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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-08 CAC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION MINUTES Wednesday, July 8, 2020 (Virtual Zoom Meeting) I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Darby convened the meeting at 9:04 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present Absent Carol Adney Sonia Campbell (Excused) Maureen Boren Donna Jean Darby Liz Hauer Lesley Miller Susan Myrland Also Present Council Member Susan Marie Weber Amy Lawrence, Management Analyst Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Please note: Due to technical difficulties of the recording device during the Virtual Zoom meeting, the minutes of the July 8, 2020 have been summarized. Staff asked that the Commissioners do not use the Chat feature on their computer during the Zoom meeting to maintain the rules under the Brown Act. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None Art in Public Places Minutes July 8, 2020 2 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of the Minutes of the regular meeting held on February 12, 2020. Chairperson Darby noted that the Minutes of the February 12, 2020 Art in Public Places Commission meeting were inaccurate. She indicated that due to her absence at that meeting, the meeting was adjourned by Vice Chairperson Boren. Staff will correct the minutes of the February 12, 2020 Art in Public Places Commission meeting to read, “meeting was adjourned by Vice Chairperson Boren.” Commissioner Adney moved to approve the Minutes of February 12, 2020 to include the correction as noted. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hauer and carried 6-0-1 with Adney, Boren, Darby, Hauer, Miller, and Myrland voting AYE with Campbell ABSENT. B. Approval of the Minutes of the regular meeting held on March 11, 2020. Commissioner Adney moved to approve the Minutes of March 11, 2020. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Boren and carried 6-0-1 with Adney, Boren, Darby, Hauer, Miller, and Myrland voting AYE with Campbell ABSENT. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION – Councilmember Susan Marie Weber Council Member Weber reported that the City Council approved the donation of Jon Richen’s sculpture to be included in the City’s permanent public art collection . Councilmember Weber reported that the City Council has extended the terms of all Committee and Commission members until all committee/commissions have been defined. B. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT – Lindsay Holt Mr. Stendell reported that the Planning Commission considered a mono palm cell carrier antenna. He noted that construction has remained very active. Art in Public Places Minutes July 8, 2020 3 Upon question from Commissioner Myrland, Mr. Stendell reported that construction along San Pablo is in its final planning stage. C. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION (ARC) REPORT – John Vuksic No report. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER NONE VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO PURCHASE SCULPTURE FROM THE 2019/2020 EL PASEO SCULPTURE EXHIBITION FOR INCLUSION IN THE CITY’S PERMANENT PUBLIC ART COLLECTION Chairperson Darby commented that Taming the Wild West II by Tim Shockley that was purchased from the 2017/2018 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition is somewhat hidden in its location at Haystack and Portola. She would like to ensure that the sculpture that is chosen from the 2019/2020 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition is in a highly visible location. Ms. Lawrence referred to the images of the 2019/2020 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition that she provided in the agenda packet for consideration of purchase to be included in the City’s permanent public art collection. Ms. Lawrence suggested Patricia Vader’s Radiance as a possibility for San Pablo due to the bicycle wheels used in the sculpture that echoes the pedestrian friendly road. After much discussion of possible locations and multiple sculpture suggestions, the Commission asked that staff research appropriate locations and recommendation of specific sculptures for the various locations. Staff will research locations and send the sites via email to the Commission members for review. Commissioner Myrland moved to continue the Consideration of Recommending the Purchase of a Sculpture from the 2019/2020 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition for Inclusion Art in Public Places Minutes July 8, 2020 4 in the City’s Permanent Public Art Collection and to direct staff to seek possible locations including suggestions of sculptures appropriate for each location to the next meeting. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Miller and carried 6-0-1 with Adney, Boren, Darby, Hauer, Miller, and Myrland voting AYE with Campbell ABSENT. B. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO ISSUE CALL FOR ENTRIES SEEKING ARTISTS TO SUBMIT SCULPTURES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SAN PABLO PHASE I ROUNDABOUT. Ms. Lawrence referred to the staff report regarding the Call for Entries seeking artists to submit proposals for artwork on the roundabout located at San Pablo and San Gorgonio. She presented images of the roundabout. She noted the following criteria for consideration in the Call for Entries. Artwork should be designed in the round and be equally intriguing from all sides, must improve and not distract the surrounding area, must not distract or cause distraction from drivers, must be fabricated for outdoors and withstand the desert’s harsh weather conditions, and be appropriate for all ages. She will involve the Public Works project manager throughout the artwork selection process to ensure safety issues. The Call for Entries will include North America and Mexico. She will take the Call for Entries to City Council and request that proposals be due by the end of December. The selection will be narrowed to three finalists who will make a presentation to the Commission with a recommendation to the City Council. The RFP will go to the City Council at its August meeting. Mr. Stendell suggested that a subcommittee of two Commission members be formed to assist staff with the selection of artworks from the submissions received. Vice Chairperson Boren and Commissioner Myrland will serve on the subcommittee. Commissioner Hauer moved to approve the Consideration of Recommendation to Issue a Call for Entries Seeking Artists to Submit Sculptures to be Considered for the San Pablo Phase I Roundabout. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Adney and carried 5-1-1 with Adney, Boren, Darby, Hauer, Myrland voting AYE, Miller voting NO, with Campbell ABSENT. Art in Public Places Minutes July 8, 2020 5 C. