[0:08] Welcome to the regular meeting of the public art review board uh July 15,

[0:14] 2026. The time is 608. Uh Becky, can you please call?

[0:21] » All right. Um acting chair Merrick. >> Oh, here. [laughter]

[0:25] » Member Sandival >> here. Member Schoffler

[0:30] » here. >> Member Skinner.

[0:32] » Yes. >> All right. And then member Xiao we know

[0:35] will be absent this evening. Thank you.

[0:40] » Okay. So, I'm calling [clears throat] I guess our first agenda item approving

[0:46] the regular meeting minutes from January 14th.

[0:50] Uh at this time, we invite questions and answers from committee members to staff.

[1:02] Okay. So, I'll call for a motion and then a second to approve the minutes.

[1:09] » So, moved. >> Second.

[1:13] » Becky, can you please call the role? >> Yeah. Was the second uh member Skinner?

[1:19] » Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you.

[1:22] » All right. Um, acting chair Merritt,

[1:26] » uh, yay. >> Member Sandival,

[1:29] » yes. >> Member Schoffler,

[1:31] » yes. >> And member Skinner,

[1:34] » yes. >> Right. Motion approved. Thank you.

[1:37] » Thank you. >> At this time, I'd like to open public

[1:41] comment for any in-person participants on any matters not listed on the agenda

[1:45] that pertain to the public art review board.

[1:50] » I'll just add a quick comment. It's great to see so many people here

[1:53] tonight. Thank you all for being here, taking time out of your evening. My name

[1:56] is Craig Baray. I work for the city. I'm the assistant library rec director. Uh I

[2:01] also wear the hat of being the um city staff leazison for the public art review

[2:06] board, which is why you're all here. And I'll just encourage everyone since

[2:09] there's a lot of people in the room, we limit public comment to two minutes per

[2:13] person. And if if someone already said something that you agree with, one of

[2:17] the ways we really like to acknowledge that is to use the ASL applause. Like

[2:22] you can put your hands up and um just acknowledge that you're in agreement. Um

[2:26] but we also want to just remind everyone to be respectful and um share opinions

[2:30] in a respectful way. With that, that's open for anyone.

[2:37] » Who wants to go first? >> I'll go first.

[2:40] » Okay. >> Yeah. We don't have a dis here. So,

[2:43] » all right. >> Well, I read this part here. It says,

[2:46] "Be respectful." So, I won't tell you what I really think about this project,

[2:51] but it's not art. Emperor has no clothes. These are cartoons. Dunesbury

[2:58] has a message. Do you cut out the Dunesbury cartoon and frame it and put

[3:01] it in your living room? We have to have these just because somebody wants them.

[3:05] Somebody wants to say, "We got heard, so therefore we got this." Most of us that

[3:10] live there don't want it. If you read these, you're going to read them once.

[3:14] You're not going to read them again and again, and it's not even it's the same

[3:17] people going by over and over. These even don't even go on the path over to

[3:21] Target. So anyway, uh I hope you don't approve it. This is the art review

[3:29] boards and you're looking at cartoons, keep that in mind. Thank you.

[3:35] » Excuse me. >> We had a question.

[3:39] » Dad Labar. >> Dad Labar. Lamar B.

[3:42] » Yeah. L A capital B A R R E. >> Yeah. And just since we don't typically

[3:48] get a lot of public comment, I think that's a a really great point. If you

[3:50] want to share your name, the neighborhood you live in, that's always

[3:53] helpful for us. If you also have any written correspondence that you want to

[3:57] share and leave with me, we can add that to the project record. We do have a

[4:01] project file for you. >> Thank you.

[4:07] » And also, can I just get a show? Um, how many of you are here to speak about the

[4:10] people of the canal project tonight? Just to clarify that, um, if you're

[4:16] speaking about that people of the canal project, that is not an item that's on

[4:19] the agenda. And since it's not an item that's on the agenda, I just want to

[4:23] clarify that. Um, to date, the public art review board has not received a

[4:28] proposal. So, they are they have not had any information in front of them to

[4:33] review at this point in time. So just to clarify that um to make sure that

[4:37] everyone's on the same page. Um so if you are speaking about that project

[4:41] again not on the agenda it's not something that we'll we to discuss at

[4:44] length this evening in in alignment with our brown act rules.

[4:49] » Right. I'll speak next. >> Hello everyone. My name is Susan Lavine.

[4:53] I live in Bayoint. >> Speak up a little bit.

[4:56] » And I'm a member of which stands for Marin Alliance to Retain Stark weather

[5:01] habitat. I want to begin by recognizing that the peoples of the canal project is

[5:06] unlike anything your board has approved before. In the past, the board has

[5:11] approved murals on buildings, artwork on utility boxes, and temporary exhibits

[5:17] inside places like Fallerk Cultural Center. Those projects may be very

[5:22] different artistically, but they have something important in common. They are

[5:26] located in developed settings. They're relatively easy to maintain or replace,

[5:31] and they can be removed without permanently changing the character of

[5:35] the place. This proposal is different. It would permanently install a two-mile

[5:42] largecale exhibit throughout one of San Rafll's most treasured shoreline parks.

[5:49] These signs wouldn't simply occupy the space, they would become part of the

[5:53] landscape for decades. And that's especially significant because on the

[5:57] shoreline path, the view is the art. People come to experience the marsh, the

[6:03] bay, the wildlife, and the sweeping views. The shoreline itself is the

[6:07] destination, not a backdrop for a permanent outdoor exhibit. That's why

[6:13] your responsibility isn't simply to decide whether this is a worthwhile

[6:17] project. It's to decide whether it's the right project for this location. Your

[6:22] review criteria asks whether this site is appropriate, whether the project is

[6:27] compatible with its surroundings, and whether it enhances the public space in

[6:31] which it will be placed. I don't think anyone disputes that these stories

[6:35] deserve to be told. They absolutely do. The real question is whether the

[6:39] shoreline park is the right place to tell them. And if the current design

[6:43] can't work anywhere else, then perhaps the design should evolve so it can.

[6:49] Great public art doesn't ask a special place to change to accommodate the art.

[6:54] It succeeds because it respects and complements the place where it's

[6:58] installed. Thank you.

[7:06] » Yeah. Mark fellows. I'm a Scottish but I actually live in Sper Point. So before I

[7:11] get to the next question and I'm going to speak fast. I apologize because I

[7:14] thought we had three minutes. I want to get I want to bring perspective from my

[7:17] own work in public art in New York City with NGO Artbridge. Last month I helped

[7:21] launch a community art project called speaking body in Brooklyn's 34 district

[7:26] that tells the stories of immigrant mothers living in the city's shelter

[7:28] system. We didn't ask where the story whether the story deserved to be have a

[7:32] home and clearly did. We asked where the audience was time and attention to

[7:36] consume the art. That's the lens I'm bringing to tonight. So this exhibit has

[7:40] real educational in my view educational and artistic value. Nobody here is

[7:44] arguing otherwise in front of this board tonight isn't the question isn't whether

[7:48] the panels are good art or not. It's whether the shoreline path is the right

[7:51] environment to deliver that art. So throughout the process the question

[7:54] seems to have been framed around whether the installation fits the shoreline path

[7:57] largely because that's where it was first conceived. I believe correct me if

[8:01] I'm wrong. Um [clears throat] I'd suggest it's the wrong question. The

[8:04] question is whether it's the site can deliver what a permanent 22 panel

[8:09] exhibit actually needs an audience that stops, reads, and returns. Picklewood

[8:15] Park sits at the canal neighborhood itself with parking, restrooms, shade,

[8:18] and room for people to gather. This audience this project is meant to serve.

[8:24] The shoreline path is a linear two-mile recreational trail. People walk, run,

[8:27] bike, fish, bird watch there. never built to hold a museum's worth of text

[8:31] and moving um art through um I'm gonna move on quickly. M so matching the

[8:36] project to the right side isn't a downgrade. It's the ordinary work of

[8:39] producing public art responsibly. My art bridge project succeeded because we

[8:44] match the work to where the audience already was, not because we found a way

[8:48] to force it somewhere else. So the board can live by the same standard here not

[8:51] by judging whether the art is good um or not but by asking whether this stretch

[8:57] of shoreline is a place to receive it. The current proposal can't be met by the

[9:01] board's if a current proposal can't be met by the board standards for this

[9:05] location. The answer isn't to compromise the shoreline is to give this project a

[9:08] site where it can actually succeed.

[9:16] » Okay, I'll go next. Uh my name is Claire Taylor uh also of Spanaker Point and

[9:22] this evening I'd like to talk about um the perspective of planning that went

[9:28] into uh the the uh canal art project and there are two con significant points

[9:34] that haven't been considered in the placement of where the panel should be

[9:40] along the weather path. And the first is that the city part of the city's general

[9:46] plan as a part of the sea level rise adaptation plan is the likely potential

[9:52] for the refabrication or the removal of the burm to accommodate the new

[9:57] infrastructure that will be constructed to protect against inevitable sea level

[10:02] rise. We all know that this is happening.

[10:05] Secondly, that if the proposed park lighting goes through, um the city will

[10:11] have to dig up the same pathway where the signs would sit to install lighting.

[10:16] And this of course would seriously interfere with or delay any installation

[10:21] that is placed along the path and may necessitate its removal to complete an

[10:27] electrical infrastructure project. The only way to guarantee that the art

[10:33] remains intact and untouched is to place it elsewhere. For example, at Pickle

[10:39] Pickle Community Center where it will be preserved and protected for all to

[10:44] enjoy. Long-term projects need to be planned in conjunction with each other.

[10:50] Um, if the art project is considered an asset to the community, it should be

[10:56] placed where it can be most appreciated by everyone. Thank you.

[11:02] I'll go next since I'm going to kind of speak a little bit to what Claire just

[11:06] said. My name is Flores. I'm a resident also of Senkar Point. The history of the

[11:12] Canal neighborhood is rich, important, and absolutely deserves to be shared.

[11:17] But tonight, the issue isn't the history that we're talking about. It's the

[11:20] location. Why would the city install a permanent exhibit on a shoreline it

[11:25] already knows will have to be redesigned because of sea level rise? The shoreline

[11:30] trail and bayfront BM are in the FEMA flood zone. The city's southeast

[11:36] Sanrifell sea level rise adaptation plan identifies this very corridor as an area

[11:42] that will require future adaptation. The city is already studying options that

[11:47] include raising, widening, relocating, or reconstructing the levy and the

[11:52] shoreline path. So, we know that this landscape is going to change. Yes. Yet,

[11:58] this proposal calls for 22 permanent history panels anchored in the same

[12:02] corridor. When shoreline improvements eventually occur, those panels could

[12:07] have to be moved, removed, lo relocated, repaired, or replaced, all at additional

[12:13] expense. That simply isn't a good long-term planning. There is a better

[12:18] solution, but the goal is to celebrate the canal history. Use a temporary or

[12:23] rotating exhibit. The city has already demonstrated this concept with the civic

[12:27] cent's music and moren through the decades exhibit. Temporary exhibits can

[12:32] be updated, expanded, relocated, or replaced as community needs change and

[12:37] as a shoreline evolves. There's also a smarter investment. Instead of spending

[12:43] taxpayer dollars on permanent infrastructure that may later have to be

[12:47] demolished or reconstructed, the city can avoid unnecessary future costs while

[12:52] preserving the flexibility to adapt. Better yet, place the exhibit where

[12:57] people can truly experience it in a location with parking, restrooms,

[13:02] seating, shade, a ADA accessibility, and room for school groups and community

[13:09] programs. not along a narrow recreational trail that is already

[13:14] slated for future modification. No one is questioning whether the canal's

[13:19] history deserves recognition. It absolutely does. The question before you

[13:25] is whether a permanent installation belongs in a place the city already

[13:30] knows will be fundamentally altered by sea level rise. I

[13:35] respectfully ask you to reconsider the proposal and pursue a temporary movable

[13:41] exhibit in a more appropriate location. It will honor the canal's history,

[13:46] better serve the public, [clears throat] and be a more responsible investment of

[13:50] taxpayer dollars. Thank you so much.

