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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-06-28MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1983 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Puluqi convened the Adjourned Meeting of the City Council at 9:10 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Councilman Phyllis Jackson Councilman Richard S. Kelly Mayor Pro-Tem Walter H. Snyder Councilman S. Roy Wilson Mayor Romeo S. Puluqi Also Present: Paul E. Byers, Acting City Manager Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Environmental Services Charles Martin, Civic Center Architect V. OLD BUSINESS A. CIVIC CENTER Mr. Diaz reported that this discussion of the proposed mural for the Council Chambers had been continued from the study session of June 23rd. He read a letter of reference for Mr. Bill Ware from Adagio Galleries. Mr. Bill Ware presented pieces of his art for Council's review and gave a description of each as well as an explanation for its preparation. Upon question by Councilman Wilson, Mr. Ware responded that Mr. DeChristopher's selection for this wall had been artwork on material. However, it was his own opinion that the material would not soften the sound as the mural with accoustical backing would. Councilman Snyder expressed concern as to just who was quarterbacking the team. He said that $420,000 had been budgeted, Mr. DeChristopher had been employed for his interior design services, and yet it sounded as if we were not utilizing his services. Mr. Martin responded that he as architect was the quarterback to ensure that all items being purchased under the interior designer were the best quality for the best price. In addition, good common sense had to be utilized, and he felt it his job to make sure this happened. He noted that two artists had come in with ideas for the civic center. Mr. Ware came on his own while the woman artist had been invited by the designer. Mr. Ware's proposal so far is the only thing proposed that has any payback on it in terms of dollars and cents —with the sale of the prints. The overage could start an art budget for other items. Mr. Martin stated that in terms of what color goes on what wall, he was basically dealing with the "desert colors" -- the tans, etc. He could see it getting into some of the purples and the deep tints too. The artist is aware of the colors and even still, the Council would MINUTES ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 28, 1983 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * see everything he did before it is put in finished form. Councilman Snyder thanked Mr. Martin and said he was pleased with his report and the way things were being monitored. Councilman Jackson stated that one of the important things discussed with Steven de Christopher in the committee meetings is that this is to be a permanent wall decor. That is why it's important the decision be made now because it's going to take a long time for the preparation, and if it isn't going to be, then the committee must know in order to look at other things for that wall. Mayor Puluqi asked Mr. Martin about the use of aluminum wiring. Mr. Martin stated that it was being used only in low voltage uses which was allowed under our codes. Councilman Wilson stated back to the artwork, he, for one, liked the concept even though he had been resistent to much of the cadillac interior being designed. He thought this was something that might give that facility a statement. He felt the print idea was a nice concept in that it took us back to the original philosophy of the civic center and that was to make everyone feel that it belonged to them. Councilman Snyder concurred with everything Councilman Wilson said. Councilman Kelly stated that he liked what he had heard but had a procedural question -- that being where this proposal stood with the Arts Committee. Should the Council now ask them to consider this idea strongly and give a recommendation? Councilman Jackson responded that a meeting was scheduled the next afternoon to discuss some other things pertaining to the lobby areas. However, Mr. Ware's proposal had been presented to the Committee, along with some others, and as far as this particular location was concerned, there was really no decision made or any comment other than they liked Mr. Ware's work and so forth. She said that simply because of the funding, they felt there was no hope for it unless the money came out of what had already been allocated. She stated that what she would like to see, in an effort to help the Committee make its decision and if the Council was in favor and wished this type of permanent wall covering, that the approval be subject to the approval of the Art Committee. She did not feel there would be a problem, and this would help them make their decision. She noted that Mr. Martin had been present during the presentation of Mr. Ware's proposal, and there certainly were no objections voiced at all. It was just sort of like "it's wonderful, but what can we do?" Councilman Wilson asked Mr. Martin if he, as architect, had any problem with a permanent piece of artwork of this magnitude in this position in that building. Mr. Martin responded no, not considering the subject material. Councilman Jackson asked Mr. Martin if he were planning acoustical material behind the painting so that it did absorb sound? Thus, there would be no other finish on the wall except the acoustical and the painting over it. Mr. Martin said yes. Councilman Wilson moved to endorse Mr. Ware's proposal in concept and refer the idea to the Civic Arts Committee for their consideration and report back to Council. Councilman Snyder seconded the motion. Councilman Jackson asked if that meant that if the Art Committee approved it, then it would be funded? Councilman Wilson stated that was the intent of his motion. Councilman Snyder said then we could get it started now so we could get it in there next month. Mr. Diaz stated at this point there was a question of funding and then selling the prints to pay for it. He said that it was understood that we -2- MINUTES ADJOURNED CITY COUtiCIL MEETING JUNE 28, 1983 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * are funding it at this time, and he would come back after discussing with Paul Byers to work out some type of agreement so that we don't have a situation that when we sell the prints, the money goes into the General Fund. Mayor Puluqi stated that the funding was only a portion. Councilman Snyder said he understood that we had a price and that price would be paid from the $420,000 already allocated. Then we set up the print program by and of itself. Councilman Wilson agreed that was the intent of his motion and the additional funds could be used for other art. Councilman Kelly asked whether or not the Council should not have, after the Art Committee endorses it, this written out so that Council could see it. He thought it should just be sent to the Committee at this point and have the details worked out for Council to see before actually acting on it. Mr. Diaz responded that as long as we had the money and that understanding with Paul Byers, the details of the sale of the prints could be worked out later. Mr. Byers said that as he understood it, the original cost of the artwork would become part of the cost of the building and that a trust fund might be set up which would receive proceeds from the sale of the prints which might be used for other artwork. Councilman Kelly asked if that gave the City all rights to that artwork. Mr. Ware responded the prints would be handed over to the City who would have the right to use it on brochures, anywhere, etc. The only thing the City would not have the right to do is, after the 400 prints were gone, print 400 more without him. Mr. Kelly stated that even if the mural did not tie in with all the rest of the interior, it had enough personal involvement with everyone in the community that would far overcome that. Mayor Puluqi called for the question, and the motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Snyder, second by Wilson, and unanimous vote of the Council, Mayor Puluqi adjourned the meeting at 9:50 a.m. to Closed Session for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter. Mayor Puluqi reconvened the meeting at 10:20 a.m. announcing that action taken in Closed Session would be announced at the- next Regular Meeting of the Council. He then adjourned the Council meeting to 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 1983. ATTEST: SHEILA R. GIL O' AN, CIT% LERK CITY OF PAL DESERT LIFORNIA -3- l/":2}7, EO S. I LtiI, MAYOR