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CC 2016-03-08_10b Public Art_Five Cities Diversity Coalition MEMORANDUM TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: TERESA MCCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BY: MATTHEW DOWNING, ASSOCIATE PLANNER SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF STAFF PROJECT 15-012; A PUBLIC ART SCULPTURE ENTITLED "ARBORING OUR ROOTS OF DIVERSITY"; LOCATION - 495 FAIR OAKS AVENUE; APPLICANT - FIVE CITIES DIVERSITY COALITION; REPRESENTATIVE - BETSY KISER DATE: MARCH 8, 2016 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council allow public comment and provide input on the proposed sculpture. IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES: The City has committed to $500 in funding for the project. No other impacts to financial or personnel resources are anticipated for the project. BACKGROUND: In 2002, the City Council approved staff recommendations for an Art in Public Places Program and Process. The recommendations were prepared with the assistance of the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council. It was largely in response to community controversy that was generated by a public art piece that was displayed by a private developer in the Village. An Art Donation Program was approved by the City Council in 2006. In 2011, the Public Art Guidelines were amended regarding the Art in Public Places Program and limited the process only to private projects. The City’s current Guidelines are included in Attachment 1. In January 2013, Arroyo Grande Public Art (AGPA) was established as a program within Arroyo Grande In Bloom (AGIB), a non-profit volunteer organization. Four (4) public art pieces have been approved to date. The first public art piece approved was the mural at 303 E. Branch Street on May 2, 2014, second was the Japanese Lantern sculpture located at the Peoples Self Help Housing apartments at 150 South Courtland Street, and the third and fourth pieces included the Northern Chumash basket and the Harriet Quimby relief bench on the City's "Walk of History". Item 10.b. - Page 1 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF STAFF PROJECT 15-012 MARCH 8, 2016 PAGE 2 ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: The proposed arbor sculpture is being proposed by the Five Cities Diversity Coalition (FCDC). The FCDC was formed to promote human understanding of the intersections of gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, age, physical and mental abilities, socioeconomic status, physical attributes, as well as all other personal and social characteristics that comprise individual identity. The goal is to provide programs and resources to promote the inclusion and affirmation of diversity in the community. The FCDC is proposing the "Arboring Our Roots of Diversity" sculpture to recognize the importance of diversity and communicate the message of unity, acceptance, and the celebration of diversity through a public art piece. The sculpture itself is proposed to be a metal and concrete sculpture design depicting a tree shape, a maximum of twelve feet (12') in height, with branches holding leaf shapes grouped to form the continents of the world. Five (5) roots will extend to the base, displaying the words Heritage, Individuality, Culture, Unity, Community, Education, Diversity, and Peace. The sculpture is proposed to be located at Arroyo Grande High School, in front of the Clark Center on the Fair Oaks Avenue frontage. Approval of the art location was given by Lucia Mar Unified School District School Board on January 19, 2016. The piece has been designed by three current and former Arroyo Grande High School students, who will participate in the construction of the art piece as well. Review Process Under Public Art Guidelines In accordance with the City’s Public Art Guidelines, the art project decision is made by the Public Art Panel after a City Council public hearing, intended to solicit public and Council input. The Public Art Panel for this project will include the following: • Two representatives from the property owner. • Two representatives from the San Luis Obispo County Art Council. • One representative from the Architectural Review Committee. • One representative from the Chamber or Village Improvement Association. • One representative from the South County Historical Society. The intent of establishing the process was to ensure that public art projects were sensitive to community concerns, but to avoid government censorship of art. The primary focus was on private projects in public view. Council's role is to facilitate public input prior to a decision by the Public Art Panel. The following criteria are used in the selection of public art, which was also developed by the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council: 1. Relationship to the social, cultural and historical identity of the area. If the public art is proposed to be located in the Village Core Downtown or Village Mixed Use Item 10.b. - Page 2 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF STAFF PROJECT 15-012 MARCH 8, 2016 PAGE 3 Districts, the art piece shall be representative or evocative of the turn of the century historical period; 2. Evaluation of artistic excellence; 3. Appropriateness of scale, form, material, content and design relative to the immediate and general neighborhood; 4. Relationship to the social, cultural and historical identity of the area; 5. Appropriateness of proposed materials as regards to structural and surface integrity, protection against vandalism, public safety and weathering; 6. Ease of maintenance; 7. Appropriateness of proposed method of installation of artwork and safety and structural factors involved in installation; 8. Artist’s experience in working on comparable projects. ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives have been identified for the Council’s consideration: • Review and provide an opportunity for public comment on the proposed arbor sculpture for consideration by the Public Art Panel; or • Provide direction to staff. ADVANTAGES: Providing review and comment on the proposed arbor sculpture maintains compliance with the procedures in the City's Public Art Guidelines previously approved by Council. Art will enhance the project site and community. DISADVANTAGES: No disadvantages have been identified. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Community Development Department has determined that this project is categorically exempt based upon section 15301(e) of the CEQA Guidelines regarding existing facilities. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: A public hearing notice was mailed to all property owners within 300’ of the sites, was published in The Tribune, and posted on the City’s website on Friday, February 26, 2016. The Agenda was posted at City Hall on Thursday, March 3, 2016 and the staff report was posted on the City’s website on Friday, March 4, 2016. No comments were received prior to agenda distribution. Item 10.b. - Page 3 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF STAFF PROJECT 15-012 MARCH 8, 2016 PAGE 4 Attachments: 1. Public Art Guidelines 2. Proposed arbor project description and artist information Item 10.b. - Page 4 CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PUBLIC ART Public Art Guidelines And Public Art Donation Program Adopted by City Council Resolution No. 3787 October 12, 2004 Ordinance No. 557 October 26, 2004 Amended by City Council Resolution No. 4411 November 8, 2011 © 2004, 2011 City of Arroyo Grande All Rights Reserved ATTACHMENT 1 Item 10.b. - Page 5 CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PUBLIC ART PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES Purpose The purpose of these Guidelines is to create a framework to facilitate and encourage property owners to provide outdoor public art on their property, or, if approved by the Director of Community Development, in the adjacent public right-of-way. For purposes of these Guidelines “Public Art” shall mean art located on private property that is displayed in an open area that is freely available to the general public or public accessibility is provided based upon the characteristics of the artwork or its placement on the site. Artwork may include free-standing pieces (e.g. a sculpture or water fountain) or may be integrated into its surroundings as an architectural element (e.g. relief sculpture embedded in pavement or a wall, a mosaic or mural on a wall, decorative railings or lighting. These Guidelines are intended to assist artists, citizens and city officials and staff to understand the City’s goals regarding art that is displayed in a manner that is available and accessible to the general public. The City recognizes that art and artistic expression is a protected activity and these Guidelines are not intended to unduly restrict creative expression or limit the types of public art possible. Rather, they are intended to facilitate and encourage the best possible combination of sites and artwork, and help to guide what is essentially a form of communication between the artist and the community. Process These Guidelines are applicable to public art projects proposed to be located on private property or by a private owner in the adjacent public right of way. The guidelines and criteria contained herein shall also apply to public art projects on City property, which shall be considered and approved by the City Council, in consultation with the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, and with the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission if art is proposed to be placed on park property, and are subject to the Public Art Donation Program to the extent applicable. Public Art Panel In order to solicit community input and involvement for the consideration and promotion of public art on private property in the City, a Public Art Panel has been established to review all public art. The 7 member panel is made up of the following representatives to be convened as needed (a minimum of 6 members shall be residents or business owners in Arroyo Grande):  2 representatives from the property owner.  2 representatives designated by the County Arts Council.  1 representative from the Architectural Review Committee.  1 representative from the Chamber of Commerce or 1 representative from the Village Improvement Association if the project is within the Village Districts.  1 representative from the Historical Society. Item 10.b. - Page 6 CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PUBLIC ART The Public Art Panel will convene to approve public art by a majority vote after the piece or plans are presented at a public hearing held by the City Council for the purpose of obtaining community input. The San Luis Obispo County Arts Council shall act in an advisory capacity to the Public Art Panel. Guidelines The following guidelines developed by the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council are intended to facilitate and encourage Public Art that is proposed to be placed on private property or by a property owner on adjacent public right of way within the City: 1. Public art shall be original and of high artistic quality. 2. Public art shall be compatible with the immediate site and neighborhood in terms of social and cultural characteristics, architectural scale, materials, land use and geographical and environmental context. 3. Public art shall not impede pedestrian or vehicle traffic or conflict with public or private easements. 4. Consideration shall be given to any public safety or public health concerns related to, or created by, the artwork. 5. Public art shall be constructed of durable, high-quality materials and require minimal or no maintenance. 