ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
January 29, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.
Brentwood Business & Technology Center
101 Sand Creek Road, B
Brentwood, Ca 94513
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Joe Trebino called the meeting to order at
7:08 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners present were as follows: Chairperson Joe
Trebino, Vice Chairperson Jim Bryant, Ron Beatty, Helen Myers, Chris
Robinson, William Weber, and Sandra Gill. Commissioners Clayton Woolley,
Patrick McCarran, Saunie Fridley and Barbara Guise were absent.
Staff persons present were Poldina Scherff, Recreation Services Manager;
Angela DiNicola, Administrative Assistant; and Vice Mayor Annette
Beckstrand, liaison to the Arts Commission.
PRESENTATION: None
AGENDA REVIEW: Chairperson Trebino requested to pull Item 11.
Commissioner Ron Beatty moved to pull Item 11 from the agenda. Motion
was seconded by Commissioner Chris Robinson and carried unanimously.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
Citizen Kermit Sveen of Summerset introduced himself and said he
appreciated what the Commission has been doing and asked if there were
any plans for introducing performing arts to the community. Chairperson
Trebino responded that there is and one item on the agenda addresses
this which is bringing a Shakespeare production to the area this spring.
Mr. Sveen said he had a particular interest in choral arts and was
hoping that there was some way to do an annual Messiah sing-a-long.
Chairperson Trebino suggested that he present his ideas to the
Commission and they would discuss it. Vice Mayor Beckstrand suggested
talking with some of the members of the Ministerial Association in the
community. She said there were churches in the area which have
outstanding choir programs. Chairperson Trebino suggested that Mr. Sveen
get in touch with Ms. DiNicola and she would put him on the agenda if he
has something he wishes to present to the Commission.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approval of minutes of regular meeting of November 19, 2003.
2. Accept monthly budget report (P. Scherff/T. Clark).
3. Approval of the December and January Arts and Culture Commission of
Contra Costa County Minutes (A. DiNicola).
4. Approval of cost of labels for books at Barnes and Nobles (C.
Robinson).
5. Approval of additional cost for City Wide Read books (A. DiNicola)
Commissioner Ron Beatty moved to approve the Consent Calendar, motion
seconded by Commissioner Robinson, motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
6. Report on the insurance coverage for Art (P. Scherff)
Ms. Scherff summarized the issue stating that the City covers all of the
art work that is in this building. There were different options the
Commission was considering such as setting aside money if claims were
greater than the deductible. This has not been decided yet. She said
they do have a substantial budget if they suffered a larger claim. She
further stated that every “show” they have in the building is handled on
a case-by-case basis since each show is different in the types of shows
and values of art work. The value of the show is given by Ms. DiNicola
to Risk Management at which time they make the assessment and decide if
an additional policy would need to be procured or if it would be covered
under the existing policy. Commissioner Weber questioned the theoretical
idea of a painting or art work from someone like the upcoming artist
Stanley Mouse and questioned what would happen if one of his works were
stolen or destroyed. Would they only give a lesser amount that the
artist had declared, and if so, what would be the artist’s recourse?
Chairperson Trebino said it would be valued on the basis of what the
artist’s paintings had sold for in the past and use that value for a
measure of worth. Ms. Scherff reminded the Commission that this is a
public building displaying original art work and special precautions
need to be taken. Commissioner Weber has built a showcase that will be
locked and bolted to the building for display of original pieces. Ms.
Scherff urged the Commission to obtain values from the presentation
artist in advance of the show so they can be turned into Risk Management
to determine if additional insurance needs to be provided. Commissioner
Weber will get this information for the upcoming show.
NEW BUSINESS:
7. Approval of changes made to the Arts Commission Committee matrix (A.
DiNicola)
Ms. DiNicola presented the 2004 Art Commission Committees for approval.
She noted that page two as presented, was the part to be removed.
