPS and Market Row, and arrangements be made to hand it out at the Metro stop, coffee places and other locations.  Lynn Holland, a longtime vendor, said that her concern was getting information to people who aren’t regulars, and that it was important to inform new people.  Carol Wright pointed out that Mr. Margeson has organized a meeting with Mr. Gallo, Mike Berman, Rudy Coates and herself to discuss outdoor vending.

Karen Edge said there was a new employee at Edge Advertising who is from Philadelphia and has done a lot of work on branding historic neighborhood.  She said the project requires a lot of teamwork, but it’s starting to make sense.  Dale Lowry discussed the temporal aspects of signage, and said there should be signs that say what’s going to happen on the horizon, such as when the cobblestones will be laid, and perhaps have a timeline.  Peter Waldron said he had spoken with DDOT to ask about the Hine parking lot, and the person he spoke with didn’t know where the signs would be, etc.

Construction

Curtis Clay introduced Management Alternatives, and its principals Reed Stepan and Patti McDonald, who have been hired by OPM to facilitate the move to the North Hall.  They have 26 years experience in the District in assisting the move of tenants, ranging from the Census Bureau to the Pittsburgh airport to small non-profits. They moved NPR while they were on the air. They said the first task is to work with OPM on equipment, largely working with contractors, and then working with tenants to put together a plan to transition with the focus on individuals.  Their goal is operate around each business, not to have businesses fit in to a pre-determined plan, ending up with an hour-by-hour moving plan.  Ms. Scheeder expressed her happiness at hearing what they had to say, and that there had been several discussions about how it would work and it is satisfying to find out from the experts.  She asked about how the move would fit in with the inspections that are needed, and Mr. Clay said he is working with DCRA to make certain it’s all coordinated.  Mr. Gallo asked whether Management Alternatives would implement the plan they developed and was told that their job is to implement—even if they have to move for 40 hours straight.  Mr. Clay said that these people are leaders and people have to follow.

Mr. Clay said they are now getting into the “nitty gritty” such as working with Verizon to determine what merchants’ needs are and how the logistics with utilities will be implemented. He also stated they are looking at the security system and keys and locks and how this will all operate.  Mr. Clay said that the marathon cost the project a day because the concrete trucks could not get in, but PEPCO has begun work on the street, but Washington Gas had to change its design and is moving forward.  Concrete work in the basement was scheduled to begin the first week in April, and the concrete walls in the Market are curing.  He said that 14 plasterers would be working that Sunday.  Mr. Gallo said that previous minutes indicate that the opening would be in July, and Mr. Clay responded that in the middle of May he would be able to provide an opening date.  Mr. Burger said that he would like to see the move done in an intelligent, professional manner, without a drop dead date so that it’s done right.  Ms. Scheeder said it’s as though a veil has been lifted with the new moving plans.  Mr. Kuchenberg said he would like to see the main opening event occur in September when it’s not so hot.

 5.    Market Operation Committee

Mr. Kuchenberg said that because of the presence of Management Alternatives he had no report.  He said that Mr. Glasgow was trying to begin figuring out what has to be done and how to facilitate the move, and now there’s someone to do it.

Mr. Glasgow added that there had been a meeting, and some of his recommendations are that the security cameras should be on before the move, and that the move should take place when the job is complete.  He said he would end up with two of everything, and some of it can be used for dry storage.  He also said that the closing of the East Hall should be well advertised so that people can come and clean them out so there’s less to move.  He said that he would be moving as a self-contained unit and it’s not complicated now. 

He said that the community had two demands when the East Hall was proposed: that they didn’t want the compressors running all night outside and that the tent should come down after the move was complete.

6.   Capital Improvements

Bricks

Mr. Edwards reported on the recent history of the two different episodes of bricks at Eastern Market :

a.      In the course of excavating for utilities for the Market restoration, the bricks that were removed from the south end of the Market by Fourney Construction found their way into the custody of a local resident, and OPM ended up having to engage in a re-acquisition effort so  they could be re-used at the Market.

 

b.      In the course of the Streetscape work, DDOT determined that the bricks in the existing sidewalks did not meet current strength specification, and they were removed and replaced with new, period-appropriate molded brick. The removed bricks were stockpiled by Anchor Construction and EMCAC arranged for the Capital Hill Garden Club to determine an appropriate reuse of the bricks on Capitol Hill.  About 30 pallets (over 10,000 brick) are involved, and the Garden Club determined they should be provided for pathways ,a patio, and other projects at Congressional Cemetery

 

 Streetscape

 

Mr. Edwards reported that he still had no report from the Urban Forestry Administration on trees and tree boxes.  He reminded the body that the tree boxes in the center of the North Hall plaza will be used for light posts for the special event lighting. When a tree box is removed, it is required to be replaced, and the location of the trees boxes on the North Plaza must be determined so paving can proceed and the location of bike racks and other street furniture can be determined. He said that  except for the tree boxissue, the streetscape is moving forward on schedule, and said that the contractor is going to pour a 4’x4’ samples of the crosswalk material at 7^th Street and North Carolina Avenue.  Mr. Burger asked about the strength of street, which is supposed to withstand two tons of weight.  Mr. Edwards said he hasn’t heard anything about that.  Mr. Gallo added that it’s been reported that they’re on schedule.

 

 7.    Tenant’s Council

The Tenant’s Council did not have a report.

8.  Treasurer’s Report

Mr. Gallo reported that EMCAC’s bank balance on February 1, 2009 was $11,771.81, and there had been deposits of $350, making a balance on March 25, 2009 of $12,121.81.  He said that he had received dues in March from one member, and all other dues for 2009 are outstanding.

 9.    Community  Comment

Sondra Allen, who identifies herself as a non-food vendor, accused EMCAC of an overwhelming dismissal of non-food vendors, and she said she was demanding that EMCAC do a better job of thinking about this.  She said there were artists—she particularly mentioned artist Don Kessler whose paintings of the Market are well known—who would love to be involved in the re-opening of the Market.  The artists, she said, should be approached respectfully, and promoted.  She said there is no basic respect for the artists.  She mentioned that Bill Glasgow had said at the March meeting that outdoor vendors should not have a voice in choosing a new manager, and that, she said, is apartheid.

Ms. Scheeder said that the selection process had been established by law and representatives of the vendors were involved in the process.  She said that there were several public meetings and the framing of the RFP was very public.  She said that Ms. Allen has excellent ideas on how to involve more people, and she invited Ms. Allen to participate in the planning for the opening, saying that her ideas were valuable.  Ms. Brunson said that the city set the rules for the selection process, and EMCAC members had to sign confidentiality agreements.  She said that Bill Glasgow did not serve on the selection committee.  Mr. Glasgow added that the non-food vendors are part of the Eastern Market family, and we should not be trying to beat each other up.  Mr. Layman added that she was not the only person who was not listened to.

Ms. Allen said that the law is not being followed.  One of the things is that the interim manager is not talking to the old manager, so we’re being called liars.  She said that over 60% of the merchandise on Saturdays is from New York, but people who have been there for ten years are being displaced.  Ms. Scheeder responded that she shares Ms. Allen’s concern about the makeup of the vendors, but it’s very difficult to get an accurate fix on what’s going on.  These are complex issues, issues that EMCAC has to come to terms with.  We have to get a baseline settled through our Application Review Committee.  Ms. Allen responded that the longer it goes on, the worse it gets and that people don’t know how to get a space.  Ms. Scheeder said there is a moratorium on new vendors because of the space crunch caused by the construction.  Ms. Brunson said that most of these concerns can be dealt with by the Application Review Committee or can be brought to the Tenant’s Council.

 10.New Business

Ms. Scheeder said that the next meeting dates would be April 22, May 27, June 24, and July 29.

 10.Adjournment

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/ Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

February 25, 2009

 

Present: Chuck Burger, Barbara Eck, Monte Edwards, Larry Gallo, Bill Glasgow, Ken Jarboe, Donna Scheeder, Tom Kuchenberg, Angie Brunson, Richard Layman, Lisa Brooks (for Dan Tangherlini).

The meeting was convened at 7:06 PM.

1.      Agenda

Motion: Mr. Kuchenberg moved/ Mr. Jarboe seconded a motion to approve the agenda.  It passed unanimously.

 2.    Minutes

Motion:  Mr. Burger moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to approve the September meeting minutes as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

 3.    Executive Committee

Business Coordination Group meeting

Donna Scheeder reported that a first meeting of the Business Coordination Group, organized to discuss and implement joint marketing plans for the Eastern Market neighborhood met.  The group includes Barracks Row, Market Row, CHAMPS, National Capitol Bank, and the Riverfront BID.  She said that the replacement of the N22 bus with the Circulator presents a good opportunity, especially with a stop labeled Eastern Market.  There’s a lot of interest in the reopening of the Market, and how that can be capitalized on. 

Re-Opening Steering Committee

EMCAC will form a steering committee to plan the opening, which will include representatives of all the other organizations, and will work with the City on activities and promotions for a week-long celebration.  There will be a steering committee meeting in mid-March.  Board members Burger, Kuchenberg, Jarboe, Glasgow, Gallo, Edwards and Roberta Weiner volunteered for the committee.  Mr. Burger added that it should be a working committee, not a planning committee.

Hine RFP

Ms. Scheeder announced that two of the developers planning to submit proposals for the redevelopment of Hine JHS have contacted EMCAC for ideas.  She said that the resolution passed by EMCAC on the redevelopment will be used as guidelines in discussions with developers.  The RFP deadline has been delayed a month to allow more time for submissions.

Application Advisory Review Committee

Motion: Ms. Scheeder moved/Mr. Burger seconded a motion to appoint Mr. Jarboe and Ms. Eck to the Application Advisory Review Committee.  It passed without opposition.  The members of the Committee are now Burger, Glasgow, Gallo, Brunson, Jarboe and Eck.

Music Series

The Capitol Hill Community Foundation will once again sponsor a music series for the summer.  They are trying to figure out where the musicians will be located.

 4.    Market Operations Subcommittee

Mr. Kuchenberg said that he will hold a meeting with the merchants and others to get all the issues and questions about the move back to the Market on the table, and to decide which need further work.  He wants to solicit ideas and seek out experts in making a quick move, including reaching out the real estate community.  He solicited e-mails for suggestion of the issues.  Ms. Scheeder said that Angie, Bill and Larry should be polling their groups for questions and ideas.  Ms. Scheeder asked that keeping the Market open seven days a week, and extending the Market’s hours should be put on the agenda of the group.  Additionally, the question of a weekday farmer’s market should be resolved.

Mr. Layman said that the national Public Markets conference will be held in San Francisco, and that EMCAC should be represented.  MR. Burger suggested checking with the Office of Economic Development to see whether they are sending someone.