[13:56] » I'll go ahead. Um, I'm also a Sparkle Point um, resident and I walk that path

[14:02] every day. And the art is the water, the pelicans, the birds, the sky. I would

[14:09] love to even see a little critter crossing the what are the um the little

[14:14] predators who live on the little island, but as long as they're going the other

[14:17] way. But the and there is absolutely no parking for anybody to come and look at

[14:23] that art. and our streets are already crowded from from cars that don't are

[14:28] not living there residents and so people who live there have a hard time parking.

[14:34] So again, I think a more appropriate space to leave the nature, which is what

[14:38] that path was originally designed for to to enjoy nature and the beauty. It's bad

[14:44] enough if those lights go in because that's going to destroy the ecosystem,

[14:48] but I would please urge you to look for a more appropriate place to put the art

[14:54] which which deserves an appropriate place. Thank you.

[15:04] » Sure, I'll go. Uh, my name is Stuart Dubie. I am a 29-year Sanrfell resident

[15:11] at Baypoint Lagoon's HOA board member and tonight I speak as a volunteer with

[15:15] Marsh to address the board's upcoming evaluation of the people's of of the

[15:19] canal signage project. Um before I start, I think everyone's made this

[15:24] really clear. We completely support preserving and sharing the history of

[15:28] the Miwok Coast Miwok, the Canal neighborhood, and many communities that

[15:32] shape San Rafll's history. We believe it's a story that deserves to be told.

[15:37] The question before you is not whether this is an important story. The question

[15:42] before you is is the one that your own bylaws require you to answer.

[15:47] [clears throat] Has the applicant just demonstrated that the proposed peoples

[15:50] of the canal project satisfies the public art reviews boards boards adopted

[15:56] review criteria. These criteria ask that you evaluate the

[16:00] project readiness, community engagement, long-term maintenance, design, and

[16:04] whether the appropriate site has been identified. With those standards are

[16:08] applied, I believe several important questions remain. First, community

[16:12] engagement. Your bylaws require meaningful engagement with the

[16:18] neighborhood organizations and adjacent communities for long-term art projects.

[16:23] Yet hundreds of residents, trail users, environmental organizations, and

[16:27] recreational users only became aware of this proposal on October of 2025.

[16:34] Today, more than 290 verified petition signatures along with letters and public

[16:40] testimony asked the city to reconsider the location, not because they oppose

[16:45] the history, but the le but because they question whether the shoreline path is

[16:49] the appropriate setting. That level of community concern deserves more than

[16:53] acknowledgement. It deserves meaningful consideration.

[16:58] Has the applicant demonstrated the level of community engagement envisioned by

[17:02] your bylaws. Second, appropriate site. Your review

[17:06] criteria specifically identifies selecting an appropriate site as part of

[17:11] the project ready readiness. The shoreline path is not a downtown

[17:15] streetscape, civic plaza, or museum. is one of San Rafll's most treasured

[17:19] shoreline parks where the landscape itself is the destination. People come,

[17:24] walk, run, bicycle, observe the wildlife, enjoy uninterrupted bay views

[17:29] of one of the last remaining tidal natural tidal salt marshes. This

[17:34] proposal will introduce approximately 22 permanent interpretive stations along

[17:38] nearly two miles encouraging vis visitors to stop, read, interact with

[17:43] digital content on a narrow shared use recreational corridor.

[17:48] » I'm sorry, we're we're like 30 seconds over.

[17:51] » Okay. Can I just >> speak?

[17:57] » Okay, that's fine. Um,

[18:02] it it will introduce approximately 22 permanent interpretive stations across

[18:06] nearly two miles, encouraging visitors to stop, gather, read, interact with

[18:10] digital content on a narrow shared shared use recreational corridor,

[18:16] blocking the same path frequented by runners, cyclists, and fast moving

[18:20] ebikes and ecooters. The board should ask these simple questions. Does this

[18:25] installation enhance the shoreline or fundamentally change the experience

[18:29] people come to there to enjoy? Has the applicant demonstrated that other

[18:34] alternative publicly accessible locations were meaningfully evaluated?

[18:40] Um, in conclusion, this proposal is unlike projects previously reviewed by

[18:45] PAR. It is not simply a mural or sculpture. It's a permanent two-mile

[18:49] interpretive experience that becomes part of the landscape itself. Your

[18:54] responsibility is not simply to determine whether the part project has

[18:57] artistic or educational merit. It is to determine whether the applicant has

[19:02] demonstrated that this proposal satisfies the city's adoptive review

[19:06] criteria and that this shoreline park is the appropriate location. We

[19:11] respectfully ask that these questions be answered before any recommendation is

[19:15] made to the city council. Thank you. >> I'll go next. My name is Reva Revis and

[19:22] I live in Spker Point. Um, I'm going to speak to the educational value and

[19:27] practicality. One of the primary justifications for this project is it

[19:31] will educate Canal students and serve the 13,000 residents of the Canal

[19:35] neighborhood and also uh the students of the Marin uh school system. We all agree

[19:41] again that this history deserves to be told. Again, the question is whether or

[19:45] not the Shoreline Path is the right classroom to bring a class here.

[19:48] Teachers would have to bring students on a bus, park at at the if you're going in

[19:54] the direction that the exhibit goes, they would park and then have to walk

[19:58] two to four miles along a along a shared recreational trail to view signs and

[20:03] access QR codes. But I want to speak to the rec the shared part of the

[20:06] recreational trail. It is a very narrow path, very narrow. And it is full. It is

[20:12] always busy. So, if you how you can you imagine moving school groups along uh of

[20:18] of young children and then and then also there's lots of they're not supposed to

[20:23] be, but there's lots of um um motorized traffic like scooters and bikes just

[20:29] zipping by. Um which is I think would be a problem for school groups. Um but the

[20:35] so imagine the children are the school children are going along. They're

[20:38] viewing signs in big clusters of groups and they're accessing QR codes and

[20:42] digital features, which raises another concern. Instead of experiencing the

[20:45] marsh wildlife scenic shoreline, students will spend much of their time

[20:48] looking at phones and screens. The experience becomes more like walking

[20:52] through an outdoor museum than one one of enjoying San Rafael's most beautiful

[20:56] park. And again, we've already talked about the lack of facilities that is

[21:00] really critical for for school children. And then um I can't even imagine that it

[21:05] meets any type of ADA uh requirements where you could actually take school

[21:09] children. Um the the person who proposed this project stated the project is

[21:14] warmly welcomed by the Marin school superintendent. Well, we we reached out

[21:18] to John Carroll and he said he said my role has not involved participation in

[21:25] the development location or visitor logistics of the project itself. My role

[21:29] has been focused specifically on the art and history education components. And I

[21:34] guess my time is up.

[21:49] » Jimmy [clears throat]

[21:55] artists and visual artists. We just pulled together some pictures so you

[21:59] could see what we're talking about. Um, this one is an actual scale sign.

[22:06] It's over at Chrissy Field in San Francisco. And this is a child. So, this

[22:11] is what it would look like for the child standing at the sign. And there's one

[22:15] sign there. And it talks about what you're seeing, the birds, the natural

[22:20] wildlife. This is a sign that's already on the

[22:24] path. It's the only one there. Well, see it, but oh, actually, yeah, it

[22:31] won't be on there. And this is 22 by 22 in. This is 36x 24, which is the size of

[22:40] this. This is how big those signs are going to be. Okay, this is an actual

[22:46] interpretive. There's a definition for interpretive signage, and it means it's

[22:50] wetland birds of walkman. If anybody's ever been at Andy's Market, you know

[22:54] where that is before you get to the This is all about the birds that live in this

[22:59] marsh. Um, this is the temporary exhibit at the civic center that we were talking

[23:06] about and it's beautiful. It's music through the decades in Marin. You've

[23:12] probably seen it if you went to the fair or something and they've moved it a

[23:16] couple of times, but it gives you an idea of how you could put large panels

[23:19] and there's parking there. You get the idea. There's bathrooms.

[23:26] This is the path. This is what it looks like when people are there. It's almost

[23:33] impassible. If you if the bike comes, you've got to really You really got to

[23:38] do something. >> And the bikes, you're missing the bikes

[23:40] whipping down. >> Yeah, the ebikes.

[23:44] This is a flooded um this is a flooded part of the path where there won't be

[23:48] any signs. It's privately owned and it's unlit and it's

[23:54] » unimproved. You have to walk through that

[23:55] » and during the winter, can you tell them what the what it's like in the winter?

[23:59] » Yeah, it's worse than this. Finally, wet money.

[24:02] » This is what happens to signage in that area and it's a regular occurrence.

[24:07] There's lots of graffiti on ba waste baskets and the on the on the asphalt,

[24:13] etc. This is the before and this is it cleaned up, which isn't really clean.

[24:20] Thank you

[24:26] for public comment. >> I wasn't going to speak, but something

[24:32] that was just barely mentioned um but I think is really important and I agree

[24:36] with everything everyone said is parking. Parking is a nightmare for us,

[24:41] particularly on the weekends, which would be the most likely the highest

[24:45] time that the public would come to see the exhibit. There are no parking

[24:49] spaces. I live on Spre Point Drive in Spre Point. And um the parking at the

[24:55] other end um is negligible. Um there's a few spaces. I can't imagine what

[25:01] wouldn't be happening with school buses that are coming to find a place to wait

[25:07] for the people in our neighborhood.

[25:12] » By the way, um my name is Joanie Harris and I live at Baypoint. Sorry, got all

[25:18] excited. My name is Susan Burns.

[25:28] » My name is Rich Stock and I'm here on behalf of the Canal Arts Nonprofit,

[25:35] which is the the author of this project. And I know some of you may not know

[25:40] about this, but I just want to give you a brief glimpse at the typical signage

[25:45] that's being designed, proposed. This is one of 20 exhibits that will be

[25:53] on on the path. Um [clears throat] the uh

[26:02] misinformation that I think some folks are suffering from is that the uh

[26:10] exhibits are going to be twice the size that they really are.

[26:16] They'll be located uh

[26:21] together, which they're not. This is a two-year, excuse me, a twomile

[26:27] project. The average space between these exhibits is a tenth of a mile. That's

[26:33] about a 2 to three minute walk between one and the next. U this is a this is an

[26:40] actual image showing one of the signs and the

[26:46] next one that's approximately a tenth of a mile away.

[26:51] And that bears no resemblance to to what's being shown here. And I and I,

[26:55] you know, I look at these and I think, you know, if I was evaluating a project

[27:00] that was as congested and as oversized as this is depicted on the on the

[27:05] website that's been created, I would object. But that's not what this is.

[27:12] This project began four years ago with our partners, the Kushniwok

[27:18] saying, you know, we have never told our story in public

[27:23] and uh this is an opportunity that we can we can use. We worked with the city

[27:28] to see if this is a a feasible project. City elected officials have been on our

[27:35] side and warmly receptive of the project for all of this time. Uh the final

[27:40] approval of course won't be until it goes to the city council after your

[27:45] board reviews it. U >> sorry I think we've answered the

[27:51] objections by uh by the loyal opposition >> and we can we can elaborate on that but

[27:59] uh that's to give you a a quick introduction to what the project is.

[28:07] If there are any questions we're here to represent saying it's opposition. We're

[28:11] not opposition. >> This isn't a forum for discussion.

[28:15] » I'd like to supporting the art itself. This isn't a forum for discussion right

[28:21] now. >> Scotland.

