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Minutes 07-25-06 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2006 IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AT 6:30 P.M. Present: Rich Beau Lieu, Vice Chair Angela Budano Barbara Lenz Suzette Urs Cheryl Arflin Jean Kashan Nubia Richman Barbara Ready, Alt. Wilfred Hawkins, City Representative I. Call to Order Vice Chair Beau Lieu served as Acting Chairman for this meeting. He called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Former Chair, Debbie Coles-Dobay, and Assistant City Manager, Wilfred Hawkins, were also in attendance. II. Roll Call of Members The members introduced themselves to each other and the Recording Secretary took note of attendance. III. Agenda Approval The board approved the agenda by consensus. IV. Approval of Minutes There was board consensus to approve the minutes. Ms. Ready requested clarification of the Ordinance amendment that pertained to recruiting new members. The board had previously agreed to amend the Ordinance to include the Greater Boynton Beach area. Anyone with a Boynton Beach address could serve on the board, and they did not have to be an artist. She requested clarification on the addresses for business. The original Ordinance allowed for a member, who had a City of Boynton Beach business address but did not reside in Boynton Beach to become a member. The amendment expanded the area requirements for membership to include the Greater Boynton Beach area. 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 25, 2006 V. Business Items A. Announcements New member, Jean Kashan, was introduced. Mr. Hawkins announced Ms. Kashan was previously a sculpture who sold her pieces, a paralegal and an interior designer. The board welcomed Ms. Kashan. i. Official vote for Chair and Vice Chair positions Motion Ms. Arflin moved to nominate Mr. Beau Lieu as Chairman. Ms. Lenz seconded the nomination. Mr. Beau Lieu accepted the nomination. There were no other nominations for the position of Chair. Motion Mr. Beau Lieu moved to nominate Ms. Urs for Vice Chair. Ms. Arflin seconded the nomination. Ms. Urs accepted the nomination. There were no other nominations for the position of Vice Chair. ii. Update from Wilfred Hawkins on Public Arts Administrator Position Interviews with Candidates: Jennifer Fall, Tracey Sweeney, Debby Coles- Dobay and Linda Fleetwood. Mr. Hawkins announced they held interviews for the Public Arts Administrator position. An interview panel was established and the interview was comprised of two parts. For the first part of the interview, candidates were asked to write a Public Arts program and accompanying procedures. The second half was writing about themselves, answering specific questions and writing and providing a description of their favorite piece of public art. The responses varied widely and Ms. Coles-Dobay was ranked as the top contender. An offer has been made, details were being discussed and it was anticipated the process would be finalized within the next week or two. Ms. Kashan asked about the background of the Arts Commission. Ms. Coles-Dobay provided a brief history and the background of the Art in Public Places program. It was recommended Ms. Kashan, until she received the full information packet about the Commission and their programs, review the information on the City's website, which was a condensed version of the information she would receive. Ms. COles-Dobay explained the Art in Public Places Ordinance provided comprehensive information detailing the mechanisms in place to implement the program. B. Projects i. Review projects in the City that is subject to Public Art: 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 25, 2006 a. Eternal Flame Project Update Mr. Hawkins reported he received an e-mail from Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent, indicating they were working on the master plan for the Eternal Flame Monument, and another site for it was being considered. The original site was at the corner of Ocean and 4th, (Veterans Park). Mr. Hawkins explained Bicentennial Park was being considered for expansion as a potential downtown urban park. Expansion of the park, located along Federal Highway, was being considered by the Recreation and Parks Department, and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), due to a new development proposed for that area. Consequently, the Veterans Advisory Commission (VAC) reviewed their original plans and determined the new location would provide a greater opportunity for exposure of their monument, and would increase the success of the park through its use of the park for ceremonial purposes. Mr. Hawkins explained the first step would be to request the CRA formally adopt the park site and the memorial as a project they would be interested in acquiring and funding. A meeting was scheduled later in the week to initiate those discussions. Mr. Hawkins advised the next step would be to meet with the developer to see if they would be willing to incorporate the park into the project and/or contribute to the development of the park downtown. He explained a developer's endorsement would assist in ensuring the park would be built and would be a major source of