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Minutes 03-27-07 MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING ON TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2007 AT 6:30 P.M. HELD IN THE GREATER BOYNTON BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Present: Richard Beau Lieu, Chair Suzette Urs, Vice Chair Cheryl Arflin Angela Budano Barbara Ready Nubia Richman Debbie Brookes, Alternate Christine Moeller, Alternate Debbie COles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator Absent: Barbara Lentz I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Beau Lieu called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS A quorum was present. Applicant Halena Wolf was also in attendance. III. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion Ms. Urs moved to approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. COles-Dobay requested correction of the spelling of her name on page four from COle-Dobay to Coles-Dobay, and on page six from Coles-Dobey to Coles-Dobay. The corrected minutes were approved by consensus. 1 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2007 V. BUSINESS ITEMS A. Announcements At the last meeting, Ms. COles-Dobay asked the members to consider serving on a Children's Services Council panel on Monday, April 9th, 2007, to select a short list of artists; and on Thursday, June ih, 2007, to select a concept. Chair Beau Lieu, Ms. Brooks, Ms. Ready and Ms. Richman responded affirmatively. Ms. Coles-Dobay would find out the time of the panel meetings and get back to them. (Ms. Moeller joined the meeting.) Chair Beau Lieu reminded the members about attending the annual board dinner on April1Sth, 2007, and asked them to please RSVP by April 6th, 2007. B. Board Member Changes - Arts Commission Ordinance Ms. Coles-Dobay advised that the election they had held at the last meeting for chair and vice-chair was not permissible. She distributed copies of Ordinance No. 01-64, page 3 Sec. 2-166(d) which stated: "At the organizational meeting of the Arts Commission a chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be selected by majority vote of the Arts Commission. The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be selected annually at the anniversary of the first meeting of the arts commission, or at the November meeting of the Arts Commission." She advised the new members would be on board in April, and the vote would have to be taken during the May meeting, which was the anniversary of the first meeting of the Arts Commission. (Angela Sudano and Cheryl Art/in joined the meeting.) Ms. Coles-Dobay advised that the applications from Debbie Brookes and Christine Moeller (Alternate), as well as the new applications from Halena Wolf and Alan Burgess, were on the agenda for appointment at the April 3rd, 2007, City Commission meeting. C. Projects 1. Review projects in the City that are subject to Public Art a. Development projects Ms. COles-Dobay reported on upcoming projects. · Update of various projects in review 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2007 Ocean 95 was an industrial warehouse that was going to be built to house light industry on the west side of the railroad tracks just south of Boynton Beach Boulevard. It was a long, thin property that would benefit from artistic lighting. She had spoken to the project manager, Betty Massey, who was familiar with public art. Ms. Massey was excited about the project. Boynton Town Center was being constructed at the corner of Old Boynton Road and Congress Avenue, and some of that project was subject to the Public Art Ordinance. There would be five areas: Red Lobster, Smokey Bones Restaurant, RCB Bank, Polo Comparo and another building that did not yet have a tenant. All tenants would contribute to the public art fee and the art would be placed in the roundabout on the main road heading east. Ms. COles-Dobay would report back as soon as the architect and project manager, Mark Fuller, came together with a concept. Another new project was the "wall water feature" for the Dr. Mote Medical Office Building at 3111 West Boynton Beach Boulevard, just west of Congress before Lawrence Road. An artistic wall water element would be located in the space between the building entrances. Ms. COles-Dobay was helping Dr. David Mote develop the concepts for the call to artists. Ms. COles-Dobay then distributed black and white renderings of the proposed Fire Rescue Station No. Five. She and the architect had reviewed the drawing to identify possible locations for "art in public places". Some of the chosen locations were the signage area, building entrance, flag area, and lObby around the floor insignia. Concepts briefly discussed were mosaic elements around the insignia and possibly the creation of a "fire museum" in part of the lobby to house antique fire equipment. On the outside of the building, consideration was given to the elevation and possibly vinyl images on the bay windows. The architect, Anderson Slocum, had worked with public art projects at another fire station, where he had incorporated fire-fighting equipment and elements to make decorative items such as lamps, etc. Ms. Urs suggested this project offered a great opportunity to focus on the historical value of art. (Halena Wolf joined the meeting.) Ms. Coles-Do bay requested that the members review the drawing and bring back concepts for discussion for the next meeting. She had spoken to the architect regarding the possibility of using decorative tile or sculptures. The 1% was equal to $150K, and the board could focus on one significant area or multiple locations. It was noted that not many folks go into fire stations, so the artwork would primarily be placed outside of the building. The City already owned an antique fire truck. 