HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CLC-2019-10-21PRESEN
Commis
OTHER
Lewis &
GUEST
(PRNR)
Meeting
Review
Bakhle 2
Monika
advised
there a C
City For
concern
material
Works w
to know
research
current a
Placeme
sidewalk
Park, ne
wanted t
Commis
info on t
Parks ar
below av
enhance
policy.
Question
there is
memoria
playgrou
CO
CO
NT: Chair
ssioners (5)
S PRESEN
Fleming
: Monika R
g called to
and Appro
2nd – All in f
Roth – Cha
that at last
City Policy
rester, abo
/question is
s and safet
will be the o
what the lif
hed/looked
art in parks
ent of sculp
k and they
eed to be in
to know wh
ssioners ha
the sculptur
re way und
verage. PR
e the park is
ns regardin
a list of infr
als. PRNR
unds and be
OMMUN
OMMIS
r Swayze
): Keeler, S
NT: Execut
Roth, Chair
order: 6:0
oval of Min
favor with c
air of the Pa
t PRNR Com
currently fo
ut art in the
s the scale,
ty concerns
ones that it c
fe spans of
on the City
policy.
pture in park
had some c
nvolved as w
hat the publ
ppens to be
re. How mu
erfunded n
RNR feels t
s important
ng #6 of the
rastructure
has compi
enches, etc
NITY LI
SSION M
Scriber, Hills
tive Assista
of Parks Re
01 p.m.
nutes: Sep
changes no
arks Recrea
mmission m
or art in par
e parks part
, scope of it
s. Maintena
comes dow
f the sculptu
y Website fo
k with the im
concerns a
well as who
lic input pro
e from the N
uch outreac
ow and com
that park ar
t. PRNR w
e public com
need for ea
led a list of
c., that need
IFE
MINUTE
son, Byrne
ant Hallett-H
ecreation &
ptember 16
oted. Minute
ation & Nat
mtg. they sp
rks? She sa
ticularly the
t, how does
ance is ano
wn to for any
ures are an
or policy an
mages prov
bout that. J
oever will ha
ocess was f
Northside n
ch relative t
mpared to o
rt being func
ould like to
mment hand
ach park, as
f needs for
d repair.
ES
, Bakhle, D
Harris & Co
& Natural R
, 2019 Minu
es approved
tural Resou
poke regard
aid they sp
ese sculptu
s it enhance
other conce
y maintena
nd who ultim
nd Jeanne d
vided of the
Jeanne Gra
ave ultimat
for this. On
neighborhoo
to this was
other cities
ctional and
o work toget
dout and in
s well as op
each park,
Date: Octob
Time: 6:00
Location: C
3rd Floor, Ci
Das & Scribe
mmon Cou
Resources C
utes: 1st H
d.
urces Comm
ding art in C
oke with Je
res and of p
e the life of
ern as ultim
ance. Also
mately owns
didn’t know
e Giant sho
ace & Jim D
te say of thi
ne of PRNR
od and had
done? Cit
of this size
d having pur
ther on this
frastructure
pportunities
like repair
ber 21, 2019
PM
Common Cou
ity Hall
er
uncil Liaison
Commission
illson and
mission – S
City Parks.
eanne Grac
particular
f the park,
ately Public
they would
s it? They
w if there is
owed it next
D’Alterio, C
is. PRNR
R
dn’t heard a
y of Ithaca
e, we are wa
rpose to
s and creati
e. Currently
s in parks fo
of existing
uncil Chamber
ns:
n
he
Is
ce,
c
like
a
t to a
Cass
any
ay
ng a
y
or
rs,
Community Life Commission
October 21, 2019
2
Public Art:
Alexander Phillips, Planner, City of Ithaca Office of Planning and Development –
Handout of current public comments received from the public circulation. Alex
described the process of public comment which is: Deborah at Planning Division does
media release. Same as process for murals: Sent out to whole City, included different
neighborhood groups, posted in the Ithaca Times, the commissions, Common Council,
Bldg Division, City Planning, City Clerk, Historic Ithaca and affiliated groups of the City.
This was circulated on 10/7/19. Two comments we have tonight were received up to
this point. Next step is going before Economic & Planning Committee. Alex read the 2
public comments that have been received. There were concerns regarding both
sculptures from public and one that was for it. There was mention of “standards” from
commenter from Cornell, and CLC/PRNR would like to know what those were. Board of
Public Works Board Meeting just met and this was on the Agenda, one of comments
was Tompkins/Taughannock Giant Sculptures are a bit confusing, why are there two of
them? The Taughannock Giant has not been done yet and the Tompkins Giant
“Gromley” is not associated directly with Taughannock Giant and discussion regarding
the two.
