HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 - Civic Center Project Staff Report - Correspondence, RECE ED AFTER AGEINDA RECEIVED
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February 21, 2011
Honorable Mayor
Members of the City Council
3300 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach CA 92663
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I trust you will decide against putting up a statue of Ronald Reagan
even if it is paid for with private donations. I do not believe it would have
a unifying effect upon our community.
Perhaps the donations could be used to finance a needed program
at Hoag Hospital or Hoag Health Center or another worthy institution, in
honor of Ronald Reagan.
Sincerely yours,
Jean Beek
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Harris, Lillian
From:
virginia spencer Igakiv @yahoo.com]
Sent:
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 11:25 AM
To:
Harris, Lillian
Subject:
ronald reagan statue
Please register my opposition to the Ronald Reagan statue on city property.
Thank you,
Virginia Spencer
February 17, 2011
JANET NGUYEN
SUPERVISOR, FIRST DISTRICT
ORANGE COUNTY HALL OF ADMINISTRATION
333. W. SANTA ANA BLVD., P.O. BOX 687, SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702 -0687
PHONE (714) 834 -3110 FAX (714) 834 -5754 janet.nguyen @ocgov. com
The Honorable Michael Henn
Mayor, City of Newport Beach
3300 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
RE: Support Letter for Reagan Memorial
Dear Mayor Henn:
I write to you to offer my support for the Ronald Reagan Memorial as proposed by the City of Newport Beach. I
also wish to applaud your efforts in collecting private contributions to finance the project.
As American citizens, it is important to recognize and commemorate President Reagan on his 100 "' birthday
because he was truly a transformative leader and an inspiration to many. A memorial in his honor acknowledges
his significant leadership as our 40 "' President of the United States and as our 33rd Governor of the State of
California. In addition, I would like to inform you that the Orange County Board of Supervisors has declared that
February 6 "' is Ronald Reagan Day throughout Orange County. Please find a copy of the resolution attached.
Again, thank you for your time and attention to this matter. If you have any questions regarding this,
please do not hesitate to contact me at (714) 834-3110 or email at Janet.Nguyen @ocgov.com.
Sincere)
\ r�JANET NG YEN
Supervisor, First District
Cc: Honorable City Councilmembers
RONALD REAGAN DAY
February 6, 2011
By the authority of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the following resolution is hereby
issued:
WHEREAS, February 6. 2011 marks the Centennial of the birth of Ronald Wilson Reagan; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan served as the Thirty Third Governor of California and the Fortieth
President of the United States: and
WHEREAS, Governor Reagan provided our state with steady leadership during the tumultuous period
of the late 1960s and early 1970s. His initiatives while in office to reform welfare, reduce regulations
on business, and balance the state budget resulted in a stronger California; and
WHEREAS, President Reagan took office at a time of economic despair. He instituted economic
policies that empowered the people, not government. Reaganomics resulted in an economic
recovery and a lengthy period of growth; and
WHEREAS, The "peace through strength" approach of President Reagan is credited with bringing an
end to the Cold War. During his time in office President Reagan consistently stood up against the
forces of communism and tyranny in defense of freedom and democracy; and
WHEREAS, Through his optimism and faith in the principles of the founders. President Reagan
inspired a resurgence in national pride and a renewal of the American Spirit. His words will continue
to remind us that "America's best days are yet to come. Our proudest moments are yet to be. Our
most glorious achievements are just ahead." and
WHEREAS, Orange County voters strongly supported Ronald Reagan in his campaigns for Governor
and President: and
WHEREAS, President Ronald Reagan will be remembered in history as one who did his part to carry
forth the flame of freedom and keep America "the shining city upon a hill;"
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
does hereby declare February 6. 2011 as Ronald Reagan Day in Orange County to honor the
Centennial of his birth.
