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Minutes 09-25-07 MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 AT 6:30 P.M. BOYNTON BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Barbara Ready, Chair Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator Cheryl Arflin, Vice Chair (arrived 6:58 p.m.) Angela Budano Barbara Lentz Christine Moeller Nubia Richman (arrived 6:40 p.m.) Halena Wolf (arrived late) Debbie Brookes, Alternate I. Call to Order Chair Ready called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. II. Roll Call of Members Self introductions were made. Guests were introduced. III. Agenda Approval Chair Ready requested Item VII. A, Dumpster Mural Program, be moved to the top of the agenda. She noted Erica Pesantes from the Sun-Sentinel was present, as was Judy Dempsey, an artist, for this item. Motion Ms. Moeller moved to hear Item VII. A, after Item V. Announcements. The motion was duly seconded and unanimously passed. Consensus There was consensus to approve the agenda as amended. IV. Approve Meeting Minutes - August 28, 2007 The following corrections were made: Ms. Lentz advised she was listed as present when she was not. 1 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 Ms. Budano read changes into the record detailing more accurately the discussion on the Dumpster Mural Program as follows: 1. Whether the program was aligned with the Arts in Public Places mission and ordinance. 2. Time commitment, best use of funds and liability concerns. 3. Structure: participation - who would be involved; How would consensus amongst neighbors be handled and by whom? Who would determine the process and be responsible for it. Would you limit the review process to the business owners? Who is responsible for a rented dumptsers approval to apply artwork? Who maintains the artwork? Who is liable for safety during the process? Does notification need to be sent to concerned parties within a given radius via a formal process for consensus-gathering meetings? Who is responsible for that process? Who funds it? Who provides the supplies? 4. We will not splinter off into sub-committees without prior support and approve of the board. A time commitment is not the sole determining factor to decide to form a sub-committee, but rather its ability to serve the greater good of the Art in Public Places Program and the representation of the board. 5. Given our programming as approved earlier that evening for our Master Plan activities, we should properly assess the current commitments we agreed to undertake before committing to an additional venture. 6. With regard to Item XIII Paragraph A: my (Ms. Budano) comment about the committee's involvement with a "personal mission": It was noted that the request for a dumpster program came from a City Commissioner and therefore it should receive preferential consideration. My comment reminded the committee that our duty is to serve the community and not the personal agenda of an individual. The final motion should note: Christine Moeller suggested we table the discussion about the dumpster issue due to the late hour and the need for further consideration. We agreed to continue the agenda item at September's meeting. Motion Ms. Budano moved to accept the corrected minutes. Ms. Lentz seconded the motion that unanimously passed. v. Announcements A. CRA Community Visioning Session Report 2 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 Chair Ready attended the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) downtown master plan session and the public provided their input. The session was helpful. B. AIPP Editorial Coverage Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator, announced the Arts Commission received great press coverage. The articles contributed positively to the City's image with 11 articles reaching 3.3 million people. Articles were published in the Sun-Sentinel, Boynton Times/Forum, the Palm Beach and Neighborhood Posts. The national public art network also included editorials, plus Florida Wise, Art and Culture and Boynton Magazine publications had coverage. The Chamber of Commerce included articles in the newsletter and their website, which received thousands of hits monthly. The positive press through the Public Arts program enhanced the image of Boynton Beach. Congratulations and kudos went to Debby Coles-Dobay for doing a fine job and getting the word out. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted it was a team effort. Ms. Coles-Dobay distributed an article highlighting Delray sculptor, Frank Varga. Mr. Varga was the artist selected for the Carolyn Sims "Eternal Vision" Art Memorial at Wilson Park. VII. Unfinished Business (Heard out of Order) a. Dumpster Mural Program Chair Ready read an email from Vice Mayor Rodriguez. A copy is attached to the original minutes on file in the City Clerk's office and was read into the record in support of the Dumpster Mural Program. This item was continued from the last meeting due to an impasse being reached on whether or not to undertake the project. The Arts Commission was very much divided on this issue and spent nearly the entire meeting trying to reach consensus on the matter, reviewing and emphasizing several points repeatedly as the basis for their stances. Salient points identified in favor of the project were: ~ Boynton Beach would be the first municipality to initiate this program. ~ The project would take items (dumpsters) previously viewed as unattractive and transform them into art. ~ The program would use public funds for the dumpster acquisition. ~ There was clear support from one Commissioner for the project. Conversely, relevant points in opposition to the project were: 