Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting

MINUTES COLTON HALL MUSEUM AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Monday, June 22, 2015 4:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Evans, Marohn, Greenwald, Ruhnke, Sovereign, Wojtkowski Commissioners Absent: Dias Ex-Officio and Staff Community Services Director Kim Bui-Burton , Museums & Members Present: Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Dennis Copeland, Recording Secretary Claire Rygg Staff Members Absent: Ex-Officio Commissioners are non-voting members, appointed pursuant to MCC § 2-11. CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM CONSENT ITEMS 1. Monday, May 18, 2015 ACTION: Approved. On a motion by Commissioner Wojtkowksi, seconded by Vice Chair Marohn and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the minutes. AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Evans, Marohn, Greenwald, Sovereign, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Dias ABSTAIN: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Ruhnke RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 2. Receive Museum and Cultural Arts Division Activity Report – May 2015 ACTION: Report received. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions: Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Copeland highlighted selected items on the staff activity report. He invited Commissioners to the unveiling of the Vizcaíno-Serra Oak Mural on Friday, July 17 at 11:00 am. The mural will be located on a wall by an embankment just below the curve on Lighthouse Avenue. The Commission previously approved the concept of the mural in August 2007. The Architectural Resources Group was selected to conduct the grant-funded Colton Hall ADA Accessibility Study with Recommendations. It is anticipated they will begin work in July 2015. Staff is replacing old interpretive signs for the Lower Presidio Historic Park (LPHP) with new ones. Commissioner Wojtkowski recalled a discussion last year about a directional sign on the corner of Van Buren and Scott Streets by the Doud house to the bridge walkway to the LPHP, and thought it was approved. He asked if the bridge was operational, and Manager Copeland said he will check with the City’s traffic engineer about the signage. Commissioner Evans noted the reduced number of visitors at the Pacific Biological Laboratories. Manager Copeland said that while the number of monthly City tours has increased, attendance numbers for group use fluctuates depending when groups want to visit the Lab. He also noted that the lowered attendance at Colton Hall Museum which is probably due to the loss of public events at Colton Hall and field trip funding cutbacks for some schools. Community Services Director Bui-Burton announced that the City Council approved the Museum supplemental budget request to continue to fund the heritage tourism program for the next two years. She thanked Commissioners Evans and Sovereign for their comments and letters supporting the budget requests, for FY 15/16, renewal of the two- year cell phone contract and printing of the Explore Monterey brochures and distribution, and for FY 16/17 the brochure distribution service. Once the cell phone tour signage is installed, staff hopes to see an increase in cell phone tour use and feedback. The City Council also approved the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) project for the Lower Presidio Historic Park for Phase 1 & 2, the master plan for public art, and the Cannery Row Worker Shacks which will be funded from remaining funds from other NIP projects. For the public art master plan, NIP Coordinator Jeff Krebs may speak to the Commission during the August meeting as it would seem appropriate that the Commission be involved in the project. We are also awaiting the outcome for Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. OLD BUSINESS 3. Receive Update Report on May 2015 Cultural Arts Program Series on Colton Hall Lawn ACTION: Report received. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 2 Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions and Discussion: Manager Copeland reviewed the report with the Commissioners highlighting program budget, attendance and donations. Staff sees that the pilot program has potential to develop in two to three years into a larger program to promote other history and cultural arts programs, but the key issue is how to replenish the remaining music fund balance. Will the Commission want to continue with the outdoor music series program on the lawn, or try another venue which may involve other costs, or suspend the music program? Director Bui-Burton added that staff wanted to bring this informational report to the Commission to look at the series as a whole and ask if members of the Commission want the Music Subcommittee to bring ideas or recommendations to another Commission meeting to make decision based on what staff have been able to report. Commissioner Sovereign commented on the funding problem because donations were not as high as compared to the donations when music series was held upstairs in Colton Hall. He is not convinced that having an outdoor music series would be beneficial due to the noise and weather. Would the music series be moved back upstairs? Director Bui-Burton said the program could return to Colton Hall once ADA accessibility is achieved. Doing the accessibility study in 2015 is an important first step to determine two things: 1) is accessibility possible? and 2) what the costs