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Minutes 06-11-07 MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING ON TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2007 AT 6:00 P.M. HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Barbara Ready, Chair Angela Budano Barbara Lentz Christine Moeller Debby Brookes, Alternate Debbie Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator Absent: Cheryl Arflin Nubia Richman Halena Wolf Alan Burgess, Alternate I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ready called the meeting to order at 6: 16 pm. II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Self-introductions were made and an attendance sheet was circulated for inclusion with the minutes. III. AGENDA APPROVAL Chair Ready requested individuals wanting to speak identify themselves for the record. Chair Ready requested approval of the agenda. Consensus There was consensus to approve the agenda. Ms. Horenburger explained she had to leave the meeting but wanted to comment, the next evening was the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) regular meeting and the previously selected Five Towns College was no longer desirous of utilizing the Old 1 Meeting Minutes Special Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 11, 2007 High School for its facilities. No reason was given, they just indicated they were not coming. She thought everyone needed to attend the meeting to show support for keeping the Old High School. Ms. Horenburger explained two years ago, the City was considering demolishing the school. The CRA went to the City Commission and entered into an Interlocal Agreement to manage the Old High School, which could be undone. She announced, conceivably, the CRA could act at the meeting to return the Old High School back to the City Commission. A. Meeting Overview Chair Ready explained the purpose of the meeting was to determine the level of support and interest in bringing an artist live/work space to Boynton Beach, and how to proceed. Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator, clarified the Arts Commission is advisory in nature, and information from here would be conveyed to the City Commission. B. Background information Ms. Brookes explained there was not reasonable rent space for artists to rent in the County. As far as the Old High School being considered as an option, she did not know the condition of the building. The Arts Commission's goal was to have a viable workspace for artists. There was agreement the first choice for artist workspace would be the Old High School. They would need to consult with people who know the condition of the building and whether it could be saved. The use of the Old High School was not a new issue. She explained using it for the arts had been previously discussed and there were groups such as Artspace, the Torpedo Factory and others that could utilize the space. C. Discussion items: 1. Market for Artist live/work space project in Boynton 2. Identify appropriate location(s) for this project Voncile Smith, President of the Boynton Beach Historical Society, advised in 2001, they invited Rick Gonzales, a restoration architect in West Palm Beach, to look at the building. The conclusion was it was in great shape. The floor and electrical needed work and contingent upon what rehabilitation was done, the price to rehabilitate the structure would vary. When the CRA took over, they asked Bender Architects, 2 Meeting Minutes Special Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 11, 2007 restoration experts about the building. Ms. Smith advised the building was designed by a well-known school architect, in the old Mediterranean revival style with certain art deco features. It was representative of the art deco style of the 20's and worthy of saving. She also commented it was cheaper to rehabilitate a building than replacing one, especially when their were historic properties attached to the structure. Paula Melley, commented her husband was a developer. They brought in an estimator, who is now a consultant and architect. She reported the building had lots of potential; structurally it was sound. She was not in favor of tearing the building down to make it a parking lot. This project was a treasure and could well accommodate lofts, or be a mixed-use structure having a cafe on the lower level. She acknowledged this issue had surfaced before. She thought the City was lacking in culture and was trying to identify itself. Ms. Brookes acknowledged there was agreement with Ms. Melley's comments but they needed to determine what funding, grants or bonds were available. She explained they would need to obtain that information as part of a plan. Mr. Oyer, Jr., provided the history of the school. He explained, within the politics of the City, in the past there were some department heads that did not want the school developed because it would reduce their department budgets. He commented there needed to be a long-term commitment for its development. Chair Ready indicated a recommendation needed to be made from this meeting. Their recommendation to the CRA would be if there was funding and there were artists' willing to come and participate, they should let them know that. Mr. Oyer suggested the board request the City turn over the building to a non-profit group to develop it and let them get the grants and contributions. Historically the school served Ocean Ridge, Briny Breeze, Gulf Stream and the area extending to Route 441. There was an emotional tie to the community and residents would contribute to a cause, but they would not to a City government. Additionally, he commented under the label of historical, there could be supply firms that would discount supply bills. Carisse LeJeune, Assistant to the City Manager, explained the Arts Commission is advisory to the City Commission on art issues. The Arts Commission would not make their recommendations to the CRA. After reviewing the entire Boynton Beach area and determining they want the location to be the Old High School, they would need to request the CRA consider working with them to come up with a developer that would assist in creating the artists' space. She explained the Arts Commission does not have the concrete facts before them and she explained the CRA could provide those for them as well as on developers they have spoken with who have turned down the project. 