HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-19 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Art Center Board Meeting
Meeting Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina City Hall Community Room
December 19, 2013
4:30 P.M.
I. Call to Order
Mr. Bouassida called the meeting to order at 4:37 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Hafed Bouassida, Kandace Ellis, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Colin Nelson, Paul
Peterson, and Thomas Raeuchle.
Commissioners Absent: Kitty O'Dea, and John Swon.
Student Commissioners Present: Sophia Munic and Jack Ready.
Staff Present: Michael Frey, General Manager, Edina Art Center.
Community Members Present: None.
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Chair Bouassida noted the meeting agenda had been circulated and asked if there were requests for additions or
changes. It was noted that under approval of minutes, the minutes should be labeled as October 24, 2013 rather than
September 26, 2014. It was suggested that Items B (Art Center Working Group Report) and C (Art Center General
Manager Monthly Report) be pulled from the consent agenda for further discussion. The agenda as amended is
approved and will be followed.
IV. Adoption of Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes, Regular Meeting of October 24, 2013
Chair Bouassida asked if there were changes or corrections to the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 24, 2013.
No changes voiced. The minutes were approved as circulated.
V. Community Comment
No comments made.
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. Edina Film Festival 2013 Report
Commissioner Meifert commented that the attendance for the festival had doubled this year with the Big Lebowski and
the Fabulous Ice Age having the highest attendance numbers. He noted that positive feedback had been received from
the attendees and believed the event was picking up momentum as it moves forward. He believed that the planning
would begin again in January for the next festival.
Chair Bouassida stated that he would like to see a final report for the festival.
Mr. Frey noted that the final report was included in the November meeting packet.
Commissioner Peterson commended those that organized worked on the event.
Chair Bouassida questioned how things will move forward with the theater.
Commissioner Meifert suggested that perhaps Edina City staff come along to the meeting with the folks at the Landmark
in order to better link the City to the event.
The report was accepted as presented.
B. Music in Edina Report
Commissioner Peterson stated that the Music in Edina working group had a good turnout with 13 in attendance at their
last meeting and believed that they have gained some very interested members. He noted that following his Report he
had a discussion with a Councilmember at which time a request for funding for Music in Edina had been brought
forward. He noted that the Council member is supportive of funding in the amount of $10,000 for music in the parks,
which will appear on an upcoming January Council meeting. He noted that there may also be an opportunity for the
permit fees to be waived as well. He advised that Mr. Frey was also able to secure the "showmobile" once a week at no
fee thanks to the Director of Parks & Recreation Ann Kattreh. No charge compared to the regular $1,000 per week fee.
Commissioner Ellis reported that she recently met with Dick Crocket to explore the Edina Community Foundation and
believed that would be a great place to start for charitable donations. She advised that the Foundation would take over
the logistics as well as other details associated with charitable gifts to organizations. She believed that it would be
beneficial to begin with the Foundation but questioned if the account should be linked specifically to the music in the
parks program or the Commission in general.
Chair Bouassida asked that the discussion be delayed until later in the meeting.
Commissioner Ellis confirmed that the Foundation handles administrative services and does not do actual fundraising.
Commissioner Peterson stated that perhaps the music in the parks could be linked to the Foundation before the year
end and a mailing could occur before the end of the year to incentivize giving before the year end for tax purposes. He
advised that the working group is hoping to hold eight sessions for the music in the park summer series, noting that
details will be worked out.
Chair Bouassida asked that the group be prepared to present more details of the plan at the January meeting.
The report was accepted as presented.
C. Public Art Committee Report
Commissioner La Valleur noted that the rash of vandalism could, in the long run, could improve the ability to receive
lighting and possibly security cameras. She believed that the Crime Prevention Fund could possibly provide assistance
with the matter.
Commissioner Ellis confirmed that the Edina Public Art Committee is listed under the Foundation in a similar manner to
which the music in the parks would like to work with the Foundation.
Commissioner Raeuchle noted that he had previously sent some information regarding public art to Mr. Frey and asked
that Mr. Frey distribute the information to the Commission members.
Chair Bouassida questioned the recommendation of the Committee regarding the naming.
Commissioner La Valleur noted that it was the recommendation of the Committee to leave the name as the public art
Committee rather than using the abbreviation (EPAC) as that is when the confusion comes into play. She noted that the
group is titled as the public art Committee in ordinance.
Chair Bouassida stated that the fact that the name is used in ordinance would not make it impossible to change the
name.
Commissioner La Valleur noted that it is the recommendation of the Committee that the name remain the same.
Commissioner Raeuchle stated that his problem with the name is the public art portion as the Commission focuses on
art for the public as well.
Commissioner Ellis believed that the name is causing confusion, as the Art Center Board has now become a formal
Commission.
