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Minutes 06-14-08 MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH ARTS COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2008, AT 10:00 A.M. AT INTRACOSTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Barbara Ready, Chair Cheryl Arflin, (arrived 10:23 a.m.) Dana Cook Barbara Lentz Christine Moeller Nubia Richman Halena Wolf (arrived 10:16 a.m.) Debby Coles-Dobay, Public Art Administrator ABSENT: Anderson Slocombe Chair Ready called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. and thanked all for coming; self introductions were made. Chair Ready explained the meeting was an "Imagineering" workshop session for ideas about what the art would do for the City and how it celebrated aspects of the City. The mission statement was reviewed as follows: liThe Art in Public Places Program is dedicated to create a stimulating cultural environment that reflects and enhances the City's heritage, diversity, and character. The Public Artwork will vitalize, stimulate and focus on cultural interaction, amenities, education, business growth and economic development. The public artwork will be integrated into the architecture, infrastructure, landscape and greenways of the City. The Art in Public Places program will contribute to a communal sense of civic ownership and pride, making Boynton Beach 'A premier City in Florida in which to live, work and visit.' " Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the purpose of the workshop was: v' To generate ideas regarding goals for Public Art in specific locations and/or focus areas v' To generate a shared vision amongst the Arts Commission for the AIPP program v' To include in discussion current AIPP programs, CIP and private development projects to map on a City-wide basis v' To learn how Public Art can be incorporated into the infrastructure of building projects v' To learn how Public Art can impact, educate and transform planned projects into successful models for urban and ecological renewal. 1 Workshop Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2008 Michael Singer, from Delray Beach, Florida would be making a presentation and was setting the stage, conceptually, for artists to integrate public art into infrastructure on a world-wide basis. Mr. Singer developed projects and assembled teams of architects, engineers, scientists, ecologists and others needed to construct projects in a different conceptual manner than conventional construction design. It was pointed out Mr. Singer possessed a "big picture" way of thinking. It was also announced other individuals, such as artists and members of the City's Green Team were invited to the workshop. The goal of the workshop was: v' To put language together about what the Arts Commission would like to see constructed in the City of Boynton Beach as it pertained to art v' To determine how to unify the City, the various ages, races and ethnicities of its residents, and how to connect art to the community and to put language together to that effect; and v' To formulate a good program for the City. Ms. Coles-Dobay put together a working document of the Public Art Sectors which was distributed based on prior meeting decisions and which would be used as a starting point. The Master Plan would be used to shape the City's image, contribute to the City's visual identity and create unity. Ms. Coles-Dobay reported the public was receptive to the art program as confirmed through the Arts Commission website and the goal was to formulate a good program for the City. There was mention that eco art was fairly new and Ms. Coles-Dobay had previously distributed information to the members to assist with defining this category of art. The Ocean District was defined as running from the railroad tracks to the Intracoastal, and from the marina to Ocean Avenue to 1 st Street. The area was where Town Square started, just before the Children's Schoolhouse Museum. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained the Arts Commission was trying to learn what was being planned and what projects were being constructed in the City. The CRA had the EDAW Plan that depicted what would be built, and the Arts Commission would try to interface with other City departments to determine their vision in building the City. It was explained the Arts Commission would select the concept to give character and life to those sectors and define what characteristics of development could have art. It would give the developer direction. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained she puts together lists of development projects to show what would occur and noted each area has a flavor. The members discussed what they would like to see in the district and noted the area was on the water. The following comments and suggestions were received: 2 Workshop Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2008 v' A nautical, fountain or water feature v' A sheet of water coming down with a large rusted mermaid at the bottom v' A boat, fish, manatee or other marine life v' A small fishing/beach village A brief discussion about the history of the area followed and Nathaniel Boynton was noted as being important to the Ocean District. The marina has a history of fishing vessels. It was noted the surrounding land was purchased by the CRA as a public park. Discussion of what would be included in the park in addition to restrooms and a dock master included: v' History - Nathaniel Boynton v' Eco art The Town Square District was defined as 1st Avenue to Seacrest Boulevard and Boynton Beach Boulevard and encompassed the Library, the Art Center, the Schoolhouse Children's Museum, and City Hall. The members discussed the following would be appropriate: v' Diversity v' Historical aspects v' Eco Art v' A water feature It was noted the Avenue of the Arts was already established in the district and the members felt any new art should not compete with it. Other aspects, such as landscaping enhancements and creating open spaces for public use, were discussed. Overall, it was thought if an event were to be planned for the City, the Town Square District would be the place to hold it. Other items such as an amphitheater, which could also serve as public art, could be used, as could green spaces for eco art or a water feature. Developers would be looking to take the entire Town Square and build it out. City Hall would be moved