HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Tentative - November 11, 2019 - Special Meeting
TOWN OF TIBURON
Tiburon Town Hall
1505 Tiburon Boulevard
Tiburon, CA 94920
Heritage & Arts Commission
Special Meeting
Town Hall
November 11, 2019
6:30 p.m.
HERITAGE & ARTS COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - NOVEMBER 11, 2019
MINUTES - TENTATIVE
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Commission members; Chair Fong, Vice-Chair Noguez, Commissioners Etemad, Hall, Mujica-Beavers Norris
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Persons wishing to address the Heritage and Arts Commission on subjects not on the agenda may do so at this time.
Please note however, that the Commission is not able to undertake extended discussion or action on items not on the
agenda. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.
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 – September 24, 2019 –Corrected
Motion to adopt: C. Mujica-Beavers – 2nd: C. Etemad
2. Minutes – October 22, 2019
Correction: C. Fong – 3rd page-C. Fong recognizes all comments: for clarification: “the two new signs could
be approved”. 2nd change: “the signs only pertain to the Trestle Trail”
Motion to adopt with corrections: C. Etemad – 2nd: C. Mujica-Beavers
ACTION ITEMS
1. Chair Report
C. Fong has additional comments beyond the listed agenda items.
2. Artist Laureate
AL Richard Rozen reported on November 7 special Public Art Policy Program presentation. 25-30 people
attended. Rozen noted the importance of the Town Manager, Greg Chanis and Associate Engineer, David
Eshoo presence, representing Town support for the project.
Rozen pointed out the two locations being considered first: Beginning of the Old Rail Trail – Utility boxes,
toolboxes, numerous signs and the confusion/profusion of same. Rozen suggested a coordinated landscaping
project to include the path, existing garden, maybe a water element, utility boxes and signs. An artist could
survey the entire area and put forth ideas for improvement. The idea is a cohesive entry point for the trail.
2nd site: In the new plaza going in between the Library and the Town Hall. He acknowledges the long lead
time on this project site. Despite the time involved he feels time is of the essence and the project needs to be
started, at least with conceptual work on paper.
For the Blackie’s site Rozen recommends an artist selection panel to identify a landscape architect, or
whoever seems appropriate. He also suggests H&A start asking the Town for funds. Liaison Pickett points
out that a Fiscal year ask starts in May so the sooner the better. C. Etemad suggested the architect or artist
should be identified first, a cost given by same, and then H&A would have a sense of how much to ask for.
Rozen clarified the funds would be start-up costs.
C. Fong suggested the panel selection be started at the January 2020 meeting. Fong requested Rozen a
timeline at that same meeting. Rozen suggested possible representation on the panel would be a community
artist, a town staff person, someone from the Foundation, the Town Historian (representing Landmarks),
and an H&A commissioner; 6-8 people. C. Fong asked if there would be a public call for volunteers or is it
going to come directly from the commission selecting these people? Rozen confirmed that would come from
the commission. Rozen emphasized that the commission seek someone locally to handle the conceptual plan
for Blackie’s Pasture.
For the plaza site, Rozen suggested seed money for public art be built into town funds through some sort of
“tack-on” fee to development or project fees, etc. collected on a regular basis by the Town. Glen Isaacson,
from the Library, confirmed that architectural plans for the entire plaza are in place, thereby easing the path
for a public art piece to be considered.
Rozen’s contact with the school has been primarily in placing art within the new library, which they
enthusiastically support. To re-cap, Rozen foresees asking for Town funds on both the Blackie’s project and
the Plaza project.
C. Fong stated that there has been a $1 million bequest for the new art gallery area of the library.
C. Etemad commented that the Plaza project should be a permanent piece. Rozen agrees but is reluctant to
define it yet.
C. Fong reminds Rozen and the commission of the importance of returning to the public with updates
periodically on any or all projects.
Regarding Earth Day, Rozen has submitted a painting for consideration in whatever capacity seems needed,
logo, etc.
C. Mujica-Beavers is enthusiastic about the plaza art in order to pull in visitors, along with a well landscaped
park. C. Mujica-Beavers feels the artwork should change in order to constantly attract visitors.
