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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/12/2013 - City Arts Commission - Approved MinutesCity of Newport Beach City Arts Commission -Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 12, 2013 – 5:00pm Central Library Friends Meeting Room Convened at 5:00pm 1) Call Meeting to Order Chairperson Goldberg called the meeting to order. 2) Roll Call Commissioners Present: Rita Goldberg, Chair Arlene Greer, Vice Chair Caroline Logan, Secretary Michaell Magrutsche Staff Present: Nancy Gardner, Council Member Cynthia Cowell, Library Services Director Tim Hetherton, Library Services Manager Melissa Kelly, Support Services Coordinator Public Present: Jim Mosher, Newport Beach resident Eric Longabardi, Costa Mesa resident Miriam Baker – Balboa Island resident 3) Public Comments Resident Jim Mosher’s typed comments were dispersed at this meeting. He asked if this is the only opportunity to comment on agenda items. Chair Goldberg noted that public comments will be allowed on new agenda items as they come up. Mr. Mosher noted the absence of the two new City Arts Commissioners at this meeting, and questioned whether or not they have been sworn in. He noted his revisions and comments on the August 8 meeting minutes, which included typographical corrections and Commissioner Boller’s request to abstain from voting. Chair Goldberg thanked Mr. Mosher for his comments. Eric Longabardi asked when he would be able to make comments on a non-agenda item. He was informed that he would be able to comment at the end of the meeting when public comments on non- agenda items are allowed. 4) Approval of Minutes Commissioner Logan requested that the recording from the July and August meetings be listened to at this meeting for clarification on what was written in the draft minutes in relation to Commissioner Boller’s request to abstain from voting because she wanted to apply for the Public Art Coordinator position. Chair Goldberg clarified that her recollection was that past Commissioner Boller wanted to abstain from the vote so that she would be eligible to apply for the Public Art Coordinator/Site Manager for the sculpture exhibition. Director Cowell had informed her that she would not be eligible to apply for this position as she was involved in the construction of this job description and proposal, as well as a City Arts Commissioner. Staff turned the volume up as high as possible and put on the tape cued to the place in the tape in question. After the July 11 meeting recording was reviewed, discussion concluded that former Commissioner Boller could abstain if she wished to however it would not matter in relation to her desire to apply for the Public Arts Coordinator/ Site Manager. Commissioner Logan stated that it was very important to Commissioner Boller to clarify her position. Commissioner Logan asked to hear the recording once again. Chair Goldberg reiterated that Director Cowell informed Commissioner Boller that she could not apply for the position so abstaining would not matter, and in good conscience Chair Goldberg could not vote to change the minutes to other than what was stated at the meeting. Commissioner Logan noted that former Commissioner Boller has sought legal help on whether or not she is eligible to apply for this position and that clarification from this meeting was necessary to do so. Commissioner Smith noted that his recollection is similar to Chair Goldberg’s, and stated that a vote was needed. Revisions to the August 8 meeting minutes: Page 4 of the minutes and page 13 of the packet under Appointment of Commissioners to Ad Hoc Committees, the last sentence in paragraph two to be revised as follows: “This ad hoc committee will commence upon appointment and sunset after the sculpture garden is complete in April, 2014.” Page 4 of the minutes in the third sentence up from the bottom, remove Commissioner Logan from the Museum Tour Ad Hoc Committee. Page 5 of the minutes and page 14 of the packet under Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee for City-Wide Visual & Public Art Installations revise the following sentence from: “Examples of the revisions to I-11 were mentioned and would be done by this committee: Commissioners Magrutsche, Logan and Boller.” to “Revisions to I-11 were already made by this committee and are being reviewed by the City Attorney.” It was moved, seconded and passed (Commissioner Greer/Commissioner Logan) to approve the July 11, 2013 and the August 8, 2013 minutes as they have been presented, amended and agreed upon at this meeting. Motion carried by all Commissioners in attendance. 5) Current Business A. Consent Calendar - 1. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services. 2. Correspondence and Press - Review of Arts Commission correspondence and/or marketing materials. It was moved, seconded and passed (Commissioner Greer/Commissioner Smith) to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by all Commissioners in attendance. B. Items for Review and Possible Action – 1. Discussion and possible action on relocation of Uprooted II sculpture. Chairperson Goldberg noted that it has been suggested that the sculpture be mounted on a pedestal, instead of leaving it flat on the ground. It was suggested that there could be research into the cost of putting it waist-high. Commissioner Smith shared that it was never intended to be displayed on a pedestal and this was never discussed as an option. Resident Bill Ficker had made a suggestion at a previous meeting that the City does not own it and that it should depend on how the artist feels about it. Chairperson Goldberg suggested that this discussion be tabled until the City decides to purchase the piece. Commissioners discussed touring City Hall with the artist to try and determine a more suitable site. The artist strongly feels that it is a bench and it is on a one-year loan period. It was noted that the Committee on this project selected the original location. It was moved, seconded and passed (Chairperson Goldberg/Commissioner Greer) to revisit this item if and when the City makes a decision on purchasing the piece for the Civic Center. Motion carried by all Commissioners in attendance. 