APPMIN 12 09 1996REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION
NORTH CONFERENCE ROOM
December 9, 1996
3:00 P.M.
This regulaz meeting of the Art in Public Places Commission was called to order by Vice; Chairman
Rosita Shamis at 3:18 p.m., who asked Commissioner Reynolds to lead the flag salute. Vice
Chairman Shamis asked for the roll call:
ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Judi Cothrun, Sharon Kennedy, Elaine Reynolds,
and Vice Chairman Rosita Shamis. (Chairman Walling arrived late.)
It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kennedy/Reynolds to excuse
Commissioners Davis and Klein. The motion carried unanimously.
Staff: Community Development Director Jerry Herman and Executive
Secretary Betty Sawyer.
II. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed
III. PUBLIC COMMENT: None
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Minutes -Commissioner Shamis asked that the Minutes of October ., 1996, be
amended on Page 4, Item 5 to restate the Commissioners comment. There being no
further changes, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners CothrunlShamis to
approve the minutes as amended. Unanimously approved.
Commissioner Shamis asked that the Minutes of November 4, 1996, be amended on
Page 1, Item C to eliminate the word "the". There being no further corrections, it
was moved and seconded by Commissioners Cothrun/Shamis to approve the minutes
as amended.
B. Financial Statement -Commissioner Kennedy asked why there was still money owed
to artists Kim Emerson and Alber DeMatteis. Following discussion, it was
determined that it was a retainer to be held until the gate was installed. There being
no further questions nor any changes, it was moved and seconded by Conmiissioners
Shamis/Cothrun to accept the Financial Statement as submitted. Unanimously
approved.
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December 9, 1996
C. Department Report - Staff discussed the responsibilities of the Art in Public Places
Commission and the Cultural Affairs Commission. Commissioners were reminded
to review the Cultural Commission minutes when they are received to keep
themselves informed.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Proposed Artwork for Fritz Burns Park
Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated that this item had
been returned to the Commission for a reconsideration of the design of the
project to make it more functional.
2. Commissioner Shamir stated she did not agree with the redesign as submitted
as it did not appear to be "unique" and therefore, could not be considered art.
Staff stated it was similar to the functional art the Commission had seen at
the City of Escondido. The Commission can accept Council's
recommendation or submit the same design and state their reasons.
3. Mr. Art Fernandez, stated he had met with each of the Council members
individually as to what they wanted to see in the City. It was his
interpretation that the Council wanted a unique jungle-gym that would be tied
into a piece of artwork. This was difficult on a limited budget. Mr.
Fernandez further stated that he believed the redesign was a unique design as
the artwork could not be found anywhere else. During discussions with each
of the Council Members it was stated that they wanted animals incorporated
into the design, for the piece to be more functional, and to concentrate only
on the Fritz Burns Park.
4. Commissioner Shamir asked why the art piece would have to be relocated at
a later date. Staff explained that the area within the Park that was designated
as the "Children's Play Area", would not be constructed until a later date.
5. Commissioner Reynolds stated she liked the artwork and she believed it to
be an appropriate piece of artwork for the Park.
6. Commissioner Kennedy asked how the redesign was different than the
original Pinata design? Commissioner Shamir stated the original design of
the giraffe was a piece of artwork with grace and beauty. This design is an
arch that even if the animals are cut-outs, they are added to the pierce and this
is not art. She then asked how much depth there would be to the animals?
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December 9, 1996
Mr. Fernandez stated they would be approximately 18-inches. He; would not
have the exact specifications until it comes back from the engineer, but it will
be a minimum of 10-inches wide. The commissioners asked how the animals
would be supported. Mr. Fernandez stated they would be welded. onto the
frame. He went on to explain that from the top of the arch to the grass it
would be 13-feet; to the top of the swing it would be 11-1/2 feet. The width
would be about 25-feet. The swings will be attached to the smaller quails at
the top of the arch. The colors to be used will be those used in the water
spray tower. The actual swing structure will be constructed of steel, painted
with aclear-coated sealer. The animals are to be "life-like" in appearance.
Commissioner Cothrun asked if the palm trees would be metal. Mr.
Fernandez stated they would be and the pinata holder would be located at the
end of the leaf Commissioner Cothran asked if there would be any problem
with incorporating the artwork into the play equipment. She preferred the
design of the palm trees and animals.