 5.    Office of Property Management

Management

Mr. Margeson reported that he has collected $14,366 in rents from the weekend vendors, and $21,102 in rent from the merchants during January 2009. He said that he is, however, having more trouble establishing spending authority, and they are not yet at the point where they can use the Enterprise Fund.  He said that OPM will lay out the funds and get reimbursed by Enterprise Fund when they can. 

He reported that work on the RFP for the Market Manager is ongoing.

He reported that the Hine parking lot is now available for merchant parking on weekdays.

He said he hasn’t wanted to do too much since his tenure is limited, but he has circulated the new Eastern Market legislation, and invited all the vendors to attend the EMCAC meeting.  He has also announced to the Eastern Market community a Vendor of the Month award, with nominations from the vendors and merchants.  He said, however, that so far he has received only one nomination.

Mr. Gallo said that Mr. Margeson has put a lot of attention and time into making changes that work and that he has provided more focus on outdoor activities. He asked about what expenses Mr. Margeson was making.  He replied that he has an off-duty police officer doing security on the weekend from 7 to 9:30 a.m. when he is collecting rents, who also comes in the afternoon.  There is also money being expended for overtime for OPM workers who are there from 9 a.m. to about 3:30.  There are also facilities management personnel who are cleaning on a daily basis, and who clean both Saturday morning and again at the end of the day.  He said there are also advertising expenses, and he had worked with Edge Advertising in January.  He said they are also keeping up with the trash hauling, and it’s happening more often than ever before.  He said he would send the financials.  Mr. Burger asked for them within the next 30 days, and offered any assistance he needed.  Mr. Kuchenberg said he would like a first estimate on income and expenses.

Mr. Layman said that he feels that parking should be metered.  Ms. Scheeder said it is a short term issue because long-term there will be underground parking at Hine.

Mr. Gallo mentioned that since January all revenues have gone into the operation of the Market and everyone is paying their fair share.

Construction

Curtis Clay reported that Saturday work has begun at the Market.  He also reported that OPM has installed plexiglass windows and that it is possible to look into the Market days and night.  He said they are laying bricks and the herringbone will be at 90⁰, rather than 45⁰.  They are ready to pour the concrete in the basement and for main floor, but need three days when the temperature is about 40⁰.  Lightening protection has been installed at the top of each chimney with grounding wires.  Work on the North Hall roof is continuing.  The scaffolding will be up until mid-April.  He asked how much notice will be needed before the shutdown of the East Hall, and Ms. Scheeder responded that the Market Operations Subcommittee is working on that.  He said that OPM is hiring a logistics consultant to coordinate with all individuals.  He suggested that the coordination meetings no longer have to take place now that Mr. Margeson’s on the case, and only Mr. Gallo has showed up for the last few.  Mr. Gallo said that the meetings are important particularly since the construction is reaching a crossroads.  Mr. Edwards agreed, saying that the reason he hasn’t attended the meetings is that their focus  is  for vendors so they can know what to expect in terms of available vending space, etc.  Mr. Burger asked whether the fencing will be down by May 1 and Mr. Clay said he couldn’t guarantee that, but would know by the end of April.  Mr. Kuchenberg asked whether the logistics consultant has been hired and was told it is in process.

6.   Capital Improvements

Streetscape

Mr. Edwards submitted the following report on the paving materials that will be used in the streetscape at the Market:

Report Concerning Paving Materials

 

DDot installed samples of a molded red brick (with some variations in color) that is proposed for the sidewalks and two types of pavers for 7^th Street in front of the Market.

The pavers are 4” by 8” Holland Pavers and 6” by 9” Colonial Cobble Stones.  Both pavers are pre-cast concrete and uniform in size.  The sample installations were available for viewing at the north end of the Farmers’ Line shed from February 12 –19.

Public comments have been received.

 

Molded Brick for the Sidewalks.

There was consensus support for the proposed dark red with variegated shading, molded brick for the sidewalk.  They are of uniform size and have minimum rounding of the edges to be pedestrian friendly.

 

Pavers for the Street.

There was consensus support for differentiating the street paving in front of the Market.

Both pavers have fairly flat patterns, with uniform and shallow joints that will be compatible with foot traffic as well as strollers.  Out of 40 email comments, 21 favored the Colonial Cobble Stone, 15 preferred the Holland Pavers, 3 voted for brick, and one endorsed the concept of differentiated paving but did not indicate a preference for any of the samples.

There was overwhelming support for the Colonial Cobble Stone, with some describing the Holland Pavers as more appropriate for a shopping mall.  A representative criticism of the Colonial Cobble Stones:

•  I believe the Holland paver surface will be more convenient for most people as it is smoother.  This is especially true for wheelchairs and those who use walkers or have other problems walking.  The cobblestone might be more attractive, but too rough in my view. 

 

But the majority of the comments did not share that view:

•   I walked by Eastern Market this afternoon to check out the bricks and cobblestones.  I was a little worried about the stones.  (My ankles aren’t what they used to be.)  These were not what I expected — much more navigable but still quite handsome.  Brick looks good too.  Good job!

•  I prefer the cobblestone pavers rather than the holland pavers because (1) the Holland pavers are too similar to the sidewalk brick, (2) cobblestone seems more historic, and (3) cobblestone might act to slow down traffic on that block where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic even when the block is open to road traffic.

 

The Market Row Merchants recommend the Colonial Cobble Stone paves be installed.  At yesterday’s Streetscape Construction Coordination meeting, the participants endorsed the Colonial Cobble Stone pavers, and today, DDot’ endorsed the Colonial Cobble Stones.

 

Conclusion

Motion:  Mr. Edwards moved/ Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion that EMCAC should endorse the use of the molded red brick for the sidewalks and use of the Colonial Cobble stone for paving 7th Street in front of the Market. 

 

Mr. Edwards reported that if the work on the water main is scheduled to be completed by March 9^th, and DDot can complete everything in the block in front of the Market by June.  They will be closing 7^th Street from the completion of the water main work until the completion of the work.  Ms. Scheeder said that all of this is dependent on the ability to use the area in front of Hine and in front of the Natatorium for vendors.  There is an option which will slow things considerably—to do one half of the street at a time. Mr. Gallo pointed out that there will be significant management challenges, and Mr. Glasgow  noted the delivery problems.

 

Mr. Burger said he was uncomfortable making a decision when there are 25 businesses with different needs.  He said that several businesses are on the verge of bankruptcy, and he is concerned about the impact on the stores.  Ms. Eck said that it’s going to have a negative impact and there will be difficulties no matter what, and suggested that perhaps the motion could be amended to say “depending on mitigating circumstances.”  Ms. Brunson said that the whole street had been closed on that day, and business was terrible.  Mr. Layman said that while he understands that desire to accelerate the work, you can’t do an opening in four months, and the opening should be in September, with a soft opening before then.  Mr. Kuchenberg said that he agrees with Mr. Burger and Mr. Layman, and he’s concerned about deliveries. Ms. Scheeder suggested that a separate meeting on this proposal be held in order to obtain answers to the many questions and issues that were raised.  Motion: Ms. Eck moved to table the motion until there was a meeting with DDOT to resolve the issues.  Mr. Burger said he would invite the merchants, and Mr. Glasgow said that due diligence has to be done because of the problems.  Mr. Layman pointed out the problems that merchants on P Street and in Georgetown had when extensive street work was being done.  Mr. Edwards announced that the meeting with DDOT would be held on March 4^th at the Old Naval Hospital.  Mr. Burger said that Councilmember Wells’ office, and the Office of Planning and Economic Development should be included.

 

Light Poles

 

Mr. Edwards reported that Forney Construction, the Urban Forestry Administration, DDOT and the EMCAC Tenant’s Council had met on-sit on the North Plaza i concerning the light fixtures and tree boxes.  The standards for the special event lighting are to be placed in tree boxes, and may involve moving the tree boxes closer to the sidewalk.  Urban Forestry will provide recommendations concerning  trees species, and the size and design of tree boxes, and where to put them.  After that the bike racks, trash cans can be placed.  The west side of 7^th Street should have as few obstructions as possible.  Mr. Edward said that the City uses a basic tree, which is small, and there is the possibility of using DDOT or other funds to pay for larger trees.

 

 7.    Tenant’s Council

The Tenant’s Council did not have a report.

8.  Treasurer’s Report

Mr. Gallo reported that there were no expenses, and no income.  Mr. Edwards said that there has to be a check written to Ewing Cole to begin their conservation report before everything disappeared.

 9.    Audience Comment

Sondra Allen, who identified herself as a “non-food vendor,” expressed her concern that she had no input into the RFP.  She said she had been at the Market intermittently for eight years under the aegis of Market 5, and complained of a member of EMCAC who was hostile to non-food vendors.  She said that members of EMCAC talked to only a few people and she was confused about what was going on.  She said she was not e-mailed in advance of this meeting and has no voice in who’s going to be in charge.  Ms. Scheeder explained that Mr. Gallo and Ms. Brunson sit on EMCAC as representatives of the vendors.  She said that the RFP had been discussed at several open meetings, and Mr. Gallo made many good suggestions.  Mike Berman and Mike Bowers who represent the Tenant’s Council are very open to hearing what the vendors have to say.  The RFP was a standard, confidential process, but what went into it was extremely open.  There was a consultant involved, and community meetings, and finally, a resolution stating preferences.  Mr. Layman said that John Harrod didn’t sign the agreement, and his efforts have to be respected.  It is vitally important the process does not get corrupted.  Ms. Scheeder pointed out that EMCAC was concerned about having an open process, and were given an opinion as to what EMCAC’s parameters were. She pointed out that EMCAC members signed a confidentiality agreement in order to participate in the process and they could not violate that. EMCAC’s major concern, she said, is that the RFP process concludes with what is best for the Market.  She pointed out that there had been a trying time with the previous market manager and it is pleasing that Mr. Margeson is working to build relationships with the vendors.  Mr. Gallo said that the important thing is that the RFP move forward as quickly as possible.  Mr. Glasgow said that he has been at the Market for 48 years, and before the Eastern Market legislation that named her a “non-food vendor” he had no security, and now he does.

 10.New Business

Ms. Scheeder said that the next meeting date would be March 25.

 10.Adjournment

Motion: Mr. Glasgow moved/ Mr. Jarboe seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

January 14, 2009

 

Present: Chuck Burger, Barbara Eck, Monte Edwards, Bill Glasgow, Ken Jarboe, Donna Scheeder, Tom Kuchenberg, Angie Brunson, Richard Layman, Lisa Brooks (for Dan Tangherlini).

The meeting was convened at 7:04 PM.

1.      Agenda

Motion: Mr. Kuchenberg moved/ Mr. Burger seconded a motion to approve the agenda. It passed unanimously.

