HomeMy Public PortalAbout21-04-13 EDP Committee Report - Wayfinding PACC_202105041230381876 z83.
Watertown Town Council
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6470
ELECTED
OFFICIALS:
Report of the Committee on Economic Development and Planning
Mark S.Sideris, Meeting Date: March 31, 2021
Council President
The Committee convened on Wednesday March 31, 2021 at 6:00 pm by Zoom, in
Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., accordance with the Governor's Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open
Vice President& Meeting Law G.L. c.30A §20 relating to the 2020 COVID-19 emergency. Present
District C Councilor g g g Y•
were Kenneth Woodland, chair; Lisa Feltner, vice chair; and Vincent Piccirilli,
Caroline Bays secretary. Staff present were Steven Magoon, Assistant Town Manager/Director of
Councilor At Large Community Development and Planning; Laura Wiener, Senior Transportation Planner;
Anthony J.Donato, and Laurel Schwab, Senior Environmental Planner. Also present were Councilors
Councilor At Large Anthony Donato, John Gannon, and Anthony Palomba.
John G.Gannon,
Councilor At Large 1. Discuss the Wavfindin2 Grant Design
Anthony Palomba, As a follow u to the Committee meeting on January 21 2021 Ms. Wiener resented a
Councilor At Large P g � > > P
revised design in two colors from Favermann Design, the firm assigned by the state for
Angeline B.Kounelis, the grant. They were asked go in a different direction with something simpler, and came
District A Councilor back with the iconic Galen Street Bridge in Watertown Square (attachment A).
Lisa J.Feltner,
District B Councilor Mr. Magoon noted the options shown are for the gateway signs, and that there would be
Kenneth M.Woodland, a range of smaller signs for wayfinding to points of interest and parking,which may
District D Councilor have a reduced image size or just a parking logo.
Councilor Feltner liked the new logo much better, being simpler and easier to identify. She preferred
the blue and asked if maybe we could add"Established 1630"to add a historical perspective. Councilor
Piccirilli also like the new, simpler logo in blue, and agreed with adding "Established 1630".
Councilor Palomba liked the new logo, but stated while residents would understand the reference to
"Bridging Cultures"he questioned how visitors may interpret it. Councilor Gannon like the metaphor
of"Bridging Cultures" as signaling to visitors that Watertown is a welcoming place.
Mr. Magoon said if the Committee votes to proceed, he would have the designer provide additional
material on the full suite of signs before the Town Council meeting to review (attachment B).
4 Action Item: Councilor Piccirilli made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feltner, that the
Committee recommends the Town Council endorse moving forward with the revised wayfinding
design in the blue tone, with"Established 1630" added. Voted unanimouslv 3-0 on a roll call.
2. Discuss the Creation of a Public Arts and Culture Committee (PACC)
Councilor Woodland began by noting a proposed Resolution to create the PACC was linked to the
agenda (attachment C). Mr. Magoon said this is the important first step of the adopted Public Arts
Master Plan, and he used language in the Plan to create the draft Resolution, and had KP Law review it.
Page 1 of 3
Committee on Economic Development 8v Planning Report— March 31, 2021
Councilor Piccirilli had some proposed changes, and suggested to share his screen for the Committee to
review and edit the Resolution(attachment D). All agreed.
The I"proposed change was to rearrange the 4th through 7th Whereas and to restructure the Be It
Resolved to put the creation of the PACC as the primary focus of the Resolution. All agreed.
The 2nd proposed change was to add a Be It Further Resolved listing the qualifications for the at-large
members as shown on page 27 of the Plan. After discussion of the practicality of finding members that
exactly meet these qualifications, it was proposed to add"if possible". All agreed.
The 3rd proposed change was to explicitly state the PACC should be comprised of nine full members,
instead of the 7 to 9 recommended by the Plan, and the Resolution should be explicit on the terms.
This was itemized in the Be It Resolved paragraphs a), b), and c). For the Watertown Cultural Council
member, it was clarified that the one-year term allowed the WCC to annually select its own
representative under their own appointed authority. For the student members, a one year appointment
without a Town Council confirmation vote will make it less daunting for young volunteers. All agreed.
The 4th proposed change was to review the language in the third Whereas to "create a more a vibrant,
welcoming,inclusive, and connected public realm". Mr. Magoon stated this was verbatim from the Plan,but
some felt that the adjective"evocative" should be included. After further discussion, Councilor Feltner proposed
to just delete the word"more". All agreed.
The 5th proposed change was to consider term limits as proposed on page 26 of the Plan. Mr. Magoon
stated that he excluded this from his recommendation citing both the lack of precedent and the
difficulties in finding volunteers to serve. After further debate, Councilor Woodland made a motion,
seconded by Councilor Piccirilli, to not include term limits. The motion passed 2-1 on a roll call vote,
with Councilor Feltner voting no.
