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Minutes 05-03-04MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARTS COMMISSION BOARD HELD AT THE SCHOOLHOUSE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM 129 EAST OCEAN AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MAY 3, 2004 AT 6:30 P.M. Present: Richard Beaulieu Richard Brightfield Debby Coles-Dobay Raymond Marcinkoski Anita Remer Suzette Urs Michael McGoey, Alternate Arlene Dennison, Board Liaison I. Call to Order and Introductions Ms. Dennison called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and asked the Board members to introduce themselves. It was noted that this was the first meeting of a new City Board. Mr. Marcinkoski has lived in this area for over 50 years and owns warehouses on Industrial Avenue where some of the Board Members have their artwork on display. He has assisted Mr. Beaulieu in getting the area cleaned up so that the artwork could be displayed and he is looking forward to helping out. Mr. Beaulieu is the owner of the Neighborhood Gallery in Boynton Beach. He noted that through his efforts and those of Mr. Marcinkoski they were able to get Industrial Avenue designated an art district in Boynton Beach. He is a sculptor and painter and handles the work of 30 artists, whose works he displays. Ms. Urs is an artist and presented a brochure of her artwork technique to members, which she has been doing since 1980. Ms. Urs has maintained a studio gallery on Federal Highway since 1995. She has been trying to create a community for artists' project in the City for two years. Ms. Remer is a sculptor and has been an artist her entire life. She was unaware that there were any galleries in Boynton Beach. She is anxious to see what they can accomplish. Ms. Coles-Dobay has lived in South Florida since 1979 and in Boynton Beach for 11 years. She feels that the Arts Commission is needed in order to get art in public places. She felt that some of the purposes of the Arts Commission was to put together programs and make recommendations to the City Commission on how to accomplish this. Her background is in marketing and she is also an artist, which she applies to her Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, FL May 3, 2004 business. She felt that introducing art into the City would result in the City having its own image. Mr. McGoey is a CPA and maintains his practice in Boynton Beach. He felt that the Arts Commission would be able to help in conjunction with the new downtown development. Mr. Brightfield is an artist, writer and poet. Ms. Dennison, Head of Special Services for the City of Boynton Beach, is the Board's Liaison. She was a volunteer at the Boynton Beach City Library and about 9 years ago she volunteered to help with the Children's Museum that the City wanted to put in an old building, which is now the Schoolhouse Children's Museum. She is very proud of the Museum and feels that it provides a sense of community and history to the children of Boynton Beach. Ms. Dennison has a degree in recreation with a marketing background. She is excited about the downtown redevelopment and how this Board can help to bring this to fruition. She is looking forward to serving as the Board Liaison and welcomed everyone. Ms. Dennison noted that there are two openings on the Board. A member of the audience, Ms. Klm McGow, introduced herself and stated that she has applied for membership on the Board. II. Board Purpose and Responsibilities Ms. Dennison distributed literature to Mr. Brightfield and Ms. Remer that had been previously distributed to the other members. Ms. Dennison referred to the report that had been presented to the City Commission in 2001. She explained that when City Manager Bressner came to the City, he developed with the City Commission 55 initiatives that they wanted to accomplish. Ms. Dennison was involved in two, one of which was the Arts Commission. Staff prepared the report on this strategic initiative on whether or not this Board should become a priority for the City. Ms. Dennison next referred to the "lime green paper" that contains a summary of the Report and describes the Board's task. The Report recommended adopting an ordinance establishing an Arts Commission, which has been done. This sets the purpose of why the Arts Commission is here and the mission of the Arts Commission is "to advise the City Commission on matters related to the Arts, the development of a plan and programs to promote and support public art, and to recommend standards, guidelines and funding for implementation." The Report also recommended that the Arts Commission would be composed of nine regular and two alternate members that has since been changed to seven regular members. The members would be various people such as artists, art volunteer(s)/activist(s), planners, private developer, business owner, neighborhood association member(s), architect and interested citizens. Currently there is no planner or architect on the Board. Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, FL May 3, 2004 The Responsibilities of the Board could be: v' To provide advice on matters relating to the Arts. v' Develop a Public Art Plan and Program for the City. v' Recommend standards and guidelines for art and aesthetics in the City. v' Recommend funding sources, including private and grant funds. v' Encourage public/private partnerships in the arts. v' Review and make recommendations on proposals for art works for public buildings and public spaces. v' Encourage the flow of art into the City and stimulate art activities and events. v' Study art issues and implement art programs as may be delegated to it from time to time by the City Commission. Developing a Public Art Plan for the City of Boynton Beach Ms. Dennison next referred to the outline of Developing a Public Art Plan for the City of Boynton Beach included in the handouts. She felt that the City's image is important as they determine the type of programs and the art going into the City. Members agreed that at this time the City does not