1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
July 18, 2022
Meeting by teleconference (Zoom) – in accordance with procedures on agenda 1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Rubino called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Attam, Marcy, Tokashiki, Karger, Vice Chair Spackman, Chair Rubino
Absent: none
Staff present: Linda Robb, Parks and Recreation Senior Management Analyst, Eilen Stewart, Cultural Arts Manager, Rosemary Lackow, Recording Secretary.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 16, 2022 and June 20, 2022 May 16, 2022: It was moved and seconded ( Marcy/Tokashiki) to approve the minutes of May 16 as submitted.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Marcy, Spackman, Tokashiki, Vice Chair Rubino
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Attam, Karger
The motion passed 4-0-0-2.
June 20, 2022 : It was moved and seconded (Karger/Tokashiki) to approve the minutes of June 20, 2022 as submitted.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Karger, Spackman, Tokashiki, Vice Chair Rubino
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Attam, Marcy
The motion passed 4-0-0-2.
D. CEREMONIAL
Chair Rubino welcomed new Commissioner Rhea Attam. Ms. Attam said she is a senior at Mira Costa High School and has a keen interest in art; she also voluneers at the El Segundo Museum of Art and is excited to be on the Caultural Arts Commission.
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) – None
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Work plan item updates
2 a. MBAC Revamp Project. Chair Rubino provided an overview of this project with the aid of slides, updated to indicate a recent decision to focus on signage as described in “Phase 2” of the project description.
Chair Rubino pointed out that while this work plan item includes three phases of upgrades, for now the Commission is concentrating on Phase 2 – signage. There was brief discussion on whether the wayfinding or directional signs (at front/back driveways) might include an artistic element. The consensus and direction was to not have a unique artistic element but to use standard city signs through the citywide wayfinding program. As such the signs will help to identify the site as a City facility, they can be installed by Public Works and there is no cost to the Public Art Trust Fund.
CAM Stewart explained the purpose of the wayfinding sign subcommittee. The committee would first become familiar with the art center site and its driveways and access points, possibly look at other city facility directional signage, and then work with Public Works, the City Traffic Engineer, and other key staff – to give input and finalize the types and number of signs for the center including front and rear access points, while still conforming to the wayfinding program mission.
The commission formed two 3-person subcommittees for the MBAC Revamp project: 1) wayfinding signs, and if possible, a front building wall mural sign (under overhang with spotlights) comprised of Commissioners Attam, Spackman, and Karger, and 2) replacement of an existing dilapidated front free- standing sign, comprised of Commissioners Marcy, Tokashiki, and Chair Rubino.
It was suggested that the two committees meet prior to the next regular Commission meeting to discuss possible general themes for the new signs. CAM Stewart advised that, in thinking about themes, the new signs should complement existing elements (Van Hamersveld building frieze and back wall mural recently installed by Leadership Manhattan Beach) and that it may also a good idea to think about any themes that should be avoided.
b. Other work plan items. There were no updates to other items.
2. Future allocations of PATF funds discussion.
CAM Stewart gave a brief overview, indicating that approximately $300,000 of PATF funds will expire in 2023 unless allocated and more funds are at risk of expiring in 2024. Today’s discussion is a start in considering which work plan projects that have not yet been allocated, should be prioritized for commitment of these funds. It was emphasized that “allocation” means that funds are to be committed by City Council, not that the project must be implemented in a particular time period. CAM Stewart noted and described four work plan projects that might be considered: 1) MBAC Revamp; 2) Assessment of the city’s art collection; 3) Development of a conservation plan for art works that are identified in the art assessment project (goes hand in hand with the arts assessment); and 4) Permanent stage and pavilion in Polliwog Park. Items 2 and 3 which originated in 2018 would be contracted out. It was noted that as part of the conservation plan, a maintenance plan will also be developed. CAM Stewart noted that discussions are needed with the city legal staff as to how to break down the permanent stage project – in terms of which aspects can receive PATF funding and which are ineligible.
Commissioner Karger raised the possibility of forming a city nonprofit 501c3 foundation that might be a supplemental funding source for a work plan project such as the park pavilion. This is being studied by an Ad Hoc committee of the Parks and Recreation Commission with city council endorsement. CAM Stewart clarified that although it’s a rare situation, council could approve an allocation for the park stage without a more detailed plan.
CAM Stewart estimated that there may be 50-70 art works that exist that may need to have a conservation
3 plan developed, but this is currently unknown and an inventory would be the first step.
The Commission discussed and voted 6-0 in support of considering using the 2023 expiring PATF funds for the MBAC revamp and Polliwog Park permanent stage projects and voted 5-1 in support for the citywide arts assessment and conservation plan development. Regarding the latter vote, Vice Chair Spackman explained his “no” vote is based on his desire to have more information on the scope of those projects.
G. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Manager Stewart reported:
• Cultural Arts Division updates: 1) the Summer Concerts in the Park series is continuing very successfully, with attendance estimated at 6,000 to 7,000 persons at the most recent concert featuring “Hollywood Stones”. 2) The Annual Community Exhibition will have its opening reception July 29, 6 pm to 9 p.m. and food and beverages will be provided. 3) Shakespeare by the Sea in Polliwog Park will be on July 21-22 performing Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing. • PATF update: has just over $2.3 million; over $1 million is allocated ; just under $1.2 million in unallocated funds. A total of $300k will expire in December, 2023 and then another $500k is scheduled to expire in 2024.
• Council update: At its July 19 meeting, the Council will receive a report on the Historical Society historic resources assessment and preservation project completed by History Associates Inc. A 5 - phase plan is being proposed to preserve the historic resources, but the funding ( approximately $175,000) for the fi rst two phases ( develop policy and inventory/survey the collection) wil l come from an “Excess Library Tax Fund” through the Los Angeles County Public Library system , not from the PATF.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
Chair Rubino summarized that tonight the Commission formed two subcommittees to work on the MB Art Center Revamp: 1) wayfinding signs (which may expand to include a front building mural sign) which is comprised of Commissioners Spackman, Attam, Karger, and 2) site front identification sign, comprised of Commissioners Marcy, Tokashiki, and Rubino. CAM Stewart advised that she will be available to meet with the subcommittees prior to the next meeting.
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 7:45 p.m. with no objection, Chair Rubino adjourned the meeting to August 15, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., via Zoom.