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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-2016 - City Arts Commission - Approved MinutesNewport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 10, 2016 Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM City Council Chambers 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:02 PM II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Lynn Selich, Chair Michael Kerr, Vice Chair Jennifer Van Bergh Arlene Greer Michelle Bendetti Commissioners Absent: Judy Chang Caroline Logan Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jeff Brown complimented and supported the City Arts Commission for the Summer Concert Series. He suggested the City Arts Commission consider expanding the number of concerts to six or eight. He felt the community would support more concerts and be willing to assist with them. Commissioner Van Bergh inquired about other types of music Mr. Brown preferred. Mr. Brown felt a variety of music would be good as the attendees were diverse. Commissioner Greer suggested Mr. Brown share his comments with the City Council. Michael Magrutsche agreed with Mr. Brown's comments. He shared results of a survey of reasons people visit Laguna Beach and the crowd's reaction to Phillip Smith's installation at Laguna Beach. He suggested the City Arts Commission consider Mr. Smith's work for the Sculpture Garden. Chair Selich stated generating community interest in the arts was important and a challenge. 1 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 10, 2016 Page 2 V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the October 13, 2016 City Arts Commission Meeting 1. Draft of 10/13/2016 Minutes Commissioner Greer requested an addition to page 7, paragraph 6. Motion made by Commissioner Greer, seconded by Vice Chair Kerr, and carried (5-0-0- 2), to approve the draft Minutes for the meeting of October 13, 2016 as revised. AYES: Selich, Kerr, Van Bergh, Greer, Bendetti NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Logan, Chang B. Consent Calendar Items 2. Financial Report - Review of financial information. Library Services Director Hetherton reported an expenditure of approximately $21,000 for the deinstallation of Phase 1 of the Sculpture Garden. The expenditure was included in the budget. Remaining funds should be sufficient for the juried art show in June 2017. Chair Selich noted the Cows4Camp exhibit would be deinstalled in conjunction with the June art exhibit. She suggested a date for the deinstallation be set. 3. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services. Library Services Director Hetherton advised that the Ben Carlson statute had been cleaned and looked good. The sculpture had been placed on a quarterly maintenance schedule. Chair Selich noted she had written an article highlighting the unveiling of the sculpture and had received good feedback. This project would help the City Arts Commission develop protocols and guidelines for accepting gifts of art and planning future maintenance. Commissioner Greer reported the Frost exhibit was currently on display in the library. A lecture regarding the history of Newport Center was scheduled for November 21 at 7:00 p.m. Chair Selich related comments from an attendee of a recent exhibit. 2 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 10, 2016 Page 3 Motion made by Commissioner Van Bergh, seconded by Commissioner Greer, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Selich, Kerr, Van Bergh, Greer, Logan, Bendetti NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Logan, Chang VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. Placement of Sphere 112 - Staff recommends that the Art in public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee consider locations for the permanent placement of the sculpture Sphere 112, determine a site, and make a recommendation to the City Arts Commission that can be presented to the City Council for approval. Commissioner Greer announced this item was continued until Commissioner Logan could be present. 5. Cows4Camp Exhibit – Staff provides an update on the Cows4Camp exhibit. Chair Selich indicated 17 cows were being installed at Civic Center Park and four libraries. Library Services Director Hetherton advised that cows would be placed at three libraries, Marina Park, Back Bay View Park, OASIS, and Civic Center Park. Chair Selich asked if more cows should be installed or placed online as 32 cows were available to the City. Library Services Director Hetherton preferred to place them online. He wanted to determine the installation cost per cow. Because the installation costs appeared to be less than anticipated, he would update the City Arts Commission. Chair Selich noted the cow installations were reusing the pads from the Sculpture Garden. This should be a nice public-private partnership with Ronald McDonald Camp. Laura Detweiler approved placing some cows in Back Bay View Park. The cows were placed in a scenic area but could be seen from the street. Public relations outreach would begin the following week. Vice Chair Kerr inquired about a means to solicit public reaction to the cows. Library Services Director Hetherton had discussed ideas with the City's marketing specialist. Ideas included a bird watching guide and a survey through Constant Contact. Vice Chair Kerr suggested a children's coloring or sticker book for children visiting the cows. Library Services Director Hetherton noted adult coloring books were a current trend as well. Chair Selich recalled the previous suggestions of using QR codes for self-guided tours and conducting a poll near the end of the exhibit to determine the public's favorite cow. The Arts Foundation would receive a portion of sale proceeds from the cows. 3 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 10, 2016 Page 4 6. Potential Loan of Mark di Suvero Isis Sculpture to the City of Newport Beach – Staff requests that the City Arts Commission consider the feasibility of securing a multi-year loan of the Mark di Suvero sculpture, Isis, for display in the City of Newport Beach. Commissioner Van Bergh reported regarding the opportunity to secure a multi-year loan of a Mark di Suvero sculpture. Di Suvero was one of the most prominent American artists