Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting

MINUTES COLTON HALL MUSEUM AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Monday, April 22, 2013 4:00 PM MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM, 625 PACIFIC STREET MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Dias, Evans, Greenwald, Kimzey, Ruhnke, Wojtkowski Commissioners Absent: Schneider Ex-Officio and Staff Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Dennis Members Present: Copeland, Harbormaster Steve Scheiblauer, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash Ex-Officio Commissioners are non-voting members, appointed pursuant to MCC § 2-11. CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Monday, March 25, 2013 Action: Approved with corrections (6-0-1, Schneider absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 2. Receive Museum and Cultural Arts Division Activity Report – March 2013 Action: Report received. Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland reported the work done by the CSUMB interns has been a very helpful and beneficial. They helped to remove and reinstall the Cannery Row Worker Shacks exhibits which were removed from the buildings during the glass window replacement. The students cleaned, photographed, and created a new inventory list of exhibit materials. During the month of April, staff focused on collection management. He announced that the second annual Talking History Series will be held at Colton Hall on Sundays in May in celebration of National Museum Month. Commissioner Wojtkowski inquired if we pay the speakers who participate in the Talking History Series. Manager Copeland said it is mostly done voluntarily.  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, April 22, 2013 PUBLIC APPEARANCE New Business 3. Receive Report on Colton Hall Music Concert Annual Expenditures 2011-2013 Action: Report received. Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland reviewed the cost of the last three years of concerts. He said what is most noticeable is an increase in performer’s fees. If the Commission selects performers who charge $1,000 or more, then the Division can only have three concerts during a year. If the performers charge less, it may be possible to have more concerts, depending on donations and staff hours. Commissioner Wojtkowski noted that the equipment supplies have been consistently the same. Manager Copeland confirmed the supplies cost is around $500-$550 each year. Commissioner Greenwald said he finds this information very helpful. In the past the Subcommittee’s only criteria was the quality of the music; now we also have a framework for funding to work with. Commissioner Wojtkowski stated one of our better groups was the lowest-priced two years ago. Commissioner Greenwald stated this year the musicians we thought were worthy were expensive. Commissioner Wojtkowski suggested setting parameters on the cost and possibly hold four concerts from early January through March. Commissioner Greenwald inquired if having four concerts is more important than getting three good performing groups. Commissioner Wojtkowski stated that people really appreciate the concerts and we’ve had very good quality concerts in the past. Manager Copeland reviewed the list of musicians for the last three years and their cost. Commissioner Dias agreed that holding four concerts is a good goal to have. She stated it all depends on how much money is received in donations. She said the different styles of music bring more people to the concerts. Commissioner Evans inquired if staff negotiates with groups on their fees. Manager Copeland stated yes and that staff negotiated with performers during this last concert series. Commissioner Ruhnke inquired if they include their cost when they submit their application. Commissioner Greenwald stated the Subcommittee negotiated with one group to reduce their fee from $4,000 to $1,000. Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland reviewed the process regarding the Request for Music. Commissioner Greenwald added that we have a mailing list and there are many repeat attendees. Commissioner Kimzey inquired if there is criteria for the music selected. Manager Copeland stated the criteria includes themes and quality of music and the broad theme has allowed including a wider range of music, including folk music, jazz, etc. Commissioner Wojtkowski reiterated that if we have a chance to have four concerts we should try to do it for the next music series. Commissioner Wojtkowski suggested separating the money to show how much was received at each of the concerts and how much was received through the donation request letter. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, April 22, 2013 2  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, April 22, 2013 On a motion by Commissioner Evans, seconded by Commissioner Dias, and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Music Series Subcommittee work on obtaining funding to have four (4) concerts in the next music series: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Dias, Evans, Greenwald, Kimzey, Ruhnke, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Schneider 4. Approve Acquisition of “Harbor of Refuge” Oceanic Art Action: The Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the acquisition of a piece of artwork by Andrew Ward called “Harbor of Refuge” which will be displayed in the Harbormaster’s Office (6-0-1, Schneider absent). Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland introduced artist Andrew Ward and Harbormaster Steve Scheiblauer. Harbormaster Scheiblauer stated that Monterey is truly a harbor of refuge and a very important harbor on the West Coast. He has known Andrew Ward for many years. Andrew Ward showed the anchor plaque to the Commission. Harbormaster Scheiblauer said the plaque will be displayed in the Harbormaster’s office where there are about 30-40 plaques already hanging. Commissioner Evans stated there are not a lot of harbors along the West Coast and talked about different harbors from San Diego north. He said Monterey really is a harbor of refuge and is a necessary stop for most boaters. Andrew Ward wished everyone a Happy Earth Day and said he is here to present this anchor plaque for the gratitude of having the harbor. He said the anchor is one of a series and he will be offering them to other harbors; Santa Cruz was first and then Monterey. “I’m working my way down the coast,” stated Mr. Ward. On a motion by Commissioner Kimzey, seconded by Commissioner Ruhnke, and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the acquisition of a “Harbor of Refuge” piece of oceanic art denoting an anchor which will be placed in the Harbormaster’s Office: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Dias, Evans, Greenwald, Kimzey, Ruhnke, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Schneider COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Kimzey inquired about the City’s Ambassador Program. Manager Copeland stated the program is for City staff so they can learn about and then be able to tell residents and visitors about services, programs and sites to visit, including some history about Monterey. It helps the “Ambassador” staff to better communicate with our visitors and residents. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, April 22, 2013 3  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, April 22, 2013 Commissioner Kimzey asked if the Golden State Theater is considered a cultural asset. Commissioner Wojtkowski stated that it’s one of two buildings with protection of the Department of the Interior standards. It is currently being leased to Alternative Café who provide entertainment. Commissioner Kimzey asked if the building is open to public. Commissioner Wojtkowski stated not at this time. Commissioner Evans inquired if the organ that is raised up by water is still there. Commissioner Wojtkowski responded that it is. Commissioner Ruhnke said she is really enjoying her Historic Monterey volunteer classes; there is a lot of interest from other people who want to learn the history of Monterey and be able to share with others. She said Commissioner Greenwald gave a tour at La Mirada last week which was very good and hopes he will do an in-depth tour in the future. Commissioner Dias stated it would be better for her if the class was scheduled from 5:00-7:00 p.m. She also noted that she has been receiving a lot of information regarding homelessness and asked how that is impacting heritage tourism. Manager Copeland stated that Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton and Police Chief Penko presented a report on homelessness to the City Council and he will ask Kim to report on this at the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Evans said he went through the PowerPoint presentation for the Presidio and that it is very interesting. Manager Copeland stated that the PowerPoint was part of the earlier Commission tour of the Presidio Museum and Lower Presidio Historic Park. Chair Wojtkowski adjourned the regular meeting at 4:55 p.m. and reconvened for the Field Trip to tour the Library artwork and the California History Room. 5. FIELD TRIP - Tour of the Monterey Public Library Artwork and the California History Room Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland began the tour in the Community Room, then moved into the main Library to give an overview of the artwork, then gave an introduction to the California History Room. He stated the Library is another gallery for City art and that most of the artwork in Library was donated by the artists. The Field Trip was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. NEXT MEETING Monday, May 20, 2013 ADJOURNMENT Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland adjourned the field trip at 5:35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Dennis Copeland, Manager Bill Wojtkowski, Chair Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Colton Hall Museum & Cultural Arts Commission Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, April 22, 2013 4