Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
February 8, 2023
1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
February 8, 2023
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 5:07 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Karger, Marcy (remote), Tokashiki, Attam (remote), Vice Chair Spackman, Chair Rubino
Absent: None
Staff present: Eilen Stewart, Cultural Arts Manager, Linda Robb, Senior Management Analyst, Andrew Booras, Cultural Arts Coordinator, and Rosemary Lackow, Recording Secretary.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – None (December 19 to be reviewed at next meeting)
D. CEREMONIAL – None
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) – None
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Work Plan Item updates
Chair Rubino gave introductory remarks noting that the commission will discuss each work plan item for inclusion on a review by City Council on March 7th. The Commission will discuss in this order: Utility Box Beautification, Murals, Sculpture Garden, and Exploring Opportunities for Art.
a. Utility box beautification (Phase II)
Commissioner Marcy presented a Power Point “Diversity and Inspiration: Utility Box Project,” going over the verified locations, timeline and budget, and installation date. After discussion and with staff input, the timeline was revised to be;
February 8, 2023: CAC approval
March 7, 2023: CC approval
March 20, 2023: CAC RFP discussion
April 17, 2023: CAC RFP approval
May 1 - 31, 2023: Post RFP, artists submission
June 19, 2023: CAC artist selection
July 18, 2023: CC artist approval
September, 2023: Installation
CAM Stewart will prepare a budget for up to 12 locations with alternates and asked whether the artist stipend should be increased. Artists will generate a high resolution digital image that can be printed out on vinyl.
There was no objection to raising the stipend by $100 each for $7,200 total for 12 boxes and it was decided that the stipend amount should not be higher for locations with multiple boxes. No objections were heard
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
February 8, 2023
2 for the locations which will be spread out and east Manhattan Beach will be well represented . It was determined that minors would be eligible to apply.
b. Murals.
Commissioner Karger led discussion with a presentation that covered the background and a tentative project description: 5 total murals to be installed in public space s; funding to be through the P ublic Art Trust Fund. (PATF). Local artists to be solicited, the murals shall reflect the city’s lifestyle aesthetic and the RFP will stipulate that the locations shall be assumed to be in an “as is” condition and the artist shall apply the paint to the surface in the existing condition. It is up to the artist to install including anti-graffiti coating.
CAM Stewart noted that it will be desirable to have a contract template that can be posted with the RFP.
Various contract issues were discussed such as completion time required and schedule for paying artists.
CAM Stewart noted that typically the artist will get 50% at contract execution and the remainder at mural completion; it was determined that the artist should have 60 days from contract execution, to complete installation. Commissioner Spackman noted that contracts typically have a “force majeure” clause that provides flexibility due to things that could happen out of the artist’s control.
Locations both coastal and inland on public property were discussed and those to be recommended were:
building walls at Manhattan Heights Park, Polliwog Park, MBAC, the Pie r restroom, stairs between the Strand and bike path, fire station at civic center, and 12 Street parking structure.
At 7:20 p.m. the Chair called for a break; the Commission reconvened at 7:27 p.m.
A timeline was discussed and agreed to be refined by staff and recommended to council – with key dates established with consideration for staff resources. The timeline starts with tonight’s commission approval, then follows with RFP development and posting in August, CAC review of proposals in September, City Council review in October and ends with installation in December, 2023. Staff will check and refine.
c. Sculpture Garden:
Commissioner Tokashiki presented using a Power Point showing a proposed budget (starting at $75k) and 14 potential locations with photos. The Commission discussed , raising the budget ($85k total) f or 5 sculptures. The following locations were polled:
“Plan A” (higher recommendation):
1. Waterwise parkette on Aviation Boulevard, at Aviation Way. Yes 5-1
2. MBAC, Manhattan Beach Boulevard frontage. Yes 5-1 (Marcy concern may appear cluttered)
3. Manhattan Heights Park. Yes 6-0
4. Civic Center. (3 sites “first star” preferred, 1 sculpture) Yes 6-0
5. Strand, front of restroom north of pier, existing pedestal. Yes 6-0
6. Metlox Plaza. No 6-0
7. Marine Avenue Park (front of Rocketship Hall, possibly fill in empty planter). Yes 6-0
8. 8th Street parkette. No 4-2 (include as Plan B)
9. Water tower park. Yes 5-1
10. Polliwog Park. No 6-0
11. Beltway across from Joslyn Center. No 6-0
12. North End city parking structure, upper level, south west corner; weight to be limited and staff to
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
February 8, 2023
3 confer with Public Works about constraints. Yes 6-0
Regarding two park sites on 8th street (parkette and water tower park) CAM Stewart commented that for both parks, care is needed to not impede existing use of parks. Director Leyman reminded that council direction was to increase visibility and the 8th Street parkette has less visibility than the water tower park and may also have negative resident reaction. Commissioner Marc y, in favor of both, expressed that perhaps adding a compelling artwork to 8th Street may increase use of that park.
“Plan B” (alternates) to include:
1. Civic Center, a 2nd sculpture
2. 8th Street parkette (water tower park, install concrete pad, public outreach needed)
3. Sand Dune Park (pedestal and public outreach needed) 6-0
CAM Stewart went over the council presentation noting that accomplishments and status of work plan items “in the works” will be included ( e.g., City Hall digital wall display, frieze repair at MBAC , MBAC wayfinding signage).
At 8:27 pm the Chair called for a brief recess.
At 8:30 pm the Chair reconvened; Commissioner Attam left the meeting.
d. Exploring New Art Opportunities
Chair Rubino gave introductory remarks noting that the objective is to consider new ideas for bot h performing and visual art. The Chair presented five potential and went over general timelines and budgets.
The Commission discussed and landed on the follow ing three as having the highest potential: Musical instruments in a park; Walking/bus tour of city artworks (use Dial-a-Ride, PATF funding ok) and MBAC entertainment (City to hire entertainers at art events).
Director Leyman suggested that staff can mention in the staff report all possible future projects to council and that more details will be worked out at a future Commission meeting and these can be brought back to City Council. Commissioner Spackman suggested and it was agreed that slide 2 showing all six potential future projects can be mentioned in the staff report but not be part of the presentation.
Director Leyman emphasized that the City Council can discuss and approve the concept of exploring projects even if there is not a dedicated slide for this . Until the projects are more developed, the recommendation to the Council can be such that once high priority projects are started other lower priority projects such as the new art opportunities can be started in later quarters and information will be brought back to the Council.
G. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Manager Stewart reported/updated on
Cultural Arts Division updates: 1) Tomorrow staff will meet with a contractor regarding frieze repair at MBAC and a proposal will then be forthcoming; 2) Bo Bridges wall mural is slated to be installed by March 31, 2023; 3) MBEF Donor Recognition Wall installation will be in May, 2023; 4) Staff is working with LA County on MOU for the Catalina Classic sculpture; 5) Staff is working on the North MB sculpture project; and 6) the Velzy plaque to be incorporated in the CAC Work Plan for council authorization on March 7, 2023.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
February 8, 2023
4 PATF update: no new information.
Council updates: none
H. COMMISSION ITEMS – Chair Rubino recognized and thanked all the Commissioners and staff for the amazing amount of work done in a short time frame ; is looking forward to the March 7 th council presentation and recognition for work that has been done.
Director Leyman clarified that the presentation will be done by staff but the CAC will be copied on the staff report. The Chair plans to be present and encourages other Commissioners to also attend.
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:07 p.m. with no objection, Chair Rubino adjourned the meeting to March 20, 2023 at 4:00 pm.