Monterey Museum Commission Meeting Summary – March 5, 2026

The Monterey Museum Commission met on March 5, 2026, to consider two deaccession proposals for art and furniture items from the city's collection. Commissioners also received updates on the Western Flyer Foundation's funding status for the biological laboratories, the Lower Presidio Park erosion project, and park improvements. The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Rukowski, with Commissioners Turgein, Fuller, and Evans present; Commissioner Caldy was absent.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, including two sets of minutes with minor typographical corrections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered comments, either in person or via Zoom.

Discussion Items

• Art Collection Deaccession: Ryan (staff) presented a proposal to deaccession 11 artworks from the city's museum collection, citing lack of storage capacity, deterioration, and items outside the collection scope (Monterey or peninsula artists). Items included a donation of an Abraham Lincoln print (unknown artist), large fiber artworks (e.g., 42x42 inches, 54x76 inches, 15x9 feet), deteriorating “Path of History” wood panels (six 4x8 ft panels, one 2x8 ft panel, one 2x4 ft panel), and an aerial photo from 1978 (65x79 inches, two panels). Many were originally displayed at the Monterey Conference Center or other city buildings and are now stored in the city garage, which has moisture issues. The city lacks funds for restoration or display. Funds from sales would go to the museum trust for acquisitions and preservation. Staff recommended selling art through an auction house specializing in art, and donating the Path of History panels and the aerial view to local nonprofits (e.g., Stanton Center, Old Monterey). The commission encouraged this approach.
• Furniture Deaccession: Ryan also presented a proposal to deaccess 12 furniture items from Folten Hall, including a broken captain's chair (1951 purchase, right arm broken), a Windsor barrel back chair (1950 purchase, does not fit current décor), fiber chairs (1958 gift, unsuitable for seating), a cave bottom chair (purchased to match a judge's desk but not part of a collection), a rocking chair, a pain chair (1965 donation, broken), and a Bonifacio Adobe bench (donated by Carmel Monastery, broken). Two roll-top desks (1968 purchase, one damaged) were also included, as staff believes funding should focus on other projects. Staff recommended offering the Bonifacio bench to historic organizations (e.g., state parks) and selling other items. The commission supported this.
• Western Flyer Foundation Update: Staff clarified that an article in the Herald about the biological laboratories incorrectly implied full funding. The Western Flyer Foundation has only $214,000 from HUD through Jim Fanetta's office, not $2 million. The project lacks full funding, construction plans, or architect design. It was previously presented to the Historic Preservation Commission for adoption of a historic preservation report only.
• Lower Presidio Park Erosion Project: Staff reported that the Army has published an environmental report with three options for stabilizing erosion on Lighthouse Avenue: an 8-foot wall, a 3-to-4-foot low retaining wall (similar to what the city built on its property), and minimal grading with plants and drainage. City Council favored the low retaining wall option. The Army is funding all work and will maintain one lane of traffic during construction. The Army is accepting public comments by March 9, 2026. A letter from the mayor was approved and submitted.
• Triangular Area Across from Stokes Adobe: Commissioner Rukowski noted that the Parks Department placed unusual items (e.g., an upturned jar) in the triangular area across from Stokes Adobe behind the Museum of Art. She suggested adding benches and a rotating sculpture, similar to Elkins Park, and noted that the Museum of Art could handle curation with city permission.
• Lower Presidio Park Gathering: Commissioner Rukowski reported a well-attended gathering at Lower Presidio Park despite rain, with many public comments. A second meeting is being planned.
• Concert Series: The commission noted upcoming concerts on April 4 and May 2 (Saturdays at 4 p.m.), which have been fully attended. A fall season is expected, with potential art events in summer.

Key Outcomes

• The commission unanimously approved a motion to deaccess all listed art and furniture items, directing staff to return to the City Council with a consent item outlining the deaccession methods (auction for art, donation for Path of History panels and aerial view, and appropriate disposal for other items). For furniture, staff was encouraged to evaluate donation of the Bonifacio bench to state parks or other historic organizations, and to sell the remaining items via auction to benefit the museum trust fund.
• No votes were taken on the Lower Presidio Park or Western Flyer Foundation updates; these were informational only.
• The next commission meeting is scheduled for April 2, 2026.