Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Heritage Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves up to $10,000 for assessment of historic airport fountain after conservation options presented
Summary
After receiving a conservation report that estimated a full long‑term restoration at roughly $130,000 and a lower‑cost, recurring maintenance option near $52,000, the Historic Preservation Board authorized up to $10,000 for initial testing and assessment by Pacific Coast Conservation to narrow restoration scope and costs.
The board considered a conservation report from Pacific Coast Conservation on the airport fountain and debated three basic approaches: (1) a longer‑term restoration involving full epoxy removal and terracotta stabilization, (2) targeted repairs with ongoing annual maintenance, and (3) decommissioning the fountain to preserve the structure but stop it running.
Kelly, presenting the committee's report, summarized the two principal options and the range of costs. "That one's around a $130,000 for those longer term repairs," Kelly said when discussing a comparable project and staff described the cheaper targeted‑repair option at about $52,000. The consultant recommended testing and mock‑ups before any large‑scale removal so the city understands risk and price uncertainty.
Board members questioned whether the city could afford ongoing maintenance if the fountain remained operational. Patrick Bustos said the city likely cannot support expensive recurring maintenance and raised decommissioning as a real option. Staff noted the Wanda Rice estate gift was designated for the fountain project and that the terms in available paperwork do not specify whether the fountain must remain running.
After debate, the board moved and passed a funding motion: "I move that the board approve up to $10,000 for an assessment on the airport fountain, pursuant to Kelly's conversations with Pacific Coast," a motion the board seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff will ask Pacific Coast to clarify the testing scope and deliver a firm cost estimate for the assessment work within the $10,000 authorization.