6. Public art shall be securely installed. 7. A wide variety of artistic expression is encouraged. However, expressions of profanity or vulgarity are inappropriate. Selection Criteria The following are considerations for the selection of public art 1. Relationship to the social, cultural and historical identity of the area; 2. Evaluation of artistic excellence; 3. Appropriateness of scale, form, material, content and design relative to the immediate neighborhood; 4. Appropriateness of proposed materials as regards to structural and surface integrity, protection against vandalism, public safety and weathering; 5. Ease of maintenance; Item 10.b. - Page 7 CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PUBLIC ART 6. Appropriateness of proposed method of installation and artwork and safety and structural factors involved in installation; 7. Artist’s experience in working on comparable projects. The City or Public Art Panel may consider a revolving art program for a proposed location on an ongoing basis. Location Public art is allowed in any district and is strongly encouraged in the Village Downtown, Village Mixed Use, Gateway Mixed Use, Fair Oaks Mixed Use and Public Facility Districts. Promotion of public art visible from intersections within these districts as well as proximate to public gathering areas, plazas and public parking areas is highly recommended. PUBLIC ART DONATION PROGRAM Purpose Public art can provide aesthetic, cultural and economic benefits to the community. The City of Arroyo Grande Public Art Donation Program is a means by which an artist, or an individual or group commissioning an artist, may donate, gift or bequeath public art to the City of Arroyo Grande for location in a city owned public place. Definition Public art can be defined as “The engagement of an artist with public place involving original, creative work by an individual or a group.” This includes functional and original works of art that also serve as capital improvements, such as, but not limited to seating, fountains, lighting, and free standing art forms. Pre-fabricated manufactured items such as benches, fountains etc. are not considered public art. Proposal Proposals should include: 1. A donor application form (See Attachment 1) 2. The artist or donor’s name, 3. Title of the work and artist statement 4. Description of the work (such as a photograph, artist’s rendering or computer generated image) 5. The materials and size of the work 6. A preferred public location 7. A statement from the donor and artist that the art is free of encumbrances Item 10.b. - Page 8 CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PUBLIC ART 8. The artist’s resume if available 9. Estimated value of donated work 10. Recommended manner of installation 11. Estimated maintenance cost Process The following steps will result in the review and decision regarding a proposal: 1. The proposal would be submitted to the Community Development Department to review it to: a. Determine ongoing and General Plan consistency, accuracy and appropriateness. b. Insure it would not create an undue risk or a safety problem. c. Consider maintenance requirements d. Determine durability e. Identify any engineering concerns 2. The proposal will be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission if proposed to be placed on a park property. 3. Recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for review and action during a public hearing. The Council would have final approval of the donation. Guidelines for Review of the Proposal The following guidelines would be used for review of art donations: 1. Public art shall be original and of high artistic quality. 2. Public art shall be compatible with the immediate site and neighborhood in terms of social and cultural/historical characteristics, architectural scale, materials, land use and geographical and environmental context. 3. Public art shall not impede pedestrian or vehicle traffic or conflict with public or private easements. 4. Consideration shall be given to any public safety or public health concerns related to or created by the artwork. 5. Public art shall be constructed of durable, high-quality materials and require minimal or no maintenance. Item 10.b. - Page 9 CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PUBLIC ART 6. Public art shall be securely installed. 7. A wide variety of artistic expression is encouraged. However, expressions of profanity or vulgarity are inappropriate. Display of Public Art 1. A contract shall be executed between the artist and the City establishing the terms of the proposed installation. 2. Artwork shall be displayed to include the artwork title, artist’s name, patron’s name if applicable and date of completion. The materials used and a short explanation of the work could be included as an option. Plaques will not be used for advertising purposes. 3. Prior to accepting the project, the Community Development Department shall receive from the artist or donor a set of plans, specifications, and a copy of a maintenance record, which identifies maintenance, installation and removal instructions. The transportation, installation and adjunct costs (such as engineering, a base for the artwork or other installation elements) related to artwork are the responsibility of the donor. 4. Once the art piece is installed (by the donor under the supervision of City staff with the artist’s installation direction and donor installation funding), it will require inspection and sign off by a City Building Inspector. 5. Following inspection, the artwork shall become the property of the City. A publicized dedication ceremony shall be held to present the art piece to the community. Item 10.b. - Page 10 ATTACHMENT 2 Item 10.b. - Page 11 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Item 10.b. - Page 12