HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-11-2018 - CAC - Approved MinutesNewport Beach City Arts Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 11, 2018
Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM Civic Center Council Chambers
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660 I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 5:02 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Arlene Greer, Chair Michelle Bendetti, Vice Chair
Miriam Baker, Commissioner
Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Marie Little, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent: Barbara Glabman, Secretary Grace Divine, Commissioner
Staff Present: Natalie Basmaciyan, Library Services Manager Francine Jacome, Administrative Support Technician
III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
City Councilman Jeff Herdman advised that he had met with Chair Greer to discuss the
challenges facing the City Arts Commission in raising $50,000 for the Sculpture Garden Phase IV. He had submitted to the City Manager a request for a City Council agenda item regarding a Council vote during the second meeting in October on having a future agenda
item to consider Sculpture Garden Phase IV funding. If the Council supports a future agenda item, he will request the Council's stipulations on funding be waived for 2018 and
the City Arts Commission be allowed to use Arts Foundation funding and existing City Arts
Commission funding to fund the program for 2018.
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes of the September 13, 2018 City Arts Commission
Meeting
1. Draft of 09/13/2018 Minutes
Chair Greer requested goals 1-4 and 6 and priorities submitted by Commissioners during the September 13 meeting be included in the minutes.
Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Bendetti, and carried (5-0-0-2) to approve the draft Minutes for the meeting of September 13, 2018 as amended.
AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Baker, Kaufman, Little
NOES: None
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ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Glabman, Divine B. Consent Calendar Items
2. Financial Report – Review of financial information
Library Services Manager Basmaciyan reported the total has decreased from $32,535 to $27,774 due to the payment of expenses for the Green on the Green Expo and the concert
on the Peninsula.
Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Chair Greer, and carried (5-0-0-2) to
approve the financial report.
AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Baker, Kaufman, Little
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: Glabman, Divine
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 Manager Basmaciyan advised that approximately 4,500 people attended
the September Concert on the Green featuring Desperado, and approximately 300 people attended the first concert in Peninsula Park featuring Southland Sings Broadway Hits. The
current exhibition at Central Library is At The Beach, which features mixed-media
paintings and digital photography. The exhibit runs through November 2.
Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Bendetti, and carried
(5-0-0-2) to approve the Cultural Arts Activities report.
AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Baker, Kaufman, Little
NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Glabman, Divine VI. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Items for Review and Possible Action 4. Lecture Hall Presentation – Trustee Jill Johnson-Tucker of the Board of
Library Trustees will report on activities related to building a lecture hall facility on the Central Library campus.
Jill Johnson-Tucker, Board of Library Trustees, reported the Friends Room at Central
Library is not well suited for events held by the Board of Library Trustees. Therefore, the
Board of Library Trustees is exploring construction of a lecture hall. The City Council approved funding for the original Library architect to develop concept plans for a lecture
hall. The goals for a lecture hall are a slanted floor with fixed seating for approximately
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300 people, great acoustics, natural light, and suitability for small and large events. The
Board of Library Trustees has reviewed four possible locations for a lecture hall. Options 1 and 3 are the best locations because they have the least impact to the Library, and Option 1 appears to be the preferred location. Ms. Johnson-Tucker shared a possible
lecture hall footprint for each location and explained the advantages and disadvantages of each.
In response to Chair Greer's question, Ms. Johnson-Tucker indicated a lecture hall usually has a wall where art can be displayed.
Chair Greer was excited by the plans and was aware of the need for a larger space.
5. Cultural Arts Grants 2018/19 – Staff recommends that the City Arts
Commission review the grant applications and approve the recipients for recommendation to City Council for FY 2018/19 Cultural Arts Grants in
accordance with City Council Policy I-10–Financial Support for Culture and
the Arts.
Commissioner Kaufman reported the Balboa Island Improvement Association submitted a grant request in the amount of $2,000 to continue presenting quality classical musical performances for Newport Beach residents. The Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc
Subcommittee recommends funding the request in full. The Baroque Music Festival submitted a grant request in the amount of $6,500 to reduce the cost of student tickets from $40 to $5. The subcommittee recommends funding the request in the amount of
$4,000. The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity submitted a grant request in the amount of $8,000 to hold Food for Thought creativity workshops. The subcommittee recommends
funding the request in the amount of $2,000 and designating the funds for OASIS Senior
Center programming only. The Ensign Intermediate School Dance Club submitted a grant request in the amount of $1,500 to help fund professional teaching staff and to purchase
t-shirts. The subcommittee recommends funding the request in the amount of $1,000 and
designating the funds for programming only. The Newport Beach Film Festival submitted a grant request in the amount of $27,500 to plan a multi-program series covering several
days of the 2018 Film Festival. The subcommittee recommends funding the request in the amount of $5,000. The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation submitted a grant request in the amount of $5,000 to fund the Bunnies and Books for Kids Festival. The
subcommittee recommends not funding the request. The Newport Beach Sister City Association submitted a grant request in the amount of $5,000 to support the Gianni de Genevraye exhibition and programming. The subcommittee recommends funding the
request in the amount of $2,000. The Newport Beach Elementary School Foundation submitted a grant request in the amount of $7,500 to fund the Art Masters program. The subcommittee recommends funding the request in the amount of $3,000. Pacific
Symphony submitted a grant request in the amount of $5,000 to renew funding for the Class Act music education program. The subcommittee recommends funding the request
in full. The subcommittee proposes to hold in reserve $16,000 for programming that could
reach all Newport Beach schools.
