Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
October 21, 2024
1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
October 21, 2024
Location: Manhattan Beach City Council Chambers
1400 Highland Avenue. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
and Hybrid (remote) format: by teleconference (Zoom)
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Tokashiki called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Dohner, Padnos, Colmey, Patterson, Chair Tokashiki
Absent: Vice Chair Karger
Staff present: Senior Recreation Supervisor (SRS) Eric Brinkman, Senior Management Analyst Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 16, 2024
It was moved and seconded (Patterson/Colmey) to approve the September minutes as submitted.
The motion passed by voice vote: 5-0-1 (Karger absent)
E. CEREMONIAL - None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) - None
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 24/1021.01 RLA Art Assessment Report Prioritization
SRS Brinkman gave a brief overview and thanked the Commissioners for sending in their scorecards with their top 5 artworks to be added to the “Priority 1” works identified in the June 2024 RLS survey report (those requiring immediate repair). In rating the works, issues looked at included cultural significance, aesthetics, and quick fixes. He noted that there was a pretty clear consensus.
It was discussed that the city does not yet have a policy and plan for deaccessation (retiring an art piece permanently). Establishing such a policy will likely be a new work plan project for next year. It was determined two utility boxes designated Priority 1 in the report—utility boxes #1 (Brantley) and #9 (Keifer) —will not be included in this first round because utility box wraps typically have a relatively short lifespan which is already covered in the installer contract (only guaranteed for three years). What to do about the utility boxes, once they have outlived their life will be a separate discussion. It was noted that all artworks that were designated as Priority 1 in the report have safety and liability issues.
The Commission discussed and came to a consensus to add eight specific artworks to five already identified as Priority 1 in the June 2024 RLA survey report (with the exception of the two mentioned utility boxes).
SRS Brinkman noted that the Commission’s recommendation has been scheduled for the City Council agenda of December 3, 2024.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
October 21, 2024
2 Other topics or action items discussed include:
• Whether murals should have an undercoating of paint as a standard requirement for protection. (SRS Brinkman will discuss with RLA and look at information on hand about past murals). • The survey will function as a “living document” and will be updated as artworks are repaired and the best way to do this will be discussed with RLA.
• Staff to check contracts and reach out as needed to Leadership Manhattan: regarding repairs for 1) “The Wave of the Future” (time capsule sculpture, Veterans Parkway) and 2) Manhattan Beach Art Center community mural.
• “Egrets in Flight” sculpture, Polliwog Park: will be repaired by the artist and moved by Public Works to about 10 feet away, onto school property (per agreement with school district). • As a separate discussion item (not part of the council recommendation) staff will consider how to address regular maintenance issues (e.g. vegetation trimming and sprinkler re-direction etc.). that have been identified in the RLA survey. Options include being done by public works (which could involve training by RLA) and be included in the city’s budget discussion, or subbing out to RLA, which would be more costly but might be covered by PATF funds.
Chair Tokashiki called for public comment. Seeing none, the Chair called for a motion.
It was moved and seconded (Dohner/Patterson) that the Commission recommend the following art works as Priority 1 for conservation, with funding through the Public Art Trust Fund.
As identified as Priority 1 in the RLA report:
1) “Mankind’s Struggle for Eternal Peace”
2) “Beyond this Point Lies the Rest of the World”
3) Strand bench (Keever)
4) Strand bench (McAfee)
5) Strand bench (Condent)
Added by consensus of the Commission: (RLA report page noted) 6) 9-11-01 Memorial: High cultural significance, in bad need of repair. (Pg. 283) 7) Catalina Classic Memorial: needs more lacquer due to damage of surface from salt air. (Pg. 27) 8) Martin Ganz Memorial: high cultural significance, cracking, exposed rebar; quick fix. (Pg. 196) 9) Leadership Manhattan Mural (Manhattan Heights Park): apply uv coating; quick fix. (Pg. 31) 10) Remember When….(Civic Center Plaza): coating needed. (Pg. 180) 11) Kiln (Metlox plaza): safety issues in highly visible area. (Pg. 203) 12) Escobar cubic bench, Strand (Hertz): safety issue (exposed glass) (Pg. 170) 13) Lightgate: needs a bolt and more frequent washing. (Pg. 164)
Roll Call:
Ayes: Colmey, Dohner, Patterson, Padnos, Chair Tokashiki Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Vice Chair Karger
2. Work Plan Item Discussion
a. Utility Box Beautification (Phase III). SRS Brinkman gave a brief introduction, noting that the RFP has been updated as directed by City Council to specify that eligibility includes any youth in LA
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
October 21, 2024
3 County. He introduced contractor Ginna Muzingo, project manager.
Ms. Muzingo presented the full initial draft RFP and noted that a social media marketing campaign will be done and will include youth in LA County (17 years and younger). Commission input was received and the following revisions will be made: 1) youth eligibility: clarify that submission is open to age 17 years and younger or a student; 2) Location 30 will be identified and included on the RFP; and 3) regarding geographic eligibility, wording “live, work or play” will be included in the bio section which will be used to determine connection to the city; preference will be given to those connected to Manhattan Beach.
