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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-17 Public Art Commission Agenda Packet Public Art Commission Regular Meeting February 17, 2022 Virtual 7:00 PM Nia Taylor, Chair Loren Gordon, Vice Chair Ben Miyaji, Commissioner Hsinya Shen, Commissioner Lisa Waltuch, Commissioner Vice Mayor Lydia Kou, Council Liaison Elise DeMarzo, Public Art Program Director Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator Kristen O’Kane, Director of Community Services Department https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 892 4258 8522 Phone number: 1 669 900 6833 ***BY VIRTUAL TELECONFERENCE ONLY*** Pursuant to AB 361, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this meeting will be held by virtual teleconference only with no physical location. The meeting will be broadcast live on Cable TV and through Channel 26 or 29 of the Midpen Media Center at https://midpenmedia.org/local- tv/watch-now/. Members of the public may comment by sending an email to pac@cityofpaloalto.org or by attending the Zoom virtual meeting to give live comments. Instructions for the Zoom meeting can be found on the last page of this agenda. Commissioner Names, Biographies, Present and Archived Agendas and Reports are available online: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-Services/Other- Services/Commissions/Public-Art-Commission CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public wishing to address the Commission on matters within the jurisdiction of the City, but not on this agenda, may do so during the Public Comment period for up to three (3) minutes APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. January 20, 2022 PAC Regular Meeting CITY OFFICIAL COMMENTS ACTION ITEMS 1. Adoption of Resolution - Approval of a resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing for the Public Art Commission meetings during Covid-19 state of emergency. ATTACHMENT NON ACTION ITEMS 2. Annual Work Plan for Council – Commissioners and staff will discuss the formulation of the PAC Annual Work Plan. ATTACHMENT COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT OTHER INFORMATION Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329- 2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. Public Comment Instructions Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to pac@cityofpaloalto.org 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below for the appropriate meeting to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. A. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in-browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+, Microsoft Edge 12+, Safari 7+. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. B. You will be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. C. When you wish to speak on an agenda item, click on “raise hand”. The moderator will activate and unmute attendees in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. The Zoom application will prompt you to unmute your microphone when it is your turn to speak. D. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. E. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow instructions B-E above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Board. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 892 4258 8522 Phone number: 1 669 900 6833 MINUTES PUBLIC ART COMMISSION MEETING Thursday, January 20, 2022 Virtual teleconference via Zoom 7:00 p.m. Commissioners Present: Nia Taylor, Loren Gordon, Lisa Waltuch, Ben Miyaji Commissioners Absent: Hsinya Shen Staff Present: Elise DeMarzo Public Art Program Director Nadya Chuprina, Public Art Program Coordinator CALL TO ORDER - Chair Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, DELETIONS – None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - PAC Special Meeting November 4, 2021 Moved: Commissioner Miyaji, Second: Commissioner Waltuch. All in Favor. STAFF COMMENTS - Staff updated the Commissioners on the development status of the professional services agreement for the King Residency artist Rayos Magos. ACTION: 1. Adoption of Resolution – Commissioners reviewed the resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing for the Public Art Commission meetings during Covid-19 state of emergency. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act, effective October 1, 2021, to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by teleconferencing during a state of emergency without complying with restrictions in State law that would otherwise apply, provided that the policy bodies make certain findings at least once every 30 days. Moved: Vice Chair Gordon moved to approve the resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing for the Public Art Commission meetings. Second: Commissioner Miyaji. All in Favor. 2. Public Art Microgrants – Staff provided a summary of the first round of ArtLift Microgrant projects realized in 2020-21 and recommended allocation of funding in the amount of $40,000 to fund another series of Microgrants from the CIP Art in Public Places budget. Staff will release a call for artists and creatives to fund up to ten selected proposals with a $4,000 budget each. ArtLift Microgrant projects will focus on playing, belonging, community participation and promoting shared experiences in and around Palo Alto. Moved: Vice Chair Gordon moved to allocate funding in the amount of $40,000 for a series of 10 ArtLift Microgrants. Second: Chair Taylor. All in Favor. 