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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: City-Wide Public Art: Montrose Circular Benches
1. Motion authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to enter into an Agreement for Commission of Artwork with Kassia Rico in an amount not to exceed $300,000 dispersed from the Urban Art Fund, to design, fabricate, and install a public art piece entitled, “Our Garden Spot,” for the Montrose Circular Benches.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for August 13, 2024 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On June 20, 2024, during the Regular Meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission, Staff presented four design concept proposals for the Montrose Circular Benches. The Arts and Culture Commission approved a Motion to recommend Kassia Rico for the artwork entitled, “Our Garden Spot” for this opportunity.
Staff is now presenting to the Council for consideration a recommended piece of artwork for the Montrose Circular Benches.
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RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Motion authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreement for Commission of Artwork with Kassia Rico in an amount not to exceed $300,000 dispersed from the Urban Art Fund, to design, fabricate, and install a public art piece entitled, “Our Garden Spot,” for the Montrose Circular Benches.
ANALYSIS
On November 27, 2023, LeBasse Projects (public art consultant) released a City-Wide Public Art Landmarks RFQ (EXHIBIT A) via the online application collection website, Submittable. LeBasse Projects also reached out to several local and international artists regarding this opportunity. The RFQ closed on January 19, 2024, and Staff received 230 applications for consideration.
On January 18, 2024, the Library, Arts & Culture Commission appointed Commissioner Tufenkian to represent the Commission on an Artist Review & Selection Committee for reviewing applications for the City-Wide Public Art Landmarks RFQ. In February 2024, the Committee met to review applications and discussed recommendations for finalists to submit design concept proposals for four opportunities: Montrose Circular Benches, Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork, Palmer Park Basketball Court Mural and 134 Freeway/Patterson Ave. Tunnel. From March – May 2024, LeBasse Projects worked with various artists to prepare design concept proposals for the public art opportunities. Four artists were invited to apply for the Montrose Circular Benches RFP (EXHIBIT B) At the June 20, 2024, Commission meeting, LeBasse Projects provided an overview of the four finalists, and the artists/artist teams presented their design concept proposals for the Montrose Circular Benches for review and consideration by the Commission. Staff have drafted a Guidance Criteria (EXHIBIT C) which provides an overview of the assessment process in addition to a Rubric (EXHIBIT D) which is intended as a tool for Commissioners to utilize when rating each design concept proposal presentation.
During this meeting, the Commission chose Kassia’s Rico’s “Our Garden Spot” as the First Recommendation. Below are photos of three design concepts that Ms. Rico is proposing for each circular bench:
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The Commission chose Sage Vaughn’s “Wildflowers and Butterflies” as the Alternate Recommendation. Below are photos of the three design concepts that Mr. Vaughn is proposing for each circular bench:
During this meeting, GiGi Garcia, Vice-President of the Montrose Shopping Park Association and owner of It Takes A Village … Kids, made public comment in support of the First Recommendation and Alternate Recommendation.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
On March 30, 2023, Staff and LeBasse Projects met with Montrose Shopping Park Association Board Members to discuss potential opportunities for public art in Montrose, specifically on Honolulu Ave. between Ocean View Blvd. and Orangedale Ave. During the site visit various locations for public art opportunities were identified.
On April 6, 2023, the Montrose Shopping Park Association Board approved to focus on the Circular Benches as the first opportunity for public art improvement on Honolulu Ave.
City staff worked with LeBasse Projects to release a Request for Qualifications – Public Art Landmark Opportunities in November 2023 which included the Montrose Circular Benches opportunity being the Montrose-specific public art opportunity.
On March 5, 2024, Staff shared the Montrose Circular Benches – RFP with the Montrose Shopping Park Association Executive Board, and received feedback from the board to incorporate as part of the RFP.
On June 6, 2024, LeBasse Projects, Staff and Chairperson Vidor attended the Montrose Shopping Park Association Board Meeting to share the design concept proposals for the Montrose Circular Benches. The MSPA Board reviewed the designs and shared their feedback with Staff for consideration.
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FISCAL IMPACT
The Montrose Circular Benches will cost $300,000, which was approved as a part of the FY 2024-25 budget. No new appropriation is being requested at this time. The City Council approved funding is outlined below:
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$300,000 43110-2100-LAC-0010-P4148 Urban Art Fund
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
Under California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15301, the proposed artwork for the Montrose Circular Benches is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review as a Class 1 Existing Facilities project (Minor Alternations to Structures or Facilities) that consists of the operation or minor alteration of existing public structures, facilities, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. Installing the artwork would not involve anything other than minor alterations to existing landscapes or hardscaped areas on existing public property.
In addition, Under California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15304, proposed monuments are categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review as a Class 4 Existing Facilities project (Minor Alternations to Land) that entails minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees. Installing the artwork would not involve the removal of any trees and would not involve anything other than minor alterations to existing landscapes or hardscaped areas on existing public property.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: The City Council may decline to adopt the Motion.
Alternative 2: The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Lessa Pelayo-Lozada, Acting Director of Library, Arts & Culture Prepared by:
Jennifer Fukutomi-Jones, Principal Arts & Culture Administrator {{Item.Tracking_Number}}5{{section.number}}{{item.number}} 5 3
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Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
EXHIBIT A – Glendale City Wide Public Art – Request for Qualifications (11.27.23) EXHIBIT B – Montrose Circular Benches – Request for Proposals (3.5.24) EXHIBIT C – City-Wide Public Art Landmarks – Guidance Criteria for Commission EXHIBIT D – City-Wide Public Art Landmarks – Rubric
EXHIBIT E – Kassia Rico – Montrose Circular Benches Design Concept Proposal EXHIBIT F – ACC_061824_MOTION_Montrose Circular Benches Recommendation