ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 26, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Brentwood Education and Technology Center
101 Sand Creek Road
Brentwood, CA 94513

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:
Commissioners present: Chairperson Bryant, Commissioners Ron Beatty, Jim Bryant, Vivian Faye, Doreen Forlow, Saunie Fridley, Sandra Gill, Barbara Guise, Helen Myers, Chris Robinson, Greg Ruiz, Kermit Sveen and Joe Trebino.
Commissioners absent: Patrick McCarran, Deena Foley and Patricia Lacy-Rankin.
Staff present: Rebekah Burr-Siegel, Arts Manager and Craig Bronzan, Parks and Recreation Director and William Weber, Curator. Annette Beckstrand, Councilmember was also present.

PRESENTATIONS:
None

CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

AGENDA REVIEW:
Arts Manager Rebekah Burr-Siegel requested moving Item #11 under New Business up ahead of Old Business. Ruiz/Gill MSC to move item #11 ahead in the agenda, before Old Business as scheduled.

CITIZENS COMMENTS:
None

CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approve minutes of regular meeting of September 28, 2005
2. Accept monthly budget report and motions for purchases (R. Burr-Siegel)
3. Accept report on Marsh Creek clean-up (R. Burr-Siegel)
4. Accept monthly report from A Day in the Park Committee (C. Robinson)
5. Accept report on Volunteers (V. Faye)
6. Accept monthly report from Public Art Committee (S. Gill)
7. Accept monthly report from Arts Manager (R. Burr-Siegel)
8. Accept update Arts Commission roster (R. Burr-Siegel)
Trebino/Beatty MSC the acceptance of the consent calendar as presented.

Commissioner Faye arrived at 7:05 p.m. Commissioner Guise arrived at 7:09 p.m. Commissioner Fridley arrived at 7:10 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS:
11. Approve public art concept and design for Siena Village and A. F. Evans’ Senior Care Facility (S. Gill)
Commissioner Gill introduced the presenters for this proposed art project at the Siena Village. They were Ene Osteraas-Constable of Wowhaus and Matt Beinke representing Blackhawk Services Company and A. F. Evans. This is a new development located at the corner of the Highway 4 Bypass and Balfour Rd. Ms. Osteraas-Constable described the proposed theme of “Tuscany”. She offered material samples of tiles that will be on benches, tables and a fountain. They will represent an agricultural theme of peaches, olives, grapes, and acorns as indigenous to this area. She explained how these tile art motifs will be used at the entryway, in the courtyard and also at a fountain dining courtyard. This art concept has already been approved by the Public Art Committee. A proposed tower project was discussed by Mr. Beinke and the fact that at this time this is an optional component.

Chairperson Bryant wondered if some art could be considered for this sound wall. Mr. Beinke said that they have no purview over the soundwall. The Bypass Authority oversees the soundwall. Council Member Beckstrand suggested bringing ideas for art on sound wall to the Bypass Authority. She said ideas as well as funding possibilities would need to be a part of this if they should to do this. Gill/Robinson MSC to accept the project as presented.

OLD BUSINESS:
9. Update on CityRead (L. Roudman)
Mr. Roudman was not present however Ms. Burr-Siegel gave copies of the selected book, Daughter’s Keeper, by Aylet Waldman to all of the Commissioners. It was noted that the books have already been distributed and many have been returned with bookmarks showing the readership numbers. Also, the author, Ms. Waldman had visited the community to give a public meeting on her book. The Arts Commission was not notified of the date change for the author’s talk.

10. Accept community survey proposal from Jamie McCreary (R. Burr-Siegel)
Ms. Burr-Siegel presented this subject as Ms. McCreary is out of the country, but will be back in November to start working on the questions for the survey. She said one of the ideas was to use the Oct. 24th workshop and the upcoming one on Nov. 7th to provide questions for the survey.

Chairperson Bryant questioned phase 1, points three and four of the survey proposal. On point three he wondered who the selected Arts Commissioners would be, Ms. Burr-Siegel said it would be up to the Executive Committee. On point four he wondered how the distribution would be handled. Commissioner Guise suggested using the water bills for this, along with other suggested media. Commissioner Trebino said it should also go on the website. There were comments by Councilmember Beckstrand on how to utilize the water bill mailing list. She told them who to contact at the City to achieve this. Ms. Burr-Siegel will follow up on this. There was some continued discussion on how to reach all in the community with this survey. Councilmember Beckstrand suggested contacting the newspapers for a story on the survey and asking people to watch for it in their mail. She also suggested some other ideas such as promotions through dinners. Commissioner Guise suggested the 110º magazine and East County Times. Robinson/Beatty MSC moved to amend point four in phase one, so it is clear the survey should go to every residency in Brentwood, and that the survey be available on the website.

Chairperson asked if everyone was comfortable with the cost of $4980. Commissioner Trebino said he felt this amount had already been included in the budget where $5,000 had been allocated for the survey. Trebino/Beatty MSC moved to accept the survey with the inclusion of the changes to point four in phase one.

NEW BUSINESS:
12. Appointment of Nominating Committee for 2006 Vice Chair Appointment (Executive Committee)
Chairperson Bryant asked if there were any volunteers to serve on the committee to nominate the new Vice Chairperson. Past Chair Trebino volunteered to serve on this committee. The Nominating Committee will consist of Chairperson Bryant, Vice Chairperson Gill and Past Chair Trebino.

13. Discuss the December 31, 2005 term expirations for four commissioners (J. Bryant)
Chairperson Bryant said that the Commissioners Beatty, Fridley, McCarran and Gills’ terms expire on December 31. They need to reapply if they wish to continue on the Commission. Applications were distributed and need to be submitted to the Arts Manager by November 7. 2005. They will be voted on at the November 16th meeting and will go to City Council on December 13. This is the same meeting where the Arts Commission Chair offers the Year-in Review to the Council.