In response to Commissioners' questions, Chair Greer explained that grant funds would
allow the Baroque Music Festival to reduce the cost of tickets for high school students so that students can attend performances. Pacific Symphony would utilize grant funds to
extend the hands-on experience for students and to sponsor student attendance of a
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Pacific Symphony performance. Grant funds would likely pay for expenses such as busing
students to and from the performance and the musicians' time. The Newport Beach Elementary School Foundation offers experiences in visual arts while the Pacific Symphony offers experiences in performing arts. The goal is to provide programming for
all K-6 students in the City. Chair Greer clarified that the seminar is separate from the Film Festival even though it is
held during the Film Festival. The seminar series is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about all aspects of film from Los Angeles film professionals. Funding the Newport
Beach Sister City Association is an opportunity to share Gianni de Genevraye's art and
experiences of living in Okazaki, Antibes, and Cabo San Lucas with the community. In 2017, the City Arts Commission approved a Central Library exhibition of Ms. Genevraye's
work. In the near future, the subcommittee will begin working on either visual or
performing arts programming for children on the Civic Green.
Commissioner Bendetti questioned funding the Pacific Symphony request because the three schools that applied for Pacific Symphony programming are heavily supported by parents' fundraising efforts. Commissioner Kaufman explained that the Pacific Symphony
selects schools with heavy parental support to ensure the schools can support the programming. Chair Greer added that the amount of space available at each school is likely another factor in Pacific Symphony's selection of schools.
Jim Mosher remarked that it may be advantageous for the City Arts Commission to encourage the Pacific Symphony to share its programs with schools that have not
previously participated in its programs. He suggested Commissioners clarify whether they are associated with any of the groups requesting grants.
Chair Greer indicated the subcommittee initially did not intend to support grants for schools offering new programs but reconsidered in an attempt to provide funding to all Newport
Beach elementary schools. In the next year, the subcommittee intends to reach out to
schools regarding the Cultural Arts Grants.
Commissioners disclosed no associations with any of the grant applicants. Motion made by Commissioner Kaufman, seconded by Commissioner Baker, and carried
(5-0-0-2) to approve Cultural Arts Grants for the organizations and in the amounts stated below:
Balboa Island Improvement Association $2,000 Baroque Music Festival $4,000 Chuck Jones Center for Creativity (OASIS programming only) $2,000
Ensign Intermediate School Dance Club (programming only) $1,000 Newport Beach Film Festival $5,000
Newport Beach Sister Cities Association $2,000
Newport Elementary School Foundation $3,000 Pacific Symphony $5,000
TOTAL $24,000
and to reserve $16,000, which the City Arts Commission will use to develop programming
for Newport Beach K-6 students and their families.
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AYES: Greer, Bendetti, Baker, Kaufman, Little NOES: None RECUSED: None
ABSENT: Glabman, Divine 6. Metalphor Restoration – Staff recommends that the City Arts Commission
approve the allocation of funds to restore the sculpture, Metalphor.
Library Services Manager Basmaciyan reported the quote for restoring Metalphor totals
$11,750, which can be funded from the Professional and Technical Services budget. In 1986, Warren Hancock donated the sculpture to the City. Bret Price, who created the
piece, recommends the City utilize his services to refurbish the piece. Pending City Arts
Commission approval, staff would work with the City Attorney's Office to contract Mr. Price's services.
In reply to Commissioners' queries, Library Services Manager Basmaciyan agreed to search for the value of the artwork when it was donated to the City. She did not believe
another bid was obtained for restoration work. Commissioners discussed the value of obtaining bids, Mr. Price's statement that he would
meet any competitive bid, and the possibility that Display Art submitted a bid. Library Services Manager Basmaciyan clarified that Library Services Director Hetherton
had obtained a bid of $10,000 from Display Incorporated to repair surface damage.
Chair Greer announced the item is tabled to allow staff time to obtain a third bid for
restoration work.
7. Maintenance of Bronze Sculptures in City Art Inventory – Staff
recommends that the City Arts Commission approve the allocation of funds to maintain the sculptures Marine 1/1 Memorial Sculpture, Ronald Reagan,
and Sunset Years. Commissioner Baker recused herself from this item.
In answer to Chair Greer's query, Library Services Manager Basmaciyan advised that the Professional and Technical Services budget currently contains $35,054. The proposal for
biannual maintenance of the three pieces totals $6,100. Commissioner Bendetti questioned whether biannual maintenance would be sufficient.
