APPMIN 10 07 1996REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION
NORTH CONFERENCE ROOM
October 7, 1996
3:00 P.M.
This regular meeting of the Art in Public Places Commission was called to order by Chairman
Walling at 3:14 p.m., who asked Commissioner Cothran to lead the flag salute. Chairman Walling
asked for the roll call:
ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Judi Cothran, Johna Davis, Sharon Kennedy, Michelle
Klein, Elaine Reynolds, Rosita Shamis, and Chairman Walling.
Staff: Planning Manager Christine di Iorio and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Minutes -There being no changes to the Minutes of September 9, 1996, it was moved and
seconded by Commissioners Klein/Davis to approve the minutes as submitted. Unanimously
approved.
B. Financial Statement -There being no questions or changes, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Reynolds/Klein to accept the Financial Statement as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Proposed artwork for City Parks:
1. Chairman Walling introduced Mr. Art Femandez who was present to update the
Commission on his proposal. Staff informed the Commission that Mr. Fernande had
changed the design of his proposal due to the complexity of obtaining an engineer's
calculations. Mr. Femandez stated that due to the design change of the the art piece,
he would have to increase the price to $24,000.
2. Commissioner Reynolds asked if the new design would function as well as the first
design.. Mr. Fernandez stated it would be able to hold any object and acbually might
have additional uses.
3. Commissioner Klein asked what the distance was between the two arches. Mr.
Femandez stated is was 18-feet and the arch would make it more difi6c:ult to be
climbed.
Art in Public Places
October 7, 1996
4. Commissioner Shamis asked about the depth of the poles . Mr. Fernandez stated it
was between six and eight inches, but it would depend on what the engineer would
require. The structure would taper from the bottom to the top. HE: had been
discussing the project with some of the local students and he was surprised how
many were into the snake design.
5. Commissioner Shamis asked Mr. Fernandez what materials were to be used to
construct the base. Mr. Fernandez stated it would be concrete with grass planted
between the two arches. He further explained that the finish on the snake design
would have a flourescent finish that would shimmer at night and look like it is
moving.
6. Chairman Walling suggested Mr. Fernandez know exactly what materials would be
used in the construction of the art piece along with the dimensions and be ready to
answer any questions the City Council may have.
There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Comissioners
Klein/Cothrun to recommend to the City Council approval of the two <nt pieces
designed by Mr Art Fernandez in an amount not to exceed $24,000. Unanimously
approved.
8. Acting Public Works Director Steve Speer stated Mr. Fernandez would need to have
an engineer establish a weight load for the structure. Chairman Wallinl; stated the
footings would be determined by the engineer as well as the loading capacity. Acting
Public Works Director Steve Speer stated that as a single cantolever it was difficult
to determine the weight load, but as a complete arch the structure should be able to
hold 200 pounds. An engineer needs to determine the weight load in order to
establish a safety factor. As it is currently designed, the Public Works Department
had no problem as long as it was engineered properly.
9. Commissioner Shamis asked if the proposed six inch width would be; adequate.
Chairman Walling stated that six inches of solid steel was very adequate.
B. City Obelisks
Chairman Walling reviewed the project with the Commissioners.
2. Commissioner Reynolds stated that she had spoken with some of the C ity Council
Members regarding the project and it was her understanding that they were wanting
the Commission to endorese the concept and submited the design back to the Council
for their consideration.
3. Commissioner Reynolds introduced Mr.Mike Smith who stated that Council Member
Terry Henderson had asked him to research the obelisks and make a scale drawing.
He went on to explain the condition of the exist obelisks. The obelisks censist of 7.5
Art in Pnblic Places
October 7, 1996
cubic feet of concrete and rebaz totalling about $20-30 in materials, not including
labor. Commissioners discussed the history of the obelisks. Mr.Smith stated that the
existing ones obelisks that are stored in the City Yard are all different size;s and his
drawing was based on the average size. The street names were originally painted on.
4. Acting Public Works Director Steve Speer stated his understanding was that one
obelisk would be placed at each intersection throughout the City extending out to
include the northern portion of La Quinta. In the Department's opinion the biggest
problem would probably be graffiti. If the obelishs were to be the only street name
sign, some people may have a problem reading the sign vertically and they would be
difficult to see at night. Chairman Walling stated it was his understandiing that the
obelisks were meant to be supplemental to the existing signs.
Commissioner Reynolds stated she thought they would be reflective. Ivor. Smith
stated he understood they were to be solor powered to eluminate them at night.
