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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB Appeal Memo 51408 km edits DRAFT Memorandum To: Vail Town Council From: Todd Oppenheimer, Department of Public Works and Transportation Date: May 14, 2008 RE: Vail Information Kiosk DRB Appeal Background Information Business community has desired to have directories and maps created and installed for several years. Two attempts to design a directory kiosk using the Request for Proposal process (RFP) were made in April 2003 and November 2005. Multiple companies and individuals responding included advertising companies, graphic designers, and artists. None of the proposals were found to satisfy the requirements of the project. At the same time the discord among different business groups made it difficult to develop consensus on the design and function of the directory kiosks. Prior to 1998 an attempt at an interactive computer kiosk was made by a private advertising company. A structure was built in Slifer Square to accommodate the equipment. This attempt failed due to constant equipment malfunctions. The structure was removed when the Slifer Square streetscape work was completed prior to the 1999 World Ski Championships. Current Proposal The Directory Kiosk project was shelved for awhile after the 2005 RFP yielded no satisfactory responses. During that time period the business organizations have consolidated, marketing has become more focused and organized, and technology has caught up with the requirements of the project. The project is now being referred to as the Vail Information Kiosk. The desired function of the kiosk is to provide business directory maps for the Vail Village and Lionshead areas, special event information and calendars, community information videos, and an interactive system where guests can obtain additional information, grooming reports, road conditions, and make dining and hotel reservationsetc.. This proposal is a prototype we are testing and the goal will be to have 8 kiosks in key locations identified by the business community to serve all guests within Vail Village and Lionshead. Timing is important on the project so that we can place the prototype this summer and see how it holds up during that season and the winter season to see if it is viable to use this structure for the other seven locations moving forward. The Department of Public Works will be responsible for maintenance of the physical structure while the IT Department will service the computer equipment. Reducing maintenance requirements is strongly desired by the Department of Public Works for cost efficiencies and to reduce man hours.. Great South Bay is an advertising sign company located in Bayport, NY. In 2007, Great South Bay, came across the old RFP on-line and made an inquiry as to its outcome. Great South Bay presented a product they have created called the Cornerstone Kiosk which will satisfy the requirements of the Information Kiosk project. The Cornerstone Kiosk is a pre-manufactured unit which is shipped from the manufacturer and installed on-site with minimal assembly. The kiosk unit is constructed of a polystyrene material with a hard, durable, textured, and colored top coating applied at the factory. The product requires minimal maintenance and has a life expectancy of 30 to 50 years. The oldest installation has been in place for 17 years with no signs of deterioration. Several organizations which have purchased the Cornerstone Kiosk were contacted. All references received were positive. Design Review Board Process The Vail Information Kiosk project has been before the DRB on three occasions. The application was tabled once, and then denied the second time. A second application was submitted with new information in the way of a roof sample. This application was also denied. Board members expressed concern that the polystyrene material was not a “predominantly natural building material” as stated in the town code and referenced that code in the meeting record. Staff is appealing the DRB decision and asking the Town Council to overturn the decision to deny and allow the installation of a prototype Information Kiosk to proceed. Staff feels strongly that the proposed kiosk design, manufactured of the polystyrene material, is a reasonable and appropriate solution to a project which has been difficult a challenge to complete. Todd, it might be a good idea to also include the fact that this is a prototype we are testing and the goal will be to have 8 kiosks in key locations identified by the business community to serve all guests within Vail Village and Lionshead. Timing is important on the project so that we can place the prototype this summer and see how it holds up during that season and the winter season to see if it is viable to use this structure for the other seven locations moving forward. I also believe having photos of the Cornerstone Kiosk from other destinations would be helpful so the Council could see the finished product in use. Finally, I’m not sure we gain anything by showing the older kiosk designs submitted in 2003 and 2005 – it could cause confusion, or even the direction to look at those structures again to satisfy the DRB concerns. Let’s solicit support from the business community at the Construction Mitigation meeting on 5/23 to have several supporters come and speak on behalf of the merits of the kiosk and this particular design.