Minutes 05-24-05ARTS COMMISSION WORKSHOP PRESENTATION HELD ON
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2005 IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM,
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, AT 6:30 P.M.
Present:
Arts Commission -Debby Coles-Dobay, Chair
Richard Beaulieu, Vice Chair
Cheryl Arflin
Angela Budano
Kimberlee McGow
Anita Remer
Suzette Urs
Deborah Nesbit, Alternate
Absent: Linda Sage, Alternate
For the City:
Mayor Jerry Taylor
Commissioner Bob Ensler
Commissioner Carl McKoy
City Manager Kurt Bressner
Absent:
Vice Mayor Mack McCray
Commissioner Mike Ferguson
Opening
Community Redevelopment Agency:
Chairperson Jeanne Heavilin
Vice Chair Henderson Tillman
James Barretta
Alexander DeMarco
Doug Hutchinson, CRA Director
Absent:
Don Fenton
Marie Horenburger
Steve Myott
A sign in sheet was circulated and provided to the Recording Secretary for inclusion
with the records of the meeting.
Debby Coles-Dobay, Chairperson of the Arts Commission, called the workshop to order
at 6:39 p.m. The Arts Commission thanked the City of Boynton, the Mayor and the
Commission for approving an art in public places program. Chairperson Coles-Dobay
noted the tremendous growth taking place throughout the City. Older neighborhoods are
being revitalized and Boynton Beach is becoming a greater place to live; now is time to
bring art in public places to the City.
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission Workshop
Boynton Beach, Florida May 24, 2005
Introduction
Chairperson Coles-Dobay introduced the Board's Liaison, Ms. Arleen Dennison, who is
the Director of the Boynton Beach Cultural Center and the Schoolhouse Children's
Museum. An introduction and brief background of all members of the Arts Commission
was provided.
Presentation
A PowerPoint presentation entitled "Ask for Art" was shown, a copy of which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay stated the purpose of the workshop was to introduce art to
the City of Boynton Beach that would include parks, libraries, civic centers,
neighborhoods, developments, businesses, and educational institutions, and on
sidewalks, greenspaces, streets and roadways. Art will contribute to the City's civic and
economic growth goals.
Arts Commission member Deborah Nesbit discussed the millions of dollars that art can
generate, as well as the financial impact it could have to a community, the county and
an entire region. The impact upon Palm Beach County in 2001 was $251.7 million.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay noted that art helps decrease crime and drug problems in
communities and referenced the change that art has brought to the West Industrial
Avenue section of Boynton Beach.
Art creates jobs, while decreasing unemployment. Ms. Nesbit discussed how art and
culture could bring money into the community, referencing the large sums of money that
the County has received through art.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay stated art increases education, culture and ethnic unity. Ms.
Nesbitt pointed out the success of Old School Square in Delray Beach through arts and
culture.
Arts Commission Member Suzette Urs noted that art would enhance and create a
positive image for the City, as well as making it a destination point. Art creates
amenities and investments that increase in value, while educating the community.
People will have civic pride in their City and stimulate community interaction. Ms. Urs
presented several other ways that art would benefit the City and place Boynton Beach
on the map.
Recommendations and Guidelines
Chairperson Coles-Dobay explained how they developed their recommendations and
guidelines through researching the City, State and entire Country. These include
feedback received from the Community Redevelopment Agency and other City Boards.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay noted the details and research specifics for the
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Arts Commission Workshop
Boynton Beach, Florida May 24, 2005
recommendations and guidelines document could be found in the Reference Document
the Arts Commission prepared. A copy of the document, as well as the Appendix to
Recommendations, is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
The Arts Commission is recommending an aggressive four-year funding program to
generate capital for an art in public places program concurrent with and complimentary
to the current rapid growth in the City. They are recommending a public art fee that
would equal a percentage of construction value to real property, excluding the value of
the land. Art fees can fluctuate between '/2% to 5%. They are recommending a fee for a
limited time period that would provide seed capital to run the program in the future. The
Arts Commission is recommending an assessment fee equal to one percent (1%) of
construction value to real property and subject to the following criteria —
➢ Non-residential construction, alteration or repair for which a building permit is
required.
➢ All new residential construction and/or redevelopment for which a building
permit is required.
➢ All new public construction for which a building permit is required.
➢ Fees will be calculated on amounts exceeding the $250,000 threshold.
Exceptions to the Fee -
➢ Remodeling, repair or reconstruction of structures damaged by fire, flood, wind,
earthquake or other calamity.
➢ Affordable housing as defined by Federal, State or Local Programs.
➢ Construction less than $250,000
The funds from the 1% fee would be dedicated at 70% to the construction of art in a
given project and 25% to run the arts in public places program. Mr. Hutchinson, Director
of the CRA, has recommended establishing an endowment program of 5% of the fees
collected that could be used for future funding. Twenty-five percent of the fees collected
would be used to administer the Program. The funds would run the entire program and
cover all fees, which Chairperson Coles-Dobay enumerated.
The Arts Commission worked with the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) staff to make certain
the building process would not be inhibited by introducing art within a project. Also, the
P&Z Department recommended a bonding option that would allow a developer to post a
surety of 110% of the work subsequent to the completion deadline of 60 to 90 days.
