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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-05-07; Arts Commission; MinutesMINUTES OF: ARTS COMMISSION TIME OF MEETING: 4:00 p.m. DATE OF MEETING: May 7, 1992 PLACE OF MEETING: Safety & Service Center CALL TO ORDER; Chairperson Ladouceur called the Meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. ROLL CALL; Present: Commissioners Ladouceur, Batter, Portera, Straub, Wood and Wrench. Commissioner Spencer arrived at 4:30 p.m. Absent: None. Staff Member Present: Connie Beardsley, Arts Manager Chairperson Ladouceur welcomed Arthur Wood, the new Arts Commissioner. APPROVAL OF MINUTES; On Motion by Commissioner Portera, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held April 2, 1992, were approved as presented. AYES; Ladouceur, Batter, Portera and Straub ABSTAIN; Wood and Wrench OLD BUSINESS; SPLIT PAVILION 1. Presentation of Committee Report Council Member Eric Larson gave the report for the Split Pavilion Ad Hoc Committee, the members of which were Council Members Stanton and Larson, Arts Commissioners Batter and Wrench, and David ~Sammons. Mr. Larson stated the charge of the Ad Hoc Committee was to communicate response to the artwork; seek a re-examination by the artist and the subcommittee of the design and materials of the landscape plantings and other issues, and seek the artist's cooperation in defining artistically acceptable changes. The Committee met with Andrea Blum on April 16, 1992, and held meetings on April 22, 1992, and May 4, 1992, with the report of the Committee dated May 4, 1992. Mr. Larson emphasized that the Committee was appointed to be a fact finding group to determine what artistically acceptable changes could be made. He said the subcommittee was not to "negotiate", but to report on their findings.' Those findings of acceptable and not acceptable changes as agreed to by Ms. Blum are listed in the final report, but do not limit the Commission in formulating their recommendation to the City Council. What the ultimate course of action will be is to be decided by city Council. If some form of negotiated settlement is required, then negotiations will be needed at that time. Chairperson Ladouceur opened the meeting for public input at 4:10 p.m. May 7, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 2 Jerri Wolder, 5460 Carlsbad Boulevard, spoke in opposition to the Split Pavilion, thanked the Arts Commission and City Council for the job they are attempting to do. However, she felt that the Council and the Commission are here to represent the citizens of Carlsbad. She has the impression they are in favor of the artist and have not given consideration to the citizens of Carlsbad. This is biased. People have different view points and cannot agree on some works of art—and that is stimulating to the mind. She said she was upset with the fact that many of the people speaking in favor of keeping the Split Pavilion give their art degrees, intimating that those without Art as a major are stupid and ignorant and could not appreciate art. Ms. Wolder said she resented that. She felt public rights were more important than art, and felt that the meeting with the artist was not as public as it should have been. Ms. Wolder said she has been collecting petitions and has gone to the beach quite a bit. People are flocking to the beach to see this, and they are really amazed that Carlsbad would waste this money, and people felt Carlsbad should not be held hostage by someone in New York. Those people who want to tear the artwork down should realize that is unlawful. Ms. Wolder said her observation is that the area is dangerous—mainly to children. They are climbing on the bars and running on the ice plant. she was concerned about the dirty water in the ponds and the danger of those ponds. If the City is sued, then the artist should be sued, as it belongs to her. She said this would not grow on her or on many others, and her patience is growing thin. Ms. Wolder asked that the officials take some action and quit the game-playing. This is entitled correctly—Split Pavilion—and it will not be over. Debra Blair, 3100 Ocean Street #8, stated she is a teacher in the San Marcos School District. She said the Commissioners should sit in the park some weekend and listen to the people—then they would remove the Split Pavilion quickly. Val Gibson, 2425 Steven Circle, spoke in opposition to the park, stating it is an insult to everyone and should be removed. She said the publicity referred to $365,000—and didn't it cost 1.2 million dollars? Angelo Carli, 4235 Sunnyhill Drive, stated he was not speaking for or against the Split Pavilion, but to offer the Commission any assistance he could give in an effort to help the Commission find it easier to find some kind of principle and reasonable judgment they are trying to reach and not be swayed into political or popular decision-making. He said that politics and popularity are subject to time—principle and reason are not. He gave a history of works of art throughout the world where the public opinion at first was not favorable, but with time those different works of art have become symbols of our culture. He gave the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., as the latest example of this. Pamela Wischkaemper, 4039 Sunnyhill Drive, stated she likes the sculpture and enjoys sitting there. She understands that