 2.    Minutes

Motion:  Mr. Burger moved/Ms. Eck seconded a motion to approve the September meeting minutes as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

 3.    Executive Committee

Donna Scheeder announced the beginning of the design process for the Hine development, with a meeting of some of the developers who plan to bid and community representatives.  She reported on the community meeting held on December 20^th to discuss the status of the RFP for Hine.  Parking is still a high priority on the list of community priorities for the project.  The bottom line for EMCAC is the resolution that EMCAC adopted, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.

Ms. Scheeder also announced that a joint meeting of representatives of barracks Row, CHAMPS and Market Row merchants to discuss cooperative marketing efforts is scheduled for January 23^rd.

 4.     Presentation by DDOT

Mr. Abdullahi Mohamed, DDOT Coordinator for Wards 5 and 6, described the benefits and cooperation of the Streetscape Construction Coordination Group.  At its last meeting, the Group met with DDOT’s consultants and materials suppliers to evaluate different molded brick samples for the sidewalk around the Market, as well as samples of paving materials that would differentiate the paving of 7^th Street in front of the Market.  Fairly flat patterns, with uniform and shallow joints have been recommended that will be compatible with foot traffic as well as strollers.  A slightly raised crosswalk with a differentiated surface will also serve as a kind of speed bump.  A contrasting stone, rather than paint, is recommended to mark the angle parking spaces in front of the Market.  No such marking of the parallel spaces on the east side of 7^th Street is recommended.  A sample of the Colonial Cobble Stone street paving was shown, as well as drawings of the proposed installation.  Samples of the Colonial Cobble Stone and molded brick will be installed at the north end of the Market and public comment will be invited.  There were questions regarding the paving to be used on the alleys.  Streetscape construction will begin on January 26^th and DDOT will provide notice to nearby residents.

Mr. Burger pointed out the need for direction or Way Finding signs to Eastern Market at the bottom of the 6^th Street ramp off the SE/SW Freeway..  Mr. Edwards recalled that EMCAC had asked about including the Eastern Market logo on the Eastern Market Way Finding signs.  Mr. Layman pointed out that other cities use logos on their Way Finding signage and offered to provide photographic examples.  Ms. Scheeder suggested that EMCAC should have a committee look at the entire signage issue and that this group include representatives from the other organizations that represent the Capitol Hill business community.

 5.    Office of Property Management

Mr. Margeson reported that he has assumed the duties of acting Market Manager and the transition for the East Hall has been smooth.  New contracts are now in place. Some complications had to be addressed with the Farmers’ Line and Flea market vendors. He has now documented 156 exhibitors and vendors, tracked where people are and established this over 2 weekends.  Team from OPM met all exhibitors and assigned locations.  The first weekend was a “rent holiday” with no fees charged.  Beginning the second weekend, he has had a representative from the DC Treasurer’s Office present from 7:30 to 9:30 AM.  Charging a flat $30 per space, they collected $4,007 that weekend, which has been deposited in the Enterprise Fund.  Money in the enterprise fund is now accessible for spending on Eastern Market-related business expenses.  OPM has spending authority for $9,000 this year, and with more funds coming in, that authority will increase.  After discussions with the exhibitors and vendors, he has established a new fee schedule that standardizes rental fees by space size–$25 for a small space and $40 for a large space.

Responses from the exhibitors and vendors have been favorable.  He is accepting no new vendors, but is welcoming the return of vendors who previously vended at the market. Some of the merchants had been concerned about losing spaces where they had traditionally operated, but Mr. Margeson had drawn up a map of the north plaza and the 7^th St. shed area and the vendors have been satisfied.

Mr. Glasgow observed that the East Hall janitorial service has improved.

There had been letters handed out to exhibitors by Market 5 indicating that they were in negotiations with OPM to continue their management of exhibitors.  Ms. Scheeder has checked with OPM and this is incorrect.

Mr. Clay reported that OPM had held off work on the North Hall roof because of the holiday vending, but that work is now proceeding.  The South Hall floor demolition is now complete.  Plastic viewing windows will be installed on 7th Street to allow viewing of the construction.  OPM has been coordinating the Minkoff roof work with the Forney general construction in terms of work on the Center Hall cornice.  The air conditioning lines have been laid out and the chillers and electric switch gear have been delivered.  Brownstone has been sourced and ordered from a US quarry.  The contractor is having difficulty in matching the 5’ by 5’ grid pattern on the South Hall floor.  The contractor can submit alternative specifications that are subject to OPM review and approval.

Mr. Glasgow asked about a plan for rat abatement, pointing out that now would be the best time to place bait in the floor and in the walls to combat the problem even before the merchants move in. He also expressed concern about whether the basement freezers will be available at the time the merchants move back into the South Hall.  Mr. Kuchenberg pointed out that is only one of several issues that can disrupt the move-back.  Ms. Scheeder expressed the need for a separate meeting or coordinating committee to address the move-back to the South Hall.

Mr. Layman emphasized the need for coordination of the licensing and inspection.  Mr. Kuchenberg pointed out the need for expertise in facilitating a coordinated, successful move from the East Hall to the restored Market.  A lengthy discussion about the importance of a coordinated move ensued. Motion: Ms. Eck moved and Mr. Kuchenberg seconded that a committee of merchants work with Mr. Kuchenberg’s Operations Subcommittee to collaborate on the move. The motion passed on a voice vote.

6.   Capital Improvements

Fourth Revised Drawings

Mr. Edwards offered a report on the Fourth Revised Drawings for the Market renovation.  While received on November 26^th, the drawings and specifications are dated October 3 and do not reflect the final merchant stall configurations for the South Hall.  OPM has acknowledged this fact, but has not yet provided drawings that reflect those final stall configurations. He said that while this Subcommittee’s resources are best utilized in reviewing actual plans, rather than interim iterations, nonetheless the Subcommittee has reviewed those drawing and offers the following comments and recommendations:

 

The Relocation Staging Plan.

 

Sheet G005 depicts a very lengthy schedule to move the Merchants from the East Hall into the restored South Hall:

·      On day one, operations in the East Hall will cease.

·      Two days are allowed for the Merchants to remove anything that does not move into the South hall and to clean what does move.

·      Preparing the South Hall plumbing, electrical, etc. for the move-in MAY or MAY NOT occur before operations cease in the East Hall.

·      10 days are allowed to relocate equipment from the East Hall to the South Hall.

·      Installing fans and lighting in the South Hall MAY or MAY NOT begin prior to the equipment move-in.

·      5 days are scheduled for Merchants to move in

·      5 days are scheduled for Health Department inspections.

 

The numbers provided add up to 22 days, but with the imprecise requirements on the contractor, it will likely be more than a month.  The Subcommittee recommends a move-in schedule of no more than a week, that hopefully can begin on a Monday and allow the grand reopening of the Market the following Saturday.

 

 Lighting and Fans.

 

Sheets A153, A154 and E 102b depict 41 42 inch ceiling fans and 4 29 inch ceiling fans.

 

There will be 66 fluorescent fixtures for the Merchant work areas,  85 Pendent incandescent display fixtures, and 16 200w halogens in the Market Lunch areas, all separately switch controlled by  individual merchants.

 

The drawings only address merchant electric.  The Subcommittee could find nothing about general area lighting.  When EMCAC previously recommended that general area lighting be controlled by a solar dimmer system, we were told it was fluorescent and it could not be controlled by a dimmer system.  EMCAC provided OPM with information concerning dimmer systems for fluorescent lighting and the cost savings and better, less “washed out”, merchant displays through use of solar control of that dimming.

 

Merchant Equipment.

 

The pottery studio will not relocate their kiln(s), but will install new electric and gas kilns.

 

For the South Hall merchants, OPM will own most of the equipment, ranging from refrigerated deli cases, walk-in coolers, ovens, weighing scales, slicers for cheese and meat, and a rotisserie.

 

Of the East Hall equipment, 5 refrigerated deli cases will be abandoned, and replaced with 5 new deli cases, plus a new display refrigerator. All will be owned by OPM.

 

 Walk-in Coolers

 

Details show insulated floors for the walk-in coolers (sheets MP-2, SM-0).  However, for Union Meat, there is no such detail, although the drawing (Sheet UM-1) does show ramps up into the walk-in freezer and cooler, indicating they likely will have insulated floors.

 

There is no detail showing insulation of the ceiling of the compressor room in the basement, which we have previously recommended because of the high temperature of that room.

 

The report, a copy of which is attached to the official copy of these minutes, also described the following concerns and recommendations that have been raised by EMCAC, but have not been addressed by OPM:

·    The need to provide automatic control of the lighting of the flagpole to comply with federal law (4 USC 1 §6).

·    The need to Insulate the bases of the walk-in refrigeration units in the South Hall.

·    The need to accomplish the treatment of lightning protection on the exterior of the building in an architecturally sensitive manner.

 

Mr. Layman explained that the coordinating committee that Ms. Scheeder has proposed for the move-back needs to involve the various DC inspectors.

Mr. Kuchenberg pointed out that there are people that are expert in accomplishing such a move.

Mr. Clay explained that there are unique constraints that in the view of OPM will require a longer time for the move-back: a third of the equipment will be new, a third of the equipment will require modification and those things will take a lot of time.

Ms. Scheeder explained it is necessary to accomplish the move-back as quickly as possible and suggested that EMCAC approve the Report and get to OPM and begin to put together the EMCAC coordinating committee to address the move-back.

Motion: Ms. Eck moved Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to approve the Report. The motion passed unanimously

Paint Finishes

Mr. Edwards presented a report concerning the proposed paint finishes .  The Report addresses the drawings dated October 29^th that specify the paint colors that are proposed to be used for the renovated Market as well as the August 28, 2008 “Historic Paint Finishes Report” prepared by Matthew Mosca.  Some of the important recommendations from the Mosca Report are different from what is being proposed on the October 29 drawings.

·          EMCAC generally supports the Mosca Report recommendations and opposes the OPM proposals that do not implement the Mosca recommendations.

 

·          EMCAC disagrees with the Mosca recommendations and the OPM proposals for the exterior trim colors (Item 8, below) and for the North Hall interior wall color (item 9, below).

 

·          EMCAC objects to the proposal to paint the structurally significant roof trusses the same receding white as the ceiling rather than a different color that would visually distinguish their unique design.

 

The Report, which includes 3 attachments, is attached to the official copy of these minutes.  The body of the Report appears below:

 

 

Historic Paint Finishes Report.

 

The Mosca Report analyzed the historic paint finishes for the Market.  The Report consists of 49 pages and the findings and recommendations of the Report are tabulated in summary form in attachments A (South Hall) and Attachment B (North Hall).

