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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-02-06; Arts Commission; MinutesMINUTES OF: ARTS COMMISSION TIME OF MEETING: 4:00 p.m. DATE OF MEETING: February 6, 1992 PLACE OF MEETING: City Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER; Chairperson Meilach called the Meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. ROLL CALL; Present: Commissioners Meilach, Anear, Batter, Ladouceur, Spencer, Straub and Wrench. Absent: None. Staff Members Present: Connie Beardsley, Arts Manager, Sherry Freisinger, Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES; On Motion by Commissioner Ladouceur, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held January 3, 1992, were approved as presented. AYES; Meilach, Batter, Ladouceur, Spencer, Straub and Wrench ABSTAIN; Anear Review of Process - "Split Pavilion" - Ocean Street Sculpture Connie Beardsley reviewed the process of how this artwork was designed and built, as follows: March 25, 1987 Announcement/press release of RFQ for artists April 20, 1987 Artist Selection Committee formed consisting of representatives from the community, Redevelopment area, Streetscape consultants and Arts Commission - Examples of work from 12 artists reviewed by Selection Committee May 5, 1987 Selection Committee recommendation of three finalists presented at Arts Commission meeting May 20, 1987 Selection Committee selected artist Andrea Blum May 27, 1987 Artist selection presented to Merchants' Design Task Force for approval June 8/9, 1987 Artist Andrea Blum visited site, met with members of the community and discussed project with the Arts Commission, the Housing & Redevelopment Advisory Committee and the Village Merchants Association July 7, 1987 Contract with Andrea Blum to design artwork at Ocean Street & Carlsbad Boulevard approved by City Council July-Sept.1987 Sculpture Park was designed within parameters set by the City incorporating elements requested by members of the community (benches, water feature, drought-resistant landscaping and trellis for shade) September 1987 Design reviewed by Arts Commission, Village Merchants Association and Housing & Redevelopment Advisory Committee Sept. 10, 1987 Design of artwork by artist Andrea Blum approved by Arts Commission 1987-1988 Working Drawings completed by Austin, Hansen, Fehlman 1987-1991 Articles and pictures describing streetscape and artwork published in local newspapers, the Villager and Carlsbad Art News February 6, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 2 Feb. 2, 1988 Sept. 8, 1988 1988 1988-1990 Spring 1989 Spring 1990 Housing & Redevelopment Commission approved streetscape design and negative declaration by Planning Director Review and approval of final design by Arts Commission Poster distributed to the public with artwork illustrated Discussion of streetscape/artwork at Housing & Redevelopment Advisory Committee & Merchants Association meetings (10 meetings) Information mailed to every residence describing the Streetscape Program and art to be incorporated into the project Model of design displayed for public review at Main Carlsbad Library and Village Faire Shopping Center Two public forums on Cultural Plan described Ocean Street Sculpture Ms. Beardsley stated that in answer to repeated questions, she wished to state that the artist is not related to anyone in Carlsbad; the Arts Commission is not paid and the Commissioners are Carlsbad residents appointed by the Mayor who act as volunteers providing a community service. The cost of the artwork is under $400,000 and the Arts Commission is interested in using local artists. Of the 11 projects either completed or in progress now, seven were local artists (San Diego County), one from southern California, one from northern California and two from out of the State. Ms. Beardsley stated she would like to mention that the RFQ for the Alta Mira Park artwork has been mailed to all California artists who have requested to be on the mailing list, and if there are others who would like to be on the mailing list and receive the RFQ, please call the Arts Office at 434-2920. Ms. Beardsley stated that because art can be controversial, time and care is taken to make the process as open as possible and to allow public input at the beginning. Regardless of the artwork,' there are people who like it and those who don't. There was a great deal of opportunity for public input in this particular case and several suggestions were made which the artist did incorporate into the work. Pat O'Connor, from the Austin, Hansen Group, explained how this artwork fit into the Streetscape Program and used slides to show other artworks in the City. He explained that this park is to mark the entrance into the Village Area from the south and does not block the view and is a very safe place. The area is set off from the very busy Carlsbad Boulevard and is built to allow people to sit all over the area to enjoy the ocean view. The metal will not be painted and is very durable and able to stand the wear and tear. Chairperson Meilach opened the meeting for public input at 4:20 p.m. She announced the Commission would listen to public input tonight, but not take any action. February 6, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 3 James Sullivan, 4905 Neblina Drive, stated he was a concerned citizen and was outraged at the bars that are a part of this artwork. He jogs in that area and thought the bars were temporary during the construction, and was shocked to find out they were part of the project. He said that the artist was quoted in the newspaper as stating that she would not permit the art to be taken down or modified