Dated this V Day of February, 2011
BILL CAMPBELL
Chair, Board of Supervisors
JOHN M. W. MOORLACH
Vice Chair, Board of Supervisors
Shawn Nelson
Supervisor, Fourth District
JANET NGUYEN
Supervisor, First District
PATRICIA C. BATES
Supervisor, Fifth District
Harris, Lillian
From: Kiff, Dave
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 1:11 PM
To: 'annieem50 @aol.com'
Cc: City Clerk's Office
Subject: RE: Opposed to Ronald Reagan statue
Hi Ms. Quinn —
I will make sure that the City Council is aware of your thoughts. Thanks for writing.
Dave Kiff
City Manager
From: annieem50 @aol.com [mailto:annieem50 @ aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, February 20, 20119:06 PM
To: Kiff, Dave
Subject: Opposed to Ronald Reagan statue
I am writing this email to say that I am against the statue of Ronald Reagan being placed
in our City, especially on public land. He did not come from Newport Beach nor does he
represent many of the people who live in this region. A piece of public "art" should be non
controversial and not causing a split in the community.
When it comes before the City Council I hope you count my objection to this statue.
Sincerely,
Annie Quinn
P.O. Box 5464
Newport Beach, CA 92662
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Harris, Lillian
From: Diana Blaisure [dtbnwptb @pacbell.net]
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 9:23 AM
To: Harris, Lillian
Cc: Daigle, Leslie
Subject: City Council Public Hearing Agenda Item No. 14
Dear City Council:
The subject of this email is the Ronald Reagan statue, item No. 14 on today's City Council Agenda.
I spoke at the Arts Commission meeting on Feb. 10th regarding placing a statue of Reagan in front of the new City
Hall.
The primary point that I made is that the area in front of the new City Hall is a public space and what ever is placed in
that space should be something for everyone not a select group. I was a Parks, Recreation and Parkways
Commissioner in Costa Mesa for five years (1990 -1995) and the issue of what is appropriate to place in public areas,
in particular parks, was a topic we often addressed. Therefore, this is an issue that I have had experience with as a
Commissioner as well as an interested citizen.
I agree with Arlene Kartozian, former Arts Commissioner, who also spoke on 2 -10 -11 that City policies should be
followed and, in addition, this future public space is not appropriate for a political figure. I also completely agree with
Robert and Katharine Young' comments published in the "Mailbag" section of the Daily Pilot (Feb. 18) and in particular
the third paragraph which states: "However, our City Council should be doing what is best for Newport Beach and all
its citizens, not using public space either to further individual members' personal wishes or to make a political
statement according to their personal inclinations."
As I have followed this issue, it has appeared to me that the City Council has been functioning more like a private club
in regards to the endorsement of placing a statue of Reagan in front of the new City Hall. I can certainly understand
how Council members Curry and Henn, who have had personal relationships with Reagan, hold the former /late
president in high regard, but those experiences are indeed personal and should not be manifested in the proposed
public arena.
Because of commitments early on Wednesday morning — I will not be able to attend the public hearing tonight and
wanted to express my comments and concerns for the record. Therefore, I am asking the City Clerks office to forward
this message to you for to nights meeting.
I appreciate the opportunity to submit comments for the record.
Diana Blaisure
1972 San Bruno
Newport Beach
Harris, Lillian
From: Robyn Grant [rbgrant @cox.net]
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 11:51 AM
To: City Clerk's Office
Subject: Fwd: Ronald Reagan Centennial Memorial
Attachments: Commission Recommendation - draft 2.doc; ATT73740748.htm
Begin forwarded message:
From: Robyn Grant <rbgrant(c)cox.net>
Date: February 21, 2011 11:23:38 AM PST
To: Nancy Gardner <gardnerncy(a)aol.com >, Rush Hill <rhill(a).newportbeachca.gov >,
Leslie Daigle <leslieidai_gle(o)aol.com >, Keith & Pam Curry <curryk Pfm.com >, Mike &
Lynn Henn <mhenn527()hotmail.com >, Steve Rosansky <parandigm(0aol.com >, Ed
Selich <edselicht- roadrunner.com>
Cc: Dave Kiff <dkiff .newportbeachca.gov >, Cynthia Cowell
<CCowell .newportbeachca.gov >, Ibrownanewportbeachca.gov
Subject: Ronald Reagan Centennial Memorial
Dear City Council Members,
Item 14 of the City Council Agenda for Tuesday, February 22 regarding the Ronald Reagan Centennial
Memorial inadvertently omits the Arts Commission Report submitted to the Council on this matter.
