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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAIPP Cmsn - 02-20-2013 _ � � CITY OF PALM DESERT ���-� � � ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION � MINUTES ' � February 20, 2013 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Boren convened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. II, ROLL CALL Present Absent Maureen Boren, Chairperson�i'�'�'Cn��ACTION Norma Bussing APPROVF.D DF,NiF,D Donna Jean Darby RECE[VED `���� OTHER Katherine Hough MFETING DATE "� � Lesley Miller �YFS: ,- ; � Kim Snyder Nors: �'pne- � Maureen Thompson Ag�ENT: N��►� Also Present A13STAIN: � ��n� VCRIFIED IiY: �� Ori�in�l Fil with C'ty Clerk's ffice Lauri Aylaian, Director of CommShi�jr �'eveFopmen� Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Coordinator Debbie Thompson, Recording Secretary Susan Marie Weber, Councilmember Liaison Connor Limont, Planning Commission Liaison John Vuksic, Architectural Review Commission Liaison III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Schwartz introduced Councilmember Susan Marie Weber and Planning Commission liaison Connor Limont. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of the regular meeting held on January 16, 2013. Art in Public Places Minutes February 20, 2013 Upon Motion by Commissioner Hough and second by Commissioner Bussing, the Minutes of January 16, 2013 were approved unanimous/y. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ORAL REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Councilmember Weber reported that City Council approved the reimbursement of the public art fee for "Wisdom Given" by Alexander Bashta, III at Oracle Plaza located at 73-585 Fred Waring. Councilmember Weber added that she is looking forward to working with the Commissioners and staff. She has been reviewing the past agendas and minutes that staff prepared for her and appreciated the information. B. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT— Connor Limont Ms. Limont referred to Ms. Aylaian for a report as she was absent from the February 19, 2013 Planning Commission meeting. Ms. Aylaian reported that a developer requested to build a gym in one of the buildings at Village Court. However, the Commission voted against it due to the location. The Planning Commission approved placement of two Mono rocks at Stone Eagle due to there not being adequate cell phone coverage in that development. C. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION REPORT — John Vuksic Mr. Vuksic reported that the Architectural Review Commission reviewed and approved a change of color on an awning at an art gallery on EI Paseo. An awning and signage were approved for Studio 55. A design proposed by Goodyear Tire (located on Monterey and Dinah Shore) was approved. Construction drawings for 72 units in Villa Portofino on Portola and Country Club were approved. The first phase of the remodel for Westfield Shopping Center (portion that faces Hwy 111) received preliminary approval. The remodel will include four restaurants with outdoor seating. Dick's Sporting Goods will be housed in the old Robinsons May store. 2 Art in Public Places Minutes February 20, 2013 VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None Vil. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF PAINTING THREE SETS OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOXES AND SELECT LOCATIONS Ms. Schwartz reported that in 2007 the Art in Public Places Commission started a pilot program in which three sets of traffic signal cabinets were selected on EI Paseo to be painted by local artists. The test program was expected to last approximately six months but two of the sets of cabinets have held up fairly well and are still in pretty good condition. One set of cabinets was vandalized and is no longer part of the program. Because the original sets of cabinets were well received, staff brought the program back to City Council for review in September 2008, but City Council was not in favor of the specific design proposals. At that time staff did not propose to continue the program. Staff is bringing the program forward again, and has identified several locations of traffic signal cabinets along the Fred Waring corridor, Highway 111, and at Palm Desert High School. If the program is approved, staff would send out a Request for Qualifications seeking local artists to create artwork for three sets of traffic signal cabinets. The Commission would be asked to narrow the submissions to five artists. Those five artists would receive $100 each to submit a proposal for the Commission's review. The Commission would then select and place three finalists' proposals in order of preference for City Council's final approval. (The final three artists would each receive a commission in the amount of $1,500.) Ms. Schwartz asked the Commission to select three sets of cabinets with one alternate. Ms. Schwartz presented the following sets of cabinets on Fred Waring: northwest corner of Fred Waring and Portola, southwest corner of Town Center Way and Fred Waring, and northwest corner of Fred Waring and College of the Desert (artscape behind it). 3 Art in Public Places Minutes February 20, 2013 Commissioner Darby mentioned that the McCallum Theatre and COD are planning to place a marquee on the corner of Monterey and Fred Waring. Ms. Schwartz presented the following locations on Highway 111: northeast corner of Highway 111 and Town Center in front of Westfield Mall, southwest corner of Highway 111 and San Luis Rey, northwest corner of Highway 111 and Monterey (old Visitor Center/Sheriff Substation); and southwest corner of Plaza Way and Highway 111 (just one box). Commissioner Darby commented that that particular corner is heavily traveled. She commented that if an attractive piece of artwork was placed on that corner, it might be a distraction. Commissioner Miller asked that staff consider the concept of an attractive nuisance. Ms. Schwartz noted that the cabinets on Highway 111 have more complex, multifaceted surfaces. Ms. Schwartz also asked the Commission to consider one of the two following Palm Desert High School locations: northeast corner of Phyllis Jackson and Fred Waring near Palm Desert High School and northwest corner of Cook Street and Aztec directly in front of Palm Desert High School. If one of the Palm Desert