The 6th proposed change was to consider changing the age limits for the student members to 18-26 or to
make them non-voting members in Be It Resolved paragraph c). After further debate, Councilor
Woodland made a motion, seconded by Councilor Piccirilli, leave the language as is. The motion
passed 3-0 on a roll call vote.
The 7th proposed change was to consider deleting the words "and should reflect the current
demographics of Watertown" in the Be It Further Resolved qualifications paragraph c) as this may
have unintended consequences. All agreed.
The 8th proposed change was to consider deleting the words "those who derive at least 50% of their
income from the production, sale, or distribution of art" in the Be It Further Resolved qualifications
paragraph b) as this may be difficult to apply equitably. All agreed.
The 9th proposed change was to consider whether the at-large members in the Be It Further Resolved
qualifications paragraph a) should be "live in Watertown" or"live or work in Watertown". After
further debate, Councilor Piccirilli made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feltner, to delete the words
"or work". The motion passed 2-1 on a roll call vote,with Councilor Woodland voting no.
Page 2 of 3
Committee on Economic Development 8v Planning Report- March 31, 2021
4 Action Item: Councilor Piccirilli made a motion, seconded by Councilor Woodland, that the
Committee recommends the Town Council adopt the Resolution for the creation of a Public Arts
and Culture Committee, as edited by the Committee. Voted unanimouslv 3-0 on a roll call
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm, following a unanimous roll call vote.
Report prepared by Vincent Piccirilli
Attachments:
A. New Wayfinding Logos
B. Revised Wayfinding Sign Package
C. Draft Public Arts and Culture Committee Resolution
D. Edited Public Arts and Culture Committee Resolution
Page 3 of 3
Attachment A
WATERTOWN
A S,,dC"GWL—
B
WATERTOWN
- -
Attachment B
From: Driscoll.Michael
To: Osmond.Marsha;Hand,JoAnna
Cc: Maaoon.Steve;Comm Dev&Develooe;St.Louis,Grego rv;Shuman.Matthew; DeDt.Heads
Subject: Wayfinding Signs
Date: Wednesday,April 7,2021 12:45:31 PM
Attachments: Watertown Wavfindina 4-5-21.odf
Watertown.Wavfindina.FamilvOfElements.4-6-21.Ddf
Sizes of Sians 4-6-21.docx
Please include in today's Misc Items to Council.
From: Magoon, Steve
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2021 10:47 AM
To: Driscoll, Michael <mdriscoll@watertown-ma.gov>
Cc: Wiener, Laura <Iwiener@watertown-ma.gov>; St. Louis, Gregory<gstlouis@watertown-ma.gov>;
Shuman, Matthew<mshu man @watertown-ma.gov>; Schreiber, Gideon <gschreiber@watertown-
ma.gov>
Subject: FW: Wayfinding Signs
Mr. Manager, attached is the revised wayfinding sign package that the Economic Development and
Planning sub committee of the Council discussed, amended and recommended for approval. I
would appreciate these graphics being shared with the Town Council prior to, or with, this
committee report being presented to the Council. Let me know if there are any questions. Thanks
From: Wiener, Laura <Iwiener(@watertown-ma.gov>
Sent:Tuesday, April 6, 2021 11:34 AM
To: Magoon, Steve<smaLYoon(@watertown-ma.gov>
Subject: Wayfinding Signs
Steve,
Attached is a drawing of the Wayfinding sign we discussed at the March 25 meeting of the PW/EDP
Council Committee, with the suggested addition of Est. 1630. Also attached is the Family of Sign
Elements, and a description of each sign and its size.
Laura Wiener, AICP
Senior Transportation Planner
Watertown Department of Community Development and Planning
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
617 972-6417 * 12183
B
WATERTOWN
Fst. 1630
Bridging Cuttures
i
FAMILY OF ELEMENTS
A
WATERT-- WATfiR PO
1YATERTOWIY � � •^ -
SPORN
WATERTOWN
,63B
Bridging Cultures
A C2 Di D2 D3 E F H
WATERTOWN I Sign Elements and Wayfinding Specifications Favermann Design I April2021
r�
FAVERMANN DESIGN
Family of Sign Element Sizes
A 40" x 60" Post and Panel
B 60"x 40" Post and Panel
C 36" x 24" Traffic Signs with Post
D 18" x 12" Traffic Signs with Post
E 96"x 30" Monument Sign
F See diagram Directional Post and Arm
H Banner and Bracket
1 45"x 30" Directory
Note: The above measurements are for face of each sign panel.
Posts and hardware are additional.
