REGULAR MEETING
August 22, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
734 Third Street
Brentwood, CA 94513
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Chris Robinson
called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present were Chairperson Chris Robinson, Vice Chairperson
Joe Trebino, and Commissioners Don Meagher, Mary Hannigan, Jan Melloni,
Helen Myers, William Weber, Alice Kamers, Ron Beatty, and Barbara Guise.
Others present were Lt. Michael Davies of the Brentwood Police Department
and Sue Barry, Recreation Services Supervisor.
PRESENTATIONS:
A. Introduction of Milton Bullard regarding interviews of Commissioners
for column in the Brentwood Press. Chairperson Robinson reported this
presentation has been canceled and will be presented at the next regularly
scheduled meeting in September.
B. Arts in California video. This is a video depicting the Arts in various
forms and cities throughout California. The video was brought to Chairperson
Robinson by Commissioner Meagher and she was so very favorably impressed
that she felt it was important to present it to the entire Commission.
Commissioner Meagher explained a bit about the video and then it was
presented to the group. The video was narrated by Peter Coyote and many
other famous people in the arts in California. Cities featured were
San Francisco, Merced, and Los Angeles. At the conclusion of the video,
Commissioner Meagher was thanked for bringing it to the Commission.
He then presented it to the Commission to use throughout the community
to promote the arts. The Commissioners debated the various methods of
utilizing the film, among them presenting it to the schools through
the School Board, parents groups, through service organizations, etc.
Discussion of whether or not it would be legal to make copies to show
in the community resulted in Commissioner Meagher agreeing to check
and make sure it would be legal. Chairperson Robinson will then make
the copies and get the original back to Ms. Barry.
AGENDA REVIEW:
Comments at this point by Chairperson Robinson that Milton Bullard,
who was not able to be at this meeting, would like to promote a downtown
art gallery. He had discussed this idea at a previous meeting with the
Art Commission. She felt they need to form a sub-committee to explore
this idea and put this on the agenda for the next meeting.
CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Item No. 1. Approval of minutes of regular meeting of July 18, 2001.
Item No. 2. Accept agenda/minutes from Arts and Culture Commission of
Contra Costa County.
Item No. 3. Accept Preliminary Youth Theater Proposal (M. Kaiser)
Vice Chairperson Trebino moved to accept the Consent Calendar. Commissioner
Guise seconded and motion carried unanimously.
SCHEDULED MATTERS:
Item No. 4. Update on amending ordinance regarding membership boundaries.
(S. Barry)
Ms. Barry reported that at the last City Council meeting the council
voted to approve the ordinance drafted by the Arts Commission regarding
membership boundaries to include the city limits of Brentwood only.
Item No. 5. Update on downtown barbecue. (C. Robinson)
Chairperson Robinson confirmed with Commissioner Kamers that pursuant
to a recent subcommittee meeting, she has checked with Centro Mart and
will soon get a price on meat. Corn has been taken care of. Only thing
left are the sundries and Commissioner Melloni has some still unopened,
they will see what else they need beyond what Commissioner Melloni has
on hand and purchase it. Commissioner Trebino has the fencing confirmed
and the Boys Ranch to assist in setting up and taking down tables. He
will also have the cash box. Ms. Barry reported that the tables at the
Community Center have been reserved for the event. Chairperson Robinson
has talked to the police department and on September 11, they will bring
the proposal to City Council to close the streets for the barbecue.
If any members are available, it would be good to have them there to
support the proposal. Since it is on the consent calendar, it should
be heard early in the meeting. Commissioner Beatty reported that he
went to Costco, and they have half sheet cakes at $15.00 a cake. He
figured they would need about twelve cakes. This will be Plan B if they
don’t get dessert from other source. Commissioner Guise will be responsible
for arranging for portable toilets at the event. Menu will be tri tip,
chicken, beans, green salad, corn and dessert. Commissioner Melloni
will pick up salad.
Chairperson Robinson reported she has also booked a young singer. Her
parents will bring her to the event and there will be no charge. She
has heard her sing on the Fourth of July and was very impressed with
her. Flatbed has been arranged for as well as arrangements for beverages.
The street will be closed from 2:00 p.m. and flatbed will arrive at
that time. She requested all the Commissioners to be there at that time.