from the last century. His work was recognizable, and Isis was shown at the Hirschhorn Museum in Washington at one time. The sculpture was large at 42 feet by 63 feet, and a boat hull was part of the sculpture. The sculpture was in storage while the owners sought a buyer. She estimated the costs for shipping and installing at $75,000. Chair Selich had suggested a possible location in Back Bay View Park. Library Services Director Hetherton advised that a proposal like this should be presented in the budget process. The City Arts Commission could ask the Council to allocate funds from I-13 or Visit Newport Beach. Chair Selich suggested the subcommittee prepare a proposal to present to the Council, and the proposal should incorporate a fundraising mechanism. The stature of the piece warranted outreach to potential underwriters. Commissioner Van Bergh felt a 3-year loan with a couple of 1-year options if the sculpture was not sold was possible. If Isis resonated with community, a fundraising effort could be made to purchase it. Vice Chair Kerr requested staff talk with Public Works to determine if there was an appropriate location for the piece in the park because of its size. Library Services Director Hetherton agreed to do so and to inquire regarding potential shipping and installation costs. In response to Commissioner Van Bergh's question, Library Services Director Hetherton could not predict whether the Council would approve funds for the loan of the sculpture, but he felt it might be difficult to obtain approval because of the amount. Chair Selich suggested the proposal to the Council include some type of public-private alliances. Library Services Director Hetherton felt the Council would accept the proposal if the Arts Foundation could raise the full amount. Michael Magrutsche felt the only permanent art should be art like this sculpture, so that people could identify Newport Beach with the art. The size of the sculpture and artist's renown was the way to go. Commissioner Greer noted the Irvine Company's many properties and indicated a partnership with a major company such as the Irvine Company, the community and the Arts Foundation could be beneficial. She inquired whether the sculpture had to be located in a City park, to which Commissioner Van Bergh replied no. Commissioner Van Bergh inquired about the need for a report if the City Arts Commission raised the full amount needed. Chair Selich recalled the Council's direction regarding public-private partnerships; therefore, it had to be a part of the proposal. 4 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 10, 2016 Page 5 In response to Commissioner Van Bergh's inquiry, Library Services Director Hetherton stated the first task was to establish a budget, feasibility, and possible location. He did not believe the Council's direction to increase the amount of private funds for arts endeavors would change. Chair Selich felt it was incumbent upon the City Arts Commission to make a compelling argument for the importance of the project. Jim Mosher remarked that a private company placing the sculpture on private land could result in no expense to the City. The location in Back Bay View Park was spectacular. From attending Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission meetings, he had learned that residents of nearby apartments were protective of the views across that area of the park. B. Monthly Reports 7. Visual Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Caroline Logan, Commissioner Jennifer Van Bergh Commissioner Greer was excited by the prospect of borrowing the Isis sculpture. It would drive tourism to the City. 8. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Michelle Bendetti, Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Judy Chang Commissioner Bendetti thanked Commissioner Van Bergh for preparing a helpful report on the Concert Series. With minor tweaks and upgrades, it would continue to build momentum. Commissioner Van Bergh stated the subcommittee needed contract labor to prepare a sponsorship package. In response to Chair Selich's inquiry, Library Services Director Hetherton indicated the Request for Proposal (RFP) for contract labor was too broad and the compensation was too low. No one could be found to meet all the requirements. Currently funds for contract labor were limited and insufficient to hire someone. A lesser amount was budgeted for contract labor in the current fiscal year than in the previous fiscal year, and a good deal of those funds had been expended. In response to Chair Selich's question, Library Services Director Hetherton advised that the City Arts Commission should request additional funds in the budget planning process for the upcoming fiscal year. The remaining funds of $4,700 would be needed for the cow installation, the juried art show, hanging artwork in the Central Library, and security guards. Commissioner Greer understood the budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year included $40,000 for contract labor, $40,000 for Cultural Arts grants, $40,000 for programming, and $7,500. In response to her questions, Library Services Director Hetherton explained that $40,000 was budgeted for contract labor, and some of those funds had been expended. An additional $35,000 was allocated and expended for concerts. Currently, 5 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 10, 2016 Page 6 the programming budget contained $15,000 and professional services contained $4,700. The programming budget would be used for the juried art show and the cow exhibition. In response to Chair Selich's question, Library Services Director Hetherton reported in fiscal year 2015-2016, $20,000 was added to the professional services budget for a total of $60,000. A portion of the $60,000 could have been used to hire someone to assist the City Arts Commission; however, no one was hired and the money was used for other purposes. Commissioner Greer appreciated Library Services Director Hetherton's efforts to stretch funds. Library Services Director Hetherton remarked that the budget amount remained flat and had not changed since 2013. $10,000 of the professional services budget was spent for the Pacific Symphony concert. Commissioner Greer inquired whether the City Arts Commission could