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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-19 Public Arts_MIN Minutes Public Art Commission October 19, 2007 Regular Meeting Attendance: Commissioners: Markell, Bussell, Douglas, Longshore, Seltzer (staff liaison), Hardesty (council liaison) Absent: Pugh, Wilkerson, Anderson Guest: Carissa Moddison, Pete Belcastro, Michael Donovan Chair Markell called meeting to order at 8:20 a.m. Minutes of 9/21/07 approved Douglas/Bussell Markell invited Michael Donovan to speak. Donovan is the incoming chair of the Ashland Rotary Club. The Club commissioned the “Welcome to Ashland” sign at the north entrance in front of the train trestle in 1984. They are making repairs to the current sign. Rotary would like to be a part of the process with the PAC as they begin to implement gateway signage in Ashland as indicated in the Master Plan. Donovan expressed that the collaboration is an opportunity for the various service clubs in Ashland to participate in the project and Rotary is eager to be a part of it. Seltzer asked if Rotary was open to an artistic change with the sign and the selection process the PAC would follow. He agreed that it is probably time to change look of the sign and hopefully improve the area where the sign is located. Longshore commented that the change may even extend to the railroad trestle itself. PAC will keep the Ashland Rotary apprised of the process as they move ahead. Donovan asked that a member of Rotary be included in the process. The PAC assured him that at least one member if not more would be included as well as representatives from other service clubs. Pete Belcastro explained to the PAC that the Elk’s Club building in Ashland was built in 1910 and the th Elk’s would like to commemorate the 100 anniversary in 2010 with a mural pointed on the exterior wall of the building. He recognizes that given the current sign code, it is not possible but should the code change would the PAC be willing to work with the Elk’s to implement a mural. Markell explained the acquisition process (call to artist, purpose of the art, selection panel etc.) and assured Belcastro that the PAC would be happy to facilitate the process and to include members of the Elks to participate. Markell pointed out to both Donovan and Belcastro that the PAC did not have funds for these projects. Both replied that they believed Rotary and Elks would assist financially. Bussell updated the group on repairs to Nourishing our Community. She explained two options; repair the piece in the manner it was originally constructed ($500  $1500) or redo the piece with a single piece of basalt as the other two columns are constructed ($3000). Markell noted that any change would require the permission of the artist and suggested that the artist, Lonnie Feather< be contacted and asked if she would like to redo the piece for $3000. Bussell will follow through and report back. Brief discussion about Lloyd Haines “gift of art”. Longshore was disappointed that he did not attend the meeting. Hardesty commented that while Haines did not follow public process she does recognize the importance of enhancing an area where people want to go rather than avoid. Douglas commented that Haines project should not become a matter of urgency for the PAC given the groups current workload. It was suggested that Markell send Haines a letter and explain the process and timeline. Brief discussion to change the meeting time; it was agreed to keep it as is. Brief discussion about the presentation of the Public Art Master Plan to the City Council on Monday November 19. The group will meet on Wednesday, November 7 to discuss the presentation and divide the work. Seltzer will notify PAC when the final draft is printed and available. Next regular meeting is Friday, November 16. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.