Item 24 Staff Report Consider Approving the Arts Commission Recommendation to Proceed with the Los Gatos Main Street Bridge Mural ProjectDATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 11/6/00
ITEM NO.
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
October 26, 2000
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCI
INTERIM TOWN MAN
CONSIDER APPROVING THE ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO
PROCEED WITH THE LOS GATOS MAIN STREET BRIDGE MURAL PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open and hold the Public Hearing.
2. Close the'Public Hearing.
3. Approve the Arts Commission recommendation to proceed with the Los Gatos Main Street Bridge Mural
Project by artist Carol Ann Huboi-Werry.
BACKGROUND:
Resolution 1992-78 establishes public art policies and procedures. It calls for the appointment of a five member
Public Art Selection Panel. The Panel reviews public art proposals then makes a recommendation regarding
acceptance to the Arts Commission. The Commission then presents the proposal to the Council for public hearing.
The current Panel members were appointed almost a year ago and are actively pursuing public art projects. With the
Forbes Mill Footbridge project complete, the Panel and the Arts Commission are eager to install more public art
along the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Public art proposals were informally solicited from local artists. Ms. Huboi-Werry
submitted a mural proposal.
DISCUSSION:
Painted onto the base of the Main St. Bridge, the proposed mural would be the second art installation along the Los
Gatos Creek Trail. It would recreate a landscape of the Santa Clara valley with open spaces and native people in a
natural setting. The Art Selection Panel and Arts Commission have reviewed the planned work and agree that it will
be a valuable addition to the community. The mural meets the criteria for acceptance of public art including:
aesthetic value, inherent quality, style, permanence and technical feasibility. The project would be lead by the artist
who plans to include school children in the completion of the large mural.
If Council approves the mural project, staff will:
► prepare an agreement for execution with the artist;
► work with the Art Selection to obtain funding from local donors or arts foundations; and,
► prepare and submit request for CalTrans approval (CalTrans owns the bridge).
PREPARED BY: Regina A. Falkner
Community Servic
rector N:lcsdltcrpts\muralprj.rpt
Reviewed by: Attorney
nance
Revised: 10/26/00 2:41 pm
Reformatted: 7/14/99
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: APPROVE ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO PROCEED WITH THE LOS GATOS
MAIN STREET BRIDGE MURAL PROJECT
October 26, 2000
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS:
The proposed mural is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Main St. Bridge Mural Project will proceed only if the project is fully funded. The estimated budget for the
Mural Project is $4,000.
Expenses:
ARTS
ADOPTED
CHANGE
REVISED
8070-72000
$1,100
$4,000
$5,100
Revenues:
ARTS
ADOPTED
CHANGE
REVISED
8070-48730
$-0-
$4,000
$4,000
Attachments:
1. Memo from the Art Selection Panel to the Arts Commission Regarding Main St. Bridge/Los Gatos Trail
Mural Project
2. Artist's Proposal
Distribution:
Arts Commission
Art Selection Panel
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Attachment 1
CELEBRATING
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MEMORANDUM
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Art Selection Panel-.°a,sQmhbbrowVW'
To: Los Gatos Arts Commission
From: Los Gatos Art Selection Panel
Subject: Main St. Bridge/Los Gatos Creek Trail Mural Project
Date: August 22, 2000
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Arts Commission approve the planned design of the Mural Project and give its
recommendation to the Town Council supporting the project.
BACKGROUND:
The proposed mural would recreate a landscape of the Santa Clara valley with open spaces and
native people in a natural setting. The mural would be painted onto the base of the Main St.
bridge which is accessible as part of the Los Gatos Creek Trail. The Art Selection Panel has
reviewed the planned work and agrees that it will be a valuable addition to the community. The
project would be lead by a local artist, Carol Ann Huboi-Werry, who plans to include school
children in the completion of the large mural.
DISCUSSION:
The mural artwork has meet the criteria for acceptance of public art including; aesthetic value,
inherent quality, style, permanence and technical feasibility. The Art Selection Panel passed the
motion at its August 10 meeting recommending another idea discussed at the meeting; a possible
theme for further artwork along the creek trail. Several issues are still being addressed such as
funding and bridge ownership. The Panel is working with the Town Community Services
Department to get Caltrans confirmation of ownership, necessary approval and permits for the
project. The estimated budget for the mural project is $4,000.
n:Icsd180701muralprj.mem
To: Regina Faikner, Community Services Director 4/2/00
Town of Los Gatos 208 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95031
From Carol Huboi, Professional Muralist
2028 Via D'Este Campbell, CA 95008
Re: Los Gatos Creek Trail, Public Art Project Proposal
My idea is to have children of all ages be involved in the painting of a mural, learning how to work well
together, and to see the fruits of their labors, in an enduring form that enriches the community.
Murals tell a story, and can turn an ugly cement wall, into a beautiful canvas. The area a few hundred
yards along the trail from Forbes Mill. provides a prime space for a mural. As it stands, the 20x75 foot
cement east wall, supporting the Main St. bridge, would need very little preparation and could be
transformed easily into a creative work space. My vision is a landscape mural, that blends in with the
surrounding environment, incorporating indigenous plant life, and depicting Ohlone Indians; imagine a
scene as would be encountered by settlers.
I believe a important element in a community project is a strong and experienced leader, who can make
sure the project does not bog down, while still encouraging spontaneous creativity. I would be both a
hands-on artist and teacher as well as the project manager. In past projects I have found my active
involvement is key to assuring the project moves along at a fast pace. I would provide the small scale
design and reference materials. I have over twenty years experience in murals and am very adept at
meeting tight deadlines.
