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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-08-2008 ST. LUCIE COUNTY CULTURAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL 600 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce Board of Directors General Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Members Present: Jack Connolly, Vera Mann, Ruby Jefferson, Ruth McSween, Allison Nega, Anna Preston, Elise Rollins, Martha Bradley, Jacquelene Burke, Susan Parks-Jones, Robert Roldan, Ruth McSween Members Absent: Stanley Silver, Leland Carpenter Staff Present: County Attorney Katherine Mackenzie-Smith, Jody Bonet, and Commissioner Chris Craft Guests: John Hayes; Jean Johansen; Jay Lundy, Sr., Managing Editor of Blended Magazine Meeting called to order by Jack Connolly at 5:35 PM. Chairman Jack Connolly started the meeting by expressing thanks to Robert Roldan for securing nametags for the committee members. Susan Parks-Jones made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Agenda Item 1: Minutes - Vera Mann seconded the motion. The motion carried. Agenda Item 2: Commissioner’s Report – Commissioner Craft stated that he has gone for bat for Cultural Affairs. He believes that CAC may be OK for this year, but he believes funds will be cut in the future. He explained that the important issue is that the committee needs to get more corporate dollars and the economic is slipping into stagnation whatever they want to call the current economic environment. He states that the needs are all woven together and you can’t pull one piece out without affecting other area. He asked the committee to be in unison with the county’s needs. When you make the arguments, especially on the events that we invest in, the CAC must present the economic impact – what the numbers are so that these numbers resonate with the county commissioners. They need to understand that for each dollar spent in our community it will produce three dollars return of dollars spent in our community. It is important the data be substantiated, quantified, and in an understandable package. The committee members must speak to the commissioners about the importance of CAC. Tell the whole story. Jody Bonet stated that one of Cultural Affairs major jobs is to stimulate economics, tourism, and improved quality of life in the community to which Commission Craft responded that there are things under Parks and Recreation that should be under Cultural Affairs. He pointed out to the committee the importance of preparing and presenting viable evidence of the importance of art, culture and the function of the St Lucie County Cultural Affair Department and Council. He stated that form letters do not do anything good. He needs to hear from you the individual living in St. Lucie County who wants to maintain and increase the cultural opportunities here. Write letters in your words. Send emails to commissioners and to general public comments. Show up at the budget workshops in July. You need to be before the county commissioners now, before, on and after budget workshops. He pointed out the importance of 1 hard figures and the committee’s efforts to move non-profit with the support of the BOCC supplementation. Elise Rollins brought up Fort Pierce Main Street. Chris Craft pointed out that Doris Tillman’s success is based on her actions. There is not a person to whom she does not talk to about her project and how they can get involved. Commissioner Craft pointed out that the committee needed to ask some basic questions: “Why is cultural affairs important to me?” He cautioned against getting into anything that is too formatted. Jody Bonet will sell on the numbers and the committee needs to talk about the impact on our community. How many beds did the events sponsored by Cultural Affairs fill. Provide economic numbers for the events. It is really a global issue and you have to make sure the community understands it. He pointed out the importance of the committee telling county commissioners why cultural/art is important to St. Lucie County and why it is important to the children of St. Lucie County. The example was given of the mini-grant support of the Avenue D Boys Choir and how with it 32 young men off the streets. Agenda Item 3: Director’s Report: Jody Bonet announced the ribbon cutting at the Clerk of Courts Building the next day, April 9, 2008 at 4 PM and suggested the committee members attend. Jody Bonet thanked the committee members for the support and participation at all the Zora Fest events and also WoW2 Symposium. She reported that the speakers, Lucy Hurston, Valerie Boyd, Debra Plant, and Dr. Davidson were extremely pleased with the results of Zora Fest, Sunday Brunch and “Zora, the Documentary.” She is receiving email from the WoW2 Symposium panelists (professors and doctorates) regarding expressing their excitement with the event and how pleased they were to participate. She believes these events make a big impact in the community. Thursday, Jody Bonet is scheduled to meet with the county administration to review the CAC budget. So far the budget still shows $80,000 for grants. It is time to get the word out that culture improves the economic tourism in our county. The committee was asked to find backup on how culture improves the community for the committee to present to the commissioners. The members were also asked to do letters to the editor regarding the cultural and economic support CAC provides the community and look for any studies regarding culture and improved financial health of a community. Jody Bonet stated that the committee is in the early stages of creating a 501c3 to start to cut its dependence on the county budget so that it could take donations and corporate sponsorships. Agenda Item 4: Chairman’s Report : Jack Connolly thanked the committee for their assistance at Zora Fest. He stated that all the speakers