Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

CAPITOL BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Date:02/19/2010
ATTENDANCE
Time:01:34 PM to 03:31 PM
Eddins
E
Goldman
X
Place:SCR 354
Hite
E
Hoeft
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Lee
X
Georgianna Contiguglia
Nichols
X
Nunnally
E
This Report was prepared by
Sill
E
Jennifer Thomsen
Weingardt
X
Weissmann
X
Bacon
E
Contiguglia
X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes
Fallen Heroes Memorial
Dome Renovation Project
Gift Shop Proposal
Other Business/Updates		-
-
-
-
-
-
01:34 PM -- Call to Order

Ms. Contiguglia called the meeting to order and introduced the newly appointed member of the committee, Kathleen Hoeft.

01:35 PM -- Approval of Minutes
BILL:Approval of Minutes
TIME: 01:36:00 PM
MOVED:Nichols
MOTION:Moved that the summary of the committee's January 22, 2010, meeting be approved. The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Weingardt
VOTE
Eddins
Excused
Goldman
Hite
Excused
Hoeft
Lee
Nichols
Nunnally
Excused
Sill
Excused
Weingardt
Weissmann
Bacon
Excused
Contiguglia
Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 5 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection




01:36 PM -- Fallen Heroes Memorial

Mr. Tim Drago, Preservation Trust Committee, came to the table to present a proposal from the Fallen Heroes Memorial Commission. He provided a handout outlining the proposal (Attachment A). Mr. Drago provided background on the memorial, which is being erected pursuant to Senate Bill 07-086. He told the committee about the commission that had designed the memorial and about the Preservation Trust Committee. He noted that Diann Sill is a member of the Preservation Trust Committee. He said he had met with Ms. Sill at Lincoln Park to discuss the memorial and its siting.

Attachment A.pdf

01:40 PM

Mr. Drago talked about the legislation creating the memorial, which specified the conflicts that are to be included in the memorial. The conflicts include:
Mr. Drago explained that the memorial would be designed to allow for additions at a later date. He described the site for the memorial in Lincoln Park west of the Colorado Veterans Monument, which would include a rose garden in conjunction with the memorial. He explained the design criteria, which includes making the memorial harmonious with the site and surroundings.

Mr. Drago talked about the consultants who were involved with the design of the memorial. Referring to the diagrams in the handout, he described the granite block memorial, which is to be topped with a brass eternal flame.

01:46 PM

Warren Cobb and Ron Cobb of Norman's Memorials, showed the committee a drawing of the memorial and a sample of the granite material that would be used to construct the memorial. Mr. W. Cobb described the memorial, which is surrounded by four granite benches. He said the words "Fallen Heroes Memorial" would appear on the front edge of each bench seat.

Mr. W. Cobb responded to committee questions, including a question from Mr. Weingardt about the material surrounding the eternal flame. Mr. W. Cobb explained that it would be surrounded by crushed rose-colored granite. Ms. Contiguglia asked for clarification of the scale of the drawing. Mr. R. Cobb clarified that the benches are 18 inches tall in total. In response to a question from Mr. Nichols, Mr. W. Cobb explained the drainage system. Mr. Nichols asked who would be responsible for upkeep of the memorial. Mr. Drago responded that the state is responsible for upkeep of the Veterans Monument, and he explained that he comes down once a week to do upkeep as well. Mr. Drago talked about why they chose the crushed rock rather than capping the memorial, saying that a cap might attract graffiti and other vandalism.

01:54 PM

Committee questions continued, with Ms. Contiguglia asking who would perform maintenance of the memorial in the long-term. Mr. Drago explained that he is recruiting people to keep the area clean. He said the Preservation Trust Committee has a continuing effort to raise money to pay for maintenance, with a goal of raising $100,000. They currently have $57,000 in the fund, he said. Mr. Drago talked about Lincoln Park permit fees, saying that money goes into the Preservation Trust Fund. Mr. Lee clarified when the fee is charged, saying it is only charged for use of Lincoln Park, not for use of the Capitol Grounds. Ms. Contiguglia asked about the slanted face of the memorial saying it may be attractive to skateboarders. Mr. Nichols asked about the interface between the flame and its pedestal. Mr. W. Cobb explained how the flame is attached, saying the granite pieces will be pinned to the footings. He explained how the flame will be secured to the base.

Mr. W. Cobb talked about his company's history with the Veteran's Monument. Representative Weissmann commented on the memorial, explaining his reasons for voting no on the legislation that created the memorial. He said he is uneasy with memorializing a conflict that is on-going. Mr. W. Cobb explained how additional information would be added to the memorial. Mr. Drago provided response to the comment as well.