The findings in the Mosca Report are well documented and the recommendations logically flow from those findings.

 

OPM Proposals that Implement the Mosca Report

 

1.  South Hall Interior Walls

The interior South Hall plaster walls were finished in a reddish color that is described as moderate red with a ferric oxide pigment (p. 15-18).  The Mosca Report recommends a salmon red (p. 27).  OPM’s October 29^th drawings propose the same salmon red, color P03.[1]

EMCAC agrees with the OPM proposal.

 

2.  South Hall Interior Doors.

The interior South Hall doors were originally painted a moderate pinkish brown (p.13 ) to approximate the brownstone, and that “brownstone” color is recommended for the restoration (p. 30). [2]  The October 29 drawings propose to paint the interior South Hall doors a pinkish brown (paint chip P17) and the HVAC kiosks are proposed to be the same “brownstone” color.

EMCAC supports this proposal for the South Hall interior door color. 

For the kiosks, EMCAC  recommends that a color different from the interior door “brownstone” color and different from the interior trim (item 5 below) be used.  The HVAC kiosks are new and should be painted a color that makes them appear less prominent.

 

3.  North Hall Entry Door.

There is only one surviving original door for the North Hall that was not replaced during the 1970s restoration (p. 41).  It was painted first white, then grayish pink, then the “brownstone” color. The Report recommends white (p. 46).  The interior finishes sheet of the October 29^th drawings for the North Hall indicates color P10 (an off-white) for both the north entry door and the wainscoating.  However, the rendering shows a pinkish brown color for the entry door.  EMCAC assumes the pinkish brown on the rendering is the “brownstone” color and the P10 designation is in error.

EMCAC recommends that color P17 (shown on the rendering and the same “brownstone” color used for the interior of the South Hall doors) be used.

 

4.  North Hall Dado

The Masco report explains that the brick dado (chair rail)in the North Hall, originally unpainted (p. 38), was painted red, apparently during the time the Fire Department used the space (p. 45).  That red (P11) is then proposed by OPM for the restored brick dado.

EMCAC points out that  OPM is proposng use a later, non-original color for the dado, which may also be applicable to other areas, such the North Hall walls, discussed below (item 9).  The color of the chair rail should be coordinated with the color of the North Hall walls, and both need to take into account the use of this space as an exhibit/performance/meeting space.

 

OPM Proposals That Do Not Implement the Mosca Report.

 

Some of the recommendations from the Mosca Report are different from what is being proposed on the October 29 drawings.  In general, EMCAC recommends that the Mosca Report recommendations be implemented

 

5.  Window Frames, Sash, Door Frames and Jambs.

In the South Hall these were originally faux grained with a straight oak graining, using a yellowish white ground and a moderate dark brown glaze (p.28). The Report recommends this finish be replicated, with straight oak graining, using true colors in oil, rather than universal tinting colors, and provides a recommended 1887 example (p. 29) . The October 29 drawings propose a solid orange tan color (P16) for the interior trim as well as the new HVAC kiosks.

EMCAC supports the recommendation of the Mosca Report that faux wood graining be applied to the interior trim and recommends that consideration be given to applying that same finish to the HVAC kiosks.

 

6.  Cornices, Entablature, Chimneys and Acroteria

Originally, sand was mixed with paint to simulate the brownstone trim (p. 19). A sand finished moderate pinkish brown paint is recommended to simulate brownstone for both the South Hall (p. 30) and the North Hall (p. 46).  That would be color P17 on the October 29 drawings, the “brownstone” color that is being proposed for the interior of the doors. However, that is not the color that has been applied to the new South Hall cornices and other roof trim.  OPM has explained that when the South Hall roof work was completed, the paint analysis was not yet complete, but OPM understood its pre-fire color to be based on paint analysis work done by Mary Oehrlein in the 1970’s.  Hence, that pre-fire color was matched with the new paint.   The Mosca paint analysis identified a different  color: the “brownstone” color P17 for both the the cornice and exterior doors.  OPM’s October 29 drawings propose that the interior face of the doors be painted P17 and the exterior of the doors be painted P13 to match the present color of the cornice. As noted in the description of exterior doors above, P13 is a tan and does not replicate the brownstone masonry on the building.

Because a mistake was made a few months ago in the color applied to the cornices and roof trim, it makes no sense to extend that mistake to the exterior door color.  When it comes time to repaint the cornices and roof trim the “brownstone” color (P17) should be applied.

EMCAC supports the proposal to paint the cornice and roof trim on the North Hall the same color as the cornice and roof trim on the South Hall and suggests this consistency also has relevance to the exterior trim color, discussed below.

 

7.  Exterior Doors.

The exterior doors of the South Hall were originally a pinkish brown, referred to as the “brownstone” color  (p. 24, 25).  The Mosca Report recommends the ”brownstone” color (p. 32).  There was no original paint color to analyze for the North Hall exterior doors (p. 43), but the Report recommends white (p.46).

The October 29 drawings propose the same color for both the North Hall and the South Hall exterior doors.  But, as described above, it is color P13, the same tan color as the newly installed  South Hall cornices, acroteria and chimney, rather than the “brownstone” color P17 that is proposed for the interior of the doors.

EMCAC recognizes the importance of the “brownstone” color (P17) in the original color palette of the Market and supports the recommendation of the Mosca Reports that all of the exterior doors be painted that color.

 

 

Areas in Which EMCAC Disagrees with the Mosca Report and the OPM Proposals.

 

8.  Exterior Trim Colors.

A contrasting color from the color of the doors is proposed for the exterior window frames, muntins, sash, door frames and jambs (collectively “the trim”).  Different trim colors are specified for the North and South Halls, with a dark green (P02) for the South Hall and white (P07) for the North and Center Halls. This is based on the paint analysis, and represents the oldest, or original layers of paint (pp. 20-23, 46), and the paint analysis, standing alone, would justify such a scheme. But the South Hall was built in 1873 and the North and Center Halls in1908.  By1908, the South Hall trim paint was probably in need of being redone, and if not then, at least at some later time, was repainted to match the new white paint to the North and Center Hall trim.[3]

 

The Mosca Report (page 48) offers a rationale for the differences in colors between the North and South Halls:

 

Historic preservation has progressed through a series of philosophies that the Eastern Market confronts. At one point in the history of the movement, the finishes of 1908 would have been used for the entire structure, since it was the most resent major change. Similar examples can be cited, but it has often resulted in the tail wagging the dog. The Eastern Market is a perfect example to present both period finishes: the South Hall should be finished with the original finishes to construction in 1873, as indicated in the report for both the interior and the exterior. The North Hall should also be finished in the original finishes, dating to 1908. This will create a dynamism that will be very evident between the two parts of the building.

 

EMCAC does not disagree with the historic preservation considerations expressed above; however, there is a more important consideration at this point in the evolution of the market: we are entering an era of unified management.  By painting all of the exterior trim the same color, we can provide a visual cue that this is a single, unified market. Further, as is the case today, in the past, the same color was probably used for all of the exterior trim.

OPM has suggested that use of the different colors will provide a visual cue that the North and South Halls were built at different times.

EMCAC recommends that the same dark green (P02) be used for all of the exterior trim.

 

9.  North Hall Interior Walls.

The Mosca report explains that the North Hall plaster walls were originally white washed, then oil stabilized and painted yellow enamel and at some later time painted white (p.37). The Mosca report recommends the wall be painted white (p. 44). OPM’s October 29^th drawings also propose white (P10) for the walls.

Despite the fact that it was more stylish to use white in 1908 than it was in 1873, EMCAC questions the use of the bright white (P10) for most of the North Hall interior.  Just as tastes informs a change in color palettes overtime (1873 to 1908), a change of use can be of even greater importance in informing a change in color preference.  The 1998 legislatively required use of the interior as an exhibit/performance/meeting space did not exist when the North hall was built in 1908.   The bright, reflective white that is proposed is not appropriate for this exhibit/performance/meeting space.

The first paint applied to the North Hall walls was a yellow enamel (p. 37).  EMCAC recommends that yellow or some color other than the bright (P10) white would be a better color for the North Hall exhibit/performance space.  The chair rail color (item 4) needs to be coordinated with whatever color is used for the walls.

 

 

Ceilings and Trusses.

 

The Mosca Report does not address the South Hall Roof trusses, apparently because of the fire damage.  For the North Hall, the Mosca Report documents the shop applied finish (red lead, red oxide, graphite) and explains that after installation white, and later pale green were applied (p. 35), and recommends white (p. 44) for the trusses and roof deck (ceiling).

The October 29, 2008 drawings propose an off-white color (P04) for the South Hall ceiling, roof purlins and trusses, and a pale gray (P19) for the North Hall ceiling, purlins and trusses.  EMCAC objects for three reasons and recommends the following:

 

1.  EMCAC agrees that the ceilings and roof purlins should be the same color, and the colors specified are probably fine: however, the trusses should contrast with the ceiling and purlins.

 

2. The use of off-white or light gray for the ceiling and purlins makes sense, but on the truss elements those light colors will present a maintenance problem in terms of dust, cob web and particulate matter build-up, which would be less conspicuous if they were painted a darker contrasting color.

 

3. The June 2007 drawings A151a and A152 proposed a single color for the roof and purlins,  and two different colors for the truss elements, which EMCAC endorsed at page 11 of its June 13, 2007 Report.  EMCAC understands OPM is now proposing the single color for all of these elements because of the speed at which a single color can be applied, rather than the time it would take to apply separate colors to the ceiling, and truss elements.  To exchange an opportunity to visually document the importance of the truss system for a short-term time savings is not logical.

 

The uniqueness of the roof truss design together with their historic relevance in the evolution of roof support systems required a competent and well thought-out plan for their restoration that has been accomplished.  EMCAC has previously commended QEA and OPM for designing a restoration and replication solution that respects the historic significance of the trusses.   That recognition and respect for their historic significance needs to be communicated to the public, and EMCAC has previously recommended that can be accomplished by carefully selecting the colors to paint the truss elements with a color different from the ceiling (extracts from previous descriptions and recommendations appear in attachment C to this Report).

 

Mr. Jarboe asked about the period of significance for the paint colors, since the South Hall was constructed in 1873 and the North and Center Halls in1908, and whether that justified different exterior trim colors for the North and South Halls.

 

Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Layman and seconded by Ms. Eck to amend the Report and adopt recommendations 8 and 9 of the Mosca Report and (a) paint the North Hall trim white and the South Hall trim green, and (b) paint the North Hall interior wall a bright white, rather than a color more appropriate for its use as an exhibit/ performance space.  The motion failed by a vote of 2  to  7. Motion: Mr. Burger moved and Ms. Eck seconded a motion to amend the Report to recommend that the doors be painted to match the color of the existing cornice.  The Motion failed by a vote of 4 to 6.

