Alternative to Raising Taxes: Reform versus ‘Tweaking’

ABSTRACT:  As Rhode Island’s treasurer Gina Raimondo states, A lot of "people say we've done pension reform when all they've done is tweaked something." Rhode Island’s pension reform law “shifts all workers from defined-benefit pensions into hybrid plans, which include a modest annuity and a defined-contribution component. It also increases the retirement age to 67 from 62 for all workers and suspends cost-of-living adjustments for retirees until the pension system, which is only about 50% funded, reaches a more healthy state.”  HIGHLIGHTS of THE WEEKEND INTERVIEW and link to the Interview are presented.

HIGHLIGHTS of THE WEEKEND INTERVIEW:

“...Unfortunately, public pensions all over the country are gobbling up more and more taxpayer money and producing nothing in return but huge deficits. It's not even certain whether employees in their 20s and 30s will retire with a pension, since many state and municipal pension systems are projected to run dry in the next two to three decades.”

“That included Rhode Island's system until last year, when Ms. Raimondo drove perhaps the boldest pension reform of the last decade through the state's Democratic-controlled General Assembly. The new law shifts all workers from defined-benefit pensions into hybrid plans, which include a modest annuity and a defined-contribution component. It also increases the retirement age to 67 from 62 for all workers and suspends cost-of-living adjustments for retirees until the pension system, which is only about 50% funded, reaches a more healthy state.”

“Several states have increased the retirement age or created a new tier of benefits for future workers, but reforms that only affect not-yet-hired employees don't save much money. A lot of "people say we've done pension reform when all they've done is tweaked something," Ms. Raimondo points out. "This problem will not go away, and I don't know what people are thinking. By the nature of the problem, it gets bigger and harder the longer you wait."”

THE WEEKEND INTERVIEW

Updated March 23, 2012, 7:37 p.m. ET

The Democrat Who Took on the Unions

Rhode Island's treasurer Gina Raimondo talks about how she persuaded the voting public, labor rank-and-file and a liberal legislature to pass the most far-reaching pension reform in decades.

‘MINUTES’ For Two Noteworthy 20 March 2012 Special City Council Meeting Agenda Items: Five-Year Financial Forecast & Capital Improvement Plan

“MINUTES”

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Archived Video Streaming

City Hall

East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues

II. Roll Call

PRESENT: Council Members Burnett, Hazdovac, Sharp, Talmage, and Mayor McCloud

ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT (partial list): Jason Stilwell, City Administrator

Heidi Burch, Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk

Andrew Miller, Fire Chief

Stuart Ross, Public Works Superintendent

Mike Branson, City Forester

IV. Orders of Council

A. Receive and file the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea five-year financial forecast.

Jason Stilwell, City Administrator, presented a power point presentation summary of the FIVE YEAR 2012-2017 FINANCIAL FORECAST.

FIVE YEAR 2012

FIVE YEAR 2012-2017 FINANCIAL FORECAST Power Point Presentation HIGHLIGHTS

COUNCIL MEMBERS & CITY ADMINISTRATOR & PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Council Member Talmage addressed restructuring of the CalPERS side fund debt with interest of $500,000 annually for a lower interest expense savings of $200,000 and health insurance in operating budget.  Talmage suggested unbundling the parking/rents and interest on reserve funds.  And Talmage noted that CalPERS recently reduced rate from 7.75% to 7.50%.

Council Member Burnett referred to FIVE-YEAR FY 2011-12 through 16-17 General Fund Expenditures Table and addressed CalPERS side fund debt not addressed in budget.

City Administrator Stilwell stated the need for reserves for vehicle replacement and litigation. 

Mayor McCloud opened the meeting to public comment

Monte Miller addressed the CalPERS side fund debt, revenue increases for November ballot process and place revenue increases on April City Council agenda.

Jim Emery suggested ranking expenditure items and corresponding revenue needs.

Barbara Livingston suggested a financial forecast including a raise in sales tax to the rate of other Monterey Peninsula cities, an increase in TOT from 10% to 12% and property tax increases. 

Mayor McCloud closed the meeting to public comment.

City Administrator Stilwell addressed “closing the gap,” including require services to continue to shrink, employees to be compensated less, and/or new revenue sources to be created, from economic development, annexation, natural growth of the economy (if any), fee increases, and/or voter approved tax increases.

 

Council Member Talmage stated the need to have a timeline and dates for ballot measures, et cetera and advocated for paying off the side fund debt. 

Council Member Burnett addressed “trigger points” for items on the November 2012 ballot.  Burnett observed expenditures growth faster than revenue growth and therefore a need for a new revenue source. 

Mayor McCloud stated enforcement versus sales tax rate regarding the sale of artwork. 

Council Member Hazdovac stated past public rejection of an ambulance tax, sewer tax, paid parking and BID. 

B. Receive and review the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Capital Improvement Plan and refer it to the Planning Commission to review for General Plan Consistency.

Jason Stilwell, City Administrator, presented the power point presentation.

Capital Improvement Plan 2012

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Capital Improvement Plan Power Point Presentation

COUNCIL MEMBERS & CITY ADMINISTRATOR & PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Mayor McCloud addressed street section on Carpenter St. north of Ocean Avenue.  Stu Ross, Public Works Superintendent stated that the section was an expensive section to replace.  And Ross stated that street project priorities are determined by Nichols report, Neill Engineering and Public Works.

Council Member Talmage addressed street and road projects that according to the Nichols Report for planning purposes the City should expend 2/3 of a million to maintain roads at 70%, not less than 50% of Nichols recommendation. 

Council Member Talmage mentioned grand total of $8.6 million including two big projects of $950,000 for Forest Theater and $850,000 for Police/Public Works re-roof. 

Mayor McCloud opened the meeting to public comment.

Monte Miller addressed the absence of the Scout House and the City should either sell it or fit it up.

Jim Emery stated omission of return on investment analysis. 

Victoria Beach, Planning Commissioner, expressed an interest in making accessible a set of graphics, et cetera, for the public. 

