HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-26 Arts Culture Commission MinutesEdina Arts and Culture Commission Meeting
Meeting Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina City Hall
Mayor's Conference Room
March 26, 2015
4:30 P.M.
I. Call to Order
Motion by Commissioner La Valleur and seconded by Commissioner Ellis to have Commissioner Miller
act as chair for the March 26, 2015 meeting due to scheduled absence of Chair Meifert.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Barbara La Valleur, Dana Lappin, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow.
Motion carried.
Acting Chair Miller called the meeting to order at 4:36 p.m.
II. Roll Call & Introductions
Commissioners Present: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Barbara La Valleur, Dana Lappin, Daniel Li, Anne
Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve Suckow
Commissioners Absent: Ray Meifert.
Staff Present: Michael Frey, General Manager, Edina Art Center; and Karen Kurt, Assistant City Manager
Students Representatives Present: Jack Ready
Student Representatives Absent: Sophia Munic
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Acting Chair Miller noted the meeting agenda had been circulated and asked if there were changes to
the agenda. Commissioner La Valleur requested to consider the Public Art Edina report under
Reports/Recommendations.
Motion by Commissioner Suckow and seconded by Commissioner La Valleur that the Arts and
Culture Commission approve the March 26, 2015 Agenda as amended.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and
Steve Suckow. Motion carried.
IV. Adoption of Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes — Regular Meeting of February 26, 2015
Acting Chair Miller asked if there were changes or corrections to the minutes of the Regular Meeting of
January 22, 2015. No changes voiced.
Motion by Commissioner Suckow and seconded by Commissioner O'Dea that the Arts and Culture
Commission approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and
Steve Suckow. Motion carried.
V. Community Comment
No comments made.
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. Vision Edina
Assistant Manager Kurt spoke of the creation of a broad-based vision document as the previously
created Vision Edina 20/20 is nearing its term in 2020. The new Vision Edina is the basis for other city
plans, such as the comprehensive strategic plan, and the capital improvement plan. The progress began
in August of 2014 and the City partnered with Future IQ, and developed drivers and four possible
scenarios for the community. 37 community meetings were held with almost 600 surveys completed
and returned. Future IQ analyzed the surveys, and created a strategic visioning document.
Commissions are asked to provide feedback before the presentation to Council. Key drivers identified
and rated in terms of axes of importance and uncertainty. Assistant Manager Kurt explained the Vision
Edina survey results in terms of transportation, commercial development mix, live and work, education,
population mix, and environmental stewardship. Assistant Manager Kurt read the consultant-written
mission statement for Edina, and asked for feedback on the entire document from the commission.
There will be a council sponsored open house on April 14th at City Hall.
Several Commissioners commented on the inclusivity statement in the mission statement, and Assistant
Manager Kurt stated this is a vision for the future.
B. Edina Film Festival
Acting Chair Miller stated a message had been received from the Edina Film Festival Committee, and
their preference was to make their presentation at the April Arts & Culture meeting.
C. Grandview Update
Mr. Frey circulated documents from the March 11 Discovery Session and Economic Development
Manager Bill Neuendorf. Three options are being considered for the site with a north, central, and south
perspective. Commissioner La Valleur noted that attendees were greeted by individuals with flyers for
keeping the public site public. Commissioner Suckow noted the people's choice was not one of the three
visions represented, but a fourth option that was not seen by attendees. Frustration in the process may
stem from the process itself and length of time taken for the decision making process.
Commissioner Lappin noted from previous CAT groups and surveys citizens were opposed to residential
development as part of the site.
Commissioner Suckow noted there was strong support for an arts and culture presence.
The next Grandview meeting is April 22, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at the Edina Senior Center.
Commissioner Ellis asked about Arts & Culture Commission plans regarding Grandview prior to the April
22 stating it would be helpful to know what type of residential is planned, what type of business
demand exists, and the transportation hub and bus garage.
Commissioner Ellis noted that the lack of an arts and culture facility is a key part of the visioning
document and preparing for a successful future.
D. Public Art Edina
Commissioner La Valleur stated she had two action items that need attention on the report in regards to
sculptures.
The first is a sculpture commission by John Horn, and Edina resident and former executive of Northwest
Airlines to honor Donald Nyrop, former Chair and CEO of Northwest. The location would be Centennial
Lakes Park, and Edina resident Nicholas Legeros is the commissioned artist and sculptor. Two separate
sculptures of life-size figures of children playing with model airlines have been created, and the third
sculpture yet to be created is of adults and children passing through an aircraft door. The base is made
of colored concrete with flight patterns of Northwest Airlines. The donation is through the Edina
Community Foundation. Public Art Chair asked for a vote of recommendation to accept the donation.
She described the proposed location of the sculpture.
Motion by Commissioner Ellis and seconded by Commissioner Suckow that the Arts and Culture
Commission recommend the Park Board and City Council gratefully accept the donation from John
Horn of a sculpture to be placed in Centennial Lakes Park.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Daniel Li, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea,
and Steve Suckow. Motion carried.
Commissioner La Valleur stated the second item for action is the commission and acquisition of a K9
sculpture to be located in front of Edina City Hall. The Edina Federated Women's Club is to vote on
donating $5,000 for purchase of the sculpture, and artist Michelle Reicke has created a maquette of a
canine sculpture that may be suitable for a model for a larger piece. Commissioner La Valleur asked for a
motion to recommend to the City to pursue the sculpture.
Motion by Commissioner Suckow and seconded by Commissioner Li that the Arts and Culture
Commission strongly recommend to the City of Edina graciously accept the possible donation of a K9
sculpture to be placed at City Hall.
A friendly amendment by Commissioner Suckow and seconded by Commissioner La Valleur that not
all members of City Council may be aware of the possible commission and placement of the K9
Sculpture, but when such knowledge is made that the Arts & Culture Commission recommends the
acquisition.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Cheryl Gunness, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Daniel Li, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea,
and Steve Suckow. Motion carried.
Commissioner Gunness commented seeking more information on the nature of acquisitions of public art
in the City of Edina.
VII. Correspondence and Petitions
Acting Chair Miller asked if there was any correspondence or petitions. None voiced.
VIII. Chair and Board Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Ellis asked additional questions regarding the Grandview site, and the Commission is
supportive of an arts and culture presence at the Grandview site.
IX. Staff Comments
Mr. Frey noted that annual elections are to be held at the April 2015 meeting. He stated Chair Meifert
was unable to attend this evening due to being out of town. He also offered an apology to new
commissioners for the change of the meeting date.
X. Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner La Valleur and seconded by Commissioner O'Dea that the Arts and Culture
Commission adjourn the meeting at 5:58 p.m.
Ayes: Kandace Ellis, Dana Lappin, Barbara La Valleur, Ray Meifert, Anne Miller, Kitty O'Dea, and Steve
Suckow. Motion carried.