would be. Realistically, it would take several years, if everything was successful, to implement the accessibility plan for Colton Hall. Vice-Chair Marohn said that the Commission cannot legally hold a music concert upstairs until ADA access is achieved. Chair Evans said he went to the Monterey County Pops Concert on May 25, and it was a very successful and well-attended event, and the performers were located and sheltered in the courtyard area by Few Memorial Hall of Records. He and Vice-Chair Marohn suggested, due to the Pops’ popularity and their large network, perhaps collaborating or “piggy-back” with them for publicizing the City’s music events. Commissioner Ruhnke asked how long the Pops have played on the lawn, and Director Bui-Burton said they have played for two years. Vice-Chair Marohn emphasized that publicity trend goes up when Commissioners and staff are involved with publicity by word-of-mouth, flyers, and social media, and that the public likes free events. Commissioner Wojtkowski asked if the Commission would promote well-known groups or local music groups for the program. He suggested having the Music Subcommittee review the Commission’s concerns, perhaps have one more music series in spring of 2016, send a fundraising letter to contacts on the mailing list, and have the Subcommittee report back on the items discussed to the Commission at the July meeting. Vice-Chair Marohn reminded the Commission that when the Angel Auction ends, a couple of Commissioners would be free to do fundraising and marketing for four or five months leading up to the May concerts. Commissioner Wojtkowski said since the spring music concerts were just held, a timely follow-up letter could mention the problem of accessing the upstairs of Colton Hall, and the Commission needs help funding the concerts for 2017. Vice-Chair Marohn asked why the Commission does not go and personally ask people who could donate more money, or ask for a sponsorship. Director Bui-Burton and Manager Copeland said that the subject of sponsorships had been discussed and the Commission sought sponsorship funding for previous concerts, with personal donations, but no sponsorships realized. Commissioner Wojtkowski reminded the Commission about the level of donations allowed individuals to reserve a seat in the first three rows up at Colton Hall. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 3  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 On a motion by Commissioner Wojtkowksi, seconded by Vice Chair Marohn and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved that the Music Subcommittee put together a proposal for the Music Series for the next meeting on July 27, 2015. AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Evans, Marohn, Greenwald, Ruhnke, Sovereign, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Dias ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE 4. Receive Update Report from Angels Auction Subcommittee on November 2015 Joint Angels Auction Fundraiser with Old Monterey Foundation ACTION: Report received. Commissioner Ruhnke reported that the Angels Auction Subcommittee met with the Old Monterey Foundation (OMF) subcommittee on Friday, June 19 at the Museum of Monterey (MOM), the venue location for The Angels Auction Fundraiser. The event will be held on Saturday, December 5, with the reception at 6 pm and auction 7:30 pm. Subcommittee members talked with OMF Board Director Nancy Selfridge about event logistics: displaying the angels, the auction at the theater, and use of the adjacent Community Room. Vice Chair Marohn said the venue location is spacious, but there is an issue of parking. He and OMF President Frank Sollecito will pick up angels from the artists, transport and set them up for display at downtown Monterey businesses, then return angels to MOM for public viewing on Monday, November 30. Commissioner Wojtkowski suggested that attendees could purchase a $10 annual parking pass and park their vehicles near MOM (Museum of Monterey). 5. Receive Update Report from Cell Phone Tours Signage Subcommittee ACTION: Report received. Commissioner Sovereign spoke with Father Crivello of the Royal Presidio Chapel, who suggested using an existing post for the cell phone tour sign. Commissioner Wojtkowski spoke with a Monterey History and Art Association representative about placing a sign at the Casa Serrano site. Fisherman’s Wharf representative Mary Alice Fettis agreed that a sign could be attached discreetly onto the large Fisherman’s Wharf sign. Manager Copeland suggested the subcommittee members meet with him and show him the locations of the signs. Commissioner Wojtkowski asked if there was a sign posted at the Visitors’ Center and thanked staff for the photos showing the locations of the cell phone signs. He suggested sending the photos to staff and volunteers at the Visitors’ Center and State Parks so they know the locations of the cell phone signs. Manager Copeland said a sign is being placed at the Visitor Center and Director Bui-Burton will provide a copy of cell phone tour sign locations to provide to CVB staff. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 4  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 6. Receive a Report on Proposed Bicentennial Celebration of the Battle of Monterey 2018 Commissioner Sovereign spoke with Father Crivello of the Royal Presidio Chapel in regard to helping with the Bicentennial; however Father Crivello will be leaving the area for another assignment and will not be able to assist. Commissioner Sovereign will try other groups such as the Knights of Columbus in order to get some continuity. He has a list of organizations to send information about the general idea of the Bicentennial, but a key group has not yet been identified to assist with the proposed event. Chair Evans suggested the Old Monterey Foundation (OMF), and Commissioner Sovereign noted he may ask the Friends of the Monterey Public Library. Commissioner Ruhnke asked about Patrick O’Dowd’s connections with groups; it was explained that O’Dowd is on the OMF Board of Directors. Sovereign also mentioned that Monterey was once part of Latin America and we could tie the bicentennial celebration to the 250th anniversary of the founding of Monterey in 2020. Manager Copeland said that the Presidio historians, Deputy Historian Cameron Binkley and Command Historian Dr. Stephan Payne, are interested in the BOM event. 7. Review and Update Commission Strategic Plan Goals 2014-2016 Manager Copeland said the strategic plan was updated in January 2015. Subcommittee and tasks have been added since then. It would be helpful to identify objectives and activities of the subcommittees in the plan, for example, the new BOM subcommittee with its goals and objectives. Director Bui-Burton said that staff typically brings the strategic plan to the Commission in July or August, and provides a report on the subcommittees’ activities and accomplishments. Staff wants to make sure that the tremendous work of the subcommittees will be recognized by Commission and staff will add BOM under Goal # 2. Commissioner Sovereign asked if the subcommittees’ could review and revise their subcommittee work plans, including who is in charge of their activities, and Director Bui-Burton said it would be helpful. For the Strategic Plan, Commissioner Wojtkowski suggested listing ad-hoc and continuing subcommittees, and added as an example the Cell Phone Tours Signage subcommittee’s work will be completed soon and will disband. He also suggested listing Commission liaisons with other community groups as he is now the liaison with the Old Monterey Foundation. Another suggestion: Under “Fundraising”, incorporate Vice-Chair Marohn’s comments about fundraising resources. On a motion by Vice Chair Marohn, seconded by Commissioner Wojtkowski and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved that all the subcommittees meet to make changes on their line items on the strategic plan, and present their changes at the August 24, 2015 Commission meeting. AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Evans, Marohn, Greenwald, Ruhnke, Sovereign, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Dias ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 5 Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 Public Comments: COMMISSIONER COMMENTS— Chair Evans read the interpretive plan for the Pacific Biological Laboratories which mentioned a work program, and asked about the status of the plan. Commissioner Ruhnke said the Commission does not have oversight of the PBL. Bui-Burton said that Museum staff work plans for the next fiscal year have not yet been developed, and there is not a work plan for the PBL Interpretive Plan, but updates can be presented as part of the staff activity reports. Chair Evans asked, if not the Commission, who will oversee the implementation of the interpretive plan? Bui-Burton said it is the staff’s role, as with staff oversight of the Cannery Row Worker Shacks and the Presidio of Monterey Museum. She added that in FY 15/16 a primary staff responsibility will be the relocation of artwork from the Monterey Conference Center. Staff will be happy to update the Commission about staff work plans once they are developed. Commissioner Wojtkowski suggested that the cell phone tour signage subcommittee and Commission could help staff implement the cell phone tour program. Director Bui-Burton said that staff is very appreciative of the subcommittee’s work to advance the cell phone tour program. Staff is also very mindful of the need to begin work on the Colton Hall interpretive plan, and look forward to working with that subcommittee to move forward. When staff and the Commission review the Strategic Plan in August, which will provide more information on items that could be added as appropriate. Commissioner Ruhnke wanted to thank Chair Evans and Commissioner Sovereign for their support for the cell phone tours and their letters to the City Council in support of the heritage tourism program. Commissioner Wojtkowski said that the Monterey Bay Aquarium invited the Commissioners to an event on July 6. He will also send copy of the minutes from Old Monterey Foundation so Commissioners are aware of what OMF is doing. Commissioner Sovereign wanted to know the status of the sculptures at the Monterey Conference Center, particularly a ceremonial vase from Monterey’s sister city in Japan. Director Bui-Burton said that Manager Copeland has been working with the construction project management on relocating or storing artwork, including the sculpture. Commissioner Sovereign suggested the lobby of the Sports Center as a location. NEXT MEETING Monday, July 27, 2015 ADJOURNMENT 4:55 PM Chair Evans adjourned the meeting at 4:55 pm. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 6 Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Dennis Copeland, Manager Robert Evans, Chair Museums, Cultural Arts and Archives Colton Hall Museum & Cultural Arts Commission Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 22, 2015 7