in any way. He stated he wanted the bars taken down, as they block the view of the ocean and make a person feel they are in a jail or a zoo. He said that if more money needs to be spent to correct this mistake, he was in favor of that. Mr. Sullivan said he had no interest whatsoever in any of the commercial establishments in that area. Barbara Prigg, 3235 Maezel Lane, thanked the Commission for the many hours they have spent on this. She stated she was heartsick and angered when she viewed the Sculpture Park, and the unattractive ice plant. The ugly and unsightly ice plant will be broken off and used for graffiti, and felt the ice plant should be replaced with something like red apple or lantana. She also questioned why a New York artist was used rather than someone local. R. D. Hadad, 2088 Avenue of the Trees, stated that additional fountains are not needed. There is a need for restrooms with hand dryers and telephones in that area. Stephen Nelson, 295 Juniper, stated the people didn't ask for this. He did not feel the artwork would "grow on them" as suggested, and did not want this crammed down the public's throat. He asked the Commission to take the public's side to Council. Kenneth Capps, 1175 Hoover Street, stated this is the kind of interest the Arts Commission was hoping to get in 1985 and 1986, and he asked all the people to stay involved from this day forward. He said there was all the chance in the world to have input into this project. This is a serious matter and art form is very enduring—more than many other aspects of culture. Jim Killingsworth, 2323 Ocean, stated that this is a beautiful project, and as you travel north on Carlsbad Boulevard it is the final part of the lead up of the fencing along the street. He referred to the suggestions made by the community, which were incorporated into the work. He felt that this is a handful of people goaded on by a handful of other people. Laurie Masten, 1848 East Pointe, stated that contemporary art is no stranger to controversy. Any attempt to tell an artist how to modify their work is close to censorship. The work is a whole and should be maintained that way. The process was served and the public had a chance to respond. It is unfair to the residents to say to change it. She said it isn't their job to pass judgment on the project at this time. Ms. Masten said she was proud to be a citizen in a City such as Carlsbad that supports and nurtures public art. February 6, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 4 Joe Layng, 2011 Avenue of the Trees, stated he is a lifeguard and expressed concern about the safety of the area, as there is a lot of concrete and open water areas, both of which could be areas of danger to children. He said that children can drown in six inches or less of water. The hard surfaces next to a surf shop will attract skaters, who are already there. He also questioned the entrance at the north end of the parking lot for cars to get out of the lot in case of a fire in the buildings in that area. One of the sewer drains leading to the ocean is eroding. The quality of the work there is not good and there is no shelter from the elements. Mr. Layng said the vegetation on the slope to the ocean has been obliterated. He felt the artwork should be torn down. Jim Watson, 3283 Lincoln Street, stated he had a prepared statement to read. He said the sculpture obstructs a beautiful natural view and he requested immediate removal of the bars. He said he appreciated the attitude of Council and expected action on this. The bars are negative and objected to a New York designer for a Carlsbad park. Mr. Watson said some people want it torn out and others want it to stay and he read from the contract with the artist and said that a compromise is necessary. Ann Kulchin, Mayor Pro Tern, 3014 Garboso Street, stated she had been listening carefully to what has been said tonight. Thousands are upset and government must listen and respond to the needs of all the citizens. She said it would! be helpful for someone in the City Government to step forward and work with these people to focus on exactly what they want and provide access to staff at City Hall to provide answers. She offered her services and said she could be reached at 434-2830. Mrs. Kulchin said she would meet with any group and sit down and put something together on this problem. Jane Stimmel, 772 Ann's Way, Vista, spoke in opposition to the project, stating she works at the Harbor Fish Restaurant. She asked why the mailer did not show the bars and said the poster should have been on display at the site. The description of the artwork sounded nice, but the actual site has dangerous water hazards and pickleweed. She said people in the area were not asked to share their ideas. They would have said that restrooms and a drinking fountain were needed. The reflector pools would cost the City to maintain and would have dirt in -• them from the winds and from sandy feet. Although the artist will not allow it to be changed, two of the four pools have been filled in, creating a lack of adequate lighting. Trees and shrub's have been removed. Ms. Stimmel said public art should be as universally pleasing as possible and this should not have happened—fix it. Richard Keely 252, Acacia #103, stated he had viewed the site, and the sculpture is not finished yet. It is absurd to make a decision on something not completed. The due process was done and it is a disservice for the community to take this attitude. It is a mistake to make an aesthetic judgment before it is finished. Summer Salvador, 165 Sycamore, stated this does not fit the definition of a park. She said her parents did not receive any