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2007 Ms. Coles-Do bay indicated it might not be necessary to get a public artist involved with this project because the architect had a public art background. A discussion was held on the ordinance requirements for proven expertise and experience with public art. Ms. Ready wondered if more than one artist could work in different areas of the project. Ms. COles-Dobay stressed that anyone involved would have to be qualified and approved by the Arts Commission, including the justification of costs. Ms. Arflin suggested that anytime the members had an opportunity to place public art anywhere, they should use the appropriate procedure to go out and find public artists. Mr. Beau Lieu clarified that under the ordinance; the developer could pick its own artist. For example, at Mar-A-Lago the architect had brought the artist over from Austria as a collaborative effort. Ms. Ready suggested that the historic angle they had previously discussed might be another opportunity for funding through an historical grant, which would have to be approved by the City Commission. A grant locator software program could be used, but there were deadlines involved and this possibility would have to be researched. Chair Beau Lieu requested a colored rendering of the project, which would be provided by Ms. Coles-Do bay. She also agreed to provide pictures of the Fire Station project previously done by the architect. Discussion was held on a number of artistic approaches to "soften" the look of the building, which would also house the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). It was agreed by consensus to invite the architect, Anderson Slocum, to a meeting. Ms. Ready brought up that the Forest Park School building was going to be torn down and replaced. If the site plan had been filed after October 5th, 2005, it would be subject to the Art Ordinance. Ms. Coles-Dobay would investigate the opportunity. At the Offices at Bamboo Lane the architect and artist were reviewing the bike rack concept. b. Carolyn Sims project update · March 15 Workshop review Ms. Brookes attended the workshop and reported it was excellent. She was very impressed with the artist, Frank Varga. Ms. Ready confirmed Mr. Varga was not only qualified, but also remarkable to offer his services as he had. She felt it was a shame there had not been more community involvement. Some of the Sims family had attended and enhanced the workshop experience for them all. They were glad the event had been filmed. Hopefully, word of mouth should spread through the art community. Ms. COles-Dobay suggested the goal of the workshops was not necessarily 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2007 to attract crowds of people, but to facilitate public knowledge about the art that would be placed at the Carolyn Sims Center, giving the public the opportunity to endorse and embrace the art. She had received good feedback from the event. Ms. Urs called everyone's attention to the fact there was nothing on the brochure or press pieces stating "...this project was brought to you by the Arts Commission". She recommended that all event planning and marketing pieces include visibility for the Arts Commission. The Carolyn Sims Community Center was the Arts Commission's flagship project with the City, yet no one was aware of its involvement. Recreation and Parks was recognized on the marketing collateral and the Arts Commission should have been recognized as well. The citizens needed to know what the Arts Commission was doing. The Carolyn Sims project would get a lot of press and there was ample time to increase visibility. Ms. Moeller was disappointed they had not yet distributed information to the art departments in the schools. She had called the school board and gotten permission to distribute brochures to the Principals for routing to the art departments. She volunteered to deliver the brochures. Later, the workshop video could be distributed for viewing by art classes and in school assemblies. Discussion was held on the possibility of getting television news involved with the filming of a workshop, a public interest story that could be used as a filler piece. They agreed by consensus to contact Channels 5, 12 and 25. Ms. COles-Dobay mentioned contacting Linda Haas, a new reporter for the neighborhood post. There were three workshops coming up on July 2nd, November 15th and January 10th, 2008. Ms. Coles- Dobay would prepare a cover letter to accompany marketing materials, possibly with the Mayor's signature. · March 21 field trip After school art center classes, about 20 children, had visited the studio. It was noted that filming one of these field trips would also be a great public interest story. · April 3 City agenda item Ms. Coles-Do bay indicated they would apply for approval of a Palm Beach County Matching Grant at the upcoming City Commission meeting. The grants ranged from $10K to $100K, including matching funds. The Arts Commission would apply for $30K, matched to $60K for the Carolyn Sims project. Chair Beau Lieu inquired if Frank Varga had received payment. Ms. COles-Dobay explained the grant would be awarded in mid-April. If money was spent prior to the 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2007 awarding of the grant, it would not be reimbursed. She stressed Mr. Varga was not only talented, but also committed to this project and willing to go outside the box to make this program happen. He had even volunteered his time for the workshops and trips. He was assisting with work on the grant and would be paid when the grant was awarded. If the grant was not awarded to the Arts Commission, the existing budget would cover the $60K payment to Mr. Varga. Chair Beau Lieu reminded there was also a bust of Carolyn Sims incorporated in the deal. c. Eternal Flame Project Update Ms. Coles-Dobay referred to the Eternal Flame maquette they had examined at the last meeting. · Location for Eternal Flame Memorial Developers had come and gone, and the location for the memorial was again being reconsidered. The original proposed site at Veteran's Park had been moved to Bicentennial Park, which would be developed to include the area where the Animal Control building was located. Also, memorial plaques that had been temporarily located in the other parks would be relocated to Bicentennial Park with the Eternal Flame Memorial. Ms. Coles-Do bay reviewed the current Bicentennial Park plans and identified the art elements and improvements that needed to be done. A landscape architect would have to evaluate the elements with the artist and the funds currently being held for Veteran's Park development would have to be transferred to Bicentennial Park. At this time, there was no developer and no funding. Ms. Budano noted the Arts Commission had already selected an artist and gone through the process. Their job was done. She suggested the board should not get involved with the decision regarding the location of this project, which would be addressed by the architect and artist. The project had not yet gone before the City Commission. She also recommended embracing the project and trusting in the process to move it forward. Discussion was held about sending a recommendation to the City. Ms. Arflin suggested taking no action at this time, but reserving the right to review the final recommendation. It was decided by consensus that the Arts Commission had completed its piece of the Eternal Flame project. Updates would be monitored, but the project would be taken off the Arts Commission's agenda moving forward. d. City Hall Lobby Beautification 6 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2007 . Update on project Appraisals would be done on the artwork in the lObby starting in April, 2007. The artwork created by Dave COles-Dobay had been replaced by a piece by Harvey Kline. The only piece remaining to be placed was the "geometric curtain" by Tom Brewitz, which would be assembled in the next few weeks and purchased for $800. The frame needed to hang the piece from the ceiling would cost about $400. Once the lObby was finished, a public relations story would be pursued. e. Avenue of the Arts · Update Ms. Coles-Do bay shared at the last meeting that she had presented the project on March 13, 2007, and the Community Relations Board had endorsed it. Hopefully, funding would be forthcoming. The initiative would connect Ocean Avenue from east to west, attracting people to the downtown area to enjoy Boynton Beach amenities and activities at the parks, Marina, the Children's School Museum, Library, Art Center, Civic Center, High School and Madsen Center. Many projects were coming out of the ground. Chair Beau Lieu declared that development of public art on permanent pedestals along the Avenue of the Arts would put that area of Boynton Beach on the map. This was the cheapest way to advertise and highlight downtown Boynton Beach, and all businesses along the route would benefit. F. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS (This item was taken out of order.) Ms. Coles-Do bay initiated discussion on a national company called Art Space, USA, which takes historical buildings and creates artist live/workspace. She suggested looking at the old high school building for this type of renovation. She had spoken to the folks at Art Space regarding the possibility of developing artist live/workspace areas; shared galleries, downstairs retail components, and upstairs affordable artist studios. Ms. Brookes had previously interacted with Art Space in connection with the Flamingo Play Studio, where the organization had provided consultation and developed a plan. On selected projects, Art Space was also the developer. Ms. Brookes knew of at least 25 artists who would be interested in artist live/workspace development. The organization was currently developing Sailboat Bend, an artist community in Ft. Lauderdale, with Lennar Homes. 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida March 27, 2007 Ms. Ready referenced the seven acres of land just purchased by the CRA on Sea crest Boulevard and suggested artist live/workspace could be included in development plans for that area. Also discussed was the possibility of adding the old high school to the historic registry, which could be an advantage. More investigation was necessary. It was suggested the website artsoace(Ci)usa.org be reviewed by all board members. The organization also rented live/workspace under value to artists. D. BOYNTON BEACH ARTS MARKETING MATERIALS · AIPP program tag line The proposed tag lines for Art in Public Places were discussed. The tag line "Enriching our communities through Public Art!" was chosen by consensus. The word "enriching" sounded nurturing and incorporated both emotional and financial connotations. E. PUBLIC ART ORDINANCE ITEMS · Public Art Ordinance Amendment 2nd reading - April 3 The date of the second reading was noted. F. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS (This item was previously discussed.) The members commented how much they had appreciated working with the retiring officers Chair Beau Lieu and Vice Chair Urs. The Arts Commission was stronger than ever before and they were proud of recent accomplishments. Everyone would celebrate at the board dinner. G. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was properly adjourned at 8:29 p.m. " ..---- , ~ ' , \j~ we Robin Hem*' ~ 'tr Reporting Secretary 3-27-07 8