6. Chairman Walling reiterated that the Commission did not believe this was a project
for the Commission as the obelisks themselves did not meet the parameters of a piece
of artwork as defined by the Master Plan. They considered it to be more of a
historical element than an art project.
Planning Manager Christine di Iorio informed the Commission that the; Historical
Preservation Commission had discussed this project and their recommendation to the
La Quinta Historical Society was to encourage the project, but restrict the obelisks
to the Cove only as they were a historical part of the Cove. They agreed that it was
a unique idea, but only the original design should only be placed in the Cove. If they
were to be used throughout the City, another design should be used.
8. Commissioner Reynolds stated her understanding was that the APP was only being
asked to endoreee the project and make a recommendation to the City Council. It
was up to the City Council to determine the funding source.
9. Chairman Walling stated he did not believe the project was within the purview of
APP. Commissioners discussed the recommendations that had been made by the
other Commissions.
10. Staff informed the Commission that the City Council at their last meeting had
directed staff to review the issue and report back to the City Council. Based on their
direction, staff recommended the Commission place the issue on hold un1:i1 direction
had been given by the City Council.
1 L Commissioner Cothran stated her concern that if the APP endorsed the project, they
would be requested to contribute funds to the project and she did not believe the APP
should fund this project. She asked that the letter be written to the Historical Society
stating the APP's definition of an art project based on the Master Plan.
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October 7, 1996
12. There being no further discussion, the issue was tabled until further direction had
been received from the City Council.
C. Cit~Quinta Art Brochure
Chairman Walling asked staff to inform the Commission about the Arl: Brochure.
Staff stated that they had been working with five firms who had submitted proposals
for a brochure on the Civic Center Artwork. Upon reviewing the final selections,
staff was asked to include the Public Art artwork as well. Before submitting the
changes to the firms, staff was asking the APP to review the proposals submitted.
2. Council Member Sniff stated he had a concern that certain areas that contain public
art might not always be available. Commissioner Klein stated this might be an
opportunity to include other entities in La Quinta who have art projects. Discussion
followed as to how inclusive you should make the brochure. Should a City brochure
support private enterprise. If one is included they all must be.
3. Commissioners asked staff how the brochures would be distributed. Staff'szated they
would be given out at conventions, as well as handed out by the Chamber and other
organiations.
4. Council Member Sniff suggested they be given out to the students when tours are
given of the City Hall. The artwork itself could be given as a tour.
3. Staff asked the Comrissioners for their recomendation . Commissioners discussed
the advantages of the different brochure designs.
4. Council Member Sniff encourage the Commissioners to have art events at City Hall.
Perhaps once a month. Have several different kinds of art events. Events that could
be for the the children as well as involveing the children.
5. Chairman Walling asked the Commissioner why they preferred the poster design.
Commissioner Shamis stated it gave the children something put it up and always look
at it as well as being a good exchange with other cities. Posters are out there to be
appreciated. It would be out there to show off La Quinta. As the artwork. grows, the
poster could be expanded and posters have been successful.
6. Commissioner Klein suggested making the poster foldable as well tmd have it
function as both.
Chairman Walling stated the poster would be a good way to make the public aware
of the art program. The poster would get it out more than the brochure; would. It
could be posted in a lot of places.
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Art in Public Places
October 7. 1996
8. Commissioner Kennedy stated the Commission needed to make the public aware of
the artwork. She was concerned that money would be taken from the fund to
advertise instead of paying to have the art. She preferred the brochure to the poster.
She did not like the black poster but the idea was worth a redesign.
9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Cormnissioner
Klein/Cothrun to recommend to the City Council the expenditure of $8,000 from the
APP fund to produce the brochure.
VI. CORRESPONDENSE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL
Staff explained to the mail that had been received by the Commissioners.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
Staff informed the Commission that the City Attorney could hold a spec al meeting
with the Commission to discuss a temporary art program. Once a date artd tiem had
been determined, staff would inform the Commission.
2. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio informed the Commisison of the Historical
Preservation Commission Workshop that was to take place on November 2, 1996.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
A. Progress on the Temporary Art Program
B. Brochure on the Civic Center Art purchases as well as the public art purchases.
C. Continued discussion on the proposed Workshop
D. Major Event Plan review
ADJOURNMENT
There being no Further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharrtis/Klein to
adjourn this meeting of the Art in Public Places Commission to a regular meeting of the A.rt in Public
Places Commission on November 4, 1996, at 3:00 P.M. Unanimously approved. This regular
meeting of the Art in Public Places Commission was adjourned at 4:23 P.M.
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