Mayor McCloud closed the meeting to public comment.

City Administrator Stilwell responded justification sections including return on investment analysis, for example.  Stilwell stressed the focus on asset maintenance and improvement and impact on operating budget.  

Council Member Talmage requested information on use and status of City’s real estate properties, such as the Scout House. 

City Administrator Stilwell stated refer document with addendum and inquires/answers to questions from public to Planning Commission for April 11 meeting for determination of compliance. 

NOTE:  Questions from the public must be submitted to the City by close of business next Wednesday, March 28, 2012 for the city administrator to answer.  It is anticipated that compiled Q & A will be completed by next budget meeting on April 24, 2012, also including operating budget.

Literature Articles: City Financial Reserve Policies

ABSTRACT:  For educational and informational purposes, articles on city finance entitled RESERVE POLICIES IN CALIFORNIA CITIES by Anita Lawrence, Barbara Underwood, Mary Bradley and City Financial Reserves, CITY OF GLENDALE, including Fund Balance – General Fund: Survey Cities and Fund Balance –General Fund Comparisons - % of Budget; Per Capita and City Reserve Sources and Reserve Funds and Financial Condition Analysis, New York State are embedded.

RESERVE POLICIES IN CALIFORNIA CITIES

RESERVE POLICIES IN CALIFORNIA CITIES

city financial reserves

City Financial Reserves, CITY OF GLENDALE

City Reserve Sources

City Reserve Sources

Reserve Funds

Reserve Funds, New York State

Financial Condition Analysis

Financial Condition Analysis, New York State

Two Noteworthy 20 March 2012 Special City Council Meeting Agenda Items: Five-Year Financial Forecast & Capital Improvement Plan

ABSTRACT:  Two Noteworthy 20 March 2012 Special City Council Agenda Items, namely Receive and file the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea five-year financial forecast and Receive and review the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Capital Improvement Plan and refer it to the Planning Commission to review for General Plan Consistency, are presented.  Sections of Agenda Item Summaries are presented, the Packet is embedded, including  Five Year Financial Forecast and Five Year Capital Improvement Plan, July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2017, and HIGHLIGHTS, including PROJECTS BY PRIORITY, are presented.

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA PACKET

Special Meeting

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

4:30 p.m., Open Session

Live & Archived Video Streaming

City Hall

East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues

II. Roll Call

IV. Orders of Council

A. Receive and file the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea five-year financial forecast.

Description: The Council will receive a report of the City’s five-year financial forecast highlighting the projected financial context. The five-year forecast of discretionary General Fund revenues and their uses is intended to provide a context that may be helpful in weighing the financial consequences of current year decisions. The five-year forecast shows an increasing gap between revenues and expenditures as anticipated expenditures outpace projected revenue. This gap is $500,000 in FY 2012-13 growing to $1.4 million in Fiscal Year 2016-17. The City Council has taken action to reduce the future gap by adopting a second tier retirement system for new employees and by reducing service levels. Additional measures to bridge the gap will be presented to the City Council as part of the recommended FY 2012-13 budget.

Staff Recommendation: Review and provide direction.

Important Considerations: The City Council is anticipated to adopt the budget prior to the start of the fiscal year with budget hearings scheduled for May 17, 2012, May 24, 2012, June 12, 2012, and June 19, 2012.

HIGHLIGHTS 
Five Year Financial Forecast 

FINANCIAL FORECAST OVERVIEW

The five-year forecast shows an increasing gap between revenues and expenditures as anticipated expenditures outpace projected revenue. This gap is $500,000 in FY 2012-13 growing to $1.4 million in Fiscal Year 2016-17. The City Council has taken action to reduce the future gap by adopting a second tier retirement system for new employees and by reducing service levels.

FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL FORECAST

Introduction and Summary

The five-year forecast of discretionary General Fund revenues and their uses is intended to provide a context that may be helpful in weighing the financial consequences of current year decisions. The revenue projections focus on discretionary General Fund revenues. Discretionary revenue is derived from local taxes, especially property, transient occupancy, and sales taxes. On the expenditure side, the forecast projects the use of discretionary revenue for department operations, including salaries and benefits; capital improvements; and debt payment requirements.

The forecast revenue expenditure gap is driven by:

• The use of one-time sources to maintain levels of service for FY 2010-11 and FY 2011-12 which, with flat revenue projections, exacerbate the structural imbalance in future years;

• Continued growth in salary and benefit costs;

• Increasing deferred maintenance and capital investment costs;

• No increases in staffing and annual average wage increases of 2.16%;

• An average 7.0% increase in the actuarial cost of funding existing retirement obligations with the adopted second tiers;

• Modest revenue growth slowly rebounding as the economy improves.

Closing the gap will require services to continue to shrink, employees to be compensated less, and/or new revenue sources to be created, from economic development, annexation, natural growth of the economy (if any), fee increases, and/or voter approved tax increases.

Summary of Forecast

§         Revenue are not projected to keep pace with anticipated expenditures

§         Increases in levels of service are unlikely without additional revenue

§         Further expenditure management and cooperation with the employees will be necessary to maintain current levels of service.

Revenues

• Revenue is projected to have modest growth during the forecast period 

• Big 3:
• Property tax average projected growth 1.74%
• TOT average projected growth 3.6%
• Sales tax average projected growth 2.9%

• Average revenue growth $400,000 annually

Expenditures

• Salaries and benefits are expected to grow on average $350,000 annually with no increase in number of staff
• Health insurance costs expected to growth by 8.4% annually 

• CalPERS rates expected to grow by 7% annually

• Forecast projects creating a litigation reserve and a vehicle replacement fund

B. Receive and review the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Capital Improvement Plan and refer it to the Planning Commission to review for General Plan Consistency.

Description: At this meeting, the City Council will review the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Staff will present an overview of the five-year plan and describe each of the projects.  The Planning Commission then will review the projects contained in the CIP and will advise the City Council on its recommendations regarding the proposed capital projects (Carmel Municipal Code 3.06.020) and review it as to determine its consistency with the City’s General Plan (California Government Code 65403). The Planning Commission’s findings will be transmitted to the City Council.

