1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
October 17, 2022
Hybrid format: by teleconference (Zoom) and in person 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 4:01 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Karger, Marcy, Tokashiki, Chair Rubino
Absent: Attam, Vice Chair Spackman
Staff present: Eilen Stewart, Cultural Arts Manager, Linda Robb, Senior Management Analyst, Rosemary Lackow, Recording Secretary.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 19, 2022
Due to lack of quorum of commissioners who were also present at the September meeting, this item will be calendared on the November agenda.
D. CEREMONIAL - None
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) – None
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Presentation from NMB BID– proposed sculpture
CAM Stewart provided an introduction and advised of the Commission’s advisory role. After reviewing the proposed sculpture, “Surf Ascension,” in terms of aesthetic and physical elements, the Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council.
CAM Stewart noted this project is privately funded by the NMB BID. It is subject to city review because it would be located in the public right of way (Highland Avenue at 35th Street, a walk-street), adjacent to the North End Café. In September, a postcard survey was mailed to residents within 1000 feet (see staff report).
Peter Kim, Chairperson, NMB BID, covered the physical attributes (materials and lighting) and fabrication process and artist Domisi Parham’s inspiration. Mr. Parha m, having recovered from cancer, took up sculpting and created this artwork that is meant to inspire others to rise up and face great personal challenges.
Responding to the Commission, Mr. Kim clarified: 1) Location: the sculpture will be installed off the public sidewalk on Highland, facing south bound pedestrians, where a BID directory kiosk used to be located. 2) The sculpture will be powered by an external battery. 3) A plaque will be installed. 4) Structural integrity:
the design has been approved by a private engineer; the 11-ft tall, 1,500 lb. sculpture is supported by an internal I-beam and cannot topple; Quartzite inserted between the spiral steel is designed to make the surface smooth and prevent it being climbed. 5) Maintenance will be done by private party (no cost to city). 6) Programmable LED lights will be on once a month, about 3 hours after dusk. 7) Approval is for one-year loan; upon removal of sculpture, attachment bolts will be cut flush. 8) Vandalism: to mitigate, the structure has been wrapped with a material that can be handily cleaned and scratches can be polished out.
CAM Stewart shared the wording of the plaque which will be simple pertinent information.
2 Domisi Parham, artist, looked into potential glare; after checking sunlight levels; he concluded that at no time would glare be expected to be a problem for drivers. He clarified that after the year is over, he will donate the sculpture to the BID and at that time the future of the sculpture will be handled by the BID.
Peter Kim concluded by stating that the goal is to enliven and attract visitors to the north end of Highland while stimulating interest in art.
Chair Rubino invited public comment, seeing none, invited commission discussion.
Commissioner Marcy recognized that the responses received from the community survey were spirited but he believes that, having seen more detailed info on the proposal, the postcard rendering does not do the piece justice. He feels it is beautiful and fully supports this proposal.
Commissioners Karger, Tokashiki, and Chair Rubino joined in supporting the proposal. Commissioner Tokashiki suggested that the Commission’s recommendation could include a requirement that the project be reviewed by the City’s Traffic Engineer prior to installation and, when the project comes before the City Council that the details on the plaque and lighting be provided.
It was moved and seconded (Tokashiki/Karger) that the Cultural Arts Commission recommend that the City Council approve the proposed “Surf Ascension” sculpture installation, and that prior to installation, the project be reviewed by the city’s Traffic Engineer.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Karger, Marcy, Tokashiki, Chair Rubino
Noes: None
Absent: Attam, Vicechair Spackman
Abstain: None
The motion passed 4-0-2-0
2. Work Plan Item updates.
a. MBAC Revamp Project. CAM Stewart confirmed that mission statements are handled by staff.
While the Cultural Arts Division has value statements, the Commission, does not have an official mission statement and to have one would require approval by the City Council, possibly as a new work plan item.
Front sign committee (Tokashiki, Marcy, Rubino) CAM Stewart outlined three options for the front sign, given applicable zoning regs : 1) Refurbish the existing sign as a “grandfathered” structure without increasing the height or making more nonconforming; 2) Install a new conforming “monument sign” per code (maximum 6 feet tall from ground); and 3) Apply for a “sign exception” to allow replacing with a new “pole sign” that exceeds 6 feet measured from the ground.
CAM Stewart suggested as a next step that the committee, herself, and Community Development staff to discuss these options.
Wayfinding sign committee (Karger/Spackman): Commissioner Karger stated that she is waiting to see the City’s approved sign catalogue, to understand what signs can be ordered for the front and back entrances.
CAM Stewart will email the PowerPoint (portion with applicable information) to the Commission.
b. Other work plan items. CAM Stewart advised, looking towards the joint meeting in January, the Commission should look at priority projects (e.g., murals, utility beautification grants.) The Commission
3 should be thinking about any changes for next year’s p lan. November and December meetings will be devoted to the 2023 work plan proposal. Chair Rubino asked that everyone bring all information to the meeting in November as the plan will be finalized in December.
3. Future allocations of PATF funds discussion.
CAM Stewart advised that the Commission should be thinking about which items should be kept on the next work plan.
G. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Manager Stewart reported/updated:
Cultural Arts Division events: Time4Art Exhibit “Fly High Dive Deep” (Lynn Aldrich) opening is this Friday October 21 at MBAC; Bruce’s Beach art piece: APPC first meeting held October 11th; Rainbow Gazebo painting event on October 29, 10:00 a.m; October 30 at 4:00 pm: pumpkin race and Commissioners are encouraged to enter a pumpkin in the race. PATF update: Total fund – $2.2 million; fund amount allocated – $1.2 million; fund amount un- allocated – $1 million. The earliest that funds will expire is end of 2023 ($123k) and then more in 2024. It was noted that if a Sculpture Garden is to be done at MBAC, this would qualify for a PATF allocation.
Council updates: none
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
Commissioner Marcy thanked staff for great presence at the Hometown Fair. CAM Stewart noted the whole event was fantastic with a lot of foot traffic; a lot of art was sold at the open house.
CAM Stewart noted that the Bruce’s Beach APPC will be forwarding a recommendation for the art Request for Proposals to the CAC in spring, 2023.
The Commission discussed the January 2023 meeting date noting that the joint meeting will be on the 9th.
Suggestions included January 30th, skipping the regular January meeting and merging the January and February meetings. The Chair suggested that this decision be made at the November meeting.
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:42 p.m. with no objection, Chair Rubino adjourned the meeting to November 21, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.