[28:23] » Yeah. I'm just saying it should be a public forum. [laughter]

[28:27] » So I understand democracy may be a little bit different than it is here.

[28:30] » We just try to limit the back and forth thing.

[28:33] » Um thanks. Uh we go next. Um I also want people project of course. My name is

[28:42] Brian Shaw. Uh I live in S Sano. Um I've been working with Rich uh as a project

[28:48] manager and a historian the project. Um, I like I I think Omar Carrera of the

[28:54] Canal Alliance and a strong supporter of the project put it really well uh when

[29:00] he spoke in support of the project and said that for some time now we've been

[29:04] witnessing uh these scenes around the country where Hispanic immigrants are

[29:08] reminded that some Americans feel they don't belong here. And um he said that

[29:13] the beauty of this um public art a public history is that it kind of

[29:19] counters that. Um now I know a sense of history doesn't give like you know

[29:24] knowledge of the past doesn't give any clear marching orders for present- day

[29:28] political debates about about uh doesn't say how stringent or relaxed immigration

[29:34] policies should be or environmental policies should be. But um the past can

[29:40] provide extremely important context and guidance for how to conduct those

[29:45] debates. Um knowing that California was part of Mexico not very long ago and

[29:50] before that was Coast Miwok land and that our current bay is at least the

[29:54] third iteration of San Francisco Bay. uh that just 20,000 years ago, Alcatraz was

[30:01] once again a hill rising over a lush green valley and the coast was 20 miles

[30:07] out by the Fairine Islands. Is the sort of knowledge surfaces questions um of

[30:12] how we can build and sustain resiliency to live well and compassionately with

[30:18] each other and with the land here today. Um now where should that story be told

[30:24] in a book? Um perhaps. But I I think um history is about location and and I know

[30:33] when I walked the path with Mayor Kate and uh Council Member Loren Galott with

[30:38] Rich and and um tribal member Laurel Ross of the Federated Indians of Great

[30:44] Rancheria. Lurel in particular stressed um location that when you were talking

[30:50] about the Chief Maran where Maran County gets its name. There's the Marin Marin

[30:56] Islands right um offshore um and talking about some of the environmental lessons.

[31:02] Here's a um lagoon that could surface that. So

[31:06] » sorry, that's that's time. >> Great. I'll I'll end there and and you

[31:09] know, I think it'd be a shame to let the opportunity to tell this story in the

[31:14] place that it that it is would be a real shame that way. Thank you.

[31:23] » Uh [clears throat] Good afternoon everyone. Um, my name is

[31:27] Laura Himenez. I'm a Marine resident and I have called this county home for 20

[31:32] years. I am the current president of the board at the Ohio Center for the Arts. I

[31:38] spent nearly a decade supervising social services and community programs at Canal

[31:42] Alliance and working alongside canal families every day. I am here today

[31:47] because the discussion is ultimately more about just public art. It's about

[31:53] how we choose to honor the history that has shaped our community and whose

[31:58] histories we choose to make visible in our shared public spaces. Over the

[32:03] years, I've learned that art has a remarkable ability to create connection,

[32:07] foster understanding, and cultivate the sense of belonging. Public art is not

[32:13] merely decoration. It is one of the ways that communities preserve their

[32:17] collective memory. Places carry the imprint of those who came before us. The

[32:23] canal is no exception. Its history has not been written by a handful of people

[32:29] or a single generation. It has been shaped over thousands of years by

[32:34] indigenous peoples, successive ways of migration, working families,

[32:38] environmental change, and the many communities that today continue to

[32:43] contribute to its identity. The peoples of the canal project recognizes that

[32:47] this history is larger than any one of us and invites us all to reflect on the

[32:52] many lives that have shaped this place. I understand that some nearby residents

[32:58] have concerns. Their perspectives clearly deserve to be heard, but public

[33:03] spaces exist to serve the broader community. Projects like this invite

[33:07] reflection, learning, and dialogue. They help us understand not only where we

[33:12] live, but how we arrived here together. The proposed location is integral to the

[33:18] project's purpose. Moving it elsewhere would separate the place from its

[33:23] history. I respectfully encourage you, our civic leaders, to support the people

[33:28] of the canal project as planned. Context matters. History matters. Place matters.

[33:34] Thank you.

[33:45] Hi everyone, my name is Aelia Vargas. I live in the area the Canal and I'm come

[33:50] today because I support to reach and I support the all the commenters with LA

[33:56] and I live uh in Canada for a long time and I like the area

[34:03] the area park. I'm sorry my English is not too good. So I try so the people

[34:09] walk with the dogs with the children because it's open for the public are I'm

[34:14] not sure is private or I'm not sure

[34:20] » because all the families it's only one space for the old area. I don't have

[34:25] another space. I don't have another park. So I walk to the park four days a

[34:32] week with my family with my a little dog and I respect all the families and and

[34:38] the home. I I support the art for each and the for

[34:45] community San Rafael and I'm very happy. I like the colors. I like the murals and

[34:51] I'm very happy. Thank you.

[34:56] » [laughter]

[35:02] » comments. >> Can I ask a question? [clears throat]

[35:05] » Just a quick question. Is Pickle considered a park?

[35:10] » Yes. Okay. So, it is a park near the canal.

[35:13] » That's all I >> Yeah.

[35:16] » Can I say something else? I'm I'm just wondering why there's a beautiful

[35:21] community center, Pickleweed, that has a lot of space and why not put the art

[35:25] there where there's a big parking lot where buses can go in.

[35:28] » I'm just going to pause, but again, this so this is not an item that's on the

[35:31] agenda and so we're not going to be able to get into a dialogue or be able to

[35:35] answer questions. >> I'm not asking for an answer on that.

[35:38] It's a rhetorical question to consider a different location. No, everyone here

[35:43] has has acknowledged the art's important. Absolutely. the history and

[35:48] the art, but it needs to be in the right place

[35:50] » and not in on a very narrow strip where we want to look at nature and there's no

[35:56] parking, you know. So, there's this beautiful community center.

[36:00] » Again, like I said, context to one comment per per person during the

[36:06] public comment period at this time. So, again, this is not a forum for back and

[36:10] forth discussion. Thank you. >> Right. Thank you.

[36:13] Any other comments?

[36:16] » Yes, right here.

[36:20] » Excuse me. My uh comment is in Spanish. Okay.

[36:34] Australia.

[37:04] Last

[37:26] I'm happy to translate to you if you want to please. Yes, please.

[37:29] » My name is Deon. I live in the canal. My family is in the canal. I happen to work

[37:34] with Rich Durk and some of his to support some of his projects. Uh this is

[37:39] one of the few places that I have where I can go with my children. I feel that

[37:43] this project represents me. I feel as though I want to walk down that path

[37:47] with my children and being able to share where we came from uh where we where

[37:51] we're headed and uh it's one of the few places that I have I'm summarizing.

[37:58] Uh [clears throat] but I fully support uh this project because I feel it

[38:01] represents me and my community.

[38:09] » My um

[38:20] for

[38:48] same thing. I didn't catch their names, but you know, they often walk the path

[38:52] back and forth. They love the area. They love being in it, and they feel

[38:56] identified by this project.

[39:01] » Okay.

[39:18] » [clears throat]

[40:19] » My name is Felix, I'm a member of the Bosel Canal organization in the canal

[40:23] area. He and his family and his dogs, you know, it's important to go with your

[40:27] dogs and go out. They walk the path. They think it's a beautiful area and he

[40:31] feels as though having this uh exhibit and the art enhances the beauty of the

[40:37] area and he feels as though it's a way to tell the story even for people from

[40:42] who come from outside. If they are here, then they can show their families and

[40:46] relatives from out of town, from out of state, from out of the country. you know

[40:49] what the history is like in the canal for and where they come from.

[40:59] » Can I just was this about the Miwok? We're limited to one public comment per

[41:05] person at this time.

[41:39] her name, which I missed. Sorry. Uh, but she supports Rich's program. her

[41:45] daughter uh is part of the school of muralists that she belongs to and she's

[41:50] able to um show her feelings not just the art through this uh you know through

[41:57] the work that she does as a muralist with Rich's project but she supports

[42:01] this uh project exactly because that because rather than just have graffiti

[42:06] to have something that's historical that tells the story that is beautiful is

[42:10] something that she supports.

[42:19] Hey, like a really quick thing. I'm listening to everyone. There's not one

[42:24] person in this room who doesn't want this project to go through. Not one

[42:28] person. We are all in favor of the of the art project going through. The only

[42:36] issue is the safety. >> Have you already spoken?

[42:39] » Yeah, I did. >> Yeah. Okay. I just want to again just

[42:41] one comment.

[42:45] » Okay. I just I just want to finish by saying that our concern comes because of

[42:52] the safety the because it's not permanent. path is is not permanent

[42:56] because of what's planned and because it's um

[43:03] the the best place is where people can come together in a community center

[43:09] where there's where there's restrooms where there's picnic areas where there's

[43:13] water none of which are available on the path and it's a four mile round trip for

[43:18] children so um and crossing undeveloped areas So

[43:25] please, you know, support the project, but

[43:30] support it in a place where we really can enjoy it. That's just

[43:36] » other public comments.

[43:46] » I am closing public comment. Uh [clears throat]

[43:50] any uh staff care to respond to questions raised during public?

[43:55] » Yeah, I'll just again thank you all of you for being here. I know that you have

[43:59] gone out of your way to be here, taking time out of your schedules and I just

[44:02] want to acknowledge that. I'm also going to acknowledge that you know at this

[44:05] point in time the city has not received a formal proposal that has come to the

[44:10] public art review board for review and so this topic has not been brought to

[44:15] the public art review board at this point in time. Um the city has created a

[44:18] project web page um that is on our website. So if you go to the city's

[44:23] website and look up the peoples of the canal project, you will find information

[44:27] there including uh the timeline, the city's review process, information to

[44:32] date, uh the proposal as we understand it at this point. And that is a page

[44:37] we'll keep updated as we receive information from the project team. We'll

[44:41] make sure that that page is updated. And we'll also make sure that um anyone

[44:45] who's corresponded with the city to this point. As I mentioned, we have a project

[44:49] file that we're keeping. So, if you have any written correspondence that you'd

[44:53] like to share, we will collect that. We'll also be communicating to try to

[44:56] make sure everyone's aware of how they can stay involved and make sure their

[45:00] voice is heard as the project is routed through the city's review process. So,

[45:04] want to share that information. >> Will there be any opportunity? We're

[45:08] gonna we're not going to take questions right now at this point in time for this

[45:12] topic since the public comment period has.

[45:15] » Okay. This is just a procedural procedural question.

[45:19] » Go ahead. >> When it is on the agenda,

[45:23] » is there an opportunity to actually have a dialogue service?

[45:28] » I can talk with you offline a little more.

[45:31] » Yeah, you can. If you have any written statements or comments that you'd like

[45:34] to share, I can [clears throat] collect those.

[45:36] » Thank you. Thank you for your time. Appreciate it.

[45:38] » Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[45:40] Thank you. City of Sanel.

[45:46] » And you're welcome, but stay for the rest of [clears throat]

[45:52] » those. Yes.

[45:58] » It's okay. You can leave them. >> I can take out a couple of chairs.

[46:04] » Thank you all. >> Thank you so much. Thanks. Thank you.

[46:08] Thank you very much for listening.

[46:22] » Give it just a quick pause as people are are

[46:27] acting chair. I'll turn it back over to you.

[46:32] » Well, fun night to be acting. >> What?

[46:36] I know. He's like, "Is this okay with you?" I'm like, "Sure." And then

[46:40] » 25 people on a non-aggenda item. Okay. >> Am I able to ask a question about the

[46:44] process to move on >> at this point? But if you have a

[46:47] question, yeah, >> I I I mean, just for all of us to be on

[46:50] the same page, I'm looking at the page um that explains the process and and

[46:55] what I see is this project is on hold with internal staff review with city

[47:00] staff. And then once [clears throat] that if if that is

[47:06] if it's approved to the next stage then it would come to the public art review

[47:09] board. >> Yeah.