Staff Recommendation: Review and provide direction.

Important Considerations: The City Council is anticipated to adopt the budget prior to the start of the fiscal year with budget hearings scheduled for May 17, 2012, May 24, 2012, June 12, 2012, and June 19, 2012.

HIGHLIGHTS
Capital Improvement Plan

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

2012/13 – 2016/17

The CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) identifies 77 projects for the five-year period. The CIP identifies new facility construction, facility refurbishment, and infrastructure projects, and their respective funding sources, if any, to create a sound planning document. The program includes the design, construction, and major rehabilitation of capital improvements that have a long-term life span, and cost more than $10,000. With these projects, the City Council would be investing approximately $7.5 million over the next five years. This major investment in the City’s infrastructure represents a significant commitment to our community’s future.

The 5-Year Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 through 2016-2017 includes various projects for the benefit of the citizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Each of the projects meets some or all of the following criteria:

• Elimination of potentially hazardous or unsafe conditions and potential liabilities

• Replacement of high maintenance and inefficient/ineffective infrastructure

• Improvement to and/or creation of new services to the Public

• Outside agency regulatory requirements and mandates

• Stimulation of the local economy/eliminate blighted conditions

• Compliance with the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea General Plan

• Preservation of existing assets

Each project is prioritized in accordance with the following priority label categories.

Priority 1: The project is urgent and/or mandated, and must be completed quickly. The City could face severe consequences if the project is delayed, possibly impacting the health, safety, or welfare of the community, or having a significant impact on the financial well being of the City. The project must be initiated or financial/opportunity losses will result.

Priority 2: The project is very important and addressing it is necessary. The project impacts safety, law enforcement, health, welfare, economic base, and/or quality of life in the community.

Priority 3: The project is important and would enhance the quality of life and would provide a benefit to the community.

Priority 4: The timing of the project is less important but completion of the project would improve the community providing cultural, recreational, and/or aesthetic effects.

Priority 5: The project would be an improvement to the community, but need not be completed within a five-year CIP.

PROJECTS BY PRIORITY (Department) (Total Project Cost or Total Over Time Period)

Priority 1 Critical

Del Mar Master Plan (Community Planning & Building) Total: $200,000

ASBS Dry Weather Diversion (Community Planning & Building) Total Project Cost: $383,000

Ambulance Lease Purchase (Safety; Ambulance) Total: $62,522

Replace Ambulance Vehicle (Safety; Ambulance) Total Project Cost: $150,000

Heart Monitor (Safety; Ambulance) Total Project Cost: $27,000

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (Safety; Ambulance) ) Total Project Cost: $24,000

Utility Truck Lease (10/11) (Safety; Fire) Total: $23,744

Fire Engine 09/10 (Safety; Fire) Total: $282,208

Alerting System (Safety; Fire) Total Project Cost: $42,000

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (Safety; Fire) Total Project Cost: $36,000

Interface for patrol audio/video equipment (Safety; Police) Total Project Cost: $30,559

Mobile Data Terminal software and installation (Safety; Police) Total Project Cost: $16,000

Street and Road Projects (Public Works) Total Project Cost: $1,455,800

Caterpillar Loader (Public Works) Total: $89,040

Sunset Center Roof Repairs (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $75,352

Forest Theater Renovation (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $1,150,000

650/chipper (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total: $43,578

City Hall Garden (Forest, Parks & Beach) $25,000
TOTAL COST: $4,115,803.

Priority 2 Very Important

Windows Software Upgrade (Administrative Services) Total Project Cost: $25,000

Network Equipment Priority (Administrative Services) Total: $32,000

Voice over IP Telephone System (Administrative Services) Total Project Cost: $72,000

Critical Network Spare Equipment (Administrative Services) Total: $10,000
Diesel Filter System Monitor (Safety; Ambulance) Total Project Cost: $8,000

Diesel Filter System (Safety; Fire) ) Total Project Cost: $25,000

Patrol Vehicle Replacement (Safety; Police) Total: $412,432

Parking Vehicle (Safety; Police) Total: $51,509

Street Sweeper Lease (Public Works) Total: $95,908

Guadalupe to 5th Storm Drain (Public Works) Total Project Cost: $300,000

Santa Fe & 4th Storm Drain (Public Works) Total Project Cost: $300,000

PD HVAC Replacement and Re-Roof (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $385,000

Sunset Center Downspout/Gutter Repairs (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $10,000

Sunset Center Mission Street Planter Repairs (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $15,000

Card Key Security System (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $25,000

Scenic Rd. Restrooms (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total: $225,000

Waterfront Area Signs (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total Project Cost: $12,000

Mission Trail Invasive Tree Removal (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total Project Cost: $45,000

TOTAL COST: $2,048,849.

Priority 3 Important

Financial System Upgrades (Administrative Services) Total: $32,000

Website Update (Administrative Services) Total: $35,000

Admin Copier (Administrative Services) Total Project Cost: $14,400

Permit Tracking Software (Community Planning & Building) Total Project Cost: $20,000

Housing Element Update (Community Planning & Building) Total Project Cost: $60,000

Park Branch Library carpeting (Library) Total Project Cost: $38,000

Art Appraisal (Library) ) Total Project Cost: $17,500

Park Branch Library Painting – Interior (Library) Total Project Cost: $16,665

Paint/Sign Truck Total Project Cost: $95,000

Superintendent Vehicle (Public Works) Total Project Cost: $42,000

Gardener Trucks (Public Works) ) Total Project Cost: $70,000

Dump Truck (Public Works) ) Total Project Cost: $90,000

Water Truck (Public Works) ) Total Project Cost: $80,000

PD/PW Roof/Patio Replacement (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $850,000

PD/PW Re-Painting (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $27,000

PW Garage Roll-Up Door Replacement (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $9,800

Sunset Center Planter Re-construction (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $12,000

Sunset Center Re-painting (East side) (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $25,000

Sunset Center North Side Re-painting (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $25,000

Harrison Memorial Library Re-painting Project (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $28,000

Flanders Plumbing and Plaster Repairs (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $24,000

Flanders re-roof project (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $225,000

Flanders Sewer Line Repair/Replacement (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $35,000

Sand Replenishment (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total: $185,000

Tennis Court renovation (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total Project Cost: $55,000

Beach stair maintenance (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total Project Cost: $24,000

Mission Trail Park water tank (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total Project Cost: $35,000

Beach fire baskets tank (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total Project Cost: $23,000

Replace Forester Truck (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total Project Cost: $30,000
TOTAL COST: $2,223,365.