Commissioner Bryant asked about the Art Commission Logo Research
Committee which he felt was no longer needed. Others agreed to eliminate
this Committee. Also Vice Mayor Beckstrand recommended former
Commissioner Alice Kamers and Mary Hannigan be removed from this list of
committees. She suggested those such as Jan Melloni should be listed in
a different category such as an Ad Hoc Committee but not on the official
matrix of committees. These should be listed as committee members not as
Commissioners. There was some discussion on this issue. Vice Mayor
Beckstrand suggested the use of a footnote to the list of committees and
members, saying “Commissioners unless otherwise noted”. This was agreed
to by all of the Commissioners.
8. Discussion of the Shakespeare Festival (J. Melloni)
Ms. Melloni passed out a copy of an email she received regarding details
of the upcoming festival and the need to firm up dates which are
agreeable to the company. It also gave specifics as to the Commission’s
responsibility for publicity and the payment schedule. Other events that
could conflict and dates were discussed. The current committee consists
of Ms. Melloni and Commissioner Gill. Ms. Melloni said she felt this
committee needs to be expanded to include other Commissioners to assist
on publicity and other issues that could arise. The company will be
responsible for all costumes and will handle all props and staging with
the Commission providing the facility only. The PAC building at Liberty
High School will be used and reserved when the dates are decided upon.
Ms. Scherff will check out the dates of availability for this facility.
Commissioner Robinson asked if the billboard at the Liberty High School
could be used for advertising this event and Ms. Melloni said she has
approval to it. The dates of March 20-21 and March 27-28 have been
suggested. After more discussion of dates, Chairperson Trebino suggested
a committee be formed to do the research and work with Ms. Melloni on
this event. Commissioner Robinson volunteered to work on advertising and
flyers, etc. Commissioner Robinson suggested using banners they already
have and adding the Shakespeare Festival and dates. Commissioner Weber
suggested postcards. The amount of $10,000 has already been allocated by
the Commission for this event. The extra would only be advertising costs
added to that amount.
Commissioner Robinson moved to approve up to $2,000 for advertising out
of the $80,000 fund in the budget, Commissioner Beatty seconded the
motion - this motion conditioned on Ms Scherff checking into the budget
to make sure these funds are available for this use. Motion carried
unanimously.
The subcommittee will consist of Commissioners Myers and Robinson, along
with Ms. Scherff, Ms. Melloni and Brentwood citizen, Kevin Sveen. Vice
Mayor Beckstrand will serve as liaison and work with committee when
available.
Commissioner McCarran arrived at 7:30 p.m.
9. Refresher on Purchasing Policies (P. Scherff)
Ms. Scherff presented the expenditures that have been approved to date
by the Commission. She also reviewed the purchasing policies of the City
as it relates to the Arts Commission. She reported they have been doing
a good job of adhering to these policies. She also reviewed the budget
and requested that the Commissioners continue to observe the bottom line
of the budget. She felt the Commission is currently doing well on the
budget but was concerned about an amount of $9,680.65 which was
encumbered and will find out the reason for its encumbrance. She asked
if anyone was aware what the amount was for. She’ll check into this and
will report to the Commission at the next meeting. She mentioned the
bidding process is going well and requested that staff be informed ahead
of time on requests so they know what’s involved and the reason for the
requests. She asked if there were any questions. Chairperson Trebino and
others felt the budget was difficult to understand.
10. Discussion of Arts Commission Tour of Brentwood (P. Scherff)
This tour was requested by the Commissioners. Commissioner Robinson felt
that since Brentwood has changed considerably in the past year since the
last tour, it would be helpful to look at the new parks and additions.
Time for the tour was discussed by Commissioners and it was decided that
a Saturday would be the best day of the week. Ms. Scherff said she could
provide the PAL van. February 21st at 9:00 a.m. was decided on to meet
in front of the Brentwood Business and Technology Center. Chairperson
Trebino will provide donuts and water. Ms. Scherff will put together the
tour schedule.
Commissioner Robinson moved that the tour be held on February 21, 2004,
starting at the Business and Technology Center at 9:00 a.m. Motion
seconded by Commissioner Bryant, motion carried unanimously.