[47:10] » Yeah. So as I mentioned we at this point the city has not received a proposal. We

[47:16] we have received what I would call an informal

[47:20] um conceptual plan. Um and if you go to the project web page you'll you'll be

[47:25] able to see a little more information about what that is and what's comprised.

[47:29] But at this point, we haven't received um what we would deem a formal proposal

[47:33] that could be submitted to the public art review. So, at this point, it's

[47:38] really with the Canal Arts and their project stakeholders. Um they're

[47:43] continuing, my understanding is they're continuing to refine the project scope.

[47:47] They're continuing to um engage the community and we're encouraging them to

[47:53] um really consider community feedback so that they can develop a proposal

[47:58] proposal that's in alignment with our public art board guidelines. And we're

[48:02] not sure when we'll receive a proposal and at what point it would then come to

[48:08] the board to continue in that formal review process. As a follow-up question

[48:12] then I am curious to know how how are we defining public art and how did this

[48:17] project fall under the public art umbrella

[48:21] versus the historical society or parks and wreck.

[48:24] » Yeah. And I think this is where we're kind of getting into the the um

[48:28] potential where this becomes more of a discussion about something that's not on

[48:31] the agenda. And so I think I'm going to pause it at that point with the

[48:34] understanding that >> clearly there's a lot of community

[48:38] interest in this topic. there's some questions and this hasn't been formally

[48:42] brought to you to really you know advise or clarify on any of those kind of

[48:47] questions but uh it is something I think at a staff level we've been tracking

[48:51] since 2022 is a proposal that we've been aware of um and we've been really just

[48:58] advising the the project stakeholders on what our review process would look like.

[49:02] So, I'd be happy to share additional information with the board and make sure

[49:06] that you feel well informed um so that you can be prepared for if and when this

[49:10] proposal will come your way. >> Just to follow up on that person's

[49:14] question, when it does come to us, is there going

[49:17] to be maybe invited to come in here and have a dialogue? That feels like that's

[49:21] not that's not a thing, right? >> So, we would follow our standard

[49:25] process. Um, so if if a topic comes to the public art read board, anyone from

[49:30] the public is welcome to come and participate as part of the meeting

[49:35] format. Now, prior to that, I'd encourage we've encouraged the canal

[49:39] arts to engage the community in a variety of ways. again that there's

[49:42] information on the website about that, but I I do know that um they have um

[49:48] they've been they've convened I think several community meetings and

[49:53] gatherings to really hear from interested individuals and uh but yeah,

[49:57] there would be a process that we would have in our meeting format to allow any

[50:02] anyone to speak on agenda item um very similar to what we heard tonight. There

[50:06] would be an opportunity for people to to speak. There'll be an opportunity for

[50:10] you as board members to ask questions, to have dialogue with staff and the the

[50:14] project stakeholders and then an opportunity to really discuss uh and

[50:20] then ultimately make a decision for any topic that comes forward to the board.

[50:24] That's true for you know for any topic involve that process

[50:29] » and I'm assuming any other questions after the meeting's been adjourned

[50:32] related to this specifically. I'm happy to share additional information and if

[50:36] you have follow-up questions, you'd like more information, happy to answer.

[50:40] » Okay. Yeah. >> Um, moving on.

[50:47] » Uh, we're going to review the Centerfell uh big utility box art program, the

[50:53] proposal to paint five utility box art murals downtown

[50:59] » images. I'm gonna do a quick little intro just to make sure Bo is is with us

[51:04] » and yeah, I think that's okay. >> Um, we're hearing noise outside the

[51:09] room, so we're just gonna rearrange the room very quick.

[51:13] » But Bo, thank you for joining us. Hey guys,

[51:16] » I'll let you introduce yourself, but just for a quick introduction, um, this

[51:21] is a proposal from the Sanfeld Business Improvement District by the Santafeld

[51:26] Chamber of Commerce to paint by the utility boxes in downtown San Rafll with

[51:32] art murals. And uh, so I'm going to turn it over to you, Bo, but I'm also happy

[51:37] to share my screen with the um, proposal at any point if you want to walk through

[51:43] that. um just let me know. >> Yeah, thank you. Um [clears throat] so I

[51:48] am the board chair of the Sanfell Chamber of Commerce and of course with

[51:53] uh the U CEO recently departing um part of the reason why I'm in this meeting

[52:00] and representing the B as well. Um but basically the discussion yeah is about

[52:05] the utility boxes and one in particular with the mission. Uh there's one right

[52:10] in front there um that we were considering as one of the locations and

[52:16] uh just upon the timing review and uh just out of respect for wanting to get

[52:22] feedback before uh proposing that that box in particular because of just the

[52:28] location and the sensibilities of the visual with the mission right there. uh

[52:33] that we at this time would would propose or would um suggest looking at a

[52:38] different location for that specific box to be uh painted. And um you know and

[52:44] circle back uh at a time if you know we do get to the point of painting more of

[52:49] the boxes to um you know approach the mission and get feedback as to um you

[52:57] know their thoughts on both that and if so what kind of um you know what kind of

[53:04] uh look and feel that they would you know prefer or just have their input on

[53:09] and get their thoughts. um given that it is a rather you know uh important part

[53:16] of both the mission city and the mission itself. So um that's that's really the

[53:22] the kind of one note I think coming off of that. Uh Craig feel free to kind of

[53:26] jump in with any um you know additional details or if you're I'm sorry too. I'm

[53:32] on my phone so I'm kind of on a trail right now trying to chime in but um

[53:36] that's uh that's the gist. Yeah, I I appreciate that, Bo. And I

[53:41] might just share um a couple things just to kind of frame up the decision in

[53:44] front of the review board right now. This is um uh this is a as an overview

[53:49] of the project. Um the the downtown business Improvement District is

[53:54] proposing a a partnership using um it's the California Art Council grant funds

[54:00] that were received by the Sanfell Arts District um which just recently

[54:04] rebranded. I see that um member Schoffler is here and has some

[54:08] information about some of the rebranding for that district. But this would be um

[54:13] a proposal to utilize around $10,000 of those funds to support painting five of

[54:18] the utility boxes in downtown. The the bid's long-term goal is to create a

[54:22] sustainable annual program where they would like to um use bid fundraising or

[54:28] local sponsorship dollars to install at least one additional painted utility box

[54:33] annually. Um this would be building upon the utility box painting project that

[54:38] happened in 2024 through the Sanfell um Chamber of Commerce's leadership

[54:44] institute. Um you may recall that year they proposed to paint I believe fix

[54:49] boxes that were painted around downtown and so this would be building upon

[54:53] really that um kind of that portfolio that the city has of public art in a

[54:58] utility box program. So the the bid launched an open call for artists in

[55:03] spring 2026. They received 20 submissions from artists. Um those were

[55:09] then um reviewed by a committee um of the Sanfell Arts District key

[55:15] stakeholders that really took a look at the artistic quality, the originality,

[55:20] public appropriateness, alignment with the city's review guidelines. And

[55:25] ultimately they selected five artists and designs that they felt really spoke

[55:29] to the theme of the call which was Sanfell the the heart of Marin um was

[55:36] the theme. Uh and so we attached as as part of the agenda um an overview of the

[55:43] program as well as the bids um there the guidelines um for that call for artists.

[55:49] The overview um that uh also included a project

[55:54] timeline. Um what the bid is proposing is that if you know if the review board

[56:00] um uh approves this project uh you're you would be recommending the project to

[56:05] then go to the city council for final review. This would be deemed a long-term

[56:11] art installation greater than one year which requires our city council to

[56:15] review uh and make that final determination and approval. So, um, if

[56:20] tonight the the review board approves, uh, this would then go to city council

[56:25] at, I believe it is our August, I think it's the 17th meeting. That's when we

[56:32] would, um, plan to bring this to council for review. Uh, if council reviewed and

[56:37] approved, then the installation, the box would be prepped shortly thereafter.

[56:42] Installation and painting would begin uh, as soon thereafter as possible. I

[56:46] think these will likely be installed sometime in late August through early

[56:49] September. Um,

[56:53] uh, from a staff perspective, you know, we've reviewed the proposal. Um, we've,

[56:57] uh, reviewed the, you know, uh, supplemental information and we think

[57:02] that this proposal is in alignment with our guidelines. Um, I've, uh, connected

[57:07] with our public works department to confirm that these utility boxes are

[57:10] appropriate to paint. uh that they're not going to change anytime in the near

[57:14] future. And they've confirmed uh they actually gave us a list of about 10

[57:18] utility boxes that are traffic control boxes in the town that are owned by the

[57:22] city and we felt would be appropriate to be part of this type of a program. Um of

[57:27] those 10 boxes, um the five that are being proposed are ones that um the bid

[57:33] felt would be a really good fit for the program right now. And as as Bo

[57:37] mentioned, there was one box initially proposed at the intersection of Fifth

[57:42] and A Street, which is right in front of the mission. And I think um wanted to

[57:47] maybe touch base more broadly, more community engagement about that

[57:50] particular location. Um so given the timeline, um that's been revised and

[57:55] instead of that location, um the uh the proposal you received is accurate. It

[58:00] actually identifies I believe it is fourth in Lutens was the alternate

[58:06] location that was selected. So you know in the future I think there are still

[58:10] quite a few boxes that are unpainted or potentially um boxes that have been

[58:15] painted in the past that might be fading or coming up where it might be an

[58:19] opportunity for a refresh. So in future cycles if this program um continues

[58:24] there'd still be plenty of opportunity to consider that location or others

[58:28] future. So, so things that um uh we'd ask the board really to be considering u

[58:34] project readiness. Uh it appears from a staff level this project would be ready

[58:38] to go. Um there's available budget. Um the um they the bid has um confirmed

[58:45] that these artists would be ready to sign the city's art license agreement uh

[58:50] which is kind of a standard process for us to make sure that we have an

[58:53] agreement in place. um they would be ready for installation

[58:57] for prep of the boxes. They would also be intending to uh apply an

[59:02] anti-graffiti coating and um hopefully extend the lifespan of these boxes which

[59:08] would be expected to be about five years. I think that would be the

[59:12] expected lifespan for these. Um, so I think at this point, like I mentioned,

[59:16] I'd be happy to pull up the artwork or to review the proposal, uh, if you'd

[59:21] like to explore that, but uh, staff's recommendation would be to, uh, approve

[59:26] this proposal to advance to the city council for final review.

[59:32] » I think everyone probably would like to see them.

[59:34] » Yeah. Yeah. Let me share my screen just a little

[59:38] bit.

[59:54] » [clears throat] >> Okay. So, I'm going to scroll down uh

[59:59] one by one here in no particular order. This is uh piece with artist Ricky Watts

[1:00:05] titled Horizon in Motion. And at the bottom of this uh packet, I

[1:00:10] believe it it show identifies where these particular boxes are proposed,

[1:00:15] where they'd be located.

[1:00:19] This is piece number one

[1:00:25] and some examples of past completed work.

[1:00:35] See if I can zoom in one level here.

[1:00:40] This is small on this screen.

[1:00:48] Okay, this is the second piece. This is Brandon Baker

[1:01:03] and some additional [snorts] examples of past

[1:01:07] work

[1:01:18] and I am not going to pronounce this last name correctly.

[1:01:22] Nicole Andrajowskus. >> Sounds good.

[1:01:26] » I was gonna say that. >> Sorry if you're if you're listening and

[1:01:30] I got it wrong, but [clears throat] titled Heart in the Right Place.

[1:01:43] Some examples of past work here.

