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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-181 CITY OF PALM DESERT ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 18, 2001 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Janet Brody, Chair Joe Dickinson Ilene Broder Suzanne Greenberg Kevin Grochau Christine Pena Tim Bartlett Katherine Hough Denise Roberge Also Present: Councilmember Jean Benson Carolyn Miller, Community Arts Manager Catherine Walker, Public Art Intern Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Sloane Halloran-Lewis, Civic Arts Liaison Sonia Campbell, Planning Commission Liaison Jeff Miller, Developer III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE Art In Public Places Commission Minutes July 18, 2001 2 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the meeting held on June 20, 2001. Upon Motion by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Grochau, the Minutes of June 20, 2001, were approved by unanimous vote. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION 1. The request for award of contract for the Peace Memorial Landscape and Renovation Project was approved (June 28, 2001). Ms. Miller reported that she spoke to Spencer Knight who stated that the project should take approximately two weeks once reconstruction begins. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER NONE VII. NEW BUSINESS A. REVIEW OF 2001/2002 BUDGET Chairman Brody reviewed the budget information that was included in the agenda packet. Commissioner Roberge suggested that she create a prototype of a budget that would be more simplified and understandable to the Commissioners. Ms. Miller explained that when a developer pays its Art in Public Places fees, those funds are put into a “trust account”. Those fees collect interest in the account until the final approval of the art project when the developer requests a refund of fees. If the fees are not utilized on public art projects within five years, the developer can ask for a refund of paid fees. Projections of possible projects were reviewed. Ms. Miller distributed information regarding Proposition 218, which was an overview of a proposition that affects what local government can do in terms of assessing fees and changing existing fees. The Art In Public Places Commission Minutes July 18, 2001 3 Finance Director informed her that if the Commission decides to make changes, legal counsel would be necessary because changes may have to go back to the voters. Ms. Miller stated that the art program was created to be funded by developers. However, this Commission does have the ability to make recommendations if desired. Commissioner Broder commented that the program seems fine as it currently exists and perhaps no changes are necessary. Upon question by Commissioner Bartlett, Ms. Miller responded that to the best of her recollection over the past one to two years, approximately 15 developers have left their money in the AIPP fund. These development projects are generally small in scope. B. ESTABLISH ART IN PUBLIC PLACES GOALS FOR THE GENERAL PLAN REVISION Councilmember Benson stated that the General Plan is being revised. Art in Public Places is an element of the General Plan and any comments that the Commission may have will be considered when it reaches that phase. Ms. Miller circulated the list of sites that were compiled last year by the Commissioners, which Chairman Brody reviewed. Commissioner Roberge stated that the El Paseo Business Association has approximately $160,000.00 in its budget to spend each year. She thinks that the Association would approve the AIPP Commission to use its funds. Upon question by Chairman Brody, Ms. Campbell stated that the Association does have $160,000.00 but the budget cannot be used for art. Those funds are used to advertise and promote El Paseo. Commissioner Roberge said it could be great advertisement if it was a key gateway to El Paseo. Ms. Campbell stated that the Association’s budget is not large enough to have all the funds go toward art. Commissioner Roberge clarified that she did not mean that AIPP use the entire budget but thinks it is a subject that interests the Association. Ms. Campbell stated that the Board has been discussing the desire of having an entrance to El Paseo from Highway III at both ends for many years. Chairman Brody stated that it was the concurrence of the Commission that the gateways to El Paseo and Highway III are Art In Public Places Commission Minutes July 18, 2001 4 very important. Councilmember Benson suggested inviting John Criste to the September 19 meeting to discuss those issues. A large map will be provided to prioritize major, important sites. Upon question by Chairman Brody, Commissioner Roberge stated that the goals of the Commission need to be defined. Her desired goals for AIPP is to decide the important sites and begin at one site then choose a great piece of sculpture for that site. Commissioner Hough agreed that fewer but more major projects make a strong statement in Palm Desert. Ms. Halloran-Lewis suggested that the Commission raise the level of the public’s artistic awareness with the placement of a variety of public art; it is variety that the Commission should look toward in the future as well as quality. Chairman Brody stated that she is not sure that she understands why the City should