3. Collection Care – Staff provided an update on the condition of Confluence by artist Mike Szabo and provided a rational the needed routine maintenance treatment for the water sculpture. Staff requested that the Commission approve funding in the amount of up to $4,000 for the maintenance treatment. Moved: Commissioner Miyaji moved to approve funding for the maintenance of Confluence. Second: Commissioner Waltuch. All in Favor. 4. Collection Care – Staff provided an overview and shared images of the current condition of concrete pads for Movement IV by Steven Jay Rand and Albuquerque by Gale Wagner and requested that the Commission allocate funding for the repair and expansion of the concrete pads for the artworks. Staff will contact artist Gale Wagner to notify him about the upcoming works to expend the pad for his sculpture. Moved: Chair Taylor moved to approved funds in the amount of $3,300 for the repair work. Second: Commissioner Miyaji. All in Favor. 5. Collection Care – Staff provided an overview of the site-specific media artwork Conversation by Susan Narduli located at the City Hall lobby and updated the Commission on its current operational status. Due to some outdated software features, the artwork’s interactive kiosk does not allow viewers to interact with the artwork and submit their comments and photos. Staff reached out to Susan Narduli for a proposal to upgrade the hardware and software support as well as redesign the interactive kiosk user experience. Staff requested that the Commission approve funding in the amount of up to $8,000 for the necessary maintenance updates and redevelopment of the touchscreen kiosk. Moved: Vice Chair Gordon moved to approve funding for the maintenance of Conversation. Second: Commissioner Miyaji. All in Favor. 6. New Acquisition of Artwork – Staff provided an overview of CASP artist Chandrika Marla’s statement and about the artwork titled Meet Me Halfway offered for donation to the City’s public art collection. Staff made a recommendation to accept the artwork donation. Moved: Vice Chair Gordon moved to approve the gift of the artwork to the City’s collection. Second: Commissioner Miyaji. All in Favor. NON-ACTION: 7. PAC Workplan 2022 – Commissioners led an initial discussion regarding the next steps and planning efforts for the PAC 2022 Annual Workplan and Performing Measures for the City Council review and approval. Commissioners discussed using the PAC September 2021 approved priorities in new workplan. Commissioners agreed to add a discussion item in the upcoming PAC regular meeting in February to finalize the list of initiatives and projects under the working priorities for 2022. Staff will provide supporting documents to allow Commissioners prepare for the discussion. ANNOUNCEMENTS – FOG Design+Art January 20-23. CALENDAR: Next PAC Regular Meeting – February 17 at 7 pm (virtual). MEETING ADJOURNED at 8:36 pm by Chair Taylor. City of Palo Alto Staff Report to Public Art Commission November 4, 2021 RE: Agenda Item 1: Resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing under Government Code Section 54953(e) for meetings of the Public Art Commission Recommendation Adopt a Resolution (Attachment A) authorizing the use of teleconferencing under Government Code Section 54953(e) for meetings of the Public Art Commission and its committees due to the Covid-19 declared state of emergency. Background In February and March 2020, the state and the County declared a state of emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both emergency declarations remain in effect. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act, effective October 1, 2021, to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by teleconferencing during a state of emergency without complying with restrictions in State law that would otherwise apply, provided that the policy bodies make certain findings at least once every 30 days. AB 361, codified at California Government Code Section 54953(e), empowers local policy bodies to convene by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency under the State Emergency Services Act in any of the following circumstances: (A) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency, and state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing. (B) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency for the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. (C) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency and has determined, by majority vote, pursuant to subparagraph (B) (B), that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees. (Gov. Code § 54953(e)(1).) In addition, Section 54953(e)(3) requires that policy bodies using teleconferencing reconsider the state of emergency within 30 days of the first teleconferenced meeting after October 1, 2021, and at least every 30 days thereafter, and find that one of the following circumstances exists: 1. The state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person. 