information on this park. She said this is a small town and should be for the young people to surf and skate and should not be for tourists. February 6, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 5 Lincoln Kroll, 1236 Laguna Drive, spoke in opposition to the bars at the Sculpture Park. He said the artwork has already been changed, but the bars block the view of the ocean. Connie Beardsley clarified that the bank west of the park is State- owned property and does not belong to the City. Norman Dolnick, 2607 Pirineos, spoke in favor of the sculpture, stating that new art has to cope with some pubic opposition. Inasmuch as this sculpture is not finished, judgment is premature. Nicole Pappas, 2689 Garfield Street, spoke in opposition to the Sculpture Park, stating she had pictured a park with sidewalks, drinking fountains and restrooms. She stated this does not belong beside the ocean in Carlsbad. She would like to see grass, tables and benches and a shower. This is a Village and not a City. The Fish House is the only restaurant in Carlsbad where you can sit outside and look at the ocean. She said the ice plant would attract bees this summer. Ms. Pappas said the street closing was the best thing, and a lower wall would allow the people to see the ocean. Ellen Rice, 850 Bluebell Court, spoke in favor of the Sculpture Park, stating visiting the area is a pleasant experience. She said she liked the way the sunlight reflected on the bars and picked up the blue color of the ocean. There is still a need for water in the park area. As far as cutting off the view, the cottages and buildings there have cut off the view for those people across Carlsbad Boulevard. Ms. Rice stated that all the energy exhibited here tonight should be harnessed for other projects and put into positive things. John Howard, 1820 Oak Avenue, spoke in opposition, stating that if you want to call this a village, it would not have bars—and you would never see this type of thing in Laguna. Mr. Howard complained about the hour set for this meeting, stating he had to take time off from work because the meeting was at 4:00 p.m. He said he didn't see the mailer. Mr. Howard commented that palm trees would be better than pickleweed, and also reiterated there was a safety factor with the pool. Ms. Beardsley clarified that the regular meetings of the Arts Commission are held the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers. However, there were public meetings which discussed the sculpture at 7:00 p.m., an'd the Merchants Meetings were held at 8:00 a.m. Hope Wrisley, 2080 Basswood, stated she was privy to the meetings, but when she saw the sculpture, it didn't look like she thought it would. There is plenty of lighting, as she visited the area at night. When you get on the other side of the bars, you see what the artist was trying to achieve without cutting off the view. There is a feeling of serenity—with the traffic of the Boulevard not right on you. As far as the pools being dangerous, Mrs. Wrisley stated the ocean is right there and is a lot more dangerous. If children are supervised, there should be no problem. She stated she was not pleased with the pickleweed. Anything with flowers that would be planted there would draw bees. Mrs. Wrisley stated she does like the park and did not think of it as a place for baseball fields, but a place to come to contemplate. February 6, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 6 Doug McNaughton, 3100 Ocean Street, owner of buildings at the corner of Oak and Ocean, stated he had been told he could come here and sign up and be heard. With all the people here, they needed to hold the meeting at Jack Murphy Stadium. He asked that the meeting be re- scheduled for all the people to give input who will not be heard this evening. Mr. McNaughton stated he has been trying to get restrooms in that area for years to- stop the beach users from using his pools and defecating and urinating on his property. Donna Nelson, 292 Juniper, stated she had questions. She asked whether the City was committed by contract not to change anything. Connie Beardsley replied that it was up to the City Attorney's office to supply that information. Ms. Nelson asked what it would take to get the bars removed, and Ms. Beardsley said the matter would go through a process. If a recommendation came from the Arts Commission, that would go to the City Council. John Lindsley, 3604 Ashby Court, representing North County Surfers for Christ, stated he knew of no one who was in favor of this sculpture. He said he did not see the renderings of the sculpture, but saw an aerial view, which did not show the height of the bars.. Reg Williams, 3162 Carlsbad Boulevard, spoke in opposition, stating his concern for the people who want access to public beaches. He said that people come to Carlsbad to view the ocean. When parking is taken away from the individuals in an overcrowded area such as this one, those people will park on other people's property in the area. He asked for credibility to be given to the objections to the bars. Mr. Williams felt the artist should consider the people who have to look at the bars 365 days a year. He also would like to see some restrooms in the area. Roy Sanchez, 3482 Roosevelt, spoke in favor of the sculpture: He said that there is a lot of money in this and he would hate to see it torn down. He said that no metal sculpture was wanted because of the salt air and the corrosion. Mr. Sanchez said he did not see the bars or fence on the first plans. He felt the sculpture should be given a chance and wait to see what it looks like when it is finished. He said if the artist explained to the people, they would