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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12-18-2008 ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMITTEE MEETING Grants Conference Room December 18, 2008 Chairperson T.A. Wyner called the meeting to order at 03:45 p.m. Members Present : Jack Connolly, James Gibson, Joe Holiday, Nelson Merchan-Cely, Comment [SA1]: Jack Connolly, James Gibson, Joe Holiday, Nelson Merchan-Cely, T.A. Wyner (Chair). Marti Reno, Caryl Westergren, Coach Havert L. Fenn, Bob Hood, Jon Ward, T.A. Wyner (Chair). Members Absent: Marti Reno, Caryl Westergren, Coach Havert L. Fenn, Bob Hood, Jon Ward. Staff Present : Katherine Mackenzie-Smith, William Hoeffner, Jody Bonet, Suzanne Antonetti. Minutes Approval of November minutes was tabled. Progress of Ongoing Projects The Fenn Center and the Lakewood Park roundabout projects have gone to the BOCC and have been approved and the Avenue D Roundabout piece will go before the BOCC in January for approval. Comment in newspaper about the Avenue D Roundabout project. - Jack Connolly handed out copies of an article on this project that was published on line and would soon be published in hard copy. He brought to the committee members attention a negative comment from a reader and pointed out that such comment was misleading as the facts stated were completely erroneous. Jack stated he is of the opinion there should be some kind of response clarifying how the funds to install AiPP pieces come about to educate the public. Committee members discussed drafting a response addressed to the newspaper editor. Bill Hoeffner suggested to committee members to inform County Administration and clear with them before doing going ahead with sending a letter on behalf of the AiPP committee, as he does not believe it is within the committee’s responsibilities to speak on behalf of the County, but to make recommendations to the BOCC pertaining to the art pieces to be selected. Jack stated he would like to respond and there was discussion as to respond individually. T.A. stated she would prefer the answer came as a group, because if any member of the AiPP committee responds and it is known he/she is a committee member, it seems as if they are taking it upon themselves to speak for the group, and responding as a group would have more power. The question came up as to if it is within the responsibilities of the AiPP committee is to educate the public about the program. Katherine McKenzie read the portion of the ordinance that describes the role of the committee and it does not state that the committee is authorized to do so and recommended to consult with County Administration before doing it; she also stated that the letter should actually come from the BOCC chairperson. Jack moved for the AiPP committee to approve drafting a response on behalf of the committee, as a group, provided it gets clearance through the proper channels (Attorney’s Office to inquire if it is acceptable). James seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion passed . Cultural Affairs Council 501c3 status update.- William Hoeffner reported on the status on privatizing the County’s Cultural Affairs programming into a non-profit corporation (501c3 status). This will not diminish in any way the program, but will straighten it and improve it. Indian River and Martin counties both have the same format (501c3) and the goal is to continue to support the Cultural Affairs program with the same amount of funding and to try to enlist the assistance of the community’s business and education leaders and other influential people to be part of the Council; to bring their clout within the community and fundraising expertise. In response to what will happen to the current CAC Board of Directors, he stated it will be to the discretion of the new Council members, but it is anticipated that this new council which will be composed of individuals from other disciplines will need an advisory group of artists to guide them in the decisions to be made in terms of art and cultural activities (they will just advise directly to the Council instead of the Board of County Commissioners). To date, a set of bylaws and articles of incorporation have been developed, but they have not been submitted yet. These are very standard and they are not significantly different to the ones described in Indian River and Martin counties councils. As soon as five or six council directors are recruited, the bylaws and articles of incorporation will be submitted, given the BOCC approval. Art installed at the Clerk of the Court Building.- An opening of an exhibit at the Clerk of the Court as part of the AiPP program will be organized very soon. The design of the building called for paintings to be hanged in every floor (five floors), around the elevators (lighting is installed already) and staff will be installing hangers designed for this purpose (paint strips). Different local artists’ paintings will be exhibited and the exhibits will be changed periodically. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 08, 2008 at 3:30 a.m. at the Building and Zoning room, 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce. Respectfully submitted, Suzanne Antonetti