Priority 4 Less Important

Energy Efficient Vehicle (Community Planning & Building) Total Project Cost: $25,000

GPS & License Plate recognition (Safety; Police) Total Project Cost: $104,176

PW Offices Floor Replacement (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $6,800

Vista Lobos Electrical Main Panel Replacement (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $6,800

PD Parking Lot Re-surfacing (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $14,500

Sunset Center Wood Patio Stage Replacement (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $8,000

Sunset Center Bach Offices Building Re-Roof (Facilities) Total Project Cost: $25,000

Rio Park Improvements (Forest, Parks & Beach) Total Project Cost: $40,000

TOTAL COST: $230,276.

Priority 5

None

GRAND TOTAL: $8,618,293. (FY 2012/2013 through 2016/2017

City Council Special Meeting March 20 2012 OCR Document

Special City Council Meeting, March 20, 2012 Packet

Mayoral Candidates' & Council Candidates' Position on the Sale of the Flanders Mansion Property Antithetical to Honoring Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Historical and Cultural Heritage

ABSTRACT:  At the final Candidates Forum, the sale of the Flanders Mansion Property was an issue.  All of the candidates, namely mayoral candidates Jason Burnett and Rich Pépe and council candidates Victoria Beach, Tom Leverone, Bob Profeta and Ken Talmage, advocated pursuing the sale, although Rich Pépe stated he was “generally opposed to selling city-owned assets,” according to the news article CANDIDATES MAKE THEIR CASE AT FINAL FORUM, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 16, 2012.  Council Member Ken Talmage stated that the Mansion was not historic and that the Mansion “might even be demolished;” “The city should get a forensic historian and look at that application and see whether or not we can overturn that [historic] designation,” he stated.  Problematic statements by Planning Commissioner Victoria Beach (“We’ve spent 40 years on this issue, and that is almost as long as I’ve been alive.”) and Forest and Beach Commission Chairman Tom Leverone (“The Flanders issue is the boil on the butt of Carmel, but there are a lot of perennial issues, and we need to start doing something. The legal issue is because of a small group of people focusing on problems that don’t exist.”) demonstrated their ignorance, confusion, lack of creative thinking, and most importantly, lack of respect for Carmel-by-the-Sea’s historical and cultural heritage. OUTLANDS IN THE EIGHTY ACRES (Paul Flanders Mansion) National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form and “Outlands” Historic Photographs are embedded; HIGHLIGHTS of National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form are presented.

HIGHLIGHTS of National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form:

Name of Property

historic name: OUTLANDS IN THE EIGHTY ACRES

other names/site number FLANDERS; PAUL MANSION

Areas of Significance: Architecture

Period of Significance: 1924-1925

Architect/Builder

Gutterson, Henry Higby

Ruhl, Frederick

Significance

The Paul Flanders Mansion, "Outlands", is significant under National Register Eligibility Criteria C as the work of a prominent architect employing an innovative method of construction. "Outlands," if not the first, was one of the earliest architect designed residences in Carmel By-the-Sea and currently the only known example of Gutterson's work in the region. The architect used a unique cavity wall system from locally developed and fabricated precast hollow concrete structural units called Thermotite as his principal building material. Bonded by grout and bound by special metal ties for structural and seismic stability, the building material professed to be "waterproof, fireproof and practically everlasting". "Outlands" English cottage design was one of the first applications of this pictorial style of residential architecture in Carmel By-the-Sea. Variations on this mode, beginning in the town's commercial core in 1923, and expanding to the residential housing stock by 1924, established the still held popular image of the community as a quaint seaside village of creative artists. "Outlands" retains to a remarkable degree both its context and integrity as originally constructed in 1924-25. Its planned views of the Mission and Carmel Bay remain intact as conceived by architect Gutterson.  Surely this beautiful building and its immediate setting qualify for listing at the local level of significant in the National Register of Historic Places.

Setting

Architect Gutterson carefully sited "Outlands" on a hillside overlooking the Carmel Valley to the southeast, Carmel Mission and Point Lobs to the southwest. He tucked the north elevation into the hill mass for privacy as well as environmental protection. Circulation is well handled using the natural contours of the site for a serpentine asphalt driveway and circle lined at intervals with a low rock wall. Rock pathways lead around the perimeter of the residence, laid in 1927. The mature plantings surrounding the home have tied it both formally and informally into its setting. Well maintained Cypress hedges to the east protect the large lawn area from the wind while the open forest to the south and west continue to afford the magnificent views originally envisioned by the designer. Since its acquisition in 1972 by the City of Carmel By-the-Sea, the property has become part of the Mission Trails Park with its grounds maintained by the City Forester and his staff.

Gutterson had been trained at the University of California, Berkeley and the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He had worked under Daniel H. Burnham, Willis Polk and John Galen Howard before establishing his own practice in 1913.

Architecture

"Outlands" is an impressive example of Gutterson's mature work.