funding. As a result, the development of the park would occur sooner than was originally planned. Mr. Hawkins recommended moving forward with the process of finding an artist to work with the planners for the site. The Arts Commission could still determine what the monument would look like, regardless of the location, and Mr. Hawkins suggested moving forward and being prepared to work with the master plan of both parks in a parallel manner. Chair Beau Lieu gave a progress report and explained Ms. Leisenger of the Land Stewardship Company was selected from the list of pre-approved landscape architects to put together a contract. The team, that was comprised of two members of the VAC, Commissioner Ensler, Heather Spillane, from Recreation and Parks, and himself, short-listed three semi-finalists. The three semi-finalists would meet with Ms. Leisinger and Ms. Rivers, look at the site and develop a concept for the memorial. The artists would then develop a maquette, which would be scored and a finalist would be selected. Mr. Hawkins explained the selection of the landscape architect had already taken place, but the item was pulled from the agenda when the VAC indicated they would consider another location for the monument. That item will go back to the City Commission with indications that Bicentennial Park would be the new site and the Arts Commission wanted to continue with the planning process. The Arts Commission would need to decide, in concept, that they would look at the new location and focus the planning on the new site. The Animal Shelter would need to be relocated and the City would also need to acquire some parcels for this process. The CRA and developer would be involved and would also assist in acquisition of land for the park. Chair Beau Lieu thought the artist should continue to develop a design concept. A discussion ensued about how the location change could impact the design and the budget of the 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 25, 2006 monument. The time frame for the master plan should be changed, and Mr. Hawkins indicated it might make more sense in the long term, to plan for the design at the urban park. He noted there would be more land and space to work with. Ms. Coles-Dobay expressed the two sites were different. One issue with the current Veterans Park was the tree, and that was a limitation the urban park did not have. A second issue the board should consider was the artist would be working with the planner who would plan not only the monument as the focus of the park, but also for the rest of the park. Ms. Budano thought those factors would have a significant impact on the artist. The board discussed having a temporary monument that could be moved from Veterans Park to Bicentennial Park. The board was also apprised there was development planned for Veterans Park, and overall, the areas between Martin Luther King and Woolbright would be changing drastically. Ms. Arflin strongly suggested the Arts Commission form a three-member panel to nurture the project, take it to where it needs to go and follow it around. The panel needed to push the project or they should do nothing at all. The board decided it would be a good idea to bring the artist in to develop a concept, in conjunction with the planners, with the criteria being the monument would not be site specific. It could be erected at the current Veterans Park and later dismantled and moved. The monument could be enlarged or added to at that time. A conversation would take place later in the week with CRA staff about approaching the developer and the need for CRA staff to be aware of the effort, who would hopefully endorse the concept. The developer would be brought into the conversation, given a timeline and asked whether they would set aside the land. Tabling the item until those conversations took place was suggested, however Mr. Hawkins advised if this part of the process were stalled, there might be some impatience on the part of the players. He suggested having an idea of who the artist would be, or perhaps selecting more than one artist as a contingency plan. There were no other sites appropriate for the Veterans Park out of the existing Parks inventory, and the City acknowledged the need to have a park designed and dedicated to Veterans, not situated at a location as an afterthought. He announced the project, out of respect to Veterans, warranted proper planning. The development that would be occurring at Veterans Park has caused the Veterans to rethink their location and Bicentennial Park was in the strategic plan to be the site for an urban park. Motion Ms. Budano moved to recommend the Veterans Monument be placed at Bicentennial based on the constraints of the existing footprint, with consideration for Phase I being the existing park and Phase II being the potential acquisition in the future for land by animal control or any other part. Ms. Arflin seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Ms. Rivers and Ms. Leisenger will be notified to continue on in the process with the artists. Chair Beau Lieu indicated the three semi-finalists would also be notified of the change and how to proceed. 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 25,2006 10. 