It was determined that two boxes previously wrapped but which have been recommended to be deaccessioned in the RLS conservation report, will not be added to the project.
The proposed timeline was discussed ; SRS Brinkman noted that the social media campaign and the submitting software system need to be put in place. If released mid -November, the deadline could be December 31st. The following timeline was suggested by the Commission (RFP submittal deadline extended to allow for holidays and finals for students):
• Release RFP approximately mid-November
• Deadline for submittals: January 5, 2025
• Review of submittals (staff vetting, Commission review): January - March • Recommendation to City Council: April, 2025
• Installation: June-July, 2025
b. Murals Update. SRS Brinkman updated: Charles Lynn Bragg’s Pelicans In Flight (pier comfort station) is 90% complete including anti-graffiti coating; Eric Snyder’s 3-D shark (13th Street civic center parking structure), awaiting agreement with L.A. County, is hoped to be completed by December. The city’s contract has been revised to include anti-graffiti as a standard treatment for all murals.
c. Sculpture Garden. SRS Brinkman updated: project remains paused and will be added to next year’s work plan.
d. New Art Initiatives
• City Art Tour: ( Tokashiki, Karger, Dohner) – Committee continues to work on updating a spreadsheet of city artworks; it will meet and update at the next meeting. SRS Brinkman noted that city’s GIS map of city art locations is being updated and will be a great resource.
• Poet Laureate: (Patterson, Colmey, Padnos) – Commissioner Colmey reported that the main areas where Commission input is needed include: selection process, stipend amount, and definitive work goals in the RFP (minimum requirements of the Poet Laureate role, e.g. number of public events and targeted audience , and product/poem). The Committee will work towards tailoring to Manhattan Beach. Commissioner Patterson noted that a 2-year term may be preferable (to one year) and they are considering including a youth laureate/component.
Once the committee has a draft ready, it will submit to staff. Staff can distribute the draft to all commissioners ahead of the monthly meeting but the draft can only be discussed outside a monthly meeting with other committee members, not with the full Commission. Staff needs to receive the draft at least one week prior to the commission meeting.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
October 21, 2024
4 • Memorial for the Fallen (Tokashiki, Colmey, Patterson) – Chair Tokashiki reported: The committee has met with Gary McAulay, local historian, who has presented ideas as to the memorial form and locations and possible use for events. The next step for the committee is to compile options as to the form it might take and locations and bring those ideas back to the Commission for a consensus after which an RFQ will be prepared. A main question is: should the memorial form be more artistic or a traditional style monument, such as an o belisk? Eligible names for recognition have been researched and identified by Mr. McAulay and these with the Commission’s recommendation regarding the form and locations, will be reviewed and decided on by the council. Chair Tokashiki suggested that the committee submit any ideas or suggestions on memorial form and locations to Mr. Brinkman.
H. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Division updates: SRS Brinkman reported:
• MBAC “Back to the Roots” exhibit opening reception October 25th (exhibit runs through 12/29) • Community Pumpkin Race, October 20: Cultural Arts Commission participated, staff hosted craft workshop, distributed pumpkins.
• Hometown Fair (October 5-6): Cultural arts staff had ceramic studio open house, crafts, unveiling of new kiln.
• Summarized recent and upcoming workshops: clay, succulents. • October 12, MB Historical Society “Garage Sale” took in $1,800 in sales. • Bruce’s Beach artwork: RFQ nearing completion; APPC (Art in Public Places Committee) will be convened; hopefully RFQ released by January 1, 2025.
• Parks survey: reminder for commissioners to complete and return to Linda Robb no later than October 31. Input will be used to update the Parks Master Plan.
PATF budget update: SRS Brinkman reported:
• Set to expire at end of 2024: $72,825; this amount is expected to be allocated at the December 3rd council meeting for the conservation of “Priority 1” artworks. • Total fund: $711,363.
City Council updates: SRS Brinkman reported:
• December 3rd, the City Council will be considering the Commission’s recommendation for Priority 1 artwork conservation (as discussed) and will be allocating additional funding (consent agenda item) for the Civic Center 3-D shark mural.
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Chair Tokashiki thanked the Commission and staff for the hard work on RLA report prioritization.
Commissioner Dohner noted tickets are on sale for the Mira Costa play “Anatomy of Grey” November 8 through 11/16.
Commissioner Patterson noted the play “A Piece of My Heart” has one more performance at the Manhattan Beach Community Church, Veterans Day weekend (Sunday) at 2 p.m., it honors veterans who will be admitted free
J. ADJOURNMENT
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
October 21, 2024
5 At 5:43 p.m. it was moved and seconded (Patterson/Dohner) and passed 5-1 by voice vote, to adjourn the meeting to 4:00 pm, November 18th (regular date rescheduled due to Veteran’s Day holiday).