High School locations is selected, Ms. Schwartz suggested having staff work with the art teachers at the high school to involve the students in the creation of the design proposal and potentially also the painting process. The Commission selected the following cabinets for consideration to be painted. Phyllis Jackson and Fred Waring, Portola and Fred Waring, Fred Waring at College of the Desert, and Fred Waring and Town Center Way as the alternate. It was moved by Commissioner Bussing and seconded by Commissioner Darby to recommend the painting of three sets of traffic signa/ boxes at Phyllis Jackson and Fred Waring, Porto/a and Fred Waring, and Fred Waring at College of the Desert, with the cabinets at Fred Waring and Town Center Way as the a/ternate. Motion carried unanimous/y. 4 Art in Public Places Minutes February 20 2013 B. CONSIDERATION OF ARTWORK FOR THE EXTERIOR EAST FACING WA�LS OF THE PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CENTER Ms. Schwartz reported that the staff liaison for the Parks and Recreation Commission approached the public art staff stating that one of the Commission members suggested placing artwork on the exterior walls of the Community Center and YMCA buildings that face Civic Center Park. Staff reviewed the location and was in favor of the idea. However, it was brought to staff's attention that the YMCA building might be expanded and is only considering artwork for the Community Center at this time. Ms. Schwartz reported that staff would send out a Request for Qualifications seeking an artist or artist team to work with youth to create a community project. The Commission would narrow down the submissions to three artists who would create a design proposal for an honorarium of $500 each. From the three proposals, the City Council would select one artist who would receive a commission in the amount of $20,000 to create an artwork on the east facing walls of the Palm Desert Community Center. It was moved by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Thompson to recommend the commissioning of artwork for the exterior east tacing walls of the Pa/m Desert Community Center. Upon approva/ by City Council, staff wou/d send out a Request for Qualifications seeking artists or artist team who wou/d be required to work with youth to create a community project. Motion carried unanimously. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRPERSON lt was moved by Commissioner Bussing and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to e/ect Commissioner Darby to continue to serve as Vice Chair during 2013. Motion carried unanimously, IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE 5 Art in Public Places Minutes February 20, 2013 X. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS A. Palm Desert Community Gallery Ms. Schwartz reported that the Student Art and Essay Contest is now on display in the Community Gallery. Ms. Schwartz has received a few applications for the upcoming gallery season. The applications are due March 13 and will be reviewed by the Commission at its March 20 meeting. B. Docent Program Ms. Schwartz reported that there were approximately 70 people on the Second Saturday tour of the EI Paseo Invitational Exhibition. Approximately 120 first graders at Washington Charter School toured the EI Paseo Invitational Exhibition as well. Staff has been scheduling several requests for private tours. Commissioner Darby suggested that the Commissioners receive a copy of the information on the artwork and artists for the EI Paseo Invitational Exhibition. Staff will send the information to the Commissioners. C. Desertscapes Ms. Schwartz reported that she is pleased with the Desertscapes program this year. The Desertscapes website has been redesigned and should be up and running next week. The threefold brochure that replaced the rack card should be available in a few weeks. D. Student Art and Essay Contest Ms. Thompson reported that the artwork for the Student Art and Essay Contest is on display and has been judged. She is in the process of organizing the essays and placing them into notebooks for display in the gallery. Thirty more artworks were received this year than in the past, as well as more essays. Palm Desert High School participated in both the art and essay categories. The efforts in meeting with the Youth Committee and English teachers helped with the participation from the high school. She added that since she has been managing the contest, this was the best, and most 6 Art in Public Places Minutes February 20, 2013 well received theme. Ms. Thompson thanked Commissioner Bussing for reading and judging all of the essays. The Award Ceremony is Wednesday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. STAFF Ms. Schwartz updated the Commission on the status of the public art project at the Coachella Valley Water District. She met with the District's staff and reviewed possible available areas in the buildings as well as the exterior. Ms. Schwartz reported that the second public art component for the Westin Desert Willow has been installed. The lighting for that project is being addressed. Ms. Schwartz reported that "Steelroots" by Steve Tobin was installed in the Civic Center Park near the tot lot. Due to much activity on and around that sculpture, it was moved to Fred Waring in front of the Park View building (east of the Sheriff Station). The sculpture will remain at that site for up to two years. Ms. Schwartz reported that DOWNSIDE UP will screen at UCR on Thursday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. as part of the Public Art Documentary Film Series. B. COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Bussing commended Debbie Thompson and Deborah Schwartz on the efforts that were put into the Student Art and Essay Contest. Chairperson Boren mentioned the renovation at the Library and noted that there seems to be available space on the north wall of the reading room where artwork could be placed and thought it could be considered in the future. Staff will look at it before the next meeting. 7 Art in Public Places Minutes February 20, 2013 XI. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Hough moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:13 a.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Snyder. Respectfully submitted, DEBBIE L. THOMPSON, RECORDING SECRETARY 8