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Minutes 06-06-05MINUTES 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, JUNE 6, 2005 AT 6:30 P.M. Present: Debby Coles-Dobay, Chairperson Richard W. Beau Lieu, Vice Chair Cheryl K. Arflin Angela Budano Kimberlee M. McGow Anita Remer Suzette Urs Absent: Linda Sage, Alternate Deborah Nesbit, Alternate Also Present: Wally Majors, Recreation Director I. Call to Order Arleen Dennison, Board Liaison The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. The Recording Secretary called the roll and declared a quorum was present. Chairperson Coles-Dobay introduced Mr. Majors who was present to discuss the following: (1) Carolyn Sims Memorial, (2) Palmetto Park Green and (3) Boundless Park. Mr. Majors informed the Board about Ms. Carolyn Sims who joined the Recreation and Parks Department in 1961 and worked for the City for 41 3-4- years. Ms. Sims passed away in January 2002 and was an icon in the City who devoted her life to the children in the north end of the City. Ms. Sims' children have attained success; one son is the Principal of Galaxy Elementary School and another son is a Captain with the Delray Beach Police Department. Since Ms. Sims' passing, July 1St has been proclaimed Carolyn Sims Day in Boynton Beach. Mr. Majors explained his Department was introduced to Mr. George Gadson, who was an instructor for the FAU Continuing Education Program. Mr. Gadson provided some training sessions to staff. As a result of this relationship, it was discovered that Mr. Gadson was an accomplished sculptor. Mr. Majors discussed how important Ms. Sims was to the City and the importance of maintaining her legacy. Mr. Majors was honored when Ms. Sims' family asked him to speak at her funeral. Mr. Majors learned that Mr. Gadson was commissioned by the City Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, Florida June 6, 2005 of Delray Beach to create a bust for Mr. Pompeii. Mr. Majors felt that Mr. Gadson has the ability to capture the essence of a person through his artwork. Mr. Majors has discussed his intention with Ms. Sims' sons about commerating her memory through some kind of art. He would like this to be a community endeavor where everyone would participate monetarily and spiritually. Along these lines, Mr. Majors noted the new Wilson Center should be opening in late summer 2007 and there has been discussion about naming the new facility in her honor. Mr. Majors thought a bust or some other form of art honoring Ms. Sims could be placed at the Center to perpetuate her legacy. Mr. Majors presented a picture of the bust of Mr. Pompeii that Mr. Gadson created. He was present to gather information on how to proceed with this project and to enlist the help of the Arts Commission. Since the Center would not be opening until 2007, there was no urgency to start the project at this time. Mr. Beau Lieu inquired if Mr. Majors was thinking of doing something in bronze. Mr. Majors said this was his first consideration, but he was open to suggestions. Members discussed various ideas on how to accomplish Mr. Major's vision for Ms. Sims. Chair Coles-Dobay stated this would be a project the Arts Commission would like to become involved in because it falls into all the criteria that this Board has established to bring art in public places to the City. Since the Board has expressed an interest in the project, Mr. Majors would like to come to another meeting and bring the elevations of the building so the Board would know what size project they would be dealing with. Ms. Urs stated she has been thinking about some kind of earthwork for the Boundless Park. Mr. Majors explained the intent of the Boundless Park was to provide stimuli for autistic and handicap children and adults. In addition to visual stimuli, they will be incorporating audio as well so children could hear different sounds. Staff is requesting $150,000 for the project in the upcoming CIP budget. A survey of the property was performed this year. Currently staff is reviewing proposals that have been submitted from engineering and architectural firms to create a conceptual design of the site. Once this is complete, they can begin to solicit support from local foundations. Mr. Majors anticipates there will be a great deal of community involvement for the project. The City would like to make the Boundless Park a premier facility in the City and Commissioner Ensler is championing the project. Mr. Majors feels art would be an essential component of the park. The project is comprised of 13'/2 acres and an application has been submitted to remove the exotics surrounding the retention pond. Mr. Majors noted that a small building would be incorporated into the site for a summer camp for children with limited abilities, similar to the camp at Boat Club Park. Chairperson Coles-Dobay stated this is one of the projects they have identified to begin working on now and Ms. Budano is on the sub -committee for the Boundless Park. She also noted that introducing an international flavor to the park has been discussed that would involve the City's Sister City of Qufu, China. 