request funds from the Arts Foundation. Chair Selich thought the Arts Foundation had raised some funds that had not been expended. The Arts Foundation needed to be healthy to support the City Arts Commission. Commissioner Greer recalled the Arts Foundation pledged $12,500 for Sphere 112, $2,500 to a concert, and $10,000 to the Sculpture Garden. Arts Foundation funds for the Sculpture Garden were not used. Library Services Director Hetherton knew some funds were available from the Arts Foundation. Chair Selich stated the City Arts Commission needed someone to assist with fundraising. Library Services Director Hetherton advised that if those funds were allocated to a paid position, then other projects would be without funds. Commissioner Van Bergh suggested a consultant might create a sponsorship package for at least the Concert Series for perhaps $5,000. Library Services Director Hetherton felt the Arts Foundation was capable of providing $5,000. Hiring a consultant would be an example of spending funds in an effort to raise funds. Chair Selich noted Vice Chair Kerr had compiled a worksheet of programming. Vice Chair Kerr indicated the worksheet of potential programming could be used by the Commission or the subcommittee. The purpose of the worksheet was to stimulate conversation regarding what arts in the community could be. Chair Selich suggested a future agenda item to discuss programming using the worksheet. Vice Chair Kerr reiterated the purpose of the worksheet with the ultimate goal of providing the Council with a vision for future programming. Commissioner Greer suggested the subcommittee develop a bold vision and a less bold vision for concerts in 2017. Chair Selich concurred in light of the positive public comments regarding concerts. Once the City Arts Commission determined the ideal scenario, it could develop a packet for potential sponsors. Vice Chair Kerr questioned whether they could survey the community to obtain ideas for types of music for concerts. 6 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 10, 2016 Page 7 Commissioner Greer suggested a public meeting of the ad hoc committee to obtain community input and to build a fundraising base. Chair Selich felt a public meeting was a good idea. 9. Marketing & Communications Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Michelle Bendetti, Commissioner Lynn Selich Chair Selich reiterated that the City Arts Commission was working with Ronald McDonald Camp's PR firm regarding the cow exhibition. Media releases would begin the following week. Library Services Director Hetherton reported the RFP deadline for the Sculpture Garden had passed, and evaluation packets were ready for dissemination to the Art in Public Places Subcommittee. Chair Selich recommended the presentation to Council be more robust and vibrant. 10. Government Relations Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Lynn Selich, Commissioner Michael Kerr, Commissioner Jennifer Van Bergh Vice Chair Kerr advised that the subcommittee elected not to proceed with any activities until elections were complete. The subcommittee was planning to make a presentation to the Council. The question was whether to make the presentation to the existing or the upcoming Council. Chair Selich wanted to wait until new Council Members were seated, after the first of the year. Commissioners concurred. Library Services Director Hetherton noted Council agendas were filled. Vice Chair Kerr requested Library Services Director Hetherton obtain the Council meeting dates for January and February so that they could plan a date for the presentation. 11. Finance Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Michael Kerr, Commissioner Jennifer Van Bergh, Commissioner Lynn Selich Vice Chair Kerr reported the subcommittee discussed creating an affiliation with the Library Foundation. The subcommittee would reach out to the senior Trustee leadership and staff to discuss an administrative collaboration. Those discussions could guide the City Arts Commission's approach to the Arts Foundation. VII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Chair Selich noted prior comments regarding future agenda items. Commissioner Greer requested an item regarding the Phil Dyke exhibit. In response to Vice Chair Kerr's question, Library Services Director Hetherton stated Commissioners could contact new Council Members through their public email 7 Newport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 10, 2016 Page 8 addresses to familiarize them with the City Arts Commission. Council Members were likely interested in meeting with Boards and Commissions as it was part of their role as a Council Member. Chair Selich understood other Commissions assigned a Commissioner to each Council Member for regular discussions about the Commission. Library Services Director Hetherton suggested Commissioners could be appointed to meet with Council Members. Perhaps a Commissioner who lived in a Council Member's district could be appointed to that Council Member. It would be a good opportunity to educate Council Members regarding the City Arts Commission's activities. Vice Chair Kerr would arrange introductions with Council Members. In response to Chair Selich's question, Library Services Director Hetherton did not believe agenda items were necessary to plan events for the Cows4Camp exhibit. Commissioner Greer indicated a date was needed for the Newport Beach Art Exhibition and suggested June 17th. The day before Father's Day was good because people were in town. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher missed the October meeting of the City Arts Commission because he was not aware the location had changed. He referenced the Brown Act regarding the time and place of regular meetings of legislative bodies. He suggested the Bylaws should contain the regular time and place of City Arts Commission meetings. Pairing a Commissioner with a Council Member could be problematic under the Brown Act. In response to Chair Selich's question, Library Services Director Hetherton was unsure whether meetings were properly noticed, but he would check with the City Attorney and City Clerk. IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:25 PM Chair Selich adjourned the meeting. Approved by: Lynn Selich 8