8. Commissioner Shamir asked what the cost of the redesign would be. Mr.
Fernandez stated it would be $35,000 to build and install. Cormissioner
Shamir asked if the palm trees could be replaced with animal figrses. Mr.
Fernandez stated that would be done. Commissioner Shamir stated she was
not in favor of the new design. Discussion followed regarding animals that
could be used to make the structure appear more like a piece of art.
9. Commissioner Kennedy stated the redesign was user friendly. Mr. Fernandez
stated the palm trees would have a textured appearance. He went on to state
that the tree trunks would be 12-inches in diameter, painted the same as a
palm tree. A small rabbit, approximately three feet in height, would be a part
of the base.
10. Commissioner Reynolds asked if both ideas presented by Mr. Fernandez
could be presented to the City Council; the palm trees and the animals. Mr.
Fernandez stated that numerous people from all over the Valley and in the
Los Angeles area have told him what a good idea this is and they .are anxious
to see it completed.
11. Commissioner Cothran stated she supported a design that incorporated art
into a swing set that would be a functional part of the Park.
12. Mr. Fernandez stated he would present both maquettes to the Council for
their consideration.
13. Commissioner Reynolds asked if the public could be informed of the Council
meeting, to bring some public support.
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December 9, 1996
Chairman Walling joined the meeting.
15. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Reynolds/Kennedy to recommend to the City Council both
maquettes submitted by Mr Fernandez; the palm trees and/or indigenous
animals (not frightening to children) for a price not to include $3',000 along
with a structure that is atwo-sided slide. If palm trees aze to be used, then the
slide would be the pinata holder.
16. Chairman Walling asked Mr. Fernandez if the slide were to be purchased,
would he build the artwork around it. Mr. Fernandez stated he would buy the
slide and add the artwork. He went on to state that he would create an art
piece around four swings, either the palm trees or the animals fi;gt~res. The
same design would be used for the slide. If the palm trees are used, the pinata
design would be incorporated into the palm fronds. If the design of the two
rams is used, it will not have the animals on the top of the swing set. The
swing set design along with the slide would be constructed for a price not to
exceed $35,000. Following discussion, the motion was tuianimously
approved.
B. Proposed Artwork for the La Ouinta Carwash:
Staff explained to the Commission why the project had not been displayed for
Council discussion and was being brought back to the Commission.
Following discussion staff stated they would take the project to the Council
for presentation during a study session to give Council an opportunity to
review and make comment.
There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kennedy/Walling to instruct staff to present the project to the
City Council during a study session for their review and direction.
C. La Ouinta Art in Public Places List of Community Art Sites
Staff informed the Commission that there were several sites throughout the
City were artwork could be placed. Commissioner Shamir asked if the
Commission could take a tour with staff of the locations It was determined
that a tour would be scheduled for the Commission at the beginning of their
next meeting.
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Art in Public Places
December 9, 1996
VL CORRESPONDENSE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None
A. Video on the City of Brea's Artwork
1. Commissioner Shamir explained how the tape had been obtained. Staff
stated the Commission would view the video at the conclusion of the
business items.
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Temporary art
I. Commissioner Shamis stated that she had spoken with Mr. W'idenhymer
regarding the loan of his art piece. Mr. Widenhymer had stated that he would
sign any agreement with the City that the City Attorney would like him to
enable the City to have the artwork. The City would not be responsible for
any damage or theft to the art piece.
2. Chairman Walling asked staff if Mr. Widenhymer could call the City
Attorney directly. Staff suggested an appointment be made for Mr.
Widenhymer to meet with the City Attorney to discuss the issue.. Staff was
directed to arrange a meeting with the City Attorney and Mr. W:idenhymer.
3. Commissioner Shamir stressed the importance of having a community
workshop on the importance of art in public places. The workshop would
educate the public as well as the City Council and staff as to how artwork
could be incorporated into the City.
VIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
A. Progress on the Temporary Art Program
B. Discussion relative to the City of Brea art program.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners CothrurJShamis to
adjourn this meeting of the Art in Public Places Commission to a regular meeting of the A rt in Public
Places Commission on January 6, 1997 at 3:00 P.M. Unanimously approved. This regular meeting
of the Art in Public Places Commission was adjourned at 4:38 P.M.
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