2 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, Florida June 6, 2005 Ms. Dennison noted Commissioner McKoy and Mr. Henderson Tillman had concerns about how the Board would determine which projects to concentrate on, particularly in areas in the City that would not be undergoing any changes in the way of redevelopment. Mr. Majors noted staff is in the midst of updating the Comprehensive Plan. As a result there have been sites identified as being undeveloped and need to be addressed to determine if they could be parks, which Mr. Majors discussed at length. They are trying to maintain 21/2 acres per 1,000 people of park space. Currently there are 165 to 170 acres of parks in the City. Chairperson Coles-Dobay noted that staff has identified Palmetto Park Green and Mr. Majors responded this is one of the City's recognized greenways along the C-16 Canal. Mr. Majors also reported the City is developing the Southeast Neighborhood Park, east of Seacrest, which is one of the last Mango farms in the area. They will be saving some of the Mango trees that could become a theme for the park. Ms. Arflin felt the Board should be involved in art in each of the City's four quadrants. Mr. Majors stated each quadrant of the City has their own parks. He reported they are trying to develop a greenway along Barton Park. This Park is east of 1-95 and is one of the least known cemeteries in the City with a great historical value. They would like to create a greenway that could be linked to Palmetto Green, east to 1-95 and then south to Galaxy Elementary School. Ms. Dennison inquired if Mr. Majors wanted the Arts Commission to entertain his vision for a bust of Ms. Sims or did he want them to have creative reign. Mr. Majors was open to ideas, but wanted to make sure the community was involved in the process. Mr. Majors offered to bring Mr. Gadson to a meeting. Chairperson Coles-Dobay asked Mr. Majors if he would like to discuss any other projects this Board could work with him to determine how art could be introduced. After they have been identified, they could be prioritized. Mr. Majors would like the Carolyn Sims commemeration completed in time for the opening of the Wilson Center. Mr. Beau Lieu noted if Mr. Majors wanted to have a bronze made, it would have to go to a foundry and this could take several months before the foundry would return the piece. Ms. Arflin thought the Pompeii project took 18 months to complete. Mr. Majors offered to prepare a list of the City sites for members to acquaint themselves with, along with photos. He also offered to take the Board on a bus trip to visit the City park sites. The Recreation and Parks Board would be taking their annual bus tour as their regular June meeting and invited the Arts Commission to take the tour with them. Members were agreeable with this. He noted the bus tour would take place on June 27th at 6:00 p.m. and the bus will be leaving from the Senior Center. This tour will be concentrating on the southeast quadrant of the City and the Boundless Park site. 3 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, Florida June 6, 2005 Ms. Arflin felt it would be helpful if the Arts Commission knew what the Recreation and Parks Board priorities were and Mr. Majors stated this would be discussed at their next meeting. Mr. Majors reminded members he was always available for individual tours if someone could not make the bus tour. Members thanked Mr. Majors for attending the meeting. Discussion of July Meeting Date Ms. Arflin pointed out that their regular July meeting fell on July 4th and asked if it would be appropriate to select a new date or to cancel the meeting. Ms. Dennison pointed out that the Arts Commission has an agenda item on the June 21St City Commission meeting with the recommendation to direct staff to prepare the necessary Ordinance and procedures to adopt the Arts Commission Guidelines and Recommendations for an Art in Public Places Program. She requested members try to attend the Commission meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Dennison explained when the Ordinance is prepared and placed on the agenda it must have two readings. She noted City Manager Bressner at the Workshop stated it could probably be done by the end of the summer. Ms. Arflin reported that she has not been receiving the agenda via e-mail and asked when it was provided to members. Chairperson Coles-Dobay noted the agenda was sent out via e-mail on Wednesday, prior to the Monday meeting. Ms. Arflin was advised to contact Ms. Dennison if she was not receiving the agenda. Ms. Remer would not be available for the bus tour and inquired if any other member would like to take an individual tour that Mr. Majors offered. Ms. Dennison explained that if two or more members took the tour, it would have to be noticed. Ms. Dennison provided the members with a letter from Assistant City Attorney David Tolces that explained the Sunshine law would apply when two or more members gather. After discussion, it was determined that the regular July meeting would be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. Workshop Minutes of May 24, 2005 The workshop minutes were distributed to members today by the Clerk's Office. The Chairperson and Ms. Dennison received their copies via e-mail and the remainder was sent via U.S. mail. Chairperson Coles-Dobay has some corrections to the minutes as follows: (1) On Page 1, in the last paragraph, the second sentence should be deleted and the following sentence inserted in its place: "The Arts Commission thanked IH Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, Florida June 6, 2005 the City of Boynton, the Mayor and the Commission for appointing a Board to serve in the development and execution of an art in public places program." (2) On page 7, at the end of the last paragraph, she requested that the following language be added: "Ms. Dennison replied that the staff position would be paid out of the 25% that is collected from the total public art fee once the 1 % Ordinance is initiated." Ms. Dennison noted the City might initially furnish seed money until the program gets approved and the City begins to receive funding from the 1% that would cover staff and all other expenses. Sub -Committees • Grant Writing — Cheryl Arflin Cultural Council's Artist -in -Residence Fund: Category A Program Ms. Arflin announced she would be attending a class in June that is offered by a grant writer to assist people in obtaining grants. Chairperson Coles-Dobay inquired if Ms. Arflin received the e-mail from Ms. Dennison regarding the Cultural Council's Artist -in -Residency Fund: Category A Program. Ms. Arflin confirmed she did receive the e-mail and will be