3 Meeting Minutes Special Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 11, 2007 Ms. Lejeune explained the property the Old High School was situated on was prime real estate and artists generally do not have much in the way of funds. She recommended also looking at alternative locations, due to the fact the Arts Commission would be requesting the CRA work with them and the CRA contract with the City was coming due. If the Old High School returns to control of the City Commission, they may want to demolish the building. Then the Arts Commission would have no alternative location. She explained after the upcoming CRA meeting, if the building was returned to City control, the Arts Commission could approach the City with a recommendation to reconsider the Old High School as a viable location for the artist live/work space. She emphasized the Arts Commission, if they opted to approach the City Commission, should have all their facts ready such as funding sources, as well as being able to show what revenues would be coming in and who would rent the space. Brian Edwards, 629 NE 9th Avenue, acknowledged the Arts Commission would not be able to find a developer or funding overnight. He commented partnerships with another entity would be helpful, especially as it related to raising money. He stressed, that until someone can claim ownership of the initiative, they would not be able to raise money for it. Whatever alliance was formed, the success of the issue would rest with the credibility of the team. He thought if a viable team were assembled, the CRA and City Commission would listen. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained there were individuals from the Palm Beach County Cultural Council and the Palm Beach County Art in Public Places that could speak about the need for space. The President of the Artists for Palm Beach County could not attend the meeting but Ms. Coles-Dobay conveyed they had expressed a need for some type of space or location in Palm Beach County. She thought beginning a dialogue with those entities would be beneficial. Ms. Horenburger referenced the Torpedo Factory and suggested modeling facts and details about those types of programs, for this project. This would include funding and who would pay for what. The Torpedo Factory was a co-op with gallery space, rental space and a store. She noted there were different grants for historic projects and different grants for art projects. The Torpedo Factory housed over 100 artists or guilds and they have attendance of over one million visitors a year. Artspace Projects, Inc. takes buildings such as the Old High School and converts them to spaces for artists. They were working on another project but could probably consult on the issue. Their concept was live/work and they do it on a combination of funds. They have a minimum square footage requirement that the building may not meet, but there was property adjoining the structure, and perhaps a housing dormitory could be placed there. Ms. Horenburger noted the tourists could generate revenues through the tourist tax. 4 Meeting Minutes Special Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 11, 2007 Ms. Coles-Dobay read an excerpt of an article from the Boston Redevelopment Authority depicting how the art/artists assisted in making Boston a more livable city and a city of people and neighborhoods. She read "they function as small businesses by providing job services for Boston residents. Artists have helped transform marginal neighborhoods into dynamic communities. Frequently festivals, galleries and small performances occur, dramatically enhancing the community for residents and visitors." Chair Ready noted artist cooperatives do not usually operate as a profitable center, rather they are generally offered to artists at a reasonable rate. 3. Recommend a plan of action. Ms. Budano inquired how a facility was secured or a feasibility study started on another location. Mr. Oyer, III, explained every community goes through a process before the right answer is obtained. He referenced the 1916 County Courthouse, which took 10 years and a 6-1 vote by the County Commission to tear it down before there was enough motivation to do something about it. The Orange County Courthouse went through a is-year process. It was part of the evolution of arriving at a good partnership and a consensus. He thought it should be a partnership effort. Ms. Brookes thought with the necessity and timing of circumstances her preference would be to convert the school to an art space. If that was not feasible, then continue to look at other areas for art space. She thought for art to be taken seriously, they need to make a statement and the school would accomplish that task. The commission felt prioritizing and organizing the approach, focusing on the Old High School and determining their options was important. Ms. Budano acknowledged with what was happening with the CRA and the City Commission, she was unsure how to overcome those issues without funding. Ms. Horenburger noted restoration funds and dedicated operation funds would be needed. Mr. Oyer, III, suggested approaching the feasibility of restoration of the building first and emphasized the effort had to be a community effort. He referenced the prior reports from Rick Gonzales, and the Hedrick Report. The consensus across the board was the structure could be rehabbed and to hire another contractor to review it again was a waste of money. He referenced Historic Tax Credits and further commented if housing were incorporated, the project would qualify for federal housing incentives and local incentives as well. He explained both the County and City had housing funds. 