to the Civic Center location. The Civic Center and Art Center would serve as a cultural building. There was the possibility of restoring the Old High School. The Library would be the anchor for the Square. The former City Hall would be converted into a mixed use project, with retail, rentals and condos constructed. The police station and fire station were moving to new buildings on the 1-95 and Gateway corner. The new buildings would include public art. The idea would be to take the entire project and issue an RFQ that included the Town Square District. There would be opportunities to include public art in the new City Hall. There was talk of an amphitheater that could serve as a cultural campus type feature. The members agreed the types of features they would like to see in the district were historical aspects of the area, including the founders of the area, and the 3 Workshop Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2008 old fishing industry. The corridor was a cultural corridor with history behind it, and there were many different ways to celebrate. When the call to artist is issued, respondents could be advised the space should reflect how the City was founded, the many cultures involved, and whatever else they wanted it to say. The respondents would do the research and determine how it would be represented. Another aspect of the Town Square District, was it would be pedestrian friendly and possess a campus atmosphere. The Square could be closed off as a pedestrian mall, or a green market, with water features or interactive items that would engage the residents. The square could also be a place for art shows, and events. One example of how this could be incorporated was the street could have colored cement, or tiles, or the benches could be art, or have vases or garden characteristics. A labyrinth, or a bronze plaque implanted in the street could be used by pedestrians to stroll back in time as could gardens, or murals with visual histories. The main use envisioned would be a place to stage events. Streets could be closed and the roadway could be constructed using only pavers. This could be the district to tie in all the other districts. A preservation aspect was discussed and it was thought the developers should try to save the old houses, the Old High School and other historic buildings and trees. One possible use for the small homes located in the area could be for artist studios and galleries. It was mentioned EDAW noted small cottages or historic homes could be relocated as infill areas. It was thought the district would be the Cultural Center that would be built for performance space. The Beach The members discussed their concepts, when they thought of the beach which were: v' Boardwalk v' Sea turtle nesting - eco v' Keep undeveloped and natural, v' Eco art - green space, benches, educational public art interpretative markers v' Reclaimed water for showers v' Shower art v' Art benches Educational interpretive markers could be used and it was noted the City was redoing the boardwalk which would include a sailcloth cover which is recyclable. The boardwalk was being constructed with tile and IPE wood. The City was considering having shelters there and would keep the central area with the snack bars the way they were, but would reduce three entrances to the beach down to two ramps. Reclaimed water would be used and benches could be artistically 4 Workshop Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 14,2008 shaped like seashells or other marine life. A pole with ceramic shells and sea creatures on it could also be located there. HOB District was defined as north of Boynton Beach Boulevard to Gateway and the railroad tracks to Federal Highway. This district would have workforce housing with a garage and hotel. The Carolyn Sims Center at Wilson Park and the Hester Center were located in this district. It was noted that this area was in the process of developing and it was questioned how effective suggestions would be at this time. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained when Auburn Development made its presentation to the CRA; it mentioned they wanted to put public art in the project. The developers were exempt from the Art Ordinance. The purpose of discussing this district was, if the developers approached Ms. Coles-Dobay what to use, she would need to have a recommendation available. After discussing the matter, the members felt the following would be appropriate: v' Celebrate cultures v' Neighborhoods v' Community Spirit v' Floribbean architecture v' Bright Colors v' Family v' Ethnic foods or a food court v' Green Spaces - Linear Park and Palmetto Park Greenway The members discussed a unifying water feature as a recurring theme, but noted any of the districts could include a water feature. A water feature could be cultural in one spot, and nautical somewhere else. It was thought art benches, such as mosaic or shell should be throughout the City and made to fit the location. Art would tie all the other elements in the City together, as long as it was in character and was appropriate to the location Ms. Coles-Dobay gave a short presentation of public walkways, plazas, and stained glass landscapes. There was agreement the members liked the concept of benches. Discussion followed about the horse sculptures located in the Target Shopping Center and the members recognized the committee was not the art police. The thought was the horse were out of character, but the developer could not actually be made to do anything. It was their money and the art may not be pleasing to all. The workshop recessed at 11 :17 a.m. for a short break. The workshop resumed at 11 :31 a.m. Ms. Coles-Dobay introduced Michael Singer and self introductions were made. 5 Workshop Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2008 Michael Singer explained he would discuss what the role of an artist was and provided his website address which was www.michaelsinqer.com. He was a painter, received degrees from Cornell University and Yale, then went to New York and stopped painting. He is now a sculptor and his work evolved into the public realm. Mr. Singer gave a visual presentation and explained some of his previous projects. He explained he would discuss what an artist does in the public realm, how public art brings new aspects to public issues. Common problems would be discussed and how the art could change the way a