HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-2020 - CAC - Approved MinutesNewport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Special Meeting – 5:00 PM Civic Center Council Chambers 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:04 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Marie Little, Vice Chair Michelle Bendetti, Secretary Miriam Baker, Commissioner (arrived at 5:06 p.m.) Maureen Flanagan, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner (attending remotely) Ritch LeGrand, Commissioner (attending remotely)
Commissioners Absent: None Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician Chair Greer congratulated Leonard Simon on his appointment to the City Arts
Commission. III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the February 13, 2020, City Arts Commission Meeting
1. Draft of 02/13/2020 Minutes
Vice Chair Little clarified her comments on page 3 of the February 13, 2020 meeting Minutes in that she supports international artists submitting their artwork for the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park. If the City Arts Commission intends to consistently
disregard international sculptures because of the logistics and expense of transporting them to Newport Beach, it should not invite international artists to participate. Chair Greer requested the February 13, 2020 meeting Minutes reflect the collaborative discussion among Commissioners and the two professional jurors and the consensus of the City Arts Commission in selecting the ten pieces and three alternates for the Sculpture
Exhibition.
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Special Meeting Minutes June 24, 2020
Page 2 Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Flanagan, and carried
(7-0-0-0) to approve the Minutes of the February 13, 2020 City Arts Commission meeting. AYES: Greer, Little, Bendetti, Baker, Flanagan, Kaufman, LeGrand NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report – Review of financial information Library Services Director Tim Hetherton reported basically no expenditures since March. The Marine 1/1 Memorial Sculpture is undergoing its annual cleaning, and an invoice in the approximate amount of $5,000 should be received before the end of the fiscal year.
In response to Commissioner Baker's questions, Library Services Director Hetherton indicated the 2019 cleaning of Marine 1/1 cost around $5,000. The cost may seem high,
but the statue is large, made of bronze and granite, and is on a setting. The Municipal Operations Department (MOD) referred him to the vendor because the City has a preexisting contract with the vendor. MOD is preparing an overarching contract for
maintenance of all City art, plaques, flagpoles, etc. Under the contract, City art will have a regular maintenance schedule. The vendor who last cleaned Sunset Years and Ronald Reagan will likely clean them again. If the contract is successfully negotiated, MOD staff will handle routine cleaning. In reply to Chair Greer's queries, Library Services Director Hetherton related that Cultural Arts may pay a portion of the contract cost for the new vendor, but the cost should be less than one-time arrangements. He agreed to investigate whether the sphere in the McFadden Square Centennial Legacy Project should have been painted turquoise. Chair Greer noted the City Arts Commission prefers to spend all monies prior to the end
of the fiscal year such that the budget has a zero balance. In answer to her question, Library Services Director Heatherton believed the City would probably be pleased with a surplus in the Cultural Arts budget because of the budget deficit caused by the pandemic.
There have been no comments about spending funds or not spending funds. 3. Cultural Arts Activities – Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the
Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and
services. Library Services Director Hetherton reported the City Council reduced the Cultural Arts budget by $11,000, $10,000 from Cultural Arts Grants and $1,000 from maintenance and repair. With public health restrictions in effect, arts programming is on hold. Chair Greer noted the Cultural Arts Grants budget has a balance of $9,000. The City Arts Commission recommended a $5,000 Cultural Arts Grant for the Newport Beach Film Festival's educational seminar, but the Council did not approve it. Prior to the pandemic, the City Arts Commission had planned to use the remaining $4,000 for a children's project,
perhaps in partnership with Lyric Opera.
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Page 3
Library Services Director Hetherton indicated staff at the State Department of Recreation has assured him a check has been issued to reimburse the City for Phase V of the Sculpture Exhibition. He has prepared another reimbursement request for honoraria. Installation of Phase V sculptures will commence on June 28 and conclude on July 15.
Burnt Matchstick should be de-installed by the middle of July. In answer to Commissioner Baker's query, Chair Greer explained that in performing due diligence prior to purchasing Burnt Matchstick, staff discovered costly electrical repairs were needed. In paying for Burnt Matchstick, the Newport Beach Arts Foundation would have had no funds remaining to fund other projects and programs.
Library Services Director Hetherton indicated staff is rescheduling art exhibitions for the Central Library gallery because the current artist installed her artwork the day before the Library closed for the pandemic.
In response to Chair Greer's inquiries, Library Services Director Hetherton confirmed that Lauren Mendelsohn-Bass is the artist currently displaying her work in Central Library.
