1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
November 21, 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 4:05 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Karger, Marcy (until 6:11), Tokashiki, Attam (remote), Vice Chair Spackman, Chair Rubino
Absent: None
Staff present: Eilen Stewart, Cultural Arts Manager, Melissa McCollum, Senior Recreation Manager, Rosemary Lackow, Recording Secretary.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 19, 2022: Moved/seconded (Karger/Spackman), to approve subject to one revision on Pg.1, Sect. B, Roll Call: show Tokashiki as absent
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Spackman, Karger, Rubino, Tokashiki, Marcy
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Tokashiki
Motion passed 5-0-0-1
October 17, 2022: Moved/seconded: (Karger/Marcy), to approve as submitted
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Rubino, Marcy, Karger, Tokashiki
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Attam, Spackman
Motion passed: 4-0-0-2
D. CEREMONIAL - None
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) – None
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Presentation from Jacquelyne May – proposed plaque
Jacquelyne May made a presentation on behalf of three residents, requesting that the Commission consider and recommend approval of installation of a commemorative plaque in the public sidewalk adjacent to 117 Manhattan Beach Boulevard (Strand House restaurant) identifying this site as the putative first in the world surf shop.
Tom Horton, President of South Bay Board Riders Club (SBBRC) spoke in support.
2 The proponents who were present responded to ques tions from the Commission. The Downtown Business and Professionals Association has not been contacted but Ms. May is willing to meet with them. The plaque will be approximately 10” by 12”; the location is within and level with the sidewalk (grinded out, attached with epoxy) near a fire hydrant ; the project will be privately funded and the SBBRC will take responsibility for repair and maintenance.
CAM Stewart clarified that the CAC is the closest body that would consider a cultural resource related request, which includes historical items.
Chair Rubino invited public comment.
Gary McAulay, former president of the city’s historical society, questioned that this difficult to prove claim that this location was for the world’s first surf shop, has been adequately substantiated. He feels that the city should not put up a plaque of a claim unless substantiated. He recommended that the Commission not support unless the claim can be substantiated or the wording be revised to be more generally worded.
Seeing no others wishing to speak, the Chair closed the floor to public comment.
The Commission discussed, and indicated it was supportive but in consensus, cannot support as proposed. Chair Rubino suggested the group may come back to the Commission with more information or a revised request at a future date.
Chair Rubino opened the floor to Commission discussion, there being no others wishing to speak.
Commissioner Karger suggested taking the approach of changing the plaque wording.
In response to Commissioner Spackman, John Leininger, a proponent and long-time local surfboard maker stated that Velzy’s was probably the first retail shop whose business license contained the words “surf boards”, but in follow up wasn’t sure how such a business license claim could be tracked. Mr.
Leininger added that the surf culture is a sub-culture in that it has its own language, and music.
Commissioner Spackman asked the proponents if they would consider rewording while maintaining respect and recognition as intended. Mr. Leininger responded affirmatively and at the direction of the Chair, understood it was their responsibility to come up with some alternative wording.
After brief discussion, the Commission gave final direction: the proponents should come back before them with both documentation and revised wording which should correspond to the evidence and it should be clear as to whether the plaque is recognizing the place or the person, or both.
2. Presentation from NMB BID – proposed sculpture
Peter Kim, NMB BID Chair explained that this project now needs to ask for financial support , which became necessary after CAC approval and legal review.
CAM Stewart explained the basis for this second review in that staff has determined that the NMB BID is not able to use NMB funds on the project and therefore the initial premise of not needing financial support no longer holds. The proposal now includes an ask for allocation from the PATF to cover costs of moving, installing and maintaining the artwork if approved.
3 Domisi Parham, artist, presented using slides which covered not only the artwork but a menu of costs.
He answered questions clarifying the physical aspects. Regarding the lights and the lift rig at the bottom the rear will appear like the back of a surfboard with a wave and will be fully enclosed; the plaque will be in the front of it. The plaque wording was provided.
Commissioner Attam commented that the public reaction was significant and is not sure the Commission should approve. Commissioner Karger noted that the public notice image was felt to not really match the proposal. Artist Parham noted that the actual final plaque can be modified as suggested by CAM Stewart to address anticipated ADA compliance for visibility and another change will be that donor names will need to be removed.
Chair Rubino called for public comment.
Gary McAulay resident, requested clarification of the issue of donation and the fact that the art fund is being tapped; is concerned that the process is being followed correctly.
CAM Stewart clarified that this piece is being loaned, not donated and the amount being asked ($7,500) will virtually have no impact on the art fund balance.
Commissioner Marcy opined with concurrence from Commissioner Tokashiki, that the Commission should not delay this project – that the amount being asked for is inconsequential and that the artwork is consistent with the Commission’s mission – to identify art in the community that positively represents Manhattan Beach and is inspirational.
CAM Stewart advised that the Commission can approve tonight with stipulations such as compliance with ADA (contrast) and that there are no further changes.
