CACMIN 12 14 2000
'V. CONSENT CALENDAR A.
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES
December 14, 2000
I. CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Study
Session Room of the La Quinta Civic Center. Chairperson Sham is presided over the meeting.
Commissioner McMillan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Commissioner Denise Diamond
Commissioner Leslie McMillan
Commissioner Elaine Reynolds
Commissioner Rosita Sham is (Chairperson)
Commissioner Stewart Woodard (Vice Chairperson)
STAFF PRESENT:
Dodie Horvitz, Community Services Director
Cheryle Kortman, Secretary
II. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Ms. Horvitz requested that "Business Item B. Point Happy Project", be removed from the agenda.
The Commission confirmed the agenda as updated.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes of November 9, 2000
B. Art in Public Places Financial Report for November 2000
C. Monthly Department Report for October 2000
Commissioner Woodard asked staff about the increased attendance in the department report.
Ms. Horvitz said this is primarily due to two factors: school resuming and "season starting".
Commissioner Diamond asked if there was a class minimum, she noted there were only five
people in some computer classes. Ms. Horvitz indicated that the computer classes are atypical
(there are only eight computers available at the senior center) therefore the class size is
appropriate for the equipment available.
It was moved by Commissioners Diamond/Woodard to approve the Consent Calendar as
updated. Unanimous.
v. PUBLIC HEARING - None
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VI. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. La Quinta Court Proposed Art Project
Dale Frank, partner/developer of the La Quinta Court project, gave a brief review of the
project, which is located at the Southeast corner of Washington and Hwy. 111. He also
provided an updated rendering of the project to the Commissioners. Commissioner Woodard
stated there are limited funds for art pieces. Commissioners Woodard and Sham is requested
clarification about the associated costs, such as landscape, which they believe should be the
developer's responsibility.
Mr. Frank indicated that the pedestal lighting is not included in the $75,000 cost quoted for the
art piece. He also indicated $10,000 was the basic fee for professional drawing, but the
physical work is being absorbed by the developer. Commissioner Woodard felt the
Commission should pay for the art piece. Ms. Horvitz indicated the Ordinance does allow Arts
in Public Places funds to do this. Commissioner Sham is asked about the visibility of the art
piece from the road. Mr. Frank responded that the art piece will be visible from all vantage
points, extensive planning was done to make the corner attractive. The rotunda will be 26 feet
high. The facility will be an art statement for the City of La Quinta.
Commissioner Reynolds asked about the proposed color for the bronze coating.
Commissioner Shamis asked about the type of patina proposed. She was concerned about
the effect of weathering on the art piece, which would affect the color of the piece and require
maintenance. Mr. Frank assured the Commission that a similar bronze piece was installed
in Seattle, Washington 20 years ago and there has been no discoloration of that art piece to
date. He also stated the art piece will be angled at the La Quinta Court, thereby giving it the
best definition. When the Commission asked which direction the art piece would face, Mr.
Frank stated Mr. Beasely, the artist, will decide on its optimum location.
Commissioner Diamond requested clarification of lighting costs for the art piece.
Commissioner Woodard requested clarification about insurance and transportation costs for
the art piece. Mr. Frank suggested allocating $5,000 for associated fees such as
transportation and insurance costs. Ms. Horvitz reviewed the Ordinance. The artist is
responsible for insurance and the structural system of the art piece until installation.
Transportation cost is typically included in the artist's fee for the artwork. Commissioner
Shamis thanked Mr. Frank for choosing such a good art piece. The developer would deposit
$10,000 into the Art in Public Places account to initiate the development process.
Commissioner Diamond wanted clarification of what is included in the $75,000 cost, as the
Commission needs to protect the City's interests. Commissioner Shamis indicated the
Commission likes the art piece but the City Council is the final authority on approval. Ms.
Horvitz clarified that lighting of the piece is extra. She stated the Commission has some
options, such as recommending approval for the art as submitted by the developer with a
$75,000 maximum, with the exception of lighting installation. This associated cost would need
to be provided by Mr. Frank prior to the City Council meeting.
Mr. Frank indicated 70% of the project is currently leased. Mr. Frank asked about the payment
procedure. Ms. Horvitz responded that payment requires City Council approval. Upon
Council approval, one third of the payment would be made.
A motion was made by Commissioners Woodard/Reynolds to recommend the art piece for
the La Quinta Court project at a cost not to exceed $75,000 (excluding lighting) to the City
Council at its ..January 2,2001, meeting. Motion passed with Commissioner Diamond voting
in opposition. Mr. Frank will contact the architect, landscaper and artist regarding the cost of
lighting installation and provide that information prior to the City Council meeting.
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B. Washington & Hwy. 111 Art Piece Modification
Louis De Martino, the artist who provided "The Gem of the Desert" piece located at
Washington and Hwy. 111, gave a brief history of the art piece and indicated it has not
weathered well. He also stated that the original proposal included landscaping (several
Washingtonia Palms) as well as lighting but these items were not included. The "Gem" is
fabricated. He made some recommendations: (1) make the gem bigger and fill it with neon;
(2) strip the patina, go back to brushed gold effect and seal it. Mr. De Martino indicated Mr.