02:02 PM

Ms. Contiguglia said the Korean War should be referred to as the Korean Conflict. She also commented that Congress never declared war on terrorism and expressed concern about the appropriateness of the use of the term "war on terrorism." Mr. Nichols suggested conferring with the State Historian on the phrasing. Committee discussion on the phrase, as well as the start and end dates of the Vietnam War ensued. Mr. Weingardt suggested that the committee's concerns be directed back to the sponsor of the bill, Senator Kopp. Ms. Contiguglia suggested the State Historian first be consulted. Ms. Contiguglia asked Mr. Nichols to consult with the State Historian.

02:07 PM

Mr. Drago said they would like to have the money raised to start the construction on Memorial Day, 2011. Ms. Contiguglia asked for some perspective on the size of the memorial plaza.

Mr. Drago described the projected cost of the memorial. Committee discussion on the cost ensued.

Ms. Contiguglia asked for information on the siting of the memorial relative to Broadway and Lincoln. Mr. Drago described the siting in some detail. Ms. Contiguglia asked for a map of the whole park showing the context of the memorial. Mr. Lee clarified that the memorial will sit within the existing rose garden and agreed to provide the map. Mr. W. Cobb explained that they would remove the curbing and close in the area for the memorial.

02:16 PM

Ms. Hoeft expressed concern about the gravel in the memorial and the hard outside corners, saying they might be chipped and broken. She suggested a flattening or softening of the edge. Mr. W. Cobb explained that the edges will be rounded. Mr. Nichols suggested that the plan be run past the Capitol Complex Division for their agreement on the maintenance. Mr. Lee said Capitol Complex takes care of snow removal and as much trash removal as possible around the Veterans Monument. He and Mr. Drago discussed use of the Preservation Trust Fund for upkeep and maintenance of the monument. Mr. Lee said Capitol Complex may be able to address some of the lighting issues in that area, but may not be able to address damage to the monument, benches, or roses. Mr. R. Cobb clarified that the paver surface is not smooth so may not be conducive to skateboarding. Mr. Weingardt asked if the maintenance of the proposed monument would be tied in with the maintenance of the Veterans Monument.

02:22 PM

Ms. Contiguglia asked Mr. Drago to come to the next meeting with answers to the questions posed by the committee.

02:23 PM -- Dome Renovation Project

James Hare, Colorado Preservation, Inc., came to the table to update the committee on the dome renovation project. Joining him at the table was Mr. Bruce Erley of Creative Strategies Group. Mr. Hare reminded the committee that Creative Strategies Group was brought on board to help develop the project. He talked about what would comprise the campaign, discussing the key components including a children's campaign, cause marketing, a public campaign with a large retailer, and gifts and grants from corporate and private foundations. He touched on the overall program components to consider including creative elements, campaign leadership, promotional materials, website, special events, a campaign launch, and a completion event. A sponsorship recognition program needs to be developed, he said.


02:31 PM

Mr. Hare provided a handout and a brochure (Attachments B and C). He said he would like committee to make a recommendation to the Capital Development Committee (CDC) that the effort go forward as outlined. He said a resolution must be introduced by April 18. Ms. Contiguglia commented that the marketing strategies raised questions at the committee's January meeting. She said the committee would like to weigh in on the types of strategies that might be used. Mr. Nichols asked if legislation would be needed to move forward. Ms. Donaldson answered committee questions about the appropriation process. Mr. Weingardt talked about the coordination that would need to take place before construction could begin. Committee conversation on these issues ensued.

Attachment B.pdf Attachment C.pdf


02:37 PM

Mr. Hare explained that he has been working with the State Architect. Mr. Nichols asked what the next steps the committee needs to take to move forward. Ms. Donaldson responded to committee questions about the CDC's schedule. Ms. Contiguglia asked if materials for similar campaigns, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Washington Monument could be assembled for the committee. The committee discussed other concerns that need to be addressed, including concerns about advertising on or within the Capitol.

In response to concerns about advertising, Mr. Hare said sponsorship can take a number of different forms. Ms. Contiguglia asked for clarification of the need for a resolution. Ms. Christine Staberg came to the table to explain that Senator Bacon, CDC Chair and Representative Reisberg, CDC Vice-Chair requested the resolution. Representative Reisberg came to the table to speak to that issue, saying he is willing to work on a resolution. Ms. Contiguglia asked Mr. Hare and Ms. Staberg to try to judge the feeling in the General Assembly about the proposal before deciding whether to move forward with a resolution.

