HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-2016 - City Arts Commission - Approved MinutesNewport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 14, 2016 Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM
Friends Meeting Room, Central Library 1000 Avocado Avenue Newport Beach, CA 92660
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:03 PM
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair
Lynn Selich, Vice Chair
Caroline Logan Michelle Bendetti
Michael Kerr Commissioners Absent: Judy Chang
Jennifer Van Bergh
Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician
Chair Greer announced she would not seek reelection as Chairman of the City Arts
Commission and highlighted events of the past year.
III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS - The City Arts Commission shall nominate and elect
Commissioner to serve as Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary for FY 2016/2017.
Nomination made by Chair Greer, seconded by Commissioner Logan, and carried (5-0-
0-2) of Lynn Selich for Chairman.
AYES: Greer, Selich, Logan, Bendetti, Kerr NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang, Van Bergh Nomination made by Commissioner Logan, seconded by Vice Chair Selich, and carried
(5-0-0-2) of Commissioner Kerr for Vice Chairman.
AYES: Greer, Selich, Logan, Bendetti, Kerr
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang, Van Bergh
Nomination made by Vice Chair Selich, seconded by Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-0-2)
of Commissioner Van Bergh for Secretary.
AYES: Greer, Selich, Logan, Bendetti, Kerr
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang, Van Bergh
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Chair Selich welcomed newly appointed Commissioners Bendetti and Van Bergh.
Commissioner Bendetti shared autobiographical information. Chair Selich related her goals for the year, including the Master Plan for Arts and Culture, trends in the art world, arts education, and fundraising.
IV. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim Mosher commented regarding a budget item of $25,000 for City Arts Commission
activities and noted an error in the Cultural Arts Activities staff report (Item VI.B.2).
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes of the May 12, 2016 and June 9, 2016, City Arts
Commission Meetings
Commissioner Greer provided corrections to pages 5, 6, and 8 of the May 12, 2016,
draft Minutes; and to page 2, 3 and 8 of the June 9, 2016, draft Minutes. Motion made by Commissioner Greer, seconded by Commissioner Logan, and carried
(5-0-0-2), to approve the draft Minutes for the meetings of May 12, 2016, and June 9, 2016 as emended.
AYES: Selich, Kerr, Greer, Logan, Bendetti NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang, Van Bergh
B. Consent Calendar Items
1. Financial Report - Review of financial information.
2. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events
and services. Chair Selich announced City National Bank agreed to a $10,000, two-year title
sponsorship for the Pacific Symphony performance scheduled for August 14, 2016. In
addition, the Chamber of Commerce agreed to be an official partner. Other City organizations would be present at concerts to engage with the community. Vice Chair
Kerr reported the City had allocated $60,000 toward the Pacific Symphony performance. The City Arts Commission hoped to raise matching funds to continue this event – and others – in future years. The City Arts Commission would be developing a financial plan
and structure to include the private sector in the funding and promotion of arts in the City. Plans were being made to acknowledge private donors of different levels.
Motion made by Vice Chair Kerr, seconded by Commissioner Greer, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the Consent Calendar.
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AYES: Selich, Kerr, Greer, Logan, Bendetti
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang, Van Bergh
VII. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Items for Review and Possible Action
3. Committee Appointments - The City Arts Commission Chair will appoint
Ad Hoc Subcommittees of one or more members for such specific purpose as the business of the Commission may require from time to
time.
Chair Selich reported Committee appointments would be deferred to a date following the
City Arts Commission retreat.
4. Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park – Phases III and IV - Staff
requests that the City Arts Commission review a proposal for Phases III
and IV of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park for submission to City Council for approval.
Director Hetherton recalled Council direction to determine details of the proposal. His report covered the utilization of funds, the sculpture garden as a focal point for private
fundraising, and public engagement.
Vice Chair Kerr was not aware that the City Arts Commission should be re-visioning the
sculpture garden as requested by the Council. He understood rotation had always been part of the vision. The Council approved a multiyear, multi-rotational plan.