Chairperson Robinson will not arrive until later since she has heavy
and quite warm costume to prepare. Commissioner Melloni will be in charge
of the event until Chairperson Robinson arrives. Vice Chairperson Trebino
is in charge of the raffle tickets.
The banner will be ordered and sub-committee has decided on the $150-$200
size, do not need multi color. Need to have Brentwood Art Commission
Downtown Barbecue in large letters, then have date and phone number
for tickets. Date and phone number can be in removable letters to be
changed each year. Chairperson Robinson requested Ms. Barry to order
as soon as possible.
Commissioner Hannigan asked about donations for raffle, she reminded
them she has offered to donate tickets for Willows Theater in Concord.
Commissioner Myers is in charge of raffle tickets. Newer members requested
to help take tickets. Commissioner Guise will call Safeway and ask for
permission to put up banner. Discussion of getting forms completed with
Community Development Department. Commissioner Guise will call Berenice
and tell her they wish to replace the concert series banner with a banner
for the barbecue.
There will be no display of art at barbecue other than the model of
the “farmer” by Commissioner Weber. Possibly next year they will try
to have some local art on display. Sound system will be Johnny Keene
and his Time Machine. There was discussion of power whether or not to
get a generator. Suggestion of using power from poles on street. Lt.
Davies will check into generator. Vice Chairperson Trebino will check
into plug ins on poles on street.
Item No. 6. Discussion regarding formation of a subcommittee to work
with Chamber of Commerce on purchasing a stage. (B. Guise)
Commissioner Guise reported that she has communicated with several of
the service clubs, along with the Chamber of Commerce, and all indicated
very positive interest in the purchase of a stage for the City of Brentwood.
She would like to form a subcommittee to investigate the purchase. She
would like to have Poldina Scherff and Barry Margesson of the Parks
and Recreation staff to be involved in the subcommittee. Chairperson
Robinson also indicated a desire to be on the subcommittee since she
has had a lot of experience with professional stages. The Chairperson
also recommended that Commissioner Guise be on the subcommittee and
asked for other volunteers. Commissioners Trebino and Meagher also volunteered.
Ms. Barry suggested that the Art Commission write a letter requesting
that both Poldina Scherff and Barry Margesson be a part of the subcommittee.
Ms. Barry will write the letter and Chairperson Robinson will sign it
for the Commission. Question was asked if stage could be leased out
and the answer was yes, one of the reasons for purchasing a stage. Also,
it is easy to find a stage that the maintenance people for the City
could easily be taught how to put up and take down.
Item No. 7. Update on downtown fountain. (J. Melloni)
Commissioner Melloni reported that a crew of workers and volunteer Commissioners
are going to meet Saturday to tear out the old tile. She will then call
Blue Champagne Pools that it is ready for them to go ahead with the
repairs. Volunteers are Commissioners Trebino, Melloni, and Weber, along
with Lt. Davies. Commissioner Melloni will bring hand-sized jackhammers
for each person to use. Discussion of the water treatment unit donated
by Commissioner Trebino. He will contact Blue Champagne Pools about
he installation of the device. Blue Champagne Pools is doing all the
work without charge, so there will be no fee to be paid when work is
completed. Commissioner Guise made a motion that a drawing be made
of the tile and the names on the tiles so they have a record. Commissioner
Myers seconded the motion and motion carried unanimously.
Item No 8. Discussion regarding grand opening for the Skate Park. (J.
Melloni)
Ms. Barry said there is not a definite date set as yet for the Grand
Opening of the Skate Park. She wanted to know if the Art Commission
was interested in being a part of the celebration at the Grand Opening.
Commission responded definitely. Commissioner Guise inquired as to what
their responsibilities would be at the event and Ms. Barry responded
that it would be mainly to show their presence, possibly help cut the
ribbon, etc. Ms. Barry will notify staff that the Arts Commission is
definitely interested in being involved and she will get back to the
Commission when definite plans and dates are available.