2. Clarification of committee and ad hoc committee names. Chairperson Goldberg reviewed that ad hoc committees have a definite start and end date, with a very specific goal that is to be accomplished. Cynthia Cowell, Library Services Director, noted that in the past years, committees have morphed into different things and that any changes to scope of responsibilities and official names need to be made by the City Arts Commission so there is a record. Chair Goldberg suggested that it would be beneficial to go through each committee and finalize the ad hoc committee names. It was moved, seconded and passed (Commissioner Logan/Commissioner Greer) to make an ad hoc committee to review the committee names and responsibilities. Motion carried by all Commissioners in attendance. Chairperson Goldberg and Commissioner Greer will serve on this committee, as they were most involved in the creation of many ad hoc committees. Commissioner Smith noted that he would be available if needed by phone or email. Chair Goldberg noted that she and Commissioner Greer will have a presentation on this item at the next meeting. Commissioner Logan noted how arts can bring a cultural experience to residents, in the arenas of fine arts, performing arts, and visual arts. Chair Goldberg explained that the plan is to scope out the city and note blank walls and spaces so that when art is donated, the committee has a plan of where the items can be placed. Commissioner Smith questioned the availability of an RFP for a consultant to discuss cultural arts across the city. It was noted that within the next month, there will be action that will address this situation. C. Monthly Reports - 1. Art in Public Spaces Ad Hoc Committee Commissioner Smith noted that the published RFP is closing on September 18th, and that he has contacted local universities to announce the open position. Anthony Nguyen, City Purchasing Agent, is handling all applications. 2. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Committee The City Arts Commission hosted a reception honoring Mark and Jan Hilbert, August 11, 2013 at the Civic Center Central Library. Commissioner Greer and the City of Newport Beach Arts Commission, Councilwoman Nancy Gardener, Library Board and the Newport Beach Arts Foundation welcomed and honored Mark and Jan Hilbert for their extraordinary contribution of art on loan for the Hilbert Exhibit and Wireless Art at the Central Library, May 2013-April 2014. Mark Hilbert provided the guests with a tour of the Hilbert Collection and Wireless Art. Curator Mc Clelland hosted a brief discussion of California Scene Painting relative to coastal Newport with a focus on local artists Rex Brandt, Phil Dike, George James and Millard Sheets. The distinguished guests and Hilbert family enjoyed the reception, tour of the Exhibit and an opportunity for a Q and A with author and curator, Gordon Mc Clelland. The Newport Beach Arts Exposition and Sale may be moved so it will not present a conflict with the opening of the sculpture exhibition. It could be moved to March or after the sculpture exhibition opens. 3. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Committee Chair Goldberg noted that performing arts has nothing currently scheduled and that the committee has disbanded until the appropriate time. It can be removed from agenda until January. 4. Museum Tour Ad Hoc Committee It was noted that there will be a report at the next meeting, as research has not been completed yet. The James Turell exhibit at LACMA was discussed, and may be one to consider. 5. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Committee Commissioner Smith shared that effort and time are being put into the Art in the Park event, to be held on October 12th from 10am to 5pm on the Civic Green. The Arts Commission is encouraged to participate and attend. 6. Publicity Ad Hoc Committee Chair Goldberg noted that there is no Publicity Ad Hoc committee. 7. Cultural Arts Grant Ad Hoc Committee Staff reported that several grants have come in and last year’s grantees have been contacted. A press release was published to announce the opportunities. The deadline is Friday, September 27, 2013. 8. Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee for City-Wide Visual & Public Art Installations Previous Deputy City Attorney Kyle Rowen is no longer with the City and was going to review I-11. An appointment will be scheduled to discuss the exchange. The new Assistant City Attorney will get settled in and then tackle this policy, bringing this topic back to the Commission. 6) City Arts Commission Announcements or Matters Which Members Would Like Placed on a Future Agenda for Discussion, Action or Report (Non-Discussion Item) Cynthia Cowell, Library Services Director, explained that due to the difficulty in creating and transcribing minutes we will be going through a service to complete the meeting minutes. They will be printed and available electronically for public consumption. The fee is $175 per hour and it is more cost effective to have a professional company accomplish this task. Discussion ensued, noting that this is a wise move and the option of wearing microphones was shared as a future possibility. It was also noted that there is no exhibition space until May 2014 and that the site should be updated. The Commission thanked Cynthia, as this is the last meeting she will be the staff liaison. 7) Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items Jim Mosher discussed the topic of cost effective minutes and that an alternative to a service would be placing the audio file on the website, so they would not have to be in such detail, and would make them available to the public. Some Boards already use the transcription service and they are still summarized, making the recording another valuable tool. Additionally, on the topic of the uprooted sculpture, the artist’s opinion should be taken into account. He also thanked Cynthia’s service but noted concern over the recruitment process. Mr. Mosher encouraged Commissioners to be intimately involved in the hiring process, as well as make public meetings available. Mr. Mosher noted that a consultant firm, Teri Black and Associates, has been hired and will contact the Arts Commission. Eric Longabardi wanted to make the Commission formally aware of the proposed placement of a John Wayne statue in Newport Beach. He introduced Ms. Baker, the sculptor, as well as discussed the type of nautical and seafaring statue that has been proposed. Miriam Baker sculpted the life-size bronze of President Ronald Regan currently located in the Bonita Canyon Sports Park in Newport Beach. She distributed her bio and business card, and noted that she would like to create more sculptures for the City of Newport Beach, as well as discuss what things that typify Newport Beach. 8) Adjournment – 6:29p.m. Submitted by: Rita Goldberg Chair Approval of Minutes