Arts Board Meeting

CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS CITY HALL - LINDELL ROSS EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM, 300 W. 13 MILE RD. ARTS BOARD MEETING AGENDA APRIL 14, 2026 AT 6:30 PM CALL TO ORDER 6:33 PM ROLL CALL Toya Aaron, Council Representative Mark Bliss, Member (absent) Michael Covert, Chair Laurie Geralds, Council Alternate Mary Harp, Alternate (absent) Susie King, Member Harley Mordarski, Staff Liaison Jennifer Nagle, Vice Chair / Social Media Kimberly Oprins, Member (absent) Vita Palazzolo, Member Keaton Soto-Olson, Member (absent) Thomas Wrona, Alternate (absent) Sandie Young, Member Motion by Aaron, seconded by King, to excuse the following members who gave notice: Harp, Bliss, Soto-Olsen, Wrona, and Oprins Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries ADDITIONS/DELETIONS Motion by Palazzolo, seconded by Nagle to add Changing Meeting Times to the agenda as Item 12 Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes Motion by Aaron, seconded by King, to approve the meeting minutes for February 10, 2026. Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC REPORTS 2. Treasurer Report (Mordarski) Mordarski summarized the treasurer's report, and the Board had no further questions. 3. Social Media Report (Nagle) Nagle reported that the organization’s Facebook content received approximately 1,500 views over the past month, with noticeable spikes in engagement on days when posts were published. She also noted that the majority of these views came from non-followers. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4. Summer Concert Series (Aaron, Bliss, Covert, Oprins) Aaron reported that the subcommittee made several timely decisions following a high volume of applications, with approximately 23–24 bands applying and a strong overall selection. She noted that Dr. Smith will serve as the opening act, and the Weekend ComeBack performance is scheduled for August 5, with two food trucks confirmed for the event(s). The concert will be held at the bandshell, with no indoor relocation, in alignment with staff recommendations. Mordarski also presented postcard design concepts to the board for feedback, noting the need for a quick turnaround to meet Recreation’s flyer deadline prior to inclusion in the summer brochure. The board expressed support for the postcard design and suggested distributing them at the City’s Food Truck Rally in May to help promote upcoming summer events. Motion by Nagle, seconded by King, to spend up to $500 for marketing materials for summer concert and bandshell events as part of the summer at the shell. Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries 5. Arts and Pride (Wrona, Nagle, King) Nagle reported on anticipated event expenses, including a drag performer for two hours at $300, karaoke at an estimated $140, and a face painter at $200. She also noted that two food trucks have been secured, with efforts underway to add a third (popsicle truck). In addition, a second sponsor, a local auto dealership, has been confirmed, contributing $500. Nagle further shared that, due to popular demand, tie-dye activities will be offered again this year. 6. Bandshell Utilization Subcommittee (Geralds, Covert, King, Wrona) The subcommittee reported that a Community Foundation grant in the amount of $5,000 was approved to support a variety of events. The application included funding allocations for summer concert bands ($1,900), live event fees ($1,000), yoga ($150), DJ services ($200), a dance party night ($200), advertising for all events ($1,000), Trail Tunes programming ($700), and a bandshell banner ($400). It was noted that actual expenditures are anticipated to total approximately $800 below the approved amount. Additional programming items include recreational activities, with Sandie providing ladder ball and giant Jenga, and Toya providing giant Connect 4 and giant Uno. Mordarski will provide liability waivers for Board review and use at events. The subcommittee expressed enthusiasm for a full and active summer season with increased community programming at the bandshell. 7. Arts & Crafts Swap (Young, Nagle, King, Wrona) The March swap event was reported as successful, with the initial event performing better overall. Approximately 30 individuals attended throughout the event, including a few participants from Royal Oak. Planning is underway for a “Christmas in July” themed arts and decor swap, featuring holiday items such as Halloween and Christmas decorations. The event is proposed for either July 11 or July 18 and will be structured as a combined arts-and-decor exchange. The subcommittee also discussed seeking donations of decorations to donate to HAVEN or a similar organization. 8. Arts Board Graphics (Bliss, Wrona, Young) No new updates. 9. Civic Center Hopscotch (Geralds) Geralds reported that Eve is checking on the cost of paint supplies and anticipates it to be between $200-275. 10. Student Outreach (Wrona, Geralds, King, Nagle) The subcommittee discussed potential outreach strategies to increase student engagement, including presenting in school art classes for approximately 30 minutes to encourage participation and awareness of the Arts Board. Additional ideas included posting event information in art classrooms and exploring opportunities for the school to share Arts Board programming through the school’s communication channels. 11. Trail Tunes No new updates. NEW BUSINESS 12. USA 250th Anniversary Photography Exhibit in Library (Geralds, Young, Mordarski) Mordarski discussed the possibility of collaborating with the library on an Americana-themed photography exhibit planned for the fall in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, with the goal of bringing the community together. The concept would feature an “in your backyard” style approach focused on capturing local imagery, with an emphasis on Americana and non-political content. This discussion also included the potential for related merchandise. Mordarski suggested the idea of a calendar; however, Geralds noted that calendars may have limited appeal in terms of use these days. Mordarski expressed interest in developing a monetizable product, though details remain to be determined. Suggested themes and prompts for participation included “Hit me with your best shot.” It was also noted that photographer release forms would be required, which was acknowledged as a consideration for the project. 13. Changing of the times In an effort to increase participation and community engagement, the Arts Board has decided to move future meeting times to 7:00 p.m. to better accommodate availability and encourage broader attendance. NEXT MEETING: May 6th, 2026 at 7 PM ADJOURNMENT AT 7:35 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. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.