Item No. 9 Update on “A Day in the Park”. (R. Beatty)
Chairperson Robinson commented before Commissioner Beatty started his
report that Mel Eckerstrom, of Eckerstrom Productions, the man that
the Commission is planning on hiring for this event has asked for expense
money. Commissioner Beatty gave him a check for $100 for expenses and
Chairperson Robinson requested that he be reimbursed since this was
agreed upon by the subcommittee. She requested Vice-Chairperson Trebino
write Commissioner Beatty a check from their Fountain Fund. Commissioner
Beatty then reported that he has with him the “pro forma” contracts,
similar to ones used in other communities. They have the blanks for
them to fill in and also feels Commission should have their own legal
people look at it and either draw up their own if they are not happy
with it or make appropriate changes. Then could sit down and negotiate
with Mr. Eckerstrom. Commissioner Beatty said also a lot of work has
already been put into this project, Mr. Eckerstrom has come down to
assist them, has provided them with an event check list, typical agendas
and other related items. He will help with advertising, promotion and
sponsorships and all other necessary activities related to the project.
Mr. Eckerstrom has provided them with a tentative budget, what can be
expected the first year, and various options as to whether they would
make money, etc. The Commission’s money would be made basically on the
sale of the wine glasses, the food and beverages, the sponsorship programs,
the raffles and tee shirts and anything else they wanted to promote
to make money. Commissioner Beatty has talked to at least six people
who have done business with Mr. Eckerstrom. The last one was Mr. Sherman
from the Alameda Wine Festival. Mr. Sherman reported that Alameda has
been doing business with Eckerstrom Productions for 17 years and have
just completed a very successful 2-day event. Their relationship has
been very good, he is the best they have found in the area as he works
directly with the community from day one, goes to all the meetings and
has excellent suggestions. Commissioner Beatty had similar responses
from Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and others. His question was do you want
to proceed with Mr. Eckerstrom, have the contract looked at and then
sit down and negotiate with him on the final deal. Question as to when
first event is planned and so far date is October 2002. Chairperson
Robinson has also done considerable research and feels they will make
money the first year, not a lot - or as much as later on, but will make
money the first time.
Lt. Davies commented that when these events are planned by the City
and require the police attendance, they do charge for this service.
However, since this is a part of the budget, so when the Art Commission
plans these events such as the Barbecue and Day in the Park, this should
be a part of the budget for the Art Commission and presented to the
City Council as including police services. Vice Chairperson Trebino
moved that the Art Commission proceed with Mr. Eckerstrom on the plans
for “A Day In The Park”, Commissioner Guise seconded the motion and
motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Guise moved that Commissioner Beatty be paid the $100
he had advanced out of personal funds for travel expenses for Mr. Eckerstrom,
money to be paid out of the ad hoc Fountain Fund. Commissioner Hannigan
seconded and motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
Lt. Davies thanked all those who attended the Policeman’s Ball. He also
reminded the Commissioners that he will be leaving and will be gone
for several months and wondered if they would like to have Sgt. James
Martinez sit in for him while he is away. After some discussion, it
was decided that it was not necessary since Lt. Davies will be back
by December 19 and he will still be here until after barbecue event.
He did remind them if anything came up they could call on Sgt. Martinez.
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS:
Commissioner Meagher reported that his term expires with the Contra
Costa County Art Commission and wondered if they still want him to continue
on the Brentwood Art Commission. Unanimous agreement to request him
to stay on the Art Commission.
Commissioner Melloni wondered if they were not supposed to have something
back from the City of Turlock? Ms. Barry said that Director Bronzan
was going to bring them to this meeting; however he also had a City
tour tonight so this was tabled until next month.
Discussion of donation of 49ers or Sharks tickets since Commissioner
Guise reported that the Tri-Delta Transit will donate rides to the 49ers
games. Round trips would be $10 and children free. If they pre-buy for
all games, cost will be $70. These will be in the new deluxe buses,
with television in the front of the bus. Buses will pull up to front
of stadium to release passengers. Anyone interested talk to Commissioner
Guise. They will pick up in three places in Brentwood.
Commissioner Kamers will ask Vice-Mayor Petrovich for Shark tickets
for raffle at Barbecue.
Commissioner Trebino would like to consider Milton Bullard for one of
the openings on the Commission since it is now open for more new members.
Chairperson Robinson will call him, since she wants to invite him to
be on the agenda for the next meeting and then ask if he is interested
in applying for a position on the Commission. If he indicates he is,
she will send him an application. Ms. Barry also reminded them that
they have other applications on file, which they also need to review
at this time.