2. State or local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to promote social distancing. Discussion At this time, the circumstances in Section 54953(e)( 1)(A) exist. The Santa Clara County Health Officer continues to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing and other social distancing measures, such as masking, in certain contexts. (See August 2, 2021 Order.) In addition, the California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and instruct employees about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing and other social distancing measures. Accordingly, Section 54953(e)(1)(A) authorizes the City to continue using teleconferencing for public meetings of its policy bodies, provided that any and all members of the public who wish to address the body or its committees have an opportunity to do so, and that the statutory and constitutional rights of parties and the members of the public attending the meeting via teleconferencing are protected. To comply with public health directives and promote public safety, Palo Alto policy bodies have been meeting via teleconference since March 2020. On September 27, 2021, the City Council considered the format for future Council, committee, and Board and Commission meetings. Council determined that beginning November 1, 2021, Council meetings would be conducted using a hybrid format that allows Council Members and the public to decide whether to attend in person, following masking and distancing protocols, or participate via teleconference. Council directed that Council standing and ad-hoc committees and Boards and Commissions would continue meeting via teleconference through January 2022. Adoption of the Resolution at Attachment A will make the findings required by Section 54953(e)(3) to allow the continued use of teleconferencing for meetings of the Public Art Commission and its committees. NOT YET APPROVED Resolution No. ____ Resolution Making Findings to Allow Teleconferenced Meetings Under California Government Code Section 54953(e) R E C I T A L S A. California Government Code Section 54953(e) empowers local policy bodies to convene by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency under the State Emergency Services Act so long as certain conditions are met; and B. In March 2020, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a state of emergency in California in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic, and that state of emergency remains in effect; and C. In February 2020, the Santa Clara County Director of Emergency Services and the Santa Clara County Health Officer declared a local emergency, which declarations were subsequently ratified and extended by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and those declarations also remain in effect; and D. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by teleconferencing during a state of emergency without complying with restrictions in State law that would otherwise apply, provided that the policy bodies make certain findings at least once every 30 days; and E. While federal, State, and local health officials emphasize the critical importance of vaccination and consistent mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Santa Clara County Health Officer has issued at least one order, on August 2, 2021 (available online at here), that continues to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing and other social distancing measures, such as masking, in certain contexts; and F. The California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health (“Cal/OSHA”) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and instruct employees about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing and other social distancing measures; and G. The Public Art Commission has met remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and can continue to do so in a manner that allows public participation and transparency while minimizing health risks to members, staff, and the public that would be present with in-person meetings while this emergency continues; now, therefore, NOT YET APPROVED The Public Art Commission RESOLVES as follows: 1. As described above, the State of California remains in a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this meeting, the Public Art Commission has considered the circumstances of the state of emergency. 2. As described above, State and County officials continue to recommend measures to promote physical distancing and other social distancing measures, in some settings. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that for at least the next 30 days, meetings of the Public Art Commission and its committees will occur using teleconferencing technology. Such meetings of the Public Art Commission and its committees that occur using teleconferencing technology will provide an opportunity for any and all members of the public who wish to address the body and its committees and will otherwise occur in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of parties and the members of the public attending the meeting via teleconferencing; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Public Art Commission staff liaison is directed to place a resolution substantially similar to this resolution on the agenda of a future meeting of the Public Art Commission within the next 30 days. If the Public Art Commission does not meet within the next 30 days, the staff liaison is directed to place a such resolution on the agenda of the immediately following meeting of the Public Art Commission. