HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PAC-2016-01-27Approved – 2/24/16
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Public Art Commission
January 27, 2016
2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall
4:00-6:00 PM
Commissioners Present: Sally Grubb; Norma Gutierrez; Jay Potter; Caleb Thomas
Commissioners Absent: Samantha Hillson
Staff Present: Megan Wilson
Liaisons Present: Rob Gearhart, Common Council
MINUTES
1. Announcements
Megan announced that two of the Cass Park locations pictured in the Community Arts
Partnership’s Public Art Grant Guidelines & Application will not be supported as mural locations
by City staff. If artists are interested in applying for one of these locations, there are other sites in
Cass Park that could be possible locations. Once the applications are submitted to CAP, the PAC
can help identify alternate sites.
2. Public Comment
None
3. 2016 Electrical Box Project
The PAC was awarded a grant through the Community Arts Partnership for a 2016 round of
electrical box murals. The grant application specified that this year’s program would include the
three new large electrical boxes on the Commons and nine additional traffic control boxes. Ideally,
the nine additional boxes will be State-owned boxes on Green Street and Seneca Street. Because
the PAC does not yet have approval to paint these boxes, the project will be separated into two
phases: Commons boxes and State-owned boxes. The Director of Engineering has provided a
contact at New York State Department of Transportation, and staff will contact him regarding
approval to paint this year.
PAC members reviewed a draft call for art for the Commons boxes. The PAC will work
collaboratively with the Commons Management Team to issue the call and jury submitted
proposals. The Commons team has requested that proposals for the Commons boxes reflect one
or more of the following themes: the natural beauty of the area; a sense of community; and/or the
Commons as the heart of Ithaca. PAC members supported these themes and thought they were
broad enough to allow for a wide variety of proposals. Members offered a few additional revisions
to the call. Megan will make the changes and circulate a revised version for comment by email.
The PAC will meet with the Commons Management Team to review the submitted proposals. It
was proposed that the joint meeting be held on Tuesday, April 12th at 2 p.m. Staff will confirm
that this time will work for both groups.
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4. Membership
Megan reported that five people have submitted applications for membership to the PAC. Only
two of the five are residents of the city, and the vacancies must be filled by city residents. The
City Code requires that at least five of the seven members be city residents, and two current
members live outside of the city. Megan suggested that the PAC could request the code be
changed to require that only four members be city resident, which is a common residency
requirement for boards and committees. The PAC could still consist of all city residents, but the
change would allow additional flexibility when considering applications. PAC members asked
staff to prepare this code change for Common Council’s consideration, noting that they would
like non-city members to have strong ties to the city through work, volunteer activities, or other
involvement.
Commissioners noted that Todd Ayoung has submitted an application for membership and
remains interested in joining the PAC. He has attended previous meetings and would be a great
addition to the current membership. On a motion by Caleb, seconded by Jay, the Commission
voted unanimously to recommend to the Mayor that Todd Ayoung be appointed to the PAC.
PAC members asked staff to invite the other applicants to attend the February meeting. This will
give the applicants the opportunity to meet the current members and learn more about the work
of the Commission. Megan will send the membership applications to the PAC. After the February
meeting, each PAC members will email Megan an evaluation of potential members.
5. Update on Seneca Street Parking Garage Murals
Megan reported that contracts had been sent to both of the selected artists, and Justin Suarez’s
contract is currently being processed. Megan will follow up with Margaret Reed.
While he is still willing to complete the mural, Justin noted that the amount the City is offering is
far too little to cover a mural of this size. He was originally under the impression that materials
will be provided, and the available funding will likely only cover materials. He encouraged the
City to find ways to expand its funding for public art. Sally has offered to host Justin when he
comes to Ithaca to paint his mural, and the Commission discussed other ways it could help with
his visit.
6. Other Projects
The group discussed some other possible projects for this year or in the future. One idea is to
collaborate with the art programs at Cornell and/or Ithaca College to create a program to
showcase students’ sculptures in the community. By working with the schools in advance,
students can take into account maintenance needs and siting concerns and plan for the outdoor
environment. The PAC has wanted to bring more sculptural art to the community and this may
be one way to achieve that, given funding limitations.
Commissioners asked whether the Parking Division will have funding for a second round of
Dryden Road Garage murals this year. Megan will discuss this further with Frank.
7. PAC Working Session/Retreat
Staff recommended that the PAC schedule a working session or retreat to focus on upcoming
projects, goals for 2016, and organizational matters. The PAC agendas are often full, and regular
meetings often do not allow an opportunity to focus on items that are not time-sensitive or related
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to a particular project. Members agreed that this would be a good idea. It would be ideal to hold
this session once new members are appointed, but the winter months seem like a good time to
schedule a special meeting for this purpose. Megan will sound out some possible times in March
for the retreat.
8. Approval of Minutes
Sally suggested several amendments to the December 9, 2015 minutes, and all Commissioners
presented agreed with the changes. On a motion by Caleb, seconded by Sally, the December 9th
2015 minutes (as corrected) were approved.
9. Adjournment/Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 24th at 4 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference
Room.
FOLLOW-UP TASKS:
1. Contact NYS DOT regarding permission to paint State-owned electrical boxes – Megan & Sally
2. Revise call for art for Commons boxes and finalize via email – Megan (revisions); all (review)
3. Confirm Commons boxes jurying for April 12th at 2 p.m. – Megan
4. Prepare legislation to change residency requirements in City Code – Megan
5. Invite applicants to February 24th meeting – Megan
6. Send membership applications to PAC – Megan
7. Submit evaluation of potential new members after February meeting - all
8. Follow up with Margaret Reed regarding Seneca Street Garage mural – Megan
9. Discuss 2nd round of Dryden Road Garage murals – Megan & Frank
10. Schedule PAC retreat for March-April - Megan