Special comments on the beautiful little miniature farmer sculpture
by Commissioner Weber. Discussion of where the finished sculpture will
be placed in the city.
Director Bronzan then came in to the meeting.
Commissioner Weber reported that he had called the City of Antioch Art
Commission, to see how they pay for their statues, and they told him
that the home developers have donated the money for each statue and
they cost from $40,000 to $50,000 apiece. Chairperson Robinson remembered
that when the Art Commission was formed, the past Mayor let it be known
that the developers would set up a small percentage or some type of
fee that would come to the Art Commissions funds. Currently, they do
not have any public funds.
Director Bronzan commented that in Art Commission’s workshop with City
Council, he remembers the question, could they go ahead and look at
Art in Public Places programs? This is the way that a lot of cities
do this and with a policy that requires a percentage from developers
to go into this type of fund. Director Bronzan says he remembers the
City Council saying that they were supportive of the Art Commission
looking into those and coming back with a proposal for them (Council).
He did remember Councilmember Hill saying he is not interested in a
fee. He believes the Commission has Council’s support to bring them
a policy or recommendations on how to get developers or others to voluntarily
donate funds. He believes the City Council is favorable to this concept.
Director Bronzan says give them a proposal and let them act on it. The
Commission decided to put this on the agenda for the next meeting.
Commissioner Weber reported that he is designing a Brentwood Historical
Mural for the back of Not Native. This will face the parking lot. He
is getting a lot of pictures and information from Kathy Leighton who
has recently published a book on the history of the area. Commissioner
Guise would like to see a mural also on the library wall.
Commissioner Weber is on the Design Review Committee for the City of
Brentwood, and through this he is on the Brentwood Tree Committee.
Commissioner Beatty asked who the attorney is that he sees to go over
the contract with the Eckerstrom Productions? The response was Dennis
Beougher. Need to confer on blank contract with him for suggestions,
etc. Ms. Barry will see attorney and get information on phone number
and how to contact to Commissioner Beatty.
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Guise would like a complete report of expenses and income
from Poldina Scherff on the four concerts in the park. Ms. Barry said
she knows Ms. Scherff is working on this presently, doesn’t know if
she will have all the bills and complete details by next month. She
can bring what she has next month.
Commissioner Guise said the applications on file for the Art Commission
should be presented in the Commissioner’s packets for the next meeting
so they can review them and discuss them and who they would recommend.
It was suggested that after their review, recommendation be made to
the Mayor for confirmation by City Council.
Commissioner Guise then said they should start the process of preparing
a plan to promote art in public places to present to the City Council
as Director Bronzan suggested.
Commissioner Melloni wants to agenda the process/how to get the video
of California Art out to the public, also check to make sure it is legal
for them to go ahead with the promotion.
Commissioner Hannigan has a parents meeting this week, and after checking
to make sure it is legal to make copies, Chairperson Robinson will make
copies and make one available to her for the meeting.
Update on the Day in the Park – Ron Beatty.
Grand Opening of the Skate Park – Jan Melloni.
Subcommittee for the downtown art gallery - have Milton Bullard present.
Subcommittee is Commissioner Melloni, Vice Chairperson Trebino, Commissioner
Hannigan, Chairperson Robinson, and Commissioner Weber. Chairperson
Robinson will also ask Mr. Bullard to be a part of the committee.
Review of the Barbecue
Turlock Art Commission
Ms. Barry requested by Chairperson Robinson to check into getting Barbecue
on Liberty’s marquee.
Lt. Davies wanted to know who to get back to on the portable generators.
Chairperson Robinson said report to her since she was in charge. Vice
Chairperson Trebino will check with City to see about plugging into
poles, check on voltage, etc. Chairperson Robinson will also check on
voltage on poles with firm who installed wiring into trees or poles
on the street.
Director Bronzan asked if they all knew where Lt. Davies is going. They
said yes, to the FBI Training Academy and they are very proud of him
since it is quite an honor. Everyone congratulated him for the appointment
to attend the FBI Academy.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to bring before the meeting, the meeting
was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Jo Whincup
Minutes Recorder