Both of these sculptures would be donated to City, just like murals, once this is up and
done sculptures are property of City of Ithaca. No maintenance for public art, if
sculptures become hazardous or not quality anymore, they would be removed or
recycled. Alex stated this is in the agreement with the artist as well.
Policy for art in parks? Is there existing policy? There was a community art plan in the
past (2003??) and that should be reviewed.
Jeanne Grace brought this up at the last meeting regarding memorials/benches and the
proliferation of existing trees, benches, art, etc., policy and plan in advance: Baker
Park, Maplewood? What’s appropriate and where? Commissions should work together
on this and look at other art policies in other areas.
Seems like 2 separate commissions working on something that crosses between the
two, how do we make this work more efficiently going forward? When things come to
one or more commissions, if covers both, what should be done? This should be
brought up at next Chair’s Meeting? If a park is involved, it should be taken to PRNR
and not having someone come to both meetings as it is time-consuming for all involved.
Working on creating this policy as we continue going forward.
Other concerns voiced regarding outreach? Alex showed that it was circulated to public
and used the same process as he does with murals and for the future of public
circulation process, Alex to make note that this goes on list serve to update. There was
discussion regarding Baker Park, there only being a few houses nearby and how to go
about notifying these small neighborhoods. Laura reminding everyone that there is so
much email that everyone is inundated and it’s always good to send out a reminder after
public notice is sent.
Community Life Commission
October 21, 2019
3
Prioritization - parks underfunded and so is public art … what to do with that piece?
Neither of these pieces are functional, there is purpose of the Anthropocene as it is
recycled, to raise environmental awareness, etc.
Alex stated that the Planning Division was approached with two different proposals and
each artist had no site in mind when presented. The Gromley sculpture, looked at
several different sites; Alex walked us through how sites were identified in our last
meeting, including that he met with Jeanne Grace City Forrester & Jim D’Alterio Cass
Park, to choose sites. They both had concerns, Cass Park and the wind load of
sculpture? How it would be placed at the site, the foundation? Spoke with the Gromley
Project and engineered stamped drawings at this site, as well as soil and project team
has identified an engineer and formal drawings will be done. Engineering Department
to be met with and technical drawings are required. Chose this site as no disruption of
trees Jeanne Grace – no roots to be disturbed, etc., this site addressed those concerns.
The Anthropocene site, Jeanne Grace stated that there was an old road that ran
through park and Jeanne stated ideal site because of this prior old road. There were
already technical drawings done with this project.
Monika stated that when building the Turtle at Cass Park and there were 10’ footers
under this and that cost as much as the project itself.
Donna doesn’t like either sculpture and there are a lot of jagged edges, rust, seems like
basing a lot of work and questionable merit; a lot of concerns about using park property
to display these two particular artists’ visions. It doesn’t seem appropriate to use City
Park property for these, and we need policy so that this would give assistance when
making decisions. The sculptures seem dangerous for children, and why dig up public
parks for what end? What benefit is there that justifies the cost?
Alex stated that the cost of the installation is covered by the artist and there is question
of when it comes to end of life and who covers that cost. City Staff/Department of
Public Works will have to oversee this. Alex explained that each team discussed safety
and longevity of their sculptures and is covered in each description. Anthropocene
Sculpture, there will be an extensive process of smoothing edges of car parts, metal
works that all edges are smoothed over and not a public safety concern.
Chair voiced concerns regarding public parks and what are their functions? Where
does public art then go or belong if not in City? Where does public art belong? This is a
very fair question. So far there are electric boxes, paintings on garages, memorial
statutes, the Commons has sculptures. Lewis has same concerns, her opinion is open
green space is preferable and she has concerns of future maintenance expenses.
Alex then goes to PDC if approved then Common Council
Hillson stated Baker Park underutilized park – not a lot of people in it and maybe putting
public art in it will attract more people to it? Not out of place in that particular park the
sculpture. The Giant in Cass Park there is a lot of space there and currently nothing
there or currently utilized space.
Community Life Commission
October 21, 2019
4
Chair suggested that we consider these two pieces as they are and then create a policy
for the future if art utilizing space the in park.
