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ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 16, 2010 AT 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
101 B SAND CREEK ROAD
BRENTWOOD, CA 94513

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Juan Castillo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:
Present were, Chair Juan Castillo, Vice Chair Danny Senn and Commissioners Wanda Groseclose, Barbie Koncher and Donna Spencer. Staff members present were Poldina Scherff, Recreation Manager and Elaine McGurk, Administrative Assistant II.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:
Ms. Diane Lando read a poem memorializing Mr. Ron Beatty. Mr. Ron Beatty passed away recently and his influence of Public Art impacted the community greatly.

CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approve minutes of regular meeting of May 19, 2010

 Motion to approve the minutes of May 19, 2010 Minutes
Motioned: Spencer
Second: Koncher
Ayes: 5
Noes: 0

SCHEDULED MATTERS:
2. ACTION ITEM: Recommend to City Council the Poet Laureate for the term July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2012. (P. Scherff)

Vote #1:
3 – Steve Seager
2 – Kati Short

The outcome was not of the majority therefore a re-vote needed to take place. Poldina Scherff, Recreation Manager, suggested the Commission talk about what qualities the candidates possess and what value do they bring to the community as the Poet Laureate.

Vice Chair Senn liked that he was a “traditionalist” and liked the idea of workshops. Poldina Scherff reminded the Commission that this is a 2 year commitment and it’s important that the candidates are okay with that.

Commissioner Spencer asked both Ms. Katie Short and Mr. Steve Seager whether they are able to commit to this position for 2 years. Ms. Short is retired and said definitely has the energy and time for this commitment. Mr. Steve Seager said he works from a home office and therefore that would not be an issue.

Chair Castillo asked the two candidates whether paying certain fees out of pocket would be an issue for the candidates. Ms. Kati Short and Mr. Steve Seager both did not see that as being an issue.

 

Vote #2:
3 – Steve Seager
2 – Kati Short

The outcome was not of the majority again therefore a re-vote will need to take place again.

Vice Chair Senn inquired whether it is possible to have two Poet Laureate representing the City. He asked the two candidates if that would be okay with them and they did not object. Commissioner Spencer liked that idea and thought it would be great to have diversity and creativity. Commissioner Koncher liked that idea as well.

Mr. Steve Seager asked whether Diane Lando, the current Poet Laureate’s term would be extended until August 1st since this item would not go before the City Council for approval until July 27th. Poldina Scherff said Diane Lando will be acknowledged for her work with the City and the new Poet Laureate will be confirmed at the July 27th meeting.

Commissioner Groseclose commented and said she does not like the idea of having two Poet Laureates. She feels that this position is of honor and it should be for only one person and not a shared position. She feels that the Commission should be able to decide on one person. Poldina Scherff reminded the Commission that the recommendation to the City Council should be unanimous.

Chair Castillo understands what Commissioner Groseclose said and now has become betwixted. He also understands Commissioner Spencer’s point as well. Vice Chair Senn agrees with Commissioner Groseclose and realizes that the City Council will be making the final vote. He also said he realizes the voting process may take some time but prefers to vote in one person and not two.

The Commissioners wanted to take a vote at the end of the meeting and move forward with the agenda.

Vote #3
0 – Steve Seager
5 – Kati Short

 Motion to accept the unanimous vote for Kati Short and approve the recommendation of Kati Short to the City Council as the new Poet Laureate for the term of July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2012.
Motioned: Castillo
Second: Koncher
Ayes: 5
Noes: 0

3. ACTION ITEM: Discuss and recommend the procedure for possible reimbursement of events attended by the Poet Laureate. (P. Scherff)

Discussion ensued about what would be appropriate in terms of an amount for the Poet Laureate. Commissioner Koncher mentioned $500 was previously discussed however that was just an amount used as an example. Commissioner Koncher feels that the Poet Laureate should be reimbursed along the way. Commissioner Spencer feels that we really do not need to reimburse them and feels that they have volunteered their services, however it was mentioned that as Commissioners, there are no cost associated with attending a meeting and there is a cost for them to attend certain functions. The Commissioners were reminded that the candidates are okay with paying their own way when asked by Chair Castillo.

 

 Motion to approve the reimbursement of funds for events/functions paid by the Poet Laureate on a case by case basis and recommending to the City Council of this reimbursement.
Motioned: Koncher
Second: Spencer
Ayes: 5
Noes: 0

4. ACTION ITEM: Discuss and recommend future workshop to tour the City’s public art. (P. Scherff)

Poldina Scherff handed out a draft route to the Commissioners for approval. The list included various locations that contain a piece of public art. On this trip, Poldina Scherff hopes that the Commissioners would also pinpoint any locations that would be ideal for a piece of art but to bear in mind issues with vandalism.

Discussion ensued about what dates and times would be ideal for all Commissioners. It was decided that Friday, August 6, 2010 at 9 a.m. would be best for all.

Poldina Scherff said that we currently have approximately $602,000 in the Public Art fund.

 Motion to accept the route presented and to approve the date of Friday, August 6, 2010 at 9 a.m. for the future workshop.
Motioned: Koncher
Second: Spencer
Ayes: 5
Noes: 0

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Commissioner Koncher wanted to mention that the Streets of Brentwood along with the Brentwood Arts Society will be presenting “Broadway Under the Stars”. The shows presented will include Guys & Dolls (July 16 – August 1), Auction Gallery (August 13 – August 29), and Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (September 10 – September 26). Mr. Jack Gaughan, President of the Brentwood Arts Society will be directing these three productions. She also mentioned that the Streets of Brentwood will start to have live music every Fridays starting at 7 p.m. and on July 2nd, there will be an antique car show.

Vice Chair Senn inquired about the booths at Cornfest and whether they need to be made available for that. Poldina Scherff said she will be there representing the department and would be able to answer questions for both the department and the Arts Commission.

STAFF COMMENTS:
Poldina Scherff, Recreation Manager, thanked the Commissioners for coming out and supporting the unveiling at Veterans Park. She said not all the kids came but it was certainly fun seeing those that were able.

Commissioner Groseclose commented that she was unable to attend unveiling because she was not feeling well that day. Chair Castillo said he felt more involved now after having attended this special occasion. Commissioner Spencer enjoyed her time there and was quite pleased that the seniors from Cortona Park who were able to enjoy a meal at the Co Co Café in the Senior Center.

REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

ADJOURNMENT
Chair Castillo adjourned the meeting at 8:04 pm.