Commissioners Spackman and Tokashiki weighed in clarifying that they would like to see more clarity in the budget for the project (what the allocation will be paying for) and aspects such as the lighting operation.
In discussion further, it was moved and seconded (Tokashiki/Marcy) that the Commission approve the project and allocation from the PATF of $12,000, including $5,000 for the sculpture and (not to exceed) $7,000 for maintenance.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Attam, Karger, Marcy, Tokashiki, Vice Chair Spackman, Chair Rubino.
Noes: none
Absent: none
Abstain: none
Chair Rubino announced the motion passed 6-0.
Peter Kim thanked the Commission, noting that he anticipates this matter to come to the City Council on January 16th.
3. Presentation by Staff – proposed Polliwog Pavilion Building
Senior Recreation Manager Melissa McColl um presented a proposed conceptual design of a new multifunctional space in Polliwog Park to expand Eastside library services, highlight and improve access to the City’s historical collection and increase programming opportuni ties for the city, LA
4 County the MB Historical Society, and community at large.
Staff requests input from the Commission at this very preliminary stage. The Commission asked questions or requested clarifications which were provided and provided input:
1. It was clarified that the participation of the CAC for the main library years ago was to approve artworks that were placed in the library.
2. Groundbreaking is several years away.
3. The net new square footage is one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-four for interior. Additional space on the outside is yet to be determined as to whether enclosed or semi or not at all. That space can be used for service programming.
4. There is no parking lot. How will access occur? The parking is being discussed with Community Development and access will need to comply with ADA. No significant additional parking is anticipated at this time.
Chair Rubino called for public comment.
Gary McAulay, urged that the Commission support the project as it will be protecting the City’s historical artifacts and will be a vehicle for educating the public about the City’s history.
Chair Rubino led off with concluding remarks. She stated concern about the loss of open space with this project and in the future when a new permanent stage will be built. She endorses the project goals but is not sure this is the right location.
Commissioner Spackman feels it is very important for the city to preserve its history and feels that this is a big step in that direction. He doesn’t feel that a significant loss in open space will occur, agrees with Commissioner Marcy that there will be a lot of dialogue on the project.
At 6:11 the Chair adjourned the meeting for a 5-minute break; Commissioner Marcy left the meeting.
The Commission reconvened at 6:18 p.m.
4. Work Plan Item updates
MBAC Revamp Project.
a. Wayfinding signs: Commissioner Karger reported the Committee met with CAM Stewart and confirmed wayfinding sign placement and which signs from a catalogue could be installed. Using slides, she showed the locations to be recommended to City Council:
11th Street: Sign A-05 (“P”, arrow, city logo) scaled for residential setting; hedges trimmed. MBB driveway entry: A-05, facing west, flush to existing curb, existing pole may be removed, tree trimmed.
Interior of site, rear building at stairs leading down to Manhattan Heights Park: a sign, B-01, pointing to the park and MBAC.
Interior of site, near palms and walkway from parking lot, pointing to MBAC entrance; this sign can do something creative not necessarily use a catalogue template. Front site ID site sign: options need to be discussed with Community Development.
Commissioner Karger will reach out to CAM Stewart to schedule a meeting regarding this sign.
The above signs have been pulled out of the larger work plan project and will go as a package to the City Council for approval. No motion is needed at this time.
5 b. Other work plan items (Various art grants): no updates as all are paused.
5. Future work plan items for 2023
CAM Stewart noted that this is the opportunity for the Commission to establish a path for new projects, noting Commissioners Karger and Spackman will need new assignments. The thinking has been to move on the arts grants - the utility wraps and the murals on private property.
Chair Rubino would like to streamline discussion now to those projects that will be discuss next month.
Commissioner Karger asked if there could be a project where the policy and process for public donations could be determined. CAM Stewart responded that that is appropriate and is badly needed - such an endeavor would define the paths that need to be followed.
CAM Stewart reminded that there is a guide that defines the role of the Commission which is the Master Plan. This is something however that is handled by staff. There is also a Commission Handbook that is also informative; these documents may be helpful to review.
There was discussion regarding the grant application template which Commissioners Spackman and Marcy worked on. Commissioner Spackman believes that the template was drafted but not formally approved by the Commission. He suggested that that document review and possibly resumption of some of the paused arts grants projects be on the ’23 work plan as “new items”.
It was decided that next month the Commission will finalize the ’23 work plan projects to be recommended which will include up to three of the currently paused arts grants projects plus one new project which would be the finalization of the arts grant application which would cover individuals donating to the city.
G. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Manager Stewart reported/updated:
Cultural Arts Division updates: The Rainbow Gazebo has been completed; the MBAC Exhibit “Fly High Dive Deep” (Lynn Aldrich) continues.
PATF update: no new information.
Council updates: none
H. COMMISSION ITEMS - none
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 6:51 p.m. with no objection, Chair Rubino adjourned the meeting to December 19, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.