306 Ocean Avenue in front of a condo complex 11. The Children's Museum on Ocean Avenue 12. The Civic Center Walkway and entrance on Ocean Avenue 13. Children's Museum near the clock 14. Sea crest Boulevard, grass-covered area on the side of the library 15. Sea crest Boulevard also by the library 16. Sea crest Boulevard by the old High School 17. Four locations at City Hall. It was mentioned some of the locations have drainage issues and hold water. Chair Beau Lieu invited the members to submit additional photos of potential sites for sculpture. Vice Chair Urs suggested posting plaques at each site indicating where the next nearest piece of art would be located. Information about the artist, the title of the piece, and the price would be included on the plaque. The City or the Rehabilitation Center may be able to assist with the sign choices. iii. Art Commission Members submit Artists contact information for call to artists Members submitted names for the list of Artists to contact. This list will be attached as the back sheet of minutes. iv. Update on letter to artists and additional candidates. The Commission reviewed the draft. The third paragraph contained a typographical error on the first line which was the word "you" should be "your". There was discussion and consensus the letter would indicate the Commission would not be returning the submissions. The letter would be signed by the Chair of the Arts Commission. It was also noted the timeline for the art walk would need to change. The original submission date was August 15th. This date will be changed to September 1, 2006 and the installation would take place in mid-October and a special meeting on September 5 would be held for selection of art. The Arts Commission would need to obtain permission from the City Commission before any art could be placed on City property in order not to encroach in the right-of-ways. November would end the process. The Arts Commission would like to announce the program so the process could begin. Vice Chair Urs suggested speaking with Wayne Segal, the City of Boynton Beach Media and Special Events person about assistance with public relations. Motion Vice Chair Urs moved to accept the sites presented on the list. Ms. Richman seconded the motion. Motion carried. The board noted only twelve sites were needed. VI. Update from Barbara Lentz: A. Marina Fall Festival 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 25,2006 There was consensus the Chair would notify the City Commission of the Arts Commission's decision, via letter with the minutes attached to it. Staff would draft the letter for the Chairman's signature. b. Hemingway Project Update Chair Beau Lieu reported the project was back on track and in the approval process. Mr. Hawkins advised the City Commission approved the adjustments and/or revisions they came up with. The developer wanted art being dedicated to Hemingway, with six toed cats, etc. at the site and Ms. Coles-Dobay advised the call to artists was ready to go. The planner was originally involved with the art and then the project was transferred to the architect. The Arts Commission was waiting for them to give the okay and then the Commission can re-release the announcement. The developer would be contacted to start the process. c. Carolyn Sims Project Update Chair Beau Lieu indicated they were going to discuss fundraising for the project. Ms. Arflin indicated her understanding was Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director, was going to be invited to attend the meeting. Ms. Arflin will contact Mr. Majors to attend a meeting to discuss how to fundraise for it. Mr. Hawkins also indicated they hoped to be bidding out this project in the middle of August. Now that a time frame existed, it would help move the project along. d. Avenue of the Arts i. Update Ms. Arflin distributed a copy of a letter she sent to Mr. Hawkins regarding invitations to artists. A draft revision was also circulated and discussed later in the meeting under item V.d.iv. ii. Review photos of possible sculpture sites Chair Beau Lieu had photographs of potential sites from Ocean Avenue down to City Hall. The potential sculpture site locations were: 1. 640 E. Ocean by Marina Village. 2. 630 E. Ocean slightly west of Marina Village, there was a walk 3. Corner of 6th Avenue and Ocean, there was a lot of excess sidewalk 4. Corner of US 1 and Ocean, by Bank of America, which is a site up for development 5. A site near Hurricane Alley Restaurant on Ocean Ave, where they put the Christmas tree; and, 6. a spot across from the restaurant 7. Veterans Park by the bench 8. Corner of SW 4th Street 9. 