3 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 ~ Some members were not sure this type of program fit the parameters of the Art in Public Places Ordinance or the purpose and mission of the Arts Commission. ~ The project may not be the best use of the Art Commission's time and effort. They noted they would not be "doing" the program; rather they would oversee it, which led to questions about the structure and implementation of the project. ~ A Master Plan was needed. Once promulgated, it should then be decided whether to add this program or not. ~ Other programs were already approved. It was thought it would not be prudent to approve another project without knowing the current budget and fiscal impact associated with the item. The aforementioned points of the issue were strongly and passionately debated by both sides. Out of those discussions, secondary questions arose. ./ What was needed for a Master Plan to be created? ./ Should the Dumpster Mural Program be given precedence over other items approved? ./ What is the budget? ./ Are there personal agendas associated with the item? One document that was distributed was the "Clearwater Plan", which was well thought of by all the members, and was considered a "model" plan for them to follow. The plan did, however, contain language pertaining to unforeseen circumstances which could result in the shuffling of project priorities. Motion Ms. Budano moved to discuss the Master Plan first and then put the project as part of the Master Plan if they approved the item. Vice Chair Arflin seconded the motion which passed 7-1. (Vice Chair Arflin dissenting) The members recalled there was a lot of documentation provided by Chair Ready at the last meeting about the dumpster program. Ms. Coles-Do bay had provided an outline of the program for discussion purposes, which included some of the items provided by Chair Ready. VI. Art in Public Places (AIPP) Master Plan b. Discussion of Public Art. Ms. Coles-Dobay had emailed members information on what was considered public art in the industry. She thought it was good information for the board to use in making 4 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 decisions on development projects coming forward. An article, Aesthetic Grounds, provided information on the topic from Carlos Diaz, a reknowned artist, about public art, how it evolved and what it is today. c. AIPP Outline Some members stressed the need to stay focused and accomplish what was approved. They thought it would be a disservice to the Art in Public Places Ordinance if they deviated from it and pursued knee jerk reactions which were anticipated to arise again in the future. They believed the process warranted planning and participation. An outline distributed by Ms. Coles-Dobay was reviewed and encompassed projects and funds as committed for the 2007/2008 year. The budget of $100K was approved by the City Commission. The projects listed in the handout nearly totaled the entire budget amount. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the funds available were always changing. She reported several development projects were applying for Site Plan Time Extensions due to the economy, which meant adjustments in the budget, would be made. One member requested a monthly accounting of funds that were available for public art. It was thought the Arts Commission could not commit to projects with funds they did not have. Motion Vice Chair Arflin moved they receive a monthly accounting of the status of the Art in Public Places budget. The members noted the City has to maintain constant accounts. Ms. Coles-Dobay had included in the materials an activity sheet showing the outstanding projects and funds associated with them. Vice Chair Arflin amended her motion that the Commission cannot vote to expend any funds unless they have an accounting of what is available before them. The motion died for lack of a second. The various projects were then reviewed. The Lobby Art Program was discussed. Ms. Coles-Dobay clarified each year the art would be refreshed and replaced with another piece. There would be a call to artists and the process would continue. The current market value of the art was valued at $21,050 but that did not mean they would collect that amount if sold. 5 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 The Arts Commission would be contributing to other programs. Programs with the Parks Department and right-of-way projects with parks would be self-funded. The CRA had indicated they were interested in an entranceway to the Marina and Promenade extension and would engage the AIPP program with that project. The City Entranceway and Fire Station No. 5 was also on the list. No dates were set for any of these projects. The on-loan program was receiving notoriety and other artists were interested in submitting. The Utilities Department was interested in placing art in front of their building. Some members noted the on-loan program was not formally approved by the Arts Commission. The program was a consignment program. It was explained if it were an actual program, formal action by the Arts Commission would be needed. The Library was discussed and noted as having civic and program room space. The Library Board was considering the use of Public Art, but no decision had been made. The artwork donated by Rick Beau-Lieu in memory of Wilfred Hawkins would be approved. There was consensus to start negotiations with Rick Beau-Lieu to purchase the Sea Turtle in the City Hall Lobby for permanent placement. d. Master Plan Review The Master Plan was discussed. Ms. Coles-Dobay had the complete plJns of vJrious Clearwater Master Plans on CD for the members to use and documents