Mr. Frey stated that part of this discussion ties into the strategic planning. He noted that if there is confusion among the
Commission, there is probably more confusion in the general public.
The report was accepted as presented.
D. Strategic Planning Committee
Commissioner Meifert reported that at the October meeting it had been decided that a Strategic Plan would be
necessary. He advised of the Commissioners involved in the Committee and noted that at the first meeting it was
decided that the document would be titled as a Work Plan rather than Strategic Plan. He advised that the Work Plan will
consist of a statement of direction, a situational analysis and areas of focus, and list of key issues to be addressed. He
noted that it will most likely focus on four or five items for the short-term basis and noted that review of the document
would occur on a rotating basis in order to fully focus on the issues at hand.
Commissioner Raeuchle advised that the draft list of issues now includes to act as a conduit to the cultural development
of the City, to develop means to provide communication about arts and cultural activities that promote participation of
residents, to identify existing and new venues that benefit the community artistically and culturally, and to develop the
financial means to develop and promote art within Edina.
Commissioner Meifert noted that each of those issues would have a strategy that includes tactics for implementation.
Commissioner Lappin confirmed that the goal is to present the strategic or work plan to the Commission at the February
meeting, with possible review of a draft version in January.
Chair Bouassida was pleased to see this process beginning and that concrete steps would be identified to guide the
Commission. He also asked for additional information in regard to open meeting laws.
Mr. Frey confirmed that he could distribute the draft version of the Work Plan to the Commission and any questions
through email should be sent directly to him to avoid open meeting law violations.
Chair Bouassida confirmed that Commissioners could call one another with direct questions.
Commissioner Peterson confirmed that he could continue with the music in the parks fundraising as discussed.
The report was accepted as presented.
E. Art Center Working Group Report — October & November 2013
Mr. Frey advised of an upcoming event — the Faculty & Student Show at the Art Center that will open on January 9,
2014. He reported that Margery Wells, a member of the arts and culture working group, has organized a painting
working group. The first meeting was well attended, yet the second meeting was not. He asked if an interested
Commissioner could assist on that working group.
Student Member Ready stated that he personally attended the first meeting of the painting working group and provided
his input on why he and others did not attend the second meeting.
Commissioner Raeuchle stated that perhaps that input could be provided back to Margery in order to assist her in better
organizing the group.
Chair Bouassida stated that perhaps a three minute presentation could be made at the next Commission meeting
outlining the goals and expectations of the working group. He noted that after that time the decision could be made as
to whether to approve the working group and assigning a Commissioner to the group.
Mr. Frey stated that he is pursuing an idea that Commissioner Meifert proposed to partner with a local church,
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He advised that the idea to have Edina Art Center art work displayed in the
church was presented to the church board. He advised that the idea was approved by the church board and beginning
in January and shows will run for two months at a time. He confirmed that he would be open to repeating the idea in
other spaces, should those spaces come to the Art Center with interest. He also discussed the possibility of creating a
mural on wall space at the aquatic center. He reported that he was invited to the Grandview Community Advisory Team
meeting in December at which he presented historical information regarding the Art Center and additional information
regarding the need for performance space in the city. He advised that the presentation was well received and a lot of
buzz has been created. He encouraged Commissioners to attend Grandview CAT meetings as they are public meetings.
Commissioner Lappin stated that if she is available she could attend the Grandview meetings.
Mr. Frey mentioned attendance for the meetings, noting that each Commissioner must have 75 percent attendance, and
not miss three meetings in a row.
Commissioner Raeuchle stated that it was his interpretation that the bylaws state that Commissioners can miss up to
three meetings per year.
Mr. Frey read an excerpt from the bylaws and City Code regarding attendance. He also provided a brief summary of
financial and attendance information for the Art Center. He noted that his Work Plan for the next year will most likely
include closing the media studio. He advised that he could send out additional information to the Commission, noting
that attendance has increased from the previous year.
The report was accepted as presented.
Mr. Frey noted that Student Member Munic is soliciting donations for Images, which is the Edina High School student art
magazine.
Student Member Munic provided additional information regarding Images, noting that the end goal for fundraising is
$5,000. She believed that perhaps the magazine could be placed for sale at the Art Center.
Commissioner Raeuchle believed that it would be a good idea to place the magazine for sale at the Art Center, along
with other local businesses.
F. Art Center General Manager Monthly Report — October & November 2013
No additional comments made.
The reports were accepted as presented.
VII. Correspondence and Petitions
Chair Bouassida asked if there was any correspondence or petitions. None voiced.
VIII. Chair and Board Member Comments
Chair Bouassida stated that he would recommend that a new working group be formed to address funding in general for
the Commission.
Commissioner Ellis believed that idea would fit well within the Strategic Planning Committee to start with.
IX. Staff Comments
No additional comments made.
X. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by the Chair at 6:07 p.m.