many people do not like it, but this controversy is doing something to the City that she is not happy with, as Carlsbad has always been a friendly, wonderful place. May 7, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 3 Ms. Wischkaemper said she was ashamed to say she lived here after Andrea Blum's visit and the way a group of people treated another human being. Ms. Blum designed the sculpture, and had a right to do so, as she was commissioned to do the artwork. Ms. Blum was cat-called at the sculpture, and there was a dead fish and red food coloring in the reflecting pond. Ms. Wischkaemper said this is destroying public property—hers as well as those doing the destroying—and it is unconscionable. Ms. Wischkaemper said people pushed in front of the photographer at the site and that is not fair. She asked what kind of example did that set for the children. It is all right to dissent—but she urged the people to follow the laws, rules and regulations. When the sign ordinance is ignored and huge, ugly signs are placed all over the Village area, those people should see whether they are breaking the law before putting up those signs. Ms. Wischkaemper said she wants this to come to an end—the decision will make some happy and some unhappy—but they have to accept that and move forward. If the sculpture stays, she did not want the City to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting for this group of dissatisfied citizens—if they can't accept the decision, they should hire their own lawyers. Rick Rorapaugh, 2892 Sanford Lane, spoke in favor of the Split Pavilion, stating he likes the sculpture and likes to sit there. He likes the bars along Carlsbad Boulevard, as they give the illusion of a wall keeping the traffic away from him and the park. He likes the peaceful atmosphere and the view. Mr. Rorapaugh said the City made a mistake in the timing of the construction of the piece, by starting it in June. They should have started during the fall and winter months. However, what is going on now is stupid and dumb. The decision was made and the contract signed- -and that is that. The art work makes people think and feel and elicit response. He said he wants to keep it. He suggested that the people spending so much energy on this could spend that time on the problems of the schools and the homeless and could do a lot to help solve those pressing problems. Roger Peterson, 180 Cherry, representing Cherry Avenue Neighbors, spoke in opposition to the Split Pavilion, stating that the way Andrea Blum was treated was outrageous and wrong. Mr. Peterson stated that he posed questions at the January 21, 1992, Council Meeting, which were to be answered at the February 4 Arts Commission Meeting, and are still unanswered. He demanded answers to those questions. Commissioner Spencer arrived at 4:30 p.m. Mr. Peterson stated there is no place to find a complete file on this Sculpture Park in Carlsbad. The City signed an agreement and was not aware of the California Art Preservation Act, and now is in an operating agreement with the State that can be terminated. He suggested this site be turned back to the State. Ms. Blum has the rights to that for her lifetime plus 50 years, and the agreement with the State is for 20 years. He felt the City should let the State of California worry about that. The City gave away more than it had to give. May 7, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 4 Mr. Peterson said the sculpture should be moved to another location, and that the site should be turned into what was needed and called for by the State Parks Department—parking and bathroom facilities. He asked the citizens to clean up their act and allow everyone to be proud of the great place they live. Steve Nelson, 295 Juniper Street, stated he is proud of the City and the people who have voiced their opinions. He stated that he felt Commissioners Ladouceur and Portera should abstain on any action taken by the Commission on this item, as they both said they were embarrassed to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee and respected Andrea Blum's position too much to meet with her. Jim Watson, 3283 Lincoln Street, denounced the vandalism and everything illegal with regard to the Split Pavilion. He said he has an attorney challenging the sign ordinance in the proper function. Mr. Watson stated he was linked to the bad attitude the citizens portrayed to Andrea Blum at the Pavilion by the press. He stated Frank Mannen and Connie Beardsley were present and were aware of his behavior that day. Some surfers screamed at Ms. Blum, and he denounced that. At this time, he has a file that is very thick and he said he knows more about this topic than any of the City people. He said no one will look at the facts. Harold Clarke, 824 Caminito Del Reposo, spoke in favor of the artwork, stating it defies graffiti, frames the ocean view, enhances the City of Carlsbad and its reputation for good taste and visitors will have a favorable impression. As to the negative aspects—he failed to see any. Chairperson Ladouceur closed the Meeting to public comment at 4:45 p.m. Commission discussion followed. Commissioner Wood stated he watched the construction and has spent a great deal of time there. He was ashamed of the treatment of Andrea Blum, and said that Eric Larson apologized on behalf of the entire City. Mr. Wood stated he thought the subcommittee