HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-21 Public Art Commission Agenda Packet
Public Art Commission
Regular Meeting
April 21, 2022
Council Chamber & 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
Pursuant to AB 361, Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the
option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety
while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to
participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and
participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441 Phone: 1(669)900-6833
The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on and to Midpen Media Center at
https://midpenmedia.org.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members of the public may comment in person, by sending an email to pac@cityofpaloalto.org,
or by attending the meeting virtually via the Zoom. Instructions for the Zoom meeting can be
found above. 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. Commissioner Names, Biographies, Present and Archived Agendas and
Reports are available online: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-
Services/Arts-Sciences/Public-Art-Program/Public-Art-Commission
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 17, 2022 PAC Regular Meeting ATTACHMENT
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 ITEM
2.Castilleja School – Initial Review: public art for the Castilleja School development project.
Presentation by Castilleja School applicant representative. 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://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us
Meeting ID: 886 2784 1441
Phone number: 1 669 900 6833
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
Palo Alto Staff Report to Public Art Commission
April 18, 2022
RE: 1310 Bryant Street, Castilleja School Public Art Initial Review
SUMMARY
Castilleja School has submitted the attached packet for Initial Review by the Public Art Commission for
public art in private development. The Public Art Commission is asked to give feedback on the planned
art selection process, public art placement, and design direction.
DISCUSSION
The scope of the project makes it subject to the Public Art for Private Development Ordinance.
Castilleja School plans to modernize the existing site, replacing four older buildings with a
new academic building, building a new swimming pool, and constructing an underground
parking facility. The academic buildings will comprise 77,402 square feet in two stories above
grade and 46,635 square feet below grade. The building project was recommended for approval by the
Architectural Review Board at their March 17th hearing. The project team is scheduled for hearings with
the Planning and Transportation Commission March 30th and hope to go forward to the City for final
approvals in May or June.
The applicant met with Public Art and Planning staff in 2019 to discuss the public art process. The
applicant indicated their interest in commissioning art onsite rather than pay an in-lieu contribution to
the Public Art Fund. The public art application submitted in March 2022 indicates a public art budget
estimate of $850,000. The applicant plans to hire an art consultant to manage the artist selection
process and project management for the artwork. The applicant has expressed an interest in identifying
an artist who will work collaboratively with the Castilleja students in the development of the artwork.
The Public Art Commission is asked to weigh in with feedback regarding the proposed placement of
artworks at the school site, the proposed artist selection process, and any other considerations that the
applicant team should keep in mind in their art development process.
TIMELINE
The building project was recommended for approval by the Architectural Review Board at their
March 17th hearing. The project team is scheduled for hearings with the Planning and Transportation
Commission March 30th and hope to go forward to the City for final approvals in May or June. If they
receive approval, they will plan to move ahead with their art consultant selection and artist selection
this Summer.
f3> Castilleja
Date: March 22, 2022
To:
Cc:
Elise DeMarzo (Elise.DeMarzo@CityofPaloAlto.org)
Amy French (Amy.French@CityofPaloAlto.org )
1310 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650.328.3160
casti I leja.org
From:
Re:
Kathy Layendecker, Castilleja Associate Head of School Finance and Operations
Castilleja Public Art: Public Art Commission Initial Review Materials
SUMMARY
Castilleja School is submitting the attached packet for initial review by the Public Art
Commission for public art in private development at its initial hearing on April 21, 2022.
Castilleja looks forward to receipt of feedback from the Public Art Commission on the proposed
art selection process.
BACKGROUND
Castilleja School is an innovative independent school for girls in grades 6 through 12 with
historic ties to Palo Alto and Stanford University. The school was founded in 1907 with the
mission , quite trail-blazing at the time, to prepare girls for college. Today, we continue to educate
strong women, empowering our students to become "confident thinkers and compassionate
leaders with a sense of purpose to effect change in the world." As we prepare to modernize our
campus, we are excited to explore possibilities for art installations as part of our project and are
pleased to submit this initial application for Public Art in Private Development.
Castilleja 's project proposes to modernize the existing site, replacing four older buildings with a
new academic building, building a new swimming pool, and constructing an underground
parking facility. The academic building will comprise 77,402 square feet in two stories above
grade and 46,635 square feet below grade. The proposed building has a contemporary design
meant to blend seamlessly with the varied, residential housing stock of the neighborhood. The
construction materials (cedar wood paneling and shingles, brick, textured concrete, ceramic
tiles) lend warmth and timelessness, and echo the materials of the surrounding houses.
Layered , drought-tolerant landscaping is planned around the perimeter and throughout the site,
creating a rich , natural appearance. For further detail about the project, please refer to the plan
set submitted with this application or visit the City of Palo Alto project page via this link:
https ://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/Hot-Topics/Casti lleja-School .
DISCUSSION
We intend to commission art onsite rather than pay an in-lieu contribution to the Public Art Fund.
The Art Budget is estimated at $850,000 (1 % of the total construction cost). We will retain an
art consultant to manage the artist selection process and to provide project management for the
artwork.
Women Learning: Women Leading:
In 2012, Castilleja founded an Artist-in-Residence program, a unique art and education
program that provides regional artists with access to a stipend and a large studio space. By
supporting artists who work with a variety of materials, we encourage our students and
community to engage in new ways of thinking about art and the environment in which we live.
The program has hosted ceramicists, painters, textile artists, composers, musicians, and
dancers who create, teach, and show their work to the wider community. Although we paused
the program in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, we are excited to restart the program and
leverage this existing framework to fulfill our public art commitment.
