Letter to the Editor: Issues with Ken Geiser Fountain Persist

It is quite obvious from the photos (attached) that there are some serious issues with the original James Corner Field Operations design of this important "Signature" City Hall landmark project.  A new sub-contractor, "Systems Waterproofing" has been hired to try their hand at stemming the leaks, which have been ongoing since April.

Here are some questions, which come to mind that seem to be worth asking:

1) Who in the City approved this design?

2) Was the design rushed at the last minute?  From looking at the minutes of the City council and the Landmarks committee, this appears to be the case.

3) How come there are not separate water sources for the fountain cascade pools and lily pad plant areas?  The lily pads will require chemical free water to survive and the fountain pools will turn bright green from algae without chlorine chemistry.

4) How come the fountain return water scuppers make a terrible sucking sound?  These were adjusted to be quiet on the opening day of Tongva Park and early that morning the fountain flooded over its walls and down Main Street.  It was quite a show to see.

5) Will the City require a long-term bond (with enough funds for removal, re-engineering and reconstruction) to be set aside for a longer term than the current one year warranty? This bond should be required so that taxpayers are not left with our fingers in the dike.

6) How come the city manager and public works director are not explaining the truth to the taxpayers?  If there are issues with their staff and city projects the public deserves to know.  Director of Public Works Martin Pastucha, has never admitted that the fountain even leaks and yet the entire perimeter of the fountain has been jack hammered to fix the leaks.  I overheard discussions of the new "Systems Waterproofing" sub-contactor with his workers that he doesn't even think that it can be fixed.  One of his guys was even taking his own documentary photographs, for possible use in an insurance case or lawsuit.

Sincerely,

David Garden