 

A motion was made to accept the Report without amendment.  The motion passed by a vote of 8 to 1.

 

Streetscape

 

Mr. Edwards reported that all of the affected utilities, except Verizon (which has one manhole that would be affected), have now agreed to the use the manhole covers with the Eastern Market logo.

 

The Urban Forestry people have only recently been asked to provide recommendations about the types of trees for the North Plaza, 7^th Street, and the portion of North Carolina Avenue that adjoins the North Plaza, as well as their location and protection.  While DDOT is in charge of the trees, OPM has specified special event lights for the North Plaza and their locations need to be coordinated with the tree locations.  There is a further need to coordinate the location of the bicycle racks, a bench and trash cans with the location of the trees and lighting.  All of these elements of “street furniture” will affect outdoor vending, and a report is expected from the Tenants Council as well as Urban Forestry.

 

 7.    Tenant’s Council

The Tenant’s Council did not have a report, but Mr. Berman agreed that there is a need to coordinate the trees, the North Plaza lighting, and the street furniture.

8.  Treasurer’s Report

Mr. Gallo was absent.

 9.    New Business

Ms. Scheeder said that the next meeting date would be February 25.

 10.Adjournment

Motion: Mr. Glasgow moved/ Mr. Jarboe seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.

 

EXTRACT FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2008 MINUTES

Pages 6-7

 

Hine Jr. High School

 

Ms Scheeder reported that, because Hine Jr. High School will be closing in June, it is important for EMCAC to act immediately.  She submitted the following report and resolution on the issue:

 

There have been previous discussions about the possible closing of Hine Jr. High, its impact on Eastern market and the potential future uses for the site.  It is now official that the school will be closed at the end of this school year. It is now important that EMCAC make its position known on plans for the site. ANC6B and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society have already passed resolutions concerning planning for future use. Both of their resolutions are attached to this document. I have drafted a resolution that is specific to the interests of Eastern Market but I would also ask you to consider endorsing the full range of objectives that are delineated in the CHRS resolution. Therefore I ask EMCAC to consider the following:

 

Motion: Ms. Opper-Weiner moved/Ms. Eck seconded the motion:

WHEREAS the Saturday and Sunday flea markets are an important part of the historic character and fabric of Eastern market and

WHEREAS, the flea markets are an important part of the overall business economy of the market and 7^th street

WHEREAS, the Hine property continues to be the site of Saturday and Sunday flea market vending

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that EMCAC calls on the District government to begin a community planning process for the future use of the Hine site

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any future use matches the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood, especially Eastern Market and that any development proposal should include:

• One or 2 levels of underground parking for residential and commercial weekend parking at eastern Market;
• Plan for an outdoor area for craft vendors, food vendors and flea market;
• and endorses the objectives set forth by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society.

 

The motion passed 8-2, with Mr. Burger and Mr. Layman in opposition.

 

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

June 25, 2008

 

Present: Chuck Burger, Bill Glasgow, Angie Brunson; Barbara Eck, Monte Edwards, Larry Gallo, Ken Jarboe, Tom Kuchenberg, Richard Layman, Dan Tangherlini, Donna Scheeder

 

 

 

The meeting was convened at 7:07 p.m.

 

 1.    Agenda

 

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

 

 2.     Minutes

 

Motion: Mr. Kuchenberg moved/Mr. Glasgow seconded a motion to approve the May minutes as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

 3.    Executive Committee

 

Ms. Scheeder reported that she received two documents from OPM, a draft of the RFP for a Market Manager, and a six-month lease extension for Eastern Market Ventures to continue managing the Market until the RFP process is completed.  She said that OPM had determined that the lease extension was necessary to allow time for the RFP process. Because of time constraints, she asked  that the Executive Committee have final review of the lease extension.

Mr. Edwards said that he had consulted with Gary Peterson when the lease extension was received while Donna was out of town.  He found it unacceptable in several respects. There was also a meeting on June 17^th with Councilmember Wells, Robin Eve Jasper, Gary, Linda O’Brien  and Monte .  At 4:30 this afternoon a greatly improved revision was received that addresses  most of the concerns raised at the June 17 meeting.  Two paragraphs were found to be superfluous, but it can be reviewed and comments prepared quickly.

 

  Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion authorizing the Executive Committee to review and provided comments  to OPM by email concerning the revised lease extension.He said it was not proper to review the agreement publicly with EMV in the room.  Mr. Gallo said he was disappointed that after years of problems with the management of Eastern Market, under which the vendors suffered tremendously, there will be a delay in the change of management.  Mr. Burger said he is in support of Mr. Gallo’s position and that after all the discussion and charettes on the direction the Market should take, an opportunity was created that ‘s now being lost. He said that time is of the essence, and the Market will end up behind the 8-ball.  The motion passed unanimously

 

 4.    Office of Property Management

 

Curtis Clay reported that there are currently three contractors on site.  The South Hall roof is almost done, after which the scaffolding will be dropped down and reassembled around the North Hall to facilitate installing the new North Hall roof . OCP will transmit the contract for the North Hall roof to the City Council in short order.  He said they have worked out a way that Minkoff’s work on the North Hall roof will not impede Forney’s work.  The windows are all but complete—one piece of glass broke during the construction of interior scaffolding.  They plywood will be replaced, after Keystone goes window by window with the architect to make certain everything is correct, and it should be mid-July when they are re-covered.

 

He also reported that:

 

-         the roof is taking longer than expected because of rain days.

 

-         no final decisions have been made on the new PEPCO vaults, but he will have a timetable once it’s pinned down. PEPCO thinks the vaults need to be enlarged.

 

-         final paint colors have not yet been chosen for the windows and the punch list for the windows is being worked on.

 

-         there will be a construction fence on the North Hall during roof construction, but it will be moved against the building for weekends. Mr. Gallo   asked about the placement of the fences, and said the construction trenches could turn into mud pits in the rain. He suggested that they be covered with plywood.  He asked about the possibility of moving the fences into the North Hall on weekends.  He also raised the issue about the fencing contractors removing the fences at high noon on Saturday, leaving the area completely unprotected from pedestrian traffic, and pointed out that it was an example of the lack of communication among all the parties involved.

 

-         they are meeting with the merchants about the placement of their equipment

 

-         the Office of Historic Preservation will have to approve the interior relocation drawings.

 

-         he has received a building schedule from Forney, and it hasn’t been reviewed, but he has June 2009 as a completing date. Mr. Burger said that that information could provide an opportunity for a community update in the Hill Rag and the bulletin board.  Mr. Bowers suggested that the time line could be put on the Market web site.  Mr. Laymen suggested putting a large sign on the side of the Market with a bar graph.

 

Matt Hussman said that

 

-         there will be a coordination document, and that OPM recognizes the need for coordination between OPM and DDOT.  Mr. Edwards reiterated that in 2005 a document was developed with DDOT that contains lists of tasks and timetables, and has a requirement that the Market merchant’s needs are respected, and the market is secured on Friday for the weekends.  Those requirements are in the DDOT spec book for the streetscape project.

 

-         the trenching area won’t get muddy. 

 

-         he hasn’t addressed the matter of the fence with Forney, but he will check on it.

 

-         that Joel Causey has been working on the East Hall temperature, and has found that, using a laser thermometer, the temperature is six degrees less than on a regular thermometer. They are looking an insulating the pipes.  He also said that OPM is working on the problem.  Mr. Glasgow said that he keeps cases of Coke and water on top of his compressor to keep the temperature constant.  He said that it’s the sun—the temperature dropped 18⁰ as the sun dropped.  He said that it’s good when there’s soot on the roof.  Mr. Edward suggested that additional A/C equipment can remove the heat, but the “green” solution is to keep excess heat from coming in, and asked again that OPM investigate a double top or reflective coating for the roof.  Mr. Hussman indicated that OPM is discussing possible purchase of the temporary structure. This would allow them to alter the roof with a covering.

 

-         that they are looking at the use of the Hine parking lot for contractor parking.  They have been taking regular spaces when they come early.

 

-         The DDOT paving patch test has not occurred as scheduled.  They are working with EMCAC, DDOT and others to resolve the problem.  The small gravel imbedded in epoxy paving is being used on the access ramps to Roosevelt Islandwhere the underlying street material is concrete.. However,  the original street in front of the Market is asphalt, and there’s no experience applying it over asphalt.  Karrina Ricks is currently looking for a paving that will work.  Ms. Eck asked whether concrete could be put down first, and was told that it would require 10” of concrete and 2” of paving and the street isn’t strong enough to take the weight, which is the same problem that exists with Belgian block.

 

-         Construction Coordination meeting should take place on the third Tuesday of each month because the entire construction team is on site for its regular meetings.

 

 5.    Market Operations Subcommittee

 

Mr. Kuchenberg said that the revisions of the RFP had to be expedited and suggested that suggestions should be e-mailed to him, if possible, in advance of a Committee meeting on July 1^st, at 7 pm at 112 11^th Street NE, followed by an emergency meeting of EMCAC on Tuesday, July 8^th at the Naval Hospital.

 

He raised the issue of the “fiasco” the previous Saturday when the fencing was removed—someone, he reported, suggested it was because someone didn’t pay the rental.

 

Ms. Scheeder reported that the requested financial reports had been received from the Market Manager, and will be reviewed at a subsequent meeting.

 

Mr. Gallo praised Mr. Hussman and Linda O’Brien of Councilmember Wells’ office for being at the Market every weekend.

 

 6.    Market Manager

Brian Cook, representing the Market Manager reported that

 

-         he is meeting with the merchants

 

-         that the Market has new, extended, hours.  Mr. Gallo said that the news of the extended hours should be transmitted to the outdoor vendors/ Motion: Ms. Scheeder moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion endorsing the extension of Market business hours.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

-         that he has developed, with Edge Advertising, a $10,000 campaign for the next months.  Mr. Gallo said that the Tenant’s Council should be involved in the creation of any advertising campaign.

 

-         he is working on lease extensions for the merchants

 

-         there have been many requests for information on the Market for tourism purposes, and mentioned the DC Tourism Council and National Geographic tour guides.  Mr. Layman suggested that he join the National Association of Public Market Managers and work with them on best practices for advertising and promotion.  Ms. Scheeder suggested that the Market should take advantage of opportunities for free publicity such as being listed in the city’s tourism guides.and that signage for intra-district directions was needed. 

