The Los Altos City Council’s rejection of public art last week left the city, well, heartless.
Council members say no thanks Feb. 27 to a $55,000 allocation for purchase and installation of a “Low Poly Open Heart” sculpture. The 5-by-5-2.5-foot artwork by artist Matt Duffy was recommended for approval by members of the Parks, Arts and Recreation and Cultural Commission. The council was charged with choosing among three recommended locations in south Los Altos.
The location, however, became a moot point when the sculpture met with disapproval and overall indifference from council members. When last discussed in September, councilmembers discussed possible approval of three heart sculptures at $25,000 each. They approved one. But the $30,000 increase for that one sculpture in the months since gave them pause.
“I think with the price increase, we should not make the purchase,” Vice Mayor Pete Dailey said.
“I never thought this piece was appropriate for Los Altos,” said Major Jonathan Weinberg. “With this price increase, the prudent thing to do would be to ask the commission to find an alternative.”
The council was in general agreement to reject the sculpture purchase.
In other action, the council:
• Introduced an ordinance adding to the municipal code a requirement for off-site street improvements when private development does not require a subdivision.
“The existing Los Altos Municipal Code is silent on street improvements when private development is occurring … does not require or request a subdivision or map,” read a staff report from Nick Zornes, the city’s development director. “In the absence of regulations any property that is developed … will not be required to make offsite street improvements immediately adjacent to the subject site. In practical terms this will result in no sidewalk or curb and gutter improvements throughout the city, even when the city finds that it is prudent.”
The new ordinance will allow for the enforcement and requirement of street improvements as necessary “when associated with an applicable project or permit,” according to the report.
• Approved a travel request for Councilmember Lynette Lee Eng to attend the League of California Cities Community Services Policy Committee Meeting March 21 in Burbank. A council policy requires authorization of travel expenses and reimbursements. The expenditure was for $268.82.
In December, Lee Eng was appointed to a one-year term on the Community Services Policy Committee by the League of California Cities Peninsula Division President (Ellen Kamei of Mountain View). The Community Services Policy Committee reviews issues related to child care, parks and recreation, libraries, natural disaster preparation, cultural arts, and community and human services programs.
“I felt my knowledge of parks and community services was valuable to this committee,” she told council members. “I think I can add to what we think we can bring to the attention of Cal Cities.”
Weinberg and Councilmember Sally Meadows, in particular, expressed concerns about Lee Eng using the public forum to advocate positions that were not in line with the majority of council.
“I’m inclined to support this. “I need an assurance from you … that you will just be respectful of council norms and your colleagues, and that in that public forum, you will be respectful,” Meadows said.
“In the past, you have been known at Cal Cities conferences to advocate positions that clearly were not in accord with the majority of council,” Weinberg said. “So if you’re willing to give the assurance that you won’t advocate for something that you have reason to believe would not be supported by the majority, then I would vote yes on it.”
“This has nothing to do with our council,” Lee Eng said. “It’s looking at the greater good for our Peninsula. That’s my role there.”