Arts Board Meeting

CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS CITY HALL - LINDELL ROSS EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM, 300 W. 13 MILE RD. ARTS BOARD MEETING AGENDA FEBRUARY 10, 2026 AT 6:30 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Toya Aaron, Council Representative Mark Bliss, Member Michael Covert, Chair Brian Davis, Member (absent) Laurie Geralds, Council Alternate Mary Harp, Alternate (absent) Susie King, Member (absent) Harley Mordarski, Staff Liaison Jennifer Nagle, Social Media Kimberly Oprins, Alternate Vita Palazzolo, Member (absent) Keaton Soto-Olson, Member (absent) Thomas Wrona, Alternate Sandie Young, Alternate (absent).. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes Motion by Wrona, seconded by Nagle, to approve meeting minutes from January 7th, 2026 Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC REPORTS 2. Treasurer Report (Mordarski) Mordarski reported that a few items were recently reclassified after being deposited into incorrect accounts. As an example, the Trail Tunes banner expense was originally placed in the wrong account and has since been corrected. Mordarski also noted that the Trail Tunes event generated approximately $600 in revenue through PayPal that was recently deposited.  3. Social Media Report (Nagle) Nagle reported that social media engagement has increased significantly, with views up 162%. Upcoming events currently being promoted include the Arts & Crafts Swap in March and Arts and Pride. Interest in the Arts & Crafts Swap has been particularly strong, with 151 individuals currently marked as interested online, surpassing engagement from the previous event. Nagle noted that this is an ideal time for organizers of Trail Tunes to begin providing promotional material for upcoming summer events. She requested that board members with upcoming programs submit text and photos so that they can be scheduled for social media promotion. Bliss indicated that he will send Nagle material for posting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4. Summer Concert Series (Aaron, Bliss, Covert, Oprins) The Summer Concert Series subcommittee met and discussed potential performers for the upcoming season. Based on prior attendance, the group recommended booking two of the most popular bands from previous years: Weekend Comeback and Dr. Smith. Weekend Comeback is currently scheduled for August 5. The Board discussed marketing the summer programming as a coordinated series of events at the park, emphasizing that there will be something happening at the bandshell each week. The goal is to create a consistent “live music and live events in the park” experience throughout the summer. The Board also discussed contingency plans for inclement weather. Members proposed requesting the Active Adult Center as a backup location on Wednesdays in case of rain. Other possible locations mentioned included the fire station or the basement of City Hall. Mordarski expressed concern about the suitability of those spaces but agreed to inquire about availability while encouraging the Board to consider alternative options. The Board also discussed applying for funding through the Community Foundation. The first grant cycle runs from February 15, 2026 through March 15, 2026. Members are currently reviewing the application materials and funding guidelines. Additionally, the Board plans to create an “Arts in the Park” banner to advertise all arts-related summer programming. The banner design must be finalized by June 1, and sponsorship commitments will need to be secured by Memorial Day in order to be included. Bliss will research the cost of producing the banner. Food truck participation was also discussed. Three food trucks (Fry Guy, Grille Wraps, and Taco Hub) have expressed interest and will select dates to attend events. Bliss recommended positioning the food trucks in the location previously used for the events trailer. 5. Arts & Crafts Swap (Young, Nagle, King, Wrona) The Arts & Crafts Swap is scheduled for March 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Breckenridge Room. The event has generated strong interest on social media and is currently receiving significant online engagement. 6. Bandshell Utilization Subcommittee (Geralds, Covert, King, Wrona)  The subcommittee reported that marketing for additional bandshell programming will follow a similar format to other summer events. While no events have been finalized yet, the group is exploring several programming options including yoga, drum circles, movie nights in partnership with the Recreation Department or Library, family game nights, open mic nights, and DIY craft nights. The Board expects to finalize programming for June 17 and other dates by March 6. Bliss also suggested that the subcommittee partner with the Historical Commission to host a movie in the park featuring Charade, noting that public performance rights are currently available. 7. Student Outreach (Wrona, Geralds, King, Nagle) Wrona reported that the subcommittee has not yet held discussions but plans to begin narrowing the scope and identifying potential outreach ideas. Aaron noted that she emailed Mrs. Vickers, a leadership teacher, to inform her about open Arts Board positions in hopes that a student leader may be interested in participating. Additional ideas discussed included a community paint-by-number idea, neighborhood art participation projects, and a chalk art event where participants could create chalk drawings outdoors. Mordarski also recommended reaching out to local art teachers and distributing flyers at the schools’ annual art show. The group also discussed the possibility of incorporating a mentorship component into the Arts and Pride event, though the idea would require further development. 8. Arts Board Graphics (Bliss, Wrona, Young) The subcommittee discussed design concepts for the summer events banner. Bliss offered to assist with the design process. 9. Civic Center Hopscotch (Geralds) Geralds reported that Eve created another design concept for the hopscotch installation and plans to chalk the outline during a favorable spring day. 10. Arts and Pride (Wrona, Nagle, King) The committee reported that a budget has been established for the event and that the yard sign fundraiser will continue this year. Organizers are planning to hire a professional face painter and a karaoke provider. They are also actively seeking sponsors and vendors to participate in the event. Mordarski noted that because the event is being co-hosted, the Arts Board can initially pay expenses through its account up front, and the costs can later be reconciled between the Arts Board and the HREC. As a result, some fluctuations in the Arts Board account may appear in the financial reports. NEW BUSINESS 11. Elections Motion by Bliss to elect Michael Covert as Chair and Jen Nagle as vice Chair, Second by Wrona Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries Motion by Aaron to appoint Mark as social media, seconded by Wrona. Mark declined the nomination for personal reasons. Aaron rescinds the motion. Motion by Bliss to give temporary access to social media to Kimberly Oprins, Second by Wrona Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries Next Meeting: March 10th at 6:30 PM Before adjournment, it is noted that Geralds will take the lead on the Community Foundation application and Bliss announced that the Tentative Day for Trail Tunes is August 29th. ADJOURNMENT at 7:54 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. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.