Method of Construction

Although cavity wall construction was well known throughout the United States, its employment was not common to California. The construction of the "Outlands" cavity wall is unique to its California location. The Thermotite blocks were laid in a manner similar to a two wuthe cavity wall. Three inches in thickness, they have tongue and groove bed and head joints. The use of grout rather than mortar for bonding is unique to this building as is the employment of special size ties to reinforce standard horizontal ties. These special ties are used to form x-braced vertical truss webbs between the exterior wythes. The x-braced system appears at window jambs as well as functioning to provide a vertifally spanning system to carry wind loading on the wall.  The anchors used for the connection of the cavity wall wythes were anchored into the joints of the inner walls. The anchors were then bent and attached to the rim roof joist evidencing a sound knowledge of construction details to meet California's building conditions.

The Flanders residence in Carmel, California, embodies the distinctive characteristics of the English cottage style of design as realized by the mature work of Henry Higby Gutterson (1184-1954).  The masonry construction system of the building is a unique variation of eastern construction techniques adapted for California conditions clearly making it worthy of retention as a historical record of California building. Architect Gutterson's design and site planning possess the high artistic value that qualify this significant structure for listing on the National Registry of Historic Places under Criterion C.

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form

Outlands Historic Photographs

“Outlands” Historic Photographs

ADDENDUM:

HISTORY OF MISSION TRAIL NATURE PRESERVE, FLANDERS MANSION AND THE LESTER ROWNTREE GARDEN

REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS AND LEGAL CHALLENGES TO SALE OF PARKLAND

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION (Letter)

…the National Trust for Historic Preservation would like to reiterate our strong support for keeping the property in public ownership.  As one of only two Carmel properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Flanders mansion is a community asset and should be accessible to all.

Throughout its history the “village in the forest by the sea,” as Carmel is known, has had a strong tradition of preserving and enhancing the natural environment and open space.  The National Trust hopes this tradition will be upheld by keeping Flanders Mansion in public hands...It would be tragically short-sighted to sacrifice public benefit and access, reuse potential, and community history to short-term revenue goals.

National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources.

STATE OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION

MISSION

The mission of the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) and the State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC) is to provide leadership and promote the preservation of California's irreplaceable and diverse cultural heritage

Henry Gutterson Collection, 1923-1946

Henry Gutterson (1884-1954)

‘MINUTES’ For Eight Noteworthy 6 March 2012 City Council Agenda Items

“MINUTES”

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Archived Video Streaming

City Hall

East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues

II. Roll Call

PRESENT: Council Members Burnett, Hazdovac, Sharp, Talmage, and Mayor McCloud

ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT (partial list): Jason Stilwell, City Administrator

Heidi Burch, Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk

Don Freeman, City Attorney

Sean Conroy, Planning Services Manager

V. Announcements from Closed Session, from City Council Members and the City Administrator.

Announcements from Closed Session.

1. Existing Litigation -- Government Code Section 54956.9(a) - Conference with legal counsel regarding The Flanders Foundation, a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation, Petitioner v. City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Respondents – Monterey County Superior Court Case No. M99437/State of California Court of Appeals, Sixth District, Civil Case No. H035818.

2. Public Employment – Government Code Section 54957. Title: Administrative Services Director.

3. Potential Litigation -- Government Code Section 54956.9(b).2 - Conference with legal counsel regarding potential litigation – one (1) matter.

City Attorney Don Freeman announced that the City Council met in closed sessions on Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6, discussed three items, and there were no announcements for the public. 

VII. Consent Calendar

G. Consideration of a Resolution entering into an agreement with Sedway Consulting for services to update economic information related to the Flanders Mansion property in an amount not to exceed $5,000.

H. Consideration of a Resolution entering into an agreement with Denise Duffy and Associates for services to respond to the Court's ruling concerning the Flanders Mansion Project and to update the environmental impact report for the Flanders Mansion property in an amount not to exceed $20,500.

I. Consideration of a Resolution decertifying the Environmental Impact Report for the Sale of Flanders Mansion Property project and rescinding Resolutions of the City Council related to project selection, overriding considerations, project implementation, mitigation measures, public vote and findings regarding the Flanders Mansion property.

Melanie Billig (President, Flanders Foundation) pulled items G, H and I. 

To accommodate Melanie Billig’s request to make her comments now, rather than at the end of the meeting, Council Member Burnett stated that it was appropriate to honor Billig’s request.   Council Member Hazdovac requested her remarks be “brief.” 

Melanie Billig made a few observations on behalf of the Flanders Foundation.  During the last twelve years the Foundation sought City cooperation to rehabilitate the Mansion and the grounds at Foundation expense and maintain the Mansion as part of the park without City expense.  Also during the last twelve years, two lawsuits involving the environmental review process for the sale of the Flanders Mansion has cost the City in excess of $1 million; money which could have been better spent on parks, infrastructure, buildings, et cetera.  Yet the Council continues to pursue the sale with more public money.  And the further legal process involving the Surplus land act and public vote will cost more public money.  Billig stated that this is a very slow real estate market and the City has not maintained the Mansion inside and out.  Yet the council views Flanders Mansion as a “cash cow.”  The proceeds from sale will be minimal and only generate a small, one-time short-term gain.  The sale will irreparably damage the park, she stated. And if sold, park users will ask “who was responsible” for this travesty and where was their vision? The sale will be this council’s legacy and set a dangerous precedent.  The Council will have missed a great opportunity for ecotourism and complement the downtown   The Foundation has tried to work with the City over the years yet and the City has remained steadfast in its desire for a sale regardless of its opportunities to lease the Flanders Mansion.  

To Council Member Hazdovac’s query about the members on the Flanders Foundation Board, Melanie Billig responded: Mike Brown, Dick and Barbara Stiles, Brie Tripp, Mary Ellen Thomas, Harvey Billig, Anne Bell, Yoko Whittaker and herself. 

Barbara Livingston stated that the sale of Flanders Mansion is the “worst possible decision” that the Council could make right in the middle of Mission Trail Nature Preserve.  She mentioned an artists’ program use and that the Council has missed an opportunity to find a use for the Mansion.

Skip Lloyd encouraged the Council to encourage Denise Duffy to approach the EIR from the standpoint of Mission Trail Nature Preserve involving trails layout, et cetera, to enhance the park. 

