HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-09 CAC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Administrative Conference Room, City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting and there will be
in-person access to this location.
To participate via Zoom, use the following link: https://palmdesert.zoom.us/j/83338542730 or
call (213) 338-8477, Zoom Meeting ID: 833 3854 2730
•
Written public comment may also be submitted to cityclerk@palmdesert.gov. E-mails
received by 5:00 p.m. one day prior to the meeting will be distributed to the Committee. Any
correspondence received during or after the meeting will be distributed to the Committee as
soon as practicable and retained for the official record. Emails will not be read aloud except
as an ADA accommodation.
•
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
3.NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
This time has been set aside for the public to address the Cultural Arts
Committee on issues that are not on the agenda for up to three minutes.
Because the Brown Act does not allow the Committee to act on items not listed
on the agenda, members may briefly respond or refer the matter to staff for a
report and recommendation at a future meeting.
4.CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and may be
approved by one motion. The public may comment on any items on the Consent
Agenda within the three-minute time limit. Individual items may be removed by
the Cultural Arts Committee for a separate discussion.
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
4.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Minutes of March 12, 2025.
4.b PROJECT STATUS REPORT FOR APRIL 2025 11
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file project status report for April 2025.
4.c INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON FY 2025/2026 PUBLIC ART BUDGET
AND PROJECTS
13
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file informational report on FY 2025/2026 Public Art budget and
projects.
5.CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
Items removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion are
considered at this time.
6.BUSINESS ITEMS
Items listed in this section are presented for the Committee's review and action.
Public comment is allowed on each item, with a three minute time limit per
speaker. The Committee may provide direction, request additional information,
or take action as appropriate.
6.a DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE FY 2025-2026
WORK PLAN
15
RECOMMENDATION:
Identify and establish three to five priorities for the Cultural Arts Committee’s
FY 2025-2026 work plan.
7.INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
7.a PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON
The liaison may provide updates on projects, activities, or other matters
relevant to the committee. These are informational items with no formal
action.
7.b ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION LIAISON
The liaison may provide updates on projects, activities, or other matters
relevant to the committee. These are informational items with no formal
action.
Cultural Arts Committee Meeting
April 9, 2025
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7.c CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
The liaison provides updates to facilitate communication between the City
Council and the Committee. This is an informational item with no formal
action.
7.d CITY STAFF
City staff will provide updates on relevant projects, activities, and other
matters within the committee's scope. These are informational items with no
formal action.
8.REQUESTS FOR ACTION
Committee members may propose future agenda items within the committee's
scope. Items that receive support from at least one other member may be
placed on a future agenda for discussion and possible action. No formal action
will be taken at this time.
9.ATTENDANCE REPORT 25
10.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting will be held on May 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
11.PUBLIC NOTICES
Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the
designated office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the
Office of the City Clerk, Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive,
Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items considered in open session, and
documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for
public inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov.
Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an
attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you
will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will
attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the
Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to
inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California
that the foregoing agenda for the Cultural Arts Committee was posted on the
City Hall bulletin board and City website not less than 72 hours prior to the
meeting.
/s/ Monique M. Lomeli, CMC
Senior Deputy Clerk
Cultural Arts Committee Meeting
April 9, 2025
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CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Cultural Arts Committee was called to order by Chair Hauer on
Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Administrative Conference Room, City
Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. ROLL CALL
3. NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by: Vice Chair Adney
Seconded by: Committee Member Mitze
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
4.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by: Vice Chair Adney
Seconded by: Committee Member Mitze
Approve the Minutes of December 11, 2024.
Motion Carried
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Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2025
2
5. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None.
6. ACTION CALENDAR
6.a INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON THE CITY’S POET LAUREATE
Management Analyst Erica Powell presented a staff report and narrated a
PowerPoint presentation.
Poet Laureate Lori Davis provided information on the Poet Oasis Workshop and
the showcase reading event scheduled for April 16, 2025.
Motion by: Vice Chair Adney
Seconded by: Committee Member Simley
Receive and file informational report on the City of Palm Desert’s Poet Laureate.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
6.b PALM DESERT LIBRARY ARTS PROGRAMMING UPDATE
Library Manager Jose Garcia provided an update on Library Arts programming
and responded to Committee Member inquiries.
This was an informational update; no formal action was taken.
6.c 2025 STUDENT ART AND ESSAY CONTEST VINYL ART WRAP ARTWORK
SELECTION
Management Analyst Powell narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded
to Committee inquiries.