have a defined image. Ms. Coles-Dobay pointed out that the City does have a tag line, "Gateway to the Gulfstream" and this might be something that could be expanded upon. Ms. Coles-Dobay felt it was important that the City have a tag line to support its image. Ms. Urs felt that this would be something that could be discussed with Doug Hutchinson, the CRA Director, who has some excellent ideas and City Manager Bressner who supports the Arts Commission. Scheduling of Guest Speakers Ms. Dennison also felt that they would be needing legal advice and thought it would be helpful if they could get a member on the Board that had some legal background to assist with preparing the policies, procedures, artists' rights, etc. Also, she would like to discuss with the City's Risk Manager, their liability with regard to any damage that could occur to any of the artwork. She also thought it might be beneficial to invite other Department Heads to meetings for assistance. Ms. Dennison pointed out that neighborhoods were important. Ms. Urs also thought that Dan DeCarlo, the City's Neighborhood Specialist, should be invited to the meetings. Ms. Coles-Dobay thought that they should prioritize projects and invite a speaker that could assist the Board in a particular project. Mr. Brighffield recommended a tag line of "Make it happen in Boynton Beach." He mentioned that Delray Beach now has an entire art district. Mr. Beaulieu reported that Delray Beach started out the same way that Boynton Beach is now beginning. 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, FI. May 3, 2004 Ms. Dennison noted that Delray Beach receives funding from the Palm Beach County Cultural Council and this Board needs to become educated on what other cities are doing and how they can locate some grant sources for funding. Mr. Beaulieu stated that he is a member of the Cultural Council and they are always willing to get involved in these types of endeavors. If the City ever decided to have an open competition, they would be happy to provide their mailing list. Ms. Urs presented information regarding a place called the Torpedo Factory that is an art center in Alexandria, Virginia. It started out as two empty buildings in 1974 and today 800,000 people visit it annually. She felt that this was one of the finest examples of starting an art center in the United States. Mr. Beaulieu stated that this same concept was started in old factories in North Adams, Massachusetts. Now the factories have been turned into studios with a cafeteria and they started out the same way. Ms. Urs pointed out that these types of art centers are successful because the artists are making money. This is something the Board is going to have to consider if it decides to get involved in an art center. Mr. Beaulieu noted that he received correspondence from the Center for the Arts in Mizner Park and they are trying to raise money by funding bricks in people's names. Mr. Beaulieu felt that in order to raise money, it was all in the approach. Ms. Dennison noted that the Schoolhouse Museum also sells bricks. A 4x8 brick costs $100 and a 12x12 brick is $500. Ms. Coles-Dobay inquired if they could utilize the bricks as well to raise money and Ms. Dennison thought that this might be a possibility. IV. Appointments Ms. Dennison noted that the Board would be appointing a Chairperson and a Vice Chair tonight. She also was considering whether it would be necessary to elect a Treasurer, which is not authorized in the Ordinance. She felt that at some point they are going to need a Treasurer. · The Chairperson would be the official representative of the Arts Commission and would be: (1) responsible for preparation of the agenda for the meetings; (2) conducting the meetings in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure; and (3) any other duties agreed upon by the members of the Arts Commission. · The Chairperson would also be the spokesperson for the Arts Commission to speak before the City Commission when necessary. · The Vice Chair would preside in the absence of the Chairperson and carry out the duties as agreed upon. · If a Treasurer were elected, that person would administer all funds in a manner prescribed by the Commission and in compliance with all laws. · The staff liaison would be responsible for continually striving to improve communications of the Arts Commission Board. 4 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, FL May 3, 2004 Ms. Dennison readdressed Developing a Public Art Plan and referred to the following topics that need to be prioritized: o Guiding Principles o Write a Mission Statement o Understand and Identify the City's Image o Write the Standards and Guidelines for Art and Aesthetics that includes - Liability Artists' Rights Copyrights Loan/Purchases/Traveling Exhibits Recommendations for Public Buildings and Public Spaces Stimulating Art Activities and Events Defining "What is Art" Budget/Funding Sources/Fundraising Opportunities Public and Private Partnerships Public Relations Mr. Beaulieu inquired how the Board was supposed to handle these items. Ms. Coles- Dobay said that they needed to set priorities on what the members feel is the most important. Members felt that the key speakers could assist with this. Ms. Urs pointed out that when the key speakers are attending a meeting, the Board at that time could ask them what they wanted from the Board and what they would like to see prioritized. Ms. Dennison felt that the Board has already been assigned the ability to set the prioritizations, otherwise, staff would be in charge. This Board will be researching what other cities have done in order to make recommendations. Ms. Coles-Dobay felt that they should come up with the Mission Statement first and what this Board feels the City's image should be. After this has been determined, it will be a catalyst for the other items. Mr. Brightfield reported that in New York City whenever a large project goes up, 1% of the overall budget goes towards art. He thought that this could be something they could look at. Ms. Dennison