C. Norris commented that landscape architects are very expensive and perhaps a local architect might step
forward and donate their time. Rozen agreed that the funding issue is always present, however it’s important
to keep an open mind without restricting thinking due to the cost. He believes there will be supporters with
money.
C. Fong asks this action item continue to the January meeting with a selection panel to be formed at that
time and discussion continued to move the projects forward.
C. Fong also requests the Rozen Earth Day artwork be brought forward for consideration and discussion be
had regarding general Earth Day activities.
C. Fong then recognized a question from Jim Wood; he wanted to know where his sculpture idea for the
Trestle Trail falls into this current discussion? C. Fong clarified the sculpture proposal was specifically for
the Trestle Trail location, and that the prior discussion was for the entrance to Blackie’s Pasture.
Rozen then clarified any ideas or submissions would all go before a panel in order to adhere to a plan in order
to avoid random selection. Wood asked if what the Green Team presented was considered? C. Fong said
nothing has yet been considered, the process is being discussed at this time. Wood said he had not heard
anything about the Public Art Policy meeting on November 7. Liaison Pickett confirmed that everything had
been properly noticed.
C. Etemad suggested a search could be done through the art schools in the bay area. C. Fong suggested that
idea be presented through the panel.
3. Treasurer’s Report & Budget
Liaison Pickett confirmed there were no changes to either budget since the last meeting in October. Still to
come in is $130 on a piece sold by Ormiston and there will be a sizable donation amount through several
thousand dollars of artwork sold by Simin Massoudi, current artist in the upstairs gallery.
General budget: $2031
Special budget: $6687
4. Trestle Trail Sign Proposal
C. Fong confirms the continuation of the sign proposal from the October 22 meeting and asks for any updates
from staff or comments by Jim Wood who has brought the proposal to the commission.
Liaison Pickett confirms paperwork submitted at the October 22 meeting, and points out new staff report for
this meeting reflecting the continuation of the request in order to review the copy and graphics of the sign.
The revised report has two additional exhibits, #5: final approved design for picnic area on June 6, 2018 with
highlights here the sign is to be located, which is where it is currently being proposed. #6: overview of the
entire area, trees identified below the berm, with no sign approved.
C. Fong asked Wood: funding for the signs? Wood stated the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation would fund it.
Wood did comment he believed the existing stands were still available at the time. He is now aware that
new stands would be needed at approximately $800 per stand and he understood the Town would pay for
them. This is not a consideration for the H&A commission.
C. Noguez read the new copy through completely pointing out all changes for clarification. (Complete
reading can be heard in audio piece). Wood confirmed his acceptance. C. Noguez suggested David Gotz,
Town Historian, have the final approval. Wood confirmed that the prior verbiage had already been approved
by Dave Gotz as well as others. He agreed with the description of the Trestle Trail, helping to differentiate
the different nomenclatures. C. Fong expressed discomfort with the word “tribute” as it pertains to the
Tiburon Peninsula Foundation.
C. Fong pointed out the recommendation to Town Council has not yet been fulfilled. The wording on the
first sign is awaiting approval by Dave Gotz, Town Historian. The recommendation on the second sign was
never fully approved by the Town Council. Wood asks why the commission believes neither sign was
approved. Liaison Pickett clarifies Pickett went to Pat Barnes, Town Engineer who was present in 2014
when the two signs were discussed. One sign was to be placed down near the timbers as an explanatory
sign. It was challenged by ADA regulations by a local resident. That no one would be able to see the sign up
above. That is when the possibility of a sign down below was considered by Public Works (it never went
before the Town Council). When the Trestle Project was fully realized and made fully ADA accessible
through a specially built path, the need for an additional sign down below went away as no longer needed. It
was discussed, anticipated, but no action was ever taken.
C. Fong asked for comments from commissioners before making a motion. C. Mujica-Beavers asked for
clarification of which sign coming up for a motion. C. Fong states it is the sign next to the picnic area, with
new wording. Wood felt the sign was going to be approved by Landmarks, Foundation and Town before this
meeting. C. Noguez confirmed the sign first had to be approved by the commission.
Motion to recommend the sign to be located at the picnic location with changed verbiage as approved by
David Gotz, Town Historian.
