Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 15, 2023
1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
May 15, 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 4:07 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Karger, Vice Chair Spackman, Tokashiki, Chair Rubino
Absent: Marcy, Attam
Staff present: Eilen Stewart, Cultural Arts Manager, Linda Robb, Senior Management Analyst, and Rosemary Lackow, Recording Secretary.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 30, 2023, February 8, 2023, March 20, 2023
January 30, 2023: It was moved and seconded (Tokashiki/Spackman) to approve as written.
Roll Call:
AYES: Chair Rubino, Vice Chair Spackman, Tokashiki, Karger NOES: None
ABSENT: Marcy, Attam
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed 4-0-2.
February 8, 2023: It was moved and seconded (Spackman/Rubino) to approve as written.
Roll Call:
AYES: Chair Rubino, Vice Chair Spackman, Tokashiki, Karger.
NOES: None
ABSENT: Marcy, Attam
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed 4-0-2.
March 20, 2023: It was moved and seconded (Tokashiki/Spackman) to approve as written.
Roll Call:
AYES: Chair Rubino, Vice Chair Spackman, Tokashiki, Karger.
NOES: None
ABSENT: Marcy, Attam
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed 4-0-2.
D. CEREMONIAL –None
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 15, 2023
2 E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) – None
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Selection of new Chair and Vice Chair
Chair Rubino called for nominations for Chair . It was moved and seconded (Karger/Spackman) that Commissioner Spackman be Chair and Commissioner Tokashiki , Vice Chair of the Cultural Arts Commission for 2023/2024.
The motion passed by voice vote 4 -0-2. CAM Stewart stated that Commissioner Spackman begins his term at the end of the meeting, and will be adjourning the meeting.
2. Work Plan Item Discussion
a. Utility box beautification
CAM Stewart updated that the RFP has been posted , requesting proposals through May 30. Staff has received about 10 submittals: one from a student, some from local artists and other interested persons. Staff will reach out directly to the schools.
b. Murals
Commissioner Karger shared a copy of the RFP template; the Commission suggested and discussed multiple revisions.
The Commission determined that specific wording was not needed in the RFP requiring that submitted artwork be unique to Manhattan Beach in that, although this is the C ouncil’s preference, this would typically be covered in the contract and is likely to be raised and addressed in the interview process. CAM Stewart noted that the map of the locations will be improved as much as possible. As to the timetable, CAM Stewart will work to post as e arly as possible but at this point recommends keeping the July 31 st submittal deadline.
There was a consensus to approve the RFP subject to the above revisions and wordsmithing as appropriate by staff. CAM Stewart will confer with Commissioner Karger to review and make a list of all changes to be made in the document.
It was moved and seconded ( Karger/Rubino) to a pprove the Murals R FP with th e above r evisions recommended by the Commission.
Roll Call:
AYES: Chair Rubino, Vice Chair Spackman, Tokashiki, Karger NOES: None
ABSENT: Marcy, Attam
ABSTAIN: None
The chair announced that the motion passed 4-0-2.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 15, 2023
3 c. Sculpture Garden
Commissioner Tokashiki stated the committee (Tokashiki, Spackman, Attam) is looking for confirmation on a proposed schedule that calls for an RFP to be approved by the Commission at the July 17th meeting, posted in August with submittals reviewed in September, and reviewed and approved by City Council in October. With internal contract review/approval completed in November, the artwork could be installed in December/January 2024.
CAM Stewart noted that the next step would be for Cultural Arts staff to meet with city departments (Community Development/Public Works) to research issues such as permitting and other details. CAM Stewart will then meet with the Committee to determine what of the information received should be incorporated into the RFP. At this time and until she meets with other departments, CAM Stewart advised that this timeframe although ambitious, can stand. It was confirmed that the project involves five sculptures, but at 8 possible locations which could change after discussions with other departments.
An update will be provided in June.
d. Velzy Plaque
CAM Stewart updated that the Council considered this request and Commission recommendation at its May 2nd meeting but continued the matter to May 16th but this has been extended to June 6th, as more information has come forward from the Historical Society and other sources. City Council will re-evaluate the phrasing at that time and it is expected that two versions of wording will be presented, from the South Bay Boardriders Club and from the Historical Society. Staff is meeting with the parties involved and will include updated wording proposals or suggestions in the council staff report.
