Arts Board Meeting

CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS CITY HALL - LINDELL ROSS EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM, 300 W. 13 MILE RD. ARTS BOARD MEETING AGENDA JANUARY 07, 2026 AT 6:30 PM CALL TO ORDER at 6:35 PM ROLL CALL Toya Aaron, Council Alternate Mark Bliss, Member (absent) Michael Covert, Chair Brian Davis, Member (absent) Laurie Geralds, Council Alternate Mary Harp, Alternate (absent) Susie King, Member Harley Mordarski, Staff Liaison Jennifer Nagle, Social Media Kimberly Oprins, Alternate (absent) Vita Palazzolo, Member (absent) Keaton Soto-Olson, Member (absent) Thomas Wrona, Alternate Sandie Young, Alternate Motion by Nagle, seconded by King, to excuse the following members who gave notice: Bliss, Harp, Palazzolo, Soto-Olson. Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries ADDITIONS/DELETIONS APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes Motion by King, seconded by Nagle, to approve the October 8, 2025, minutes as written. Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC REPORTS 2. Treasurer Report (Mordarski) Mordarski reported that approximately $600 remains in the PayPal balance from Trail Tunes, which will be deposited into the Trail Tunes Escrow soon. 3. Social Media Report (Nagle) Nagle noted minimal traction on social media. The Tiny Art Show at the Library and the Craft Swap received some engagement. She also noted that the most common way people find the Arts Board Facebook page is by search. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4. Summer Concert Series (Aaron, Bliss, Geralds, King, Soto-Olson) The Board agreed to maintain the same concert schedule as the previous year, with events held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. This schedule avoids the July 4 holiday and mirrors last year’s successful structure. Concerts will be held in June, July, and August. The board set the following concert dates: June 10 and June 24; July 8 and July 22; and August 5 and August 19. The Board also discussed increasing band compensation. Given the series' success and performers' feedback that prior payments were below typical rates, the Board expressed support for budgeting $650 per band for the upcoming season. Mordarski recommended that the Board be more aggressive in pursuing sponsorship opportunities and to reconsider their past applications to the Community Foundation; rather than requesting $5,000 for Trail Tunes, perhaps split the request with the Summer Concert series. She explained that Trail Tunes was successful in fundraising last year and that a significant portion of the funding was spent on advertising despite low attendance, resulting in limited return on investment. She suggested that the Board either reallocate the requested funds to other projects or reconsider outreach strategies. In response to a question about why funding for Trail Tunes would be reduced, Mordarski clarified that the grant is not guaranteed and that no existing funds would be reduced; the change would apply only to the grant application, which she recommended a draft proposal outlining planned projects to be presented to the Board at the next meeting. The Board inquired about the due dates for the recreation brochure and news insert submissions. Mordarski explained that the dates have changed due to the transition to a quarterly format and stated that she would follow up with the Communications Department to obtain an updated list of deadlines. Mordarski also noted that by January 17 of the previous year, all sponsors had been secured, concert dates selected, and bands booked. Aaron stated that she would take the lead in organizing a subcommittee meeting and would distribute the previous year’s band spreadsheet to the group for reference. Covert expressed interest in joining the subcommittee if a current member stepped down. It was noted that at the next meeting, the Board would confirm whether Soto-Olson wished to remain on the committee.  5. Bandshell Utilization Subcommittee (Geralds, Covert, King, Palazzolo, Wrona) The Board discussed plans to increase use of the bandshell by hosting four to five additional activities between the scheduled bandshell concerts. Tentative dates for these events include June 17, July 15, July 29, August 5, and August 19. The subcommittee expressed interest in offering activities such as yoga, meditation or singing bowls, and other outdoor programming, similar to last year’s events, which included line dancing and karaoke. 6. Arts & Crafts Swap (Young, Nagle, King, Wrona) Young reported that the event was fun, successful, and required minimal setup and preparation. Participants had a positive experience and made new connections with neighbors. It is also noted that the Breckenridge Room is an ideal location. Any remaining materials were taken by Young to Arts & Scraps. At Arts & Scraps, a QR code allows people to sign up for a donation appointment. The subcommittee recommended increased signage and outreach for future events and requested that the next C&G newsletter include an advertisement. March 14 is tentatively scheduled as the next event date, and the subcommittee also requested the inclusion of a donation basket at the Arts & Crafts Swap. 7. Ofrenda Exhibit in Library (Mordarski, Wrona, King) Mordarski reached out to Heather Hames, HREC staff liaison and Librarian, to explore hosting a community ofrenda in honor of Día de Muertos in the Library exhibit space. Inspired by the Detroit Institute of Arts and its ofrendas, Día de Muertos is a multi-day holiday traditionally celebrated in early November that brings family and friends together to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Given that the Consulate of Mexico is located in Madison Heights, it was identified as a potential sponsor for the exhibit. Additional ideas discussed included offering craft classes such as papel picado and marigold paper flower making. 8. High School Art Exhibit (Wrona, Geralds, King) The Board discussed transitioning the concept of displaying student art at City Hall to a broader student outreach approach. Members noted challenges in communicating with high school art teachers and suggested alternative engagement methods, including hosting a City table at school Art Fairs rather than relocating artwork to City Hall. The idea of incorporating a student representative was supported, and Wrona raised the potential for a mentorship program connecting younger and experienced artists. The Board agreed that expanding connections with local schools and establishing student representation are the desired next steps. 9. Arts Board Logo No Discussion. 10. Civic Center Hopscotch (Geralds) Eve Sandoval remains interested in creating an outline ($200 for design and supplies). The plan is for her to create the outline in chalk, and for the board to schedule a day to paint it over. Arts and Pride (Wrona, Nagle, King) The HREC supports collaboration with the Arts Board on this event. The goal is to host on Sunday, June 7th. Nagle will forward pavilion rental information to Mordarski. NEW BUSINESS 11. Work Plan 2026 The Board provided feedback on the 2026 Work Plan. Mordarski will make the recommended edits before the City Council meeting on January 26th, where Council plans to review. Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 10th, 6:30 pm in the Executive Conference Room ADJOURNMENT at 8:15 PM NOTICE: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation through electronic means in this meeting should contact the City Clerk at (248) 583-0826 or by email: clerks@madison- heights.org at least two working days in advance of the meeting. Reasonable accommodations will be made.