Session 09-05 a Regular Meeting of the Public Arts Committee was called to order at 11:15 a.m. on June 18, 2009 by Chair Angie Newby at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

            PRESENT:    COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEWBY, WOLFE, FELLOWS, APLIN

           

STAFF:          CITY CLERK JOHNSON

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

ALPIN/WOLFE – MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A.            Meeting Minutes of the regular meeting on May 21, 2009               

 

FELLOWS/APLIN – MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

 

Deputy City Clerk Krause is a very comprehensive minute taker.  Discussion ensued on e-packets, with all members favoring them.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

VISITORS   

 

There were no visitors. The City Manager joined the Committee during the Worksession.

 

STAFF & COUNCIL REPORT/COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Committee Member Wolfe reported on the Poopdeck Trail Committee. She has not yet talked with Mel, but will see him within the next couple of days. He moved the open sign. He will be asked if he is interested in removing the Poopdeck sculpture. Deputy City Clerk Krause has indicated that Public Works Director Meyer is prepared to remove the sign and store it. Committee Member Wolfe will follow up with Dave Anderson to assure the letter has been received to allow for removal of the sign and will also call Leo for deaccession of the Poopdeck sign.         

 

Chair Newby will send an email to Public Works Director Meyer regarding removal of the Poopdeck sign and include a thank you to City Manager Wrede, Special Projects Coordinator Holen and Mr. Meyer.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

None.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.            Gateways Project                                                                               

1.       Airport

 

A letter to the various partners has not yet been prepared, as Chair Newby needs to meet with Airport Manager Hobbs first. Committee Member Aplin spoke with Kevin Painter of Fish and Wildlife in Anchorage and it was not known if there will be any funding immediately available. He is to check with State parks for funding sources. When Committee Member Aplin gets that information she will start a conversation with State Parks.  

 

WOLFE/APLIN - MOVED THAT MARIANNE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH DISCUSSION WITH GOVERNMENT ENTITIES KNOWING THAT THIS IS PRIOR TO HAVING A FUNDING SOURCE IN HAND.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Committee Member Wolfe had a conversation with Tina Day about cleaning, revamping and restocking airport literature. They are dealing with the same issue in their own building. Linda Broadhead is retiring and whoever replaces her will be responsible. Tina is open to recommendations, but at the moment they do not have anyone that can work on it. Committee Member Wolfe will write a letter to the Homer Chamber of Commerce and the Board.

 

Terry Felde, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager, was introduced to the Committee.

 

Committee Member Wolfe reported Tina felt it was best for the new person to be on board before the issue was addressed. Ms. Wolfe is on the economic development committee for arts at the Chamber of Commerce and nothing has dealt with arts, it has to do with new services.

 

WOLFE/FELLOWS - MOVED TO AUTHORIZE GAYE TO RECOMMEND TO THE EDC OF THE CHAMBER THAT THEY ADDRESS THE REORGANIZATION OF THE BROCHURE RACKS AT THE AIRPORT.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The Gateway Project is to remain on the agenda as pending business.

 

2.       Ferry Terminal

 

Committee Member Aplin reported several projects have been identified in scenic gateways. The deadline is March 2010. She needs to get down to the gateways and look at how they all fit in; see how people see our community and how we see it as we come home. There are different pots of money, over a longer term. Committee Member Alpin will request a schedule for the terminal to schedule a Worksession at the Ferry Terminal.

 

The Ferry Terminal is not the most welcoming feeling, as it has very little art. The Petro Marine tanks are the most visible element at the end of the Spit. It was suggested murals or something be painted on the tanks.

 

The August 20th Worksession will be scheduled at the Ferry Terminal.

 

3.       Baycrest Hill

 

The Committee discussed the necessity of a field trip to Baycrest Hill. The “Welcome to Homer” and the emblem sign are both property of the Chamber’s. The emblem sign is grandfathered in; under current code it would not be valid. The Committee is working with the “Welcome to Homer - Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” sign. An idea is to clear alder from behind the sign and put signage on the back side that would be visible when leaving town.

 

The Chamber cannot have emblem signs on their premises due to compliance with signage regulations. Code Compliance Officer Dotti Harness had indicated the emblem signage could be created as an informational kiosk. It would take work to contact all organizations listed on the sign for approval. The Committee could work with the Chamber as a partner on the “Welcome to Homer” sign.

 

City Clerk Johnson is to ask Angela Otteson to come to the July worksession and the Committee will invite Angela to the September worksession at Baycrest Hill.

 

4.       Scenic Byways Grant Process

 

The only discussion of Baycrest Hill is signage, Dotti’s domain. There are two issues, one is signage and the other is the park. City Clerk Johnson will ask Dotti Harness to the September worksession at Baycrest Hill. The Baycrest area looks great this year with all flowerbeds cleaned. 

B.            Fundraising    

                                                                       

1.       Homer Street Faire

 

The Street Faire is scheduled for August 22nd so will be a big issue for the Committee’s July meeting. Between now and then there should be a clear objective, beyond just the Poopdeck trail sign. The whole idea is to help support the growth of public arts in Homer.

 

2.       Donations

 

There was no discussion on this item.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A.                Review of 1% for the Arts Requirements

 

Committee Members are to read the administrative guidelines, thinking in the line of beautification for the town. When driving around town Committee Members are encouraged to keep track of things along the main corridors. The review of 1% for the arts requirements and administrative requirements are both slated for the July agenda. Committee Members are encouraged to take note of those that have made improvements and those that have recognized arts. The yurt village on the Sterling Highway is a concept being born and Dr. Heston is making improvements to the front of his business on Pioneer Avenue. Committee Members are asked to consider a way to get the word out to Pioneer Avenue merchants on improvements. A letter could be sent to the Homer News encouraging those businesses that have not made beautification attempts to do so.    

                                               

B.                 Sculpture – Doug Schwieson

 

WOLFE/FELLOWS - MOVED TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE PROJECT OF THE LARGE METAL SCULPTURES WITH THE GONGS THAT DOUG SCHWIESON IS IN THE PROCESS OF PRODUCING AND THAT WE LOOK FOR FUNDING FOR MULTIPLE SOURCES TO MAKE THE PROJECT SUCCESSFUL.

 

Doug can help direct projects and is able to do quite a bit, with machinery to help move things around. Time wise, this summer will see the last of his production. The scope of work is 6’ metal rings, approximately 4” thick by 10” to 12” wide with a 6’ diameter. The interior of the ring is scored with tracks from the machinery. Gongs were ordered from Thailand and measure 5.5’ across to place in the center of the metal rings, to be held up 4’ above the air with a metal stand that sits on the ground. There are two gongs and the preliminary budget is $15,000 for each one. The price includes materials and moving the object around; it does not include his personal time.

 

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.        Art Inventory and Pictures    

 

Chair Newby is to take photos of the pieces that are missing. Many pieces are in the cabinet. For documentation all similar photos will be grouped in one location.

 

For the July meeting it was requested website update on the Public Arts Committee be added.    

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

There was no audience.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF

 

City Clerk Johnson commented Chair Newby did a wonderful job running the meeting and she enjoyed it.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

 

Chair Newby said in knowing that Hope is leaving town there is a need to get committee members. Marianne is invaluable due to the different contacts with governmental agencies. Trina is great as she brings things up that sound way out there, but that are relevant, important and have a lot of good points. Gaye is a hands on artist, involved in ARTrageous, and a connectivity person in the community. We desperately need three new people, as if one of us is not available we do not have a quorum. She challenged all to come up with names and call and encourage people. We need someone open to working in a group dynamic. She spoke with Norton and Leland Anderson who have brought it up half a dozen times to staff at the Pratt Museum. She could also bring it up at the EDC Chamber of Commerce meeting. A person without a sense of conflict and some semblance of what public art is about is needed. Artists can recuse themselves from discussion on 1% art projects, so that should not stand in somebody’s way. She talked to Rachel and Lori Evans at the Homer News. People that would add value to the committee are needed. It is a lot of work and we try to keep to two hours per month with a worksession. There are currently four dedicated cheery people. Trina has done three paintings for the Watercolor Society. We have had discussions where we do not necessarily agree, and are grateful how everyone is willing to talk. Things become better when they are broader. Prospective members should be someone not minding the proactive changes.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMITTEE

 

Committee Member Wolfe commented she is happy that everyone agrees so much on all we do. She provided a quick sketch of Doug Schwieson’s piece and encouraged everyone to stop by and see Doug at the shop next to the Wagon Wheel.

 

Committee Member Fellows said Eric’s house is beautiful.

Committee Member Aplin will think about members for the PAC; it will be fun to have diverse folks.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Committee, Chair Newby adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer Alaska. A Worksession is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

 

_____________________________

JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

 

Approved: ____________________