Motion by: Committee Member Flint
Seconded by: Committee Member Rose
To select and approve the McCallum artwork, created by Keira Farmer, a student
from Palm Desert High School, for the 2025 Student Art and Essay Contest, to
be installed as a vinyl art wrap on a traffic signal cabinet at the entrance of
College of the Desert and Fred Waring Drive.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
6.d CONSIDER PURCHASE OF RISING INVERSION SCULPTURE
Management Analyst Powell narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded
to Committee Member inquiries.
During the discussion, Committee Members provided the following comments:
• Concerns were raised about the City's sculpture selection process,
particularly regarding the bypassing of Committee review.
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Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2025
3
• Members emphasized the importance of making intentional art purchases,
rather than acquiring pieces out of convenience.
Motion by: Vice Chair Adney
Seconded by: Committee Member Flint
Recommend that the City Council approve expenditure in the amount of
$100,000 for the purchase of Rising Inversion by artist Cristopher Cichocki (cha-
house-key), to be installed in Ironwood Park, upon approval of grant funding from
the Arts in California Parks program.
Elizabeth Hauer
Motion Fails (3 to 3)
Motion by: Vice Chair Adney
Seconded by: Committee Member Flint
Recommend that the City Council approve expenditure in the amount of
$100,000 for the purchase of Rising Inversion by artist Cristopher Cichocki (cha-
house-key), to be installed in Ironwood Park, upon approval of grant funding from
the Arts in California Parks program.
Motion Carried (4 to 2)
6.e REQUEST FOR DIRECTION ON INCREASED CONTRACT AMOUNT FOR
DUELING PALMS SCULPTURE
Motion by: Committee Member Rose
Seconded by: Vice Chair Adney
Recommend that the City Council authorize an increase in the amount of
$106,267.25 to the contract with artist Kyle Absolom for Dueling Palms sculpture.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
7. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
7.a PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISON
None.
7.b ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION LIAISON
Liaison Wallace Colvard provided an update on recent actions taken by the
Architectural Review Commission and Planning Commission.
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Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2025
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7.c CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE MEMBERS
In response to member inquiries, Management Analyst Powell provided
information regarding the Student Art and Essay Contest and selection process.
Member Flint, with support from Member Mitze requested to invite a sculpture
artist to provide an educational presentation regarding the production and
selection of sculptures.
Members provided positive feedback regarding the Desert X exhibitions and
encouraged residents to participate in the event.
7.d CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
City Council Liaison Nestande provided an update on recent City Council goal
setting discussions, including the beautification of the North Sphere.
7.e CITY STAFF
Management Analyst Powell provided updates on the following:
• Successful El Paseo sculpture dedication event
• Plans to secure UCR Palm Desert Center for the 2026 Student Art &
Essay Contest
7.f ATTENDANCE REPORT
Report provided; no action taken on this item.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The Cultural Arts Committee adjourned at 10:22 a.m.
9. PUBLIC NOTICES
_______________________________
Monique M. Lomeli, Senior Deputy Clerk
Recording Secretary
_________________________
Erica Powell, Management Analyst
Secretary
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Cultural Arts Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2025
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_________________________
DATE APPROVED BY CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
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Page 1 of 1
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 9, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: PROJECT STATUS REPORT FOR APRIL 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file project status report for April 2025.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
1. 2025 Desert X Exhibition
The exhibition currently features 11 large -scale, site-specific installations across the
Coachella Valley, running from March 8 to May 11, 2025. In Palm Desert, visitors can
experience Truth Arrives in Slanted Beams by Sarah Meyohas at Portola Avenue and
Frank Sinatra Drive and Double Horizon by Raphael Hefti at Cap Homme Adams Park.
For details, visit www.desertx.org.
2. Poet’s Oasis Workshop
Poet’s Oasis is a free, twice-monthly poetry workshop at the Palm Desert Library,
welcoming both new and seasoned poets in a supportive, generative writing environment.
Sessions include craft discussions, poetry prompts, dedicated writing time, and feedback.
The final session of the 2025-2026 season will be held on April 16, 2025, from 5:30 to
7:00 p.m., celebrating National Poetry Month with live acoustic music and refreshments.
The event is free and open to the public.
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Page 1 of 2
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 9, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON FY 2025/2026 PUBLIC ART BUDGET
AND PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file informational report on FY 2025/2026 Public Art budget and projects .
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
Listed below is the proposed FY 2025/2026 Public Art budget that will be presented to the City
Council in May 2025.
Professional Services: $100,000
o Public Art signage (QR signposts and plaques for artworks), utility cabinet
beautification project, community art projects, on-call graphic design services for
public art collateral, scanning of public art files, photography services
Repair & Maintenance: $140,000
o Annual artwork maintenance, phased restoration work, and contingency for
unanticipated repairs/removals
Supplies: $2,000
o Miscellaneous supplies for Cultural Arts Committee, Student Art and Essay
Contest, etc.
