Chair Draganowski Davis moved, Commissioner Obrey seconded, to approve the September 21, 2005, Arts Commission minutes. The motion passed unanimously 3-0.

STAFF RESPONSES TO PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

2. Neighborhood and Community Resources

Michelle Bromstead, Community Outreach Coordinator, presented information to the Commissioners about the Neighborhood and Community Resources Division, which is comprised of Child Care Resources, Columbia Neighborhood Center, Intergovernmental Relations, Neighborhood and Community Services, and Volunteer Resources.

3. Ranking of Study Issues for 2006

Following is the list of proposed 2006 study issues to be ranked.

PRD-03	Consider the Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Recreation Fee Waiver Program
PRD-06	Exploration of Youth and Senior Participation in Recreation Programs and Activities
PRD-08	Update of Arts Sub-Element

Superintendent Steward provided a brief overview of the study issue process and the actions to be taken by the Commission on this item. She presented a summary of each of the three study issues and responded to Commissioners’ questions. In reference to Study Issue PRD-03, Commissioner Harper asked why staff could not identify why use of the Recreation Fee Waiver Program fluctuates widely from year to year. Superintendent Steward said that there are a variety of factors, which staff does not control, that affect use of this benefit including the economy, how the program is publicized, and how staff and volunteers at Sunnyvale Community Services inform clients about the program. Superintendent Steward offered to provide the Commissioners with copies of RTC 05-090 that went to City Council in April 2005. This report provides a good overview of the Recreation Fee Waiver Program.

Commissioner Harper asked how many other cities would be surveyed as part of Study Issue PRD-06. Superintendent Steward replied that this has not been determined at this time but would be clarified at a later date if City Council approves this study issue.

Commissioner Harper asked what trends would be studied in the proposed update of the Arts Sub-Element. Superintendent Steward stated that trends to be studied would include community demographics, evaluation of existing sub-element goals, and a needs assessment in the arts field. Commissioner Harper asked how the success of meeting existing goals would be evaluated. The Superintendent replied that the existing goals would be reviewed to determine if they had been completed, were in process or had not been addressed.

Commissioner Davis asked what happens if a study issue is not approved. Superintendent Steward explained that if a study issue proposed by the Commission is approved to be dropped, it goes away completely. If a study issue has been proposed by a City Councilmember or some other source, the Arts Commission may make a recommendation to drop the study issue; however, the study issue is still reviewed by City Council at their workshop in December.

Chair Draganowski Davis moved, Commissioner Obrey seconded, to recommend that Council drop PRD-06 Exploration of Youth and Senior Participation in Recreation Programs and Activities. The motion passed unanimously 3-0.

Commissioners said that there were more important things for staff to do in the current fiscal environment.

Commissioners ranked the remaining study issues individually and privately on the provided scorecard. Superintendent Steward calculated the results of the ranking, and the following information indicates the action taken by the Commissioners.

Rank	Item	Study Issue
1	PRD-03	Consider the Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Recreation Fee Waiver Program
2	PRD-08	Update of the Arts Sub-Element

Commissioner Obrey moved, Chair Draganowski Davis seconded, to accept the ranking as noted above. The motion passed unanimously 3-0.

Following is a summary of the Commission’s action regarding ranking of the proposed 2006 Study Issues.

Arts Commission Proposed 2006 Study Issues
	Proposed 2006 Study Issues	Staff Recommendation	Davis	Harper	Obrey	Composite Score of ALL	Final Ranking
PRD-03	Consider the Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Recreation Fee Waiver Program	For Study	1	1	1	3	1
PRD-06	Exploration of Youth and Senior Participation in Recreation Programs and Activities	None					Drop
PRD-08	Update of the Arts Sub-Element	For Study	2	2	2		2

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

COMMISSION

Commissioner Harper passed out digital photographs of two of the sculptures that were approved for installation as part of the Best Buy and PetSmart development. He proposed that Commissioners review the photographs and ask themselves a series of questions:

1. What is the sightline for the sculptures? Sightline is the line of view from the eye to the object being viewed.
2. Where does the front of the sculpture face? It faces the sidewalk.
3. Look at the location of the lighting. Is it in the most effective place for viewing the artwork?
4. What else do you see in the same location of the artwork?
5. Are the answers to these questions the kinds of things that are to the advantage of the sculptures?
6. What is the point of engagement for the viewer?
7. What does placement of the sculptures say to the viewer?
8. What can the Commission learn from this project to apply to their review of future public art projects? 

Commissioner Harper opined that the way to improve public art in Sunnyvale is to critique projects and apply what is learned to improve future art projects. He suggested to the Commission that there be a discussion at the next Commission meeting to critique this project and the other Commissioners agreed. Superintendent Steward stated that she would forward this request to the Assistant to the Director of Parks and Recreation when she returns from vacation.

Commissioner Obrey asked staff whether or not developers could be required to provide computer animated design (CAD) videos that would allow Commissioners to have a better understanding of how an artwork will be viewed in the context of its final setting. Superintendent Steward replied that CAD videos can be quite expensive and are not required by the existing art in private development regulation.

STAFF

No comments.

INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS

·         Staff Liaison Written Report

·         Miscellaneous Items of Interest

ADJOURNMENT 8:14 p.m.

Commissioner Obrey moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m. The motion passed unanimously 3-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Bolgard Steward
Arts and Recreation Superintendent
Parks and Recreation Department

Reviewed by,

David A. Lewis
Director
Parks and Recreation Department