[1:01:52] » [clears throat and cough] >> This next piece, this is Delin Escalita

[1:02:04] and an example of some past work here

[1:02:16] and Oscar Morales.

[1:02:25] some examples of past work here.

[1:02:37] So these locations here, the the first piece would be

[1:02:43] Watts piece and that would be located at Fourth and East Street.

[1:02:49] See kind of corresponding number one on the map on the left. Second would be

[1:02:54] Fourth and C.

[1:02:58] Third, again, this was um originally proposed at fifth and A. I believe this

[1:03:04] is now proposed at fourth in Newton.

[1:03:10] The fourth would be at third in Newton. And then the um fifth box here, fourth

[1:03:17] in Heatherton.

[1:03:23] And then just for context, I really appreciated that the bid included a a

[1:03:29] map here in the proposal that showed locations of other currently painted

[1:03:34] utility boxes.

[1:03:39] Try to zoom out a little bit just to see if we can see them all here. So the

[1:03:44] currently painted boxes.

[1:03:50] Okay. And uh Bo, anything else that you would like to add here?

[1:03:55] » No, Greg, you did a great job. Um but yeah, that's uh the one box that we were

[1:04:01] uh going to be have scheduled that we, you know, readjusted, but that doesn't

[1:04:04] mean that we can't um you know, revisit that in the future for additional ones.

[1:04:09] But, uh yeah, good job.

[1:04:15] » I think at this point we would turn it over to the board for any questions.

[1:04:24] Hi Bo, it's Jennifer talking. Um,

[1:04:28] » hey Jennifer, >> how are you?

[1:04:30] » Oh, good. >> Um, looks like a great project and um, I

[1:04:35] love the theme, >> heart of Maren.

[1:04:42] » Oh, we have some background noise. >> Yeah, sorry. There's some people

[1:04:45] talking. >> Oh, [snorts] that's okay. Um, and I

[1:04:49] think that all the artworks have a lot of artistic merit. I'm just wondering if

[1:04:53] you could talk about how you think they connect to that theme, Heart of Marin.

[1:04:57] And and I also was just wondering if the Chamber of Commerce planned to

[1:05:02] really connect that theme with the utility boxes in any way. If there if

[1:05:06] there was sort of, you know, like a a graphic or if you were going to actually

[1:05:10] use that as um even just part of a brand for San Rafale. I think it just has a

[1:05:15] lot of potential. and I loved it when I saw it. And so I'm just I'm just curious

[1:05:21] about the connection to this art and that theme and whether that's something

[1:05:24] you're going to amplify a little more or um you know use it on the boxes at all.

[1:05:33] » Um for the themes themselves that was kind of the artist interpretation

[1:05:39] of the heart of Marin. So that's you know kind of each one's source and uh

[1:05:44] inspiration. So that was the connecting tissue. Now in terms of the you know

[1:05:49] look and feel of the art, of course that's kind of subjective of to whether

[1:05:53] they um to that degree accomplish that. Um as of right now um you know I don't

[1:05:59] know if we're going to put like the actual new branding of the Sanfell Arts

[1:06:04] logo anywhere on there. Um, you know, it is something that we just uh put

[1:06:11] together or at least rebranded and that I think was be after this uh project had

[1:06:18] already been um you know proposed and and and in in the works. So that wasn't

[1:06:24] a part of that. That doesn't mean it can't happen in the future or look to

[1:06:28] see how that could be done. Um but at the state of this uh submission right

[1:06:33] now that's this is the uh the intent from the artist's point of view.

[1:06:39] » Yeah too I think if you go into the proposal um four I think at least four

[1:06:44] of the artists have kind of added a little narrative about how their artwork

[1:06:48] how they feel it ties in with that theme heart of Marin. So I think it speaks a

[1:06:53] little bit to that. And then um we have seen in some of these um the public art

[1:06:58] installations that have recent rec recently been installed um supplemental

[1:07:03] signage or branding or an opportunity to link back to a project web page. And so

[1:07:08] I think that is definitely an opportunity and I think that um u prior

[1:07:13] to bringing it to city council um if that's something that the bid would like

[1:07:17] to add, we probably just want to include that to make sure it's really clear that

[1:07:20] that would be attached, right? What that branding would look like. But um I I

[1:07:24] think on a staff level we're supportive of that. We want to make sure people

[1:07:26] really understand how these types of projects came to be, how they can get

[1:07:31] involved and how they can get more information about the type of public art

[1:07:34] in our community. Yeah. And I also just wanted to add that

[1:07:38] given that this was um a project through the through the formerly uh DSRAD now

[1:07:46] Marin arts uh group centerfell arts group that you know it was uh first you

[1:07:53] know sourced there and vetted through that group before going through with the

[1:07:58] B as well. though um there would be input beyond just uh the B's um you know

[1:08:06] additions to it but I do think that on an overall you know scope that branding

[1:08:13] and continue to brand and mark and show all the different the breadth of ways in

[1:08:19] which the San Rafale Arts is going to be you know implemented around town that it

[1:08:26] is smart to be able to to have it be recognized in that way.

[1:08:31] » Yeah, I think it's I think it adds a lot to have it feel connected because the

[1:08:36] art is so individual and different for each utility box. There isn't for

[1:08:42] someone just passing by an understanding of how it is connected or or you know

[1:08:47] without without super visible heart graphics.

[1:08:51] um either it's the theme that you might want to connect it to or maybe you do

[1:08:55] want to connect it to San Rafale Arts and have that emblem on every utility

[1:08:59] box so that >> it's supposed to be on there. [laughter]

[1:09:01] » Okay. Yeah. I I mean I just think that just makes it more powerful and

[1:09:04] understandable for everyone >> than just kind of a oneoff why is that

[1:09:09] there and why is that one there and I mean just to show that it's a program.

[1:09:14] » Yeah. Um, and I love the theme. And so if Heart of

[1:09:18] Marin is a theme and it's going to be played out in other places,

[1:09:23] I I I mean, I'm just thinking this is this is there's an opportunity to maybe

[1:09:26] just strengthen that communication. [clears throat]

[1:09:30] I'll just say Heart of Marine is already a pre-existing thing. This is the heart

[1:09:34] of San Rafale. So, we'd have to um and so um that's like its own I keep saying

[1:09:40] that, but I like Heart of Marine is like a whole awards thing that's tied to

[1:09:45] Yeah, the the heart of Marin is actually an CV and L awards day.

[1:09:51] » So this is, you know, the heart of San Rafll.

[1:09:54] » Yeah. >> Yeah. But no, your your point is well

[1:09:57] made, Jennifer, and I think that they're some are more like I would say clearly

[1:10:01] tied to the theme than others, but I do think that the um the artist statements

[1:10:06] help illuminate. Um the one that I think was the probably the most like

[1:10:09] » why is this here? The owie one. Yeah. >> So, that actually that person has done

[1:10:15] boxes throughout the Bay Area. >> Um, and they get a lot of attention and

[1:10:19] people kind of like seek them out almost like an Instagrammable thing.

[1:10:23] » So, I think that was more of why people were excited. I mean, they had a nice

[1:10:27] artist statement, but I think that was more based on like it's a little bit of

[1:10:31] a big deal to have one in your town. >> Yeah. So, but yeah, everything that is

[1:10:36] funded by the Sanfell Arts is supposed to have and will have um like some sort

[1:10:42] of logo and then we all all of them are supposed to say somewhere and I think

[1:10:46] all the ones that were done before do say California Arts Council somewhere on

[1:10:49] them if that's also a requirement of the grant.

[1:10:51] » Just just a thought on the owl design. Um, and this just just occurred to me,

[1:10:57] but just with wildcare here in San Rafale, that to me is maybe a connection

[1:11:02] to that emblem. And I don't know if there's a way to pull that in or whether

[1:11:06] the I'm sure the artist didn't mean it that way, but um maybe there's a way to

[1:11:11] connect it back to Wildcare. Um, and I don't know if you're looking for

[1:11:16] sponsors for the boxes, but I'm just >> Yeah, it's an idea.

[1:11:21] » Yeah. So the the but the to that end the

[1:11:26] budget like this is all the $10,000 we we can go I mean I don't know if we do

[1:11:32] that it covers the artist fees the supplies all of that

[1:11:37] » that's um at our staff level that's my understanding is that yes that the bid

[1:11:43] has developed the budget um I I'm trying to pull it up just to verify

[1:11:49] um but I believe um I believe that they've allocated ated um $1,300 would

[1:11:56] be the artist tip. Um that would include their time and materials. So that would

[1:12:00] be a total of 6,500. Um they have included a budget for some box prep, the

[1:12:06] cleaning, sanding, priming, the paint associated with that, that anti-graffiti

[1:12:10] coating. Um and at the end some photography, so some marketing and

[1:12:16] promotion that would help support that. uh as well as some um some admin costs

[1:12:20] just to to help administer the program. So

[1:12:26] » yeah, the the sponsorship is an interesting idea. Um but these are

[1:12:31] funded all you know in terms of budgeted already. So, um yeah, but it is an

[1:12:36] interesting idea. >> And Bo, my my understanding is that um

[1:12:41] as I mentioned that the um the B is interested in, you know, doing this on

[1:12:45] an annual basis and would be interested in looking for sponsors for future

[1:12:50] cycles. I think what I saw in the um call for artists and the program

[1:12:55] description was the possibility of um businesses, community members,

[1:13:00] organizations potentially sponsoring a box in the future for around $2,000,

[1:13:04] which would on a you know box bybox basis help support some of those

[1:13:08] operational costs. Is that a fairly accurate description?

[1:13:12] » That is. It's just not part of this the exact proposal. But yeah, it is, you

[1:13:16] know, because right now the the grant is coming to a close uh soon. So the money

[1:13:23] that has been allocated is allocated already for this specific proposal. But

[1:13:27] we do, like I mentioned, you know, want to leave the door open for, you know,

[1:13:32] the additional boxes to be covered. >> No.

[1:13:36] [laughter] >> Sound like someone just said no.

[1:13:38] » Yeah. I have another question if there's time. Um, just curious how the locations

[1:13:44] were chosen for the various artworks. >> Um, I

[1:13:50] » I mean like how did you choose to have the owl box in its spot versus the

[1:13:54] hummingbirds in its spot? You know, was there a reason for that?

[1:13:57] » Can't chime in on that one. I I am not was not part of that process.

[1:14:02] » B, do you have any insight into that? Um, all I do know there is that we, you

[1:14:07] know, worked with the city to identify which boxes would be available or which

[1:14:11] ones were eligible for this. Um, the rhyme or reason behind that, um, I

[1:14:17] cannot talk speak to off the top of my head here. Um, I can find out. Um but I

[1:14:24] do know that there was um you know some thought given to each one given the

[1:14:30] artist I believe and you know and then that was a result of what their artwork

[1:14:35] was uh that they ended up presenting. So um it wasn't you know from what I know

[1:14:41] I'd have to find out exactly what the what the logic was in terms of the

[1:14:45] actual placement of each one. >> Okay. Yeah. I mean, you just mentioned

[1:14:50] that one being more Instagrammable. Is that a place where I I I'm having a hard

[1:14:55] time following the map on my tiny little phone, but um yeah, you wouldn't want

[1:15:00] that on a super busy street where it would be hard for people to stop if that

[1:15:03] was a goal, you know, to have that be something that you wanted people to stop

[1:15:08] and be able to look at and gather around.

[1:15:11] » I'm just I'm going to try to pull it where that one was now. Was it on third

[1:15:15] or fourth? Um, I'm pulling it. I'm trying to pull

[1:15:19] it up. It's >> You can pull it up.

[1:15:22] » That one is Third and Luton, I [clears throat] think.

[1:15:28] » Is that where you would you know, have you?

