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CC 2021-10-12_08f Amendment to the Public Art GuidelinesMEMORANDUM TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: BRIAN PEDROTTI, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BY: ANDREW PEREZ, ASSOCIATE PLANNER SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES AND PUBLIC ART DONATION PROGRAM D ATE: OCTOBER 12, 2021 SUMMARY OF ACTION: Approval of amendments to the Public Art Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program. IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES: There are no direct fiscal impacts related to the proposed action. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council adopt a Resolution amending the Public Art Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program. (Attachment 1.) BACKGROUND: In 2002, the City Council approved an Art in Public Places Program and Process. In 2004, Public Art Guidelines (Guidelines) were adopted to accomplish the following goals: •Develop measures to promote art in the community; •Establish a uniform process for review and selection of public art on private and public property that would be reflective of the community, while also limiting City government involvement; and •Identify general guidelines and selection criteria that would promote creativity and freedom of expression, but also compatibility with the character, design, and environment of the surrounding area. The Guidelines were originally a section of the Design Guidelines and Standards for Mixed-Use Districts, but a 2011 amendment created a standalone document, as it currently exists. An Art Donation Program was approved by Council in 2006, creating a process 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. Item 8.f. - Page 1 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES AND PUBLIC ART DONATION PROGRAM OCTOBER 12, 2021 PAGE 2 ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: Purpose The Guidelines are intended to facilitate and encourage public art proposed to be placed on private property or by a property owner on adjacent rights of way within the City, as well as public art on City Property. The proposed amendments would revise the Guidelines to limit their purview to public art proposals on non-residentially zoned property. Public art on privately owned residential property has been removed from the Guidelines to avoid any confusion regarding their application. In addition, clerical amendments are proposed to the Guidelines to account for the changes to the City’s advisory bodies and those that provide consultation to the Council on public art projects. Process Currently, the Council considers and is the approving body for all public art projects. Proposed amendments to the Guidelines change the identified consultant to Council from the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council (SLOCAC) to Arroyo Grande Public Art (AGPA). The AGPA was formed in 2013, after the last revision to the Guidelines, and in the opinion of staff, represents a more appropriate consultant than SLOCAC due to their direct interest and participation within Arroyo Grande. Art projects proposed for park lands require a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) under the current Guidelines. Council adopted Ordinance 695 on August 28, 2018, which dissolved the PRC; therefore, it is proposed that the Guidelines be amended to have recommendations to Council for public art projects on park property come from the Recreation Department Director. The Guidelines also establish a seven (7) member Public Art Panel for the purpose of obtaining community input about a proposed art project. The proposed amendments to the Guidelines would change the membership of the panel by replacing two (2) seats currently allotted to SLOCAC with two (2) members from AGPA. The panel includes one (1) member from either the South County Chambers of Commerce, or the Arroyo Grande Village Improvement Association (AGVIA) if the art project is located in the Village. The AGVIA disbanded in the years since the last revision to the Guidelines, so the proposed amendments eliminate the AGVIA as a possible panel member. A change in recommendations to Council from the Recreation Department Director, rather than the PRC, for projects proposed on park property is the only proposed amendment to the Public Art Donation Program. ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration: 1. Adopt the attached Resolution approving amendments to the Public Art Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program; 2. Modify as appropriate and adopt the attached Resolution approving amendments to the Public Art Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program; Item 8.f. - Page 2 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES AND PUBLIC ART DONATION PROGRAM OCTOBER 12, 2021 PAGE 3 3. Do not adopt the Resolution, and provide direction to staff on specific amendments to the Public Art Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program; or 4. Provide other direction to staff. ADVANTAGES: The clerical updates accurately reflect existing circumstances with regard to advisory bodies and organizations that provide consultation on public art projects. DISADVANTAGES: None identified. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Community Development Department has determined that the project is statutorily exempt pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines because it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: The meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2. Attachments: 1. Proposed Resolution Item 8.f. - Page 3 RESOLUTION NO. ______ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING THE PUBLIC ART GUIDELINES AND PUBLIC ART DONATION PROGRAM WHEREAS, in 2002 the City Council approved measures to promote art in the community, establish a uniform process for the review and selection of public art on public and private property that would be reflective of the community but limit City Government involvement, and identify general guidelines and selection criteria to promote creativity and freedom of expression, but also compatibility with the character design and environment of the surrounding area; and WHEREAS, in 2004 the City Council adopted a Resolution approving Public Art Guidelines and an Ordinance incorporating them by reference into the Municipal Code as part of the Design Guidelines and Standards for Mixed Use Districts; and WHEREAS, in 2011 the City Council amended the Design Guidelines and Standards for Mixed Use Districts to establish standalone Public Art Guidelines and a Public Art Donation Program; and WHEREAS, the City Council considered substantive and clerical amendments to the Public Art Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program on October 12, 2021; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this project is consistent with the City's General Plan, Development Code, and the environmental documents associated therewith, and that the project is exempt under per Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande that the Public Art Guidelines and Public Art Donation Program are hereby amended as shown in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. On motion of Council Member _______________________, seconded by Council Member _______________________, and by the following roll call vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 12th day of October, 2021. Item 8.f. - Page 4 Attachment 1 RESOLUTION NO. PAGE 2 _________________________________________ CAREN RAY RUSSOM, MAYOR ATTEST: ________________________________________ JESSICA MATSON, CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: ________________________________________ WHITNEY McDONALD, CITY MANAGER APPROVED AS TO FORM: ________________________________________ TIMOTHY J. CARMEL, CITY ATTORNEY Item 8.f. - Page 5 CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PUBLIC ART EXHIBIT “A” 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 Amended by City Council Resolution No. ______ __________ ___, 2021 © 2004, 2011, 2021 City of Arroyo Grande All Rights Reserved Item 8.f. - Page 6 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 non-residentially zoned 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 non-residentially zoned 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. All Public Art shall be considered and approved by the City Council, in consultation with Arroyo Grande Public Art, and with the recommendation of the Recreation Department Director if the art is proposed to be placed on park property, and is 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 Arroyo Grande Public Art. 1 representative from the Architectural Review Committee. 1 representative from the South County Chambers of Commerce. 1 representative from the Historical Society. Item 8.f. - Page 7 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. Arroyo Grande Public Art 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 non-residentially zoned private property or by a property owner on adjacent public right of way within the City: 1. Public art shall be 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 8.f. - Page 8 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 a 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 8.f. - Page 9 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: I. 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 Recreation Department Director if placement is proposed 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 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 8.f. - Page 10 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 8.f. - Page 11 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Item 8.f. - Page 12