Mayor McCLOUD moved to approve Consent Agenda Items, including G, H and I, seconded by Council Member SHARP and carried unanimously.

IX. Ordinances

C. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance/Local Coastal Implementation Plan to make single family residential dwellings a limited use and to establish additional requirements for residential projects in the commercial districts. (First reading)

Sean Conroy, Planning Services Manager, presented the Staff Report, including the three amendments:

• Making single family dwellings a limited use rather than a permitted use in all commercial districts;

• Establishing a unit size ratio for all two unit residential developments in the commercial districts; and

• Prohibiting residential uses on the first story of any building that fronts on a public street in the Central Commercial (CC) District.

Conroy stated that the Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance.  He addressed queries from Council Member Talmage, Mayor McCloud and Council Member Burnett involving public notice and Coastal Commission allowance of only three substantive amendments per year, et cetera.     

Mayor McCloud opened the meeting to public comment.

Barbara Brooks asked about compliance with the proposed Ordinance regarding the building north of Piccadilly Park   In response, Sean Conroy stated that limited use is limited to currently in use single-family residences. 

Mayor McCloud closed the meeting to public comment.

Council Member Hazdovac stated that the Ordinance seemed to be a change from historic policy. 

Council Member Burnett addressed the 60% number; he advocated 40% or 2300 sq. ft.  and 900 sq. ft. as the “right balance.”  In response, Sean Conroy stated that 60% represents number ensuring large unit and smaller unit used legitimately as a rental unit. 

60% refers to the amendment: “For two (2) unit residential developments, the floor area of the smaller unit shall be at least 60% of the size of the larger unit.”  “This amendment would avoid the potential of one very large unit and one very small unit being proposed in a two-unit development. It would also ensure that both units would be comparable in size,.” according to the Staff Report.

Council Member Talmage stated that the Ordinance was crafted in response to one project and represents changing rules for “blanket exclusion” on 28 city blocks.  He advocated conditional, not limited.  He suggested listing reservations and request Planning Commission revisit the Ordinance due to “possibly overreaching” status.

Council Member Sharp addressed concern of preexisting residences in commercial district. 

Barbara Livingston stated that it was not one project, but several projects which generated the Ordinance and advocated sending Ordinance back to Planning Commission. 

City Attorney Don Freeman recommended sending it back to the Planning Commission.

Council recommended the Planning Commission revisit 60% to encourage more diversity, such as 40% target, clarification regarding all commercial districts, permitted to conditioned versus permitted to limited,

By consensus, Council unanimously agreed to send the Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance/Local Coastal Implementation Plan to make single family residential dwellings a limited use and to establish additional requirements for residential projects in the commercial districts back to the Planning Commission with aforementioned recommendations.

X. Resolutions

A. Consideration of a Resolution adopting amendments to the Commercial Design Guidelines to include additional guidance for residential projects and parking design.

Sean Conroy, Planning Services Manager, presented the Staff Report, including the Commercial Design Guidelines as part of the City’s Local Coastal Plan, and reviewed the Proposed Amendments: 

• Make minor amendments to the language of the existing Design Guidelines to be more inclusive of all types of development;

• To provide guidance on parking design in all districts; and

• To provide additional guidance specific to development in the transitional Districts (RC & R-4).

Conroy reviewed Existing Language Edits, including Façade Proportions as an example; Parking Design “K” including Encourage pedestrian oriented design and Minimize the prominence of site features designed to accommodate vehicles (driveways, garages, ramps, parking surfaces, etc.) and reviewed “encourage” and “discourage” photographs examples; and RC/R-4 Design Guidelines “L”  including, Provide more specific guidance for projects located in the RC and R-4Districts and Emphasize the importance of neighborhood context, the landscaping and the need for pedestrian oriented designs. Sean Conroy recommended the adoption of the Amendments to the Commercial Design Guidelines. 

Mayor McCloud opened and closed the meeting to public comment.

Sean Conroy responded to comments by Mayor McCloud and Council Members Hazdovac and Talmage regarding “encouraged” versus “discouraged” options and lot pavement coverage for rear parking. 

Council Member BURNETT moved to approve Resolution adopting amendments to the Commercial Design Guidelines to include additional guidance for residential projects and parking design, and “feedback” report to Council in one year, seconded by Council Member SHARP, and passed by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BURNETT; HAZDOVAC; SHARP; TALMAGE & McCLOUD

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE

XI. Orders of Council

B. Receive recommendations on the Santa Lucia Restrooms project and provide direction on the final design.

Sean Conroy, Planning Services Manager, presented the Staff Report and requested the Council review comments from Forest & Beach Commission, Planning Commission and public workshop and Council provide direction to staff. 

Robert Carver, AIA, Carver + Schicketanz Architects, addressed some queries from the public workshop, including proposed size of structure 376 sq. ft., earthquake fault location approximately 1,000 ft away and no tree removal.  Carver reviewed plan on overhead shrunk by 25%.  Carver reviewed plans and responded to comments by Council Member Talmage, Mayor McCloud, Council Members Burnett, Hazdovac and Sharp. Carver proposed removal of skylights from design and openings only, policy direction on view from Scenic Road regarding visual impact, importance of “green” design, reasonable goal of 25% or 50% reduction and roof plantings. 

Mayor McCloud opened the meeting to public comment

Greg D’Ambrosio showed twenty-four photographs mounted on a board of Carmel Beach during the 1998 storms.  He discussed microfaults and the proposed location of the restroom as potentially in the surf zone.  He encouraged Council to consider weather impacts during deliberations.

Barbara Livingston queried whether two bathrooms or one unisex bathroom sufficient.  She recommended one bathroom unit and no excavation.

Skip Lloyd commented on the “public workshop” in November 2011 and questioned criteria for the restroom.  He stated he believed the proposed structure was more than is needed, “overkill.”

Cindy Lloyd echoed comments of previous public speakers.  Lloyd recommended Council keep it “small,” “simple” and “inexpensive” and available to patrons. 

