Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting

MINUTES MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Monday, December 4, 2017 4:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Castagna, Evans, O’Neil, Peake, Sovereign, Wojtkowski Commissioners Absent: Wall Ex-Officio and Staff Museums & Cultural Arts Manager Dennis Copeland, Recording Members Present: Secretary Claire Rygg Ex-Officio Commissioners are non voting members, appointed pursuant to MCC § 2-11. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Monday, September 25, 2017 2. Monday, October 23, 2017 On a motion by Chair Castagna, and carried by the following vote, the Museums and Cultural Arts Commission approved the minutes September 25 and October 23, 2017. AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Castagna, Evans, O’Neil, Peake, Sovereign, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Wall ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Mike Guardino, retired Carmel High School science teacher, City’s Monterey History Volunteer tour guide at the Pacific Biological Laboratories (PBL) and 26-year Monterey Bay Aquarium volunteer, presented a letter to the Commissioners advocating for the complete historical restoration of the facility, reestablishing the front room of the PBL to when Ed Ricketts lived in the Lab. He cited the PBL as the crown jewel of marine intertidal biology in the U.S. and possibly the world. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 3. Receive Museum and Cultural Arts Division Activity Report - September 2017 (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) 4. Receive Museum and Cultural Arts Division Activity Report - October 2017 (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.)  Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 5. Receive Museum and Cultural Arts Division Activity Report - November 2017 (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) Manager Copeland highlighted the activities of September through November. He said that the Division has received continued reports on the success of the PBL tours. The City conducts 55 tours per year, and the Cannery Row Foundation conducts four tours a year, and the National Steinbeck Center presents its annual Steinbeck Festival in early May. Public art will return to the renovated Monterey Conference Center (MCC) including 12 pieces to be installed at the MCC in early January and the Monterey Mural tiles ready for installation in the new year, probably in January. Several artworks are currently being conserved or repaired, including the “Parentheses” sculpture in Elkins Park was removed for repairs and former Commissioner Leonard Han helped with conservation of his own painting which will also return to the MCC. History Fest, numbers were down at the Civil War Encampment due to delayed opening of Pacific Street which was closed for road construction, otherwise, all other events had a good turnout. Staff is now preparing for Christmas in the Adobes for December 8-9, 2017. (13:44) PUBLIC APPEARANCE 6. Receive Report and Provide Input Based on City Council Direction Regarding Implementation of the Monterey Path of Fame Project and Make Recommendation to City Council (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) Museums and Cultural Arts 2 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 2  Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland introduced the item, and Administrative Analyst Jay Punkar presented the staff report and answered the Museums and Cultural Arts Commission’s questions. Commissioner Sovereign asked who had tasked and earmarked the funds for the project, and would the Commission’s Public Art and History Subcommittee work with the Old Monterey Foundation’s Path of Fame Committee. Analyst Punkar and Assistant City Manager Uslar responded that the City Council meeting on June 28, 2017 the Council referred the Path of Fame project to the Museums and Cultural Arts Commission (MCAC) for further refinement and to work with the Path of Fame committee to help identify a list of names and honorees. The estimated cost of initial installation of 20 plaques is $70,000 and $100,000 has been set aside from FY 2016 funds specifically dedicated for the arts. Subsequent phases would not be funded by the City. The Old Monterey Foundation has agreed to be administrator of the project going forward. Commissioner Sovereign noted that the report does not state that the Commission will work with the Path of Fame Committee. Commissioner Wojtkowski commented that the Commission has a public arts subcommittee that, for the last six months, has been looking at utility boxes and murals as public art. He said it would have been nice for the Commission to have been involved with the Path of Fame project in 2016 when the funds were first available. Commissioner O’Neil asked if the City Council does not want to approve what is done with the Path of Fame. The project would be on City property and the City would be involved with identifying significant citizens of the area, which others may strongly object to. He thinks that the Council would want to be briefed on the list of honorees as it goes forward and retain the right to return the list for further study. Assistant City Manager Uslar said it was the consensus of the City Council for the initial funding to come from the City and that there would be influence exercised by the City through the Commission on who to memorialize. The project needs to be handed to an impartial public and semi-independent group of people, and it was suggested that the Old Monterey Foundation is qualified under those criteria. The Commission should discuss its concerns after the presentation and give staff direction. Analyst Punkar stated that the eight-person Path of Fame committee represents various backgrounds, interest groups, and all have a certain level of subject matter expertise, is committed to being transparent and open to other members joining the committee. City staff recommends the project to a Commission subcommittee which will work with the Path of Fame committee to finalize the selection criteria, list of honorees, the design, and would present to the MCAC which would then make a recommendation to City Council. The Council has the ultimate authority to proceed with the project and authorize the funds to be spent, and from there to move the project towards implementation, installation, and the unveiling events. Analyst Punkar stated the goals: The