HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PAC-2017-03-23Approved 10/26/17
Public Art Commission
Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2017
Attended by:
Todd Ayoung Rob Gearhart, Common Council Liaison
Norma Gutierrez John Spence, Community Arts Partnership Liaison
Sally Grubb Megan Wilson, staff
Carol Mallison
Caleb Thomas
Public Comment
The PAC read comments submitted on the proposed murals. The majority of the comments were
supportive of the proposed designs. The group discussed the comment that Richa Sardana’s
proposal constitutes advertising for private business. Staff is checking with the Attorney’s Office on
this issue. PAC members questioned whether there are copyright issues with the business logos.
Ultimately, the group agreed that staff should check with the artist to see if she would be open to
selecting other images to include in the design.
More Boxes Proposals
PAC members discussed the proposal submitted by Anna Adler and Marsha Acerra and the Ithaca
Youth Bureau’s request that the IYB logo be included in the design. While the PAC does not have
concerns specific to the IYB logo, members were concerned about opening the door to other artist,
business, or organization logos. They agreed that they are comfortable with the artists signing
“Ithaca Youth Bureau” or “Big Brothers, Big Sisters” but not the logo.
On a motion by Sally, seconded by Carol, the PAC voted unanimously to recommend the following
designs to Common Council for approval: “Big Little Ithaca: A Kid’s Eye View” by Anna Adler,
Marsha Acerra, and the Ithaca Youth Bureau; “Better Together” by Shera D’Elia; “A Box of
Strawberries” by McKayla Macomber; “Ithaca IS Magnetic” by Zuri Sabir; “In Land Stars” by Copper
Santiago; and “The Lives We Live” by Richa Sardana.
*Todd Ayoung left the meeting*
Minutes
On a motion by Caleb, seconded by Norma, the December 2016 and January 2017 minutes were
unanimously approved by the PAC.
Electrical Box Instructions
The PAC discussed a list of instructions to be provided to the electrical box artists to help with
successful prepping and paining of the boxes. One of the Commons boxes from last summer has not
held up well through the winter, and after speaking with the artists, it seems that the failed painting
is due to how the box was prepped and primed. In the pasts, artists have sought guidance on the
best way to do this work, and it will be helpful to provide instructions to this year’s and future
artists.
The group discussed the appropriate primer to be used. In the 2012 round of electrical boxes, the
PAC primed all boxes for the artists. In the 2014 round, artists primed the boxes themselves but
were provided with appropriate primer. It was also noted that the boxes in the first two rounds of
Approved 10/26/17
the project were older and more weathered than either last year’s Commons boxes or this year’s
downtown locations. It will be helpful for artists to scuff up the surface a bit (with steel wool or a
similar product) and to clean the surface with a degreaser to help the paint adhere. The PAC will
also suggest the best types of primer, paint, and top coat to be used.
Megan will incorporate the comments from today’s meeting and then send the document to Norma
for her to complete the specific painting instructions.
Proposal for New Board & Committee Structure
Rob and Megan reported on the proposed new structure for City advisory boards and committees.
Under the proposed structure, the work of twelve of the existing advisory boards and committees
will be redistributed to four new commissions. The four commissions (Public Safety and
Information; Mobility and Transportation; Community and Quality of Life; and Parks, Recreation,
and Natural Resources) will consist of seven volunteer members, including a chair appointed by the
Mayor. Each commission will also have two Common Council liaisons and assigned staff. Ot her
community members will serve as subject areas experts to provide information and guidance on
specific issues. The work of the PAC would be redistributed to the Community and Quality of Life
Commission. Members of the PAC could apply to serve on this commission or as subject area
experts, if they’re interested.
PAC members asked several questions about the proposal. Some members expressed concern
about the number of topics, including public art, that will be addressed by the Community and
Quality of Life Commission. Caleb expressed his concern that reducing the number of boards and
committees would reduce the number of opportunities for members of the community to
participate in City government. Rob responded that he believes the new structure will actually
provide more opportunities for the community to be involved. In addition to the seats on the four
commissions, many others will be able to participate as subject area experts. This could work well
for those who are interested in participating in government but cannot commit to serving on a
board or committee.
The proposed structure will be presented at a special Common Council meeting on Wednesday,
March 29th at 6 p.m. There will be no public comment at this meeting, but public comments will be
heard at the Common Council meeting on April 5th and the City Administration Committee meeting
on April 19th (both at 6 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers). Megan and Rob encouraged PAC
members to attend the meetings. If anyone cannot attend but would like to offer comments, they
can send comments to Rob, Megan, or Deb Mohlenhoff, who is chairing the working group on
boards and committees.
Next Meeting
The next PAC meeting will be held on Thursday, April 27th at noon in the 2nd Floor Conference
Room.