Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting

MINUTES COLTON HALL MUSEUM AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Monday, January 27, 2014 4:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Dias, Greenwald, Ruhnke, Schneider, Wojtkowski Commissioners Absent: Evans, Marohn Ex-Officio and Staff Community Services and Library Director Kim Bui-Burton, Members Present: Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Dennis Copeland, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash Ex-Officio Commissioners are non-voting members, appointed pursuant to MCC § 2-11. CALL TO ORDER 1. Confirm Annual Appointment of Commission Chair and Vice Chair Action: Appointments confirmed. Chair Wojtkowski announced the appointments of Jennifer Ruhnke as Chair and Bob Evans as Vice Chair for 2014. He then switched seats with Commissioner Ruhnke as the new chair. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 2. Monday, November 25, 2013 Action: Approved as submitted (5-0-2, Evans and Marohn absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 3. Receive Museum and Cultural Arts Division Activity Report - November and December 2013 Action: Report received. Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland reported that Christmas in the Adobes (CITA) was very successful. He noted that the Old Monterey Business Association and First Night Monterey revived the Christmas Tree Lighting event in front of Colton Hall and it was held on the first night of CITA. He said the attendance numbers were down for CITA, and it may be due to the delay in opening Colton Hall for the tree lighting ceremony or the cold weather. He stated staff will evaluate the event for next year and work with the Christmas Tree Lighting sponsors and State Parks to decide if the tree lighting ceremony will fall on same night.  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 Manager Copeland reported on a visit from General Services Administration Special Agent Ramos, who is conducting a nation-wide survey of federal arts projects and said we received good marks for our care of those paintings. He said that he and the local arrangements committee are planning several Monterey history tours with two upcoming conferences, the National Council for Public History Conference in Monterey and California Preservation Foundation at Asilomar. He also noted that the Community Foundation for Monterey County awarded us a grant for the Pacific Biological Laboratories (PBL) for creation of a museum interpretive plan, which will establish guidelines and planning for interpreting the Lab to current and future audiences. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton stated the PBL grant will be handled differently than the Colton Hall grant; the Commissioners will be invited to comment, but the study will focus on the neighbors of the lab and all other stakeholders. She commended Manager Copeland for making a really sound case for this grant and other grants and feels the Foundation trusts us with their money and is willing to help the community. Commissioner Wojtkowski asked how much the grant is for. Director Bui-Burton stated it is for $25,000. Commissioner Wojtkowski asked if volunteers are needed for the two conferences. Manager Copeland stated yes, it would help staff tremendously. Commissioner Greenwald inquired if the other locations for CITA had lower attendance numbers this year. Manager Copeland said he spoke to State Parks staff and they said the numbers were very close to last year and other venues reported the same. Commissioner Schneider noted rain was predicted for that night and that may have contributed to the attendance. Commissioner Greenwald asked when the agreement with the PBL club expires. Manager Copeland stated it expires in December 2015. Commissioner Greenwald also inquired if the PBL members are in agreement with the City having tours of the lab. Manager Copeland stated yes, they are supportive of the City conducting tours and fully support the City’s preservation and maintenance of the Lab. 4. Receive Report on 2014 Schedules of Commission Meetings, Volunteer Opportunities, and Events Action: Report received. Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland reviewed all scheduled meetings for the commission. He noted the 1849 Constitutional Convention reenactment may be moved to October 5 to work better with State Parks, and that the Zumba event has posed a problem for History Fest in the past so it may move to October 3- 5, 2014. Commissioner Ruhnke asked the Commissioners to check their calendars and sign up to volunteer for some events. She reminded everyone that Kim Angelis is scheduled for the second Colton Hall Music Series concert on Tuesday, February 11 and the current art exhibit at the Alvarado Gallery is by artist Kristy Sebok titled “In Perspective.” Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 2  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 PUBLIC APPEARANCE New Business 5. Adopt the Colton Hall Museum Interpretive Plan Action: The Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission adopted the Colton Hall Museum Interpretive Plan (5-0-2, Evans, Marohn absent). Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland reviewed the process of creating the interpretive plan for future programming and interpretation of the Colton Hall Museum. He said it is a dynamic document, based on interviews with subcommittee members, staff, community stakeholders, and professionals. He thanked the subcommittee members for their active role and interviews with the consultants; they received some really good, positive ideas. Each chapter has some nuggets and lead to good recommendations for immediate, mid-term and long-term planning to reach a broader audience. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said that in the subcommittee discussions, there was not agreement in some areas of recommendations, and that staff has not had time to meet. Commissioner Wojtkowski asked Manager Copeland for a report on his conversation with the Fire Marshal about using open flame candles in Colton Hall; that they are important to the ambience. Commissioner Greenwald said he feels the same way. Director Bui-Burton stated the candles have been a concern for a long time because we have the duty to keep Colton Hall preserved and safe for the future; we also have a trained fire watch staff member on duty during the concerts. Manager Copeland stated that he has contacted the Fire Marshal’s office and will be meeting with him to discuss the issue of live fire candles in Colton Hall during events. Commissioner Ruhnke stated we have discussed this issue and need to wait for staff to review the plan and then get together with them to combine ideas. She said that today we are approving Erin McClelland’s plan, then we will review it again at a later meeting. Commissioner Wojtkowski stated if we adopt the interpretive plan tonight, we can add a caveat that we received the report and still have a few things to confirm. Commissioner Ruhnke said this is a report on ideas; adopting the plan does not mean we have to do all suggested items. Commissioner Greenwald asked what if we don’t approve the plan tonight. Director Bui-Burton stated that staff must complete a report to the Community Foundation that the plan was completed and presented to the Commission and have not adopted it at this point. She also suggested that the Chair make a presentation to the Council that we need more staffing in this Division; it’s a really important message to carry on to the Council. Commissioner Wojtkowski inquired if this plan is going to City Council right away or are we going to wait to present a complete package to them. He said the subcommittee noted some items that could be done as short-term projects. Commissioner Ruhnke stated we will definitely work with staff to get all the details worked out before going to Council. Commissioner Greenwald inquired about the ADA access issues with Colton Hall. Director Bui- Burton said we have received the ADA transition report on Colton Hall and there is not one right answer; we will take all the information and work to identify some long-term funding. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 3  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 On a motion by Commissioner Greenwald, seconded by Commissioner Wojtkowski, and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the adoption of the Colton Hall Museum Interpretive Plan: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Dias, Greenwald, Ruhnke, Schneider, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Evans, Marohn 6. Review Commission Strategic Plan Goals 2012-2014 Action: Report received. Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland gave the annual review of the Commission’s Strategic Plan Goals 2012-2014. He noted that after the review, the Chair may want to appoint members to current subcommittees. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said it was a very successful three year strategic plan and encouraged the commission to start thinking about setting future goals. Commissioner Schneider feels the same people should stay on the current subcommittees to keep the continuity. Commissioner Ruhnke said the subcommittees will be set up for spring to update the goals and objectives. Director Bui-Burton suggested adding another subcommittee member to come up with future goals. Commissioner Dias would like to see one of our new commissioners on that subcommittee to bring a new perspective. She said we on the right path, there’s a lot of good information here, and feels we should go with what we have, reprioritize and add more details as we go. Commissioner Ruhnke recommended the following appointments to commission subcommittees: Fundraising Subcommittee, add Commissioners Schneider, Marohn or Evans; Music Subcommittee, reappoint Commissioners Evans, Greenwald and Schneider; Strategic Plan Subcommittee: add Commissioner Wojtkowski. The commission discussed Goal #4, Marketing/PR; Commissioner Greenwald said he really had nothing to report back to the commission on the Art Council and feels there’s no need to continue attending these meetings at this time. 7. Approve Change in Tarquinia Trio Performance Fee for the 2014 Colton Hall Evening Music Series Concerts Action: The Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission denied the request for an increased fee for the Tarquinia Trio to play in the 2014 Colton Hall Evening Music Series Concerts and to negotiate with Mike Beck to perform as the alternate musician selected by the Commission (5-0-2, Evans, Marohn absent). Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland stated the Tarquinia Trio have requested the commission to consider an increase in their fee because two of their members have moved to Ohio for a graduate program, but they would still like to play. Commissioner Wojtkowski said he thought the musicians we select were supposed to be more local. Manager Copeland stated that some members of selected groups add travel costs to their proposals. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 4  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 Commissioner Schneider said she does not feel we should pay them more because we have other musicians to choose from. Commissioner Greenwald said Mike Beck would put on a good show. Commissioner Ruhnke noted that Mike Beck travels between here and Texas and asked if we know if he’s available. Manager Copeland said the Tarquinia Trio may still play for the original $500 offered, if not, he will check Mike Beck’s availability and negotiate with him. On a motion by Commissioner Wojtkowski, seconded by Commissioner Dias, and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission denied the request for an increased fee for the Tarquinia Trio for the 2014 Colton Hall Music Series and to negotiate with Mike Beck as the alternate musician selected by the commission: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Dias, Greenwald, Ruhnke, Schneider, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Evans, Marohn 8. Approve Acquisition of Former City Manager Fred Meurer's Historical Prints Action: The Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the acquisition of former City Manager Fred Meurer’s historical prints (5-0-2, Evans, Marohn absent). Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland stated that former City Manager Fred Meurer had a fabulous collection of seven historical prints in his office. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton also stated that Fred purchased these prints with his own private funds and he felt these pieces belonged to Monterey. Commissioner Wojtkowski inquired if there is somewhere in the Council Chambers or some public location to display some of these prints. Commissioner Greenwald said these are museum quality prints and need to be protected. On a motion by Commissioner Greenwald, seconded by Commissioner Schneider, and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the acquisition by gift of seven historical prints from former City Manager Fred Meurer: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Dias, Greenwald, Ruhnke, Schneider, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Evans, Marohn COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Greenwald said to keep your eye on the Monterey Museum of Art, their new director Charlotte Eyerman is having a huge impact with more activities and publicity, and she’s doing amazing things. He said the current exhibit at the La Mirada Museum features photographer Yousef Karsh, and said that due to a special connection with the man who runs the estate, the museum has received some of his prints. They also plan to extend their hours, have music and lectures, etc. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 5 Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 Commissioner Wojtkowski reported the City received good news on the Cooper Molera building. Director Bui-Burton said that after some discussion, they removed the house, will rehabilitate the barn to use for events, turn the warehouse into outdoor seating, have historic gardens, and create a new kitchen structure that will meet all standards. Commissioner Wojtkowski reminded everyone that the Chocolate & Wine fundraiser event at the Library is this Friday. Commissioner Ruhnke noted the State Parks adobes are opening for longer hours. Manager Copeland said the State Parks funding has improved. He said that’s one reason the school groups have decreased, they want to spend a full day seeing all of the adobes and Colton Hall. The new proposal also provides the opportunity for State Parks to join with the National Trust. Director Bui-Burton noted that the State Parks has always run the Cooper Molera building and said the retail store may move to Custom House Plaza. Manager Copeland said it will bring in a lot more traffic in that location. NEXT MEETING Monday, February 24, 2014 ADJOURNMENT Chair Ruhnke adjourned the meeting at 5:25 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Dennis Copeland, Manager Jennifer Ruhnke, Chair Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Colton Hall Museum & Cultural Arts Commission Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, January 27, 2014 6