HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-17 Public Arts_MIN
Minutes
Public Art Commission
April 17, 2009
Regular Meeting
Attendance:
Commissioners: Bussell, Edson, Markell, Wynkoop, Wilkerson, Longshore, Voisin
(Council liaison, Seltzer (staff liaison)
Absent: Pugh
Guest:
Kate Jackson (City Councilor)
Chair Markell called meeting to order at 8:20 a.m.
Amendment to the Site Design Review Chapter of the Ashland Municipal Code
(18.72.030) related to the installation of Public Art on buildings listed as contributing
resources within a Historic District.
Community Development Director Bill Molnar provided an overview of the proposed
amendment.
The Council delayed deliberation on the proposed amendment to provide an opportunity
for the PAC to review and understand the proposed changes.
Molnar explained that Public Art is excluded from the new sign code ordinance, but the
proposed amendment will require a land use review by both the Historic Commission and
Planning Commission for proposed Public Art to be sited on a historic building. The Site
Design Review document has specific criteria related to external changes to historic
buildings. The primary objective of the criteria is to maintain the visual integrity of
historic buildings. Criteria may include a review of proposed public art materials and the
shape and size of the proposed art. The criteria does not allow for a review of the art
content which is evaluated by an independent Selection Panel as provided in the Public
Art ordinance.
There was much discussion about the review and concern that the reviewing commissions
will evaluate the content. Molnar assured the group that even if individual
commissioners express a personal opinion about the content, the comments are not
considered to be a part of the review process.
The PAC discussed the process for the review and Molnar recommended the PAC seek
input from Community Development staff when drafting the RFP for proposed art on a
historic building so that specific details are included that relate to materials and size and
shape of the proposed art. Those are the details that will be reviewed as part of the Site
Design. Pending approval, the RFP or “Call to Artists” can then be issued. Wilkerson
also requested the staff liaison to the Historic Commission frame the issue for the HC and
clearly state the parameters of the Site Design criteria as it relates to public art on historic
buildings.
The PAC expressed support for the proposed amendment recognizing that the aesthetic
integrity of Ashland’s historic districts is in keeping with the PAC mission. Wilkerson
will draft a letter of support of the proposed amendment to submit to the City Council.
Minutes
Edson/Bussel M/S approval of the March minutes with corrections.
Calle Guanajuato
Bussell and Markell provided an update on the selection and installation of the sculptures
on Calle Guanjuato. There was a brief discussion about marketing the pieces and the sub
committee will meet to draft a marketing plan.
UB Public Art project
Edson provided a brief update on the utility box project. The deadline for submissions is
May 1. Edson provided a draft “Artist Agreement” for PAC review.
New PAC Chair
Dana Bussell will assume the duties as Chair of the Public Art; Libby Edson was elected
Vice Chair. Appreciation was expressed to Melissa Markell for her leadership and
guidance as chair for the past three years.
Next Meeting Date
Friday, May 15, 2009 8:15 a.m.
Meeting adjourned 9:35 a.m.