project was done. Mr. Singer discussed a transfer station for garbage that was located in Phoenix. The Arts Commission was brought in and Mr. Singer, who was teaching architecture, was approached with the plans. His team angled the building it to get better light. In addition to a transfer station, the facility became a visitor/community center, with a multi purpose room, offices for recycling, a library, a small laboratory for science projects. Thousand of students visit the facility each year. There was an open area with the mountains beyond that. There was a recycling pick-up area and market place and they even held a "Dance at the Dump". The facility was identified as one of the eight most important buildings of the year. The project identified and challenged what buildings could be. The land around the facility became an Eco-Industrial park that the City sold to businesses that agreed to conform to the requirements. Another project was in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This project was the first public art project sponsored by a government. The project was highly controversial and involved a flood wall. There were beautiful trees, ducks and people fishing at the site and some areas that were eroding did need help. Mr. Singers approach saved enough money to incorporate a sculpture into the project. As a result, the Army Corps of Engineers built an accessible handicapped ramp to the water. They constructed platforms and structures that were planted; the trees remained and the structure was all granite. The project had planters with vegetation growing which served to take the city's runoff, filter it and then return it to the river. The project became an environmental amenity A presentation about the Greenpoint Power Plant was made. The project design encompassed different systems which generated energy to supply power to the surrounding buildings and wallscapes. The wallscape had greenhouses attached to the wall for urban agriculture which grew indigenous plants. He noted there was enough water collected to equal 41 inches of rain to irrigate the plants and the project would not draw from the City's water supply. The company built a museum to the Civil War. Another building was attached and they used the land more efficiently resulting in an extra acre of land from the eight-acre site being salvaged and used for a community resource center, with a swimming pool heated by the facility, and facilities for artists, such as artists communities, dancers, shops, and more. 6 Workshop Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2008 Another project involved a marine transfer station in New York. Mr. Singer's team vision included an eco-sustainable work. They designed the building so the trucks were on ramps, turned off their motors and were moved along in a manner similar to a carwash which would run on photovoltaics located on the roof and on gravity going downward and tipping to the barges below. He explained the project became known as the "Guggehnheim of Garbage". The roof was a wetland and the interior was so big, they incorporated a community center in it. The walls contained water and were used to clean the trucks, and then filtered through the wetlands to remove toxins. Mr. Singer announced they were working on a project in West Palm Beach on Clamatis Street. They took clean fill and rebuilt islands and planted them to become a way to filter and clean the water. The City allowed DERM to take responsibility for public education, the public process and raising the funds for the islands. They were applying for grants from the State and Federal governments, and they anticipated it would be constructed the way it was envisioned. Similarly, in early 2002, the Armory Art Center received a grant from the Palm Beach Cultural Council, who hired Mr. Singer. The issue was how the Armory Art Center related to Howard Park and how did Howard Park relate to the community. About 20 community residents were involved in the process. They brought information together and submit a visioning statement to the City. They determined how Howard Park dealt with water issues, recreational opportunities, historical opportunities and expanded those visions to create a park-like atmosphere to have people walk through. They hung planters along the wall, took water from the convention center, filtered it through the planters and returned it cleaner, making it better for the Renaissance Project which supplemented the water treatment. It was an interactive plan. They used the same ideas, south along Parker Avenue. Shopping Center Projects were discussed. Mr. Singer was asked to conduct a survey how a building could become a landscape and habitat, how living walls could be created, and how they could create aesthetics. His team reviewed different aspects of the project and designed a structure that used native landscapes and retention ponds that became part of the onsite experience. It was designed to support life and the cleaning and filtration of water. Natural light and solar light was used. In Jacksonville, the entire side of the building fayade was like walking outside, although the customer would be inside the store. The Seminole Indians constructed a casino in Coconut Creek. Some of the green aspects in this project included: v' living fayade solar pv canopies, living facades interior garden and living walls, floating gardens 7 Workshop Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2008 v' Sculptural elements such as shade structures, exterior sculptural water elements, bio-retention, rainscapes v' Retention ponds and edges, water storage concepts, native and low water landscapes, green roofs, hardscape, permability albedo v' Heat recovery v' Green materials and furniture v' Green transportation such as bikes, car charges, car share, et, v' Signage and interpretation. The Altera Institute was another project. The project took the buildings water and air, and filtered and cleaned it. All the offices were located around the courtyard. The parking lot for this building did not have permeable paving and helped re- filter water. It was explained there were many ways to include sustainable, systems integration, with green and artistic aspects in construction and construction design. Another similar project was in Brattleboro, Vermont, that was run by hydropower and methane gases, which could be used for hydroponically grown