11. Review of the bids received for the Farmer Statue (B. Weber)
This item was pulled.
12. Report on the Stanley Mouse Art opening (M. Hannigan/B.Weber)
Commissioner Weber said that he has 14 images at home for display and
passed around the postcards for distribution throughout the community.
There are 5,000 of these for advertising the show. He also had large
posters made to display in windows of merchants advertising the show and
has written an article for 110 Degree Magazine that will be coming out
in February. The frames needed for Stanley’s pictures have been
purchased. Commissioner Weber said the art work will be hung next
weekend in the gallery and everything will be ready to go. Chairperson
Trebino asked if Commissioner Robinson had arranged for the wine to be
served at the reception and she affirmed she had. It will be donated by
the Rosenblum Winery who will also do the pouring. Glasses will be
provided by those that are in storage left over from Day in the Park.
Commissioner Robinson asked Commissioner Weber when the next date for
the gallery reception would be so that she can be prepared to provide
the wine. After some discussion, it was decided to hold the August
gallery reception on August 3, 2004. This show will open on August 2,
2004.
13. Discussion of Saturday Art Gallery openings and the schedule for the
volunteers (P. Scherff/A. DiNicola)
Commissioner Fridley volunteered at the January 10th gallery opening
from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Very few people showed up to view the gallery.
The Commissioners felt the event needs further advertising. A sign-up
sheet for volunteers was passed out by Ms. DiNicola. The time could be
split if a volunteer couldn’t work a 4 hour shift. Advertising with the
newspapers on Fridays prior to the events was discussed. Ms. Scherff
commented that the building is a public building and business people
will be working on Saturdays so all volunteers will need to know where
the light switches are along with other housekeeping rules.
Commissioners asked for a list of the requirements for the volunteers
and a check off so that the building would be opened and closed
properly. Ms. Scherff and Ms. DiNicola will prepare this for them
including rules and map of facilities.
14.Discussion on participating in the Week of the Young Child event (A.
DiNicola)
Ms. DiNicola reported the organizer of Week of the Young Child had
called the office to ask if the Commission would be interested in
participating. The group is looking for people who could work with the
children in a “hands on” fashion with these young children such as
painting, watercolor, clay art, etc. The event will be held outdoors at
the Brentwood City Park on Saturday, April 17, 2004. People who would be
qualified to help in this event were discussed with suggestions from
Vice Mayor Beckstrand and Commissioner Weber. Chairperson Trebino
suggested the Commission buy the supplies to assist in the event. This
item will be on the agenda for the February meeting.
15. Report on the Public Art Committee meetings (R. Beatty)
Chairperson Trebino said that prior to hearing from Commissioner Beatty
he wanted to compliment him for the all the work he did to put the
ordinance together and feels that the City owes a huge debt of gratitude
to him and that the art work will greatly enhance the City. Commissioner
Beatty reported that the committee met in Director Bronzan’s office and
feels their well on their way to provide art projects throughout the
City. Commissioner Weber reported that he is considering having an art
show the beginning of 2005 with a number of sculpture artists he is
acquainted with in the community. Chairperson Trebino asked if anyone
would like to serve on this committee to let him know as money is
starting to come into the fund from the developers. All Commissioners
were urged to read the report. Commissioner Gill asked if this could be
developed into a visual flow chart. Ms. Scherff commented that Craig
Bronzan, has put this into a Power Point presentation. Commissioner
McCarran and Commissioner Gill described what the flow chart would
consist of and felt it would be a very good idea. Ms. Scherff,
Recreation Services Manager will discuss this with Director Bronzan and
have something prepared for the February meeting.
16. Discussion and review of the 2004 Art Show schedule for the
Activities Guide (P. Scherff/A. DiNicola)
Ms. Scherff said she is requesting this information for the summer
Activities Guide which covers June, July, August, and September. She
wants to be able to include all of the Art Commission’s events for this
period and will need the information including art gallery shows and
other events. The decision as to when the opening will be for the
Children’s art show was discussed and will be Tuesday, May 4, 2004. Art
for Art’s Sake will be held May 1, 2004 which is already in the current
Activities Guide. The guest artist at the May 4th gallery reception will
be Joe Cleary. All of the summer concerts will be in the guide along
with these events and those of the Arts Society . The Arts Society
dinner will be August 28, 2004. A site has not yet been determined.