What about graffiti? Studies have shown that public murals can actually reduce graffiti! Providing a
creative outlet for the community, and having a beautiful mural instead of a blank wall, cities and towns
across America have transformed once troubled areas for "taggers". For added reassurance, the finished
mural may also be treated with a protective anti -graffiti varnish.
The project should take 2-3 months. The children could attend 3 hour sessions, twice a week.
This project should cost approximately $4000, (including my reduced rate for this community project,)
and material costs. I am offering an hourly rate of $30 / hour, and estimate a total of 100 hours.
I've outlined some approximate material costs below.
24 Ft Extension Ladder Rental @ $14 Per Day $100
Base Coat (Gesso) 3 Gallons $100
24 Pints of Acrylic Paint @ $20 per Pint $500
Rollers, Trays, Brushes, Chalk, other Misc. $200
Varnish, 3 Gallons $100
Total Estimated Materials Cost
Total Estimated Labor Cost
Total Estimated Overall Cost
$1,000
$3,000
$4,000
Should you accept this proposal , I look forward to working with the Department of Community Services
as well at the local school and business members at large.
Carol A. Huboi
Town Council Minutes November 6, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
SITE APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE ON
PROPERTY ZONED HR-2 1/2. Carried unanimously.
WILLFUL INTERRUPTIONS OF MEETINGS/RULES FOR CONDUCT/ORDINANCE 2074 (21.12)
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, that Council adopt Ordinance 2074 entitled,
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING IN ITS ENTIRETY SECTION
2.20.020 TO ADDRESS WILLFUL INTERRUPTIONS OF MEETINGS AND RULES FOR
CONDUCT. Carried unanimously.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM/QUARTERLY REPORT (22.09)
Motion by Mrs Lubeck, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, that Council accept and file informational report
on the quarterly status of the Capital Improvement Program. Carried unanimously.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
General Town Review:
Ray Davis, resident, gave a general review of the Town Council and spoke concerning Item
21.
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT/RESOLUTION 2000-133 (23.41)
The following people made a presentation regarding Safe Routes to School:
Barbara Nesbit, spoke in support of traffic control for Daves Ave. safety.
Ray Davis, resident spoke about ladder striping for the painted crosswalk.
Erin Garner, 15936 Barry Lane, Monte Sereno, spoke in support of Safe routes to School Grant.
Doug and Sherri McNeil, 17413 Pleasant View Ave, showed graphs and traffic patterns at the
Daves, Farley, Winchester intersection.
Marc Jensen, 120 Oak Rim Way, #1, supported the grant application for Safe Routes to School.
Philip Levine, 15813 Poppy Lane, spoke in support of traffic safety at Daves and Winchester.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, that Council adopt Resolution 2000-133
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AUTHORIZING THE TOWN
MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE ATTACHED APPLICATION FOR A SAFE ROUTES TO
SCHOOL GRANT TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A TRAFFIC CALMING/SPEED
REDUCTION PLAN FOR WINCHESTER BOULEVARD IN THE VICINITY OF DAVES
AVENUE. Carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
MURAL PROJECT/LOS GATOS MAIN STREET BRIDGE (24.28)
Mayor Blanton announced that this was the time and place so noted for public hearing to consider
approving the Arts Commission recommendation to proceed with the Los Gatos Main Street Bridge
TC:DII:MM110600
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Town Council Minutes November 6, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
mural project.
The following person spoke on the issue:
Mary Tomasi-DuBois, Chairman of the Arts Commission, presented a rendering of the proposed
project. The project will be worked on by the artist and school children and will be a depiction of
the area before recent settlement. It will be located by Forbes Mill and add to the charm of the
museum.
PUBLIC HEARINGS CONT.
MURAL PROJECT/LOS GATOS MAIN STREET BRIDGE/CONT.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, to close the public hearing. Carried
unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, to approve the Arts Commission
recommendation to proceed with the Los Gatos Main Street Bridge mural project by artist Carol Ann
Huboi-Werry. Carried unanimously.
BELMONT 215/RESIDENTIAL/S-00-53/APPEAL (25.15)
Mayor Blanton announced that this was the time and place so noted for public hearing to consider
an appeal of the decision of the Planning Commission to approve an unlawful demolition and the
reconstruction of a single family residence with a second story which projects into the required
setbacks and the addition to a detached garage which exceeds 450 square feet in area on a
nonconforming property zoned R-1:8. Architecture and Site Application S-00-53. Property Location:
215 Belmont. Property Owner\Appellant: Don and Dana Langley. Applicant: E. Gary Schloh.
Mr. Attaway will be abstaining due to a possible appearance of a conflict of interest on this matter.
The following people spoke to this issue:
Don Langley, 215 Belmont, agreed to the requirements of the fireplace location, the privacy wall
around the light well and all other conditions.
Eric Raff, 211 Belmont Ave., asked that the project be returned to what Historic Preservation
approved; and that the balcony be reduced in size to provide more privacy.
Russ Anderson, 210 University Ave., architect for the project, spoke of the approved plans that were
circulated in the neighborhood for suggestions and approval.
Leslie Dill, 110 N. Santa Cruz Ave., spoke of the Historic Preservation needs of the neighborhood
and the design approvals which spoke to those needs.
Ray Davis, resident, opposed the project and the process of accepting the plans.
Phil Miccichi, 220 Alexander Ave, asked that it be approved so the house can be finished.
No one else spoke to the issue.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, to close the public hearing. Carried by a vote
of 4 ayes. Mr. Attaway abstained.
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