Attachment C
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC ARTS AND CULTURE COMMITTEE
RESOLUTION# R-20214
WHEREAS,the City known as the Town of Watertown has established a Public Arts Master Plan that
was created through the efforts of a steering committee that included a number of representatives of
stakeholder organizations in the community that deal with arts and culture, as well as Town departments
and the Town's consultant,the Metropolitan Area Planning Council; and
WHEREAS, after careful consideration,the Honorable Town Council did adopt the Watertown Public
Arts Master Plan at its meeting on February 23,2021; and
WHEREAS, said Plan includes a number of implementation strategies, including
Implementation Item IA, a recommendation for the creation of an appointed Public Arts and Culture
Committee (PACC)that acts as a permanent, standing advisory body to the Town of Watertown,to make
recommendations over two core program areas:
1. Art in Public Places: Permanent, semi-permanent,temporary, and ephemeral artworks and activations
that create a more vibrant,welcoming, inclusive, and connected public realm. This may include semi-
permanent projects as well as temporary artworks and installations funded through a variety of
funding sources
2. Cultural and Community Life: Programming that enhances the public realm, engages Watertown's
community life and cultural diversity,and fosters social cohesion; and
WHEREAS, the PACC will make final recommendations regarding various forms of public art
and culture to the Town Manager and Town Council for final approval; and
WHEREAS,the Plan further provides that the PACC be staffed by staff member from the Department of
Planning and Community Development; and include seven to nine members: six members-at-large and
one standing member who represents the Watertown Cultural Council,with the ability to add up to two
seats for members under the age of 21,and members will serve three-year terms; and
WHEREAS,the PACC may convene working groups to attend to business such as evaluation,
fundraising, and community partnerships and outreach as needed; and
WHEREAS,the PACC will be appointed by the Town Manager, and confirmed by the Town Council.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that the Town Council of the City known as the Town of
Watertown hereby authorizes the creation of the Public Arts and Culture Committee to be established as
provided herein.
Council Member
I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the Town Council for which a quorum was present,the above
resolution was adopted by a voice vote of for and against and present on ,
2021.
Council Clerk Council President
Attachment D
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC ARTS AND CULTURE COMMITTEE
RESOLUTION# R-10-
WHEREAS,the City known as the Town of Watertown has established a Public Arts Master Plan that
was created through the efforts of a steering committee that included a number of representatives of
stakeholder organizations in the community that deal with arts and culture, as well as Town departments
and the Town's consultant,the Metropolitan Area Planning Council; and
WHEREAS, after careful consideration,the Honorable Town Council did adopt the Watertown Public
Arts Master Plan at its meeting on February 23,2021; and
WHEREAS, said Plan includes a number of implementation strategies, including
Implementation Item IA, a recommendation for the creation of an appointed Public Arts and Culture
Committee(PACC)that acts as a permanent, standing advisory body to the Town of Watertown,to make
recommendations over two core program areas:
1. Art in Public Places: Permanent, semi-permanent,temporary, and ephemeral artworks and activations
that create a vibrant,welcoming, inclusive, and connected public realm. This may include semi-
permanent projects as well as temporary artworks and installations funded through a variety of
funding sources
2. Cultural and Community Life: Programming that enhances the public realm, engages Watertown's
community life and cultural diversity, and fosters social cohesion; and
WHEREAS,the Plan further provides that the PACC be staffed by staff member from the Department of
Planning and Community Development; and
WHEREAS, the PACC will make final recommendations regarding various forms of public art
and culture to the Town Manager and Town Council for final approval; and
WHEREAS,the PACC may convene working groups to attend to business such as evaluation,
fundraising, and community partnerships and outreach as needed.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that the Town Council of the City known as the Town of
Watertown hereby authorizes the creation of the Public Arts and Culture Committee to be established as
provided herein, consisting of nine members:
a) Six members at-large who will serve staggered three-year terms,with two expiring each year,
who shall live in Watertown,to be appointed by the Town Manager and confirmed by the Town
Council.
b) One member of the Watertown Cultural Council,to be selected annually by the Cultural Council,
to serve a one-year term on the Public Arts and Culture Committee.
c) Two members who shall live in Watertown and be under the age of 21 at the date of appointment,
to be appointed by the Town Manager to one-year terms.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Member-at-Large Qualifications should include, if possible:
a) Experience in the visual arts,performing arts, arts education, curation, architecture, design, or
landscape architecture. Members may include staff and board members of arts and cultural
organizations.
b) At least two members should be working artists,arts administrators, or cultural historians.At
least one member will have direct experience with or knowledge of public art installation and
maintenance.
c) Membership should reflect a diversity of ages, incomes, ethnicities,racial identities, cultures, and
abilities.
Council Member
I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the Town Council for which a quorum was present,the above
resolution was adopted by a voice vote of for and against and present on ,
2021.
Council Clerk Council President