HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Corrected - October 22, 2019
TOWN OF TIBURON
Tiburon Town Hall
1505 Tiburon Boulevard
Tiburon, CA 94920
Heritage & Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
Town Hall
October 22, 2019
6:30 p.m.
HERITAGE & ARTS COMMISSION
OCTOBER 22, 2019
MINUTES – CORRECTED
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Commission members; Chair Fong, Vice-Chair Noguez, Commissioners Etemad, Hall, Mujica-Beavers, Norris (Absent)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the Consent Calendar may be approved by one motion of the Commission unless a request is made by a
member of the Commission, public or staff to remove an item for separate discussion and consideration.
1. Minutes – August 27, 2019 – Not available
2. Minutes – September 24, 2019
Corrections (C. Noguez) – remove #9 after Mujica-Beavers
C. Fong – add special note to “Names” under Chair report – Special thanks to Commissioners Mujica-Beavers
and Hall for chairing the special reception for Community Artist Show.
Motion to approve the Minutes with corrections for September 24:
Motion: C. Noguez
2nd: C. Etemad
All in favor: Aye
ACTION ITEMS
1. Chair Report – Chair Fong
Short report on success of the H&A Heritage Preservation Award reception honoring the Ark Newspaper.
Special thanks to C. Noguez on her preparation of the nomination of the Ark Newspaper and her fine speech
at the event.
Reminder of the upcoming H&A Special Meeting, Thursday, November 7, to roll out the Public Art Program
Policy to invited guests and the general public.
C. Fong suggested commissioners consider reaching out to the participants of the Community Closet Artist
show for feedback to be discussed at a future meeting.
2. Artist Laureate
Richard Rozen discussed the upcoming November 7 meeting (9:30am). Liaison Pickett reported on
responses by invited guests; to date Town Manager, Greg Chanis, Asso. Engineer (representing POST –
Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission) possibly a couple of Town Council members, Glen Issacson from
the Library Foundation, Annette Gibbs from the Tiburon Peninsula Rotary Club, Joan Palmero, Patty Flax
from Landmarks Society. Pickett will resend the invitation as follow up.
Rozen gave a brief overview of the Agenda: C. Fong will open the meeting with welcome and introductions.
Rozen will follow by an outline of what’s in the policy, followed by the introduction of two projects he may
be proposing first:
The entry to Old Rail Trail (ORT) at Blackie’s Pasture. Rozen mentioned that Greg Chanis has interest in a
more cohesive entry in terms of signs, etc. Chanis also confirmed there was an ongoing conversation around
a possible Community garden that has circulated for several years. Rozen said there was the possibility of a
landscape project in that area and that there appears to be budget money available for the garden. Utility
boxes will be introduced as a possibility as well.
The other project Rozen will bring forward is some type of public art in the planned park area that will be
situated between the newly expanded Library and the Town Hall. He sees coordination with the Reed
School district on this project as well.
Rozen pointed out the Google Pro program, shown to him by Chanis. He suggested all Commissioners look
at getting this program so they can easily zoom in on the possible peninsula locations for public art without
having to physically visit.
Question by C. Mujica-Beavers: Regarding the art proposed for the plaza, would it be permanent or possibly
rotating? Rozen does not have a firm thought at this time but anticipates a permanent piece. Mujica-Beavers
suggests it be a prominent artist/piece in order to draw visitors on a long-term basis.
3. Treasurer’s Report & Budget – L. Pickett
Pickett pointed out the paperwork provided – spreadsheet with back up details.
$2031 General Fund
Pickett also provided reception breakdown sheets for both recent events, so the commissioners understand
where money is being spent and out of which fund.
$6687 Special Fund
Additional contributions since last meeting came from artist Joan White.
C. Fong feels the funds are in good shape.
4. Trestle Trail Sign Proposal
Consider proposal for additional signage at Trestle Trail Park and make recommendation to the Town
Council on installation, design, and placement.
Applicant Jim Wood presented his proposal:
Wood asked for clarification – Pickett confirmed the commissioners do have copies of his current proposed
signs in their packet.
Wood then corrected C. Fong’s comments “these are not additional plaques; they were approved 5-6 years
ago before Wood ever got involved. C. Fong stated when she said “new” she meant “new to the existing
surrounding, she did not mention any approved or non-approval. Wood said to the best of his knowledge, in
about 2006 there was a movement to build a trail along the berm from where the timbers are to the (ORT). A
dirt trail, and that a plaque be placed near the timbers. It was then ruled that would not fill the ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements and that suggested a second sign below the berm.