Chair Greer suggested maintenance performed more frequently could reduce future costs.
Chair Greer announced the item is tabled to allow staff time to determine whether biannual
maintenance is sufficient.
8. Appointment of the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Greer will appoint members for the Sculpture in Civic Center Park, Phase IV Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
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Chair Greer reported that one of the Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittees is
responsible for selecting sculptures, and another subcommittee is charged with developing a plan for programming in the Sculpture Garden. The second subcommittee is comprised of Commissioner Little, Commissioner Glabman, and Chair Greer. A third
subcommittee is responsible for aligning goals and priorities with fundraising for the Sculpture Garden and for facilitating the Sculpture Garden Phase IV proposal. Commissioner Glabman and Commissioner Little have volunteered for the third
subcommittee. Once the Council approves Phase IV, the third subcommittee will sunset. The purposes of the Sculpture in Civic Center Park Phase IV Ad Hoc Subcommittee are
to fundraise and to work with the Arts Foundation regarding a fundraising program, which
could include a donor wall, naming of sculptures, and a benefit concert.
Chair Greer appointed herself, Commissioner Glabman, and Commissioner Little to the
Sculpture in Civic Center Park Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Commissioner Baker will serve as an alternate in the event one of the Commissioners cannot serve on the
subcommittee. B. Monthly Reports
9. Cultural Arts Grants Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Barbara
Glabman, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman, Commissioner Arlene Greer
None 10. Publicity Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Michelle
Bendetti, Commissioner Arlene Greer, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman
Chair Greer requested Commissioner Bendetti hold a meeting of the subcommittee to begin formulating a new publicity plan that includes social media and promotion of the
Sculpture Garden.
Commissioner Bendetti advised that press coverage of the Southland Sings concert was
fantastic.
11. Art in Public Places Library Gallery Ad Hoc Subcommittee –
Commissioner Miriam Baker, Commissioner Grace Divine, Commissioner
Arlene Greer
Chair Greer recalled that Commissioner Glabman has been working with Mr. Roth of AAA to mount an exhibition at the Library. The exhibition will likely be historical and cultural photographs. Commissioner Glabman will present an extensive report at the next meeting
of the City Arts Commission. Commissioner Glabman and Mr. Roth are working to engage all schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District in the exhibition. The subcommittee will meet soon to review applications for exhibitions in the Central Library
Gallery.
12. Newport Beach Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee –
Commissioner Wayan Kaufman
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Chair Greer noted Art in the Park is scheduled for Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Bungalow Restaurant will be serving food. The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will host children's activities. Media coverage has been extensive. Art will be available for sale.
13. Performing Arts for Concerts on the Green Ad Hoc Subcommittee –
Commissioner Michelle Bendetti, Commissioner Wayan Kaufman,
Commissioner Arlene Greer
Commissioner Bendetti advised that the final concert was held September 9 and featured
Desperado. Record crowds attended all concerts in the series. The subcommittee will begin planning for the 2019 series.
14. Performing Arts for Balboa Peninsula Ad Hoc Subcommittee – Commissioner Barbara Glabman, Commissioner Arlene Greer,
Commissioner Marie Little Commissioner Little indicated attendance was low for the Southland Sings performance,
but everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance. As the community learns about events on the Peninsula, attendance should increase. Parking for the performance worked out well.
Commissioner Baker suggested a future event utilize the bandstand in Peninsula Park.
Chair Greer stated the subcommittee continues to search for a Shakespearean production.
Following a Commission discussion of the advantages of extending Phases III and IV of the Sculpture Garden for an additional year, Library Services Manager Basmaciyan
reported the contracts for Phase III have been signed, and the City Arts Commission can
consider three-year contracts for Phase IV. Chair Greer requested staff determine whether the contracts for Phase III can be extended for an additional year and report to
the City Arts Commission. Commissioner Baker wanted the City to purchase Burnt Matchstick. Chair Greer noted
the issue of the nearby flag pole being the same height as Burnt Matchstick and requested staff investigate the issue of the proximity and height of the flag pole in relation to Burnt Matchstick.
Jim Mosher suggested staff utilize the City's buyer to solicit a bid for restoration of Metalphor. He seemed to recall that Library Services Director Hetherton arranged for
Metalphor to be restored five or six years ago, but apparently it did not occur. Perhaps staff could locate that bid for a comparison to current bids. With respect to the
maintenance of sculptures, biannual is often confused with biennial. The City Arts
Commission assumed maintenance would be performed twice a year, but it might be every two years.
VII. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR
REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM)
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Commissioners requested future agenda items regarding a report from Commissioner Glabman regarding the AAA exhibition proposal; extending the term of contracts for Phase III of the Sculpture Garden; the issue of Burnt Matchstick and the nearby flag pole; and
the offer to loan or donate a sculpture to the City. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None
IX. ADJOURNMENT – 6:22 P.M.
Chair Greer adjourned the meeting at 6:22 p.m.
Approved by: