Public Art Committee Meeting Synopsis

January 12, 2006

Cowles Council Chambers

Present: Connie Alderfer, Ron Senungetuk, Asia Freeman, Gale Parsons, Mike Yourkowski, Dave Anderson

Absent: Angie Newby

Public:

Staff: Rachel Livingston

Mike started off discussion on the Town Center resolution and the main idea of this reso being that we want to be a part of the process so we can add our expertise. He encouraged the committee to feel free to fine tune and make changes as they see fit. Mike spoke with Bill Smith and Bill did confirm that art is in the town center plan.

Mike mentioned that we can make the resolution clearer by inserting in the reso in the 2^nd whereas of the Town Center plan (see page 5 of Town Center plan) that acknowledges that art is part of the plan.
Rachel passed out the Town Center plan to committee members.

Connie asked what gives us the right to insert ourselves into this process when there is currently not a public building. The committee discussed and confirmed that the Public Arts ordinance does confirm our responsibilities in (section 18.07.02) . Connie felt that this would also be valuable to include in the reso (section 18.07.02 “Construction, remodeling or renovation of…..) Committee agreed. Rachel will add.

Connie commented that the operating manual would be of greater benefit to the Public Arts Committee if it also refers to section 18.07.02 .It would also be worthwhile to include in the

manual something in regards to “Private funding contributions for art projects in public buildings is encouraged and this funding is not considered part of the one percent.”, and how private funding might be pursued.

We should get this Town Center resolution to the planning staff. There was discussion on creation of a park and Mike mentioned a site development plan.

Mike mentioned discussing on the next agenda a conversation he had with Bill and looking at art and possibly replacing it every ten years.

Discussion turned to Fred Meyer. Ron and Connie attended the last open house of Fred Meyer. Connie stated that the latest model does look better than a box. Asia mentioned how there is no linkage and that it seemed that Fred Meyer was simply taking a regurgitation of another site. There was discussion on speaking to Fred Meyer as a group or as an individual.

Connie remarked that we do not have any responsibility to enforce the architectural manual. Asia stated that we cannot enforce it but we can provide information, we can invite them to a meeting and see how we can assist them. We could also invite newspapers and give a chance at positive publicity and explain what our committee does.

Connie mentioned setting up a meeting with the Fred Meyer team with the understanding that we need to run this idea through city officials. We could invite Fred Meyer to a meeting and inform City staff of our desire to do so. An invitation could be extended to CIRI as well. There was discussion on the purpose and goal of speaking with Fred Meyer and CIRI. Consensus being to express an effort on part of the City to work with and encourage an aesthetic design suited to Homer and inclusive to Homer and CIRI. To promote aesthetics and art within the City and identifying an opportunity that supports the manuals.

Discussion on Connie speaking with Walt regarding a response to what the Mayor said concerning teaming up with different players and making the project work and how the City needs to take the lead in these discussions.

Rachel will confirm with Mike that he is going to the Parks and Rec meeting regarding Triangle Park and will find out if he would like Connie to attend as well. Connie expressed her desire to review the Triangle park file before the meeting. Rachel will go through file and pull all pertinent

information.

Connie mentioned that she spoke with Robyn Smith regarding Homer Animal Friends and that they are thrilled to hold an open house. The Public Art Committee would take care of the publicity if the Homer Animal Friends will supply the food. Dave Anderson will contact Tarri to find out when the sign will be ready. Rachel will send contact information on Animal Shelter artists to Gale.

Discussion on Safeway and art regarding mural. Rachel will ask Planning who contact person is for mural discussion.

Discussion on taking the pressure off Planning and Zoning by lending our services in seeing that the guidelines established in documents such as the Community Design Manual and the Town Center Plan are considered and carried out.

Discussion on lending our services to private enterprise and what the best approach would be. Connie stated that she had developed a rough draft of a letter to send out to private enterprise but the committee had agreed months ago to drop the idea for various reasons.

Dave Anderson stated that if the City was not comfortable with the Public Art Committee taking such a role than maybe an ad hoc committee could be formed, a separate entity from the City.

The Committee was encouraged to review RFP draft that Gale and Asia put together and we will review at the next meeting. Connie thanked them for their hard work on this RFP.

Ron mentioned that he had reviewed documents regarding artists holding to required deadlines.

Discussion on deadlines at next meeting?

Dave, Connie and Mike will get together to discuss operating guidelines and present draft at the next meeting.

Next Meeting: February 9, 2006 at 1pm in Council Chambers.