Chair Selich remarked that the Council's direction was a result of the Council approving funds for the sculpture garden.
Director Hetherton suggested new Council Members wished to become familiar with the history and value of the project.
Commissioner Greer noted salient points from Director Hetherton's report. When the sculpture garden was constructed, pads were placed for rotational art installations. That
fact indicated the sculpture garden was intended to be a rotational art and sculpture garden with a program on an indefinite basis.
Commissioner Bendetti concurred with Vice Chair Kerr's comments. She was interested in the history of the sculpture garden.
Jim Mosher supported use of Policy I-13 funds for the sculpture garden. He requested clarification regarding the status and timeline of the sculpture garden.
Chair Selich advised there would be a 6-month delay of the next phase of the sculpture garden. She believed the community wanted to continue and improve the project.
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Michael Magrutsche felt the Council had to make a commitment before the City Arts
Commission proceeded with anything. Rotating sculptures would provide new topics for discussion and prevent weather damage to the sculptures that were never intended for long-term display.
Chair Selich clarified that artists would provide artwork that would last for a year while on display. An important component would be a protocol for acceptance of art.
Carmen Smith, Newport Beach Arts Foundation President, indicated the Council
postponed acceptance of Sphere 112 and wanted other possible locations for the
sculpture. She requested the City Arts Commission support the Arts Foundation's purchase of and location for Sphere 112.
Commissioner Bendetti left the meeting at 6:15 PM
Susan Cramer stated art is subjective; art engages people; and artwork does not have to be perfect.
Commissioner Greer suggested more social media engagement with the sculpture garden program.
Commissioner Logan recalled that the Council requested options for Sphere 112. Vice Chair Kerr suggested a Commissioner orally present information to the Council
regarding the sculpture garden.
Commissioner Greer indicated the Library Director typically will provide the report to the
Council. Commissioner Greer further stated that if the City Arts Commission does not approve the Staff recommendation for the sculpture garden, it would be further delayed,
and this could impact the continuity and value of the City Arts Commission program.
Motion made by Commissioner Greer, seconded by Commissioner Logan, and carried
(4-0-0-3) to approve submission of the report to the Council. AYES: Selich, Kerr, Greer, Logan
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang, Van Bergh, Bendetti
Vice Chair Kerr proposed tabling the discussion of Sphere 112 and incorporating the discussion into a discussion of policies for acceptance of art.
Director Hetherton reported the Chair could refer discussion of Sphere 112 to the Fine
Arts Committee or appoint a subcommittee for the topic.
Chair Selich suggested referring the discussion to the Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee
and encouraged the Committee to obtain professional input.
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Commissioner Greer indicated Sphere 112 was scheduled to leave the garden on
August 17 and inquired whether the sculpture would remain in the garden until a decision was made.
Director Hetherton received permission for the piece to remain in the garden until the issue was resolved.
Chair Selich acknowledged the Art Exhibition and the Arts Foundation's role in the Exhibition.
5. Acceptance of Sculpture Sunset Years into the City Art Inventory - The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee requests that the City Arts
Commission review the sculpture and proposed site for Sunset Years by
sculptors Miriam Baker and Rhonda Jones and recommend that City Council accept into the City Art inventory.
Director Hetherton reported the Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee evaluated the piece in relation to Council Policies I-9 and I-11 and determined the sculpture met the criteria.
Commissioner Greer felt the proposed location for the artwork was appropriate.
Commissioner Logan requested Miriam Baker, the sculptor of the piece, provide her opinion of the location.
Miriam Baker stated the proposed location was acceptable. However, placing the sculpture facing the Bay and close to the rail would not allow the public to view all sides
of the sculpture. The sculpture should be placed so that it faced the ferry. She
expressed concern regarding the strength of the wood deck.
Commissioner Greer understood Public Works recommended the location.
Director Hetherton added that Public Works had approved the site.
Miriam Baker gave an update regarding the progress of the sculpture, which would be complete on time.
