PAC - Minutes - 02-11-13Minutes of the
Public Art Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
February 11, 2013
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Public Art Ad Hoc Committee was called to order by Committee
Member Montgomery-Scott at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room located at 8838 East Valley
Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Committee Members Bruesch, Loa, and Montgomery-Scott
ABSENT: Committee Members Armenta, Camonte
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, Administrative Intern Tchobanian
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Ms. Janice Wiggins White — expressed concern about the content of the mural and suggested moving the
location to a City building. She stated that the sections after the Memorial Park are not relevant to the
Cemetery.
Ms. Michelle Hewitt — stated that it is a great period piece, but expressed concern about the modern
aspects.
Committee Member Montgomery- Scott— stated that the location of the mural would attract more visitors
and benefit the Cemetery. He then explained that the Committee had come up with a focus for the mural,
which was previously discussed as being the history of Rosemead. This would start from its foundational
period and continue to the contemporary period. He further stated that, as previously discussed, cutting the
mural at the point of incorporation would throw out Rosemead's history after that time period. It would reflect
the pre- history of Rosemead as opposed to the full history of the City.
Committee Member Bruesch — explained that he received an email from the President of the Cemetery's
Board stating that this project is a City project, therefore anything done on the wall is up to the City, not the
Cemetery board. Mr. Bruesch further clarified that he does not speak for the Cemetery board, and his role in
the Committee is solely to make sure that the historical icons on the mural are accurate. He further explained
that what we have going on today will be considered history in 50 years.
Committee Member Loa — explained that after looking at information and reading the comment cards, there
seems to be some concern about the lack of women represented on the mural. She then mentioned including
Aida Quinn, who is buried at the Cemetery, attended the first school beyond 8th grade, and ended up
becoming a doctor. She also suggested including something that represents the Moose Lodge since the City
will be using their wall for the mural.
Committee Member Bruesch — agreed with the importance of including the Moose Lodge.
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Committee Member Montgomery-Scott— reminded members about the space limitations since the mural is
to encompass hundreds of years of history, and pointed out that City Hall isn't depicted on the mural either.
Ms. Wiggins White — inquired if the financial state of the Moose Lodge had been verified since other
locations have been in danger of closing.
Committee Member Bruesch — answered that this Moose Lodge is well run and makes good profit.
Committee Member Montgomery-Scott— answered that the Moose Lodge has given no indication of
financial concern.
Ms. Hewitt inquired if children in the community took part in the design or had any input on the mural.
Committee Member Montgomery-Scott— answered that the mural was created by a local artist and the
sketch was present at the City's Lunar New Year Festival, where input was submitted. He then stated that the
Committee did discuss involving schools and holding contests, but because of time constraints decided to
move forward with the project.
Ms. Wiggins White — inquired about the amount of space that is available between the wall and the
Cemetery fence.
Committee Member Montgomery-Scott— answered that the fence would have to come down and the
remaining gaps would be closed at the edges of the building, making the wall accessible on the Cemetery
side.
Ms. Wiggins White — commented that the Board will probably not approve that decision since the fence is
the property line of the Cemetery.
Committee Member Bruesch — stated that he told Joe Castillo about Committee Member Montgomery-Scott
assuring everyone about agreements, including right of ways and easements, that will have to be approved
by the Board.
Committee Member Montgomery-Scott — agreed and reassured that there will be agreements between the
City and the Moose Lodge and the City and the Cemetery.
Committee Member Bruesch — restated that nothing will be decided without the approval of the Board.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Committee Member Bruesch — reiterated that at a prior meeting, during which the moving of the fence was
discussed, he mentioned that the Board's approval was needed in order to make any such decisions.
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Committee Member Montgomery- Scott— assured that the project cannot move forward without the
agreements between the agencies, as was discussed during the January 14, 2013 meeting.