distributed to assist the members in that process. Some members thought the mission statement should be based on the Art in Public Places program and then gaps filled in. The Ordinance defined the purpose which was also defined in the Arts Commission Mission Statement. This Master Plan was due December 2008 and the holidays were approaching. A target date of January was discussed. The members liked the Clearwater model, which identified the purpose and then prioritized projects. Three purposes were identified, which would be broadened and then priorities listed. Ms. Richman suggested language that public art projects would strengthen the City's identity with emphasis on its natural surroundings and climate. Other programs would promote public interaction and community pride. All projects could contribute to cultural and economic growth. Vice Chair Arflin expressed her idea that the Cityscape would have the art reflect who they were. Cultural diversity could include educational, and performance and civic treasures that would celebrate the richness of Boynton. Ms. 6 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 Ms. Coles-Dobay asked if the members wanted to engage the public in the process or retain a consultant. The ordinance mandated the Arts Commission is to provide the City with the Master Plan for the AIPP Program. Documents distributed were intended to assist the members in that process. The Ordinance did not specify a time frame but it should be completed by 2008. Vice Chair Arflin thought it would be helpful to have a workshop. She thought if the focus could be narrowed, then public input should be solicited. A good facilitator would be very helpful. If the Arts Commission wanted a facilitator, Ms. Coles-Dobay would get quotes. Prices could range from a few thousand dollars to $SOK. Chair Ready asked the members to review the materials and bring back comments for the next meeting. The members considered holding a workshop on January 26th. Members were asked to consolidate thoughts and forward them to Ms. Coles-Dobay. The October meeting would be on October 23, 2007. The November meeting was scheduled for November 2ih, and December's meeting was scheduled for December 25th. Motion Ms. Lentz moved to take December off. Ms. Wolf seconded the motion that unanimously passed e. Program Review i. Avenue of the Arts Fifty thousand dollars of the $100K budget was approved to purchase and permanently place pieces for the Avenue of the Arts. There was one opening left. The Arts Commission would have to select the artwork and discussed methods to determine what pieces to purchase. One suggestion was the People's Choice where residents would make the selection. 1. September a. Brochure reprint Brochures promoting Marina Fest and Avenue of the Arts were printed and a reprint planned. b. Timing Construction Pads for six additional sites are done. Artwork installations week of September 24 7 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25,2007 The AIPP Project was 2.5 years in the making and now was implemented but the biggest hurdle was the art pads. Having the dimensions of the art pads would help the program by allowing the Arts Commission to give dimensions to artists. c. Event - on hold d. Artists to Contact for 07/08 participation ii. "Eternal Vision" Carolyn Sims Public Art Memorial a. Grand Opening Celebration, January 12 b. November 15th workshop iii. Development Projects Ms. Coles-Dobay had a detailed list of development projects. The projects were described as moving targets because of the site plan time extensions previously mentioned. Items A through D were already done. The Dr. Mote Wellness & Rehab Center was on hold. The Ocean 95 project was delayed. Pylon Interstate Plaza was on hold and Lake Worth Christian School was a new project. The Hemingway Project, which was previously approved, was on hold due to financing problems and it was unknown if the development would move forward. Ms. Coles- Dobay explained the funds come based on the market. When the project is developed, that's when they spend. The reality was this was a self-funded program. That fact alone underscored why it was so important to have a budget, so when the changes occurred the adjustments could be made. The CRA was funding three events this year, which would be the Fourth of July, the Holiday Extravaganza and the Heritage Fest Celebration. The ~1\:1rin\:l Fest ':..ould not be funded next ye\:lr ;::md the City W\:IS not funding \:Iny projects \:It \:III. Ms. Coles-Dobay presented the costs to the CRA so the Arts Commission would not have to spend any money on the event. This was not definite until the CRA formally approved the program. The Heritage Fest Celebration/Highwaymen activity was approved and would be held at the Woman's Club. It was hoped some of the original Highwaymen would attend. The costs and time commitments for the Heritage Fest Celebration were discussed. Volunteers were needed. They were trying to do five programs resulting in five murals. Each class would start out with 10 to 30 youth and they would all individually paint, based on the Highwaymen style. Ms. Coles-Dobay expounded on the program with one 8 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 would start out with 10 to 30 youth and they would all individually paint, based on the Highwaymen style. Ms. Coles-Dobay expounded on the program with one piece selected from each class by a committee and several students working on the final format piece. The projects discussed were what were currently in the works for this year and next. with no date, priority or timeline applied because there are other elements of the program that needed to be represented. Ms. Coles-Dobay expressed the project did not represent the entirety of what the Arts Commission was about. 