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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-20 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Art Center Board November 20, 1997 Edina Art Center, 4:00 p.m. Members Present: Heather Randall King, Elizabeth Eisenbrey, Gene Andersen, George Kuebler, Dodie Paul, Jim VanValkenburg, Sandra Clark, Mike Kelly and Art Dickey Members Absent: Dee Dege and Suzie Kelm Staff Present: Diana Hedges, John Keprios and Phillip Johnson I. CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF MINU I ES The minutes for last month's meeting were read and approved. III. DIRECTOR'S REPORT A. BUILDING EXPANSION Ms. Hedges asked Mr. Dickey to give a progress report on the building expansion. Mr. Dickey stated that the roofing was delayed because no contractors were available. The electrical specifications were to be completed in the next few days. He estimated that the completion date should be late Spring. B. TEA ROOM PLANS Mr. Dickey and Ms. King presented the results of their research into types and prices of various pieces of industrial quality kitchen equipment. Their recommendations included the purchase of new equipment rather than used because the price of used equipment from local suppliers was nearly as much as new. Other recommendations: Use only contractors and suppliers who are experienced in the food service industry and defer the search for a contract caterer since the priority must be put on the design and construction of the kitchen facility. Following the presentation, board members explored a range of options for design and use of the Tea Room. Much of the discussion focused on the costs associated with a full food preparation facility as opposed to a facility in which food would be served after preparation outside the facility. Health and sanitation codes which apply to food preparation facilities and equipment require expensive equipment and sophisticated ventilation. A simple facility to avoid these code requirements would involve serving pre-packaged foods and beverages. Edina Art Center Board November 20, 1997 Page 2 The probable uses for the Tea Room were also discussed. At the high end of a range of uses was the concept that a full-service kitchen could be rented to a contract catering firm which could use the facility to prepare food for on-site, as well as off-site, catered events. This type of arrangement would yield revenue to the Art Center in the form of commissions. At the low end of the range, the facility would be more like a break room where staff, students and visitors could purchase and consume pre-packaged food and beverages. The consensus was that the high end concepts for use of the Tea Room would exceed the budget allocated for construction and equipment. A suggestion was made that the budget could be augmented by funds solicited from the community. The subject of Tea Room concepts and budget was tabled until the next meeting. C. OTHER Ms. Hedges suggested that all Board Members visit the Braemar facility to enjoy the Santa House. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.