Four exhibits on loan from the Balboa Island Museum are also on display in the Central Library gallery. Hopefully, the exhibits will continue on display after the Library reopens. Former Commissioner Glabman worked on obtaining the exhibits prior to leaving the City Arts Commission but was not specifically involved in the loan of the exhibits. Staff has developed a plan for reopening and is prepared to reopen, but the date depends on guidance from the State and the County of Orange. In reply to Commissioner Baker's question, Library Services Director Hetherton advised that he would contact the museum about extending the loan. Chair Greer thanked former Commissioner Glabman for assisting with the loan of four
exhibits from Balboa Island Museum. Motion made by Commissioner Flanagan, seconded by Commissioner Baker, and carried
(7-0-0-0) to approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Greer, Little, Bendetti, Baker, Flanagan, Kaufman, LeGrand
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. Community Arts Survey – Staff will present a community arts survey.
Pending City Arts Commission approval, staff will disseminate the survey
online and in print, in preparation for a public meeting. Library Services Director Hetherton reported staff has revised the community arts survey to expand some components, tighten other components, and integrate questions about historical preservation and marketing. Some time remains to refine the survey, but
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Page 4 scheduling a subsequent public meeting is uncertain. The survey results will provide some
talking points for a public meeting, when it can be scheduled. Vice Chair Little proposed Commissioners provide their individual feedback regarding the survey and Chair Greer appoint an ad hoc subcommittee to review and present the feedback to the City Arts Commission. Vice Chair Little agreed to serve on the ad hoc subcommittee and requested Chair Greer also join the ad hoc subcommittee as they previously prepared an informal survey. Chair Greer agreed to do so. Vice Chair Little requested Commissioners email their comments to her. In reply to Chair Greer's question, Library Services Director Hetherton recommended the City Arts Commission disseminate the survey after reviewing Commissioners' comments
so that the survey data can be developed into talking points for a public meeting. Chair Greer suggested the City Arts Commission's discussion of goals and objectives could be a good time to disseminate the survey.
Chair Greer requested Commissioners contact her if they are interested in serving on the ad hoc subcommittee.
Library Services Director Hetherton clarified that Commissioners should send their feedback to him in order to comply with the Brown Act. 5. Local History – Staff presents an overview of the City Arts Commission’s role in the local history preservation and programming. Library Services Director Hetherton advised that the staff report describes the City Arts Commission's role and programming for historical preservation. The City Arts Commission led the effort to dedicate a plaque at the site of the Brandts' Blue Sky School and has hosted programs with the Balboa Island Museum and the Newport Beach
Historical Society. Councilwoman Brenner is interested in having more historical programming and collections. The display cases at Central Library could be used to display historical collections. The Historical Society utilizes space at the Balboa Branch
Library for exhibitions. As time passes, the City Arts Commission will have more opportunities to consider buildings for the Register of Historical Property.
Chair Greer related that the City Arts Commission is responsible for raising arts, cultural, and historical references in the City and bringing the community out to enjoy the resources available in the City. Commissioner Flanagan offered to serve with Chair Greer on an ad hoc subcommittee regarding historical preservation and programming. 6. Cultural Arts Grant – Staff requests that the City Arts Commission extend the deadline for completion reports due to COVID-19 program cancellation
and establish a new timeline for grantees that is aligned to the fiscal calendar for local schools and the community arts calendar.
Library Services Director Hetherton indicated Cultural Arts grantees had planned programs in schools and the community for the spring of 2020. Unfortunately, grantees
had to cancel their programming and events because of the pandemic. Staff suggests the
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Page 5 City Arts Commission extend the due date of grantees' completion reports so that they
can offer the events and programming when restrictions are lifted; not require submission of completion reports for those grantees who apply for Cultural Arts Grants in fiscal year 2021; and modify the Cultural Arts Grants program to promote the program in January, set a deadline for submission of applications in the last week of March, and issue grants in May. Commissioner Kaufman departed the meeting at 5:50 p.m. Chair Greer remarked that the Cultural Arts Grants program funds primarily local schools and arts organizations and recited the organizations that received grants in 2019. Staff would have little time to process completion reports and begin the next application cycle
if the City Arts Commission does not modify the program. Commissioner Flanagan supported staff's proposed modifications given the public health
situation. Jim Mosher endorsed the staff recommendation.
Motion made by Chair Greer, seconded by Vice Chair Little, and carried (7-0-0-0) to approve the staff recommendation. AYES: Greer, Little, Bendetti, Baker, Flanagan, Kaufman, LeGrand NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None 7. Newport Art Exhibition Date Change – The exhibition date has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2020.