were pleased with the way the event progressed this year. The next meeting of the Zora Fest is on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 5 PM, CAC committee members are encouraged to attend. He passed on the remarks and offers of Lucy Hurston to give her attention to Fort Pierce as far as endorsements. Jack Connolly reported on the Executive Committee meeting in that there was discussion regarding the importance of having a corresponding secretary officer to the committee. Jody Bonet reported that the 2 ordinance does not call for a secretary but if the committee forms a 501(c)3 then a corresponding secretary would be necessary. The discussion was tabled until later. Jack Connolly pointed out that this county is in a fiscal crisis with regards to the art and culture in the state and county both in the schools and the county. He passed out sheet on what can be impacted, some key issues, and asked the committee to put together their views and ideas. He plans to sit down with the county commissioners. There was discussion regarding setup a schedule to have meetings in Port St. Lucie. Susan Parks-Jones reported that Port St. Lucie is calling for their own council of the arts consisting of 5 people: an architect, a landscape architect, artist or person from the educational community and two more. The committee discussed alternating meetings between Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie. Agenda Item 6: Treasurer Report: Stanley Silver was unable to attend. An Income and Expense report for both CAC and Zora Fest were presented. Allison Nega made a motion to table until the next meeting. Vera Mann seconded. The motion passed. Agenda Item 7: NEW BUSINESS Jack Connolly presented a request for $765 from Elker L. Harris of the Fort Pierce Magnet School of the Art. The funds are to sponsor two children on a field trip. There was discussion regarding the request and the committee decided that the request did not meet the committee’s requirements for a mini-grant and the CAC did not requirements. The request for funds was denied. Agenda Item 8: COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Art In Public Places (AiPP): John Hayes announced the WOW2 was a success. Twenty artists come in from outside the county for the event along with the local artists. Approximately 200 people attended the reception. Seventy people attended the bus tour. John Hayes reported that the WoW2 website is getting over 5000 hits a week. 2. Lucie Awards: Vera Mann stated that it is not too soon to start. She requested committee members consider interested in assisting her let her know now. She will be calling the first meeting in June to state the process. There is a need for sponsors and nominations for the awards needed. Vera Mann shared the magazine “Blended” with the committee in which she did an article on Hattitude complete with a double page spread of photos from the events. 3. Mini Grants: Ruby Jefferson and Jacqueline Burke reported that they are reviewing the current grant criteria and will be reporting back to the committee shortly on their suggested changes. The committee members were reminded to attend mini-grant events and complete the evaluation sheets. 4. Lincoln Park Main Street: Elise Rollins reported on Saturday’s Community Development Day. Work Force Development and Fort Pierce Redevelopment Board will be there to explain all the difference services that are available to the area and St. Lucie County as a whole. There will be assistance for seniors in filing for the economic stimulus at no charge. Work Force Development will be introducing the kiosks. Main Street is encouraging businesses to consider opening a Zora related store - new building or rehab of an existing building, near the Zora kiosk. Jack Connolly stated to the committee that supporting Lincoln Park Main Street is supporting Cultural Affairs. 3 th 5. Hispanic American Liaison: Robert Roldan reported that San Juan Festival would be July 19, 2008. He is still working with both the PSL and County for location. He will update the committee next meeting on the location. 6. Annual Meeting: Anna Preston asked about the availability of the community center for the meeting. Jody Bonet suggesting checking with the community center to reserve the date. Attorney Katherine Mackenzie-Smith noted for the committee that the bylaws state that the committee will have one annual meeting during the first quarter of the calendar year. 7. Zora Fest: The meeting for Zora Fest wrap up will be on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 starting at 4 PM. Jody Bonet reported that Valerie Boyd and Debra Plant visited the Zora Exhibit at the SL County Historic Museum. Robert Roldan reported that “Zora, the Documentary” is being reworked to include Lucy Hurston as the narrator. She has expressed a commitment to the St. Lucie County Zora Fest and to the film. There are plans for her to travel with the documentary on her speaking engagements. The committee extended its thanks and appreciation to Anna Preston and Allison Nega for the “Jump at the Sun” performance. Jack Connolly announced PBS’s program Zora Neale Hurston – Jump At the Sun tomorrow night from 9 to 10 PM. NEW BUSINESS: There was a request by committee members for the list of dates and times during which the public can attend St. Lucie County Commissioner and Budget meetings. Jody Bonet stated she would provide the committee with an email of these dates and time. Martha Bradley stated that the most important issue for the committee and the county is the budget crisis. She called anyone who has gotten any information that would be helpful particularly letters and/or stories on how people have been touched, enjoyed, or benefited from the programs sponsored by the county. Robert Roldan made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Vera Mann. Meeting Adjourned at 7:05 PM 4