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06/01/2009 PUBLIC ART & DESIGN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER June 1, 2009 Present: Josh Bomstein Chair Howard Warshauer Vice-Chair – arrived 10:52 a.m. Mark Flickinger Board Member Alex Plisko Jr. Board Member Absent: George Ann Bissett Board Member John P. Timberlake Board Member Sarah C. Butz Board Member Also Present: Felicia Leonard Administrative Support Manager Christopher Hubbard Public Art Specialist Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. at the Municipal Services Building. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2 – Approval of Minutes – April 8, 2009 Member Flickinger moved to approve the minutes of the regular Public Art & Design Board meeting of April 8, 2009, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3 – Old Business 3.1. Private Development Status Public Art Specialist Chris Hubbard reviewed the status of private development: Countryside Mall renovations may exceed $5 million. The developers have expressed interest in pursuing artistic and aesthetic property enhancements. Staff has suggested they use the Public Art and Design Program as a resource for selecting and commissioning an artist. As of May 19, 2009, the downtown Marriott had not met requirements to install signs that identify its public art. Should the hotel developer not respond within 60 days to the City’s notice, the issue will be referred to Code Enforcement. The developer also has not replied to staff’s offer to assist with the creation and installation of identification plaques. Scientology proposes to meet City Public Art requirements by exhibiting, in the Flag Building lobby behind exterior windows, bronze sculptures that will be lit at night and visible from the street. Due to concerns that transients will use the lobby for shelter, they propose to restrict public access to the art and instead provide guided tours. Mr. Hubbard has suggested that the public be able to view the sculptures without a guided tour, while “under watch” by Flag staff. Flag staff would be able to request those who are a nuisance to leave the building. The sculptures, which depict Scientology tenets, are well-designed and will be created by professional out-of-state artists. The board will have an opportunity to review and comment on Public Art & Design 2009-06-01 1 the Public Art Plan after it is submitted. In response to questions, Mr. Hubbard said while the building will be open longer hours, public access to “public art” only must be provided between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Although $200,000 in artwork is required, increased spending is planned. Concerns were expressed that true public access was not proposed as many people will not enter the lobby out of fear they will be pestered. Discussion ensued with comments that the building’s lobby will not be “public,” visitors will be required to sign in, and displaying art inside defeats the purpose of the ordinance. It was felt the general public will be unable to enjoy the art and it is unreasonable to suggest that they view it from the street through windows. It was stated that either the rules should be changed or the art be exhibited outside. As access is of utmost concern, it was recommended that funds be submitted to the discretionary fund instead. It was indicated that board concerns should be presented up front. 3.2. Public Development Status Birmingham, Alabama artist Christopher Fennell was commissioned and contracted to fabricate and install his “Ladder Fire” sculpture at Fire Station 48 Training Facility. He was in Clearwater recently to retrieve decommissioned fire ladders and is in contact with the Fire Department to secure additional ones. The sculpture will be installed in December and January. A Call to Artists for a large-scale iconic artwork will be issued in October for the harbor front promenade and boat slips. Mr. Hubbard reported the CIP (Capital Improvement Project) budget includes upwards of $100,000, plus a supplement of $93,306.53 in reserve from the Oak Cove project. The general public and staff will provide input at community sessions to identify local desires for the artwork. The sessions also will serve as a platform to gauge and respond to public reaction to the investment when the City faces budget shortfalls. Discussion ensued regarding the importance of art in creating a vibrant and stable community, employing people, and enhancing the quality of life. c) FAPAA Conference The FAPAA (Florida Association of Public Art Administrators) Conference was held at the Tampa Convention Center on May 13 – 15, 2009. Mr. Hubbard said discussions addressed sobering realities that many art programs have been cut or on hold. Tampa’s mayor supports funding the arts. The Governor also sent a letter of support. 4 - New Business 4.1. Sculpture360: Season II – Review and approve Selection Panel Mr. Hubbard said $3,000 is reserved for Sculpture 360: Season II. While it is not a City project, it is designed to adhere to City guidelines and general operating procedures. The DDB (Downtown Development Board) is a major funder. Season I sculptures will be removed during the last week of July; new sculptures will be installed at the end of August. An unveiling ceremony is planned with downtown merchant involvement. Although no further approval will be necessary following panel review, the sculptures will be presented to the Public Art & Design Board and City Council. Six members for the panel have been selected: 1) Mark Flickinger – panel chair - Public Art & Design Board representative; 2) David Allbritton – funder – DDB representative; 3) Anne Fogarty France – Economic Development - City representative; 4) Jon or Sylvia Heneghan –Telephone Building owners - community representative; 5) Megan Voeller Public Art & Design 2009-06-01 2 - arts critic Creative Loafing - art professional representative; and 6) Kevin Brady - sculptor- art professional representative; A seventh member may be added. Non-voting advisors may attend the review meeting. It was suggested that City Council members be invited. Member Plisko moved to approve the Selection Panel as proposed. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.2. Clearwater Beach Recreation Center/Library - Catherine Woods' artwork proposal Mr. Hubbard said Ms. Woods had presented to the panel an overview of her past works and her proposal for a repeated ellipse pattern. The layering and lamination of cut glass pieces will form a variety of colors. After she fabricates the designs at her studio, the three safety glass panels, above the doors separating the recreation center and library, will be transported there for lamination. The art can be expanded to the side panels if additional funds become available. Mr. Woods' installation in St. Petersburg was complimented. Concern was expressed regarding liability issues should ongoing door vibrations cause glass to fall and injure someone. Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard said Risk Management and Engineering will review the project. Mr. Hubbard said the artist will indemnify the City. Member Plisko moved to approve Catherine Woods' artwork proposal for the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center/Library and recommend that City Council approve the contract. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.3. New FAPAA website Mr. Hubbard reported that FAPAA's new website, f1oridapublicart.orq, includes many tools, including an art selection slide show. 4.4. Public art in private development maintenance account Mr. Hubbard recommended that 10% of future private development contributions to the discretionary fund be set aside to maintain and clean public art. Maintenance is not required for Sculpture360. Private development is responsible for its own art. Support was expressed for a clause that would return unused portions of the set aside to the public art account. 5 - Items not on the Agenda: None 6 - Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 11 :04 a.m. NEXT MEETING - OCTOBER 14, 2009 '" - -- air blic Art & Design Advisory Board Public Art & Design 2009-06-01 3