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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Robin Hem*' ~ 'tr
Reporting Secretary
3-27-07
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