Lee Pearl was excited about the sculpture and a proposed mural celebrating the centennial of Balboa Island. Families donated funds for the mural. The Concert in the
Church series was well attended and funded through a grant from the City. Concerts in the Park during August were funded through the Balboa Island Improvement Association (BIIA) and the Business Association.
Commissioner Greer attended the Concert in the Church in June and highly
recommended it.
Lee Pearl thanked all donors for the wonderful addition to public art. Hopefully a plaque
could be installed to recognize contributors.
Jim Mosher believed the Recreation & Senior Services should be involved. The process
for the City Arts Commission to accept artwork was not clear. He was concerned that
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the City Arts Commission was not involved with public art at an earlier stage. He did not
understand the connection between Sunset Years and Balboa Island in particular. Perhaps the City Arts Commission could accept the piece for two years. If the piece became popular, the City could sell it to support other art activity on Balboa Island.
Motion made by Commissioner Greer, seconded by Vice Chair Kerr, and carried (4-0-0-3) to recommend the City Council accept the sculpture, Sunset Years, into the City art
inventory.
Commissioner Logan stated she was a member of the Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee
but was not involved with reviewing the proposed location.
Chair Selich inquired whether Commissioner Logan wanted to defer a recommendation
regarding the location of the piece.
Commissioner Logan wished to recommend the City Council accept the sculpture but defer a recommendation regarding the location.
Miriam Baker felt the location was good. She had previously offered a location and a bench on her own property.
Commissioner Logan commented that the commotion at the ferry landing was not compatible with her feeling toward the piece. The many attractions near the ferry landing detracted from the quietness of the piece.
Commissioner Greer inquired whether the proposed site was recommended to the Fine
Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee after Director Hetherton and Public Works Staff considered
and reviewed the location.
Director Hetherton advised that there was a paucity of public sites. A site along Marine
Avenue was deemed unacceptable.
Commissioner Logan clarified that neighbors were opposed to the Marine Avenue location. She wished to evaluate the location that Miriam Baker was contemplating as she created the sculpture.
Commissioner Greer thought that the spot that was being designated was coming back to the Fine Arts Committee for approval did not realize that the Fine Arts Ad Hoc
Subcommittee was to go out into the City and explore sites for the sculpture. She thought they were charged with reviewing the application for this private piece once the site has been chosen. She was under the impression that the site had been chosen, and
the Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee's role was simply to review it.
Commissioner Logan requested to table the item.
Chair Selich asked if the consultant for the Sphere 112 issue could also comment on a
location for Sunset Years.
Miriam Baker reported a location should be determined by September 1st.
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Lee Pearl indicated a centennial celebration and dedication was scheduled for
September 18th. Chair Selich questioned whether the City Arts Commission could reach a
recommendation and agreement in time for the piece to be installed by September 18. Vice Chair Kerr added that there could be delays with the City Council considering the
item. Rather than tabling the issue, the City Council could accept the piece but reserve the final location until a decision on the location could be made.
Director Hetherton was unsure whether the City Arts Commission could accept a piece of art if the location was not established, per Policies I-9 and I-11.
Commissioner Greer commented that this is a private piece, and a system was established whereby the Fine Arts Committee would review what the Carlson
Foundation brought to them, and the only thing the Fine Arts Committee had to do was to approve it. When Director Hetherton brought this to the Committee, Commissioner Greer was under the impression that a lot of thought had already gone into this and the
Committee was receiving the application with a change of site. So, she would agree with Commissioner Kerr’s recommendation that they could approve the application subject to this being worked out with Commissioner Logan and the Fine Arts Committee.
Director Hetherton suggested the City Arts Commission continue the item, allow the Subcommittee time to review the site, and then take up the issue at a special meeting.
Commissioner Logan agreed.
Director Hetherton inquired about alternative locations.
Lee Pearl explained the reasons for locating the sculpture at the ferry landing.
Miriam Baker advised the City Arts Commission to accept the proposed location.