 

Mr. Gallo asked about the status of Market 5 Gallery, and was told that it is “seriously delinquent” in its rent.  Mr. Cook reported that Mr. Harrod has been “stand-offish” in dealing with EMV, and things are not going well.  Ms. Scheeder said that he matter has been brought to the attention of OPM and Robin Eve Jasper and Mr. Cook can discuss the issue.  Mr. Edwards added that EMV is being paid $2000 to manage the North Hall and North Hall Plaza vendors.  Mr. Cook replied that vendor space rentals are still being collected by Mr. Harrod. Mr. Edwards said that as part of the lease extension, EMCAC has to see the lease between EMV, Market 5 Gallery and OPM.  Mr. Kuchenberg added that this is an albatross, and is a delicate problem for the City, but it has to be resolved.  Ms. Scheeder said that the issue points up the fact that it’s not enough to have someone who’s there, but someone who can deal with a different cast of characters.  Ms. Eve Jasper said that the RFP speaks clearly to coordinated management, and there is no intention to have this go beyond the hiring of a new Manager.  Mr. Burger added that this is not a discussion of the future but about the current state of affairs, and asked whether someone can provides copy of an agreement between EMV and Market 5 Gallery.

 

 7.    Capital Improvements Subcommittee

 

Mr. Edwards said he had been asked to identify stuff remaining the South Hall basement, and there had been a call from the Historic Preservation Office asking about large signs that are in the basement.  They are still there, but lots of stuff is not.  There has been a comprehensive report on the Market Managers office, but there is a need for a similar study of the rest of the market.  The Christmas decorations that were stored in the Market were sent to the dumpster, a loss of $12-$15,000, underscoring the need to document what remains.  He said that if funding from the City is not available, CHRS will partner with EMCAC to raise the funds to do such a conservation and inventory , if there’s anything left to document.  Ms. Scheeder said that the merchants had been asked to claim anything that’s theirs.

 

Mr. Hussman said that the stuff stored in the basement that belonged to the merchants went to the merchants and the pottery studio.  He said that after the fire there had been vandalism, and copper wires and pipes had been taken.  He confirmed that the Christmas decorations had been “diminished” by pilferage over time, and what was left has now been thrown away.  In the North Hall, they were told to remove everything of value, but it looks like there still could be time to salvage things, and in the Center Hall there are doors and other things belonging to the Market.  Mr. Bowers said that the equipment in the basement was hooked up to equipment upstairs, and there is no way of removing things because the building is not accessible.  Mr. Tangherlini suggested that a walk through of the Market should be scheduled to resolve the issue of what remains.  Ms. Scheeder said she would set up such a meeting.

 

Mr. Jarboe expressed his dismay at the situation, saying that there is a construction manager supposedly with sensitivity to historic artifacts, and money shouldn’t be spent on things that should be part of the construction manager’s job.

 

Mr..Edwards said that on June 6^th he received two sets of the latest drawings, which he had to share with the whole Subcommittee.  The Subcommittee’s report follows:

 

Initial Report Concerning

Revised Drawings

 

On June 6, 2008, the Office of Property Management (OPM) provided two sets of drawings consisting of 70 pages, titled “Eastern Market Rehabilitation – Construction Document Submission (Final) which contained:

 

• Revision A, revised 11/14/07 per Amendment No. 1

• Revision 1, revised 5/01/08 (Building Permit)

• Revision 2, revised 5/01/08

 

 Also provided were a 7-page narrative and specifications that identify the Revision 1 changes and a 74-page narrative and specifications that identify the Revision 2 changes.

Several of the revised sheets contain no changes, except for adding the general note in response to EMCAC’s earlier comment that now states:

 

G2. The building will be unoccupied throughout the construction period.

On the weekends, vendors utilize sidewalks to the south, east and north.

 

This Subcommittee has reviewed those drawing and offers the following comments and recommendations:

 

Revision 1

 

These are described as revisions that were required to obtain the building permits.  For the most part, they consist of changes to plumbing, storm water management and adding a smoke detector in the basement elevator room (sheets C-2 through C-5 and FA101 and 103). EMCAC offers the following specific comments about Revision 1.

 

Center Hall Roof Top Guard Rail (A 104 and A 202).  The addition of a roof top guard rail along the east elevation of the Center Hall roof will change the physical appearance of the building.  EMCAC understands this is an OSHA requirement due to the proximity to the roof’s edge of equipment that will require service.  One possible option would be to articulate the railing on base hinges so that it can be lowered when no maintenance is taking place on the rooftop equipment. Another solution might be the use of an alternative method of fall protection (an active system like a harness and a permanently mounted connection point).  EMCAC asks that these options be evaluated and an alternative design presented, together with renderings of the preferred alternatives.

If the solution to satisfy this OSHA requirement imposes a significant visual difference in the historic appearance, EMCAC recommends that OPM request that the Historic Preservation Review Board grant a waiver from the OSHA requirement.

 

Sidewalk Sewer Covers (C-2).  Manhole structures associated with Storm filters A and B are eliminated, but there are two 48 inch manholes in the sidewalk near those Storm filters on the 7^th Street façade and a 48 inch manhole at the south end of the alley. The revisions do not mention the covers for those manholes.  These manhole covers, which are not part of the Streetscape, need to have the same custom manhole covers that DDOT is using for the Streetscape.

 

Water Meter Vault (C-2).  A new water meter vault is to be installed under the sidewalk at the south end of the Market.  This appears to be a new structure, and attention needs to be given to insure that its grating or cover does not negatively impact the historic appearance.

 

Revision 2

 

Many of theses changes are technical, (including elimination of the North Hall roof work, which has been awarded as a separate contract) and the following discussion will focus on the other significant changes.

 

All of the Alley Becomes Work Area (G 004).  The work area has been expanded to now include the entire alley area between the Market and the Aquatic Center.  It is apparently associated with “Additional Alternate #2” which has not been located. The drawing notes now designates phasing, stating that Phase 1 (the exterior area) and Phase 2 (the building interior) are to start simultaneously, and Phase 1 is to be completed early.  EMCA suggests that providing the specifics to this vague description can best be accomplished through the Construction Management Coordinating Group in the form of bi-weekly meetings.   EMCAC renews its recommendation for the establishment of that group, comprised of representatives from the Tenants’ Council, the Market Manger, the Market Row Merchants, OPM, DDOT and the Temple Group.

 

Lighting for Flagpole (A 104, A 508, and E 121).  Lighting of the flagpole over the portico entrance of the South Hall will be provided.   Three metal halide fixtures are specified, with remote ballast. No timer or solar control appears to be specified (unless the OL-8 shown on sheet E 121 is such a control).  EMCAC recommends a dawn-to-dusk solar control be installed.

 

Market Manager’s Office.   The drawings call for no work in the Market Manager’s Office.  EMCAC recommends that incorporation of work in the Market Master’s Office be coordinated with the recent Market Master’s Office Conservation Report by Tanya Edwards Beauchamp, Gretchen Pfaehler and Christina Radu that was presented at the June 11 Preservation Café.  For example, even though currently there is “no work” specified for this space, there may need to be a glass smoke barrier at the window on the first floor to extend to the glass enclosure noted on the second level (since the spaces are connected).

 

The revisions call for “no work” for the ceiling of the Market Master’s Office.  Is this correct?  Is there a demolition plan to indicate if the damaged ceiling elements will be removed?

 

 EMCAC notes that an upgraded hatch has been installed over the Market Manager’s Office for access to the flagpole.   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.  The need to address how the roof hatch will be accessed from the Market Manager’s office was raised in EMCAC’s Report Concerning the 90% Design Development Submission (September 8, 2007).  EMCAC again urges that this access 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.  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, such as pull down stairs.

 

Theatrical Lighting for North Hall (A 803, E 105, E 602).  Theatrical stage lighting is specified to be mounted from the trusses in the North Hall as well as fluorescent and incandescent up-lighting and down- lighting. Theatrical lighting is a specialty, and EMCAC asks for a description of its functionality to insure that it will be flexible and adjustable to accommodate a variety of theatrical needs, rather than merely duplicating the system that had been there for the past 40 years.  A solid-state theatrical dimming system, consisting of 48 - 20 amp circuits is specified.   This appears to indicate that the North Hall can be utilized for a variety of activities, consistent with its statutory purpose as an arts and community meeting facility, which EMCAC supports, but seeks an explanation. EMCAC could not find where the Console for the dimming system is to be located (it calls for floor mounting, but we could not did not see a location designated on the electrical or architectural drawings).  It may not be a small item.

 

South Hall Lighting.   EMCAC urges OPM to also be mindful of the statutory purpose of the South Hall as a fresh food market. To enhance that environment, EMCAC renews it recommendation that the general lighting be controlled by a solar–activated dimmer system, to maintain a reasonably constant light level on bright days, cloudy days, and even after sunset. This will achieve significant energy savings (the manufacturers of such systems estimate savings of up to 70% in office buildings) and will allow the Merchants to design their display lighting with the knowledge of the amount of light form other sources to enhance the appearance of their displays (and thus avoid the washed-out appearance now being experienced in the East Hall).

 

The capacity of the dimming system panel for the North Hall should be reviewed to see if it can accommodate an additional system for the control of the South Hall lighting with solar-activated dimmers as mentioned above (E102 the ground floor lighting plans are not in the set so we could not verify the control method).  Sharing the same control system may be problematic unless the console can be located in the Center Hall where it can be accessed by “both sides of the house”.

 

Lightning Protection (A 202).  EMCAC is unclear about the lightning protection and wants to make sure the lightning protection system being installed (at the Center Hall and in general) will have concealed leaders (sometimes the cables are routed on the outside of the building).  Note 26-10 specifies that the contractor is to coordinate the grounding location with the architect, but does not address the leaders that would connect with those grounding locations. Because of the historic significance of the building, EMCAC request a clear specification that the cable not be routed on the outside of the building.

  

Paint Colors for Trusses (A 151a and A152).  These drawings contain new paint diagrams for the trusses, apparently with different colors for the different elements.

Detail A6 on sheet A151a specifies what are apparently color codes for the South Hall roof and trusses: P07, P08, P09.  EMCAC requests that samples of those different colors be provided.  EMCAC agrees that the new steel purlins should be the same color as the roof deck, and thus less prominent. EMCAC also agrees that different colors can be effectively used to distinguish between the different elements of the Cluss trusses. EMCAC suggests that one color for the cast iron and a different color for the wrought iron elements would be appropriate.

 

Detail K12 on Sheet 152 specifies the North Hall roof and truss painting detail. The purlins and roof deck use the same P07 color as the South Hall roof, which EMCAC supports.  All of the truss elements are painted the same color, P08, the color specified for the chord, star members and connector plates in the South Hall. EMCAC agrees the same color should be used for all of the truss elements in the North hall, since they are all made of steel. But because they are steel, rather than wrought iron and cast iron as in the South Hall, consideration should be given to using a color appropriate for a performance space and different from the two colors used for the South Hall trusses.