5 Meeting Minutes Special Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 11, 2007 Philanthropic dollars were available, but he noted recruiting such funds usually come in by way of small amounts as opposed to one entity writing a check for millions of dollars. There were State Historic Grants to apply for, but they should not be counted on. Mr. Oyer, III, reported there are about 150 applications received each year for funding and 30 are funded. Additionally, the funds do not roll over to the next year, so the need to be reapplied for. If a historic grant is received it should be counted as gravy . Tax Increment Funds (TIF) was discussed, and that whatever economic benefit was created on the main street, which was Ocean Avenue, that benefit could be returned via TIF funds. Any tenant rents generated could be borrowed against, but the biggest issue was the governing body of the community embracing the project and dedicating the TIF dollars or some of the revenue bonds. He explained unless the Arts Commission could educate the City Commission on the value of the project, it would be very difficult for the effort to be successful. Mr. Oyer, III, pointed out the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and the Florida Division of Historic Resources conducted an analysis called the Economic Benefit to Historic Restoration in Florida, which was very clear, and provided facts gleaned from preservation projects. The analysis illustrated the amount of tax increments that one of these projects would give back to the City. He referenced Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach and pointed out the catalyst for the redevelopment downtown there was the investment the City made in the Old School Square. He highlighted Atlantic Avenue may be the best example in the State of Florida of how the City leveraged one historic public building and how they turned it into a tax bonanza for the downtown. This was accomplished with the merchants, the community, chamber, historical society, everyone. He recommended doing this same thing under whatever label they chose, historic preservation, opportunity for artisans or good economic development. The effort needed to be articulated to the City Commission with the hard data. He indicated by doing so, the data would be very convincing of the multiple benefits that could be gleaned. An action plan is needed, and the market would take care of the rest. Ms. Horenburger explained initially, there was no broad support for the effort to revitalize Atlantic Avenue. There were three buildings located there and a cottage. The project, however, grew incrementally, and as it grew, the opposers became supporters. They utilized the skills of a doctor's wife to garner support. Ms. Brookes inquired if now would be the time to form a separate committee. Mr. Oyer, III, believed that would be a good idea, but it should be the Arts Commission that formed the committee. There should be a group to support issues that receives endorsements from the Arts Commission, the Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce and others. The effort should be a grass root effort and the supporting committees reflective of that effort. He suggested putting a dynamic face on the 6 Meeting Minutes Special Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 11, 2007 project. He elaborated the City Commission would want to see new faces of individuals having an interest in the project and young faces as well. There was a discussion on locations. Ms. Coles-Dobay thought the Arts Commission should make a recommendation there was interest in a viable artist live/work space. Mr. Oyer, III thought having representatives of different artist groups come and support the Arts Commission recommendation would be helpful. They could theorize there were artists needing space, however, determining and identifying a need should be part of the market research. He referenced there were organizations such as the Cultural Council, which was an umbrella organization for smaller organizations, and there are traveling artists that need a place to stay. Examples of these were the European Opera Singers. He indicated the Armory Art Center, as well as Drama Works, have artists coming into town needing places to stay, but all that would be determined before hand. It could be a good opportunity for Boynton Beach. Many of the artist organizations were located in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton, which were the two most expensive communities. Having a place between those hubs as the housing, trendier area, could grow its own identity. This could gentrify the community and the tax increments would more than pay for whatever the City invests. He explained those were his personal and unqualified opinions. An unidentified woman indicated the key was having the City and its partners embrace the concept and knowing what numbers were involved. Those numbers should include the cost to fix the building and indicate what the nut of the project would be. The operating model would include a subsidy. Nevertheless, it was pointed out it could be clearly proven that the dollars going into the tax base are greater than the subsidy. Ms. Budano explained they provided that in the comprehensive report. One component that remained outstanding was the local assessment of need and taking it from anecdotal artist needs, with all aspects, and quantifying it into a business plan. There was a discussion on utilizing the retirement communities for support. Ms. Horenburger reported those communities get excited about projects like this. A woman read an excerpt of "The Creative City" and there was agreement the effort could be the focus of a Downtown Master Plan. It was noted the CRA was having another planning session. It was also suggested contacting Five Towns College to verify the reason they withdrew from using the Old High School. Linda Stabile, inquired about citizen volunteer committees that cut through red tape. She thought Boynton Beach should have a committee in place. She indicated she had put all kinds of information together but was advised because she was not a resident she could not serve. Ms. Stabile was informed that criteria no longer applied. 