Shovlin is the owner of the art piece, so any proposed changes would require his approval.
Mr. De Martino stated maintenance would be required approximately every five years to keep
the gem in good condition. He discussed the possibility of using decomposed granite, natural
ground cover or a dry creek bed at the base.
Commissioners Diamond and Shamis asked about the color of the art piece Commissioner
Woodard asked about the dollar amount that has been paid into the Arts in Public Places
fund. Ms. Horvitz indicated a large commitment has been made from the fund for this art
piece as well as some additional pieces proposed for the theater. Commissioner Shamis
expressed concern about the appearance of the gem, it has not aged well, does not reflect
light as was expected, some residents have questioned if the art piece is finished.
Commissioner Diamond questioned if consideration had been given to moving the art piece,
since it is not very visible to motorists or pedestrians in its present location. Mr. De Martino
indicated this has been considered.
The Commission continued this item to its January 11, 2001, meeting to provide Mr. De
Martino sufficient time to contact Mr. Shovlin and to clarify several issues:
Provide a specific landscape and lighting plan for the project.
Identify the source of funding for the project.
Identify the material to be used for the "gem" and the base of the "gem".
C. Map of Public Art Work
Ms. Horvitz stated the map would identify the location of all art pieces throughout the City.
She also stated the Community Services brochure had included a four page insert with a map
of art pieces,
but this has been discontinued. Following discussion, the Commission asked for guidance
to pursue this project, since artwork is a good means of marketing the City.
The Commission requested staff action on the following issues:
Staff needs to research the City Council's position on the Map of Public Artwork.
Staff needs to contact the City of Palm Desert. They have done a map of artwork and
should be a good information source regarding the process they used for the map.
Ms. Horvitz cautioned the Commission not to make a commitment to anyone on this matter.
The Commission continued this item to its January 11, 2001, meeting for further discussion.
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VII CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
A. Bear Creek Bike Path
Ms. Horvitz reported the City Council has tabled this item. Since the Commission has several
major projects it is addressing, the Council feels the Commission should give full consideration
and attention to those project prior to taking on additional projects. The Commission asked
how long this project would be tabled. Ms. Horvitz explained the item "remains on the table"
until the City Council deems it appropriate to remove the item from the table. She stated the
main purpose of the Commission is to administer the Art in Public Places fund.
Commissioner Shamis stated the Commission can talk about matters but should not make
comments or promises to artists. She believes limiting the amount of artists at an interview
is appropriate. Resident William Cain suggested a letter be prepared concerning all the
benefits of the artwork being on the bike path and take this matter to the next step. The
Commission did not act on this suggestion.
B. Call for Artists Juried Art Show - This item was received and filed.
VIII COMMISSIONER ITEMS
A. Symposium Evaluation
Ms. Horvitz indicated a formal report will be provided later by Mr. Mackie. Commissioner
Diamond read a summary of the focal points of the symposium. Commissioners McMillan
suggested that staff send a letter to participants.
B. Twenty-nine Palms Mural Project
Commissioner Reynolds attended the meeting and reported on this project. The Commission
discussed how the City could benefit from the information gained at this meeting.
Commissioner Reynolds mentioned the possibility of having a mural on the wall near the Main
Street Marketplace. Commissioner Reynolds requested mileage reimbursement for attending
this meeting, Ms. Horvitz said she would take care of this.
C. CALM Conference
Commissioner Diamond reported Governor Gray Davis has provided a $1 OM budget state-
wide for the California Arts Council. She suggested consideration be given to providing an
honorary award or certificate to Governor Davis from the City of La Quinta in recognition of
his support of the arts. She also suggested consideration be given to preparing a
proclamation in conjunction with the City's Birthday and the California Arts Council's 25th
Anniversary in 2001. Commissioner Woodard suggested the Commission develop an event
and work plan for these suggestions. Commissioner McMillan suggested joining the Arts
Advocate Council to speak out for Riverside County. Ms. Horvitz indicated staff would look
into these suggestions.
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D. Initiative Policy for Artwork
Commissioner Woodard commented about this issue. The City Council minutes directed this
item to Engineering staff. He feels this should be a joint venture regarding technology and
whether it is artistically appropriate. Ms. Horvitz indicated an artistic component will be
involved with the water landscape design. Commissioner Reynolds requested review of the
RFQ for the La Quinta Arts Association. Ms. Horvitz indicated a copy was sent to the
Commission in April 2000.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioners Woodard/Shamis to adjourn the Cultural Arts Commission meeting.
Unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING INFORMATION
January 11,2001 7:00 PM
La Quinta Civic Center Study Session Room
· Washington & Hwy. 111 Art Piece Modification
· Map of Public Art Work
· Continue discussion on CALAA Conference
· Continue discussion on Symposium
Submitted by:
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Cheryle Kortman, Commission Secretary
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