1. Dr. Mote Wellness & Rehab This project was discussed earlier in the meeting and was on hold. f. 07/08 Program Review This item was previously disccused. VII. Unfinished Business a. Dumpster Mural Program There was additional discussion on this item. Proponents of the Dumpster Mural Program first advised those projects could be continued but wanted to make a presentation on the Dumpster Mural Project to see if it fit into the Master Plan. This was confusing among the members because members noted the Master Plan was not yet developed and how could the Carolyn Sims Memorial, the Avenue of the Arts and the City Hall Lobby Art Collection be developed without a plan. Motion Ms. Moeller moved to discuss the Dumpster Mural Program and incorporate it into the Master Plan. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the items discussed were for 2007-2008 and they did not have a master plan yet. Ms. Lentz explained art was always moving and projects were constantly moving. She expressed the members should decide whether to do it or not. Ms. Moeller explained the intent of her motion was to discuss the dumpster program with the end towards incorporating it into the 2007/2008 Master Plan. 9 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 Ms. Wolf seconded the motion. There was discussion whether the motion was to talk about the program or approve it. Motion Vice Chair Arflin moved to strike the prior motion from the record. Chair Ready denied the motion. There was discussion on parliamentary procedure. Ms. Moeller withdrew her motion. Ms. Wolf withdrew her second. It was suggested each member give their thoughts on the program. The pros and cons of the matter were listed and reviewed by the members. Those in favor expressed the project spoke to the mission statement. It was public art and it transformed an ugly item to an artistic one. There would be community involvement with positive press/visibility. It beautified the City, and the dumpsters would be supplied by Public Works resulting in a minimal cost to the Arts Commission. Those against the project expressed it was an unexpected expense, and overseeing the program put additional responsibilities on the Arts Commission. They felt the project was premature and not a priority. Negative press could result from the initiative. There were liability issues, funding concerns, insurance and health issues. Although the dumpsters would be brand new, it was thought while the work was in progress; the dumpsters would be used, drawing rats and other health concerns into the project. Motion Vice Chair Arflin moved to adjourn. Ms. Budano seconded the motion that failed 3-4. (Ms. Wolf, Ms. Moeller, Ms. Lentz and Chair Ready dissenting) Strong discussion followed. Some board members expressed their feelings the program was being forced on them. The main point was if the members wanted to implement the program, and how would it be implemented? Some members felt the program was "applied art" and advised the Dumpster Mural Program, if instituted at all, should not be the premier, or front end project. At least one member expressed her belief it would make Boynton Beach the laughing stock of 10 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 the Arts community. Another questioned whether the Arts Commission was espousing elitism. The discussions, however, did result in some movement on the issue. All of the members were cognizant of the division among members over the issue and expressed the need to stay cohesive and non-adversarial, but were unsure how to proceed. It was thought some supporters of the effort had gone ahead and gathered information on the issue without board sanction. Supporters thought bringing all pertinent information to the board was appropriate and a brief presentation on the project was made. Some members expressed frustration the Arts Commission was being publicaly committed to the item before it was presented. Additionally, there were allegations the press had been prematurely contacted. One member indicated she personally was affronted when people she knew approached her about the program which was featured in the press, before she knew anything about it. Discussions about the implementation of the program took place. One way to implement the program would be to involve schools and students on a part time basis to paint the murals. Another option was to have the business community pay for it, if they wanted murals on their dumpsters. Costs were thought to be fairly minimal. Decisions on the project would be made by the Arts Commission and the related facts and figures given to the board liaison. It was noted, however, the program had been unsuccessfully shopped with the business community in the past under the Boynton Ocean District Association (B.O.D.A.) and it died for lack of interest. Members were asked to continue to think about the issue and continue the discussion at the next meeting, being placed at the top of the agenda with an eye on resolution of the issue. It was noted that no matter which way the vote went, some members may be disappointed. VIII. New Business None. IX. Adjournment Motion Ms. Lentz moved to adjourn, to continue this item at the next meeting as the first order of business. Ms. Moeller seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Vice Chair Arflin and Ms. Budano advised they were not comfortable with the motion. 11 Meeting Minutes Art Commission Boynton Beach, Florida September 25, 2007 Meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m. Q Ojvj~J - jJ JA . -f1 Catherine Chertry_'~~Q/vmQ/V( Recording Secretary 092607 12