412 Ocean Avenue in front of an exercise studio 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 25, 2006 Ms. Lenz spoke with Margie Adelsperger, Marketing and Communications Manager of the CRA, and indicated the Arts Commission would be interested in assisting with the festival. She advised she would like to volunteer and attend the meetings, especially during the planning stages. She also indicated the Arts Commission would be willing to put out a call to artists. Ms. Adelsperger responded they would keep the offer in mind. Ms. Lenz explained some of their festivals do not include art. Ms. Coles-Dobay reported this festival would probably be moved to the spring. She also reported the CRA acquired land at the marina and may have an event. Mr. Hawkins indicated if the CRA is having two separate events and the Arts Commission wants to be involved, the Arts Commission should send a formal letter clearly extending the offer and requesting they respond. Art would be an added attraction, helping to enhance functions and increase foot traffic. The offer was an effort to augment CRA's activities. Motion Ms. Budano moved a letter from the Arts Commission would go to the CRA to encourage them to consider their involvement in the Arts and Jazz Festival and any other arts events they may have, including the planning process of their events. Ms. Lenz seconded the motion, which unanimously carried. Staff will draft the letter for the Chairman's signature. B. Jazz & Arts Event This item was discussed with Item VI. A. VII. New Business Items Mr. Hawkins explained at the July 18, 2006 City Commission meeting, a developer came forward with a request to consider grandfathering in any development in the approval process prior to the adoption of the Public Arts Ordinance which was October 5, 2005. The City Commission authorized the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance to this effect and bring it back to the City Commission meeting on August 1st, 2006. The second component of the issue, not covered in the Ordinance, was if the developer resubmitted a revised site plan, requested a time extension, whether those projects would be exempt from the Arts in Public Places Ordinance. Ms. Coles-Dobay indicated she was present at the City Commission meeting and compiled a listing of the issues raised. It was noted the oldest application subject to the Ordinance was dated October 19, 2005. The Arts Commission thought the factor triggering the fee was that a revised site plan would be considered a new project. The board discussed the approach they should take. Mr. Hawkins also indicated there was a consensus at the City Commission meeting to have further discussion on the possibility of decreasing the one percent fee to a half percent and the potential of placing a cap on the amount collected. He reported a developer complained the fee added an 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, FL July 25, 2006 extra $2,000 to each unit. He explained the collected art fees could sometimes run as high as $500,000. The Arts Commission expressed the Ordinance was in place and the fees were relative to the project. The requirement should not be a surprise. Mr. Hawkins indicated the City Commission wanted to approve the art and might want to consider taking back the approval of the art that was collected. Chair Beau Lieu expressed the City Commission made it very clear they did not want to be involved in the art portion of the effort whatsoever. The City Commission hired an individual to do this. The Arts Commission thought it should be emphasized the Arts Commission had addressed all of the issues they raised at the July 18, 2006 meeting in the Art in Public Places Ordinance and the Ordinance should be reviewed by the Commission. Additionally, the Arts Commission members would be calling their Commissioners. Chair Beau Lieu expressed the one-half percent for Public Art Fee referenced by the developer at the City Commission meeting was only for county work and only applied to metropolitan buildings. Many cities, including West Palm Beach, have no Ordinance and the reason the City of Boynton Beach had an Ordinance was because they had a strong and active group of people who put together the Ordinance. The Arts Commission had expended two years of research investigating the one percent fee based on the City size, economic development of the City, and growth patterns. They conducted a national review and the fees ranged from one-half percent to five percent. The board expressed one percentage point was infinitely more fair and appropriate for anyone on the low end or high end of a project than a flat fee schedule. The board acknowledged one developer complained, out of many other developers who did not complain. The Arts Commission contended the Ordinance was a well thought out plan, it was fair for the community, was what the public wanted, and was what was endorsed. The members expressed their hope the City Commission would support the Arts Commission, as an advisory committee they created. The members agreed to contact their Commissioners and further agreed to send a letter to the City Commission. The Commission expressed their belief the developer's request for relief should be denied. A list would be attached to the letter, which would respond to each issue raised at the July 18th City Commission meeting. The Arts Commission would be made obsolete if the Ordinance were not adhered to and they hoped the City Commission would heavily weigh the Arts Commissions input. The effort was two years in the undertaking and was a quality of life issue. VIII. Adjournment Motion Vice Chair Urs moved to adjourn. Ms. Kashan seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, d ( iJ.. a/UifMi hV/JVffJ/I,( Catherine herry-Guberman Recording Secretary 072606 8