Hillson: Placement of sculptures? Was this same conversation with PRNR? No, Alex
did not give same info to them, but he advised that this should have included PRNR in
all of the information.
Create plan of coming up with City Art Policy, is next step and what does Alex need
from CLC – needs CLC recommendation to move proposals to planning and economic
committee?
Hillson/Keeler – Policy/plan takes a long time and should we wait? We need more input
from PRNR before moving on? CLC make a recommendation of content of art and Alex
to meet with PRNR and get their recommendation and then take to PEDC? PRNR
meets again on 11/14, because of holiday. It was brought to commission by Monika
because it’s an issue related to parks and they didn’t have background and now does.
Wait for more input from PRNR and then to PEDC in December/January? Alex stated
that because of seasons, its fine in terms of process, but need process in the future to
streamline this.
CLC did at last meeting recommend both to go out for public input. We rec’d input and
two areas of concern: safety of Anthropocene and neighborhood and the Cornell
concerns that it was rejected? Would like those items addressed before
recommendation from CLC? CLC was ok with locations and barring hearing anything
from Cornell - should we move forward? Members voiced concerns around safety and
Alex can ask them to provide additional info for safety, steps for those structures.
Possibly look at putting Anthropocene at the Solid Waste for this project? What does
CLC want to do? No sharp edges on Anthropocene – need additional info? Have
previous work – both came from different processes? Only saw these final proposals
and would like to see previous work. Pass along with our safety concerns? Want more
info here from Alex before passing along. Monika stated that should have the
engineering drawings as there are no footers on the sculptures, meet with engineer
before moving on with the Giant project as initially the foundation wasn’t in the
drawings, needs to talk to engineer and how much cost of the foundation would be.
Both need to go to PRNR and meet before our next meeting; feedback from them, more
feedback from Alex and Donna. Place this on hold and make decision at next meeting;
Alex will leave the public circulation window open and re-share with list serve. Given
questions to Alex, Donna to talk with CU, the info to PRNR and come back at next
meeting.
Create a subcommittee with members from both CLC and PRNR to draft a City Policy
regarding art in parks; this will be discussed at commission chair s’ meeting. Is there a
plan already in place for signage at parks? No plan in place currently, but Rick at
Cayuga Waterfront Trail, talk with him, to be consistent with current signs. Clearer
sense of the messaging of why a Giant? Needs context? Alex will find out about
foundation of Gromley and the expense of what it will actually cost.
Community Life Commission
October 21, 2019
5
Public Art Working Group Update: Approved working group for public art and any
movement? Lewis stated that Mayor gave proposed budget and departments can
make requests above mayor’s budget. There has been no information or request in yet,
but the budget very tight and many requests of the Mayor for critical decisions for fire
department and police department. All of the information is available on the city
website. Alternative ways this working group can help to fund. CLC request for $10,000
public art was not recommended by the Mayor. Common Council has10/30 public
hearing, Rusty will attend to speak in favor of including line item for public art. Public
hearing is at 6:00 p.m. you can send an email to Common Council so that they all get
the email and repeat what was requested to Mayor. Chair will send the email to
Common Council. Public hearing on budget 10/30/19 @ 6:00 p.m.
Cornell Contributions Working Group Update – Next steps are to complete working
plan form and going to look into who else should be on working group and come up with
some suggestions. Ask Mayor for his recommendations and we asked commission
members their suggestions as well. This will be done before next meeting; Byrne to get
this moving before next meeting.
Advocacy Flags: Hillson emailed Steve Nann regarding internal workings regarding
keeping flag, etc. One of proposals is you provide flag to City takes possession and
who does he contact that takes care of that? Lewis stated she recalled that whatever
organization requesting flag to be flown provides it and after the organization gets flag
back. It is up to the organization to come back each year, and it shouldn’t be City’s
responsibility to maintain the flag.
CLC Shopping Carts – Submitted to City Admin Committee our update on research
done and our further questions. Chair hasn’t heard back regarding this yet and Chair to
provide commissioners with final submission. Chair will email this.
Hillson asked that currently the County Board of Health is looking for members and is
specifically looking for restaurant owner/management of position open.
CLC is also in need of 2 commissioners for this as well. Questions concerning the
terms expiring at end of this year and whether members could continue. Chair will
follow up with terms of current members.
7:34pm Adjourned
Next Meeting:
Monday, November 18, 2019, 6:00 p.m., Common Council Chambers, 3rd Floor
Adjournment:
On a motion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Jody Hallett-Harris, Executive Assistant