purchase a major piece of art because that is the purpose of the AIPP Commission. She added that this is a commission that is funded by development funds. Ms. Miller emphasized that public art is not necessarily about collecting but rather about commissioning art that suits the wants, needs, and desires of a community. Ms. Miller confirmed that it was the concurrence of the Commission’s goal to select artwork of a high quality that responds to the site and provides diversity. Commissioner Roberge commented that the Commission needs to figure out where the funds will come from. Ms. Miller stated that there are several ways to acquire art. It can be purchased, donated, or loaned. Commissioner Roberge thinks the Commission needs to establish the criteria for spending the AIPP’s funds now and how to allocate the spending, how to replace funds, and private fund raising. Ms. Miller stated that the City would be very skeptical about fund raising with which Councilmember Benson concurred. Chairman Brody suggested that the Commission review the By-laws and Guidelines again. Chairman Brody suggested that the Commissioners read the By-laws, Guidelines, what its purpose is, what has been accomplished, and where the program has failed. Commissioners were asked to submit their ideas in writing. Please forward all comments and recommendations to Debbie Thompson by September 11, to be included in the September 19, agenda packet. It was moved by Commissioner Bartlett and seconded by Commissioner Grochau to continue the discussion concerning the Art In Public Places Commission Minutes July 18, 2001 5 goals for the General Plan revision to the meeting of September 19, 2001. Motion carried unanimously. C. REVIEW EL PASEO EXHIBITION GUIDELINES, ESTABLISH GOALS AND DEVELOP A FIVE YEAR PLAN It was moved by Commissioner Bartlett and seconded by Commissioner Grochau to continue the review of the El Paseo Exhibition Guidelines, Establish Goals, and Develop a Five Year Plan to the meeting of September 19, 2001. Motion carried unanimously. D. REQUEST APPROVAL TO RELOCATE “CHARGER” BY TED GALL Chairman Brody stated that the installation of the Voulkos Exhibition necessitates moving “Charger” by Ted Gall. Ms. Miller stated that she would like the Commission to explore other sites for its placement. It was suggested that it be placed on the grassy knoll on Highway III in front of the Palomino Restaurant. Ms. Miller noted that Public Works will be reconstructing that area and may widen the street, which may change that site significantly. It was moved by Commissioner Bartlett and seconded by Commissioner Broder that staff confers with Public Works regarding the placement of the Charger in front of Palomino when Highway III is reconstructed. Motion carried unanimously. Art In Public Places Commission Minutes July 18, 2001 6 VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. REVIEW OF ARTWORK FOR DESERT AURORA MEDICAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 73-950 ALESSANDRO DRIVE – PRESENTATION BY JEFF MILLER (Continued from the meetings of May 16, and June 20, 2001) Mr. Miller proposed a bronze sculpture by Jon Krawczyk to be installed on a pedestal in the entry courtyard of the building. Mature landscaping will be installed and four spotlights pointing up toward the pedestal will highlight the artwork. (AIPP fees are $3,862.74. The proposed artwork is $12,000 not including landscape and lighting.) It was moved by Commissioner Hough and seconded by Commissioner Broder to approve the artwork for the Desert Aurora Medical building as presented. Motion carried unanimously. IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE X. REPORTS AND REMARKS PROJECT STATUS REPORTS 1. Peace Memorial No report. 2. Desert Dessert Completed. 3. Desert Sports Center No report. 4. Monterey Median No report. Art In Public Places Commission Minutes July 18, 2001 7 5. Westfield Shoppingtown Palm Desert No report. 6. El Paseo Exhibition The artwork by Peter Voulkos is on the July 19 City Council agenda. 7. Website The website is on the July 19 City Council agenda. 8. Fred Waring Corridor No report. 9. Atrium No report. 10. Legends Field The porcelain enamel plaques of the women in baseball arrived. One of the panels was badly scratched and will be returned to the artist. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS 1. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION No report. 2. CIVIC ARTS * There was request for participation from the Palm Desert International piano competition based on the Joanna Hodges piano competition. It was suggested that the Civic Arts Committee support the concept of its piano competition and requested that a letter be written stating that the Civic Arts Committee endorsed the idea of such cultural events but funding would not be available. * Upcoming Summer of Fun schedule: Kal David on July 19; Homeward Bound on Aug 2; Toy Story 2 on Aug 23; the balance are concerts with the grand finale and fireworks on Sept 6. Art In Public Places Commission Minutes July 18, 2001 8 3. PLANNING COMMISSION * Three office buildings on a 96,000 square foot site on the north side of Alessandro between San Pasqual and San Juan were approved. * Eighty-two new units at the Carlotta were approved. XII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 a.m. Debbie L. Thompson Recording Secretary