understand. Anne Mauch, Ridgecrest Drive, representing Project Future, spoke in opposition, stated the focus was on aesthetics and not on the social and political issues. She said that public policy is the issue. She said that after Mrs. Kulchin spoke, she assumed the City would work to make the park more resident and user friendly. She suggested it be renamed the Carlsbad Village Park. Michelle Graves, 719 Melrose Place, Vista, opposed the park and stated that the Council represented the City and were representing it very negatively. February 6, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 7 Roger Peterson, 680 Cherry, stated he was opposed to the current usage. He stated a list of questions were directed to the Mayor and Council and there have been no answers about the contract. He would like to know whether or not the contract with the artist can be broken or what has to be done and at what cost. Mr. Peterson said the reflecting pools were facing the wrong direction and did not reflect the ocean. Mr. Peterson said that people find solitude and comfort looking at the ocean, and that is why many people come to visit and live in California and in Carlsbad. He also said that people had taken off from work to attend this meeting, and he complained about the time and place for the meeting and stated that the Safety Center should have been used to hold the large crowd. Mr. Peterson said the artist should have been from this area to understand the feelings of the local residents. He said to tear the sculpture down. Wayne Bischoff, 1085 Laguna Drive, past member of the Arts Commission, stated he voted for this sculpture. As to the removal of the bamboo below this area on the embankment, that has nothing to do with Sculpture Park. That had been removed due to the transients making that a shelter. Mr. Bischoff said that Andrea Blum was chosen as the artist based on past work and the fact that the Selection Panel liked her work the best—not because she was from New York. Mr. Bischoff said this show of interest by the public is really great— people are paying attention to the art. He gave examples of other great artworks that were controversial at their concept. However, Mr. Bischoff said this Sculpture did not turn out as he expected, and the process needs to be reworked. As to the safety at the site, he said that did not apply. Also, the restaurant and shops in that area will make a lot of money from people interested in seeing this sculpture. He concluded by saying the work should not be removed. Sarah Maddox (could not understand speaker for address and there was no signup slip), stated there are no buses for school field trips, which are needed. She said the public should have been kept informed about this project. Carlsbad is supposed to be a beach town instead of having something like this which causes negative comments. She said the majority should rule. Carl McWha, 379 Carlsbad Boulevard, owner of Harbor Fish South, stated he had met with Chris Salomone, former Director of Housing and Redevelopment, many times regarding this park. He stated there is a need for restrooms, drinking fountains, larger trash containers and unloading areas. He said he was not told of the meetings regarding the sculpture recently, or he would have attended. Mr. McWha stated the benches there are designed for skateboard jumps and are already chipped. All of the businesses in the area are opposed or displeased with the final product. He asked for changes in the park to satisfy the community and felt the artist should be open to design changes. There were no clear drawings of the project at the site, and he said this was not built for the people who use that area. February 6, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 8 Elizabeth McNabb, 3861 Garfield Street, stated she agreed with all that has been said tonight and hopes that it will make a difference. She had hoped for a park instead of the eyesore that exists. The rails are not appealing to the environment and the community. She wanted to see the sunset instead of the rails. George Willis, 539 Carlsbad Village Drive, spoke in favor of the park, stating five percent of the population seems to understand modern art, with three percent actually appreciating it. He said it is difficult to have sketches in two dimensions for something that is three dimensions. Oakley Parker, 3215 Maezel Lane, felt the sculpture is out of scale, and said that expertise in the field of art is needed in hiring people to do this type of artwork. In reply to comments from the audience, Connie Beardsley stated that the Commissioners and staff do not have the expertise to answer questions regarding the contract. She said this is a copyright issue and those present on the dais do not have the answers. Commissioner Anear stated that in response to the requests for more restrooms, the ones that were at the beach were destroyed by the public, but that restrooms at the beach are a State Parks and Recreation function—not an Arts Commission responsibility. Restrooms in other parks in Carlsbad are victims of major vandalism. Commissioner Straub stated appreciation for all those attending this meeting and showing interest in the program, and she hoped this interest .continued. She suggested that anyone with an idea about how to improve the art selection process in the City should write that down and present it to the Commission or to staff. Anyone interested in being on a Selection Committee in the future should submit their name to the Arts Office. Commissioner Ladouceur stated she felt the process has been fulfilled and the Commissioners need to digest what they have heard tonight. Also, answers need to