Library Services Director Hetherton announced the Newport Beach Art Exhibition has been rescheduled for September 26, 2020, and staff has reserved the Community Room
for September 25 and 26. Because the availability of public spaces is severely limited, staff booked the date prior to approval from the City Arts Commission. 8. Metalfor Update – Staff will update the City Arts Commission on the
renovation of the sculpture Metalfor. Library Services Director Hetherton reported Bret Price, Metalfor’s artist, has contacted staff with concerns about the method of restoration. Mr. Price and Legacy Fine Arts, the restoration vendor, have crafted a restoration plan that satisfies both. The new plan will probably increase the cost to slightly more than $5,000. Staff will present the revised quote when it is received. In answer to Commissioner Baker's questions, Library Services Director Hetherton stated the statue will not be powder coated, and the cost will increase, rather than decrease,
because the statue will be sanded and repainted. According to Mr. Price, powder coating is not more durable than painting. As the artist, Mr. Price has the right to advise on the restoration of the piece. Mr. Price's concerns were the durability and aesthetics of the
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Page 6 original restoration proposal. Library Services Director Hetherton did not know whether
powder coating or painting would be more durable. Vice Chair Little advised that manufacturers of outdoor furniture powder coat their pieces rather than paint them in order to increase durability. She highly discouraged painting
Metalfor in favor of powder coating. Commissioner Baker concurred. Library Services Director Hetherton indicated California state law provides artists with rights regarding their artwork. Metalfor was not originally powder coated. Vice Chair Little commented that the artist is not paying for the restoration and will not be financially impacted if the piece has to be restored again in five years. Library Services Director Hetherton explained that California state law gives artists certain rights over their artwork even after sale of the artwork. The City can maintain the piece but not alter it, and Mr. Price feels powder coating
will alter the piece. The City allowed powder coating to be applied to Metalfor without consulting the artist or obtaining his permission. The vendor has expressed hesitation about proceeding with work that does not align with the artist's desires. In addition, the
City Attorney's Office has recommended revising the restoration to conform with the artist's desires.
Commissioner Baker noted Mr. Price does not believe the piece requires powder coating and questioned his objection to powder coating if the artwork looked as though it had been painted. She offered to discuss the issue with Mr. Price. B. Monthly Reports 9. Newport Beach Art Exhibition Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner
Arlene Greer, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Maureen Flanagan Chair Greer advised that the ad hoc subcommittee and/or staff will meet with vendors regarding guidelines for public health and safety during the Newport Beach Art Exhibition. In response to Chair Greer's questions, Administrative Support Technician Francine
Jacome related that staff has received applications from 34 artists for approximately 70 pieces of art. The call for artists will close September 1. Artists are likely waiting to submit applications because they are unsure if the event will occur and if people will attend the
event. Typically, artists wait to submit their applications until the final two weeks of the call.
Chair Greer indicated the ad hoc subcommittee has not selected musical entertainment, a caterer, or a juror. Members of the ad hoc subcommittee may contact prior artists to encourage their participation. 10. Performing Arts for Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner Michelle Bendetti,
Commissioner Ritch LeGrand Vice Chair Little reported the ad hoc subcommittee hopes to schedule an event for the fall. In response to Chair Greer's inquiry, Vice Chair Little indicated existing plans will be re-
established if the situation allows.
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Page 7 11. Performing Arts for Concerts on the Green Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Michelle Bendetti, Commissioner Arlene Greer,
Commissioner Wayan Kaufman
Commissioner Bendetti related that Concerts on the Green have been postponed due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions. More information will be provided as restrictions are lifted.
12. Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park Phases IV and V Development
Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Marie Little
Chair Greer advised that the ad hoc subcommittee will meet to plan Phase V opening day events, which were postponed from June 6. A new date will be set when public health restrictions allow gatherings. The Newport Beach Arts Foundation has provided a
maximum of $5,000 for opening day events and the artist luncheon. Jim Mosher suggested installing the sculptures and planning a delayed opening day for
the public. Library Services Director Hetherton reiterated that installation of sculptures will begin June 28 and end July 15. The Sculpture Exhibition will be open to the public by the end of July. VII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Chair Greer requested agenda items for Sculpture Exhibition Phase VI, goals and objectives for fiscal year 2021, and opening day events for Sculpture Exhibition Phase V.
In response to Chair Greer’s inquiry, Library Services Director Hetherton advised that the agreement with the State Department of Recreation requires the installation of Phase VI
sculptures to begin by June 2021. In reply to Commissioner Little's query, Chair Greer advised that Arts Orange County (Arts
OC) will be using a new vendor to install Phase V sculptures. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher suggested the ad hoc committee for historical programming and preservation consider advocating for Council adoption of the Historic Resource Inventory. The Newport Beach Library system celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 7. Chair Greer expressed her appreciation for Commissioner Bendetti’s service and contributions to the City Arts Commission. Commissioner Bendetti stated service has been an honor and a pleasure. Introducing the Concerts on the Green and raising awareness of the Sculpture Exhibition have been her favorite activities.
Newport Beach City Arts Commission Special Meeting Minutes June 24, 2020
Page 8 IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:21 P.M. Chair Greer adjourned the meeting at 6:21 p.m. Approved by: