Public Art Commission

Jen Perry, Chair Katie Gasper, Vice Chair Public Art Commission Emily Daniels Meeting Minutes Dana Frazee Kenneth Greenberg Katie Klossner Julisa Morris Thursday, April 11, 2024 4:00 PM Central Service Center 1400 Caprice Drive Castle Rock, CO 80109 This meeting is open to the public. All times indicated on the agenda are approximate. Three or more Councilmembers may also attend this meeting, during which the items listed herein will be discussed. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Jen Perry at approximately 4 p.m. Town of Castle Rock Staff Liaison Maia Yates was present, as was Town Manager David L. Corliss for a portion of the meeting to provide Town updates. Mayor Jason Gray attended the meeting, as did Councilmember Tim Dietz. Ken Greenberg attended the meeting virtually. Present 8 - Chair Jen Perry, Chair Jen Perry, Commissioner Kenneth Greenberg, Commissioner Kenneth Greenberg, Commissioner Julisa Morris, Commissioner Katie Gasper, Commissioner Dana Frazee, and Commissioner Katie Klossner Not Present 1 - Commissioner Emily Daniels PUBLIC COMMENT None. AGENDA ITEMS PAC 2024-013 Approval of the Minutes Vice Chair Katie Gasper motioned and Julisa Morris seconded the approval of the minutes of the March 14, 2024 and the April 8, 2024 Public Art Commission meetings. The motion passed unanimously 6-0. “I move to approve the minutes of the March 14, 2024 and the April 8, 2024 Public Art Commission meetings.” Yes: 6 - Chair Perry, Commissioner Greenberg, Commissioner Morris, Commissioner Gasper, Commissioner Frazee, and Commissioner Klossner Not Present: 1 - Commissioner Daniels PAC 2024-014 Downtown Welcome Art A key priority identified in the Council-approved Public Art Strategic Plan is to identify unattractive and underutilized public spaces and re-imagine these spaces, enhancing them and local character with inspiring and memorable public art. At the intersection of Wolfersberger and Wilcox streets sits a vacant lot, which now serves as the main northern entrance to Downtown Castle Rock. Previously a filing station, the site now contains gravel outlined by a split-rail fence. While this site may be used for future transportation priorities, it can be improved through Public Art Commission Meeting Minutes April 11, 2024 beautification efforts now to increase community pride and set a welcoming tone for those who travel through the Town’s “front door.” The use of temporary or permanent art installations at this location with the flexibility to be potentially moved could dramatically improve the reception for residents and visitors alike. In early 2024, the Public Art Commission issued a call for designs for future artwork. The call received over 70 submissions, which were then juried and narrowed down to three semi-finalists to be considered at their April 11, 2024 meeting. After reviewing proposals and presentations from artists Amie Jacobsen and Jake Balcom, Don Kennell and Lisa Adler, and Dakota Warren, members decided to table the finalist selection to their May meeting for further discussion. PAC 2024-015 Town Manager Update Town Manager Dave Corliss provided an overview of the Town’s financial priorities, specifically highlighting a heightened need to continue to increase staffing for police and fire departments as Castle Rock continues to grow. Leadership is researching additional revenue sources, and one option may include increasing the sales tax rate, which would require voter approval through a ballot initiative. Should the Town decide to pursue this increase in sales tax, a portion of the funds could be set aside for public art and culture initiatives as well. Dave also expressed apprehension regarding Castle Rock’s participation in the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, noting it would likely not provide a strong revenue mechanism to generate money for the Town directly. Member Ken Greenberg voiced concern about local business and organizations who provide essential art and cultural offerings being precluded from SCFD funding because the Town is not a part of the district. Ken believes that supporting art and cultural organizations would further enhance Castle Rock’s growth and economic vitality. Dave expressed that he does not feel a lack of participation is necessarily harmful to the Town as businesses are still choosing to come to Castle Rock and growth remains strong. Chair Jen Perry wondered if Cantril School could eventually become a home for all arts and culture events and programs, qualifying Castle Rock for increased funding as a Tier II organization within SCFD’s funding brackets as defined by state statute. Dave expressed concern over Cantril being a regional draw, noting there is very limited parking and thinks it would take significant time to grow Cantril to that size. Jen and member Katie Klossner both noted that certain organizations who receive SCFD funds outside of Castle Rock, can’t offer their programming to the community per state statute. They further emphasized that organizations in Castle Rock are precluded from receiving the funds, and some organizations may have relocated outside of Castle Rock for this reason. Katie Klossner also confirmed she liked the idea of using a portion of a tax increase for art and culture offerings, but thinks the community at large should still have the opportunity to vote for participation in SCFD. Dana Frazee suggested adding questions about public art and culture programs to Public Art Commission Meeting Minutes April 11, 2024 future community surveys so Town leadership could better gauge public interest and better assess the value of art and culture initiatives. Katie Gasper emphasized that the organization pursuing the SCFD ballot initiative is external to the Town’s Public Art Commission, although several but not all members serve on both. COMMISSION / COUNCIL COMMENTS Members briefly discussed installation locations for Castle Rock’s 2024-2025 Douglas County Art Encounters selections. The group confirmed that they would like to place sculpture Bustin' Out by Joseph Cole at Festival Park; Growing by Charlotte Zink at the Miller Activity Complex; Wind Sprite Zephyr by Annette Coleman at Butterfield Crossing Park; and The Grizz by Channal Vanny at the Third and Perry Street roundabout if possible or potentially along the East Plum Creek Trail at Meadows Parkway. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:37 p.m.