Commissioner Forlow arrived at 7:50 p.m.

There was a discussion of how to recruit others to the Commission, to add to the ethnic diversity of the Commission, so it better represents the demographics in the community. Some applications did not get handed over to the Arts Manager for distribution to the Executive Committee. Chairperson Bryant said he has looked into this and Ms. Burr-Siegel has also followed up on this matter. The City Clerk will be sending a letter of apology to the applicant for stating there were no openings and an update of the openings, also posted on the website for all interested parties. Discussion of whether or not excused or unexcused absences are in the By-laws followed. Several thought it was three, decision as to what is excused was also questioned.

14. Accept public art guidelines. (R. Beatty)
Commissioner Beatty referred to the Public Art Guidelines included in each packet. Commissioner Ruiz said these were the same as the copy included in each Commissioners handbook. Discussion revolved around adding a percent-for-art on commercial properties to the ordinance. Mr. Beatty would like to have commercial buildings included in this document. He asked Commissioner Beatty if he would like this subject to be on the agenda for the next meeting. Commissioner Beatty said that he definitely would like this subject placed on November’s agenda. Robinson/Faye moved to accept a review of the Public Art Guidelines as presented by Commissioner Beatty.

CITY COUNCIL UPDATE:
She mentioned a brief conversation she had previously with Curator Weber on art that may be made available for the Tech Center Gallery. She wondered where this art could be placed and had questions as to its safety and care if it is received. Mr. Weber thought it could be hung in the gallery near one of the reception desks. Chairperson Bryant thought this is an item that should come forward at the next meeting. She also commented on the question of a percentage for commercial building from the developers. She said there are a lot of questions that need to be resolved before this comes before the City Council. She added that she had given assignments and wondered whether or not those had been completed. Ms. Burr-Siegel reported that she has the materials she agreed to collect. She asked that this not be rushed into. Chairperson Bryant said he will call a meeting of this Committee and for a response to her questions prior to the November meeting, he will then decide if the subject should be on the November meeting agenda. Director Bronzan will be included in this meeting, other members will be Commissioners Beatty, Councilmember Beckstrand, Arts Manager Burr-Siegel and Tommy Wernholm.

Councilmember Beckstrand noted her concern regarding absent Commissioners as she felt it conflicted with the unity required for the Commission to work effectively. She expressed disappointment in the turn-out of Commissioners at the recent workshop. She hoped that the rule regarding excused or unexcused absences will be firmed up and that Commissioners will make a strong commitment to be at all meetings if possible. She also expressed concern that Commissioners be involved in all Commission sponsored events such as the workshop.

She added that Britton Swisher the Mayor’s son is in remission and doing well.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Past Chair Trebino said that he enjoyed the Day in the Park. He said it was an excellent function, the artists seemed happy and made money, the wine and beer people were happy as well and did well financially. The music was great, although the Commission did not make as much as they had wished to, he felt it was the stepping stone to future events. Commissioner Fridley handed out the financial report on the Day in the Park which indicated a loss of $7,286.84. Some were disappointed in the food booths and knew that local people had not been contacted to have booths. Commissioner Beatty said that those there did a good job and worked hard. Commissioner Faye said she enjoyed the entire event and felt it was a great learning experience for her.

Commissioner Sveen said to mark calendars for December 4 for the Sing Along Messiah at 4:00 pm at Liberty High School, also on November 19 for the public rehearsal, this will be from 10 am to 12 noon. There will be a volunteers meeting directly after the rehearsal. Commissioner Forlow said she didn’t attend Day in the Park. She said she volunteered for two committees and was never called to participate in anything. She said the previous year she had to almost beg to participate. She felt this not right when she was a willing volunteer. She also enjoyed the workshop on Monday night. Commissioner Guise commented on the Day in the Park also, she felt the music was really wonderful, but felt it unfortunate that there were not enough vendors, which was the only criticism she had heard. She was very disappointed in the two food vendors, she would have hoped that local food vendors should have been invited. Commissioner Myers said her question was also why the two food vendors were from out of town. Chairperson Bryant made some further comments regarding the event and said that he and Director Bronzan will be meeting to discuss some of the concerns expressed through a reviews and will have some suggestions at a future meeting regarding the Day in the Park.

STAFF REPORT AND COMMENTS:
Ms. Burr-Siegel notified the Commissioners that the November Public Art Committee meeting has been canceled and will meet on December 13 which will be a busy night because the Arts Commission’s year in review will be on the City Council’s agenda as well as the re-appointments of the Commissioners mentioned earlier and two public art projects are on the agenda that evening as well. She hoped all who are available will attend the meeting at 7 pm in the Council Chambers.

She said that Pam Beatty had called her, Mary Jane Barnes’ daughter-in-law, and she is donating several of Mary Jane Barnes books to the Art Commission.

Curator Weber reminded everyone of the opening reception for Lawrence Ferlinghetti will be on Wed., November 2nd.

Commissioner Ruiz commented on Visual Arts Committee and that they have six artists so far for the rotating art show in various local offices. Commissioner Guise said they should all recognize their curator, Bill Weber who has been the moving force of the Art Commission and responsible for bringing such outstanding talent into the community.

REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Curator Weber- placement of art
By-Laws - excused absences
Commercial percentage for art (if prepared)
Day in the Park (time line)
Calendar for new year

ADJOURNMENT:
Chairperson Bryant adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty Jo Whincup
Minutes Recorder