1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
March 21, 2022
Meeting by teleconference (Zoom) – in accordance with procedures on agenda 1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Marcy called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Manna, Spackman, Tokashiki, Rubino, Chair Marcy
Absent: None
Staff present: Eilen Stewart, Cultural Arts Manager (CAM), Ginna Muzingo, Agenda Host, Parks and Recreation, Rosemary Lackow, Recording Secretary.
CAM Stewart noted that due to excessive absences, Commissioner Ryan has vacated her seat on the Commission, and this changes the quorum to three.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 7, 2022
It was m oved and seconded ( Rubino/Manna) to approve with one change on page 1, to include Commissioner Tokashiki as an “aye” vote in approving the minutes.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Manna, Rubino, Spackman, Tokashiki, Chair Marcy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion carried by a 5-0 vote.
D. CEREMONIAL – None
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) – Carol, a new resident who moved to the city from the Midwest, stated she was present to listen, is interested as she was an arts commissioner for 20 years.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Discussion of 2022 Work Plan items
Rainbow Crosswalk: CAM Stewart noted that two locations are approved: a crosswalk on MBB at the Strand and some type of rainbow treatment (to be discussed) in Polliwog Park. Today the Commission is to review first the various options for the MBB crosswalk and then also what type of treatment to be done in the park. The Commission’s preferences and comments will be passed on to the City Council as a recommendation. The Commission looked at 14 design options which differed in their orientation ( 7 vertical, 7 horizontal), number of colors (6 basic rainbow or expanding to as many as 15 colors) style (simple stripes vs. zebra or waves, etc.) and density (thin or wider “stripes”). Three options (horizontal, vertical and wavy) would incorporate a tiled motif to blend in with existing tiles in the area near the proposed crosswalk.
A white outline border and grey ground/asphalt background in between “stripes” are required by traffic
2 engineering for pedestrian safety and two square shaped endcap areas (from the original streetscape) that adjoin the crosswalk on both the north and south side s will remain in place because to modify this area would add substantial cost including bringing into conformity with ADA requirements. It is estimated that the total crosswalk length is 40-feet and individual stripes may be 6-8-inches or up to one foot wide.
Installation is hoped to be done before this June to coincide with Pride Month.
Chair Marcy noted that it is important to remember the project goal and that the colors symbolize inclusion; he invited input. Thoughts expressed about the design included, that the crosswalk should: 1) be simple and recognizable as a rainbow (Manna–likes 8, touching stripes vertical); 2) have a look unique to Manhattan Beach (Tokashiki–likes 11, zebra waves vertical); 3) be more simple for ease of install and maintenance (Spackman–likes 8, 10, 12, but 13 & 14 seem too complex); 4) represent the whole (LGBTQ+) community and perhaps a vertical design will not accommodate as many colors (Rubino–likes 4, 5, wavy horizontal); and 5) camouflage car tire marks and blend with the tiled endcap area, and inclusion of all groups may be important to avoid criticism of under-representation (Marcy–likes numbers 3 or 14 if modified to have more than one layer assigned to each color).
CAM Stewart clarified: 1) the mosaic motif options would not involve embedding but rather laying tiles by heat-bonding on top of the pavement and the mosaic maintenance may be simpler because damaged tiles can be replaced individually and 2) the simpler options, 1, 2, 8 might be able to be done in a slurry as well as thermoplastic material.
The Commission further discussed and agreed that their preferences include options 2, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 14 (with single row per color as presented by staff). CAM Stewart emphasized that the Council will have all options for review and may or may not choose one that has been selected by the Commission.
Discussion: Polliwog Park rainbow project.
CAM Stewart displayed photos of the park and graphics illustrating a few options for rainbow treatments:
painting the seating of the amphitheater, painting the path aroud a gazebo, and painting portions of walkways or a bike path. She clarified that the painting is intended to be done by volunteers and the group “Friends of Polliwog” has not yet been, but will be tapped for input. She noted that the amphitheater option is a large area and will require the most maintenance. An additional option could be painting a small portion of the bike path in the northeast corner of the park, near the middle school.