7 Meeting Minutes Special Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 11, 2007 Ms. Melley advised there was discussion on the Old High School that would possibly be demolished. She indicated the CRA was meeting the next night and she thought the CRA should be requested to hang on to the building to allow them to come up with a formalized plan. She recommended the group appear at the CRA meeting. Mr. Edwards thought it might be helpful if the building was returned to the City Commission and thought the issue would boil down to being a public/private venture of some sort. It could be a collaborative issue with the cultural center, or historical society or Arts Commission. They would be looking for credibility and someone to step up to the plate for the restoration and have a sustainable operation of the building on a long- term basis. Ms. Moeller commented the City Commission responds to the community. The need to attend the next CRA meeting was agreed on in order to stop the demolition. Mr. Oyer, III, summarized having a separate grass roots effort committee that brings in experts is needed. Having an action plan and detailing how to pay for a needs assessment is needed, and how fast it could be done. There were groups willing to partially fund an assessment. A simple document with a business plan was the desired end product. The scope of work needed to be determined. It was acknowledged some parts of the document would be easy, and there may be some philanthropists in the area, but it was not easy to raise money without a plan. Ms. Budano commented the implementation portion of the assembly retreat was referenced. Ms. Lejeune commented the Community Relations Board is tasked with branding for the City of Boynton Beach for tourism and economic development. They were currently addressing that issue. There was discussion the two groups should run in tandem with one another. The focus of the issue was the furtherance of the arts in the City, and when presented in that manner, the City Commission would not turn the other way. There was discussion on forming a subcommittee or using the Community Relations Committee. There was agreement the first step would be to attend the next CRA meeting. Ms. LeJeune confirmed the Arts Commission could request the CRA consider their plan. The next City Commission meeting was June 19. The Arts Commission urged the Old High School be the lead facility. Mr. Oyer indicated there were two issues to contemplate. One was it might be a valuable cultural artistic site and therefore, the CRA hold in abeyance any idea to turn it over to the City Commission for demolition. Secondly the Arts Commission was endeavoring to undertake a study, an analysis to determine whether or not there is a demand for artist space in Palm Beach County and if so would Boynton Beach be the right location. 8 Meeting Minutes Special Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 11, 2007 Consensus There was unanimous agreement of the Arts Commission members to convey the sentiments made by Mr. Oyer at the next CRA meeting as the sentiments and statement of the Arts Commission. The board understood if their first priority location was not feasible, they could pursue other locations. It was important to assemble a team with a talent pool plus the time and resources to work on the matter. There was also agreement to include the names of the individuals and organizations involved for a needs assessment. Mr. Oyer, III thanked all present for convening. He reported the project had a great purpose. The board recessed at 7:50 p.m. The board reconvened at 7:59 p.m. D. Avenue of the Arts - Artwork location approval and additional artist. Ms. Coles-Dobay had circulated a document detailing the placement of public art in the City. She requested the board consider two issues when reviewing the placement of the art. The first issue was to consider the height and weight, and the second issue was the size. Some pieces required larger pads and some required smaller ones. They are based on location criteria. She asked if the board was okay with how she matched the art to the location. A copy of the art pieces and their placement was attached to the meeting backup and is available in the City Clerk's Office. There was further discussion on the art. Ms. Coles-Dobay gave the rational for the placement of the pieces. They would actually be located on City property and within rights-of-way. Some pieces might require additional research before being placed. Consensus There was consensus reached on the placement of artwork as submitted by Ms. Coles- Dobay. The Arts Commission also reviewed two additional pieces of art submitted by, Rick Beau Lieu, Artist. 9 Meeting Minutes Special Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 11, 2007 Motion Ms. Budano moved to select both pieces submitted by Mr. Beau Lieu. Ms. Brookes seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Ms. Coles-Dobay indicated the Marina Summerfest was scheduled for August 4, 2007. Five of the locations for artwork were targeted to be installed by that time. It would also coincide with when the rest of the art pads along the Avenue of the Arts would be constructed. The five locations to be completed were the Marina would have two pedestals, 4th and Ocean, 319 Ocean Apartments, the Children's Museum and Boynton Beach Boulevard. She reported other artists were being solicited for booth space at the festival. Ms. Coles-Dobay advised artist Norm Gibson wanted to have a booth at the event. She showed the members how his booth would be set up. The. 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