following up on it. Ms. Dennison explained the meeting will be held at the Morikami Museum on June 13th and some of her staff will also be attending. Mr. Beau Lieu explained this is a program similar to the art grant program that the Council of the Arts has had for years. He was a recipient of a grant to introduce art to underprivileged children in Boynton Beach. Mr. Beau Lieu explained how the program worked. • Artists database — Kim McGow Ms. McGow reported she has received some training and now needs to enter the information into the database. Ms. Dennison continues to furnish Ms. McGow with information as she receives it. Ms. McGow anticipates that she will be inputting information at least monthly. Chairperson Coles-Dobay asked Ms. Remer what sub -committee she would like to serve on and Ms. Remer would like to serve with Ms. Urs or Ms. Budano. Chairperson Coles-Dobay will put Ms. Remer on the Parks sub -committee with Ms Budano and herself. • Sister Cities traveling exhibit — Rick Beau Lieu Mr. Beau Lieu reported he spoke with Jeanne Heavilin regarding the Sister Cities' exhibits. He recommended that they be cleaned up, shrink wrapped, and have tabs attached to the back of the piece so all the pieces could be hung the same way. He will 5 Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, Florida June 6, 2005 be meeting with Ms. Ginny Foot, Ms. Heavilin and Jim Williams to determine if this was the best way to handle it. A place to display the pieces still needs to be located. • Fundraising Events — Art Event — Suzette Urs, Linda Sage & Deborah Nesbit Ms. Urs reported on a successful program that took place a few years ago. The program involved people being provided with cameras and instructed to find a piece of art in a public place, which in this case would be in Boynton Beach, after which the cameras would be turned in to a committee. Photographs would be selected that could be incorporated into a calendar. Ms. Broening of the Woman's Club contacted Ms. Urs and informed her the Woman's Club would be interested in interacting with the Arts Commission on an art event that would not be an "art show" that would have community involvement. Members thought this was an excellent idea and noted the photographs could be used in all types of venues. Ms. Dennison reported that the Sister Cities have been discussing doing a calendar using their artwork. • Palmetto Park & Boundless Park — Angela Budano & Debby Coles-Dobay Previously discussed with Mr. Majors. Future Planning • Program name • Program logo • Program literature Chairperson Coles-Dobay thought they should start to think about implementation of programs, i.e., a name for the art in public places program. Secondly, they need to create a website and she has searched certain names and found them to be available, such as Art in Boynton; Boynton Arts; and Boynton has Art Heart. She requested that members think of some names and e-mail them to Ms. Dennison for discussion at the next meeting. Ms. Dennison presented a sample logo for consideration. Chairperson Coles-Dobay noted they would need program literature, such as stationary, business cards, etc. If funds were available, they could hire someone to help with these items. Chairperson Coles-Dobay reported she received favorable response on the presentation they gave and people have asked about a press release. Ms. Dennison reported Ms. Arflin has offered to prepare a draft press release that Ms. Dennison will bring to the City. Members discussed whether they should wait until after the Ordinance is adopted before issuing a press release or to issue one now. Some members recommended that two press releases could be issued. Members also discussed the wording for the press release and whether a photo should be included. G Meeting Minutes Arts Commission Board Regular Meeting Boynton Beach, Florida June 6, 2005 Chairperson Coles-Dobay asked members to think of things they would like to have on the website. Ms. Budano would like to have some flash to express enthusiasm. Chairperson Coles-Dobay recommended that members bring their ideas for the website to the next meeting for discussion. Ms. Dennison spoke to City staff to determine if they could assist with the website and they would need to know what the Arts Commission wanted included on the site. Announcements Ms. Dennison spoke with the CRA Planner, Vivian Brooks. Ms. Brooks would like to work with this Board in a joint effort to bring some uplifting and landscaping to the southwest corner of Martin Luther King and Seacrest Boulevards. Ms. Dennison suggested inviting Ms. Brooks to the next meeting to present her ideas. Ms. Dennison also reported that Ms. Farace would like to speak to the Board. The Woman's Club has been discussing holding concerts in the fall and is looking for sponsors. Mr. James Barretta, a member of the CRA Board and an architect, commended the Board for a great presentation. Ms. Dennison noted Chairperson Coles-Dobay sent thank you letters to the City Commissioners, CRA Board, City staff and the CRA Director. In his response to the thank -you letter, Mr. Barretta expressed some concerns that Ms Dennison relayed to the Board. Ms. Dennison noted they have previously discussed and were aware of the concerns Mr. Barretta raised. Ms. Dennison and Chairperson Coles-Dobay will be meeting with Mr. Barretta tomorrow. Ms. Dennison reported that she and Chairperson Coles-Dobay met with most of the Commissioners and CRA Board members prior to the presentation. They are now trying to meet with the people they did not meet with prior to the June 21St Commission meeting. Ms. Dennison provided copies of the Guidelines and Recommendations and the Appendix to the Recommendations that were distributed at the workshop to members. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, �-4� it, ,k aj: Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (June 16, 2005) 7