HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PAC-2016-08-24Approved – 12/22/16
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PAC Minutes
8/24/16
PAC members present:
Sally Grubb
Samantha Hillson
Carol Mallison
Caleb Thomas
Rob Gearhart, Common Council Liaison
John Spence, Community Arts Partnership Liaison
Staff:
Megan Wilson, Planning
Also present:
Ithaca Times Reporter
Public Comment
Staff read the public comments on the Ithaca Festival’s Art in Glow Project. The comments
were mostly positive. The Board of Public Works reviewed the request to use the Cayuga
Waterfront Trail for the installation, and while they have not yet voted, they were
supportive of the idea.
Art in Glow
McKenzie Jones-Rounds attended the meeting to answer the PAC’s questions about Art in
Glow, a glow in the dark mural installation proposed for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail.
McKenzie has reached out to the Cayuga Water Trail Initiative through Rick Manning and
has also spoken with the Farmers’ Market. If approved, the artwork will be installed during
an event on Saturday, October 22nd. It will be promoted through the Festival’s advertising.
The design consists of a dandelion with its seeds blowing in the wind. At the end, there will
be stenciled text of the Festival’s slogan – “Celebrate the artist in everyone.” The group
discussed whether the text should be included but ultimately agreed that it gives substance
to the design and it should be presented to link the installation with the Festival. The
design will be visible during the day as white paint and will glow at night.
While a quorum was not present for this portion of the meeting, all those in favor
supported sending the proposal on for Common Council approval.
*Samantha Hillson joined the meeting*
Approved – 12/22/16
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Minutes
On a motion by Samantha, seconded by Sally, the minutes from the June 22nd and July 7th
meetings were approved unanimously.
Porchfest Intersection Repair
Leslie Greene attended the meeting on behalf of the Porchfest organizers to discuss their
proposal for an intersection repair project as part of this year’s event. 2016 is the 10th
anniversary of Porchfest and to commemorate the event, the organizers would like to paint
the intersection of Auburn, Lewis, and Dey Streets. The Board of Public Works has adopted
a policy for intersection repair that would allow the painting of intersections with the
approval of surrounding residents. The organizers have not yet obtained all of the required
signatures but will provide them to staff once they are available. Most people have been
supportive of the project. Given the scope of the public outreach required by the BPW,
additional public outreach by the PAC is not necessary.
The mural design is by Nina Widger, who has designed t-shirts for Porchfest over the years.
It will be painted during the 2016 Porchfest, and the public may help with the installation.
On a motion by Sally, seconded by Caleb, the PAC voted unanimously to recommend that
the Common Council approve Nina Widger’s design for installation at the intersection of
Auburn, Lewis, and Dey Streets. The event will be held on September 18th so the proposal
will need to be approved at the September 7th Common Council meeting. Rob offered to
member-file a resolution for approval. The PAC would like the resolution to note that its
July meeting was canceled, which prevented this project from going through the normal
approval process.
Commons Boxes
Staff reported that the contract with Catherine Montgomery has been completed, and she
will begin working on the Bank Alley electrical box. Contracts have been sent to the other
two artists, and staff is waiting for them to be returned.
Other Boxes
Staff reported that New York State has prepared guidelines for mural installations on State-
owned boxes. In addition, a State highway work permit will be required.
The PAC agreed to use the remainder of the 2016 grant to complete murals on remaining
City boxes. The group will review the list of available locations at the next meeting and
decide which boxes to include in this round.
Sally offered to work on a CAP grant application to complete some State-owned boxes in
2017.
Rainwater Art
The rainwater art designs were approved by the Common Council. Since fall and winter
are fast approaching, the PAC would like to start the project in April 2017. The group
agreed to hold a separate meeting to work on planning and logistics.
Approved – 12/22/16
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Seneca Street Garage Murals
Justin Suarez completed his mural on the 9th floor of the Seneca Street Parking Garage. The
final mural looks great, and any members who have not seen it are encouraged to stop by.
Margaret Reed has not continued work on her mural. She was looking into the possibility
of renting a lift to complete the tall side of the mural. However, the parking staff would like
to see this completed soon, as it has become a target for graffiti. Megan will follow up with
Margaret to encourage her to modify her design so that the lift is not required.
Ramiro Davaro-Comas Mural
Ramiro Davaro-Comas completed his mural on the restroom building in Cass Park (closest
to the Ithaca Children’s Garden). It has been popular with children who visit the park. For
approximately $100, he is willing to continue the mural to cover the entire building.
Upcoming Meetings & Staffing
Megan reported that she now has a conflict with the standing PAC meeting time and will
not be able to attend. In addition, she will not be able to provide as much staff support due
to other planning projects. The group noted that several members seems to have conflicts
with the meeting time so it may be necessary to find a new standing day/time.
Next Meeting – September 28th at 4:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room