CALL TO ORDER: Chair Juan Castillo called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.

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

PRESENTATION:
1. Spotlight Artist: Monica Stewart

Ms. Stewart has painted for many years. She had earned a four year scholarship to the Academy of Arts however she decided she would like to travel instead. She was a flight attendant with United airlines for 27 years but along the way she decided to go back to painting. Her talent for painting was noticed early on. She primarily paints with acrylic. She presented pieces of her work that included a graceful ballerina, groups of people dancing, and array of pieces using earth tones.

CITIZEN COMMENTS: NONE

CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approve minutes of regular meeting of February 17, 2010

 Motion to approve the minutes of February 17, 2010 Minutes
Motioned: Spencer
Second: Groseclose
Ayes: 3
Noes: 0
Abstain: 1 (Castillo)
Excused: 1 (Koncher)

2. Approve minutes of regular meeting of March 17, 2010

 Motion to approve the minutes of March 17, 2010 Minutes
Motioned: Senn
Second: Groseclose
Ayes: 3
Noes: 0
Abstain: 1 (Spencer)
Excused: 1 (Koncher)

SCHEDULED MATTERS:
1. ACTION ITEM: Discuss and approve new date for the unveiling of the poetry contest art element at Veterans Park. (P. Scherff)

A new deadline needed to be discussed and approved for the unveiling of the poetry contest winners. The dates of May 17 and May 18 were suggested due to the availability of the Mayor. Commissioner Groseclose would be out of town on May 17 however the other Commissioners were available on May 17.

 Motion to approve the date of May 17 at 4:00 pm for the unveiling of the poetry contest art element at Veterans Park
Motioned: Spencer
Second: Senn
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0
Excused: 1 (Koncher)

2. ACTION ITEM: Discuss and approve application process for the Poet Laureate term that is ending June 10, 2010. (P. Scherff)

Poldina Scherff, Recreation Manager, gave a brief history of how the Poet Laureate from the past came about for the City of Brentwood. May Jane Barnes served for many years until her passing. When the next Poet Laureate was sought, Diane Lando responded to the need and was appointed on by the City of Brentwood. Diane Lando’s term will be up this coming June and direction is sought from the Commission whether to reinstate her or to have another open recruitment for this position.

A discussion ensued about the whether we should do an open recruitment for the next Poet Laureate. It was agreed upon by the Commission that there should be an open recruitment and at the next meeting, applications will be reviewed. Poldina Scherff said no fees should be involved in this recruitment unless an ad is placed outside of the local newspaper.

 Motion to approve the open recruitment for Poet Laureate and to review applications at the next meeting.
Motioned: Spencer
Second: Senn
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0
Excused: 1 (Koncher)

Commissioner Senn inquired about the funding for this position and what would be allotted. Poldina Scherff mentioned that a discussion could occur about this however no action could be taken on this topic. It would need to be brought back on a future agenda as an Action Item.

The Commissioners mentioned that certain aspects of that position should be paid out of pocket by the Poet Laureate since it’s a volunteered position and it’s a public service.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Vice Chair Senn commented that the slide show was great. He would like to see a map of where artwork are placed currently and see where future art work could be placed. Poldina Scherff said she will be bringing that information to the next meeting. It may be a possibility that a future “road trip” around the town could be arranged.

STAFF COMMENTS:
Poldina Scherff, Recreation Manager, may have a representative from the City Hall project attend the next meeting. Poldina Scherff mentioned that the library project will need to be discussed in the near future.

REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

ADJOURNMENT
Chair Castillo adjourned the meeting at¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ 7:47 pm.