Path of Fame goals are to preserve, maintain and promote Monterey cultural heritage and; to improve the value of the City community through arts and education and community pride. The funding and allocation of the money for this project is available. Museums and Cultural Arts 3 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 3 Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 Commissioner Evans said that this group [Path of Fame Committee] has been working on this for a year or a period of time. In other words, staff is sending this to the Commission in a loaded sort of way. The Committee and staff has all this history of the committee’s activities and now the Commission is supposed to consider what all they’ve done in the past, and that there may be different opinions in those two groups [the Commission subcommittee and Path of Fame Committee]. Chairman Castagna said the Commission has an existing public art and history subcommittee, and may use it to work with the Path of Fame committee. Manager Copeland reviewed the three options for the Commission: 1) the full Commission could discuss and make recommendations to Council following the three areas noted in the report: reviewing the plaque design, the honoree selection criteria, and the selection process; 2) The Commission can refer it to the Public Art Subcommittee, or 3) the Commission could appoint a special subcommittee that is tasked to work on the Path of Fame. The existing subcommittee, which is working on public art and history, is Bob Evans, Kimber Peake and Kathleen Wall. Public Comments: Frank Sollecito of the Old Monterey Foundation and a member of the Path of Fame Committee said the OMF unanimously approved to become the non-profit administrator of the project. He believes the project will be self-sustaining, and that the plaques tell visitors what the community has done in the past, will instill positivity, and a well-rounded community. Rick Johnson of the Old Monterey Business Association believes the path makes history approachable, and would like to see that downtown as a living history that people can relate to. He has never known a town like Monterey where people are so connected and proud of their history. Sandy Freeman, a member of the Path of Fame committee and former member of the Architectural Review Commission, said she is interested seeing Alvarado become viable, popular, and populated with people who can go from the new Conference Center to the Cooper- Molera and get a snapshot of Monterey on a sidewalk. The Path of Fame will educate people who are unfamiliar with people of Monterey who have done something terrific. Richard Ruccello said he became interested in the project for the history, and that Monterey has a lot of documentation in the last century. The project includes public art and history and would recognize individuals involved during Monterey’s points of crisis but who made things better. He recommends that the Public Art and History Subcommittee work with the Path of Fame committee to pare down the suggested names from 60 to 20 and make a final decision. Michelle Pierce, Director of Event and Planning at the Marriott said former Councilmember Nancy Selfridge had ideas to beautify the downtown area and include historical points of interest and public art to draw visitors to the downtown. Ms. Pierce would like to see projects that tie in with the City’s history and that promote Monterey. She added that the OMF Path of Fame Committee is sensitive to the fact that there are controversial names on the list, and it can be amended at any time. Museums and Cultural Arts 4 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 4  Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 Bob Massaro, Monterey Commercial Property Owners Association (MCPOA), said the Path of Fame has received overwhelming positive support from the MCPOA and Fisherman’s Wharf Association. The Path of Fame adds to what the City already offers and tourists will experience a sense of community, and residents will remember folks that they knew. Laurie Lochtefeld, owner of the Golden State Theater and member of the Path of Fame committee, said that the Path of Fame is a great project and will add to the beauty to the street and visitors will know more about what is happening downtown. Upon the project’s installation, the Golden State Theater will host events in which the community can come and celebrate with representatives of the people selected to be on the plaques at the GST’s 1,003 seat theater. She urged the Commission to select a subcommittee or work with the OMF’s committee to approve and move forward with the project. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Wojtkowski recommended that the Public Art and History subcommittee meet with the Path of Fame committee, come back to the Commission with their findings, and make the final recommendation to City Council. Chair Castagna agreed with Commissioner Wojtkowski’s recommendation. Commissioner Sovereign said people will question whether the project is signage or art, and it is a 19th century approach to what is a 21st Century information processing and dissemination problem. There ought to be a much better way to illustrate the great people Monterey had. The public should be involved and participate in the process. The 250th anniversary of the City is coming up and organizations can nominate who or what made the City great. Let people nominate and vote. Chair Castagna said the Commission did not have a choice and the project should have come to the Commission earlier. The City Council said the Commission needs to do this. Commissioner O’Neil asked if there are notes from the special meeting, and Manager Copeland said staff will send the minutes to the Commission. Commissioner O’Neil asked if there was consideration to identify key aspects of the community, and the things that the famous people may have done to merit being on the Path of Fame, and he suggested to have several different plaques that are key to their area of contributions. It would give a better visual impression of the history and the natural resources of the area. Commissioner Peake said it would make it more like art, and get away from signage. Commissioner O’Neil asked if there was any thought which way the plaques will face? Mr. Punkar said he did not recall the way they face, but having them on east side of Alvarado, at five to ten foot increments staggered or every 15 to 20 feet in a row. Commissioner Peake asked