Chair Rubino requested a copy of the June council staff report.
e. New Art Initiatives
Commissioner Spackman provided an 11-item list “CAC Workplan Opportunities For 2nd Half 2023” which he generated that includes prior discussed suggestions including from the former mayor. This list is intended as a visual aid to be used in future for discussions under the agenda item of monthly work plan items.
Commissioner Karger suggested that a Dorsey Field mural (item 8, mayor suggestion) could be included in a “Phase III” mural program; and Commissioner Tokashiki recalled that a Chalk Art Day (or festival) has been discussed and suggested to be added, possibly as item number 7 (Designated Street Art Area) .
Commissioner Rubino suggested that this list be kept open ended, discussed and modified on an ongoing basis.
Commissioner Tokashiki stated that she would love to see art walks in Manhattan Beach. Discussion focused on list item number 1 (Art Walk/Art Exhibition) and the difference between an “art tour” and an “art walk”. CAM Stewart noted an “art tour” is where one can go out throughout the city to view art works in the city and an “art walk” typically involves walking in a specific defined area to visit nearby art galleries or studios, or could involve inviting artists to display their art at specific locations. CAM Stewart suggested renaming item 1 as an “art tour” and Chair Rubino suggested item 5 could encompass the art walk concept and Commissioner Karger suggested the concept of a “studio tour” which included a map and a virtua l ticket.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 15, 2023
4 It was agreed that the next step would be creating a short list of highest prioritized items, and more specifically defining these initiatives and desired objectives. CAM Stewart will provide this list with future agendas and noted that this list will always be able to be discussed as a “general business” work plan item.
Art Walk/Art Exhibition
Digital Art/Performance
Instruments in the Park
Performing Arts at MBAC
Art Nights/MB Chamber
Intersection Decorations
Designated Street Art Area
Mural at Dorsey Field
Decommission Mosaic Artwork at Pier
Small Downtown Performance Space
Polliwog Park Landscape Art (grass mound maze)
G. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Manager Stewart provided updates as follows:
Cultural Arts:
Bo Bridges mural at City Hall: now installed;
Manhattan Beach Education Foundation donor recognition wall: unveiled May 8th with much positive feedback;
Bruce’s Beach RFP: submittal date extended another 60 days to June 30; Utility box beautification RFP: now posted and good proposals have been received; Annual Community Exhibition: applications going out this week will be due June 1st; MBAC Swell exhibition: great attendance and publicity (Easy Reader, Beach Reporter, etc.) CJ Rench “Red O” sculpture: expected to be installed in Polliwog Park in about a month; MB Art Center frieze repair: art conservator will start in about a month (processing contract); Catalina Classic sculpture project: awaiting finalizing MOU with Los Angeles County; North MB BID surfboard sculpture: going through permit process; Summer events: Concerts in the Parks entertainment and Shakespeare in the Park are being or have been lined up (some exciting new bands).
PATF (Public Art Trust Fund) update:
Total fund balance: just over $2 million
Allocated: about $1.4 million
Unallocated: approximately $650K unallocated
Projected expirations (at this time): 2023: no expiration; 2024: $243K expiring; 2025: $46K expiring. Changes from prior reports are due to payout on Bo Bridges mural.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 15, 2023
5 Incoming funds: funds are deposited when building permits are issued ($11K deposited this year).
Projects which may provide future funding (if they complete plan check and are issued permits) include High Rose project and a senior project on Sepulveda Boulevard.
Commissioner Tokashiki noted funding will need to be allocated for maintenance of existing artworks.
CAM Stewart noted that staff will soon be requesting City C ouncil approval of a contract with RLA (art conservation firm contracted for MBAC frieze repair) to provide an assessment of all city cultural art resources which will include maintenance and restoration plans. The contract is not expected to be reviewed by the Cultural Arts Commission and is estimated to cost about $40K.
Council updates:
Velzy Plaque review: City Council to review June 6th
Council to consider Concerts in the Park contract (3 year) on May 16th . Council will consider the Arts Assessment contract (date tbd).
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
Chair Rubino expressed her appreciation to both the Commissioners and staff and noted there have been many changes and challenges but she has greatly enjoyed her term and looks forward to participating in new art projects. She also thanked City Council for giving her this opportunity and for supporting the arts in the community. She turned the gavel over to Commissioner Spackman who expressed appreciation on behalf of the entire Commission.
CAM Stewart expressed appreciation to outgoing Chair Rubino and welcomed new Commissioners.
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 6:20 p.m. with no objection, Chair Spackman adjourned the meeting to June 19th, 2023 at 4:00 pm.