HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-28 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Arts and Culture Commission Meeting
Meeting Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina City Hall Community Room
August 28, 2014
4:30 P.M.
I. Call to Order
Chair Meifert called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Kandace Ellis, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow.
Commissioners Absent: Hafed Bouassida, Anne Miller, and Thomas Raeuchle.
Staff Present: Michael Frey, General Manager, Edina Art Center.
Community Members Present: Bill McCabe
Student Members Present: Jack Ready
Student Members Absent: Sophia Munic
III. Introductions
The Commission members and guests introduced themselves.
IV. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Chair Meifert noted the meeting agenda had been circulated and asked if there were requests for additions or changes.
He stated that he did speak with Paul Peterson in regard to a possible rock concert at Southdale and noted that if he
attends that information could be discussed under the Community Comment portion.
Mr. Frey noted that he had sent electronic copies of two reports earlier today, Public Art Edina August 2014 Report and
Percentage for the Arts Report.
Commissioner Ellis stated that she did not yet prepare the Music in Edina Working Group Report and asked that the item
be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Motion by Commissioner Suckow and seconded by Commissioner La Valleur that the Arts and Culture Commission
approve the agenda as amended.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow. Motion carried.
V. Adoption of Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of July 15, 2014
8,___Gener414vbanagerL"..eper4
I
13.---Pu-latic-Aft-Wer-king-G-roup
Chair Meifert noted that he would like to pull the General Manager's Report and Public Art Working Group Report from
the Consent Agenda to review under the Reports section as the information was not made available ahead of time.
Motion by Commissioner O'Dea and seconded by Commissioner Ellis that the Arts and Culture Commission approve
the Consent Agenda as amended.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow. Motion carried.
VI. Community Comment
Chair Meifert stated that he did receive an email from Paul Peterson in regard to a rock concert that could possibly occur
at Southdale and noted that he referred him to the City to obtain information about necessary permits and
requirements. Mr. Peterson had been in communication with Ben Martin of Simon Properties regarding the possible
event.
VII. Reports/Recommendations
A. Grandview Committee
Mr. Frey offered to present the Vision for a Community Building for the Arts document developed by the Grandview
Committee consisting of Commissioners Bouassida, Ellis, Raeuchle, and General Manager Frey. He asked that the
Commission review the plans and information in order to provide input. He explained that this idea is not new and
noted since 2007 there had been a desire and conversation to expand the Art Center. He briefly highlighted some
aspects of the information as well as possible partnerships. He referenced a model used by another south metro city in
which the city owned community building leases space to seven tenants.
Commissioner O'Dea stated that she believed the concept of tenants should be made clearer for the Council.
Commissioner Ellis stated that perhaps additional information could be added using specific community buildings and
listing their tenants in order to provide those examples.
Chair Meifert referenced the Next Steps section, stating, "Get professional advice" needed additional clarity and detail
that should be added to that item. He also believed that the next steps should be made clearer.
Commissioner La Valleur stated that it was her belief that if a community building was to come about, that the current
Art Center would be used entirely for pottery but noticed that pottery is listed at the community building as well.
Mr. Frey stated that decision would be up to the City Council, as to what would be done with the other facility. He
noted that he would prefer to have all operations under one roof.
Commissioner Ellis noted that the intent was simply to develop a vision and advised that the details would not yet be
known in terms of square footage, etc.
Bill McCabe stated that in 2007 the plans were pretty well flushed out in terms of an expansion at the existing Art
Center, noting that the expansion would have mostly been pottery and studio space. He advised that the building also
would have been made ADA compliant and to bring the parking lot into compliance as well, which contributed heavily to
the approximately $1,000,000 cost.
Mr. Frey agreed that a majority of that cost would have been addressing the ADA items. He noted that this vision
document is a draft and asked that Commissioners provide any follow-up input via email.
Commissioner Ellis commended Commissioner Raeuchle for all of his contributions in this process.
Commissioner O'Dea stated that perhaps a mission statement identifying the desire to provide a community building for
multigenerational use should be added to make that point more clear.