suggested asking Mr. Bressner how this Board could work with the City and the developers to create a source of income from any new projects coming into the City. Mr. Beaulieu stated that this is done in Broward County and Ms. Urs noted that Washington State has this requirement as well. Members agreed that 1% of projects coming into the City could generate a great deal of money for arts. Ms. Remer inquired if there were any plans to construct a building for the performing arts in the downtown. Ms. Dennison stated that this is one of the City's visions, but a great many things have to happen before this could be realized. Ms. Dennison stated that they need to brainstorm the resources that currently exist in the City and decide how the Board wants to proceed. Ms. Urs recommended that a list of the City's Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, FL May 3, 2004 resources be prepared so that members are apprised of what is available. Ms. Coles- Dobay recommended that this question be asked of one of the City speakers when they attend a Board meeting. Ms. Dennison said that they could check with the City to determine how many businesses similar to Mr. Beaulieu's are in the City. Mr. Beaulieu thought that there were only a few art galleries, etc. in the City. Ms. Dennison felt that the members would probably have to take home some homework after the meeting. One assignment would be to visit Ms. Urs and Mr. Beaulieu's businesses. With regard to determining the list of assets, Ms. Dennison will take care of this. Ms. Dennison felt that they could communicate with each other via E-mail and Ms. Coles-Dobay reminded members that the Board is subject to the State's Sunshine Laws. Ms. Coles-Dobay recommended that members individually work on a Mission Statement for the Arts Commission or a tag line for the City and bring their ideas to the next meeting. Ms. Urs recommended that the Board proceed with the election of officers. Motion Ms. Urs nominated Debby Coles-Dobay as Chairperson and Richard Beaulieu as Vice Chair. There were no other nominations. It was decided to defer the election of a Treasurer until the matter is cleared up. Because of the various legal questions raised by Ms. Dennison and various Board members, the Recording Secretary recommended that Ms. Dennison contact the City Attorney's Office for direction and to arrange for a presentation on the Sunshine Laws. Ms. Dennison will extend an invitation to the Legal Department to attend the June Board meeting. Vote Motion seconded by Ms. Remer and unanimously carried. Ms. Coles-Dobay assumed the chairmanship and presided for the remainder of the meeting. Ms. Dennison inquired if members wanted to set a time limit on the meetings. Members felt that they should meet for two hours in the beginning months and then cut back as feasible. Ms. Dennison noted that she would not be present at the June 7th meeting, but would try to have a representative present in her place. Ms. Dennison noted than when the Legal Department attends the next meeting, members could ask their questions regarding liability, artists' rights, copyrights, etc. Mr. Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, FL May 3, 2004 McGoey felt that Delray Beach probably has addressed all of these issues and maybe they should be consulted. A discussion took place on why Delray Beach was able to draw people to their downtown and members noted that the restaurants were a great draw, as well as the various attractions, which is something that Boynton Beach does not presently have in its downtown. Ms. Dennison felt that this would be a good topic of discussion when Mr. Hutchinson attends a meeting. Mr. Beaulieu stated that the downtown needs a drawing attraction to bring people downtown. Chairperson Coles-Dobay anticipates that when the new construction comes on line, this will bring people downtown. She felt that the role of this Board was to integrate art with the image the Board wants to create for the City. Chairperson Coles-Dobay felt that the Marina Project would draw people to the downtown, as well as the other projects slated for the CRA area. She also noted that the Heart of Boynton Project should bring improvements to the City and recommended that members visit the City's website to learn more about the City's plans. She felt that it was the Arts Commission's charge to integrate art into the Heart of Boynton community as well and possibly Renaissance Commons. Members agreed to invite City Manager Bressner and CRA Director, Doug Hutchinson to the July meeting. Mr. Beaulieu was thinking of various projects and thought that murals could be beneficial in developing the City's image. The City could commission having murals painted throughout various areas of the City with a common theme projecting the City image at the same time. This would be a good way to promote artists and their art while creating positive publicity for the City. Ms. Dennison thought that this would be a good topic for Legal because banners and murals were once an issue in the City. Ms. Urs pointed out that the issue of an artist's work that does not turn out as anticipated could also be an issue for Legal. She stated that destruction of a piece of commissioned, public art is almost impossible and drapery is not even allowed. Mr. Beaulieu stated that this is where guidelines would come into place. He felt that this Board should be responsible for approving all public art. Chairperson Coles-Dobay also felt that members should write down what they consider "art", such as sculpture, murals, paintings, signage, etc. Members noted that on Page 2 of the Report in the agenda packet the definition of public art is described as "...objects in our environment for public use and enjoyment that may be historic, aesthetic, or functional in the form of sculpture, monuments, murals, fountains, or amenities, such as seating, lights, and signs." Mr. Beaulieu felt that every site needs to be addressed individually to determine what would be appropriate for that particular site. Chairperson