[1:15:32] » So, Third and Luton. Yeah. >> Is that Is that a location where people

[1:15:38] would stop and hang out and maybe take pictures with the owl? And

[1:15:41] » No, you're right. Like Fourth Street would make more sense. It's more like

[1:15:44] walking. Is that what you're thinking? Yeah,

[1:15:48] » to be honest, I mean, she Sarah uh Tipple, who is really the person that

[1:15:53] put this all forward, the director of the B, she um she put out all the boxes

[1:15:59] and then had people just like in on the B board at like say who which where they

[1:16:05] thought they should go. But I I mean like which ones they wanted to see

[1:16:08] painted, I should say. Okay. But >> but I think she might have just assigned

[1:16:11] them. >> You know what I mean? Like I I think

[1:16:14] there was some thought into where people feel like it really would be great to

[1:16:18] have some color and all that, but I don't know that there was um

[1:16:23] a real planning around it. It's a good point.

[1:16:26] » Is is there still time to think about placement of the art where it might make

[1:16:31] most sense? >> I'd say from the sa city staff level,

[1:16:36] yes. You know, I think as I mentioned, we've identified 10 boxes um that could

[1:16:41] be eligible for this. You know, this would be five of them. So, I think what

[1:16:45] I would um recommend if you did want to, you know, explore that or ask the bid to

[1:16:49] explore that, we just come circle back around, take a look at which boxes are

[1:16:54] available and um consider best fit. I do think with a couple of these proposals,

[1:16:59] um, you know, the art, the content that would be painted, some of these boxes

[1:17:03] are square. Some of the other boxes that weren't selected have like other, you

[1:17:09] know, geometric shape to them. And so, you know, like I said, I wasn't involved

[1:17:13] in the decision-m, but when I did um, speak with Sarah when she originally

[1:17:17] submitted this, I know they had put some thought into that. And so, there could

[1:17:21] be other factors involved that led them to pick these boxes. So, I'd really have

[1:17:25] to defer to them making sure that it aligns with the program goals. But,

[1:17:29] » like I said, from the city's perspective, there are other boxes that

[1:17:32] could be considered. So, >> well, I don't and I don't think I'm

[1:17:35] saying you should consider other boxes. I was just asking of this set because

[1:17:39] you're ready to go and they've been designed for these shapes.

[1:17:42] » Does the bid maybe want to revisit >> which art exactly goes where?

[1:17:49] » That would be my comment. So, and Bo, you're a part of that, right?

[1:17:56] » Oh, yeah. [laughter] >> Okay. Well, I want to be able to take an

[1:18:00] Instagram picture with the owl. I don't want to get hit by a car.

[1:18:05] » Hold on one second. >> Sarah, unfortunately, is on maternity

[1:18:08] leave, >> right?

[1:18:10] » So, um, but >> where?

[1:18:15] » Yeah. And I can I mean, I I don't know how

[1:18:18] » Oh, that is more walkable. Yeah. >> Yeah.

[1:18:22] » I I >> buy the Walgreens.

[1:18:25] » I don't like that. >> Right there.

[1:18:29] » Yeah. I don't know. >> I also think I don't I don't know how

[1:18:33] many changes can be made. >> Go like right there.

[1:18:39] » I um I have like a tangential thought that isn't really sure. Um, for in the

[1:18:45] one at uh fifth and a in front of the mission,

[1:18:49] » I've like thought about how it's kind of like a blight. Yeah. You know,

[1:18:54] » is it possible to maybe not with this, but just in the future maybe just paint

[1:18:58] it the same as the mission? >> Like just to so that it's not that stark

[1:19:06] difference and like it's such a specific color. It's kind of like it's here. It's

[1:19:11] part of this. I don't know. >> [clears throat]

[1:19:13] » like something very simple because I feel like if you put a mural on it that

[1:19:17] act I mean it's such it's just so gorgeous to look at the mission you know

[1:19:22] I don't know something to like >> and that was kind of the

[1:19:27] » yeah that just a that that's a great point because what we were wanting to

[1:19:31] avoid was you know putting some artwork on that box that would either stand out

[1:19:37] or conflict in some visual way with the mission especially especially with the

[1:19:43] visual looking up the hill toward the toward the mission.

[1:19:47] » So, um you know, it's that's kind of why we were wanting to be careful of getting

[1:19:52] their input on that part of it and also, you know, potentially what kind of look

[1:19:58] and feel that they would suggest from their point of view. Um it would

[1:20:03] probably still be within the heart of San Rafale theme. um but you know would

[1:20:08] accent appropriately the mission in terms of you know the color and the art

[1:20:14] design and those kinds of things. So uh we just wanted to be more mindful of

[1:20:18] that uh which is why we you know kind of switched off of that one in particular

[1:20:22] for now. >> Yeah, I would say I think you know the

[1:20:26] city's perspective is that that is a really um important critical view

[1:20:30] corridor. The aesthetic look there is important. And so I I echo what B said

[1:20:35] that that there's probably an opportunity for us to talk with our

[1:20:38] public works team about making sure that box is painted in a way that it kind of

[1:20:41] just blends in and disappears into the environment. Yes.

[1:20:44] » Doesn't disrupt from that. >> Okay.

[1:20:46] » Yeah. And and also just lastly, it could it could be that that one is not chosen

[1:20:51] as a as a muralish art work box just because of that. Um and maybe it is

[1:20:57] painted to just blend together more, you know. So, um, that, you know, we of

[1:21:03] course defer to the city and to the mission in terms of whe whether that

[1:21:06] would work. >> Yeah, I think any kind of treatment that

[1:21:10] just like makes it less jarring would be really nice. Like a mural I love murals,

[1:21:16] don't get me wrong. It's just I don't know if you wanted to fill in the other

[1:21:20] five. Yeah. Other four boxes or what? I don't know. I don't necessarily feel

[1:21:24] like it has to be a mural, but I think it would be beautiful to have it be

[1:21:29] gentle gentle against the backdrop. Um, but that's for another day because

[1:21:34] we're not talking about that right now and we've we are

[1:21:38] » Yeah. >> Anything else?

[1:21:43] » Uh, I'll just chime in with a comment and say I agree with Jennifer's a lot of

[1:21:48] Jennifer's comments on this and I think this is a great program.

[1:21:53] Um, and I'm looking forward to eventually all of these being painted.

[1:22:03] » Um, okay. So, uh, we are recommending approval. Is

[1:22:10] that Yes. No. Uh, and advancing the proposal to city council for final

[1:22:15] review. [clears throat] >> Well, just make a motion

[1:22:18] » just Okay. So, so just to I I would I approve the

[1:22:24] artwork and the program, but I would like to invite the bid to go back and

[1:22:28] review the locations, >> the various artworks and and see if they

[1:22:33] make sense for those locations. >> Am I [clears throat] able to do that?

[1:22:38] » Yeah, it's at the board's discretion how you would like to propose the advances

[1:22:42] forward. I might just recommend like if you have specific boxes you think should

[1:22:47] be either flip-flopped or changed, maybe that would be easier to just advise the

[1:22:52] bid on that. But um yeah, really at your discretion and I think there's

[1:22:56] » always opportunity in between this review and city council for revision,

[1:23:00] right? I think um prior to it going to city council if they wanted to make

[1:23:04] changes ultimately it would be city councils but what we would do is then

[1:23:08] just be reflecting your comments in the city council staff report so they were

[1:23:11] aware of what what you're recommending >> so is [clears throat] that included in

[1:23:15] when we uh put forward the motion is that included like does she

[1:23:21] » I might recommend have you know just continue if you want to have that

[1:23:23] discussion right now just continue that discussion if you think that you have a

[1:23:26] recommendation you want to make if you want to leave it up to the bid and just

[1:23:29] make that broad then ultim imately it's going to be up to them to make that

[1:23:32] determination. You know, they could leave it as is. They could um choose to,

[1:23:37] you know, flip-flop two boxes or shuffle things around, but unless you give some

[1:23:42] kind of a specific direction that you'd really advise them on, I think it might

[1:23:45] be difficult for them to make that call to get a call.

[1:23:48] » Okay. Well, so I mean just just a couple comments right now, unless I'm you're

[1:23:52] saying right now is the time instead of following up separately. Um I would I

[1:23:56] would put the owl boxes in a different location. Maybe number two, which is

[1:24:00] right on Fourth Street in a pretty highly trafficked area where we want to

[1:24:03] draw people to businesses. There's the Fox and Kit coffee shop. I forget what

[1:24:08] else is there, but um then you've got the the third and Luton's location is

[1:24:14] really everybody. That's a very busy street. There will be a lot of people

[1:24:19] walking to Ritter House along that road, I think, with the new location. Um, but

[1:24:25] otherwise people don't really walk along Third Street, Third and Lutens. It's

[1:24:30] it's it's a it's a traffic. It's an artery. So, I would consider that for

[1:24:37] whatever you might swap that with. Um,

[1:24:43] and then I just think the branding opportunity, which I've already

[1:24:45] mentioned, would be worth um, considering how to how to implement the

[1:24:50] brand of the Sanfal Arts.

[1:24:55] » Can I ask then if do you think that any of these designs would lend themselves

[1:25:01] better to maybe the the vehicle traffic visibility as opposed to the the

[1:25:06] pedestrian walking? Well, I mean, honestly, that's probably why they chose

[1:25:09] the owl there because it's so graphic. >> Most readable when you're driving by.

[1:25:14] » The Dia de los Muertos like that is highly graphic

[1:25:20] » and really because of all the, you know, the contrast. It's like really easy to

[1:25:24] see idea. >> Where where's that one?

[1:25:28] » Up by the mission. >> No, they they changed that.

[1:25:30] » Yeah, that's the fourth and Luton, I think. There you go. That's easy to swap

[1:25:36] then. One for the other.

[1:25:39] Yeah, and that actually does make a lot of sense given the, you know, kind of

[1:25:43] entry point to Sanfell that that artery is.

[1:25:47] » And then location five, Heatherton, is that at [clears throat] the transit

[1:25:51] center? >> Because that could be a good one, too.

[1:25:54] » And that's the hummingbird.

[1:26:03] Um, and then the Mount Tam one is up by

[1:26:09] Kane's Tire and the West End.

[1:26:16] » Literally closer to Mount Tam. Yeah, >> you can probably see Mount Tam still

[1:26:21] until the building is built. How is it going to relate to the building that's

[1:26:25] going to get torn down? And

[1:26:29] » I I just want to say I don't know that it's our

[1:26:32] job to like completely redesign it, but if like we want to swap out a couple

[1:26:36] that feels good. I just I also want to honor that like you know this was

[1:26:41] Sarah's proposal and she put it together in a certain way.

[1:26:46] » Right. >> Okay. So I definitely think I I hear you

[1:26:49] what you're saying and especially with regard to I mean she literally Sarah

[1:26:54] brought this person this owl person to the table and said like these are things

[1:26:59] people come to see and your point is very well made that like coming to that

[1:27:04] corner is not ideal for a multitude of reasons. [laughter]

[1:27:09] » Um >> so I wonder

[1:27:13] where do you think is the best spot for it then?

[1:27:17] I think that number two location for the owls,

[1:27:22] but I encourage anyone else to chime in

[1:27:27] because it's really in the business corridor and it's it could be a draw to

[1:27:32] some of the businesses. >> Sorry, which one's

[1:27:34] » that or? >> Sorry, the number two location is my

[1:27:41] um >> Fourth and Sea Street, I believe.

[1:27:44] » Yeah, thanks Craig. That's near. >> No, sorry. I meant which which uh mural

[1:27:48] is is set for there. >> She's uh it's the really the cool one

[1:27:52] with the the anatomical hearts. >> Surreal.

[1:27:56] » I like that. >> I would like

[1:28:00] um Well, where on Fourth and Luton is it?

[1:28:05] Which side is it on? Because there's just a newly completed mural right

[1:28:08] across the street from Fraam on the Encore building.