Commissioner Suckow stated that perhaps there should be a statement identifying that the pictures used are clip art
and are not necessarily renderings of a proposed structure, just to make that clear.
Chair Meifert stated that an additional statement should be mentioning the Arts and Culture Commission and their
support for this vision. He also believed that performing space should be mentioned as well.
B. Living Streets Update — Mr. Bill McCabe
Bill McCabe stated that he was appointed to the Living Streets Advisory Group approximately one year ago by the
Commission. He reviewed the purpose of the idea of a living streets plan and street life. He stated that while there may
be a place for art within the plans, that aspect has not yet been incorporated. He highlighted the design guidelines and
noted that the plans were well received by the City Council. He advised that there was discussion regarding whether
this would be incorporated into City Code or whether this would just be used for referenced within the City.
Commissioner O'Dea questioned the purpose of this plan.
Mr. McCabe explained that one main reason for this is consistency within the City for roadways. He advised that the
work will continue and urged any Commissioners to provide input to him.
C. Ways and Means Committee
There was nothing to report.
D. September Meeting Date
Mr. Frey stated that the September meeting date is the same date as Juried Show and advised that several
Commissioners have asked to reschedule that meeting. He noted that the Worksession could count as the September
meeting.
Commissioner La Valleur questioned if the vision of the community building is going to be presented at the Worksession.
Commissioner Ellis stated that although she would like to present the information soon she was unsure that the
Worksession was the appropriate time.
Mr. Frey agreed that the Council prefers to stay on the topic for the Worksession but noted that the Commission could
be prepared for off-topic discussion. He noted that he will follow up on the Worksession to determine the exact topic.
Commissioner Ellis suggested changing the date of the September meeting.
It was the consensus of the Commission to hold the September meeting on September 16th at 4:00 p.m. if the
Commission needs to appear at the Worksession that night or September 23rd if the Commission does not need to
attend the Worksession.
Motion by Commissioner Suckow and seconded by Commissioner Ellis that the Arts and Culture Commission hold
the September Commission meeting on September 16, 2014 at 5:30 if meeting with the Council or on September 23,
2014 at 4:30 if not meeting with the Council.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow. Motion carried.
E. Public Art Edina August 2014 Report
Commissioner La Valleur highlighted aspects of her report, urging Commissioners to encourage voting on the sculptures
for the People's Choice Awards for 2014.
Mr. Frey noted that only 60 votes have been received and also urged Commissioners to encourage voting.
F. Percentage for the Arts Report
Commissioner La Valleur noted that she distributed a two-page report and advised of an upcoming event at Forecast
Public Art at which this topic will be discussed and information could be gathered from local employees of other metro
municipalities with successful programs.
G. Music in Edina Working Group Update
Commissioner Ellis stated that music will continue into the fall without any Commission effort, advising of a contact that
is interested in putting on a show November 9th at the Edina Chorale. She advised of two concerts booked at Braemar in
February and March as well. She encouraged any interested Commissioners to attend the working group meeting to
provide input.
H. General Manager's Report
Mr. Frey stated that the Art Center is doing well and stated that while the registration revenue does not look high, this
figure does not include online registrations. He advised that the membership database has been changed to an Access
database for more accurate reporting; membership revenue is increasing while membership numbers have been
declining. He stated that the membership funds have increased in part to a Groupon that perhaps not all individuals are
actually redeeming after purchasing. He asked for volunteers for the Fall into the Arts, noting that there will be two
booths, and encouraged all interested Commissioners to attend and/or volunteer.
VIII. Correspondence and Petitions
Chair Meifert asked if there was any correspondence or petitions. None voiced.
IX. Chair and Commissioner Comments
Commissioner O'Dea stated that she has received resident input regarding concern over the non-ability to provide music
lessons in their home due to the City Ordinance and/or unfriendly policies. She asked that the item be placed on a
future agenda.
X. Staff Comments
There were none.
XI. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by the Chair at 6:00 p.m.