was trying to negotiate an equitable settlement to the dispute. He did not think their recommendations will satisfy the people making the noise. Mr. Wood said that acceptable changes are to change the landscaping and remove the bars on the north wall. He thought perhaps other bars could be negotiated to be removed and he recommended a further approach to Andrea Blum. She made two major modifications after she said she would not. He felt the east/west bars might look odd without the north bars, as it is not part of the concept. Artists rely on public support and money and art needs public support. He said this is hurting all artists everywhere. He hoped another step could be taken. David Sammons, 1703 Evergreen, the citizens' representative on the Ad Hoc Committee, stated he refused to judge the artist before he met her, and did meet her on April 16. He said the report from the Committee is excellent. He requested a change in the Transcript dated April 16, 1992, page 12, fifth paragraph, to change the period to a comma following the word "terrible". Commissioner Batter stated that the artist meant the bars by the restaurant do not look right and if those could be closed with landscaping, she was willing to remove those bars. May 7, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 5 Commissioner Straub felt the changes were quite clear; one, change the landscape, and two, after that is completed, to consider taking down the bars on the north side, and she proposed that a recommendation to the City Council deal with those two issues. Commissioner Spencer said there were three issues; landscaping, and how that would appear; removal of the bars to provide closure; and something about the rails themselves. Commissioner Wrench stated that the subcommittee pursued changing the bars—different material, color and size. He said it was clear to him that she intended smaller bars, but somewhere along the line a substitution was made. He wondered whether this was really worth making an issue over, for it would make more of a mess to change the bars just to downscale the size of them. He could not support changing the diameter of the bars. Commissioner Portera agreed with Commissioner Wrench regarding the changing of the size of the bars, and stated he was in favor of the acceptable changes. The artist showed good faith, although some of the people are not getting exactly what they want—it is a matter of compromise, with give and take. Commissioner Portera stated he would vote on the report, as he saw no reason to abstain. Chairperson Ladouceur said the artist has to draw a line to keep her integrity, and she felt someone else would be better on the Committee and more neutral than she. She said the Commission supports the local process. Commissioner Wrench stated this due process has been a fair one, and whatever happens, the citizens cannot take the law into their own hands. The City will have to make the final decision. He said he is tired of the uncivil behavior exhibited in the City about this, and enough is enough. Enough time and money has been spent by the City and the citizens, and there are better things and issues on which to spend their time and energy. Commissioner Straub said that many comments have been made about acceptable and unacceptable behavior. She felt the following quotes by Elie Wiesel, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, might be used as a litmus test for that concern: "I would say that an idea becomes fanatical the moment it minimizes or excludes all the ideas that confront or oppose it." "The fanatic is afraid of pluralism and diversity; he abhors learning." "A fanatic has answers, not questions; certainties, not hesitations." "...it leads to dehumanizing, degrading and contagious hatred. Nothing good, nothing worthy, nothing creative can be born of hatred." Commissioner Wood said the people who come here should not be lectured, and he reiterated his desire to try one more time to meet with Andrea Blum. May 7, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 6 Commissioner Batter stated that Ms. Blum was willing to address all different areas in depth with the Committee, and she doubted whether she would make any further changes. However, she added that she could not speak for Ms. Blum, and that would be up to the City Council to pursue. Council Member Margaret Stanton, a Member of the Split Pavilion Committee, stated that she wondered whether Ms. Blum would be amenable to more changes, as each of the members of the Committee explored every inch of that artwork in an attempt to get an agreement with Ms. Blum on changes she would accept. On the next to last page of the report, Council Member Larson asked the artist if she would redesign the piece, and she said "no". She felt a great deal of time had been spent in the years designing the piece and now with the Committee and the Arts Commission in formulating a recommendation to the City Council. Commissioner Wrench stated that the Arts Commission had given consideration to the process by which the project was conceived and implemented; the full range of community input, pro and con; the report of the Aad Hoc Committee, which has met with the artist; understanding of the legal issues involved and the cost of the project to date; the artistic conscience and judgment of its individual members, and now recommends, as follows: 2. Recommendation