FAC 02-29-2016CUPERTINO
APPROVED MINUTES
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting, Conf. Rm. C
10300 Torre A venue Cupertino
Monday, February 29, 2016
At 7:00 p.m., Chair Matley called the meeting to order in Conference Room C, 10300
Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Diana Matley, Vice Chair Michael Sanchez and Commissioners Janki
Chokshi, Russell Leong, Raji Mahalingam.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Matley motioned, in consideration of the applicants and public, to change the
order of the agenda by moving item #5 to item #2. Commissioner Russell seconded the
motion. Motion approved 5-0-0.
Chair Matley welcomed De Anza College students from the political science program
who were attending to observe the meeting.
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. 2016 Cupertino "Energized by Art" Utility Box Project
Staff member Lauren Dickinson reported that she wished to gain support for the
utility art box project for the second year, specifically to expand to Stevens Creek
Blvd. FAC will accept and judge art work. The Hongyun Art School will
primarily run the project and will be exactly what was done last year.
Advertising would start at Earth Day Festival. Commissioner Mahalingam
requested piggybacking outreach for other Commission programs. Ms.
Dickinson will bring updates to the next meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
2. Architectural and Site approval (ASA-2015-21) for the art program at the Main
Street Cupertino mixed-use development site.
Assistant Planner Gian Martire presented the proposed art program. He
recommended approval with an additional condition that the applicant work
February 29, 2016 Cupertino Fine Arts Commission Page2
with staff to assure accuracy of historic information on the creek marker
medallions.
Applicant Dean Issacs presented the program and introduced the artists, Jason
Paul Bennett (bird sculptures), Barbara Grygutis (metal wall hangings), creek
medallions by Iron Age Designs, and Alex Lebron (mural). The artists
individually presented their work through digital presentations, as well as
sample materials and metals, photographs, and rendering foam boards that were
distributed to the Commissioners for review.
Three members of the public spoke: Darrell Lum was concerned about safety
around the sculptures and lighting. Jennifer Griffin liked the creek markers and
lighting, and was concerned with the aviary and bird safety. Lisa Warren stated
that this is not what she and her neighbors envisioned for Main Street Cupertino,
that development should be rustic and not contemporary, and agreed with other
commenters about safety and lighting concerns; she did not like the bright lights,
apple core sculpture and wagon wheels.
The Commissioners were generally in favor of the art program as proposed.
They asked additional questions about safety, specifically the ability of children
to climb the sculptures, lighting, final design concepts (no changes in size or
design concepts) and maintenance/safety/sturdiness of bird aviary. The
applicants answered as follows:
• Safety: sculptures are designed at heights and angles such that they are not
conducive to climbing (angles pinch the foot and provide no comfortable
resting place for the foot for leverage of a reasonable stride).
• Lighting: still being refined, is not final. Staff clarified lighting was not
included in the art program application packet.
• Design concepts: the concepts are final. There may be minor refinements,
such as the beak of a bird but no changes to the design concept and size.
• Bird aviary: property manager of Main Street is responsible for the daily
upkeep and would be working with bird care specialists to refine long-term
care and maintenance. City staff clarified that Public Works and the Parks &
Recreation Commission would be the reviewing body. The aviary is not
considered as part of the art program, though Commissioners may ask
questions and make recommendations.
February 29, 2016 Cupertino Fine Arts Commission Page3
Motion: Commission Sanchez motioned with a second from Commissioner
Mahalingam to adopt Resolution 16-01, Architectural and Site approval (ASA-
2015-21) for the art program at the Main Street Cupertino mixed-use
development site with conditions requiring verification of history on the creek
medallions and requiring specifications of color, type, intensity and time
regarding proposed lighting. Motion approved 5-0-0.
Motion: Commissioner Leong motioned with a second from Commissioner
Mahalingam to require that the applicant bring the report about lighting to the
next or future Fine Arts Commission meeting. Motion approved 5-0-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3. Minutes of January 25, 2016 Fine Arts Commission
Commissioner Mahalingam requested edit to show that she was present.
Motion: Commissioner Mahalingam motioned and Commissioner Sanchez
seconded the motion to approve minutes from January 25, 2016. Motioned
approved 5-0-0.
4. 2016 Emerging Artist/Distinguished Artist Program
Commissioner Chokshi advised that many artists resist the notion of being
labeled as distinguished, because it might imply that they no longer have
anything further to accomplish. Commissioner Sanchez believed that the issue
is about outreach and communication, and clarified the criteria for distinguished
artists.
Action Items:
./ Flyer needs to be updated with diversity tone: Commissioner Leong
and Vice Chair Sanchez
./ Subcommittee for judging criteria/application/outreach to F ALC to
explain distinguished artist: Commissioners Chikshi and Mahalingam;
./ Items completed for March 281h meeting for Commission review and
program launch on April 1s1•
5. 2016 Fine Arts Commission Calendar and Deadlines
Chair Matley brought handouts for all and discussed how to make meetings run
more efficiently.
February 29, 2016 Cupertino Fine Arts Commission Page4
Action Items:
./ Look at work plan, detail of each work plan item at each meeting, and
year calendar: All commissioners add or subtract to these documents .
./ Sign up for Mayor's meeting (completed at meeting; all received
picture of sign up)
./ Sign up for meeting minutes. Commissioners will rotate taking
minutes on a template provided by staff. Staff will take minutes when
there is an active art program application being considered .
./ Look at events schedule and sign up if interested in attending for
outreach purposes.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Matley adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. to the Regular Meeting on March 28,
2016, at City Hall, Conference Room C.
&c~
Catarina Kidd, Senior Planner & Staff Liaison