Arts Commission

Minutes of the Meeting Wednesday December 18, 2019, 7:00 pm Senior Center, 61 Durante Terrace Middletown, CT Present Cassandra Day, Chair David Bauer (left 8:17pm) Franca Biales (arr. 7:09 pm) Absent Julia Faraci Pamela Steele (Secretary) Ed Ford, Council John Basinger Lee Godburn Crystal Laffan Joyce Kirkpatrick Charlotte McCoid Ed McKeon, Council (arr. 7:46 pm) Barbara Arafeh (arr. 7:11 pm) Also Present Kisha Michael, City Arts Coordinator Members of the Public: Anne-Marie Cannata McEwen Trevor Davis 1. Call to Order – Chair Day called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. 2. Public Session – Anne-Marie Cannata McEwen and Trevor Davis presented their views on the changing situation at the Artist’s Cooperative apartments on Main Street, developed by Alderhouse with public funding about 20 years ago. MAC650’s bylaws were revised, and their building at 650 Main Street is now being sold. There was considerable discussion. Trevor Davis will follow up. Anne-Marie Cannata McEwen suggested more coordination with the restaurant community to publicize City arts events. Day suggested contact with the Chamber of Commerce. Cannata McEwen (?) noted the success of Middletown WORKS in helping single mothers find work; Middletown arts may be a source of employment. 3. Minutes - The Minutes of November 20, 2019 were unanimously approved following a motion by Lee Godburn, seconded by David Bauer. 4. Approval of Agenda - The Agenda was unanimously approved following a motion by David Bauer to approve and to move item 8a (2020 Meeting Schedule) to the top, seconded by Ed Ford. i. The 2020 Meeting Schedule was unanimously approved following a motion by Lee Godburn, seconded by David Bauer. 5. Remarks from the Chair - Chair Day reported that the Holiday on Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting event on South Green was attended by 2,000 -3,000 people and a great success. She was in awe of the Middletown High School Band and Choruses who performed outstandingly. 6. Old Business a. Budget Report No Budget Report was given b. Program Update Kisha Michael announced she had been working with Communication for Youth. No reports on Arts Calendar, Grants or Kids Arts. 7. Committee Reports a. Executive Committee – No report.  Minutes of the Meeting Wednesday December 18, 2019, 7:00 pm Senior Center, 61 Durante Terrace Middletown, CT b. Public Art Committee will meet in in January c. Nominating Committee – No report. d. Planning and Projects – Lee Godburn led a discussion about the Arts Advocacy Award possibilities. The Commission will decide in January. Suggestions are still welcome. e. Music Committee - Committee Chair Barbara Arafeh reported that the committee had met. She presented a letter that she had received from the Middlesex Historical Society announcing that it is now open only by appointment. Plans for the exhibition of Middletown Music at the society would seem to be affected – further word is awaited. i. The music committee nominated three candidates for the city music ambassador. Following a motion by Lee Godburn, seconded by Julia Faraci, the Commission unanimously agreed to vote for the Music Ambassador. Following a motion by David Bauer, seconded by Lee Godburn, the Commission unanimously voted by raised hand vote that the House of Moses be recommended to Mayor Florsheim to become Middletown’s 2020 Music Ambassador. f. Poet Laureate – No report. g. Grants Process Review – Councilman Ed McKeon had looked into the matching requirement for arts grants. He said the Linda Reid was doing some research. h. By-laws Review – The MCA Conflict of Interest policy review will be continued. 8. New Business - No other New Business 9. Announcements: The Holiday Spectacular music event will inaugurate the Santo Fragilio Performing Arts Center on December 21. All were wished a Happy Holiday Meeting adjourned at 8:19 PM. Respectfully submitted, Joyce Kirkpatrick and Julia Faraci Secretaries pro tem cc: Town Clerk, Mayor Florsheim