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: Staff Liaison Chair of Public Art Commission APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED: City Attorney Department Head PAC Priorities and Workplan for 2021/22 Building Community Priority: Develop public art that encourages playing, belonging, community participation and that promotes shared experiences in and around Palo Alto neighborhoods and commercial corridors. Racial Justice Priority: Develop public art projects that will continue to advance cultural inclusion and social and racial equity. Public Art Education Priority: Widen and strengthen education and advocacy for public art, including through the roll-out and implementation of the California Ave District Master Plan and the Baylands Art Plan, and PAMP long-term goals, while responding to current issues and supporting a wider network of artists. Public Art Commission (PAC) The Public Art Commission oversees Palo Alto’s temporary and permanent public art programs. The primary duties of the Commission are: • To advise the city in matters pertaining to the quality, quantity, scope, and style of art in public places • To periodically review the capital improvement program with the staff for inclusion of works of art in various projects • To devise methods of selecting and commissioning artists with respect to the design, execution, and placement of art in public places and to advise staff on the selection and commissioning of artists, and the amounts to be expended on art in public places • To advise and assist staff in obtaining financial assistance for art in public places from private, corporate, and governmental sources • To review plans for the installation of art in public places and review the inventory of art in public spaces • To act as a liaison between artists and private property owners desiring to install works of art on their private property in public view PAC Approved Priority & Goal: Develop public art that aids in Palo Alto’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis by supporting projects that encourage pedestrian traffic and the use of pedestrian-friendly streets, that are located near Palo Alto neighborhoods, as well as commercial corridors and storefronts, and that advance Public Art Master Plan goals ("COVID Recovery Priority") Appendix 1 •Project Name: Temporary Murals Pilot •Description: In conjunction with Uplift Local, 8 local artists/artist teams created original, site-specific murals that have been placed in diverse locations along University and California Avenues. The murals support emotional and economic wellbeing by encouraging pedestrian traffic and the animating of commercial corridors. It also engages and supports local and regional artists. •Duration: February 2021 - End of 2021 •Additional Impact: Advances Racial Justice Priority by increasing diversity of artist pool. Advances Public Art Education Priority through outreach and public discussions. Appendix 2 •Project Name: ArtLift Microgrants •Description: Fund up to 40 local artists and creatives to help the community recover both emotionally and economically from the pandemic through the arts and creative outlets. Temporary projects and experiences designed to bring joy and smiles, facilitating connection and a sense of discovery across Palo Alto. Forty artist calls were made benefitting artists and involving community members. This project includes artists of music and dance talent as well more typical large and small temporary installations. These are showcased throughout Palo Alto. •Duration: Through 2021 •Additional Impact: Advances Racial Justice Priority by increasing diversity of artist pool. Implementing the Master Plan objective of installing public art throughout Palo Alto neighborhoods also promotes Public Art Education Priority. Appendix 3 •Project Name: Code:ART2 •Description: The three-evening event will engage area locals in an event that outwardly reflects the creative community that thrives here. Originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic, the second iteration of Code:ART will once again temporarily reframe the City as a laboratory for urban interventions and creative placemaking while engaging residents, commuters, students, and visitors in dialogue to re- imagine underutilized spaces. The festival will feature a major new media interactive artwork and 6 smaller installations. Code:ART2 will offer an opportunity for our community to celebrate the end of the pandemic together while offering adequate space for everyone to participate within their personal comfort zone. •Duration: October 7- 9, 2021. •Additional Impact: Advances Racial Justice Priority by increasing diversity of artist pool. Advances Public Art Education Priority with extensive outreach and collaboration with local businesses. PAC Approved Priority: Develop public art projects that will continue to advance cultural inclusion and social and racial equity ("Racial Justice Priority") Appendix 4 •Project Name: Study and Change to Promote Race and Equity in Palo Alto’s Public Art Program •Description: PAC engaged Equity and Accessibility Consultant Elizabeth D. Foggie to conduct a study and provide recommendations to enhance equity and access to public art opportunities in Palo Alto. Recommendations from the study include the personalizing of artist calls, developing education opportunities for black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) artist to learn about the public art process, and the hiring of a community liaison or manager to develop and build authentic relationships with BIPOC community leaders, individual artists, and groups. Staff