[1:28:12] » It's very bright. I'm gonna share on Google Maps. I had

[1:28:18] just pulled up um for reference. >> So, I wouldn't want something to get

[1:28:22] lost, >> right?

[1:28:23] » It's not it's not exactly on the corner of fourth and C.

[1:28:27] » Um so, this is this is Luton's Yeah. >> Here.

[1:28:33] And this is looking down Fourth Street. >> Where's the box? So, the box I'm gonna

[1:28:41] go up is really more on Luton's. >> Oh, it's up by the record store.

[1:28:48] » Is that where we are? >> Yes. Okay.

[1:28:50] » Well, that's where Bose's offices. What does Bo want to look at every day?

[1:28:54] » Yeah, exactly. That's I mean, it's right in front of like the Mason building um

[1:29:00] » or the free whatever the you know. Uh yeah, it's right across from our office.

[1:29:05] And you know it it is um obviously a little tucked away there um just having

[1:29:13] our office there it's not >> you know people do

[1:29:17] » go on there but usually it's it's not that's not one of the main drag

[1:29:21] » most visual ones for what it's worth. >> Where's the one on Sea Street then? I

[1:29:26] couldn't tell from that photo. So, >> I would even put the owls there over the

[1:29:31] location right now just because that is kind of a fun treasure hunt kind of

[1:29:35] place if you think about connecting public art. You've got the big mural

[1:29:38] that just went in and then you got the owl and then that could lead you to

[1:29:42] something else. >> Um, that is Sarah's goal. She wants to

[1:29:47] have like a little >> connectedness. Yeah.

[1:29:50] » Yeah. That's I think that's smart. What are they called? Public art utility

[1:29:54] book. >> I think that's super smart. come back to

[1:29:57] this is the third Newton's which we were discussing more the traffic corridor

[1:30:05] » yeah that's that's obviously right a much that for that one is going to be

[1:30:10] more for people driving by not walking um being able to see it at you know

[1:30:16] higher speeds and on the way through into Santafelt

[1:30:24] » I mean or the or the Mount Tam one there. Everyone's going to see that one.

[1:30:29] The most people will see that box. Either the

[1:30:34] » Yeah, that'll >> the the the skull or the Mount Tam maybe

[1:30:39] feels more bold and graphic.

[1:30:45] » Was there a different intersection that you wanted?

[1:30:47] » Yeah, it was the I was curious where you were talking about on Fourth and C.

[1:30:53] I couldn't tell what building that was. which is weird cuz I walk down the

[1:30:57] street every day.

[1:31:10] » Intersection of fourth and C. >> And there are no boxes

[1:31:14] » and try and re see where this one is.

[1:31:19] » I think it might be up the hill.

[1:31:27] It's right here. Ah,

[1:31:31] » so it's more on Sea Street >> just up the hill from

[1:31:36] » And on that block is Fox and Kit and some other things.

[1:31:41] » Yeah, if you go just up store Fox and Kit, the parking garage soon to be the

[1:31:46] 12th Women's Sports Bar. >> Yes.

[1:31:56] Okay. >> Yeah. So, so again, that one, you know,

[1:31:59] is is not going to get quite the high traffic that the uh the other one is.

[1:32:11] » But I think it's a draw. I I just I just think you Yeah. And I'm repeating

[1:32:16] myself.

[1:32:22] Yeah. Um I mean I think to the earlier point I think it is worth considering

[1:32:27] you know swapping based on those suggestions. I think that changing any

[1:32:32] of the artwork at this point is would send things you know to a a new a re

[1:32:38] revisited level. But um yeah, I think is if there's an

[1:32:42] opportunity, I guess, to to re reassign those before the August board meeting um

[1:32:53] to be able to approve it. Um but in terms of the process, unless we're

[1:32:58] actually doing that tonight right now, um there could be I don't know, is there

[1:33:02] an opportunity for a follow-up offline? Yeah, I think there is. It's really at,

[1:33:10] you know, at the board's discretion and Bo, I think at your discretion if you

[1:33:14] feel like you'd like to make any changes um uh before you bring it to city

[1:33:18] council. So, you could definitely just continue the conversation offline after

[1:33:22] the fact to try to refine that. Um but the the key thing from our perspective

[1:33:27] as city staff is going to be u making sure we understand which specific

[1:33:32] utility boxes are being proposed and what the final proposed artwork will be.

[1:33:37] I think the the specific configuration of those and flip-flopping them really

[1:33:41] isn't going to impact our staff level recommendation that the project move

[1:33:45] forward at this point. >> Yeah. Perfect.

[1:33:51] » Yeah. It's actually kind of a fun game. >> [laughter]

[1:33:57] » Uh so can I make a motion to approve? Okay, great. Uh I would recommend

[1:34:03] approval. Can I would like to request a motion and a second uh for approval in

[1:34:08] advancement of this proposal to city council for final review. Can I get a

[1:34:13] motion and a second? >> One motion.

[1:34:17] » A second. Great. Uh

[1:34:22] did you get that, Becky? Yes, I did. Um, acting chair merit.

[1:34:29] » Oh. Um, yay. [laughter] >> Members,

[1:34:34] » yes. >> Member Skinner,

[1:34:36] » yes. >> And member Schoffler,

[1:34:39] » yes. >> Motion approved. Thank you.

[1:34:43] » Thank you guys. And um just in that followup um please uh provide any

[1:34:48] thoughts, suggestions uh reasoning or you know whatever uh

[1:34:55] those ideas are because I think that there was some good ideas there and and

[1:35:00] makes a lot of sense to maximize both the visual uh look and feel of them but

[1:35:05] also there is that unique opportunity here to have like you know these uh

[1:35:10] these communities of of social media communities for artists that have, you

[1:35:15] know, people who have followings and people who will show up for different

[1:35:19] art installations, both um both murals, boxes, and u you know, the other kind of

[1:35:25] arts that we've been proposing. So, um if you could send those to me, um that

[1:35:30] would be really helpful. >> Um okay. And and appreciate it.

[1:35:37] » We'll do. Thank you, Bo. >> Thank you, guys. Thanks.

[1:35:46] » Uh, next agenda item is uh, appointing a vice chair for the remainder of 2026

[1:35:52] calendar year, >> which will not be for that many meetings

[1:35:57] really. It would likely be for one more meeting, the October meeting. You know,

[1:36:00] I just as a reminder, this was um a decision that um was part of the January

[1:36:07] agenda, but it was delayed because I think there were only three members

[1:36:09] here. And so the members over here said, "Hey, let's just wait." We had, you

[1:36:13] know, canceled the April meeting because there was, um, no action to be taken.

[1:36:17] And so here we are. And so, um, I, you know, I think we did consider whether

[1:36:21] this should just be like a year appointment, but we'd like to stay on

[1:36:23] the same schedule. And so we would expect that in October, we're going to

[1:36:27] bring another agenda item to select the chair and the vice chair for 2027. And

[1:36:33] so what I would say is it's probably a low stakes assignment for one meeting.

[1:36:37] Um but you know as we saw you know with with um chair Jiao out tonight we do

[1:36:42] need someone that can step in and assume those duties as so happy to share any

[1:36:47] more information about what that role entails. Um but I turn over to the board

[1:36:50] to make that decision.

[1:36:54] » Well I think that you did a wonderful job tonight.

[1:36:59] » Thank you. >> I don't know how does it work with me

[1:37:01] coming off of chair. Um I think at this point um trying to refresh my memory. So

[1:37:07] you were chair last year. Yes. Right. Yeah.

[1:37:10] » And who was vice chair last year? I think it was it was

[1:37:16] vice chair. >> Um you have also I believe served as

[1:37:19] chair and then I was vice chair >> and you were vice chair previously. So

[1:37:31] » well I think for the one remaining meeting I would just suggest we stick

[1:37:36] with someone who already knows the process.

[1:37:38] » I think what Craig is trying to say is usually somebody who's been vice chair

[1:37:42] then becomes chair. Like if you're interested in being chair

[1:37:44] » I think it's it's really at the discretion of the board for this

[1:37:47] appointment. I think it would not and this decision wouldn't impact next year

[1:37:51] either. I think that anyone could serve in any of those roles next year.

[1:37:55] Typically we roll whoever the vice chair is would then typically become the

[1:38:00] chair, but since this is really such a short um appointment, I think that could

[1:38:05] be open for discussion for the board. But uh I think keeping that in mind, you

[1:38:09] know, I think the natural progression would be someone does serve as vice

[1:38:12] chair rolls into the chair position next year. So

[1:38:16] » yeah, so whoever's interested. I mean, I'm h I'm happy to do it for a meeting,

[1:38:21] you know. It's no skin off my back, but Emil, if anyone is like dying to have

[1:38:26] that on their um professional website, you let me know. I don't it it's

[1:38:32] [laughter]

[1:38:37] » I would say if someone wants to be chair next time that hasn't been chair that

[1:38:41] they should probably take it. >> Yeah.

[1:38:45] [clears throat] or or put their ring hat in the ring if

[1:38:48] you will. >> Either

[1:38:50] » or anyone anyone on the board can appoint anyone and throw a name out

[1:38:55] there if they so choose.

[1:39:01] I mean, I do feel like you've been around a very long

[1:39:06] time, >> but I also know that you I don't know,

[1:39:10] sometimes you aren't always available, but none of us are to be honest. So,

[1:39:17] » um I I mean, I'll do it if I if you're not interested. Yeah, but I'm not.

[1:39:22] » I don't think I'm interested in this year. Yeah. I think I I've only been to

[1:39:27] I haven't been to as many meetings as the rest of you. So, I think I want to

[1:39:32] » So, maybe be a vice chair next year. >> Well, I I I would offer my services to

[1:39:38] take a turn because you all have had you've already done that. I'm not trying

[1:39:42] to duck out of responsibility. [laughter]

[1:39:45] I just feel there's experience levels that exist.

[1:39:50] So, >> uh I'm happy to do it and then you can

[1:39:52] do it next year. The real the real year >> be continue

[1:39:56] » the real year. [laughter]

[1:39:59] » This is why it's kind of a fake year. >> Yeah.

[1:40:02] » Uh so can I request a motion to um what am I doing? Appointing Sandival as vice

[1:40:09] chair for the remainder of the 2026. Where are you? Are you laughing because

[1:40:13] I'm saying your name wrong or ridiculous? Appointing Sandival like

[1:40:18] [laughter]

[1:40:21] » for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year. Can I get a uh a what am I saying?

[1:40:28] Sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm really tired. Really tired.

[1:40:32] » Um can Yes. Motion. >> So moved.

[1:40:37] » Second. >> Second.

[1:40:40] » All right. Congratulations. >> Congratulate the vice.

[1:40:46] » Let me let me take a quick roll call. Acting chair Merritt.

[1:40:50] » Yes. >> Member Sandival.

[1:40:54] » Yes. [laughter] >> Member Skinner.

[1:40:57] » Yes. >> And member Schoffler.

[1:40:59] » Yes. >> All right. Motion approved. Thanks you

[1:41:02] guys. >> Can you vote for yourself?

[1:41:06] » Clearly, we know a lot, Jennifer. We're doing really well. [laughter]

[1:41:11] But yes, by the way, you did a really good job interrupting,

[1:41:14] » you know, like having to stop people. That's hard.

[1:41:18] » Who me? >> Yes. I

[1:41:20] » Yeah, that is >> I did not feel like I was doing I I was

[1:41:24] just waiting for any break or like any breath, you know, so hard.