Artwork within a development must be placed in an area accessible to the public.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay reviewed other art options available to developers. Also,
developers would be permitted to donate the 1 % fee to the public arts program.
The documents referenced by Chairperson Coles-Dobay were distributed. Chairperson
Coles-Dobay referred to Page 18 of the Guidelines and Recommendations document
and discussed where the artwork could be placed and how the artwork would be
created.
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Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission Workshop
Boynton Beach, Florida May 24, 2005
Artworks could be any of the following and must be placed in publicly accessible
locations. —
➢ Singular, discrete objects (sculptures)
➢ Artist designed amenities, such as streetscapes, paving treatments, lighting,
benches, water features, landscape treatments, etc.
On Page 20 of the document, it states where public art can be located that include, but
is not limited to, commercial or residential buildings, plazas, parks, greenways,
sidewalks, roadways, lobbies, courtyards, towers, etc. Projects could also include artist -
designed features that could have been provided by commercial sources, such as
gates, water, fountains, tile and surface materials, doors, furniture, clocks, etc.
All artwork created by artists would be considered eligible expenses for art in public
places in addition to other items enumerated, such as fees, labor, permitting, business
and legal costs, operating costs, travel and transportation expenses, etc.
Page 22 contains public art selection guidelines and there are specifics that will guide
the selection process, which is similar to the selection to the architecture and
construction of a building.
Page 25 lists Art Commission services, which are services that the Art Commission
would like to contribute. Some of those services include becoming an integral part of the
development review process for any new or major modification to a project; the ultimate
goal would be to make recommendations for the inclusion of art into the project through
various processes. The process outline is contained on Pages 26 and 28.
Examples of art that have been developed as art in public spaces can be found on
Pages 30 through 39 in the document.
The Call to Artists procedure and artist selection methods can be found on Pages 40
through 44. Also discussed was the jury selection process from which public arts are
chosen. They are recommending that people from the CRA, the City, and a
representative of the developer would serve on the committee to assist with the
selection of the public artists and the art project.
The remainder of the document contains legal issues that apply to art in public places.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay pointed out there may be circumstances when art in public
places may have to be de -commissioned, revised or changed. She also noted it was
important to have good marketing and advertising in order to have a successful art in
public places program.
On Pages 58 and 60 there is a brief Q and A section that contain responses to
questions that have been posed to the Arts Commission.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay concluded the Arts Commission presentation.
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Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission Workshop
Boynton Beach, Florida May 24, 2005
Ms. Kathie Margoles, the former Director of the City of Tamarac Parks and Recreation
Department was introduced. Ms. Margoles explained that she helped developed an art
in public places program for Tamarac in 2004. She would also be giving a presentation
that was to be given by Beth Ravitz who was unable to attend the meeting. Ms. Ravitz is
an artist who has created many public art projects in the State of Florida. Ms. Ravitz has
worked with many architectural firms to design art elements into the architectural portion
of projects and serves on the Art Board for the City of Coral Springs.
Ms. Margoles commended the Art Commission for their wonderful presentation. Ms.
Margoles gave an overview how the City of Tamarac developed a public art program
and she was the staff member in charge of the program. The City of Tamarac passed
an ordinance in 2004 that has been determined to be the most progressive ordinance in
the Country. A team comprised of City staff and the Community Development Director
drafted it. They have completed two projects and another is in the works. The
population of Tamarac is 57,000 and is almost built out. Because there was little room
for development, the City decided to put a public art program in place. Ms. Margoles
noted that Broward County assesses a 2% public project fee for art.
While the City was in the process of developing the program, an opportunity arose to do
some cultural planning to introduce the concept of public art to the residents. They
received a grant from the Broward County Cultural Affairs to develop a greenway linear
park. Three public meetings were held to discuss the plans for the park, after which a
master plan was developed.
Tamarac's guidelines do not have the Guidelines and Recommendations that the Arts
Commission of Boynton Beach developed. Their ordinance set up a public art fund,
established a 1% fee on all construction, public, private and residential in the City. The
Ordinance allows the City Commission to establish an Art Committee and the
requirements to serve on the Committee. After the Ordinance was adopted in May
2004, the Art Committee was appointed in September. Ms. Margoles congratulated the
Arts Committee for doing a wonderful job. A copy of Tamarac's Ordinance was included
in the handouts.
Ms. Margoles showed the presentation that Ms. Ravitz had intended to present, but was
called out of town and could not be present. Ms. Ravitz is a local artist that lives in
Coral Springs and the presentation shown was also presented at Nova Southeastern
University and deals with art in public spaces.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay thanked Ms. Margoles for presenting Ms. Ravitz's
presentation.
Next introduced was Jeffrey Siegel. Mr. Siegel was a Landscape Architect for the City of
Plantation for 25 years and has worked with Ms. Ravitz. He has performed work in the
private sector and for other municipalities as well.
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission Workshop
Boynton Beach, Florida May 24, 2005
Mr. Siegel presented a slide show on art projects designed for the City of Plantation.