Please see the attached.
Robyn Grant
Chair, Newport Beach Arts Commission
February 15, 2011
NEWPORT BEACH ARTS COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
REGARDING RESOLUTION 2011 -10
On Thursday, February 10, 2011, at the regular monthly meeting of the
Newport Beach Arts Commission, the Commission voted unanimously (7 for, 0
against) to proceed as expressly directed by Council Resolution 2011 -10 dated
January 11, 2011 and "take the lead on recommending a suitable artist, design,
and placement ... of a work honoring Ronald Reagan."
The Resolution expressly directs the Commission to move forward with
Council Policy I -9 Art In Public Places and commence the process of "selection of an
artist" (Policy 1 -9, Section DA.) and "plan and oversee the artistic design process"
(Policy I -9, Section D.S.) starting with a Call for Artists.
Confusion Between Applicability of
Council Policy I -9 Art In Public Places &
Council Policy I -11 Donation ofArt To City of Newport Beach
Not mentioned in Resolution 2011 -10 is a proposal for a sculpture initiated
by the Reagan Memorial Donors Committee designed by Utah Sculptor Stan Watts
( "Watts Sculpture. ") When a specific donation of art is recommended for acceptance
by the City, Council Policy I -11, Donation of Art To City of Newport Beach, applies and
includes, among other things "The art should be ... of the highest quality and level of
artistic excellence... and consistent with and relevant to the civic interests and broad
variety of tastes within the... community." (Policy I -11, Sections D.1 & 5.)
The Commission concluded Council did not direct the Commission to forgo
the public process directed by Policy I -9 and solely consider the Watts Sculpture for
acceptance by the City. Thus, the Watts Sculpture will be considered by the
Commission along with other submissions made during the Call for Artists.
Call for Artists Process
The Call for Artists will include a public call for artists to submit proposals,
selection of an artist based on submitted proposals and designation of an
appropriate site for the selected artwork.
This is the same public process followed by the City with the other two (2)
public art projects commissioned in the past five (5) years, the Marine 1 -1 sculpture
installed at Castaways Park in May, 2008 and the McFadden Square Centennial
Sculpture installed at McFadden Square in July, 2008. In both instances, the
Commission worked with private citizens groups to procure a sculpture with high
artistic integrity and commensurate with the local community.
Summary of February 10, 2011
Arts Commission Meeting
The Commission Meeting was attended by over one hundred (100) members
of the general public interested in New Business Agenda Item No. 1, Discussion of
President Ronald Reagan Sculpture. The discussion commenced with a presentation
in favor of a Reagan sculpture by Councilman Keith Curry. Councilman Rush Hill also
spoke in favor of a Reagan sculpture. One member of the public, Dr. Kerry Reynolds,
Chair of the Reagan Memorial Donors Committee, spoke in favor of the Watts
Sculpture.
Twenty-seven (27) members of the public spoke against a Reagan sculpture.
The overwhelming majority of comments cited a lack of sufficient notice and
opportunity for the public to comment prior to the January 11, 2011 Council vote to
commission a Reagan Sculpture. Otherwise, comments were generally in one of
three (3) categories:
1. Opposed to any Reagan Sculpture anywhere in the City,
2. Opposed to any Reagan Sculpture in the Civic Center, Library or adjacent
Park; or
3. Opposed to the Watts Sculpture for artistic reasons and supportive of the
Commission moving forward with a public Call for Artists in accordance
with Policy I -9.
Many speakers proposed alternate public and /or private locations for a
Reagan Sculpture. These included Castaways Park, Newport Coast Community
Center, Balboa Bay Club and Hoag Hospital (regarding Hoag, specifically dedicating
the sculpture to Alzheimer's research and including a monetary fund.)
