Chairman Sotelo requested the minutes be amended to include the discussion regarding the $50,000 donation from Eclipse Development for the Corey Lidle statue.

The minutes were approved as amended.

This is the time when any member of the public may bring a matter to the attention of the Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to comments on non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

This is the time for the public to comment on any item on the Consent Calendar. As Consent Calendar items are considered routine in nature, they are normally enacted in one motion. The Chairperson may remove a questioned Consent Calendar item for separate action.

You are encouraged by this Commission to express your views on any matter set for public hearing. It is our procedure to first receive the report of the Planning staff, then to ask for public testimony; first from those in favor of the matter, followed by testimony from those in opposition to it, and, if there be opposition, to allow those in favor, rebuttal testimony only as to the points brought up in opposition. To testify on a matter, you need to simply come forward to the lectern at the appropriate time, give your name and address and make your statement. In addition, please sign in on the sheet provided at the podium so it will facilitate preparation of our minutes. Do not be concerned with your possible lack of experience in public hearings. We are interested in what you say, not your level of expertise as a public speaker. After a hearing has been closed, you may not further speak on the matter unless requested to do so by a member of the Commission.

Review proposed artwork to be installed at the West Covina Heights Shopping Center. The applicant is proposing to install artwork in two locations: one would be located in the north of the main (or central) driveway in the food court area and one would be located in the landscaped median of the central driveway. Both pieces of art are sculptures and both would include lighting. In addition, the applicant is proposing to deposit $50,000 as an in-lieu fee, to go towards the cost of the Cory Lidle statue that has been installed at Big League Dreams.

This item was continued from the meeting of December 11, 2007.

Principal Planner Jeff Anderson presented the staff report. During his presentation, Mr. Anderson told the Commission that the applicant, Mr. Doug Gray, would show a power point presentation of the site and proposed location of the artwork. He also stated that the applicant had brought models of the two pieces to provide the Commission with a better idea of their visual impact.

Douglas Gray, applicant, Doug Cleary, Project Manager, and Leslie Elwood, Project Art consultant, spoke in favor of the project. Lloyd Johnson, Royall Brown, Joanne Wilner and Art Knowles spoke in opposition.

Leslie Elwood addressed the Commission regarding the suggestions for modification put forth by the Planning Commission at the last meeting. Ms. Elwood told the Commission that, in speaking with the artist, she was told that the artist’s concept was of a "heroic" baseball player, and the muscular nature of the player was a representation of this concept. Ms. Elwood stated that the artist had agreed to make a minor modification to the eyes on the piece, but would not make the figure less muscular or change the gender.

There was then a discussion by the Commission regarding the comments made regarding the possibility that the muscular nature of the baseball player depicted might promote the use of steroids.

Mr. Johnson spoke to the Commission and told them that his opinion of the piece had not changed. He urged the Commission to deny the request. Mrs. Wilner expressed her agreement with Mr. Johnson’s comments.

Art Knowles and Royall Brown stated that they felt that the second piece, "The Builder," wouldn’t be appropriate for the site since there are no equestrian uses in the area. In addition, they suggested that the statue should be donated by the developer to Ridgerider/Maverick Park.

Mr. Gray told the Commission that he would prefer to have both statues placed within his own development. He also stated that he was willing to forego "The Builder" if the Commission felt it wasn’t appropriate for the commercial center.

*There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the appropriateness of the two statues. Commissioners Stewart and Redholtz stated that they were still supportive of the artwork. Commissioner Fisher indicated that he was still concerned with the muscular appearance of the baseball player and would not support the artwork because it might be perceived as promoting steroid use. In addition, Commissioner Redholtz requested that the conditions of approval be amended to delete condition that required $50,000 donation to the Art In Public Places fund since he didn’t want it to appear that the approval of the artwork was dependent upon payment of the in-lieu fee.

Commissioner Rozatti stated that she appreciated the chance to review the artwork and added that she felt both pieces were unique pieces of art. In addition, she stated that she felt the "In the Zone" piece would tie in well with Big League Dreams and expressed her support of the project. She further stated her agreement with Commissioner Redholtz that the condition requiring the payment of a $50,000 in-lieu fee should be deleted.

Staff then recommended that the Commission add a condition requiring the applicant to provide structural drawings stamped by a registered structural engineer for the interior support structure of the sculptures and their attachment to the foundations, and requiring said plans to be reviewed by the Public Works Department.

It was the consensus of the Commission that the proposed artwork would be beneficial to the development and the City. It was also the consensus of the Commission to amend the conditions of approval as requested by Commissioner Redholtz and as recommended by staff.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to approve Art In Public Places No. 07-03, as amended. Motion carried 4-1 (Fisher opposed).

Schematic review of proposed artwork to be installed at the shopping center at the corner of Citrus Street and Workman Avenue, currently under construction. The schematic stage allows the Planning Commission to review the conceptual design of the proposed artwork prior to final submittal. During this review, the Planning Commission can consider artwork details including: the type and style of the artwork, material, size of the artwork, color, and texture of the piece. The art budget is also included for review.

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission provide comment and direction as appropriate.

Planning Associate Ron Garcia presented the staff report. During the presentation, staff informed the Commission that the proposed artwork was in the schematic stage and was being presented for their comments.

Andrew McIntyre, representing the applicant, David L. Spellerberg, project artist, and Joanne Wilner spoke in favor of the project. There were no opponents.

There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the United States flag that is part of the artwork. Commissioner Fisher asked if the flag would be lighted and maintained in good condition. Mr. Garcia stated that the lighting of the flag and it’s maintenance were part of the conditions of approval. Mr. McIntyre assured the Commission that the flag would be flown with full honors at all times.

Mr. Spellerberg, creator of the artwork, told the Commission that the piece was developed to reflect family values as the developer had requested. Commissioner Rozatti asked why this statue was proposed on Citrus Street rather than Workman Avenue. Mr. Spellerberg replied that placement of the statue on Citrus Street would give it a more dramatic visual effect because it would be in front of a window. In addition, Mr. McIntyre told the Commission that placing it on Citrus Street would make it visible from the freeway and close to the entrance to the City of West Covina. Further, there is also greater vehicle clearance on Citrus Street.

Joanne Wilner expressed her support of the concept and asked how the rock and figures would be contrasted if the entire statue would be in bronze. Mr. Spellerberg told the Commission that he intended to use different patinas to provide contrast and texture to the artwork.

After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that the artwork would enhance the development. The Commission also concurred that the artist should be allowed to proceed with the commissioned artwork.

This is the time when any member of the public may bring a matter to the attention of the Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to comments on non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

This is the time when any member of the Commission may bring a matter to the attention of the full Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. Any item that was considered during the public hearing portion is not appropriate for discussion in this section of the agenda. NO COMMISSION ACTION CAN BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME. If the Commission desires to discuss an issue raised by a resident or take an action, the Commission may vote to agendize the matter for the next meeting. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

Commissioner Redholtz asked about the status of the Corona Grill on Glendora Avenue. Principal Planner Jeff Anderson stated that the applicants were close to submitting plans for review by the Planning Commission.

This is an oral presentation of City Council matters and actions of the listed meeting which are in the Commission’s area of interest.

January 15, 2008

-Discussion regarding the possible formation of a public arts commission.

Motion by Fisher, seconded by Redholtz, to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.