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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-14-2008 Draft HCAC Minutes . HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN August 14, 2008 The August 14, 2008 meeting of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chair Swalwell. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Swalwell led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Swalwell, Carr, Acuff, Mack, Vonheeder-Leopold, Lussie, Halket Commissioners Absent: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion by Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold, seconded by Cm. Mack, and by a vote of 7-0-0, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of July 10, 2008 as presented. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARING - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS 8.1 Bray Commons - Public Art Mr. John Hartnett, Cultural and Heritage Arts Manager, presented the specifics of the item as outYined in the Staff Report. Chair Swalwell opened the floor to public comments. Mr. John Zukoski, Dublin resident, spoke on behalf of Mr. Rod Bugowan, Dublin resident and author of a petition requesting removal of the artwork at Bray Commons Park. Mr. Zukoski read a letter submitted by Mr. Bugowan. In the letter, Mr. Bugowan referred to the fallen metal leaves he had collected and the noise disturbance created by the artwork. Mr. Zukoski gave the collected metal leaves (5 leaves) to the Commission, along with the petition that contained 62 signatures from 55 households. Chair Swalwell asked how long Mr. Zukoski has lived near Bray Commons. Mr. Zukoski stated that he has lived there since February 2007. Chair Swalwell asked if he took part in the public process for choosing the artwork, and Mr. Zukoski said no. Chair Swalwell asked his thoughts on why more residents did not attend the meeting to voice their opinions. Mr. Zukoski opined that many residents probably expected Mr. Bugowan to attend the meeting DRAFT H&CAC Minutes - August 14, 2008 Page 2 of 3 and represent everyone's concerns. Chair Swalwell asked if he could hear the artwork from his residence, and Mr. Zukoski said no. Chair Swalwell asked if he is more concerned about the public safety issue regarding the falling metal leaves or the noise of the artwork. Mr. Zukoski stated that he is most concerned with the public safety issue. He stated that he would not want the design of the artwork to change, but would like the material holding the metal leaves to be reinforced. Chair Swalwell stated that he has heard the sounds of the artwork and would imagine that the sound lessens as one moves further away from the artwork. Mr. Zukoski stated that the sound from the artwork reverberates up and around nearby areas. Chair Swalwell stated that he is concerned about undoing the democratic process that put the artwork in place. Cm. Halket stated that there could be potential to redirect the sound by planting mature trees around the artwork. Cm. Acuff suggested treating the metal leaves with a substance that would dull the sound. She stated that she believes the sound complaint is legitimate. Cm. Lussie stated that given the routine activities of a park and the acoustics of the area, hearing the sounds from the park is a condition of living near the park. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold explained the history of the public process for installing art in neighborhoods. She asked Mr. Hartnett about the art selection committee for Bray Commons Park. Mr. Hartnett stated that two residents from the Bray Commons area were on the art selection committee. He further explained that of five different artworks to choose from, the most positive public comments were received for the subject artwork. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold stated that because the sound generated from the artwork is within the acceptable levels of the City's General Plan, a horrible precedent would be set if the artwork was removed due to the sound. She further stated that the falling metal leaves are a valid concern. She stated that she likes the idea of using trees as sound barriers. She suggested investigating the costs of moving the artwork or planting mature trees around the artwork. Cm. Carr agreed with the Commissioners on the safety issues. She stated that she would be interested in finding methods to mitigate the sound of the artwork. She suggested coating the leaves in a material such as latex plastic to soften the sound. Cm. Mack agreed with the Commissioners on the safety issues. She stated that sound mitigation should be investigated. Chair Swalwell asked how many leaves are on the artwork. Mr. Hartnett stated that according to the artist, there are 5,000 - 6,000 leaves on the artwork. Chair Swalwell asked about the costs of coating the leaves, planting mature trees around the artwork, or relocating the artwork. Mr. Hartnett stated that Staff would have to investigate the costs associated with these options, if appropriate, and follow-up with the Commission. Cm. Lussie pointed out that coating the leaves could alter the aesthetics of the artwork. DRAFT H&CAC Minutes - August 14, 2008 Page 3 of 3 Cm. Halket stated that she was on the Art Selection Committee for this artwork. She stated that she would not like to see the artwork removed. She stated that Staff should investigate how to keep the artwork and also keep the residents happy with the artwork. Cm. Lussie stated that she would like the residents to be a part of the investigative process so they can understand the costs and work involved in making any changes to the artwork. Chair Swalwell stated that his recommendation would be to first address the safety issue, then to receive a report from Staff on sound mitigation options. Mr. Hartnett asked if the Commission would like to recommend one of the options discussed in the Staff Report, and the Commission said no. Mr. Hartnett stated that the artist has agreed to maintain and secure the leaves of the artwork on a regular basis. On a motion by Chair Swalwell, seconded by Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold, and by a vote of 7-0-0, the Commission recommended that the artist continue to inspect, maintain and secure the artwork and provide a report on maintenance activities, and that Staff investigate additional sound mitigation options. OTHER BUSINESS 9.1 Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Heritage and Cultural Arts Commissioners and/or Staff Cm. Lussie reported on her recent trip to Laguna Beach, CA. Cm. Vonheeder Leopold reported on a letter received by the Dublin Historical Preservation Association asking for assessment of cultural or historical materials/areas around the wafer tanks in the east Dublin hills due to the potential installation of telecommunication towers. Chair Swalwell reported on his recent trip to New Orleans, LA. Cm. Halket reported on activities of the Dublin Sister City Association. Cm. Mack reported on her attendance at the Summer Concerts. Mr. Hartnett reported on Family Movie nights, a new pamphlet outlining Dublin's historical resources, and the status of construction for the Dublin Historical Park. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Franklin Administrative Technician APPROVED: Chairperson