foods. Residential construction was discussed. He explained examples of residential construction were on his website that were contemporary and which connected to the environment that encompassed water and solar issues. They were working in Delray Beach in the African American community as a case study. The property was for a single-family, moderate income family that used a formula that could be built for the same or less cost, as standard construction, while bringing conservation and energy into the design. He acknowledged certain cities were not interested in change. Affordable housing was a big issue with the state and that was why they wanted to do the case study. The CDC's bring the buyer and help the buyer finance the project. Mr. Singer requests bringing the buyer to the table before they build the house. The goal of the meeting was to show what was possible through design while still working within the budget. He explained the Phoenix project was constructed for $4M less than the original design called for. He explained a booklet called Infrastructure and Community was issued that explained how to build structures that assisted agencies and individuals to design structures based on how individuals lived and what sustained them. It was noted the Solid Waste Authority in Palm Beach County transfers energy and fuels homes. He explained it was important for the community to understand the need for this type of system and it was important for art to be included in the process since it changes the vision of a public place. Engineering was changing more towards systems integration aspects and as noted above, energy from one facility could be used to power or assist another system. 8 Workshop Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2008 The types of individuals included on Mr. Singer's teams included social anthropologists, engineers, community policy people to advise, and an ethicist, who would raise questions and pose opportunities that most conventional teams would not think of and that created integrated systems. Mr. Singer expressed an artist should be on every integrated team. An artist's role was to identify the opportunities they see to make it more attractive and work in a better way. Ft. Lauderdale has an artist master plan to identify opportunities for the City. There were many different possibilities and the educational opportunities for artists were few. The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:37. The meeting resumed at 1:19 p.m. Ms. Coles-Dobay asked the members how the artists could be part of the team from the very beginning to produce projects. She and Nancy Byrne of the Development Department were working to incorporate this type of language into the RFQ's. Mr. Singer's presentation brought to the forefront that projects are interrelated, particularly when there were plans to redevelop the area. The idea was not to think in terms of the art or concept, rather to think of the whole ecology of the area. Members discussed water features could serve as retention areas and it did not have to be a fountain, it could be a cistern. In reference to the Town Square District, the amphitheater area could be an integrated system. Development teams should be familiar with sustainable urban planning, water conservation, ecology enhancement and public art should be included in the planning stages, ideally contributing to sustainable art. They were trying to form a team in South Florida and make South Florida a showcase. The proper outcome is they would have saved money, had more functional, self-sustaining buildings and they used less land. A Whole New Mind, by Daniel Pink was a book about conceptual thinking. Federal Hiqhwav Corridor The CRA had a lot of interest in the corridor and the linear green space which, could be used for kinetic art. There were many condos under construction and empty buildings. The length was the south end of the City to the north end, and from Gateway Boulevard to 23rd Street. There were some amenities already located there and City entryway markers were planned. Jaycee Park was discussed as a good example of projects that would give character to the parks and provide experiences and learning about environmental aspects. When residents visited the park, they could learn about the park and the mangroves. The public art and interpretive markers would showcase the parks natural elements. Recreation and Parks were working cooperatively with the Arts Commission. 9 Workshop Minutes Arts Commission Boynton Beach, Florida June 14, 2008 There was a brief discussion about the entrance markers at Gateway. They were working with Public Works to develop the markers. There eight areas they wanted to post signs, but some were in the FDOT rights-of-way. They would find out what standard posts or elements were available and would create something very different for the City. They thought having some type of LED for direction or events, with public art being the background for the image would be helpful, but the design elements should be repeated. It was thought Federal Highway would have the welcome to Boynton Beach sign and would be a good place for a water feature as well since the C-16 Canal was already there. Veterans Park was discussed as was the memorial. The Arts Commission issued a call to artists, and shortlisted three of the respondents, who were then given a statement. The Eternal Flame was selected. The problem was location at either Veterans or Bicentennial Park. The Veterans preferred it to be at Bicentennial Park and the City had to find the funds to beautify the park. The City Commission approved the Eternal Flame, and then at the next meeting, the Veterans wanted a different memorial. The memorial was very tombstone looking. The Arts Commission thought adding benches could soften the effect. Ms. Coles-Dobay suggested the members look for opportunities to improve the districts and once they reviewed all the sectors, they would prioritize projects within them. Leisureville was noted to be a huge area and a snapshot of the architecture that existed in the 50's and 60's. It was thought signage, or specimen plants such as Bird of Paradise could be incorporated there. It was also noted if a Historic Preservation Ordinance was ever developed, the different districts should be identified. The meeting ended at 2:07 p.m. ~ClxJt1)Lj)YlC QhJJLLL Catherine Cherry d Recording Secretary 10