Motion: C. Etemad
2nd: C. Mujica-Beavers
All in favor: Aye
C. Fong stated this will take place at the January 28, 2020 meeting.
C. Fong then asked the commissioners to respond to the request for the second sign to be placed down below
the Trestle Trail. C. Noguez asked Wood if he wished to take this request out of the proposal. Yes, Wood
would like action to be taken. This sign would have the same wording as the sign up above with the addition
of directional information.
C. Noguez, C. Mujica-Beavers and C. Norris believe there are too many signs in the area and feel an additional
sign, also repetitive, is not necessary.
Motion to deny the second sign located down below the Trestle Trail as indicated on Exhibit #6:
Motion: C. Noguez
2nd: C. Mujica-Beavers
All in favor: Aye
Recommendation to the Town Council that the secondary sign be denied.
5. Community Art Exhibits
a. Review of Closet Artist show
Very successful show. C. Fong suggested that viewing hours be posted. Also suggested that labeling process
be improved. C. Fong asked if there was general input about the continuation of the show into 2020. C.
Noguez feels it’s a great show, very successful and represents artwork in the community. Votes for a repeat.
Mujica-Beavers votes for repeat. Rozen likes the idea of having exhibition possibilities for people who don’t
otherwise think they have an opportunity to show their work.
C. Fong thanked Mujica-Beavers for spearheading the idea.
L. Pickett called attention to the people who were not accepted as they weren’t residents of the peninsula.
Ideas were discussed to make the show more inclusive, such as family members of residents, or those who
came through a local teacher with artist who didn’t live locally. Pickett suggested thinking of how to address
people from other geographic regions or students of local teachers. C. Mujica-Beavers votes for accepting
southern Marin artists. C. Etemad suggested an annual exhibit of repeat Closet Artists. L. Pickett confirmed
that the 2-month date is being held for 2020, Sept-Oct.
b. Marin Open Studio (MOS) report
C. Etemad presented the final “Call for Artists” without logos added yet. After hearing the outline,
commissioners discussed the 20% donation amount, verses the usual 25% donation asked of other artists. It
was pointed out this is to match the Landmarks donation amount, and only applies to this one show. C.
Norris wanted clarification on who is paying what fee and who is putting out the Call for Artists – H&A or
Marin Open Studios. C. Norris was concerned the current form made it look like H&A would be paying all
fees for the show. All present agreed it should be clarified that MOS will take the lead in promotion, collect
all fees and sign up the artists.
Rozen pointed out how MOS operates and that with the promotion vehicles they have at their disposal,
everything should go through MOS from start to finish. C. Norris felt it should be clear what is offered by
H&A commission and what MOS will do regarding the actual Call for Artists and other detailed information.
It was decided the information about what H&A is offering in terms of location, tables, panels, etc. will be
stated, along with any requirements, however all contact information will be that of MOS. In that way all
fees, and artist selection will occur through MOS. H&A will do a local emailing, making it clear H&A is
hosting but the actual program is under the auspices of MOS. The word “Hosting” was replaced with
“Joining” in order to make it clear MOS is in charge of the exhibition.
Discussion ensued regarding “jurying” and certain restrictions applying to the Town Hall location. A special
line will be added to the Call for Artists to read: “as a government facility, the Town reserves the right to
reject any inappropriate artwork”.
Motion to have L. Pickett send out draft for MOS Call for Artists for input and have the CFA set out clearly
that all H&A is doing is providing space and that first and foremost we, as a government representative have
our own requirements and guidelines and we have the right to enforce same.
Motion: C. Noguez
2nd: C. Mujica-Beavers
All in favor: Aye
c. Gallery schedule
L. Pickett confirms no new artists have come forward and we still have the Sept/Oct. slot open in the
Lobby/Chambers.
6. New Projects
a. Open forum for upcoming or new projects - NONE
b. Agenda building – C. Fong would like to see all minutes finished for 2019
7. Confirmed: Next meeting date: January 28, 2019
8. Calendar:
Concert – Old Saint Hilary – Sunday, November 17 – Hiroya Tsukamoto – 4pm
Concert – Old Saint Hilary – Sunday, November 8 – Musae (2 Concerts – 1 & 4pm)
Adjourned: 8:17pm