Local Meetings, Conferences, and Mileage: $8,500
o Staff reimbursement to attend public art related meetings and conferences
Other: $23,620
o Advertising and promotion, printing and duplicating, subscriptions and
publications, dues, and postage/freight
Capital Projects: $310,000
o San Pablo Phase II roundabout sculpture and misc. public art projects
Capital Outlay: $0
o Amount decreased as it is an off year for the El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition
Total: $584,120
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Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(FY 2025/2026 Public Art Budget and Projects)
Page 2 of 2
Listed below are proposed/scheduled projects for FY 2025/2026:
San Pablo Phase II roundabout fabrication and installation
2026 Student Art and Essay Contest
Poet Laureate Program
Repair and restoration of Desert Dessert
Replace palm fronds and maintenance of Baja Palapa
Restoration of other artworks (TBD)
2027-2028 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition Call for Artists and selection
Update Public Art Municipal Code and all developer policies
Design Public Art developer brochure
Library Deaccession Plan
Utility Box Beautification Project
ARTS in California Parks, Rising Inversion by Cristopher Cichocki
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total proposed Public Art budget for FY 2025/2026 is $584,120 and is subject to City Council
approval.
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Page 1 of 2
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 9, 2025
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE FY 2025-2026
WORK PLAN
RECOMMENDATION:
Identify and establish three to five priorities for the Cultural Arts Committee’s FY 2025-2026 work
plan.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
For FY 2024-2025, the Cultural Arts Committee (CAC) established a comprehensive work plan
to focus its efforts for the year. The three priorities included in the work plan included:
2025/2026 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition
San Pablo Phase II Roundabout Sculpture: Dueling Palms by Kyle Absolom
2025 Desert X Sponsorship
Next Steps
Staff is proposing the following three priorities for inclusion in the FY 2025 -2026 workplan. CAC
members are encouraged to review the se proposed priorities and present their individual FY
2025-2026 priorities during the meeting for discussion. Proposed priorities should take staff time
and budget into consideration. During the meeting, members will select three to five priorities for
the 2025-2026 work plan which will be forwarded to the City Council for review and final approval.
1. San Pablo Phase II Roundabout: Dueling Palms by Kyle Absolom
Dueling Palms sculpture by Kyle Absolom is planned for installation at t he San Pablo
Avenue and College of the Desert roundabout. Originally proposed in the 2021 Call for
Entries, this artwork was highly regarded, leading the City Council to request its
installation at this location. Staff is working with the artist, and the project is in the final
design phase.
2. Public Art Programming Subcommittee
Establish a subcommittee of up to three Committee members, to develop initiatives that
increase community engagement with public art. This subcommittee will identify
programming opportunities and explore partnerships and outreach strategies to expand
public participation. Recommendations will be presented to the full committee for review
and approval.
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Cultural Arts Committee
City of Palm Desert
(Development of Cultural Arts Committee FY 2025-2026 Work Plan)
Page 2 of 2
3. Utility Cabinet Beautification Review and Refresh
Assess existing utility cabinet artwork to determine necessary removals, replacements,
or maintenance. A strategic plan will ensure equitable distribution of art-wrapped cabinets
while attracting diverse artists. This plan will outline priority locations, artist selection
processes, and budget requirements, with a phased implementation balancing
maintenance and new installations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding for the CAC’s FY 2025-2026 Work Plan priorities will be included in the FY 2025 -2026
Public Art Budget for the City Council’s consideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Palm Desert City Council Approved Cultural Arts Committee FY 2024 -2025 Work Plan
16
YES: 5
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
CONFLICT: 0
ABSENT: 0
ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT PENDING APPROVAL OF THE FINAL MINUTES
Minute Action Summary
Palm Desert City Council - Regular Meeting
Agenda Number:13.g.
Title:APPROVE CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 WORK
PLAN
Date:Thursday, March 28, 2024
Motion by:Councilmember Kelly
Seconded by:Mayor Pro Tem Harnik
Approve the Cultural Arts Committee’s Fiscal Year 2024/25 Work Plan.
YES: 5 NO: 0 ABSTAIN: 0 CONFLICT: 0 ABSENT: 0
Motion Carried
Mayor Pro Tem Harnik
Mayor Quintanilla
Councilmember Kelly Councilmember
Nestande
Councilmember Trubee
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Page 1 of 2
CITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 28, 2024
PREPARED BY: Erica Powell, Management Analyst
REQUEST: APPROVE CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25
WORK PLAN
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Cultural Arts Committee’s Fiscal Year 2024/25 Work Plan.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
On February 14, 2024, the Cultural Arts Committee (CAC) established the following priorities for
the FY 2024/25 Work Plan.