Mayor McCloud closed the meeting to public comment.

Sean Conroy stated that the LCP states that temporary restrooms allowed until permanent restrooms built by City. 

Council Member Burnett stated there are three restrooms presently on the Point and justified the need for two restrooms.

Mayor McCloud mentioned the closure of the restrooms at Carmel River State Beach.  She recommended the elimination of the shower and pet wash-off area.

Council Member Talmage summarized consensus with no mechanical room and instead a smaller storage room, no separate shower, size reduced more than 25% and cost concerns with goal of under $200,000 and need of only a basis bathroom. 

Council Member Burnett expressed concern with the elevation of floor area, visual impacts from Scenic and survivability long-term with storm impacts. 

Sean Conroy summarized list of Council, including baby changing area, faults in General Plan, previous studies, eliminate showers and skylights, and  reduce size and scope of building by 50%.  And examine option to raise floor by one ft. 

Council Members Hazdovac and Burnett expressed interest in not eliminating shower, but having foot wash and shower head incorporated into foot wash area.  Council Member Sharp expressed interest in two unisex restrooms and communal hand washing area.

By consensus, Council unanimously agreed to have Robert Carver, AIA, redo design incorporating recommendations and directions from Council. 

Related Article: Council asks architect to tweak beachbathrooms, MARY SCHLEY, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 9, 2012

C. Review conceptual plans for a pedestrian pathway on the west side of San Antonio Avenue between Ocean and Fourth Avenues and provide direction to staff.

Sean Conroy, Planning Services Manager, presented the Staff Report, including the proposed pathway is located on the west side of San Antonio Avenue between Ocean and Fourth Avenues. The section of the pathway from Fourth Avenue to just south of the existing driveways of the Sand and Sea development will be asphalt and will follow the existing Carmel stone retaining wall. The pathway will have a decomposed granite surface from just south of the Sand and Sea driveways to the corner of Ocean Avenue.  He reviewed Planning Commission recommendations, including increase the width of the street between the path and the tree planter near Fourth Avenue to improve safety and access, look for opportunities to meander the path to create separation between the road and the path and to look less formal, consider design options that would eliminate the retaining walls in the dunes and consider alternatives to the formal appearance of the curb.

Sean Conroy responded to comments by Council Member Sharp regarding the existing retaining wall, Council Member Talmage regarding cost of plan implementation.  Council Member Talmage stated that the asphalt curb along pedestrian pathway between Fourth  Avenue and Carmel-Pebble Beach Gate was a “mistake” and addressed “key intersection” at San Antonio Avenue and Fourth Avenue.  Council Member Burnett advocated for natural traffic calming devices with planter design. 

Mayor McCloud opened the meeting to public comment.

Barbara Livingston expressed support for meandering path and boulders as barrier.  She expressed concerns of thinking about the North Dunes as a whole, not piecemeal.  She stated that pavers walkways are "too formal" and advocated for decomposed granite. She encouraged Council to protect “rustic, casual. informal” look of Carmel Beach

Mayor McCloud closed the meeting to public comment.

Sean Conroy stated that pavers were stipulated in Del Mar Master Plan adopted in 2009 by the City.  In review, Conroy stated Fourth Avenue consensus on curb, eliminate retaining wall losing two parking spaces or allow retaining wall for 35 ft. section and the retaining wall as part of curb.  

Forest & Beach Commission Chairperson Tom Leverone: Candidate for City Council 2012

ABSTRACT:  Forest & Beach Commission Chairperson Tom Leverone’s “Tom Leverone for Carmel City Council” website states “I want to be elected to the Carmel City Council so that I can work to preserve and enhance the quality of life for all Carmel residents and businesses.”  And “It is my belief that, to a great extent, we already have a set of "Rules To Live By" in the form of existing codes and statutes that, as they were enacted over the years, have acted as our guides, and as windows into the historic development of our city. While most of these have been refined over time, some may need to be re-visited because the letter of the law is sometimes no longer in sync with the original reason behind it. So it is my view that it is important for City Council members to understand the original intent of a law before any changes are considered. This is the philosophy that I believe can guide correct decision making that will maintain the character of our village, and continue to offer us the quality of life we so enjoy.”  “As a cornerstone of my public life, I will always keep uppermost in my mind the concept of common sense and balance.”  Sections of his website include, as follows:

Why does Tom want to serve on the Carmel City Council? 

What does Tom see as the key issues facing the next City Council? 

A long-term balanced budget, Water, Paid Parking, The Flanders Mansion

Who is Tom Leverone?

What people are saying about Tom Leverone...

"Tom and the Fire Basket" - a parable

HIGHLIGHTS of Goals as a Council Member & What has Tom done for Carmel are presented.  An ADDENDUM of the 6 March 2012 City Council Agenda Item “Receive report and provide direction on a recommendation from the Forest and Beach Commission on a concept for a portable beach fire basket” with reproduced Agenda Item Summary and Staff Report is provided. 

HIGHLIGHTS of Goals as a Council Member & What has Tom done for Carmel

Goals as a Council Member

• Faithfully serve the residents of Carmel first and foremost, in balance with our businesses.

• Stop cutting resident services or security by maintaining a balanced budget and increasing revenues by choosing the best options currently being discussed (paid parking, TOT, sales tax, etc.).

• Revitalize downtown and eliminate vacant storefronts by using economic development consultants to determine what merchants Carmel needs and will utilize, so the merchant can thrive, and by considering a City ordinance requiring owners of vacant storefronts to fill their empty windows with attractive displays.

• Always use common sense and understand the intent of the rules and ordinances we live by.

• Review Carmel’s ordinances to update the language and avoid costly and time consuming confusion and unnecessary discussion while maintaining a level playing field with fairness for all.

• Find solutions to larger issues (water, Flanders, revenue) that have no contingencies and will remain viable for generations so our grandchildren do not have to revisit these issues. 

