Arts Commission

Arts Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 6:00 PM July 2, 2024 Mayor's Boardroom & Zoom https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Arts Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:02 PM. Commission members Present: Kate Clark (Vice Chair, acting Chair), Paul George, Phillip Freytag, Patricia McDonnell and Jody Bento Commission Members Absent: Amy Chaloupka, Eric Shew Staff Members Present/ Presenters: Taylor Webb, PCDD, Tara Sundin, PCDD 1. Arts Commission Minutes p. 2 Arts Commissions Minutes – April and May • Patricia McDonnell stated she would like the May minutes to reflect that Darby made an announcement about the Downtown Activation RFP but did not give a presentation as it was stated in the minutes. The minutes have since been edited to reflect this change. Patrica McDonnell moved, and Paul George seconded to approve the May minutes with the suggested edit. All in favor, motion carries. Patrica McDonnell moved, and Phillip Freytag seconded to approve the April minutes. All in favor, motion carries. Agenda Items Public Meeting 1. ES564 Meridian and Birchwood Transportation Improvements Phase 1; and EN059 p. 6 Squalicum Creek at Baker Fish Barrier Removal Project Jessica Bennett presented an approach to the Commission about combining Percent for the Arts funding for multiple capital project that will be completed in the same vicinity. She described each project and requested the Commission to approve the pooling of funds to be used for art in Meridian and Birchwood Transportation Improvements Phase 2 (roundabout). It was requested by the Commission that Public Works and the project design team come back to present to the Commission when they are getting ready to design the roundabout to discuss project approach and scope for the RFP.  Jody Bento moved, and Kate Clark seconded a motion to approve the pooling of funds into Phase 2 of the Meridian and Birchwood Transportation Improvements project. All in favor, motion carries. 2. Downtown activation and beautification grant proposals. p. 9 Tara Sundin provided background information to the Commission about Mayor Lund’s focus on downtown, specifically to increase safety and provide positive experiences for residents and tourists. In addition, Tara gave an overview of the Lodging Tax funds that were allocated for the Downtown Activation & Beautification grant by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and then subsequently approved by the City Council. After context and background were provided, Taylor Webb gave a presentation on the seven proposals that were selected by the jury and approved by the Mayor to be funded. The jury was made up of 5 people representing tourism, communications, local downtown business owners, and city staff. One of the seven proposals (One Spark –Immersive Experiences) was determined by Staff to not be a focus for the Commission because the proposal does not include art in the public realm. The remaining six proposals were discussed in length by the Commissioners to identify whether or not each proposal should come back to the Commission for further discussion including assistance with design, artist selection, location preference, etc. Of the six remaining proposals, two were identified as not needed additional approval from the Arts Commission. Kate Clark moved, and Phillip Freytag seconded a motion to approve the design concept of the Whatcom Museum mural. All in favor, motion carries. Patricia McDonnell moved, and Kate Clark seconded a motion to approve the concept of the Trike Trak interactive art proposal. All in favor, motion carries. The remaining four proposals, three from Paper Whale (Lakeway underpass mural, Lee Memorial Park staircase murals, and Alley Activation) and one from uckiood LLC (Find Billy sculptures) are requested by the Commissioners to come back to present to the Arts Commission in the coming months. In addition, the Commissioners requested to review the draft RFP before the second round of funding is released in October, and also requested that a member of the Arts Commission join the jury to assist in the ranking and selection process. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period Co-founders of Paper Whale, Nick Hartrich and Gretchen Leggitt, spoke to the expertise of their company and team and answered a few questions that came up from Commissioners during the discussion of the Downtown RFP. They stated that they have  a strong partnership with WWU and have established a design studio course for Winter 2025 to work with students on designing aspects of their projects as stated in their proposals. They also spoke to their success working with muralists through their Noisy Waters Mural Festival as well as different genres of artist through their Fire & Story Festival. They offered for people to learn more about Paper Whale by visiting their website. 2. For the Good of the Order and Announcements • Taylor Webb gave a brief update on the Storybrook Park RFQ stating that the RFQ closes on 12th and that the jury is still being formed. The following members have agree to be on the jury, but others made be added as well: o Patricia McDonnell, Arts Commission o Jonathan Schilk, Parks Department and project lead o Grant McMeekin, Birchwood NA and park steward • Tara Sundin discussed the following topics: o Several members have expiring board terms in the next few months ▪ Paul George and Kate Clark will be expiring at the end of August and Amy Chaloupka will be expiring at the end of October. All members would be welcomed and encouraged to renew their terms if they are interested. o Due to the professional nature of the Commission and its members, Tara suggested that the Commission consider changing the time of the meetings from 6pm to 3:30pm or 4pm to be consistent with other boards/ commissions comprised primarily of industry professionals rather than members of the public. o To keep up with the maintenance and overall management of the City’s existing and future art collection, Tara is working with the legal team to amend the Percent for the Arts ordinance to allow for funding from capital projects to be diverted to an Arts Fund when appropriate and approved by the Arts Commission. More details will be shared with the Commission in the future. • Commissioners had asked for an updated link to the Conservation Report of the City’s art collection. The report can be accessed here: Combined Conservation Reports 2023.pdf (This link will expire in 30 days, so it is recommended to download and save the report.) • The next Arts Commission meeting is August 6th, 2024 Meeting adjourned 7:53pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Arts Commission members.