will review their current procedures and implement the recommendations include expanding the program’s outreach to BIPOC artists and art organizations who engage with BIPOC artists. •Duration: Ongoing •Additional Impact: Advances Public Art Education Priority with extensive outreach and collaboration with BIPOC community leaders and groups Appendix 5 •Project Name: Race and Equity Public Art Program in King Plaza •Description: In response to Palo Alto City Council’s inquiry to develop a permanent artwork on King Plaza and the City’s priorities to advance cultural, racial, and social equity, the PAC is developing a permanent platform on King Plaza for ongoing, rotating temporary exhibitions. This platform will enable Palo Alto and the PAC to incorporate a broad range of voices and to facilitate conversations around cultural, racial, and social equity in our community •Duration: Summer 2021 – ongoing •Additional Impact: Promotes awareness of BIPOC community leaders. Advances Public Art Education Priority through ongoing conversations regarding public art installed in a key public space. Appendix 6 •Project Name: Collaboration with Human Relations Commission •Description: Chair Nia Taylor and Vice Chair Loren Gordon and Public Art Program Director Elise DeMarzo have been meeting with the Human Relations Commission (HRC) to discuss possible collaborations, including 100 conversations on race and social equity in Palo Alto (“The 100 Conversations”). The 100 Conversations are intentional conversations aimed at growing Palo Alto into a community characterized by belonging, vested in diversity, inclusion, and equity, and committed to putting words into action. •Duration: The 100 Conversations will be held from May 25, 2021 until Juneteenth 2021. •Additional Impact: Advances Public Art Education Priority by highlighting that public art is not removed from the city and society but embedded in both. PAC Approved Priority: Widen and strengthen education and advocacy for public art, including through the roll-out and implementation of the California Ave District Master Plan and the Baylands Art Plan ("Public Art Education Priority"). Appendix 7 •Project Name: Temporary Murals for Public Safety Building construction fence •Description: Commission 8 California-based artists to create a series of site-specific temporary murals that celebrate the California Ave District community and visually enhance the fencing that surrounds the construction site. •Duration: Summer 2021 - Summer 2023. Appendix 8 •Project Name: Highway 101 Bike/Pedestrian Bridge •Description: Artist Mary Lucking is designing a visually pleasing and relaxing space for bridge users to stop and rest. The centerpiece will be three cast-aluminum sculptures that can be used as ADA compliant seating. The sculptures will be surrounded by a cut-steel fence that will silhouettes of the bayland grasses, giving visitors the feeling of being nestled down in the marsh. •Duration: Completion in Summer 2021 •Additional Impact: Advances COVID Recovery Priority by promoting outdoor activity Appendix 9 •Project Name: Charleston-Arastradero Corridor •Description: The Charleston-Arastradero Corridor is a high volume, 2.3-mile roadway serving schools, parks, shopping, commercial, and community centers. Artist Susan Zoccola's sculptural artworks inspired by diatoms and wheels in motion will be installed on 5 strategic sites along the corridor, selected for visibility and opportunity to enhance wayfinding for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on the corridor. •Duration: Currently delayed until end of 2021 Appendix 1: Temporary Murals pilot Left to right: See You Soon by Lauren Berger, located at the facade of Garage R, 528 High Street. The California Avenue Marching Band by Damon Belanger, located at 261 California Ave Appendix 2: ArtLift Microgrant projects Temporary projects by local artists and community members include installations, live performances, murals, scavenger hunts, and pop-up art interventions throughout Palo Alto. 1.King Plaza at 250 Hamilton Ave: o Code:ART Hub and Informational Booth o HYDRALA by Daniel Tran and Nick Sowers 2.Lytton Plaza at 202 University Ave: o PALEOALTO by Marpi Studio 3.Bell’s Book Alley at 536 Emerson St: o CODED ARCHITECTURE 0.3 by Amor Munoz 4.250 University Ave: o COSMIC CANNON by Jeffrey Yip 5.555 Ramona Street o O/I by Ben Flatau 6.Lane 20 Tunnel at 451 Florence: o COLOR CURRENTS by Cory Barr 7.AT&T Bldg and Parking Lot D at 351 Hamilton Ave: o LUMINOUS GROWTH by Liz Hickok 1. 2 3 76 4 5 Appendix 3: CodeART Event Map featuring art installations and Urban Interventions in downtown Palo Alto. Appendix 4: Study and Change to Promote Race and Equity in Palo Alto’s Public Art Program led by Equity and Accessibility Consultant, Elizabeth D. Foggie Appendix 5: Race and Equity Public Art Program in King Plaza . Example of art banner on facade of City Hall Appendix 6: Collaboration with Human Relations Commission Temporary mural by Phillip Hua for Birch St Temporary mural by Oree O riginal for Ash St Appendix 7: Temporary Murals for Public Safety Building construction fence. Examples of artworks designed for the California Ave Parking Garage in 2018. Appendix 8: 101 Bike / Pedestrian Bridge. Rendering of artwork titled Baylands Vignette by project artist Mary Lucking Appendix 9: Charleston-Arastradero Corridor. Rendering of artwork titled Diatoms by artist Susan Zoccola