DRAFT MINUTES

ARTS Commission

FEBRUARY 15, 2006

The Sunnyvale Arts Commission met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA at 7:05 p.m. with Chair Draganowski Davis presiding.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

WELCOME NEW COMMISSIONERS CARNEY AND FENTON

Commissioner Fenton said he is a painter and member of the Sunnyvale Art Club. He was recruited by Commissioner Obrey in a Leadership Sunnyvale City Skills class. Commissioner Carney said she is delighted to be back on the Arts Commission and is very interested in the arts.

ROLL CALL

Commissioners Present:	Chair Monica Draganowski Davis Vice Chair Wallace Harper
	Commissioner Dixie Carney
	Commissioner Charlie Fenton
	Commissioner Robert Obrey
Staff Present:	David Lewis, Director of Parks and Recreation
	Cathy Merrill, Assistant to the Director
	Nancy Bolgard Steward, Recreation Superintendent

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

None

CONSENT CALENDAR

1.A. Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of December 21, 2005

Commissioner Obrey moved, Vice Chair Harper seconded, to approve the December 21, 2005, Arts Commission minutes. The motion passed unanimously 3-0, with Commissioners Carney and Fenton abstaining.

STAFF RESPONSES TO PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

2. 2006 Commission Work Plan Calendar Review and Adoption

Assistant to the Director Merrill presented the staff report regarding the Commission’s 2006 work plan calendar. In response to Chair Draganowski Davis’ inquiry as to when the Lowe’s artwork project would come before the Commission, Superintendent Steward responded that it would most likely be in March or April.

Chair Draganowski Davis opened the Public Hearing. There being no one in the audience wishing to speak, the Public Hearing was closed.

Commissioner Fenton moved, Commissioner Carney seconded, to recommend adoption of the Commission’s 2006 Work Plan Calendar. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

COMMISSION

Vice Chair Harper mentioned the recent article in The Sun regarding the number of concerns and problems experienced in the neighborhood by the placement of the Best Buy and PetsMart buildings. He said a number of the public spoke out against the project at a recent Council meeting. He asked how the total project was handled in addition to the artwork regarding lighting, total size, sound walls, traffic, pets, etc. Vice Chair Harper volunteered to bring The Sun news article to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Fenton inquired as to if this project was ever under the purview of the Commission. Chair Draganowski Davis provided a brief history of the project. Recreation Superintendent Steward said the Planning Commission approves the location of the artwork. She also said that the Art in Private Development (AIPD) Training Session, scheduled on the Commission’s calendar in March, will explain the Commission’s duty and give ideas of questions the Commission should ask a developer when the plans come before the Commission for review. Commissioner Carney said she felt the tone regarding the Best Buy and PetsMart artwork was dismissive because the artwork appears small in scale compared to the large size of the buildings.

Commissioner Fenton said he is happy to be serving on the Commission.

Vice Chair Harper mentioned various shows he has seen and galleries he has visited since the last Commission meeting.

Commissioner Obrey asked about the Commission’s role in supporting Hands on the Arts. Superintendent Steward suggested that a Commissioner could announce the event at an April Council meeting under the Public Announcement section of the agenda. Flyers can be provided for the Commissioners to hand out to the public. If the Commissioners are interested in volunteering to help during the event, they should inform Assistant to the Director Merrill.

Vice Chair Harper asked about the status of the existing memorials. Director Lewis responded that the memorials will remain where they are located, and Public Safety will plan their own memorial to be located at the Public Safety building. The Plaza Del Sol memorial will include the armed forces and City (including Public Safety) staff who have given their lives to the City or their country.

In response to Commissioner Fenton, Chair Draganowski Davis responded that there are generally no members of the public present at the Commission meetings unless there is a controversial item on the agenda.

Superintendent Steward explained the Art Apprenticeship Program at Commissioner Harper’s request.