Committee Member Robert Bruesch made a motion, seconded by Committee Member Tracy Loa to
approve the Minutes of January 28, 2013. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Bruesch, Loa, Montgomery-Scott
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Armenta, Camonte
3. FINALIZE MURAL CONCEPT
Committee Member Montgomery- Scott— reiterated the three additions that were previously discussed:
haciendas, the horse ranch, and references to wineries /grapevines around the portrait. He then added new
changes that were discussed such as additional pioneers, including Aida Quinn per the suggestion of
Committee Member Loa. He then explained that the City will bring these changes to the attention of the Artist.
Committee Member Bruesch — inquired about the significance of the railroad tracks on the mural.
Ms. Wiggins White — explained that the Chinese community helped build the railroads.
Committee Member Bruesch — stated that the railroads were not in place before the Cemetery, calling the
timeline inaccurate. He then questioned the presence of the Chinese builder since it took place during the
Chinese Exclusion Act and may be negatively perceived.
Ms. Wiggins White — suggested moving the railroads on the other side of the school in the mural. She also
stated that if it weren't for their efforts, we might not have railroads.
Committee Member Bruesch — inquired if the City wanted to depict the Asian history in this manner
considering they make up 60% of Rosemead.
City Manager Jeff Allred — stated that it showcases the contribution of the Chinese community. He also stated
that the sketch was available during the Lunar New Year Festival and there were no negative reactions or
comments on this subject. He agreed that the railroad tracks should be moved to the other side of the school
in order to make it chronologically accurate.
Ms. Wiggins White — suggested making the seal bigger and excluding the big rose from the mural to make
more room.
Committee Member Bruesch — stated that making the rose less stylized was discussed, but the Committee
decided to keep the rose logo in the mural since there really is a Rosemead Rose.
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Committee Member Loa — stated that per previous discussions, the Committee had decided to make the
seal bigger.
Committee Member Bruesch — suggested contacting local Asian - American organizations to see if they
would have any issues with the image. He commented that he agrees about it being a part of history, but was
fearful of repercussions because of the recent passage of a resolution against the Chinese Exclusion Act.
Committee Member Montgomery- Scott— summarized the discussion thus far, including changing the
location of and needing some clarification on the Chinese individual on the railroad, the addition of other
pioneer families and a woman, the styling of the rose, the one dimensional aspect of the high school, and the
additions of a hacienda period reference
, Rose's horse ranch, and wineries or grave vines around Rose's portrait.
4. FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
Administrative Intern Barbara Tchobanian — presented options on brick and tile fundraising companies,
contact with local high schools, and the City of San Gabriel.
Committee Member Bruesch — suggested contacting local elementary schools.
Committee Member Montgomery-Scott— discussed the difference between bricks and tiles, and inquired
which one the Committee would like to pursue.
Committee Member Bruesch — discussed options on the location of where tiles or bricks can be installed
and inquired if any of them would interfere with the public right -of -way.
Committee Member Loa — stated her preference for doing a tile fundraiser since it would include art.
Committee Member Bruesch — suggested installing tiles on the public sidewalk leading up to the Cemetery,
similar to the City of San Gabriel and the Mission.
Committee Member Montgomery- Scott— discussed installing tiles or bricks at the base of the mural.
City Manager Allred — discussed installing lighting so the mural can be seen at night, attracting more attention
Committee Member Bruesch — suggested contacting affluent former Rosemead residents for donations,
such as Vikki Carr, Taboo, the owner of Public Storage, and the winner of the Kentucky Derby two years ago.
City Manager Allred — declared that the next step would be to come up with a budget. He also stated that
once an updated rendering was completed by the Artist, the Committee would be able to receive a budget
proposal from him. He stated that having that amount would help dictate the goal and narrow down how
many fundraising efforts would be needed.
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6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m. The next regular Public Art Ad Hoc Committee meeting is scheduled to
take place on February 25, 2013 at 5:00 p.m., but due to lack of quorum, the mee ' g has been rescheduled
for March 11, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
( i
Barbara Tchob �inistrative Intern
Public Art Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
Minutes of February 11, 2013
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