 

Basement Compressor Room (A 151, S 101, M 103).  This room will house all of the compressor/condenser units that supply the Merchants’ walk-in refrigeration units in the South Hall.  It will be supplied with outside air that will be circulated and exhausted with a large electric fan.  Before the fire, the compressor/ condenser units were dispersed through the basement, and resulted in a basement temperature of over 110 degrees. By placing them all in a single room, and controlling the airflow, the rest of the basement will be cooler, but the compressor room will be hot.  Directly above the compressor room are the walk-in coolers of Union Meat.  EMCAC can find no specification about insulation for the ceiling o the compressor room, and urges that insulation be provided.

 

In terms of the eventual relocation of the walk-in coolers from the East Hall to the renovated South Hall, EMCAC notes that the walk-in coolers that are now installed in the East Hall do not have floors: they sit directly on the concrete slab, which is a reasonable insulator and fairly cool.  However, when they are relocated to the renovated South Hall, they will be rest on a warmer floor because the underside of the floor will likely be conditioned space (the Pottery studio, and a more accessible main basement). EMCAC recommends that OPM provide insulated floors for the walk-in coolers when they are reinstalled in the renovated South Hall (which is what they had before the fire).

 

Utilitarian Bollards (A 404). Bollards are specified for the west side of the South Hall to protect the freight elevator and the grates from the vendor-condenser area. EMCAC does not challenge the need for the bollards, but questions whether the industrial-style, concrete filled pipe style is appropriate because the west side is as important as the east side to the overall design and function of the Market.  The plain, utilitarian style tends to reinforce the back-door aspect of this side of the Market, and more decorative bollards that we have seen throughout the City would be consistent with the historic utilization of all sides of the Market as welcoming the public.

 

Concrete Curbs (A 404).  Note 03-13 specifies concrete curbs.  EMCAC understand this to refer only to the curbs around the elevator. Our agreement with DDOT provides that the curbs around the Market (along C Street, 7^th Street and North Carolina) are to be bluestone and the rest of the project is to use granite curbs. EMCAC requests clarification as to why a third material, concrete, is to be introduced for this part of the project.

 

Trash Compactor Obstructs Walkway (E 103).  The electric service for the trash compactor is adjacent to the west wall of the South Hall.  At the February 27, 2008 meeting EMCAC concluded that the pre-fire location of the trash dumpster against the South Hall wall presented a fire hazard, presented an impediment to pedestrian access to the west facade of the Eastern Market building, and detracted from the significance of the west façade of the Market building.  Further, the present sidewalk on the Natatorium side of the alley does not function as a sidewalk and should be removed.  Based on these determinations, EMCAC passed a resolution recommending that:

1.   OPM work with Parks and Recreation to obtain a trash handling area on the Natatorium side of the alley,

2.  To access that area, the Natatorium sidewalk be removed,

3.  The existing overhead lights for the alley be incorporated with the proposed new air intakes to be constructed on the Natatorium side of the alley.

4.  OPM and their architects take a fresh look at the entire alley to achieve better pedestrian access and to restore the west facade to its historic prominence.

None of these recommendations are incorporated in the revised drawings.  EMCAC renews its February 2008 Resolution.

 

Motion: Mr. Burger moved/Ms. Eck seconded a motion to  approve and adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendations.

 

Mr. Gallo asked about the proposed future restoration of the Market Manager’s office, and Mr. Clay responded that OPM is currently negotiating fees with Quinn Evans to integrate the renovation of the Market Master’s office into the restoration.

 

Mr. Kuchenberg that lightening protection should be implemented, and that stricter constraints should be placed on dumpster access.  Mr. Glasgow said there have been five or six trash fires over the years, and suggested that a sprinkler head at the dumpster ought to be considered//

 

The motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr, Edwards said that security issues are important and that the construction management should be asked to be more vigilant, particularly in light of the stolen copper and “diminished” Christmas decorations. 

 

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/Mr Jarboe seconded a motion to send a letter to OPM requesting increased rodent control measures around the Market during construction.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

 8.    Tenants Council

 

There was  a written report submitted by the Teanant’s Council which discussed the appointment of representatives to EMCAC, safety and security at the Market, the streetscape project,, East hall air conditioning, new business hours, advertising and the plans for the stall spaces.

 

Mr. Bowers asked that election guidelines for Tenants Council representatives to EMCAC.

 

Mike Berman said that two new farmers appeared on the Farmers’ Line without EMV coordination with farmers and vendors.  The situation was resolved and the farmers found locations, but it was not in any organized fashion.

 

 9.    Treasurer’s Report

 

Mr. Gallo reported that the balance in the EMCAC account $2,210.02, and that checks had been written in the amount of $446.45.

 

 8. 10.   New Business

 

The July 4^th Parade and picnic was announced.

 

The next, emergency, meeting of EMCAC will be on Tuesday, July 8^th, at the Old Naval Hospital, at 7 p.m. with the revised RFP as the only agenda item.  The next regular EMCAC meeting will be on July 23, at the Old Naval Hospital at 7 p.m.

 

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Minutes

Old Naval Hospital

May 28, 2008

 

Present: Bill Glasgow, Angie Brunson; Eric Snelling (for Barbara Eck), Monte Edwards, Larry Gallo, Ken Jarboe, Tom Kuchenberg, Richard Layman, Robin Eve Jasper (for Dan Tangherlini), Donna Scheeder Absent: Chuck Burger

 

The meeting was convened at 7:15 p.m.

 

1.      New EMCAC Member

 

Ms. Scheeder announced that the Mayor has appointed a new representative to the EMCAC Board: City Administrator Dan Tangherlini, a longtime Hill resident to replace Ellen Opper-Weiner.  She said that Ms. Opper-Weiner has been notified, and that Robin Eve Jasper, acting director of the Office of Planning, was attending the meeting to represent Mr. Tangherlini, who could not make the meeting.

 

2.      Agenda

 

Motion: Mr. Kuchenberg moved/Mr. Edwards seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Mr. Jarboe asked to have the issue of trash placed under the Market Manager’s report. Mr. Edwards asked to have the issues of locks and latches and roof coating for the East Hall added to the Capital Improvements Subcommittee report. The motion, as amended, passed unanimously.

 

3.       Minutes

 

Motion: Mr. Edwards moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion to approve the April minutes as presented.  Mr. Jarboe requested that it be noted that his absence from the April meeting was because of a special ANC 6B meeting.  Mr. Glasgow asked that his comments on the temperature in the East Hall be amended to show that it was 85⁰ in the morning. The motion, with the amendments, passed unanimously.

 

4.      Tribute to Ellen Opper-Weiner

 

Ms. Scheeder announced that there would be a public tribute to Ms. Opper Weiner to mark her years of committed service to EMCAC, and an appropriate memorialization of her tenure.  Mr. Edwards mentioned that in cleaning out the basement, four Plexiglas signs were discovered with the Market’s operating hours.  He suggested that one of those, mounted with a plaque might be a suitable tribute.  Motion: Ms. Scheeder moved/Mr. Kuchenberg seconded a motion that

Whereas, Ms. Opper-Weiner served as the first chair of EMCAC and held that position for several years, and

Whereas, during that time she made many contributions of her time and energy to resolving issues facing the Market

Be it resolved that EMCAC recognize her publicly for her efforts on behalf of the Market and thank her for her service. with a token of EMCAC’s appreciation in the form of a  plaque using a original Eastern market  Plexiglas sign..  The motion passed unanimously.

 

5.      Office of Property Management

 

Status of the Management RFP

 

Matt Hussman, of OPM, reported that the Office of Contracts and Procurement (OCP) reviewed the RFP and has made changes, and wants further clarifications of certain of its provisions.  It will be returned to OCP, after which it will receive a final OPM review and then be forwarded to EMCAC.  He said he expects this will happen “shortly” but says there may be a lag in completing all the reviews, and they are working on drafting a contingency plan for the RFP. Mr. Kuchenberg asked when the RFP was originally expected from OPM.  Ms. Scheeder said that the expectation is that it was going to be within the next week.

 

East Hall Temperature Control

 

Curtis Clay announced that a fourth air conditioning unit has been installed. Mr. Glasgow added that it seems to be working pretty well.  Mr, Clay said that they have explored tarp options to cover the roof, but there has too many issues that have to be overcome.  Mr. Edwards said that EMCAC has been told that there are code restrictions on roof coatings, but he cannot locate such restrictions in the Code.  He hopes OPM will continue to look at reflective coating, which is a green solution because it will keep heat from coming in, rather than have to run air conditioning to remove the heat after it gets in.

 

Renovation of South Hall

 

Mr. Clay said that the basement has been cleared, and that by June 2^nd, the North Hall would be cleared. 

 

He said the window installation is complete, and the plywood will be replaced. 

 

He said that Forney is working with PEPCO and WASA on the vaults, which are not large enough, and PEPCO has to increase their size.  Forney, he said, is committed to fixing up the street for the weekends so as not to negatively impact weekend business.

 

He said they would try to keep the viewing area open.

 

Ms. Scheeder asked whether the construction managers would have a timeline, saying it would be helpful to share it with EMCAC and merchants.  She asked whether there is a phasing schedule.  Mr. Clay said that the original schedule had been rejected, and a new schedule should be available within a few weeks.  The schedule should be submitted with the invoices.  He said there will be a baseline schedule.  Mr. Gallo added that a schedule is important for the vendors, because customers keep asking about the schedule.  He again said that removing the scaffolding is critical for weekend business, and Mr. Clay said that the scaffolding will be removed when the roof is completed.

 

Mr. Edwards said he advocated the establishment of a Construction Coordination Group to go over relevant issues, so these issues can be properly coordinated.  He said there should be meetings for an hour at least once every two weeks.  Mr. Clay said that that’s what’s going to be happening.  Mr. Jarboe added that the 8^th Street merchants need to be included, as well as residents.  It should be tied in with the 7^th Street Streetscape group.  He asked whether the need to increase the electricity vaults will affect others on the block.  Mr. Clay said that they have worked up a formal document that will be shared with EMCAC soon.  Mr. Glasgow said that any written document should be circulated to everyone, and expressed the hope that the PEPCO work could be done at night.

 

Ms. Scheeder said that the street should be dug up only one time, and Mr. Gallo added that the work should be coordinated with DDOT.

 

Mr. Clay said that the North Hall roof has been negotiated with Minkoff, and the contract has to go to the Council.  It should be done by the beginning of July.

 

Mr. Edwards asked about installing the ventilators for the North Hall roof, the current design of which has no dampers and no fans like the South Hall.  Mr. Clay responded that Quinn Evans is presenting a package of changes for the North Hall.  Ms. Scheeder said that EMCAC would appreciate knowing what Quinn Evans has in its plans.