What has Tom done for Carmel

“As Chair of the Forest and Beach Commission I instituted programs that increased transparency and successfully put an end to the vandalism of city trees planted on public property; reconfigured the inspection process for private replacement trees to allow the city to better fulfill its obligations; designed, built, and successfully tested a device to keep the beach continuously cleaned of beach fire charcoal and debris.”

Contact Information: E-mail: tom@leveroneforcarmel.com

ADDENDUM:

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

CITYCOUNCIL AGENDA PACKET

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Archived Video Streaming

AGENDA

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

City Hall

East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues

XI. Orders of Council

A. Receive report and provide direction on a recommendation from the Forest and Beach Commission on a concept for a portable beach fire basket.

Meeting Date: March 6, 2012

Prepared by: Mike Branson

City Council

Agenda Item Summary

Meeting Date: March 6, 2012

Prepared by: Mike Branson

Name: Receive report and provide direction on a recommendation from the Forest and Beach Commission on a concept for a portable beach fire basket.

Description: At its January meeting, the Forest and· Beach Commission reviewed the concept and prototype of a portable fire basket for managing fires and charcoal cleanup on Carmel Beach. The Commission supported the idea and recommended the City Council review the concept and provide comments on possible implementation.

Overall Cost:

City Funds: Unknown at this time.

Staff Recommendation: Review and provide comments on the portable fire basket concept.

Important Considerations: At the January 5, 2012 meeting, the Forest and Beach Commissioners unanimously recommended that Council review the portable fire basket concept developed by Tom Leverone. Fires are currently only allowed under certain conditions and the City pays for charcoal cleanup during the summer season.

Decision Record: None.

Reviewed by:

Jason Stilwell, City Administrator  Date

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

STAFF REPORT

TO: MAYOR McCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS

THROUGH: JASON STILWELL, CITY ADMINISTRATOR

FROM: MIKE BRANSON, CITY FORESTER

DATE: MARCH 6, 2012

SUBJECT: REVIEW AND PROVIDE POLICY DIRECTION ON A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE FOREST AND BEACH COMMISSION ON A CONCEPT FOR A PORTABLE BEACH FIRE BASKET

_____________________________________________

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Provide comments and direction on the fire basket proposal.

BACKGROUND

Fires and charcoal accumulation on Carmel Beach has been a contentious issue for years. The Forest and Beach Commission and City Council have regularly heard both from supporters and opponents of allowing fires. Fires currently are allowed on the beach south of Tenth Avenue and they must comply with several fire management rules. There is no regulation on the number of fires or responsibility for cleanup of the fire pits. The City has a program to clean up the fire pits weekly during the summer season.

REVIEW

Forest and Beach Chairman Tom Leverone devised the idea of a portable fire basket, or wok, due to its resemblance to the Asian cooking pan. The basket, made of a metal screen with a carrying handle, is large enough for a legal fire and two people can even carry it with the firewood inside. The screen holes are large enough to facilitate air flow yet small enough to collect most of the charcoal from the fire.

To use it, the basket is nestled down into the sand and a fire is built inside. When the fire is done or needs to be extinguished, water is poured onto the coals and the basket is lifted with the charcoal inside to a disposal site. The idea is to still allow fires but to have the user be part of the cleanup program.

The Forest and Beach Commission reviewed this device during its January meeting.  The Commissioners and the public attendees were supportive of the concept. The Commission recommended the idea be presented to the City Council to provide additional comments on the device and the logistics of possible implementation as a method of managing fires on Carmel Beach.

FISCAL IMPACT

The costs to implement this program are still under development. Chairman Tom Leverone paid for the prototype and revisions to the basket have already been discussed.

SUMMARY

Fires and charcoal continue to be topics of discussion. It is hoped that this concept could be developed into a way to manage fires and charcoal cleanup on the beach. Costs to build and a method of dispersal and collection of the fire baskets still must be obtained.  Comments from the City Council and the public will help facilitate a workable fire and charcoal cleanup program.

Carmel Art Association Presents GALLERY SHOWCASE FEATURING CARVELL & GIACOMETTI’S ‘INVESTIGATIONS’ EXHIBITION

Carmel Art Association 

A Proud Heritage:

"Since 1927, this historic Carmel gallery has been a showcase for the works of some of California's most renowned artists. Continuing that proud tradition today, the CAA features paintings and sculpture by over 120 of the area's most noted professional artists living on the Central Coast."

Voted “Art Gallery of the Year” by the Carmel Business Association three consecutive years.

W/s Dolores St. between 5th Av. & 6th Av.
10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Daily, except major Holidays.
Open to the Public at No Charge
For more information, Online or (831) 624-6176.

Carmel Art Association Presents GALLERY SHOWCASE FEATURING CARVEL & GIACOMETTI’S “INVESTIGATIONS” EXHIBITION

Thursday, March 8, 2012 – Tuesday, April 3, 2012

GALLERY SHOWCASE: CARVELL & GIACOMETTI’S “INVESTIGATONS” EXHIBITION (Segal Room)

Painter Fred Carvell exhibits semi-abstract paintings inspired by his travels to the south of France.  View Carvell’s brief biography and Gallery Showcase: Fred Carvell July 8 – August 3, 2010 of sixteen painting images, including The Guardian, French Olive Grove, Valley Foothill, Scattered Fields, French Meadow, Autumn Vineyard, Twilight, Evening Glow, Oak Grove, Summer Shadows, Afternoon, Santa Lucia Foothills, Soft Morning Sun, French Oak, Cascading Buckeyes and Ripe Grain Field. 

Painter/Printmaker Susan Giacometti’s “Investigations” exhibit features paintings, drawings and original prints of natural objects including flowers, shells, crusteceans and animals.   View Giacometti’s Education, et cetera and four images, including Cannery Row Series: "The Row" (Drypoint with Chine Colle), Cannery Row Series: "Fish Inspector" (Drypoint with Chine Colle), "Fish Stories" (Collage) and "Untitled" (Collage with Gesso).

Opening Reception - Saturday, March 10, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

ADDENDUM:

Website of Fred Carvell

Website of Susan Giacometti