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