CITY OF SUNNYVALE
ARTS COMMISSION
Monday, May 3, 2004
West Conference Room, City Hall
MINUTES
SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING
The Arts Commission met in a special session at City Hall in the West Conference Room, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, California on May 3, 2004, at 6:00 p.m., with Chair Beezley presiding.
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Commissioners: |
Chair Dane Andrew Beezley |
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Present: |
Vice Chair Monica Draganowski Davis |
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Susan Buchs |
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Dixie Carney |
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Wallace Harper |
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Absent: |
None |
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Staff Present: |
Robert A. Walker, Director |
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Cathy E. Merrill, Assistant to the Director of Parks and Recreation |
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Nancy Bolgard Steward, Superintendent of Arts and Recreation |
It was noted that Vice Chair Draganowski Davis' absence from the March 17, 2004 meeting was excused.
Chair Beezley called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Commissioner Harper arrived at 6:04 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Carney moved, seconded by Commissioner Buchs, to approve the April 21, 2004, Arts Commission meeting minutes with the following corrections:
· Replace Dragonowski Davis with Draganowski Davis in both motions
· Amend Chair Beezley's comment under Commissioners Comments to read:
Chair Beezley noted that when Councilman Fred Fowler was mayor and met with the Board and Commission Chairs and Vice Chairs, it was suggested that the Council host roundtable discussions with representatives from the boards and commissions on issues related to the effectiveness of Boards and Commissions. Chair Beezley indicated that Mayor John Howe had recently indicated to him that he may be interested in pursuing a similar roundtable.
Motion carried unanimously
PUBLIC APPEARANCES
Chair Beezley opened the meeting for Public Appearances.
There were none and the Public Appearances were closed.
GENERAL BUSINESS (PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS)
1. Exploration of Youth Rates for Recreation Programs and Activities
(Council Action May 18).
Director Walker gave the staff report and reviewed Attachment D describing the process currently used, noting that Recreation does have Youth Rates and that the Department needs to market them as Youth Rates. He noted several ways to determine Youth Rates (Attachment G) and reviewed the options listed on Pages 10-11 of the Draft Report to Council.
Staff answered the Commissioners' questions to their satisfaction regarding resident and non-resident rates, ages for adult programs and the impact if the Commission supports staff's recommendations.
PUBLIC HEARING
Chair Beezley opened the meeting for Public Hearing.
Sunnyvale resident, Kevin J. Fitzpatrick, President of Serra Little League, commented that it was acceptable to Serra Little League that the City is charging $1.00 per hour for field use. He commended the City for the manner in which they are charging the $1 fee for Serra Park, rather than for each of four (4) fields. He also commended the way staff held meetings with the involved groups and corresponded with them throughout the process. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated he has heard no complaint from any of three (3) other Little Leagues in Sunnyvale. He closed his comments noting that it is very beneficial to have the City fee waiver program available for those who may have a hard time paying the fee.
Director Walker noted that the City does not make money at these rates, but the charges were initiated in response to the City's budget crisis.
There were no other appearances and the Public Hearing was closed.
Vice Chair Draganowski Davis moved, Commission Buchs seconded, to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation—Alternatives No. 1 and No. 3.
Alternative No. 1: Continue supporting existing policies concerning the establishment of recreation fees.
Alternative No. 3: Direct staff to review future promotional and communication pieces on fees and to incorporate references to youth rates where appropriate.
Commissioner Carney stated that she does not believe in recapturing money from children that has been lost from adults' decisions.
Motion carried 4-1
Commissioner Carney dissented
Vice Chair Draganowski Davis commended staff on the depth and thoroughness of the Draft Report to Council.
Discussion followed regarding speaking on behalf of the Arts Commission when this item comes before City Council on May 18.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
Staff Liaison Report
None
City Council Update
None
Other Reports
None
Communications
Memo: "Changes to Agendas and Minutes,) Susan Ramos, City Clerk, April 30, 2004,
OTHER ITEMS (INFORMATION ONLY)
Commissioner Comments:
Commissioners Buchs, Carney, Wallace and Vice Chair Draganowski Davis passed.
Chair Beezley mentioned his recent filming experiences.
Staff Comments:
When questioned, the Commissioners commented they very much appreciate the arts related articles and notices being included in their packets and would like staff to continue providing this service.
Moved by Commissioner Buchs, seconded by Vice Chair Draganowski Davis to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried unanimously
Respectfully submitted by:
Cathy E. Merrill, Staff Liaison
Reviewed by,
Robert A. Walker, Director