be given from the City and the Attorneys, as these Commissioners do not have those answers. She said she hoped this doesn't kill art for Carlsbad, as it is a part of our lives and unless it is kept going in Carlsbad she feels sad for the City. Chairperson Meilach closed the discussion on this item at 6:14 p.m. RECESS; Chairperson Meilach declared a Recess at 6:15 p.m., and the Commission re- convened at 6:23 p.m., with all Members present. COMMITTEE REPORTS; Chairperson's Report Chairperson Meilach reported that the Business Focus Luncheon at Hughes on January 23, 1992, was a resounding success, with 27 representatives from companies attending. She said those corporate people expressed a desire to be "brought into the fold" and they should be used to develop a year-long agenda. Connie Beardsley stated she will focus on setting up the noon-time concerts, as those seemed to be the first choice. There is no money in the budget for such concerts, but there may be some private sponsors interested in them. February 6, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 9 Appointment of Subcommittee to Revise the Arts Element Ms. Beardsley asked for a subcommittee to work on the revision of the Arts Element. She said the Planning Department will be taking the General Plan revision to the City Council, but she has not heard whether the Arts Element will be on their list of Elements to be reworked. Commissioners Ladouceur and Wrench volunteered to form the subcommittee. Alta Mira Park Public Art Ms. Beardsley reported there is $50,000 for public art in the Alta Mira Park, with an additional $6,000 set aside for miscellaneous related expenses. Commissioner Batter volunteered to serve on the Selection Committee. Review of 1992-93 Budget Commissioner Batter stated she was sad to see the breakfasts out of the budget, and Ms. Beardsley said that informally $5,000 has been pledged by Fieldstone Company to fund the breakfasts. She said that one reason the breakfasts were eliminated was that it was felt that it would be easier to get corporate sponsors for those than some of the other budget items. In response to Commission query regarding the temporary art sculpture being deleted from the budget, Ms. Beardsley explained that with the cuts in the budget, it was felt that this exhibit could be eliminated. Commissioner Straub stated that she did not feel the temporary art sculpture was worth doing again unless it was held in an area where a lot of people would inadvertently bump into it. The idea of the sculpture is an excellent one, but it has to be where the people are, as in the past there has been little success in getting people to the exhibit. Connie Beardsley stated that there is a vacant lot behind the Library, and that has been considered for the exhibit; also, the industrial park has been considered. Commissioner Anear suggested that the exhibit be held inside the shopping mall at El Camino Real. Commissioner Wrench asked whether the Arts Office is still responsible for coordinating the Sister City work, and Ms. Beardsley replied that staff hours are still charged to the Arts Office. That consists of 30 to 40 percent of the Community Arts Coordinator's time. Commissioner Batter inquired about whether the Arts Office is funded sufficiently for informing the public about what is going on and helping them understand the program. Ms. Beardsley answered that with the cuts in the budget, they are now printing a quarterly newsletter and mailing it to people who have asked for it. This numbers approximately 2,500 at the present time. With the budget situation, the only suggestion Ms. Beardsley felt plausible, would be to put out one publication a year and send it to every residence. Chairperson Meilach said the calendar in the newspaper should perhaps contain more detailed information about any program being sponsored by the Arts Office. Ms. Beardsley said that the local TV is also used, and every source available is used to get information to the general public about arts events. Commission discussion determined that it was the consensus of the Commissioners that Sister City funding should not be included in the Arts budget. February 6, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 10 Connie Beardsley stated that the Big Bang Committee does not plan to have fireworks on the 4th of July, due to the excessive cost. She said it has been discussed to have the Pops Concert on the 4th of July, and have a few more fireworks than usual at the Concert. The Big Bang Committee would then assist with the planning and clean-up of the event. ACTION; On motion by Commissioner Wrench, the 1992-93 Budget was approved, with footnotes highlighting content in the Personnel Budget for the Sister City Program. Also recommending that strong consideration be.given to reinstating funds for the temporary art sculpture exhibit to be held at an appropriate location. AYES; Meilach, Batter, Ladouceur, Spencer, Straub and Wrench ABSTAIN; Anear Chairperson Meilach requested that the Ocean Street Sculpture be placed on the next agenda and that all information, including the legal ramifications, be made available to the Commissioners for their consideration before the March Meeting. Also, the possible replacement of the ice plant should be discussed and any alternatives investigated. Connie Beardsley reminded the Commissioners that this Ocean Street Sculpture is a Redevelopment Project. Commissioner Spencer stated he would like to see the selection process re- evaluated. ADJOURNMENT; By proper motion, the Meeting of February 6, 1992, was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, CONNIE BEARDSLEY Arts Manager Harriett Babbitt Minutes Clerk