MINUTES
ORO VALLEY ART REVIEW COMMISSION
Special Session
December 18, 2008 
HOPI ROOM 
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
 
Call to Order at or around 4:00 p.m.
 
Roll Call
 
1.

OV5-08-05, Sanofi-Aventis, represented by Rebecca Thompson and Joe Tyler, request approval of public art for the Sanofi-Aventis research center, located on the southeast corner of Innovation Park Drive and Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

If you have any questions about this matter, please contact Matt Michels, Senior Planner, at (520) 229-4822 or mmichels@orovalleyaz.gov

 
Joe Tyler, Rebecca Thompson and Beth Koch gave an overview of the history of the proposal.  This is more than just a piece of art; it is part of us and growing with us.
Mr. Tyler’s idea for a large century plant represents rebirth and the future.

The name of the project is Sarvodaya.

We are using sustainable materials.  There is a water feature but will not have water running until it is raining and will be an enjoyment for the community.  The community being a part of this is important to Sanofi Aventis.

As the plants grow the whole site will be a place that you will want to go.

Reviewed:

-Curved wall
-Water feature and the two walls

This site is the closest that they can get at this time. Sanofi plans future growth and this is the best location for what is to come.

Reviewed the following:

-Bench Seating
-Gateway
-Curved wall and water feature will have bronze on them
-Used cut samples of bronze to shoe

The waterway, an 8x8x8 cube structure and the two bronze panels that are 5x5x5, are in conjunction with Colby.  We have developed an intricate maze pattern.

It is a maze that they navigate and only one person moves through the maze and makes it to the end.  An idea is to put something at the library that says "come to the maze and solve the puzzle."  The rammed earth will be a different color.
 
Member Honn stated "Good art provokes thought."

They used the largest tree possible. 

Member Honn asked if the rammed earth has a protective layer on the top.
Ms. Thompson said there will be a protective layer on the top and subservice anti-graffiti.

Chairman Grigsby still continues to have concerns about the rammed earth and wood.  What will you do when the corners begin to chip? 
Ms. Thompson said the rammed earth over time is beautiful and adds character.  
Ms. Koch said we will maintain the sealing and if there is ever a problem we will have the people to contact to solve the problem.

Chairman Grigsby said they tested the bullet proof anti-graffiti and came back two days later and cleaned it up.

Member Dornberg said she thinks it is beautiful and is excited to see it.

MOTION: A motion was made by and seconded by to approve 1. OV5-08-05, sanofi-aventis, represented by Rebecca Thompson and Joe Tyler, request approval of public art for the sanofi-aventis research center, located on the southeast corner of Innovation Park Drive and Rancho Vistoso Blvd. If you have any questions about this matter, please contact Matt Michels, Senior Planner, at (520) 229-4822 or mmichels@orovalleyaz.gov
 
Bayer Vella, OV Conservation and Sustainability Manager, stated the proposal does meet the guidelines and requested that the committee consider Exhibit A when making their recommendation for approval.

Artist stated that he could make a mock up of the proposed fixture. 
Chairman Grigsby said he is not sure what is happening with the living tree and suggested it should be resealed by the Town.
Mr. Vella said the Town did not remain proactive when it should have been resealed. 

Ms. Koch said we want to do preventive maintenance and be sure to do it.  The artists have gotten us to a point where we have artwork that will not need a lot of maintenance. 

Mr. Tyler, native Arizonan, said he is excited about our centennial that is coming up.  Happy Birthday Arizona for the citizens of Oro Valley.
One hundred pales for each year.  The bloom will be about 28 feet in height.  The site plan is designed so that you can see this and should catch your eye and draw you into the building.  Fabricated from welded steel and anchored by LED lighting.
 
Member Hagedorn asked if the sauna tube would be visible.  Response is that it will not be visible.

The flowers I am recommending are clear acrylic so they would be not breakable.  We want them to be clear with LED lighting.

Motion passed.

2.

OV5-08-04A, Innovation Corporate Center LLC., represented by Venture West, requests approval for modifications to the previously approved public art at the Innovation Corporate Center, located on the northeast corner of Innovation Park Drive and Vistoso Park Drive.    If you have any questions about this matter, please contact David Ronquillo, Senior Planner, at (520) 229-4817 or dronquillo@orovalleyaz.gov.

 
Dan Spears representing Venture West reviewed the proposal originally submitted as a sundial.  To make this a working sundial we have to follow, so that it will function correctly.  This will be put at a very prominent place and all the adjustments have been taken into account.  Basically we wanted to present our most current design and to make sure that the concept is still okay and fulfills our original submittal.  We want to be more proactive to make sure that we are headed in the direction that we want to go.  We are now getting into the engineering and fabrication.  They have put together a number of art pieces around town and across the country.  This is a very good selection for an art piece. 
 
Fred Steinger was not able to be there.

Member Dornberg asked what was different from before.

The applicant said it is now more specific.  The final layout is now very precise. 

Member Honn asked how tall it would be.  The response was fifteen feet on the base, 20-25 feet from the base grade.
 

The surface dates are being possibly done in a bronze or concrete.

What are the materials of the sundial?
The numbers and face and end of the gnome will be stainless steel.
The other will be steel.

This will be painted steel except for the stainless steel.  This will be taken care of by the association.  We will have a website for this piece for educational purposes.

Mr. Vella presented the staff report and stated the proposal is recommended for approval with the conditions in Exhibit A.

MOTION: A motion was made by and seconded by to approve to approve with the condditoans in Exhibit A
 
Motion passed.

3.

Art Commission Member Appointment Status

 
Mr. Vella updated the ARC Commissioners on the proposed changes to the appointment process to all Boards and Commission members.

Member Honn said her concerns are the lack of transparency and political cronies.
Member Hagedorn asked if the town had any difficulty filling any of the vacancies of boards or commissions.  He said it is good to give a fresh look at all of the boards and commissions.
Chairman Grigsby said he would support the comments already made.  The process now within the town is we should continue as we are.

Member Honn said Oro Valley runs on volunteers and this could stifle volunteerism.
Member Dornberg said she is curious as to why they want to change it.  If it is not broke, do not fix it.
Member Honn said a member of Planning and Zoning came to talk to us one time.
Chairman Grigsby said this has always been that the pieces that have come forth and do nothing more than meet the minimum intent of the committee.

Member Honn will be representing the ARC committee at the Town Council meeting on January 21, 2009.   Member Honn asked if something could be put together in writing for review and consideration at the next ARC meeting. 

Add the discussion and presentation to the Council on the next agenda.

Staff was requested to send out the newest approved bylaws to be passed out at the January meeting.

Adjournment