HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-2008 Approved HCAC Minutes
HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
Minutes
CITY OF DUBLIN
October 9, 2008
The October 9, 2008 meeting of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at
7:00 p.m. at the Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chair Swalwell.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Swalwell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Swalwell, Carr, Acuff, Mack, Vonheeder-Leopold, Lussie, Halket Commissioners Absent: None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On a motion by Cm. Acuff, seconded by Cm. Mack, and by a vote of 7-0-0, the Commission voted to
approve the minutes of September 11, 2008 as presented.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARING
6.1 Amendment to Fee Resolution
Mr. John Hartnett, Heritage and Cultural Arts Manager, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in
the Staff Report.
Commission Comments:
Chair Swalwell opened the Public Hearing and no comments were received.
On a motion by Cm. Lussie, seconded by Cm. Halket and by a vote of 7-0-0, the Commission voted to
adopt the Resolution Adopting a Fee Schedule for Heritage and Cultural Arts Programs.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7.1 Brav Commons Public Art
Mr. John Hartnett, Heritage and Cultural Arts Manager, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in
the Staff Report.
Chair Swalwell asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to address the Bray Commons
Public Art issue.
Public Speaker 41 identified himself as Rod Bugawan (3290 Maguire Way, Dublin). Mr. Bugawan
advised that the artwork creates constant metal crashing noises and keeps him awake at night. Mr.
Bugawan advised that the City's General Plan regarding noise levels states that the decibel level must not
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exceed 50 or less during the hours of 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM and therefore, by the City's own rules, this art
piece is non-compliant. Mr. Bugawan was also concerned that the sharp metal pieces could hurt someone
if they fall from the art project. Mr. Bugawan did not feel that this type of art belonged in a park with a
children's area nearby, as it is much too dangerous and causes noise pollution in the immediate area
around this art piece. Mr. Bugawan would like another sound test completed between the ordinance hours
of 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Mr. Bugawan provided the Commission with a sampling of the leaves that he
advised had already fallen from the artwork.
Mr. Hartnett advised that he has been to the park several times to check for fallen metal leaves, but has not
found any in the past few months, nor have any been turned in by Staff.
Public Speaker #2 identified himself as John Zukoski (3385 Dublin Blvd). Mr. Zukoski advised that his
number one and two concerns with this art project are noise pollution and the safety issue regarding the
fallen leaves. Mr. Zukoski did not feel that coating the leaves would help alleviate the noise created by
this art piece. Mr. Zukoski suggested moving the art piece to Devaney Square which has a similar feel
and look of Bray Commons.
Mr. Harnett advised that relocating the art piece to another park is not a viable option at this time.
Mr. Zukoski stated that any money spent on this art project should come out of the Public Art fund and
not from the City of Dublin's General Fund account. Mr. Zukoski suggested encircling the piece with
plexiglass to reduce the safety issue of children standing under the art piece and being struck by a falling
metal leaf and possibly reducing the sound.
Commission Comments:
Cm. Lussie felt that the public had legitimate reasons for wanting this art piece modified or removed from
the area. Cm. Lussie felt this art piece is a discomfort to the residents as well as a safety issue. Cm.
Lussie did not feel confident that the coating of the leaves would help but did not want to remove any of
the leaves as she felt this would compromise the art piece.
Chair Swalwell stated that he does not doubt that the art piece might be loud. Chair Swalwell suggested
putting twist ties on the metal leaves to keep them from falling. Chair Swalwell felt that relocating the art
would be too costly. Chair Swalwell also reminded everyone that this art was pre-approved before it was
installed and therefore, moving the art piece at this time would set precedence for other projects being
removed after the public's opportunity for input has passed.
Cm. Acuff suggested removing some of the metal leaves to reduce the leaves banging against each other.
Cm. Acuff liked the idea of coating the metal with some sound muffling material and using the twist ties
or other device on all of the leaves to ensure none fall down and harm anyone.
Mr. Hartnett advised that the artist is willing to work with the City to get these issues resolved and is open
to ideas on how to accomplish this task.
Cm. Halket felt removing some of the leaves were a viable option.
Vice Chair Carr was concerned that plastic twist ties would become loose and fall with all of the
movement involved with this art piece. Vice Chair Carr suggested coating the leaves with a sound
muffling material and then run another noise test to see if this helps at all.
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Chair Swalwell advised that Mr. Hartnett has made several efforts to resolve these issues with the public
and has diligently tried to resolve the problems with this art piece and moved for a vote by the
Commission on this issue.
On a motion by Cm. Acuff, seconded by Cm. Mack, and by a vote of 6-1-0, the Commission voted to
recommend using a sound muffling material such as plastic on the metal leaves and to have the artist use
twist ties or some other means to secure all leaves. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold opposed the motion.
NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Parks & Communitv Services Strategic Plan
Mr. Paul McCreary, Assistant Director of Parks & Community $ervices, presented the proposed Parks &
Community Services Strategic Plan as outlined in the Staff Report.
Commission Comments:
Cm. Acuff thanked Mr. McCreary for the report and felt that the plan was good in that it included a lot of
open space which promotes the mental relaxation of our residents and gives them a sense that there are
quiet places in Dublin to go and enjoy.
Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold liked the ideas for the parks and downtown plans and felt we must stick to the
plan and move forward. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold would also like to see mare acknowledgement of our
non-profit sports leagues in the area, such as Dublin Little League and Dublin United Soccer League. Cm.
Vonheeder-Leopold cautioned that much of the open space referred to in the Strategic Plan is privately
owned and includes some restrictions of use to which the private owner is entitled.
Vice Chair Carr appreciates and enjoys the bike and walking pathways. It makes Dublin more biking and
walking friendly to the public.
Chair Swalwell thanked Mr. McCreary for his hard work on this project and believes we should expand
our work in promoting activities to various internet sites as well as to aid in advertising the City of
Dublin's amenities and programs.
Cm. Mack suggested more weekend dance classes for people who work during the week.
Cm. Lussie liked the idea of partnering with private vendors such as gyms and spas to enable the City to
offer more activities at flexible times for the community.
Vice Chair Carr suggested sending marketing information by text to cell phones and liked the punch pass
idea where someone could buy a 10-visit pass and go to any health and wellness class they wished to
participate in instead of having them commit to a single activity for a six to eight week period of time.
9.1 Other Business
Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold shared that she enjoyed the two park dedications last week and felt the
equipment and safety material were state of the art.
Chair Swalwell stated that he recently visited The Getty Museum in Los Angeles which is a beautiful park
and facility inside and out.
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ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christie Marks
Senior Office Assistant
APPROVED:
Chairperson