Arts Board Meeting

CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS CIVIC CENTER PARK - PAVILION C ARTS BOARD MEETING AGENDA JULY 22, 2026 AT 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Toya Aaron, Council Representative (arrived 6:03) Mark Bliss, Member (absent) Michael Covert, Chair Laurie Geralds, Council Alternate (absent) Susie King, Member Harley Mordarski, Staff Liaison Jennifer Nagle, Vice Chair / Social Media Kimberly Oprins, Member (absent) Keaton Soto-Olson, Member (absent) Thomas Wrona, Alternate Sandie Young, Alternate Motion by King, seconded by Wrona, to excuse those who gave notice: Bliss, Geralds, Soto-Olson. Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries ADDITIONS/DELETIONS Motion by Young, seconded by Wrona, to add Lanyard Discussion as agenda item 13. Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Nagle, seconded by King, to approve the meeting minutes. Yea: All Nay: None Motion Carries MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC REPORTS 2. Treasurer Report Mordarski presented the Treasurer's report and provided an overview of Arts and Pride expenditures as requested. 3. Social Media Report Nagle noted that the Summer Concert Series was promoted extensively through the City's social media channels. Over the past 28 days, the City's accounts gained additional followers and generated approximately 27,000 views. Posts and advertisements related to the Summer Concert Series received strong engagement. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4. Summer Concert Series (Aaron, Bliss, Covert, Oprins) The Board discussed the upcoming Summer Concert Series performance featuring Night Sky Alumni, scheduled for that evening. Covert will serve as the host and confirmed possession of the bandshell key, which will be returned to the City Manager's Office later in the week. 5. Bandshell Utilization Subcommittee (Geralds, Covert, King, Wrona) The Bandshell Utilization Subcommittee provided an update on upcoming programming: The Yoga in the Park event has been rescheduled to August 4, and the Open Mic Night remains scheduled for August 11. Nagle will update the event pages to reflect the revised schedule and ensure the public has the most current information. 6. Arts & Crafts Swap (Young, Nagle, King, Wrona) The Board discussed the outcome of the Arts & Crafts Swap. While attendance was lower than anticipated, the event helped increase the Arts Board's social media following and provided an opportunity to connect with organizers of a local Native American powwow who may be interested in collaborating on future events. The Board also discussed the possibility of hosting a Native American performance, noting that a larger troupe from the Upper Peninsula would cost approximately $3,000. Mordarski provided information for other local tribal nations who may be open to partnership. Additionally, members began brainstorming potential programming for November, including a Black Friday or other holiday-themed event featuring seasonal decorations. 7. Civic Center Hopscotch (Geralds) No updates 8. Student Outreach (Wrona, Geralds, King, Nagle) The Board briefly discussed youth engagement opportunities, with no formal updates to report. As the school year approaches, Wrona suggested reaching out to local teachers to explore potential partnerships and student involvement. He also discussed the possibility of incorporating youth participation into the upcoming Skelebration event, including volunteer opportunities for students. Young recommended contacting local high school drama clubs to gauge interest in participating. 9. Trail Tunes (Bliss, Aaron, Nagle, Young) The Board reported that planning for the upcoming event is continuing. Mark provided Nagle with materials to assist with promoting the event on social media and other communication channels. Nagle will send the business sponsorship list to Aaron to solicit businesses. Nagle will also provide Mordarski with a graphic to be included on the City's America 250 postcards. The Board noted that both the library and a local foster care nonprofit have expressed interest in hosting tables at the event. Mordarski will provide Nagle a PayPal link with information on submitting payments. Vendor registration fees will be $10 per table. Sandie reviewed a previous vendor list and contacted 16 vendors from the Blake's event. Kevin Wright will also distribute an email to vendors to encourage participation. The Board identified several items needed by August 5, including:  A finalized park map.  A staff needs list.  Coordination of event logistics, including the event trailer, keys, traffic cones, and road closure materials. Mordarski also noted that check requests must be submitted by August 13 to ensure timely processing. 10. USA 250th Backyard & Beyond Photography Exhibit (Geralds, Young) No updates. 11. Use Generative AI for Arts Board Marketing Materials The Board discussed the use of artificial intelligence in relation to its work and programming. The consensus among members was that, as an arts-focused organization, the Board has a responsibility to support and promote human-created artwork and non-generative AI. 12. Ofrenda (Potential Library Collaboration) Members noted that the Board currently has limited membership and that Mordarski’s availability to procure the exhibit will be limited during the upcoming fall season. Aaron highlighted that Mordarski’s community connections would be valuable in helping coordinate the exhibit and recommended postponing the project until the Board has additional capacity NEW BUSINESS 13. Lanyard The Board discussed lanyard options for future events and noted that a 25-pack of green lanyards is available for $21.99. Aaron confirmed that she already has lanyards available and can bring them for Board use. Young also discussed the possibility of creating waterproof stickers to attach to the lanyards as an additional promotional item. Next Arts Board Meeting: August 19th at 6 pm at Civic Center Park before Sonic Freeway’s performance at the bandshell. Adjournment at 6:29 pm ADJOURNMENT 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.