After a brief discussion, the Commission indicated it supports two concepts/locations: 1) a rainbow crosswalk on a portion on the diagonal crossing path in the northeast corner by MB Middle School; and 2) rainbow path around the gazebo.
CAM Stewart noted that the downtown crosswalk will be installed first and although it has not been discussed she assumes that there will be some type of ribbon cutting. She will keep the Commission updated on progress for both projects and encourages the Commission in thinking about “getting the word out” about the projects.
MBAC Revamp Project: Staff is working on a contract with an installer to repair the building frieze.
Commissioner Rubino updated that Leadership Manhattan will be installing the rear wall mural, phase 1, on April 30 and volunteers are being signed up and the Commission is invited. .
Art Grant – Utility Beautification: Staff reported they are waiting on a contract to replace the three utility boxes that were removed downtown; waiting on the city legal team review.
3 Art Grant – Murals: no new information.
Art Grant – Digital Wall Art: no new information.
Art Grant – Performing Arts: no new information.
Art Grant – Sculpture Garden (temporary works): no new information.
Art Grant – Permanent Sculpture: no new information.
Art Grant – School Education: no change (on work plan, but not a priority at this time).
Chair Marcy reminded that the fiscal year is coming to an end and encourages that any loose ends might be addressed by the current Commission if possible.
In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Tokashiki, CAM Stewart noted that funding to support Shakespeare in the Park program through the art trust fund is being processed through the annual city- wide budget process. She will check on planning for dates.
G. STAFF ITEMS
CAM Stewart reported:
• MBAC Charles (Chick) Lynn Bragg Retrospective: very successful with a lot of return traffic, has been extended to mid-April. The next exhibition will focus on ceramics. • Art classes: Staff hopes to launch a Glaze Lab program at MBAC, focusing on molding and glazing processes.
• New staff has been hired for added classes (including artist Chick Bragg) and a new senior manager, Melissa McCollum has been hired who will be working with Director Leyman. • Public Arts Trust Fund: A little bit of money has come in to increase to $2.2 million, about $900k- $1-million is allocated and roughly $1.2 million unallocated. Community Development has indicated more funds could be on the horizon but there would be a time lag in time because the funds will not be collected until the project is completed; the earliest funds will expire in 2023. • City Council updates: 1) At its next meeting, council will be considering the funding for the MB Education Foundation donor wall. The foundation will be asking for a trust fund contribution of $39k; 2) The next CAC project that will be taken to the City Council will be the Rainbow crosswalk projects as reviewed tonight; and 3) Council has approved language for the Bruce’s Beach plaque.
Chair Marcy requested that staff point out to the City Council, when the Education Foundation donor wall was considered by the Commission, that funding from the trust fund was not part of the review or discussion. CAM Stewart indicated that the funding had not been finalized until just a few days ago and in the staff report to council, it will be pointed out that the requested location was not the favorite for the CAC.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
• Commissioner Spackman noted he may not be in attendance at the April 18th meeting. He questioned whether there should be a response to an email the Commissioners have received from former councilmember Mark Burton, inquiring as to whether the publ ic art trust fund could be used to maintain/repair the pier roundhouse – can this be put on an agenda? CAM Stewart noted that there are
4 a few options for the Commission including the Chair writing a letter to Mr. Burton, addressing in the minutes, or placing on an agenda for discussion. Commissioner Manna and Vice Chair Rubino stated that they are fairly certain that repair and maintenance type projects are not eligible for trust funding in that there must be an element of public art involved and perhaps as such, the Commission cannot even add to the agenda. Commissioner Spackman favors as a courtesy, that, upon looking into, if allowed, that a response be given as an item placed on the next agenda with Mr. Burton notified in advance.
It was agreed that CAM Stewart would research the Commission’s authority and if it has the ability to place on an agenda, then this shall be done; if not, then the Commission will consider other options.
• Chair Marcy noted he will not be in attendance at the April 18 meeting and that Vice Chair Rubino will be running the meeting.
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 7:54 P.M, with no objection, Chair Marcy adjourned the meeting to April 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.