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CONTRACT WITH ARTISTS FOR MURALS ON SAN PABLO Ms. Lawrence reported that she has received interest from artists Patrick Sheehan and Ryan Campbell to paint murals on buildings along San Pablo. Staff would work with the property owners to see if they would be interested in having murals painted on the exterior walls of their buildings. There was much discussion regarding the creation of a theme along San Pablo to coordinate the projects to ensure there is not a mishmash of art and that it does not look like a carnival. It was suggested to have a meeting completely dedicated to the San Pablo corridor and develop a plan for the placement of art. Commissioner Adney Approved to Consider Recommendation to Contract with Artists for Murals on San Pablo and direct staff to reach out to business owners for interest of having murals painted on the exterior walls of their buildings. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Miller and carried 6-0-1 with Adney, Boren, Darby, Hauer, Miller, and Myrland voting AYE with Campbell ABSENT. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON FOR 2020 It was the concurrence of the Commission that Chairperson Darby and Vice Chairperson Boren continue their current positions for the balance of the year. Commissioner Hauer recommended that Chairperson Darby remain as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson Boren remain as Vice Chairperson for the remainder of the year. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Adney and carried 6 - 0-1 with Adney, Boren, Darby, Hauer, Miller, and Myrland voting AYE with Campbell ABSENT. IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE Art in Public Places Minutes July 8, 2020 6 X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS A. Palm Desert Community Gallery Ms. Lawrence reported that she has contacted the artists who were approved to display their artworks in the gallery for the 2020/2021 season and explained that City Hall will remain closed to a date uncertain. B. Docent Tours Ms. Lawrence reported that all docent tours have been cancelled to a date uncertain. C. El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition Ms. Lawrence reported that artist Sawako Ando from Japan had to decline from participating in the 2021/2022 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition due to the difficulties of shipping arrangements of her sculpture to the site. Michelle O’Michael, one of the approved alternates, has ac cepted to participate in the upcoming exhibition. All of the artists’ paperwork has been received by staff and contracts will be mailed to the artists soon. Staff is working on the deinstallation schedule of the 2019/2020 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibitio n, as well as the installation schedule for the 2021/2022 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Mr. Stendell noted that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many staff members were assigned duties that are not their regular responsibilities. Ms. Lawrence has been assigned as PIO for Community Development responding to calls regarding State ordered regulations. Ms. Thompson has been assigned to assist Business License staff to process renewals. It was noted by staff that the City Council gave direction to staff that no community members will be allowed in City Hall until a date uncertain. Art in Public Places Minutes July 8, 2020 7 Ms. Lawrence presented the image of the Unite Palm Desert logo that was designed by artist John Cuevas and is being used as a marketing campaign to bring the community together. She noted that the City Council approved placement of Unite Palm Desert murals as part of the marketing campaign in the following locations – The Gardens on El Paseo, KUD Properties on Highway 111, and the building between Tri-A-Bike and Angel View on San Pablo. She indicated that all three murals were on private property and that funds for the murals will be paid for out of the Marketing budget. There was much discussion and frustration from the Commission regarding the recent artwork/designs that have been placed in the community without the consideration of the Commission. The crosswalks on El Paseo and San Pablo, and the murals with the Unite Palm Desert logo were mentioned. As stated in the December 11, 2019 minutes, the crosswalks on El Paseo were a Public Works project (temporary) and the crosswalks on San Pablo were included in the overall plan of the Vision San Pablo project. Council Member Susan Marie Weber noted that the above mentioned projects were implemented quickly which did not allow time for the designs to be presented to the Commission before being implemented. She agreed that any placement of artwork throughout the City should be presented to the Commission prior to its inclusion. It was the consensus of the Commission members that they are concerned that the Commission is not being involved in the projects that include art designs. B. COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Adney asked for consideration of a project to be included on the next Art in Public Places Commission meeting agenda. Following is a statement that Commissioner Adney would like to have considered on the next Art in Public Places Commission meeting agenda. As a leading organization in the Coachella Valley, and during this time of duress, the City and AIPP has still another opportunity to encourage equality for all. Art in Public Places Minutes July 8, 2020 8 The Palm Desert City Council has commissioned a display of their commitment to diversity. In support of the Council’s efforts and the aspirations of the Constitution it i s proposed that the AIPP consider commissioning temporary artwork which supports equality and social justice. The arts, visual and written, are powerful methods of reaching out to our public. AIPP can complement and expand the Council’s lead by supporting the production of work that represents our City’s Latinx, Asian and Black residents. After outreach is made to artists and writers in those communities, large works on paper could be installed inside vacant storefronts, or murals painted on the inside of glass storefronts. The Commissioners will no doubt have many other ideas to offer. The Commission could do something as simple as hire a sign painter to paint a statement about equality, based on the City’s current Mission Statement which states: “This premier resort destination is a thriving, safe, and sustainable community that attracts innovative employers by virtue of its diverse, highly qualified workforce and synergistic business, civic, and educational partnerships.” Following are two examples of quotes that could be appropriate: “I believe there is only one race - the human race.” – Rosa Parks “Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.” – Jane Goodall Commissioner Myrland moved to approve a Request for Discussion on Commissioning artists for representing diversity. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hauer and carried 6-0-1 with Adney, Boren, Darby, Hauer, Miller, and Myrland voting AYE with Campbell ABSENT. XII. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Darby adjourned the meeting at 10:56 a.m. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________________________ DEBBIE L. THOMPSON, RECORDING SECRETARY