MINUTES
ARTS COMMISSION
JULY 19, 2006

The Sunnyvale Arts Commission met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA at 7 p.m. with Vice Chairperson Harper presiding.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

ROLL CALL

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Rick Haffner, California Theatre Center (CTC), announced the 2006/2007 season events to be held at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre. He handed out brochures to the Commissioners

CONSENT CALENDAR

1.A.  Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of May 17, 2006

MOTION:  Commissioner Obrey moved, Commissioner Fenton seconded, to approve the May 17, 2006, Arts Commission minutes.

VOTE:  The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioner Wanigatunga absent.

STAFF RESPONSES TO PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mr. Rick Haffner, California Theatre Center (CTC), appealed to the Commissioners for increased support for live theatre in Sunnyvale and requested that the City do all they can to advertise and promote the theatre. He said CTC contributes to the community and enhances Sunnyvale’s quality of life. He is dismayed about the Creative Arts Center art gallery closure; he was hoping to have art gallery openings in conjunction with theatre openings. He suggested marquee or signage on the side of the theatre building and flags/banners to draw attention to the box office. He said he approached the Community Center front office staff and no one was familiar with Theatre events. He said CTC is only allowed to display their brochures at the Theatre during their events. He noted this is the first year that CTC has not been allowed to display their brochures at the Community Center.

In response to Vice Chairperson Harper, Director Lewis responded that, to his knowledge, there are no restrictions regarding CTC promoting their events, but it is a question of balance between promotion of City and CTC events. Director Lewis said he will look into the matter and get back to the Commission.

Commission Fenton requested that staff look into the Theatre signage at the Community Center. Director Lewis confirmed that he would look into the matter.

Commissioner Obrey asked Mr. Haffner if there is a critical date for looking into this matter. Mr. Haffner said that next season opening, May 2007, would be ideal.

Vice Chairperson Harper noted the entertainment marketing business is very competitive and asked what other type of marketing CTC does. Mr. Haffner replied that CTC does very little marketing because their funds are used to pay actors and for production. He said they do mailings and have support from the Sunnyvale Sun, but cannot get reviews from the San Jose Mercury News. Vice Chairperson Harper suggested he contact the San Francisco Chronicle.

Vice Chairperson Harper expressed understanding about the lack of marquee and signage. Regarding the closed art galley, he said it is a matter of funding not being available.

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

2.  Election of Commission Officers for FY 2006/2007

Vice Chairperson Harper opened the floor for nominations for Chairperson for FY 2006/2007.

Commissioner Obrey nominated Vice Chairperson Harper. There were no other nominations. Vice Chairperson Harper accepted and closed the nominations.

MOTION: Commissioner Obrey moved, Commissioner Fenton seconded, to nominate Vice Chairperson Harper as Chairperson.

VOTE:  The motion passed 4-0.

Vice Chairperson Harper assumed the responsibilities of Chairperson.

Chairperson Harper opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chairperson for FY 2006/2007.

Commissioner Fenton nominated Commissioner Obrey. There were no other nominations. Commissioner Obrey accepted the nomination. Chairperson Harper closed the nominations.

MOTION: Commissioner Carney moved, Chairperson Harper seconded, to nominate Commissioner Obrey as Vice Chairperson.

VOTE:  The motion passed 4-0.

Vice Chairperson Obrey assumed the responsibilities of Chairperson.

3.  Review of City Code of Ethics

Assistant to the Director Merrill gave an overview and encouraged the Commissioners to review the Code of Ethics. Commissioners had no comments.

Assistant to the Director Merrill reminded Commissioners Carney, Fenton and Harper that they are required to attend the August 15, 2006, mandated ethics training session provided by the City Clerk’s office.

4.  Commission Work Plan Calendar Review

Staff pointed out changes to the calendar and responded to questions. Assistant to the Director Merrill said the Fee Waiver Report to Council will be ready for Commission action in late August and said that a joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission would be called. Commissioners agreed.

Chairperson Harper questioned the process and timing for when they receive Reports to Council and need to take action. He asked if a “cliff notes” version of the report could be provided. Assistant to the Director Merrill referred him to the “Report in Brief” section of the Report to Council. She said it is the Arts Commission’s duty to read the reports; Council relies on the Arts Commission to review the issues. Assistant to the Director Merrill reviewed the RTC process.

5.  Blue Coat Systems Student Art Exposition (Commissioner Obrey)

Vice Chairperson Obrey shared his photos and impressions of a local student art exposition sponsored by Blue Coat Systems. The event coordinator said the Arts Commission will be invited to next year’s event. Commissioner Carney expressed her thanks to Commissioner Obrey.

6.  Process for Canceling Commission Meeting

Assistant to the Director Merrill explained the process for canceling a Commission meeting. She said staff will send Commissioners’ contact information (phone and email) to each other so Chairperson Harper can poll each Commissioner before a meeting is canceled. She also advised that Commissioners can suggest agenda items to the Chairperson and let her know as well.

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

COMMISSION

Vice Chairperson Obrey expressed the Commission’s desire to recognize former Chairperson Monica Draganowski Davis for her contributions to the Commission. He will coordinate an ice cream social.

Commissioners requested an update on the status of the installation of artwork at the following locations. Staff will provide an update in the next staff report.

• Artwork at Lowe’s Home Improvement
• Sculpture at the corner of Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road and El Camino
• Third sculpture at PetsMart and Best Buy

Vice Chairperson Obrey said he attended the Sunnyvale Art Club exhibit at the Library and was pleased see Commissioner Fenton’s art work on display. Commissioner Carney also commented that she enjoyed the art show. Commissioner Fenton noted that approximately 600 people attended the art show, and he would like to thank the Library staff for their support of this event.

Chairperson Harper said the Art Club has had exhibits at the Tritan Museum and Library; he inquired as to the status of the Creative Art Center Gallery, now that the lighting has been replaced. Director Lewis responded that staff has met with the Sunnyvale Art Club regarding their interest in using the gallery space when it is available; it was left with the Art Club to send a proposal to staff and staff has not had a response from the club.

Chairperson Harper requested that the Creative Art Center Gallery be agendized for the September meeting. Vice Chairperson Obrey will bring this item before the Sunnyvale Photo Club. Assistant to the Director Merrill volunteered to share the budget and FY 03/04 service levels reductions.

Chairperson Harper shared copies of art-related articles with Commissioners. He asked the Commissioners to contact him if they would like to discuss or exchange ideas.

STAFF

Assistant to the Director Merrill distributed copies of an article titled “Public Art and Controversy” for the Commissioners’ reading pleasure.

INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS

• Staff Liaison Written Report

ADJOURNMENT 9 p.m.

Chairperson Harper declared the meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,


Cathy Merrill
Assistant to the Director
Parks and Recreation Department

Reviewed by,


David A. Lewis
Director
Parks and Recreation Department

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