Minutes

Public Art Commission

April 17, 2009

Regular Meeting

Attendance:

Commissioners:  Bussell, Edson, Markell, Wynkoop, Wilkerson, Longshore, Voisin (Council liaison, Seltzer (staff liaison)

Absent: Pugh

Guest:

Kate Jackson (City Councilor)

Chair Markell called meeting to order at 8:20 a.m.

Amendment to the Site Design Review Chapter of the Ashland Municipal Code (18.72.030) related to the installation of Public Art on buildings listed as contributing resources within a Historic District.

Community Development Director Bill Molnar provided an overview of the proposed amendment.

The Council delayed deliberation on the proposed amendment to provide an opportunity for the PAC to review and understand the proposed changes. 

Molnar explained that Public Art is excluded from the new sign code ordinance, but the proposed amendment will require a land use review by both the Historic Commission and Planning Commission for proposed Public Art to be sited on a historic building.  The Site Design Review document has specific criteria related to external changes to historic buildings.  The primary objective of the criteria is to maintain the visual integrity of historic buildings.  Criteria may include a review of proposed public art materials and the shape and size of the proposed art.  The criteria does not allow for a review of the art content which is evaluated by an independent Selection Panel as provided in the Public Art ordinance.

There was much discussion about the review and concern that the reviewing commissions will evaluate the content.  Molnar assured the group that even if individual commissioners express a personal opinion about the content, the comments are not considered to be a part of the review process.

The PAC discussed the process for the review and Molnar recommended the PAC seek input from Community Development staff when drafting the RFP for proposed art on a historic building so that specific details are included that relate to materials and size and shape of the proposed art.  Those are the details that will be reviewed as part of the Site Design.  Pending approval, the RFP or “Call to Artists” can then be issued.  Wilkerson also requested the staff liaison to the Historic Commission frame the issue for the HC and clearly state the parameters of the Site Design criteria as it relates to public art on historic buildings.

The PAC expressed support for the proposed amendment recognizing that the aesthetic integrity of Ashland’s historic districts is in keeping with the PAC mission.  Wilkerson will draft a letter of support of the proposed amendment to submit to the City Council.

Minutes

Edson/Bussel M/S approval of the March minutes with corrections.

Calle Guanajuato

Bussell and Markell provided an update on the selection and installation of the sculptures on Calle Guanjuato.  There was a brief discussion about marketing the pieces and the sub committee will meet to draft a marketing plan.

UB Public Art project

Edson provided a brief update on the utility box project.  The deadline for submissions is May 1.  Edson provided a draft “Artist Agreement” for PAC review.

New PAC Chair

Dana Bussell will assume the duties as Chair of the Public Art; Libby Edson was elected Vice Chair.  Appreciation was expressed to Melissa Markell for her leadership and guidance as chair for the past three years.

Next Meeting Date

Friday, May 15, 2009 8:15 a.m.

Meeting adjourned 9:35 a.m.