MINUTES
Arts Commission
May 24, 2005
City Council Chambers
7:05 p.m.
SALUTE TO FLAG
Chair Draganowski Davis led the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
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Present: |
Chair Monica Draganowski Davis |
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Vice Chair Wallace Harper |
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Commissioner Susan Buchs |
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Commissioner Robert Obrey |
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Staff Present: |
Curtis Black, Interim Director |
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Cathy Merrill, Assistant to Director |
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Nancy Bolgard Steward, Arts & Recreation Superintendent |
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Kristin Dance, Recreation Coordinator |
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. A. Approval of Draft Minutes (Regular Meeting of March 16, 2005)
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Commissioner Buchs moved, Commissioner Obrey seconded, to approve the March 16, 2005, Arts Commission minutes.
Motion carried unanimously 4-0 |
Kristin Dance, Recreation Coordinator, provided an overview of the AIPD project. She noted that the developer requested that the artwork be installed in two phases. Sculptures “A” and “B” would be installed prior to the grand opening of the retail center in July 2005. Sculpture “C” would be installed at a later date when construction of Phase II of the project is complete. Ms. Dance also reviewed staff’s recommendation regarding approval of the artwork as it is proposed, with certain conditions. Commissioners’ had no questions of staff at this time.
Chair Draganowski Davis opened the Public Hearing.
John Tze, developer, Sand Hill Property Company, favored support of the lighthearted and colorful sculptures that fit what the Best Buy and PetsMart stores planned for the site. He introduced Cathy Baum, Sand Hill’s consultant, who assisted in finding the artist, Brad Howe, who makes the entertaining and fun artwork.
Commissioners’ questions were answered regarding the height of the pedestal, if there was a concrete pad under the pedestal, if there were sharp edges on the artwork, and landscaping requirements.
Chair Draganowski Davis thanked the public for their comments and closed the Public Hearing.
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Commissioner Obrey moved, Commission Buchs seconded, to accept staff’s recommendation to approve the proposed artwork as it is presented along with the three conditions of approval listed in the staff report regarding Art in Private Development (AIPD) at 750 & 776 E. El Camino Real / Sand Hill Property Company
Motion carried unanimously 4-0 |
Commissioner Obrey noted he was amused by the colorful sculptures and thought the artwork would draw attention to the project.
3. Draft RTC – Explore Costs and Benefits of Declaring the Second Saturday in August as “Family Day” and Open Recreation Facilities to the Entire Community – Study Issue (Council Action 6/7/05)
Nancy Bolgard Steward, Superintendent of Arts and Recreation, presented the staff report. Ms. Steward answered Commissioner’s questions regarding deferring the project to 2006, trying out one park at a time on a trail basis, if Family Day would be open to everyone, noting that the report does not define a “family.”
Chair Draganowski Davis opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Pradeep Joshi, Director, India Community Center, Sunnyvale, spoke in support of Family Day to promote family values and strengthen the bonds of love and affection between all family members. Mr. Joshi presented a letter to the Commission addressed to him from Mayor Howe, dated August 21, 2004, commending the tradition established by the India Community Center of observing Family Day. Mr. Joshi’s desire is to propagate the benefits of Family Day and embrace cultural diversity. He appreciates the concerns about the City’s budget but feels this should not be a fiscal issue. He asked the Commission to declare the second Saturday in August as Family Day and encourage families to get together in the parks. He said families would pay their own way.
Chair Draganowski Davis thanked Mr. Joshi for his comments and closed the Public Hearing.
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Commissioner Obrey moved, Commissioner Buchs seconded, to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation Alternative No. 1: City Council does not implement Family Day activities for calendar year 2005, accepts the concept of Family Day as outlined in the discussion section of the Report to Council, and considers the implementation of Family Day and related costs for calendar year 2006 within the larger budgetary context of the Community Recreation Fund as Council also considers fiscal strategies to address the structural imbalance in that fund.
Commissioners’ asked questions and discussion followed regarding whether or not Family Day can be approved without any loss to the Community Recreation Fund and the possibility of the development of Family Day as a festival. Staff noted that special events developed by the City usually cost money, and this report does not contemplate Family Day as a special event.
Motion carried unanimously 4-0 |
4. Community Outreach Task Force Report
Commissioner Obrey, member, Community Outreach Task Force, presented a report and described the role of the task force. He distributed flyers regarding a Citywide Workshop to be held on Saturday, June 18, 2005, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center. He encouraged Commissioners to attend and inform other community members about the workshop to develop a community vision.
5. Proposed FY 2005/2006 Budget and 10-Year Resource Allocation Plan
Curtis Black, Interim Director, presented an introduction and the purpose of the proposed budget, an overview of the City Manager’s letter of transmittal, funds and capital improvements projects. Parks and Recreation staff were available to answers Commissioners’ questions regarding donations and grants to support programs, such as the Creative Arts Center Gallery, the status of the new gallery lighting, and the agreement with the Art Club.
Ms. Merrill, Assistant to the Director, will include information on the Council policy regarding dontations in her next staff report.
Chair Draganowski Davis opened the Public Hearing. There were no comments and the Public Hearing was closed.
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Commissioner Obrey moved, Commissioner Buchs seconded, to recommend that Council accept the Proposed FY 2005/2006 Budget and 10-Year Resource Allocation Plan as presented.
Motion carried unanimously 4-0 |
Chair Draganowski Davis volunteered to attend the Council budget public hearing on June 7, 2005, and present the Commission’s recommendation.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Obrey attended “42nd Street” performance of the Sunnyvale Community Players and enjoyed it very much.
Commissioner Obrey represented the Arts Commission at a Leadership Sunnyvale luncheon.
Commissioner Obrey attended Hands on the Arts on May 21, 2005. He took photos in the morning and then joined Commissioner Draganowski Davis and Counclmember and Mrs. Fowler in the afternoon for face painting. He said HOTS was a great event and noted how it is like a Family Day!
Chair Draganowski Davis said she also enjoyed Hands on the Arts very much. She thanked the friendly HOTS staff. She was especially impressed with how art is multicultural and there were many cultures participating.
Chair Draganowski Davis thanked Commissioner Buchs for her contributions to the Arts Commission and gave her a token of appreciation.
Ms. Steward noted HOTS was most successful and had the highest attendance in the past few years. There was much positive feedback on the customer satisfaction surveys.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT - 8:55 p.m.
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Vice Chair Harper moved, Commissioner Buchs seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Motion carried unanimously 4-0 |
Cathy E. Merrill
Assistant to the Director
Parks and Recreation Department
Reviewed by:
Curtis Black
Interim Director
Parks and Recreation Department