One project shown was designed by Ms. Ravitz. He stressed the importance that a City
has an identity and noted art projects do not have to be expensive.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay thanked Mr. Siegel for his presentation.
The Arts Commission thanked the City representatives for listening to the presentations
and is requesting that the City endorse their recommendations and guidelines. The Arts
Commission would like the City to incorporate a public art program that would benefit
the entire City.
Questions and Comments:
Chairperson Coles-Dobay opened up the meeting for questions and comments.
Mayor Taylor was impressed with the progress that the Arts Commission has made in
one year and stated it was incredible to see the amount of work that has been produced
in such a short time. He congratulated the Arts Commission for all the work they have
done.
Mayor Taylor inquired about the process that a developer would have to follow in
selecting an artist and Chairperson Coles-Dobay explained the process available to
developers.
Mayor Taylor also asked if a member of the Arts Commission was involved in the review
process of art work for a development, would this slow down the process for approval of
the project.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay responded there would be a panel comprised of an odd
number of art professionals, a representative of the developer, and either someone from
the CRA Board or staff. She explained that the art process would be integrated into the
City's approval process for a project and there would be no slow down of the project.
Mayor Taylor inquired if an art project was within the CRA boundaries, would the CRA
be able to approve the art work without it coming to the Commission for final approval.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay stated that the CRA and Planning and Development Board
have certain functions and they probably would not be the entity to select the art. The
Arts Commission was appointed to guide the process through the City.
Commissioner Ensler pointed out that most projects heard by the Planning and
Development Board and the Community Redevelopment Board still must come to the
Commission for final approval. Chairperson Coles-Dobay pointed out that the Arts
Commission is also an advisory board. Commissioner Ensler noted, however, that the
CRA is a legal entity and has the authority to spend money. Commissioner Ensler
wanted to know if the Arts Commission considered themselves a legal entity or an
advisory board. Chairperson Coles-Dobay pointed out that they are an advisory board
Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission Workshop
Boynton Beach, Florida May 24, 2005
charged with establishing the art in public places program. There would be a paid
administrator of the program on staff that would become another branch of the City.
Mayor Taylor thought these kinds of issues could be worked out at a later date.
Ms. Jeanne Heavilin, Chairperson of the CRA, also commended the Arts Commission
for putting the program together in such a short period of time. Ms. Heavilin questioned
if the art was public art for everyone in the City, why shouldn't the entire City participate,
such as introducing some kind of assessment. Ms. Heavilin noted that there are a great
many projects already under construction that would not be putting funds into the
program and only new projects at this point would apply.
Ms. Margoles stated in Tamarac they also instituted a fee for any building permit pulled.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay thought they might want to determine if the program should
be sunsetted in four years or perhaps they may want to keep the program active for a
longer period of time. Ms. Heavilin suggested that some kind of fee could be charged
when people apply for an occupational license each year.
Commissioner McKoy inquired how the sites would be balanced throughout the City,
since a majority of the newer projects would be going up in the CRA area. Chairperson
Coles-Dobay noted this had been discussed at a previous workshop where public art
should be placed throughout the City. There have been discussions about placing public
art in parks, businesses, streetscapes and the Heart of Boynton as opportunities to
introduce public art. She pointed out that art would not be exclusive to one area.
Chairperson Coles-Dobay pointed out that Industrial Avenue years ago had been a
dumpsite and now it is an art area that has completely changed this area.
Mr. Al DeMarco would like to see art introduced in the three high rises that will be going
up in the CRA District and the Promenade. He also thought it would be beneficial if the
City had a theme that could be used throughout the entire City, especially a marine
theme.
Commissioner Ensler asked what the next steps would be to move the program
forward. Chairperson Coles-Dobay stated that the Art Commission's recommendations
and guidelines would have to be approved. Ms. Dennison has included in her budget
the hiring of a Public Art Administrator to run the program. Once the program is
established, they could begin to bring projects in. Also, there needs to be an Ordinance
passed that would include the guidelines and funding for the program.
Commissioner Ensler recommended that the City and the CRA assist in bringing
forward an Ordinance. Chairperson Coles-Dobay thought that Legal would draft the
Ordinance.
Mayor Taylor inquired how the City could pay for the staff position before money is
generated from the projects. Commissioner Ensler recommended that the CRA pay for
half the program.
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Meeting Minutes
Arts Commission Workshop
Boynton Beach, Florida May 24, 2005
Mr. DeMarco felt that once the program started, it would be in a position to receive
donations from the private sector. Mayor Taylor pointed out that the County has an Art
in Public Places Program that provides matching funds to municipalities. Chairperson
Coles-Dobay noted they have already spoken to the County about their program.
Mr. Bressner stated this is a workshop and, therefore, no action could be taken. He
instructed the Arts Commission to prepare and forward a letter to the City Commission
asking that the item be put on an active agenda with a request to direct staff to prepare
the necessary Ordinance. He also recommended that staff be provided with the
resource document along with the sample ordinance for comparative information. Mr.
Bressner was not certain when the Ordinance could be prepared, but hoped it could be
sometime this summer.
Commissioner Ensler did not see a need to sunset the program in order to determine
how the program would evolve.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the workshop properly adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(May 27, 2005)