We will work closely with the Art Consultant to identify and retain a highly regarded
Artist-in-Residence with vision and experience with community engagement. They will engage
our students and students from neighboring Palo Alto schools (as there is interest) in a
collaborative project that explores a theme of relevance to young people locally as well as
globally. Possible themes under consideration include, but are not limited to, art and the
environment, art and cultural diversity, and art and identity. We hope to include art pieces of
differing mediums around our site. The result could bring free-standing sculpture, wall art,
paving, bike racks, or fencing , and would appear at multiple locations around campus for public
enjoyment.
TIMELINE
The building project was recommended for approval by the Architectural Review Board at their
March 17th hearing. We are scheduled for hearings with the Planning and Transportation
Commission on March 30th and April 13th (if continued). We hope to go forward to the City
Council for final approvals in May and June.
Should we receive final approval, we would retain our art consultant in July-August 2022, and
soon after commence our work with them to identify an artist. We look forward to discussing our
project and possible locations at the April 21st Public Art Commission meeting. We aim to begin
project construction in the summer of 2023.
Women Learning Women Leading.
December ,2021
Opportunities for Public Art around
Castilleja’s Campus
AERIAL VIEW
CASTILLEJA SCHOOL
March 22nd, 2022
WRNS
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY
SITE PLAN
BRYANT STREET VIEW PROPOSED
4
PO
Ti
BRYANT STREET
EMERSON STREET
CASTILLEJA SCHOOL
WRNS
March 22nd, 2022
BRYANT STREET PORCH
1
CASTILLEJA SCHOOL
March 22nd, 2022
WRNS
NOVEMBER 9, 2018 CASTILLEJA SCHEDULE
RESIDENTIAL SCALED ENTRY
KELLOGG DROP OFF ENTRY
CASTILLEJA SCHOOL
March 22nd, 2022
WRNS
ADDITIONAL TILE LOCATIONS
Tile @ Emerson & Kellogg (Upper School Terrace)
Tile @ Kellogg Entrance
CASTILLEJA SCHOOL
March 22nd, 2022
WRNS
EMERSON STREET VIEW PROPOSED
BRYANT STREET
EMERSON STREET
w
Ca
CASTILLEJA SCHOOL
November 5th 2020
WRNS
EMERSON STREET VIEW PROPOSED
EL
BRYANT STREET
4-�
EMERSON STREET
CASTILLEJA SCHOOL
March 22nd, 2022
WRNS
KELLOGG REVISION #4 Wall Sections
EXTERIOR MATERIALS
WD -3 Cedar Shingle Siding
GL -2 Acid Etched Glass
WD -2 Cedar Siding
MT -I Anodized
Aluminum
GL -3 Okawood
CASTILLEJA SCHOOL March 22nd, 2022
WRNS
PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITIES
Castilleja School: Public Art in
Private Development
Public Art Commission Public Hearing
April 21, 2022
Castilleja
Mission
Castilleja School educates motivated young women to become confident
thinkers and compassionate leaders with a sense of purpose to effect
change in the world.
Castilleja
All girls, mission-driven, independent school for grades 6
through 12
History
•Founded in Palo Alto in 1907 to prepare girls and
young women for college
•Since 1910 has operated at current location
•Actively partner with community organizations in
Palo Alto and East Palo Alto: Ada’s Café, Boys and
Girls Club, Peninsula Bridge
Community
•422 students
•65% people of color
•21% receive tuition assistance
Property
•6.1 acres
•Historic Gunn Administration Building
•Academic buildings constructed in 1960’s and
1970’s
Project Objectives
•Modernize campus
•Flexible learning spaces, sustainable, in keeping with
neighborhood aesthetic, preserve trees
•Educate more young women for leadership
•Reduce impact on neighborhood
•Fewer vehicles
•Surface parking relocated underground
•Deliveries moved away from street and below grade
Master Plan
Existing Site Plan Proposed Site Plan
Proposed Site Plan
Lower Roof Heights
Greater Setbacks
Smaller Footprint
Less Above-ground Square
Footage
Smaller Floor Area Ratio
Potential Public Art Locations
Potential Public Art Locations
Embarcadero
Sculpture
Potential Public Art Locations
Bryant
Sculpture ⚬Bicycle Racks
Potential Public Art Locations
Kellogg
Sculpture ⚬Low wall between driveways
Potential Public Art Locations
Emerson
Wall Treatments ⚬Gates ⚬Paving
Application Update
Hearings Outcomes
Historic Resources Board 2 hearings
2019: September 12th
2020: September 24th
Recommended Approval
Architectural Review Board 5 hearings
2020: August 20th, October 1st, November 5th
2021: December 2nd
2022: March 17th
Recommended Approval
Planning and Transportation
Commission
10 hearings
2019: August 14th
2020: August 26th, September 9th, October 28th,
November 4th, November 18th
2021: December 8th
2022: January 19th, March 30th, April 20th
TBD –4/20/22 hearing
City Council 3 hearings
2021: March 8th, March 15th, March 29th
Remanded to ARB and PTC
Projected hearing date 5/23/22
Public Art Budget and Timeline
Public Art Commission
Seek Feedback
April 21, 2022
Anticipated
Project
Approval
June 2022
Select Public
Art Consultant
Summer 2022
Select Artist
and Design
Public Art
2022-23 School
Year
Public Art
Commission
Final Approval
Spring 2023
Commence
Campus
Construction
Summer 2023
Building Permit
for Public Art
Fall 2023
Estimated Budget (1% of construction costs) $850,000
•Materials
•Installation
•Artist Fee
•Art Consultant Fee
Project Video Link
•Feedback from Public Art Commission
•City Council hearing: May 23, 2022
•Return to Public Art Commission for final approval:
Spring 2023
•Estimated construction timeline: Spring 2023 to
Winter 2025
Next Steps
Thank You!