Arts Commission

Minutes of the Meeting Middletown Commission on the Arts Wednesday, February 24, 2021 7:00 p.m., Middletown, CT Via WebEx Present: Pam Steele, Chair Charlotte McCoid, David Bauer Barbara Arafeh Julia Faraci Lee Godburn Joyce Kirkpatrick Also Present Kisha Michael, Arts Coordinator Quinn Kessel and Abby Kriger, MHS students Absent Ed McKeon, Councilmember Edward Ford, Councilmember Minutes 1. Call to Order – meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. 2. Public Session - Chair Steele introduced two MHS students, Quinn Kessel and Abby Kriger who are members of the Mayoral Youth Cabinet. They attended the meeting because of their interests in art in general, public art, and the workings of the Commission, a public office. 3. Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Lee Godburn, seconded by Charlotte McCoid, to accept the minutes of January 22, 2021. Passed unanimously. 4. Approval of Agenda -Motion was made by Joyce Kirkpatrick, seconded by Lee Godburn, to accept the agenda as presented. Passed unanimously. 5. Remarks from the Chair - Chair Steele is still reaching out to people who might be willing to be a Commissioner. She also asked for Commissioners’ thoughts on MCA’s 50th anniversary celebration with a recommendation to have some dates in place before we move forward on planning. 6. Old Business a. Staff Report - Arts Coordinator reported that the Office for General Counsel reached out to all directors with bullet points on compliance with WebEx meetings. MCA meetings are in compliance with one exception; audio identification of Commissioners attending meetings. Arts Coordinator reported on Youth Counsel and that she feels it can message to the greater community. Justin Carbonella, Youth Coordinator, suggested to staff that youth members might possibly join a subcommittee if time allows or if regular meetings prove too hard to attend.  As of this moment, Arts Coordinator is preparing several documents for new initiatives where best practices are upheld. One will be a call for artist. Kids Arts is in the planning stages. Hopes to have both a full physical attendance and capacity this year. Budget Report – MCA checking Account to date is $24,179.16, Shenker Account to date is $15,022.53. The grant awarded to Mark Meyering had to be withdrawn. Ed McKeon has supported a resolution to Common Counsel, asking for resolution #100-20 be amended to reflect the decline of the award amount $7,000. Arts & Culture Office/MCA budget was submitted to Finance and Mayor’s office. Arts Coordinator reviewed with the full commission. On Monday April 12, there will be a budget meeting and the MCA Coordinator will be the first to present after the Mayor. Public meeting for the budget is scheduled for April 22. b. Committee Reports - No Committee reports given. c. Grant Applications Recommendations - Chair reported that the Common Counsel will be presented with a resolution concerning the return of $7,000 to the MCA. No decision on the monies can be made until this happens. 7. New Business a. Secretary assignment - Our secretary, Commissioner Chrystal Laffan stepped down from the MCA due to family constraints. A new secretary will need to be elected. 8. Announcements – It was stated that the coming of March will allow the Governor Lamont to lift some restrictions that could allow future outdoor activities. 9. Adjournment - 7:29p.m. Motion made by J. Faraci, seconded by C. McCoid, and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Charlotte McCoid, Acting-Secretary cc: Town Clerk, Mayor Benjamin D. Florsheim