2025/26 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition - Located in the median on El Paseo between
Hwy 74 and Portola, eighteen (18) sculptures are displayed for two (2) years. A $5,000
honorarium is awarded to each artist. One (1) year preparation from the Call for Entries
to Installation. From July 2024 to early 2025, staff will be working with the new artists on
contracting and plans for installation, as well as the current artists on plans for
deinstallation and pick up of sculptures.
San Pablo Phase II Roundabout Sculpture: Dueling Palms by Kyle Absolom - After
the Call for Entries was released in early 2021 for a sculpture to be installed in the
roundabout at San Pablo Avenue and San Gorgonio Way, the top two (2) finalists were
selected by the City Council and the community voted on their favorite. The runner up,
Dueling Palms by Kyle Absolom, was so well received by the community that the Cultural
Arts Committee and the City Council suggested it be considered for installation in the San
Pablo Phase II roundabout located at the entrance of the Civic Center and College of the
Desert. Staff will bring this forward for review in the next few months and if approved,
work will commence in FY 2024/2025.
2025 Desert X Sponsorship – Desert X is an internationally renowned contemporary art
exhibition that runs biannually each spring throughout the Coachella Valley. Since its
inception in 2017, the City has provided sponsorship funding and hosted at least two
exhibition sites for each Desert X exhibition. Funds are normally used towards exhibition
support and the creation of free public programming. This exhibition engages the local
community and has worked to develop educational programming for the local school
districts. If funding for the 2025 exhibition is approved, staff will work with the organizer
on a sponsorship agreement and permitting for at least two (2) exhibition sites.
Page 143 of 38218
City of Palm Desert
Approve CAC FY 2024/2025 Work Plan
Page 2 of 2
Strategic Plan:
The Cultural Arts Committee’s FY 2024/25 Work Plan is in line with the Arts & Culture Mini-
Vision contained in the Strategic Plan, which states:
Arts and culture give a community its soul. Palm Desert is the cultural core of the
Coachella Valley. Cultural tourism drives economic growth in Palm Desert. The
community is host to internationally recognized cultural events that bring significant
economic benefits to the City. Palm Desert is a leader in arts and education, ensuring
a well-rounded population that possesses high levels of creativity and critical thinking
skills.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding for the priorities listed in the CAC’s FY 2024/25 Work Plan will be included in the FY
2024/25 Public Art Budget for the City Council’s consideration.
ATTACHMENT:
1. CAC Priorities FY 2024/2025 – Power Point Presentation
Page 144 of 38219
2024/2025 WORKPLAN GOALS
Palm Desert Cultural Arts Committee
February 14, 2024 –Regular Meeting
Page 145 of 38220
BACKGROUND –WHY ARE WE HERE?
Receive Committee Input and Direction pertaining
to goals and priorities for the Fiscal Year
2024/2025
Select three (3) priorities as a Committee
Present items in the form of a workplan to Council
for approval
2024/2025 WORKPLAN GOALS 2Page146 of 38221
CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE PRIORITIES
Ranking Priority Justification
1 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition
The exhibition is in the central shopping district and
receives frequent foot traffic.
Exhibition adds elegance and style to El Paseo.
2
San Pablo Roundabout Phase II –
Dueling Palms
Received community’s involvement and support of
the City Council.
3 Desert X
Participate in an internationally recognized
contemporary art exhibition in associated with the
other communities in the Coachella Valley.
The exhibition puts Palm Desert on the map as a
significant art and cultural destination.
Attracts locals and tourists.
4 Temporary Installation at the southeast
corner of Fred Waring and San Pablo Ave •Highly visible location.
5 Community Art Gallery, establish new
location and action plan
2024/2025 WORKPLAN GOALS 3Page147 of 38222
DISCUSSION
2024/2025 WORKPLAN GOALS 4
Select three (3) top priorities
Page 148 of 38223
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Cultural Arts Committee
Year 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024
Month Mar Feb Jan Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug July Jun May
Day 12 12 8 11 13 9 11 10 12 8
Adney, Carol P - - P P P P - P P P 0 0
Boren, Maureen A - - P P P P - E E P 1 2
Flint, Lori P - - P P P P - E P P 0 1
Hauer, Liz P - - P P P P - P P P 0 0
Mitze, Tom P - - P P P P - P P P 0 0
Rose, Pia P - - P P P P - P E P 0 1
Simley, Ann P - - P P P P - P P P 0 0
P Present
P Remote
A Absent
E Excused
-No Meeting
Resigned/Not Yet Appointed
Palm Desert Municipal Code 2.34.010
Three unexcused absences from regular meeting in any twelve-month period shall constitute an automatic resignation of members
holding office on boards that meet bimonthly.
Please contact the Recording Secretary to discuss any attendance concerns.
Total Absences
Unexcused Excused
25