There was no discussion among the Commissioners regarding the general
appropriateness of a Reagan sculpture in the City as that discussion was not
directed to the Commission in Resolution 2011 -10.
In recognition of the fact that 100% of the cost to create the Memorial is being provided
by private donors and in light of the fact that current council policies do not contemplate
a process whereby donors play an important role in the creation and selection of art work.
I move that the city council authorize the city manager to execute a contract with an artist
to provide a memorial to President Ronald Reagan following his due diligence and in
consultation with the Memorial Donor Committee and in consideration of any advice
received by the Arts Commission and PB &R Commission in accordance with the
direction of this motion. The council directs the Memorial to be placed in Castaways
Park.
The Arts Commission is requested to provide its recommendation among the choices for
selection provided by the Donor Committee to the city manager and the Donor
Committee should it so desire.
The Council also requests that the city manager consult with the Donor Committee and
the PB &R Commission regarding the specific site within Castaways Park.
Brown, Leilani
From:
Craig M [craigmorissette @hotmail.com]
Sent:
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 3:50 PM
To:
Henn, Michael; Curry, Keith; Rosansky, Steven; rush @rushhil12010.com; Selich, Edward;
Gardner, Nancy; Daigle, Leslie
Cc:
Brown, Leilani; Kiff, Dave
Subject:
YES to early public comments, NO to 3 minutes for agenda items, NO to late Friday release of
agendas /staff reports.
Follow Up Flag:
Fallow up
Flag Status:
Flagged
Categories: Red Category
FOR PUBLIC RECORD
Dear Mayor Henn and Council members:
Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this week's Council Meeting (February 22, 2011).
Therefore, I'd like to take a moment to express my views on the agenda item 13, the proposed
amendment to Council meeting policies.
YES To Public Comments Early In The Meeting Agenda. Moving public comments to the
beginning of the meeting agenda is a good idea and may make the Council more accessible to the
public. Either before or after the Consent Calendar is acceptable. Frankly, it should have been
done long ago.
NO To Any Reduction Of Speaking Time. Three (3) minutes is an unreasonable period of
time for members of the public to be expected to express their thoughts and opinions on agenda
items -- especially with both attentive Council members in front of them, television cameras
around them, and a gallery of people behind them. Rushing public comments will only result in
less- than - cogent arguments and poor communication between the public and the Council. I have
no doubt that all Council members could compose their thoughts and communicate their views
in three minutes or less on any topic they may have only discovered the previous week. But, each
of you are accustomed to the surroundings and the procedures. The vast majority of the public
are not. It is undoubtedly difficult maintain an attentive posture during poorly delivered
comments, but it comes with the job. I commended each of you for your public service.
NO To Any Reduction Of Time Between Release Of Agendas /Staff Reports and
Council Meetings. Nothing should be more important than giving the public an opportunity to
understand an agenda item prior to a Council Meeting. Releasing of staff reports late on Friday
afternoons prior to Tuesday Council meetings makes no sense if the Council values input from
the public. This effectively leaves only Monday and, realistically, part of Tuesday to talk with staff
and Council members. Give residents, businesses, and community organizations the time they
I
need to understand the issues so that you receive thoughtful feedback. I can think of nothing
more valuable, regardless of the preparation hassles for staff, that the City can spend its budget
on than communication with the public.
Thank you for considering my views when you make your decisions.
Cordially, Craig Morissette
Resident & Homeowner
F
Brown, Leilani
From:
Kellie Freeman [kellie.freeman @me.com]
Sent:
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 5:09 PM
To:
Brown, Leilani
Subject:
opposed to Regan Statue
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Flagged
Categories: Red Category
Hi Leilani,
I am a NB resident and am in opposition of a Regan statue in our City,
especially near City Hall - a non - partisan office. Regan has no ties
to Newport that I am aware of. I would like to see us honor someone
who has a strong history with the City. Thank you in advanced for
adding my name to the list of citizens against the Regan statue.
Thanks,
Kellie Freeman
602 Poinsettia Ave
CDM 92625
1