BILL:Dome Renovation Project
TIME: 02:56:36 PM
MOVED:Contiguglia
MOTION:Moved that the committee recommend that the Capital Development Committee consider the dome renovation proposal presented by Mr. James Hare of Colorado Preservation, Inc. The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Eddins
Excused
Goldman
Hite
Excused
Hoeft
Lee
Nichols
Nunnally
Excused
Sill
Excused
Weingardt
Weissmann
Excused
Bacon
Excused
Contiguglia
Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 6 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection




02:56 PM -- Gift Shop Proposal

Representative Stephens came to the table to make a presentation regarding the Capitol gift shop. Representative Stephens provided a packet of handouts, including information about: the current Capitol gift shop; other states' capitol gift shops; her proposals; and photos of Mr. Brown's Attic (Attachment D). Representative Stephens said she believes the Capitol gift shop can be better. She commented that the current gift shop is frequently not staffed.

Attachment D.pdf

Representative Stephens talked about gift stores in other state capitols and the merchandise they offer, as well as their profit margins. She said children visit Mr. Brown's Attic, and she suggested a gift shop in the south end of the attic where the "can capitol" is currently located.

03:05 PM

Representative Stephens suggested forming a gift shop committee to consider issues related to a new gift shop. She suggested a committee of no more than 10 people to be appointed by the Capitol Building Advisory Committee that would include local interested parties with expertise in gift store merchandising, representatives of the historic society, and members referred from prior administrations. Ms. Contiguglia explained that the current limited gift shop inventory is due to limited funds. She also said Mr. Brown's Attic is not accessible to all visitors. Ms. Contiguglia commented that the expertise of the tour operation is tours, not merchandising. Ms. Contiguglia went on to explain that the Colorado Historical Society uses a concessionaire. She said the Capitol Building Advisory Committee would want to maintain control over Capitol gift shop inventory.

03:10 PM

Ms. Goldman said there are two issues: expanding the current gift shop and moving the gift shop to Mr. Brown's Attic. She expressed concerns about accessibility in Mr. Brown's Attic and suggested that the proposed gift shop committee might consider other possible locations. Representative Stephens agreed that the committee should not be limited to considering one location. Ms. Contiguglia commented that members of the gift shop committee should not have a vested interest in the decision that would be made by the Capitol Building Advisory Committee.

Representative Stephens talked about the merchandise offered at the Colorado History Museum gift shop. Mr. Lee talked about the amount of space on the first floor. He also asked whether Representative Stephens intends that the gift shop be a for-profit operation. Representative Stephens said she thinks that is the type of question the gift shop committee would seek to answer. She said the gift shop committee could consider different business models.

03:16 PM

Mr. Weingardt expressed concern about gift shops in the Capitol. He said the gift shop committee needs to consider the integrity of the building and stated that a gift shop would need to be invisible. He asked Representative Stephens to identify the objective of the gift shop. Representative Stephens said the Capitol gift shop should enhance visitors' understanding and remembrance of the Capitol. She said the building is the people's Capitol and people should be able to purchase a reminder of their visit. Mr. Weingardt said the Capitol Building Advisory Committee needs to ensure that the integrity of the building is not lessened.
BILL:Gift Shop Proposal
TIME: 03:20:44 PM
MOVED:Nichols
MOTION:Moved to establish a gift shop committee to examine: business models; objectives of gift shops; space; types of inventory; use of profits; and other pertinent questions. The gift shop committee should consist of seven or eight members, including representatives of the Capitol Building Advisory Committee (Mr. Lee and Ms. Eddins volunteered to serve on the gift shop committee). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Hoeft
VOTE
Eddins
Goldman
Hite
Excused
Hoeft
Lee
Nichols
Nunnally
Excused
Sill
Excused
Weingardt
Weissmann
Excused
Bacon
Excused
Contiguglia
Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 5 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection




03:23 PM -- Other Business/Updates

Presidential portraits -- Ms. Contiguglia announced that Sara Boardman, a Colorado artist, was selected to paint portraits of President Clinton and President Obama. She explained that Jil Rosentrater of the Colorado Council on the Arts is working with the artist on a contract.

ADA display -- Ms. Contiguglia reported that the new DVD player/monitor on the third floor is up and running.

Rose onyx -- Mr. Lee reported that Colorado State Historical Fund has grant money available -- up to $40,000 -- that could be used for repairs to the rose onyx. He explained that there must be a 25 percent match from Capitol Complex. Mr. Lee said he is trying to identify some matching funds.

Restoration work on handicap ramp -- Lance Shepard, State Architect's Office, came to the table to report on restoration work on the outside handicap ramp.

Bike rack -- Mr. Shepard also reported that a new bike rack would be installed on the north side of the building.

Parking on pavers in Capitol circle -- Mr. Lee updated the committee on the discussion around damage caused by vehicles parking on the pavers on the west side of the Capitol. He reported that the Department of Personnel and Administration is looking at the rules related to the issuance of permits. He said when issuing permits, the department is asking people not to park on the pavers.


03:31 PM

 The committee adjourned.


Action Items
Future Agenda Items