When Wood came forward with the existing Trestle project proposal, it included a cement trail to meet the
ADA requirement of accessibility. The proposed one that was going to go up on the timbers would now go to
the start of the Trestle Trail to avoid redundancy with the plaques already existing near the timbers. It is
proposed as a “Welcome” sign. L. Pickett then pointed out the map indicated exactly where the two new
signs would be located. Wood confirmed the sign near the picnic area was already approved in the Trestle
Trail project.
C. Noguez then asked for clarification that the signs are identical except for the “Welcome” and “Directional”
headers. The sign below the berm would be the directional and the upper sign would be the welcome sign.
Noguez then wanted clarification on who has reviewed this request to date and who has the authority to
approve it. Wood said he thought H&A did, he was corrected; H&A only recommends to Council who then
makes the final decision.
Wood stated that he took this proposal to Town Manager Chanis, the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation and
the Landmarks Society and that all entities gave their full endorsement. Wood also confirmed that the copy
on the proposed signs is new to avoid redundancy with the existing signs. The old copy also stated
Landmarks Society involvement and other copy that is no longer applicable to the project.
C. Mujica-Beavers asked for a review of the actual sign specs, included in the packet. L. Pickett corrected
Wood who believed the original sign pedestals would be utilized, that new pedestals would be made, the old
ones having rusted out. The new signs will be two-legged signposts and any existing signs will eventually
become two-legged as well.
Mujica-Beavers asked if any consideration had been given to paving the remaining access to the Trestle park
and Wood said he too would like to see that happen.
C. Etemad praised the project as it stands currently and endorsed the proposal for the sign adjacent to the
picnic tables. She then went on to question the white “crossing” sign at the end of the berm near the timbers,
asking if it is historic. Wood said it is historically correct, but not historic. She expressed the concern it is
not actually historic and too tall. Etemad is concerned it doesn’t belong there if not historic. L. Pickett
confirmed the crossing sign was never anticipated or approved.
Richard Rozen said after touring the Trestle area he sees plaques galore there and elsewhere in the area.
Directional signs are everywhere. He said Chanis spoke about reducing the signage in that area.
Second comment, the decision-making jumble Wood must go through to have an item like these signs
approved has no cohesion. He suggests that if these types of proposals went through the new Public Art
Program Policy steps it would streamline the process. He suggests a committee be formed to consider all the
signs in the area, not just individual signs, which is what the commission is considering currently. L. Pickett
calls attention that this discussion is not on the agenda.
C. Fong recognizes all comments and questions and sums up the proposal for the two new signs, cohesive
and helpful. However, Fong is concerned about too many signs and plaques overall. Fong recommends that
the two new signs could be approved by the commission for recommendation, but that the white crossing
sign be removed.
C. Noguez questions the copy “Tiburon Peninsula Historical Trail”. She sees confusion between Old Rail
Trail and Tiburon Peninsula Historical Trail. C. Fong clarifies the signs only pertain to the Trestle Trail
which further confuses the definition. Details of the copy are discussed for clarification. Wood is open to
changed copy, then returns to the white crossing sign.
C. Noguez asks for consistency and clarity when a marker is being put up to call attention to a historical
landmark. Noguez feels the existing copy does not achieve that goal. Too much confusion on exactly what
the trail is called, and consistency must be reflected throughout all signage.
C. Fong asks for a motion, any more questions or a recommendation to continue the item to the next meeting.
C. Mujica-Beavers agrees with Noguez that consistency in the trail nomenclature is needed. C. Fong agrees
there are too many varied references to the trail by different names. L. Pickett confirmed the trail was
changed in 2015 to Old Rail Trail.
C. Etemad would prefer one large sign at the entry to Blackie’s Pasture for all sites in the area, to replace the
number of confusing signs.
C. Fong states two issues: The Commission has no problem with the proposed signs in principle, however
they do have concerns about the names and the nomenclature of the sign copy. The other issue is with the
white crossing sign that is not historical and was never approved.
Ark Newspaper reporter Deirdre McCrohan points out the white crossing sign is not on the agenda and
cannot be included in this discussion. C. Fong retracts that from the concerns.
C. Noguez restates if in fact that is the Old Rail Trail, where it starts, ends and becomes the Trestle Trail
should be included in the copy. She suggests copy change. Wood feels it is nitpicking to want a rewrite of
the signs but wants to wait and see if there is confusion and then change it if need be. C. Noguez feels that if
the H&A is asked to review and recommend on this proposal, why are they not being asked to review the
copy. She suggests H&A should have been consulted at the time the copy was being reviewed by other
entities, before it came to the final recommendation stage. Wood accepts the request for rewrite.