 

6.      Capital Improvements Subcommittee

 

Historic Preservation Report Issues

 

Mr. Edwards reported that he had received a call from Mr. Hussman and Mr. Clay about the items stored in the basement, and Mr. Edwards responded he would like an inventory and description to take to CHRS and the Historic Preservation Office to see whether any items had significance.  He was told that a report had been done, and Mr. Edwards reminded them that the Report only addressed the Market Manager’s office. Mr. Edwards and a group consisting of Ron Allen, of the Brass Knob, David Bernhard, a local developer who works on historic projects, representatives of CHRS and CHAMPS and the Historic Preservation Office assessed the things in the basement and moved them to safe places.  There was not much that seemed of great significance to the Historic Preservation Office except some signage, but they found things like an old desk. The original doors, cornices, and other items were removed by the Brass Knob, and will be available to be reused.  He said he was renewing his request for a comprehensive review, documentation and inventory of architectural artifacts, for the North Hall, the Center Hall and the former Pottery Studio which should be undertaken as part of the Temple Group’s work.

 

He said that the conservation report on the Market Manager’s Office would be discussed at a CHRS meeting on June 11^th at Ebenezer’s Café.

 

Interior Lighting

 

Mr. Edwards said that the lighting requirements in the South Hall are different from the North Hall.  He said that there has been a lot of progress with the Historic Preservation decision on the glazing to provide tinted glass in the South Hall and clear glass in the North Hall, but the amount of natural light and artificial light in the South Hall has to be quantified. That quantification will be necessary to work with the merchants in planning the display lighting for their stalls.  There needs to be a solar-activated dimmer system in order to keep the light constant through the day, because lighting is critical to the success of the Market.  Mr. Glasgow agreed, saying the amount of light is critically important.  Mr. Clay responded that each merchant will be consulted and stall lighting will be selected by each individual merchant. It was noted that basic warehouse type light is not good and what is really needed is a consultant that specializes in general lighting for food.

 

7^th Street Paving

 

Mr. Edwards reported that the Tenant’s Council had received a presentation of various types of street paving as with Karinna Ricks offered at the last EMCAC meeting. . They looked at  surface treatments that would replicate brick, and it was determined to be not a replication, but an imitation. Amy Weinstein was at the meeting, and she had previously researched surfaces for the Eastern Market Metro plaza.  A surface consisting of smaller than pea-sized gravel embedded in epoxy will be tried out on a two-foot wide strip on 7^th Street to see how it looks and wears.. 

 

Locks and Latches

 

Mr. Edwards reported that he had asked Mr. Glasgow to share a sample of a lock for the windows, as well as the latches, which the merchants liked.  The merchants thought that the latches were fine, and that locks would be better.  Mr. Hussman said he has started discussions with OPM’s security people as to whether, and what kind, of locks are necessary, Ms. Scheeder said the locks should be considered as part of an overall security plan and Robin Eve Jasper indicated that this was part of a plan.

 

 5.     Executive Committee

 

Parking Task Force

 

Ms. Scheeder announced that the parking task force report would be postponed until the next meeting; in order to give the parking changes an opportunity to work.

 

Meeting on Hine Jr. High School

 

Ms Scheeder said that those attending filled out survey forms, and it was clear to her that coordination with Eastern Market was a high priority in considering the future of the property.  There was a lot of talk about the market, and underground parking came up frequently.

 

July 4^th Picnic

 

There will be a picnic in the Hine schoolyard at the conclusion of the parade for July 4^th this year.  The Naval Lodge will sponsor the picnic, and the Capitol Hill Cluster Schools will be the beneficiary of the parade and picnic.  The Naval Lodge already conducts a Fun Fair at Watkins and this is an expansion of their activities.    They have offered to include Eastern Market vendors without any fees.  Mr. Edwards asked whether there is a limit on the number of spaces available.  Sharon  Boesen  of Tiber Creek Associates of Capitol Hill, the Naval Lodge representative, said they would like to maximize the space.

 

 6.     Market Manager

 

Brian Cooke reported that he has to communicate with OPM on changes at the Market. He stated he is interested in brainstorming what can be done to improve communications at the market.

 

He said he spoke with the merchants about summer advertising.

 

He reported that security needs are changing and have to be monitored.

 

He said that the Market finances have improved, and that electrical reimbursement has improved.  He reported that there is $88,000 in the EMV bank account and there is money for advertising.  He said they recently reach “flat” net, after a period of negative net for a while.

 

Farm Vending

 

Mr. Cook reported that the majority of the farmers have returned, with two saying they are not coming, and two returning in July.

 

He said that the increase in arts and crafts vending is causing issues, but he and Mr. Hussman are working on it.

 

He reported that there was 60% participation on the questionnaire he distributed.

 

He said that the people who are cooking and processing food all have Health Dept. permits.

 

Ms. Scheeder said that there has to be a balance between the food and arts and crafts vendors, and that the balance has to be maintained.  Mr. Edwards added that a reminder that certain vendors have “grandfather” status, and they need to be identified.  Mr. Cooke said that he has done a chart, and there is a spreadsheet containing an analysis of who is there now.  Mr. Kuchenberg said he is concerned about who’s there now, but what’s needed is a baseline for when the Market is re-occupied.  He said it’s important to determine when a space is considered abandoned.

 

Mr. Jarboe asked whether the North Hall is still delinquent on its rent and was told that they are three months in arrears.

 

Trash

 

Mr. Jarboe said that trash is blowing from the dumpster and it’s important to be a little more vigilant around the dumpster.  He suggested that EMV speak with the Dept. of Parks and Recreation about keeping the area around the pool clean.

 

Mr. Glasgow said that the porters are doing an excellent job in keeping the East Hall clean.

 

Mr. Layman suggested that the trash be analyzed and it would be useful to look at the trash in a structural way for a week.

 

 7.     Tenants’ Council

 

The report of the Tenant’s Council is attached.

 

 8.     Treasurer’s Report

 

Mr. Gallo reported that there were deposits of $300 in dues, raising the balance in the EMCAC account to $2,656.47, as of May 29, 2008. He reported that organizations with outstanding dues for 2008 are CHANPS, EMPDC, SPNA, the Eastern Market Farmers Line, and, possibly, the Office of the Mayor and Councilmember Wells’ office.

 

Ms. Scheeder inquired about the Enterprise Fund, and Mr. Hussman reported that there is language in the new budget that will allow OPM to spend the funds.

 

The next meeting of EMCAC will be on Wednesday June 25^th, at the Old Naval Hospital, at 7 p.m.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

 

 

Tenant’s Council Report

May 27, 2008

 

 

1.                   Use of Sash Locks in Addition to Latches on Market Restoration

At the request of EMCAC’s capitol improvements sub-committee chair Monte Edwards, the Tenant’s Council polled its members to determine if there were any objections to the addition of keyed window sash locks to the window latches which were presented by OPM to EMCAC at its April 2008 meeting.   The Tenant’s Council received no objections.

 

2.                   Appointment of Representatives to EMCAC

A request has been made to each of the representative for the Merchant, Farmers and non-Food Vendors on how representatives from each group are chosen to positions on EMCAC. Specifically, this would be Bill’s position for the Merchants, Angie’s position for the Farm’s Line and Larry’s position for the Arts/Vending.  The request was for each group meet to discuss their selection process, and for the representative for each group to report its process by Monday June 9.

 

3.                   Streetscape Resurfacing Materials

On May 9, 2008, Mike Berman of the Eastern Market Tenant’s Council attended a meeting to discuss the finish/surface treatment on 7th Street between N.Carolina and PA. Ave. SE.  The meeting was held at Ken Goldings’ office and in attendance was: Phil Sheldon the representative from Integrated Paving Concept (IPC), EMCAC reps Barbara Eck, Monte Edwards and Donna Scheeder, Merchant Row Chair Ken Golding, DDOT reps Rezene Medham and Wasi Khan, architect and past Historic Preservation board member Amy Weinstein.

 

The report below is a summary from notations from the meeting regarding the streetscape street improvement, the options presented at the meeting, and the observations of the Tenants Council to what was presented:

 

7th Streetscape issues and background

 

The street currently consists of 2 inches of asphalt over 10 inches of concrete, thus the new paving material is limited to a thickness of 2 inches, which rules out options such as cobble stones.

 

DDOT reports that the street carries approximately 10,000 cars a day.  The Tenant’s Council request clarification of this measurement, as the volume of vehicle seems high.  This perhaps may be a measurement used in transportation to represent gross tonage of vehicles, which would include delivery trucks.

 

DDOT has agreed to provide a differentiated paving material for 7th Street in front of the Market, to better set off the area for times when the outdoor market is operating and to alert drivers they are entering someplace different.

 

Streetprint Presentation

 

Patterned, textured, and colored materials are available through StreetPrint and Imprint. Phil Sheldon, Integrated Paving Concepts (IPC) representative was invited to the meeting to explore alternatives. StreetPrint is an application process that produces realistic-looking brick, slate, stone and other design effects directly onto an asphalt base.   Features include - quick installation, durability, easy maintenance and design flexibility.  StreetPrint combines the flexibility and strength of asphalt with leading-edge coating technologies using unique heating equipment and specialized coatings.  In short, they reheat the asphalt, inject color and stamp pattern. Streetprint is generally used for 3-5000 cars a day.

 

Imprint is a hot applied, synthetic bitumen compound imprinted with a mold to provide a durable, decorative surface for traffic calming schemes, town center enhancements, urban regeneration schemes, pedestrian areas, heritage sites and retail developments.  Applied ½ in to 1 in thick, Imprint simply overlays existing concrete or blacktop surfaces and is available in various patterns and colors.  Suitable for high trafficked areas, Imprint is impervious to water, can be vacuum swept and jet washed, and will not become loose, be stolen or peeled off.  With no excavation, no weed growth, no maintenance and a skid resistance value of 55+, Imprint is the practical alternative to blocks, slabs, setts and cobbles.  With Imprint they pour a pre-colored mold and stamp.  This is for higher traffic but costs much more.

 

IPC Streetprint and Imprint comes in a variety of patterns and colors, it need not look like fake brick (inappropriate) but could look like a tile or cobblestone or other subdued pattern.  IPC and its partner companies do the application.  City is not equipped to do the work; it is special tools and special training.

 

Because maintenance has historically been an issue (the street is constantly torn up due to old sewer pipes and other infrastructure) these patterned and colored prints would be impossible to maintain, as once it is dug up the patch wouldn’t match.  (However, the streetscape plan was presumably to also to upgrade this infrastructure thus vastly diminishing the need for patches, as had been reported from earlier construction presentations.   If that is not going to occur, we need to know why not and when that decision was made).

 

Attendees Conclusions