Coles-Dobay referred to the definition of art also on Page 2 of the Report that states art is "...a product that evokes the senses and stimulates emotions. The 7 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, FL May 3, 2004 product may be something thought to be beautiful, interesting, controversial, emotionally moving, educational, or displaying historic or cultural meaning." Members agreed that not all art is beautiful, nor is all beauty art. Ms. Dennison felt that they need to come up with a definition for arts that would include performing arts and visual arts. Ms. Urs stated that it is impossible to come up with a definition for art because it is always evolving. Chairperson Coles-Dobay pointed out that art is also poetry and ballet. The Board needs to prioritize the projects and decide where they can make the most impact and what type of art would be appropriate for the project. Mr. Beaulieu noted that there is a pedestal in front of the Schoolhouse Museum and this might be a good start for an art project. Ms. Dennison stated there was another pedestal at the end of Ocean Avenue. Mr. Beaulieu also pointed out that the possibility exists that people would donate pieces of art to the City. Chairperson Coles-Dobay referred the latticework that is on the Ocean Avenue Bridge. Ms. Dennison explained that Bob Currie, who was architect for that project, designed this. This same design was supposed to go on the trellises at the Museum, but because this would incur additional costs of $55,000 to add the copper fish to the trellises, they ran out of funds. Chairperson Coles-Dobay thought that when projects were being designed, art should be introduced into the budget for the project. She felt that funds should be designated for art in the new Library. Ms. Dennison reported that there is a conference on May 14th in Sunrise, Florida and two of the topics are "Parks and Arts-a Great Combination" and "Art in your Park and Your City." She noted that Betty Pierce, who is the Chairperson for the Recreation and Parks Board, would be attending the conference. The Recreation and Parks Board is excited about working with the Arts Commission, and Ms. Dennison inquired if any Board members wished to attend. A brochure on the conference was distributed. Chairperson Coles-Dobay noted that the Parks and Recreation Department has a budget and maybe art could become part of their budget. Distribution of Minutes Discussion ensued regarding distribution of the minutes and members were informed that the minutes are always distributed to the Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager and City Attorney and to any other persons the Board would like. Ms. Dennison will prepare a list of additional people to whom the minutes should be sent and will E-mail it to the City Clerk's Office. Chairperson Coles-Dobay requested that the minutes be E-mailed to her and she, along with other members, was asked to furnish their E-mail addresses to the Recording Secretary. Also, Ms. Dennison requested that members review their professions on the Board membership list and to make any changes that they would like. She felt it was important that the membership of the Board was diverse and was not made up of artists only. Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, FL May 3, 2004 Chairperson Coles-Dobay inquired who would have to pay for attending the conference. She pointed out that it was $55 for non-members and she was interested in attending. Mr. Beaulieu also expressed an interest in attending. Anyone else interested in attending should contact Ms. Dennison, who will check into the costs of attending. With regard to the categories of art, Ms. Dennison has performing, visual and functional. Mr. Brightfield asked what "functional" art was and Ms. Urs explained that it could be a beautiful drinking fountain. Ms. Urs inquired about the date for the July meeting. Ms. Dennison thought that this might be a holiday for the City and it was decided to change the July meeting to Wednesday, July 7, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Urs requested that she be given 15 minutes to make a presentation at the Board's August meeting on a project that she has been working on for the arts for the City. The August meeting will be held on Monday, August 2, 2004. Overview At the June meeting, the City's Legal Department will give a presentation on the Sunshine Laws. Other questions that will be presented would include liability, artists' rights, copyrights, and ordinances dealing with art in public places. If members have any other questions, please bring them to the meeting. If available, documentation of the Delray Beach arts program will be obtained for members to review. Ms. Dennison also had questions about funding since she feels that this group at some point would be responsible for money. It needs to be determined who would be handling this. Also, she was not certain if the ^rts Commission should be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) entity. Ms. McGoey noted that 501(c)(3) entities have no reporting requirements under $25,000. Ms. Dennison felt that after Mr. Bressner and other Department Heads read the minutes, many of the Board's questions would be answered. Members will also bring their ideas for a Mission Statement and a tag line for the City of Boynton Beach. City Manager Kurt Bressner and CRA Director Doug Hutchinson would be invited to attend the July meeting to inform the Board what their plans and visions are for the City. This meeting will probably be a brainstorming session about art in public places. They could also discuss various methods of funding and whether this Board would have its own budget for arts and other projects. Ms. Dennison will contact the Legal Department and City Manager Bressner and CRA Director Doug Hutchinson about attending the meetings. Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, FL May 3, 2004 V. Adjournment - Next Meeting: Changed to Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (May 4, 2004) (2 tapes) 10