C. Fong puts forth a suggestion for a motion to either to put forth a recommendation to accept the two signs
as proposed or that the concept is accepted but that the copy needs to be refined or reworded for the next
meeting.
Wood rejects to the word “refined”. C. Fong restates with the word “clarified”. Wood rejects the word
“clarified”, feeling it is very clear. C. Fong clarifies she is stating not putting forth a motion. She restates with
the word “rewording”. Wood reminds the commission of all the entities that have already reviewed the copy.
Wood contends the Commission had time to review the proposal already and should be ready to move on the
request. It is pointed out it is not the first time they have seen it but under the Brown Act, this is the first
opportunity to discuss it.
Motion: To recognize the proposal as presented and to return to the agenda item at the next H&A
Commission meeting with copy that has been reviewed and edited/reworded by C. Noguez.
Motion: C. Noguez
2nd: C. Mujica-Beavers
All in favor: Aye
Wood asked if the copy will be ready for the next meeting – confirmed. He also asked if they copy would be
passed by the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation, Town Manager, and others as needed. Commission confirmed
yes, if need be.
5. Community Art Exhibits
a. MOS (Marin Open Studios)
C. Etemad reported she had found a supplier for the art panels as well as someone to handle the
transportation of same.
30 panels are available, no deposit needed, just the number needed and the date. Cost per panel is $15 (cost
to be borne by the artist). Etemad said the number could not be determined until the Call for Artists goes
out and they have responses.
Cost for transportation, estimated on time and loading/unloading of 3 hours is $40/hour or $240-$250
roundtrip. Town of Tiburon Public Works department will be able to do the installation.
Commission reviewed the proposed “Call for Artists”.
C. Fong said she thought the cost for panels is $10/panel (to be confirmed).
C. Noguez points out the discrepancy in Marin Society of Artists and MOS: Marin Open Studios. To be
corrected by L. Pickett.
C. Fong wants to have the copy read that artists can provide their own panels and then follow up with the
possibility we can provide panels later.
C. Noguez asks if it’s a deterrent for the artists if they know they must pay for their own panels. If that’s the
case, Noguez feels it’s important to say we can have panels available at $15/panel, H&A will pick up the
transportation.
Motion: Panels will be available at $15 (or $10-to be confirmed) per panel, cost to be borne by the
Motion: C. Noguez
2nd: C. Mujica-Beavers
All in favor: Aye
Motion: Cost for transportation of panels will be paid by H&A Commission.
Motion: C. Noguez
2nd: C. Hall
All in favor: Aye
C. Noguez asked for clarification about insurance statement. L. Pickett confirmed the Town of Tiburon
provides liability insurance, but no additional artwork insurance or any other type of insurance, as will be
stated in the waiver signed by all artists.
6. Collaboration Meeting with local entities
Public Meeting – November 7 – 9:30AM – Tiburon Town Hall
L. Pickett asked for confirmation that an agenda will be prepared ahead of time with Rozen and C. Fong.
7. Gallery Scheduling and Artist Review
L. Pickett confirmed the calendars for both upstairs and down are complete except for November/December
in the upstairs gallery.
It was agreed that the commission will wait for new artists to step forward before awarding the space to a
repeat artist.
8. New projects
a. C. Fong suggests a check-list approach to the process of approaching the Commission with new proposals.
9. Confirm next meeting date: November 26, 2019 – to be cancelled. Alternate dates in November will be
emailed for approval by a quorum.
10. Calendar:
Wednesday, Nov. 6 – Reception – Simin Massoudi – Upstairs Gallery
Sunday, Nov. 17 – Concert – Hiroya Tsukamoto
ADJOURNMENT – 8:10pm
GENERAL PUBLIC INFORMATION
ASSISTANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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meeting, please contact the Town Clerk at (415) 435-7377. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearings provide the general public and interested parties an opportunity to provide testimony on these
items. If you challenge any proposed action(s) in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or
someone else raised at the Public Hearing(s) described later in this agenda, or in written correspondence delivered
to the Town Council at, or prior to, the Public Hearing(s).
TIMING OF ITEMS ON AGENDA
While the Town Council attempts to hear all items in order as stated on the agenda, it reserves the right to take
items out of order. No set times are assigned to items appearing on the Town Council agenda.