[1:41:27] » Anyway, okay. Um at this time, I would like to invite Craig Ver, assistant

[1:41:33] library and recreation director to share their stuff as report. Well, I'm going

[1:41:37] to keep it very short because I know it has been a long meeting and just say

[1:41:40] again, thank you all for being here. Really appreciate it. I know that was an

[1:41:43] unexpected amount of public comment for that topic, but just want to reaffirm

[1:41:48] like I I'll try to keep you all in the loop on when we receive more information

[1:41:52] about that project. Um, and I think it's really so cool to see the power of

[1:41:57] public art, right? even though there's some strong opinions, I think that's

[1:42:01] really um speaking to the importance of the work that you're all doing in the

[1:42:05] community that art is intended to evoke an emotional response and even the the

[1:42:11] proposal of an art project is doing that in our community. And I hope that this

[1:42:15] silver lining is that that can lead to some really cool conversation and

[1:42:18] dialogue and hopefully a good outcome for our community just like we've seen

[1:42:22] with some of the other public art that's gone in.

[1:42:25] kind of use as a segue. I know on Friday there was a celebration at the Rafale

[1:42:29] Theater. I know Morgan, you were there, had an opportunity to speak and I just

[1:42:34] wanted to say kudos to all of you and your role in helping to um review the

[1:42:39] the downtown public art installation that went in recently. If you haven't

[1:42:44] had a chance to see um you know the statue that's out front, the mural on

[1:42:48] the sea street garage, the mural at the civic um the courtyard plaza has gone

[1:42:54] up. Um another statue will be going in front of city hall very soon. There's

[1:42:59] Wyatt Hersy's mural on second street which is all this artwork I think

[1:43:03] personally is just it's so beautiful and it's so cool to see that project come to

[1:43:07] fruition. But I don't know if you had um a door count at the event or how many

[1:43:12] people attended. Well, we had um we had [clears throat] 128 RSVPs. We think we

[1:43:17] had about 86 people there. >> That's great. Yeah. Really well

[1:43:21] attended. I think a good opportunity to celebrate the artist for the artist talk

[1:43:24] as well as the walking tour downtown. >> Um [clears throat] and so, uh just kudos

[1:43:28] to everyone that was involved in that, particularly from the city team. I just

[1:43:31] want to give a shout out to Stacy Lawman and economic development for her

[1:43:34] leadership in that from our side. So, um and you know, that was kind of the key

[1:43:39] thing I just wanted to mention this evening. Like I mentioned, it was a long

[1:43:42] meeting, so I'm going to keep it short of my end, but if there's any questions

[1:43:45] we can do to help support, feel free to let me know.

[1:43:51] » Thank you. >> Any questions from the board, for staff?

[1:43:57] » No, I would just echo Craig's comments. I was there Friday night and Morgan and

[1:44:00] Stacy did an amazing job. It was such a celebratory night. So well attended,

[1:44:06] really great energy, a wonderful roster of speakers.

[1:44:10] Damon Connelly was there. Um, it felt very important and it was beautiful

[1:44:16] weather. >> Awesome.

[1:44:17] » And the band was really great. Um, kind of a Santana style music. I It was just

[1:44:23] super festive. It was a really, really fun night downtown.

[1:44:26] » Thank you for coming. >> And thank you for coming.

[1:44:29] » I'm really sorry I was one of your RSVPs that didn't come.

[1:44:33] » Me, too. It's all right. >> It's okay. It's all right. I'm just

[1:44:36] kidding. [laughter] I actually didn't see it.

[1:44:37] » The kids demanded a last minute trip to Russian murder.

[1:44:40] » Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, it was great. It was really nice to

[1:44:43] have everybody there. It did feel very celebratory. It's It's been a long

[1:44:48] journey, the [clears throat] San Rafale arts. And so, I think to have something

[1:44:52] to point at like that, something really tangible for people to absorb and

[1:44:56] appreciate um always feels really good because there's a lot of work that

[1:44:59] happens that's behind the scenes or like smaller program work that I don't think

[1:45:02] is as visible. So, that was really exciting. Um, and I have some goodies

[1:45:07] for you. And that's it. >> Um,

[1:45:13] I don't have anyone else. Nope. Okay. So, opening public comment and closing

[1:45:20] public comment because nobody is here at the moment. Um, any other uh reports,

[1:45:27] meetings, conferences, seminars, anything exciting happening?

[1:45:32] Maybe one kind of a tangentially related plug, but um the library community

[1:45:37] center project here at Elbert Park. Uh we is the measure P project. Um we did

[1:45:44] release a survey that the city has out. It's published. It's on their website.

[1:45:48] Um we put out our summer recreation brochure mailer. There's a QR code on

[1:45:52] the back of that. It it should have hit all Sanderfell mailboxes. But I just

[1:45:56] encourage you to spread the word about the opportunity to share feedback. Um,

[1:46:00] even though that is this is a capital project and it's focused on the library

[1:46:04] and the community center, there's a public art element to that. I think that

[1:46:07] we're really interested in the community's feedback on the, you know,

[1:46:10] the architectural design. How does this building fit in with the downtown and

[1:46:16] really speak to the built environment here and what kind of programs um, does

[1:46:21] the community want to see and do we need to plan for? And so, just encourage you

[1:46:26] to check that out. I I have copies I can share with you of that flyer if you want

[1:46:30] to spread them around. >> Is it on the door here?

[1:46:32] » It's on the door in all of our facilities.

[1:46:34] » It's been out for a while. >> It's been out.

[1:46:36] » I was like I feel like I took it >> a couple of months. We're going to have

[1:46:38] that up through I believe midocctober. So there's still plenty of time. I think

[1:46:43] we've received more than 700 responses so far, but we really want to make sure

[1:46:47] that the the word has been spread that this opportunity.

[1:46:50] » You're publicizing it more. Is that going to go on social media?

[1:46:53] » Yep. It's been up on our city snapshot. has been up on our social media. We'll

[1:46:57] continue to push it out. It's going to be included in our um fall winter

[1:47:00] activity guide as well, which will get published in uh early August here. So,

[1:47:04] » when does it start? >> Uh that project will we're going to be

[1:47:10] um so we have a a request for proposals for design firms out right now that

[1:47:16] closes on June 29th. Um we're hoping to get um into an agreement with a design

[1:47:22] firm this fall and that's uh right now we're we're doing conceptual design. Um

[1:47:27] so we'll enter more of the you know the details design construction documents uh

[1:47:32] and then hopefully um be getting into construction likely sometime in 2028 I

[1:47:39] think is what we're thinking right now. So that's going to come faster than we

[1:47:43] know. U separately on the note of social media

[1:47:47] I don't know if any of you spend much time on ne Yeah

[1:47:51] » there I well yeah uh there has been a massive and positive response to the

[1:47:58] mural. >> Yeah

[1:48:00] » I mean it was like more comments. It was like it was like kids on ebikes level

[1:48:05] commenting on there. Yeah.

[1:48:09] » Yeah. Uh you saw me like responding to people

[1:48:12] » and I was like I'm gonna because some people I I try to bow out of those

[1:48:15] conversations. Um the one uh what's the location?

[1:48:20] » The hand. >> Yes.

[1:48:21] » Street. Okay. >> Yeah. But it was all I mean

[1:48:24] overwhelmingly it was positive. It was you know a couple people like a waste of

[1:48:30] our tax dollars. Like not your tax dollars. I didn't want to I didn't want

[1:48:35] to >> I didn't

[1:48:38] » I did I did respond to people that were like this is just going to get graffiti

[1:48:42] and I was like listen we've got some anti-graffiti coding on there and if you

[1:48:46] see graffiti you alert public work cameras take care of it

[1:48:50] » anyway um but no it it was actually very heartwarming um because it was organic

[1:48:55] and like I jumped in after like 50 comments like it was already a very

[1:48:59] positive conversation it was really nice >> on that note that the two other garages

[1:49:04] that precede that one. >> Um, I assume there's been a conversation

[1:49:08] about embellishment of those or paint or I who pays for that and how does that

[1:49:16] » the city? >> Okay.

[1:49:18] » Um, that actually interestingly the garage on the one that's like one block

[1:49:23] earlier. What is that? The really that has like a B on it. Yeah.

[1:49:26] » That was identified originally as being a location for that bigger mural. And I

[1:49:31] think the feeling was it needed a lot of work before it would even be mural

[1:49:35] ready. >> Whereas the other one was in good enough

[1:49:37] shape that it was >> Yeah.

[1:49:39] » Even if there wasn't a mural on that that's just cinder block type right now.

[1:49:44] It looks just old and uninvited. >> Just needs to be painted.

[1:49:46] » It just needs to be painted. Is that a conversation?

[1:49:49] » Yeah. I I think that >> somewhere

[1:49:52] » there's quite a few things that would go into the conversation, but you know,

[1:49:55] like like you mentioned, Morgan, I know that we evaluated quite a few different

[1:50:00] potential properties that could be part of the program. Now, when it comes to

[1:50:03] more the routine, you know, the painting, the maintenance, um, I'm not

[1:50:07] directly involved in like our parking services operational budget or the DPW,

[1:50:13] the budget that would be required for that and how that type of project would

[1:50:17] be ranked in our priority list of, you know, use of city funds.

[1:50:21] » Okay. >> Um, I think, yeah, I agree. It's

[1:50:23] probably not the prettiest building and I think we've all probably agreed to

[1:50:27] that. But at this point, it just may not fall on as like a high priority for the

[1:50:31] city. >> That's more city council level.

[1:50:33] » That would be a city direction. >> Yeah. Gotcha.

[1:50:36] » Now, if outside funding came in to support efforts like that, I think we

[1:50:40] would always be taking a look at how that aligns with our staff capacity and

[1:50:44] how we want to, you know, kind of manage that kind of work. If it's art related,

[1:50:48] I think it would ultimately be coming to this board.

[1:50:51] We do not right now as a city, we do not have a public art budget. I think that's

[1:50:55] something we've kind of shared at this point. We really don't have any funds

[1:50:58] available for those types of, you know, beautifification projects. They're

[1:51:02] really art based, but I think we're all interested in ways we can beautify the

[1:51:07] city and make sure that our city facilities are clean, they're safe, and

[1:51:11] that they also really look inviting. So, >> yeah, but that'd be a long bigger

[1:51:16] picture conversation about city funding. the grant from the um California Arts

[1:51:20] Commission. Was that only for this year? I'm

[1:51:23] » It's a three-year grant. >> Oh, okay.

[1:51:25] » So, it but it's ending this year. >> Um and

[1:51:28] » Oh, >> have I been here that long? [laughter]

[1:51:31] » So, a lot of projects have been done with the money. Um the public art being

[1:51:35] the largest expenditure at somewhere in the range of $250,000

[1:51:39] including like the management of the whole thing. Um it's all public

[1:51:42] knowledge. Um, but I would say it would be we are looking forward to potentially

[1:51:49] having another opportunity to apply for additional funds for the arts district.

[1:51:54] It's a California Arts Council designated district and so that makes

[1:51:57] sense. The California Arts Council's budget was pretty heavily slashed this

[1:52:02] year. They only had $24 million. They're usually closer to 40. So, um I I'm I'm

[1:52:08] I'm will openly encourage any and all to um to participate in advocacy efforts to

[1:52:14] to really try to turn that around because that's a political matter

[1:52:17] » like at the state level. Yeah, happy to. >> Yeah, I'm actually working with on like

[1:52:22] a North Bay advocacy um thing. So, yes, happy to when that materializes a bit

[1:52:27] more. [laughter] >> But yes, we all need to just use our

[1:52:30] voices and say art actually matters and it's not just wallpaper.

[1:52:37] So exciting. Let's see what else. Is that it?

[1:52:40] » Anything else? I'll open and immediately close public

[1:52:45] comment as there is no one here and no one on line. And this meeting is

[1:52:53] adjourned as of 8:00 on the dot. >> All right.

[1:52:58] » Thank you. And these are for you. You I saw you have yours. and say,

Public Art Review Board – July 15, 2026 (Revised)

Agenda

Transcript