for City Council ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Wrench, the Arts Commission recommended, 1) that the City immediately proceed to modify the landscaping in accordance with the guidelines and procedures discussed by the Ad Hoc Committee and the artist, and 2) that, following modification of the landscaping, the City seek the artist's consent to remove the north-boundary rails, and 3) that the artist's concerns regarding workmanship on concrete sealers be addressed, and 4) that the City then declare the project complete and subject to the full protection of the law as provided for other City assets and capital facilities. AYES; Ladouceur, Batter, Portera, Spencer, Straub and Wrench NOES; Wood Commissioner Wood objected to Item #4. RECESS: Chairperson Ladouceur declared a Recess at 5:34 p.m., and the Commission re- convened at 5:44 p.m., with all Members present. May 7, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 7 COMMITTEE REPORTS; Chairperson's Report Chairperson Ladouceur asked the Commission whether they were in favor of holding a workshop. She said she felt the Commission needed to set some goals for the year and see how they could promote the arts in Carlsbad. The Commission, by consensus, agreed to hold a workshop, and Connie Beardsley will call the Commissioners with possible dates. Manager's Report In response to Commission query, Connie Beardsley reported that the request has been made by the City Council to amend all contracts for a waiver for the California Art Preservation Act and the Federal Act. Notes have been sent to all the artists who have signed contracts, and they are in the process of being returned at this time. As far as the new Library, there is no rush on that, since the Library is not going forward at the moment. Larwin Park and Alta Mira are ready to go forward. Ms. Beardsley stated she is awaiting the waiver for Larwin Park, and the City is ready to hire an artist for Alta Mira Park. Ms. Beardsley reported that the jazz concerts will start in June. Carrillo Ranch Commissioner Wrench reported that the ad hoc committee has reached an interim completion point. A consensus was reached on the shape of the land form, to guide the City staff in negotiations with the owners. The owners of the surrounding land are obliged to give certain amounts of land to the City, but just where that land will be is not determined at this time. Commissioner Wrench stated there is a need to keep talking about this, even though the time for the Ranch to be developed is far away, he felt it was very important for everyone to continue to talk about this and keep tuned in to what is happening with regard to the use of the surrounding land. Arts Element to the General Plan Chairperson Ladouceur stated there will be a report at the next meeting. Arts Associates Jackie Wrench reported that the Speakers Series, Art is Life Plus was finished very successfully. A grant has been received for the Library gallery. She expressed appreciation for the breakfast series. She announced that the Festejando a las Madrecitas will be held on Saturday, May 9, 1992, from noon to 5:00 p.m., at Holiday Park. Connie Beardsley stated that the Planning Department wants to take the General Plan to City Council in June. She said there may have to be a special meeting to get the Arts Element in final form. The Committee will form a draft to be sent to the Commissioners before the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT; There were no requests to address the Commission on a non-agenda item. May 7, 1992 ARTS COMMISSION Page 8 NEW BUSINESS; 3. Budget Review of Pops Concert Chairperson Ladouceur stated there is a lack of funds for including in the budget both the pops concert and the grants. She referenced a letter dated May 6, 1992, from the Patrons of the Arts Foundation, expressing concern that the grants may be eliminated and asking that they be retained. Connie Beardsley stated that as of now, the pops concert is out of the budget and the grants are included, and a decision should be made today as to which of the two the Commission wants to recommend. Commissioner Batter reported that the many telephone calls and contacts with the businesses in the area were not successful as far as getting any donations for the pops concert. Kevin Mann, 333 North Emerald Drive, representing the Spectrum Theatrical Works, spoke in favor of the grants, stating that their group would like to continue to perform in Carlsbad. He felt the grants would benefit 15 or 16 groups rather than just be one event, as the pops concert. Commission discussion determined that some Commissioners felt that Council should be asked to underwrite the pops concert. The Commissioners said they would write letters as individuals and talk with Council Members to try to get funding for the pops concert. Connie Beardsley said she would contact the symphony orchestra to tell them the pops was cancelled out; also to determine how much longer they would wait in case money could be raised. ACTION; On motion by Commissioner Wood, the Arts Commission voted to retain the grants program in the budget. AYES; Ladouceur, Batter, Portera, Straub, Wood and Wrench NOES; Spencer ADJOURNMENT; By proper motion, the Meeting of May 7, 1992, was adjourned at 6:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, CONNIE BEARDSLEY Arts Manager Harriett Babbitt Minutes Clerk