Other advertising will be handled for these events along with a banner
for the Art for Art’s Sake.
17. Discussion of purchasing and printing horses for display and auction
(R. Beatty)
Commissioner Beatty referred to a project done in the past by the City
of Chicago and the City of Ocala, Florida. The City of Ocala bought 50
horses and hired artists for a sum of $16,000 to paint the horses. They
were later sold at auction for $840,000. He also passed pictures around
of painted alligators Miami had placed all over the city. Commissioner
Beatty would like the Commission to consider a project like this and use
horses, which would cost about $1500 each. He suggested working with the
Chamber of Commerce and other agencies for this project. There was some
discussion of the project and similar projects in other cities.
Commissioner Bryant suggested some research be done. Vice Mayor
Beckstrand recommended a presentation be made to the Chamber of Commerce
and each business be surveyed. She also suggested talking to the
Community Development Department to make sure this could be a viable
project in the City. After further discussion Chairperson Trebino asked
for a subcommittee to work with Commissioner Beatty. Commissioners
Robinson, Bryant and McCarran will work with Commissioner Beatty on this
project.
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: Vice Mayor Beckstrand had no further information.
CITIZENS COMMENTS: Kermit Sveen reported there will be a Volunteers Fair
in Summerset, April 24, 2004 from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. and if the
Commission would like to be represented at the fair they would be happy
to reserve space. He asked the Commission to consider this event and
will send an invitation with the information to Ms. DiNicola.
Steve Kinsella, who is a professional entertainer and director of stage
type settings, recently moved to Brentwood and is interested in starting
theater companies as he’s been requested to do in other cities as well.
He is currently appearing in television productions and has student
actors all over the Bay Area including Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and many
other areas. He gave his phone number and his email address to the
Commission. He discussed his background, experience and his plans for
the future. Some of his plans are to have classes for theater; three
show series (two for adults and one for teens) and on-camera training in
everything but dance performance. He and his wife (a Christian recording
artist) are happy to be in the community. Mr. Kinsella will probably be
contacting some Commissioners in the future and said he would be happy
to answer any questions. Vice Mayor Beckstrand mentioned events coming
up featuring the Liberty High School actors and choir.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Commissioner Beatty gave the Commission his new
cell phone number and reminded everyone he would be gone the month of
February.
Commissioner Robinson said the dates of the Day in the Park are October
9 and 10, with the VIP night October 8, 2004. She asked all
Commissioners to be aware of the dates and reserve the time to help with
the event.
Chairperson Trebino said the Arts Society is having a Spring Arts and
Craft Fair on March 6, 2004, and are looking for local artists to be in
this event and to call him, Jan Melloni or Commissioner Beatty if they
know of anyone. The art show will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No
place has been designated as yet.
STAFF COMMENTS: Ms. Scherff reported that the Arts Manager position is
being advertised and passed out a brochure describing the position. Arts
Commissioner reappointment took place at the City Council meeting the
previous night and the following Commissioners were re-appointed: Helen
Myers, Chris Robinson, Joe Trebino, and Barbara Guise. These
Commissioners will need to go before City Council next month to accept
their appointments. She mentioned several of the Arts Commissioners have
resigned or have left the Commission. Usually when this happens in other
Commissions, the outgoing Commissioners are presented with a plaque or
certificate. She asked the Commission to consider this. This will be put
on the agenda for the February meeting.
Ms. DiNicola passed out some printed material on the Discovery Art
League and asked if the Commissioners would like her put them on the
mailing list to receive the newsletter. They expressed a desire to have
this as an attachment to their monthly packet or to receive it by email.
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Horse statues
Budget
Certificates or Plaques
Young child art fair
ADJOURNMENT: Chairperson Trebino adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