Commissioner Logan accepted the proposed location as Ms. Baker had agreed to it.
Motion made by Commissioner Logan, seconded by Commissioner Greer, and carried (4-0-0-3) to recommend the City Council accept the piece into the City's art inventory.
AYES: Selich, Kerr, Greer, Logan NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang, Van Bergh, Bendetti
6. City Arts Commission Strategic Planning Session - Staff proposes
hiring Loren Lillestrand of Lillestrand Leadership Consulting to facilitate a strategic planning session.
Vice Chair Kerr wanted to ensure that all advance preparation are included in the $3,100 fee for the one-day planning session.
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Chair Selich asked if the proposal should include work following the retreat.
Director Hetherton explained that the eight hours included some work before and after the retreat.
Chair Selich inquired whether the City Arts Commission had held a retreat in the recent past.
Director Hetherton responded no, not since he had been employed with the City.
Jim Mosher concurred with Vice Chair Kerr's comments. He questioned whether the City Council needed to approve the proposal.
Motion made by Commissioner Greer, seconded by Chair Selich, and carried (4-0-0-3) to approve the allocation of funds to hire a facilitator, Loren Lillestrand, to assist with the
Strategic Planning Session. AYES: Selich, Kerr, Greer, Logan
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Chang, Van Bergh, Bendetti
7. Cultural Arts Grants 2016-17 - The sum of $40,000 (Cultural and Arts,
City Grants Account #4002-8254) is provided annually for specific arts
programming or projects as approved by the City Council. The City Arts Commission has the responsibility to review all programs and requests for
support from arts groups and make recommendations or funding to the
City Council for final approval. For Fiscal Year 2016/17, staff recommends that the City Arts Commission distribute the entire amount
of $40,000 to arts organizations, with the encouragement that the arts
programming take place in City facilities.
Director Hetherton suggested all funds, $40,000.00 be awarded directly to arts organizations. Staff could encourage organizations to hold programming on City sites such that events were sponsored by the City Arts Commission, but labor and
administrative costs were outsourced. The City Arts Commission could take advantage of Cultural Arts grants in order to engender public support and advocacy.
Commissioner Greer concurred that Staff's proposal had all the benefits and no liability. Vice Chair Kerr concurred. He asked how the City Arts Commission would replace the
funds it had been granting itself in the past.
Director Hetherton explained that the City Arts Commission had a programming budget
of $35,000, but it was budgeted for concerts. Thus far, the concerts had cost $18,000.
Chair Selich supported Staff's proposal.
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Motion made by Commissioner Greer, seconded by Commissioner Logan, and carried
(4-0-0-3) to utilize $40,000 for Cultural Arts grants to arts organizations, while encouraging arts programming to take place in City facilities.
AYES: Selich, Kerr, Greer, Logan NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Chang, Van Bergh, Bendetti
B. Monthly Reports
8. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Chair Arlene Greer (Chair),
Secretary Caroline Logan, Commissioner Judy Chang
The Newport Beach Art Exhibition was held Saturday, June 18th, with 160 artists, 290
works of art, and approximately 2,000 attendees. More art was sold than in the past. Chair Greer thanked volunteers, sponsors, and Staff for their assistance.
Commissioner Logan left the meeting at 7:15 PM.
Vice Chair Kerr noted the lack of a quorum and suggested the meeting adjourn. 9. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Chair
Arlene Greer (Chair), Vice Chair Lynn Selich 10. Master Plan for Arts and Culture Steering Committee – Chair Arlene
Greer (Chair), Secretary Caroline Logan
11. Communications/Publicity/Marketing Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Vice
Chair Lynn Selich, Commissioner Judy Chang
12. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee –
Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Vice Chair Lynn Selich
13. Cultural Arts Collaborations Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Vice Chair Lynn
Selich (Chair), Commissioner Judy Chang, Commissioner Michael Kerr
VIII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
X. ADJOURNMENT – 7:15 PM
Approved by: Lynn Selich
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