Arts Commission

Minutes of the Meeting Nominating Subcommittee Middletown Commission on the Arts Tuesday, April 16, 2023 5:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting by Webex Nomination Subcommittee Minutes of Meeting Present: Domenique Thornton (Chair), Sharon Riley, Gary Wallace Absent: Phil Pessina Also in Attendance: Staff: Kisha Michael, Arts Coordinator 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 5:01 p.m. 2. Public Session: No members of public present. 3. Approval of Agenda: Wallace moved to approve, Riley seconded. 4. Approval of Minutes from November 27, 2023: Riley moved to approve, Thornton seconded. 5. Old Business A. Recommendations for prospective Commissioners Richard Pelletier (D), who has expressed interest in serving on the Arts Commission, was proposed by Thornton. He has served on the Planning & Zoning Commission and on various building commissions, representing the interests of people with disabilities. Thornton will nominate Pelletier at next week’s Regular Meeting. The Arts Coordinator noted that the Commission currently has 2 Republicans, 2 Unaffiliated voters, and 5 Democrats; she also noted that Renee Soares (D) left the MCA last month. The Nominating Committee reviewed ideas on recruitment of Republican Commissioners. The Subcommittee will reach out to Phil Pessina. Wallace will network with his contacts in veteran and other communities. B. Sunshine club correspondences Michael said that last week, MCA pins were sent to former Commissioners, with letters thanking them for their service signed by Commission Chair Sandra Russo-Driska. C. Youth & Gov’t recruitment Michael recommended that the Nominating Subcommittee contact Justin Carbonella of the Youth Services Bureau for assistance in recruiting students who are currently sophomores and juniors to serve as Youth Commissioner next academic year. Riley agreed to contact Carbonella. Riley commented that she has had no responses from her other contacts. The Arts Coordinator stated that her daughter, Amber Michael, a Middletown resident, is interested in serving as a Youth Commissioner; she asked whether this would constitute a conflict of interest. As Amber attends school out of town, Thornton recommended that a Middletown High School student should be recruited for a Youth Commissioner seat as well. Thornton also asked whether one seat each should go to a Middletown High student and a Wesleyan student. Page 1 of 2  Minutes of the Meeting Nominating Subcommittee Middletown Commission on the Arts Tuesday, April 16, 2023 5:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting by Webex 6. New Business: No new business 7. Adjournment: Wallace moved to adjourn, seconded by Wallace; meeting was adjourned at 5:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julia O’Halloran Faraci Admin. Secretary III, Arts & Culture Office CC: Mayor’s Office Page 2 of 2