if the idea of a public vote was considered? Assistant City Manager Uslar stated that this is the first time the idea of public vote has been considered and it was never before discussed. The City staff feels the committee has a good representation of neighborhood activists and businesses. It was never discussed to put this to the voters or put it on a ballot or some other type of survey. Chair Castagna said if it was put to a public vote it would turn into a popularity contest. Museums and Cultural Arts 5Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 5  Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 Assistant City Manager Uslar said that staff discussed the technology ideas that Commissioner Sovereign brought up, and the use of personal electronic devices such as smart phone while walking by the Path of Fame. Commissioner Wojtkowski suggested two alternatives: to request the information from the Path of Fame committee to the Commission as a whole, or refer the matter to the Public Art and History subcommittee for them to take into account all the Commissioners’ comments, review the Council minutes and Council direction, then meet with the committee, and come back to the Commission as a whole with a recommendation. He favors the latter but will go with the majority. Chair Castagna agreed and the Commission reached a consensus to refer the Path of Fame proposal to the Public Art and History Subcommittee, and for the subcommittee to review Council direction, then meet with the OMF committee to discuss the project, and return to the Commission with a report. 7. Receive Report on Public Art Survey (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) Manager Copeland reviewed the findings of the public art survey and public meeting with the Commission. Staff will provide print copies of the panels showing survey statistics to the Commissioners and place a link to the presentation on the website. 8. Receive Report on December 5th Presentation to City Council (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) Chair Castagna showed the Commission his December 5th presentation to City Council. He reviewed the Commission’s formation, its history, duties, its subcommittees, its liaisons with community groups, and programs and events it participates with the City. 9. Approve Music Selection Subcommittee's Recommendation for 2018 Colton Hall Evening Music Series Concerts (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) On a motion by Commissioner Evans, seconded by Commissioner O’Neil and carried by the following vote, the Museums and Cultural Arts Commission approved Blue Grass, Wild Coast Brass and Glenn Bell with an alternate Shades of Light for the 2018 Colton Hall Evening Music Series. AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Castagna, Evans, O’Neil, Peake, Sovereign, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Wall ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE 10. Receive Report from Bouchard–Battle of Monterey Bicentennial Subcommittee (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) Museums and Cultural Arts 6 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 6  Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 Commissioners Sovereign and Evans showed a brief video of the November 18 event. Over 200 people saw the event at the Custom House and waterfront. Commissioner Sovereign said there is no commitment for funds to support an event in 2018. One option is to declare victory and “go home”. The second option is to go back to the entities which participated in the event to obtain a commitment for funds and resources for another program. $4,500 was spent for the 2017 program. He would like an official thank you letter sent to Chris Shake and Bella Lofaso for their contributions to the event; Commissioner Evans put request to the Commission and the Commission concurred unanimously. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Evans said he is disappointed that Community Services Director Bui-Burton is retiring, and the Commission should have an opportunity to honor her. Chair Castagna said there are plans for a gathering at his home either during the week after Christmas or first of the year, and he will notify the Commissioners. Commissioner Peake said The Battle of Monterey was a fantastic event for her family, and she heard very favorable comments from others who viewed the event. Commissioner Sovereign said he is not happy about the Path of Fame being pushed on the MCAC. Commissioner O’Neil said that the Fresnel lens has been removed from the Dali Museum and is on loan to California State Parks and will be placed at Pt. Sur. Retired Historical and Cultural Resources Manager Meg Clovis’s position for Monterey County will be eliminated. NEXT MEETING 11. Monday, January 22, 2018 ADJOURNMENT: 6:10 PM Museums and Cultural Arts 7 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 7  Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 12. The Museums and Cultural Arts Commission meeting packet may be reviewed by the public at the Monterey Public Library. Information distributed to the Commission becomes part of the public record. A copy of written material, pictures, etc., should be provided for this purpose. For more agenda information, call 646-5648. CITY OF MONTEREY'S 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES: Voicemail: (831) 646-3799 FAX: (831) 646-3793 Email: suggest@monterey.org WebPage: http://www.monterey.org The City of Monterey is committed to including the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (831) 646-3935. Notification 30 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting [28 CFR 35.102- 35.104 ADA Title II]. Later requests will be accommodated to the extent feasible. For communication-related assistance, dial 711 to use the California Relay Service (CRS) to speak to City offices. CRS offers free text-to-speech, speech-to-speech, and Spanish- language services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you require a hearing amplification device to attend a meeting, dial 711 to use CRS to talk to the City Clerk's Office at (831) 646-3935 to coordinate use of a device. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Dennis Copeland John Castagna, Chair Acting Community Services Director Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Museums, Cultural Arts & Archives Manager Museums and Cultural Arts 8 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, December 4, 2017 8