HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PAC-2016-06-22Approved – 8/24/16
1
PAC Minutes
6/22/16
PAC members present:
Sally Grubb
Carol Mallison
Jay Potter
Caleb Thomas
Staff:
JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning
Megan Wilson, Planning
Also present:
Lachlan Chambliss, Nagiane Lacka
Public Comment
Megan noted that many public comments had been submitted. Most of these were sent to
PAC members in advance, but three additional comments were circulated for the members
to review.
Jay Stooks read a letter from the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) on behalf of
Director Leslyn McBean-Clairborne in support of the “Portals to Peace” mural proposal.
Audrey Cooper echoed the sentiments expressed in GIAC’s letter and noted that it would be
great to see a Muslim mural in the community.
Elan Shapiro spoke in support of the “Portals to Peace” mural proposal, noting it is
important to stand up against hate messages and violence toward Muslims.
It was noted that this mural received an unusual number of public comments. While it is
great to have this level of community involvement in public art, staff expressed concern
that a member of the PAC had solicited letters of support for the project. Each artist that
submits a proposal needs to be treated fairly, and PAC members have not sought public
support for proposals in the past. In addition, only letter of support were sought (not
public comment in general), and members of the public should not feel limited to providing
only support for a project. The PAC should follow set procedures for seeking public
comment so that every artist receives the same level of exposure and support from PAC
members. If the PAC wishes to amend these procedures, changes could be discussed at a
future meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The May 25, 2016 minutes were approved without corrections.
Approved – 8/24/16
2
Mural Proposal: “Portals to Peace” by Lachlan Chambliss
PAC members discussed the proposal. Caleb recused himself from the discussion and
recommendation due to his involvement with the project.
Carol stated that she originally had concerns about the safety of people viewing a mural at
this location. However, she noted that there is a walkway on the opposite side of the
garage entry for pedestrians and this is probably a better location for viewing.
Sally initially had concerns about a faith-based mural but felt more comfortable with the
proposal based on the public comments that were submitted.
Jay noted that he continued to have concerns about highlighting on religion on City
property. He is also concerned about the vibrancy of this mural, which intends to convey
the life of the culture. He felt that other Muslim murals he has seen are better.
Additionally, he believes that the proposed design does not utilize the large wall well. It
does not fill the wall and a mural that did fill the space would be very impressive.
Nagiane addressed the other location they considered in response to the PAC’s comments.
Several other sites were considered, but the group felt this was most visible and the wall
was unobstructed. She also noted that the mural is intended to invoke a sense of peace and
calm, not vibrancy. She did note that they could paint the background wall to add more
color.
A quorum was not present to recommend the proposal to the Common Council, but the
majority of members in attendance supported the mural proposal.
Ithaca Rainwater Art
Megan reported that the survey about possible designs for the rainwater art project was
open for two weeks and received 93 votes. The top 10 designs (attached) were reviewed
by the PAC. On a motion by Jay, seconded by Carol, the PAC voted unanimously to
recommend that Common Council approve the top 10 designs for installation as part of the
rainwater art project.
The group discussed the timing of the installation. The project was a bit behind schedule,
and the installation would happen in September or October at the earliest. Everyone
agreed that it would be preferable to hold the installation for the spring so that the project
would last throughout the summer. Sally agreed to check with the funder about
postponing the installation until 2017.
The PAC may be able to make some stencils using cardboard or mat board but at least a few
will need to be laser cut. Ithaca Generator has a laser cutter that the public can use, and
Caleb will follow up on the possibility of using that. Jay will look into the possibility of
using one at Cornell.
Approved – 8/24/16
3
Commons Boxes
Megan reported on the selection meeting with the Commons Team for those who were
unable to attend. She will be distributing the proposals by Erica Brath, Catherine
Montgomery, and Jennifer Gioffre and David Todd for public comment. A special PAC
meeting will be scheduled for the first week in July to allow Common Council to issue its
approval in early August.
There are several designs that were not selected for the Commons boxes that may be a
good fit for one of the remaining 2016 electrical boxes. Megan will create an online survey
and PAC members will vote on whether proposals should be kept for further consideration.
Updates
Megan reported that Ramiro Davaro-Comas is interested in painting his mural on the
restroom building at Cass Park. He did not indicate when he will be available to paint.
Margaret Reed is painting her mural on the Seneca Street Garage but ran into a problem
with the scaffolding. The City’s scaffolding is not tall enough to reach the top of the wall
from the lower floor. Megan will talk to Frank about possible solutions. Justin Suarez had
said that he would be painting in late June but has not followed up. Jay will contact him for
an update.
Most PAC members have planned to attend the GIS training on July 7th at TC3’s downtown
location. It will be a classroom training and each member will have his/her own computer
to follow along on. Megan noted that she is glad so many people volunteered to attend
since she would like to utilize the tool more for PAC’s work. Susan Nixson from the City’s
GIS division will attend the July meeting to talk with PAC about how the web tool can be
tailored to the group’s needs.
Upcoming Meetings
Commons Boxes Special Meeting – early July (TBD)
Regular Meeting – July 27, 2016