MINUTES

ARTS Commission

APRIL 18, 2007

The Sunnyvale Arts Commission met in regular session in the City Hall Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA at 7 p.m. with Chairperson Harper presiding.

CALL TO ORDER

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

ROLL CALL

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

None

CONSENT CALENDAR

1.A.  Approval of Draft Minutes from Arts Commission Meeting of February 21, 2007

MOTION: Vice Chairperson Obrey moved, Commissioner Carney seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar.

VOTE: Passed 3-0.

STAFF RESPONSES TO PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

2.  Presentation by Euphrat Museum of Art regarding Outside Group Funding Request

Assistant to the Director Merrill presented the staff report. She answered questions regarding the change in process from an annual funding request to a one-time request.

She explained that the Commission will make its recommendation regarding funding requests at the May 30, 2007, Commission meeting as part of the review of the budget supplements in the Recommended FY 2007/2008 Budget. A Commission member will need to present the Commission’s recommendation to Council at the June 5, 2007, public hearing on the Recommended FY 2007/2008 Budget.

Ms. Diana Argabrite, Director of Arts and Schools Program, Euphrat Museum of Art at De Anza College, addressed the Commissioners and presented an overview of the Euphrat After-School Arts Program. She shared photos and samples of students’ artwork, such as the collaborative mural at Lakewood School. She emphasized that there is an arts connection with almost every subject, and the students are working with contemporary issues such as global warming. Ms. Argabrite responded to Commissioners’ questions and confirmed that the arts program is directed toward students at risk.

Commissioners thanked Ms. Argabrite for her presentation.

Chairperson Harper opened the Public Hearing. There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was closed.

3.  Art in Private Development (AIPD): Jay Paul Company/Moffett Towers Public Art Component (11^th Avenue at H Street, Sunnyvale)

Ms. Kristin Dance, Visual Arts Coordinator, presented the staff report. She said this project is the largest of its kind in Sunnyvale to date, both because it is 55+ acres and because these office towers will be the only eight-story buildings within City limits. Ms. Dance added that the art project does have additional components which are referred to as the “Art Wall” and it is still under design. Recreation Superintendent Steward clarified that the “Art Wall” will come back to the Commission in June.

Ms. Janette Sammartino, Jay Paul Company, introduced the artist selected for the Moffett Towers project, Mr. Cliff Garten. Mr. Garten gave a PowerPoint presentation describing his artwork, the proposed project, and the elements and relationships of space, earthworks, landscaping, sculptures, lights, fountains, plazas, and architecture in his designs. He showed photos of his artwork.

Chairperson Harper declared a five-minute recess.

Chairperson called the meeting to order and asked if there were any questions.

Vice Chairperson Obrey expressed amazement at the thoughts and ideas coming from the artist. Commissioner Carney said she finds the project fascinating.

In response to questions from Commissioners, Mr. Garten said that all the stone work is green granite. When asked what material is used for the base of the sculpture, Mr. Garten explained the sculptures are level with the landscape rather than placed on a pedestal. Mr. Garten described splayed granite pieces, sizes, and how they are presented along the wall of grasses. He noted the project will provide a beautiful right-of-way as well as space in the project to be enjoyed by the tenants.

Commissioners asked how the granite pieces are secured into the ground or base, are they seismically secure, and requirements for water and fountain operations. Mr. Garten responded that the project, including landscaping and artwork, will comply with LEEDS certification requirements. He also explained the timeframe of the proposed project.

Commissioners thanked Mr. Garten for his informative presentation.

Chairperson Harper opened the Public Hearing. There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was closed.

MOTION:  Vice Chairperson Obrey moved, Commissioner Carney seconded, to approve the artwork as it is proposed, with the following requirements:

1. Require Arts Commission approval of the proposed Art Wall design.
2. Require the developer to submit revised landscaping plans, including plant types and the locations of any proposed signage. This is to ensure that future growth of the landscaping and placement of the signage will not impede view corridors for the artwork. Revised plans shall be submitted to the Director of Community Development for review prior to installation of the artwork.
3. Submit completed lighting plan for the approved artwork to the Visual Arts Coordinator for review prior to installation of the artwork.

VOTE: Passed 3-0.

4.  Promoting Sunnyvale Art Programs

Assistant to the Director Merrill presented the staff report.

At Chairperson Harper’s suggestion, Assistant to the Director Merrill agreed to bring this topic back to the Commission in July when new Commissioners come on board.

Chairperson Harper opened the Public Hearing. There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was closed.

5.  Update on Potential Study Issues for 2008

Assistant to the Director Merrill reviewed the study issue process and stated there are no new study issues proposed by the Commission for 2008.

Chairperson Harper opened the Public Hearing. There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was closed.

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

COMMISSION

All Commissioners will be available to attend the May 9, 2007, Joint Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission special meeting.

Vice Chairperson Obrey and Commissioner Carney will attend Hands on the Arts (HOTS) on May 19, 2007.

STAFF

None

INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS

·         Staff Liaison Report

·         Miscellaneous Items of Interest

ADJOURNMENT 8:45 p.m.

Chairperson Harper declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathy E. Merrill, Assistant to the Director

Parks and Recreation Department

Reviewed by,

David A. Lewis, Director

Parks and Recreation Department

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