Minutes

Public Art Commission

April 18, 2008

Regular Meeting

Attendance:

Commissioners:  Markell, Bussell, Longshore, Pugh, Douglas, Seltzer (staff liaison), Hardesty (council liaison)

Absent:

Anderson, Wilkerson

Guests:

None

Chair Markell called meeting to order at 8:20 a.m.  Minutes of February 15 meeting were approved. M/S Longshore/Bussell

Update on Nourishing Our Community

Bussell gave an update on the installation of the new piece for Nourishing Our Community.  The piece was installed on April 9.  She acknowledged the numerous people involved in the project: Mike Jacobsen from Northwest Stone who donated labor and equipment, Ron Hobeson of Ashland Concrete who donated the concrete and the City of Ashland Street Division who removed the old concrete.

There was discussion about what to do with the old pieces.  A number of commissioners expressed interest in having a piece for their garden.  Hardesty suggested giving a piece to the people involved in the installation.  Seltzer will try to coordinate a time for commissioners to go to the yard and take a piece.  If no one takes the broken piece, it will be discarded.

Update on Funding

Bussell and Markell gave a brief update on funding for public art.  At the council meeting on April 15, the council approved allocating the following funds towards public art: one tenth of one percent of a commercial development fee, one half of one percent of non-utility CIP projects over $25,000 and 5% of the tourism designated funds from the TOT increase.

Hardest and Seltzer explained the next steps.  The TOT public hearing is scheduled allowing the public to comment on the tax increase.  If the TOT increase is approved, the allocation of the revenue, including public art, will be written into a resolution for final approval by the council.  The commercial development fee is a “land use” matter, therefore it must be brought to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and approval and work its way through the planning must be approved A public hearing will be scheduled allowing the public to comment on the allocation. 

Update on Economic and Cultural Development Grant

Bussell reported that the PAC request for funding for the Bricsoe School project was not approved.  The group agreed it was a learning experience and that it was probably not the type of project that should have been submitted.  Some discussion about which project would be appropriate for next year.

Tree of Heaven Table

The tree commission has invited the public art commission to co-host an event.  The Tree of Heaven which was located at the entrance to Lithia Park was dying and was cut down last year.  The wood has been carved into a table and the wood worker would like to present the table to “the citizens of Ashland”.  The table will likely reside in the lobby of 51 Winburn Way.  The event will occur in a few weeks and probably be a brief presentation at the entrance to the park.

Commission Event April 28 4;00 Pioneer Hall

Seltzer advised the PAC that the annual commission party is coming up.  The purpose of the event is the publically thank the various commissions and an opportunity for commission members to meet one another.

Other

Discussion about the sign code.  Seltzer will speak with the City Attorney on where it is in the hopper and the timeline.

Discussion about Oyster.  Seltzer has contacted the artist about the vandalism but has not heard back.  Markell will follow up with a phone call.  Oyster and Kelp are on loan from the artist and the loan expires in June of 2008.  Discussion about possibly keeping the pieces or soliciting pieces locally for display and or creating a new pedestal in a different location.

Next meeting, May 16, 8:15 a.m.

Meeting adjourned: 9:45