Museums and Cultural Arts Commission Meeting

MINUTES COLTON HALL MUSEUM AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Monday, May 23, 2016 4:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Sovereign, Dias, Evans, Ruhnke, Wall, Wojtkowski Commissioners Absent: Ex-Officio and Staff Community Service Director Kim Bui-Burton, Recording Members Present: Secretary Claire Rygg Museums & Cultural Arts and Archives Manager Dennis Copeland Ex-Officio Commissioners are non voting members, appointed pursuant to MCC § 2-11. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Monday, March 22, 2016 ACTION: Approved. On a motion by Commissioner Wojtkowski., seconded by Commissioner Dias, and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the March 22, 2016 minutes. AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Sovereign, Dias, Evans, Ruhnke, Wall, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE 2. Monday, April 25, 2016 ACTION: Approved. On a motion by Commissioner Evans seconded by Commissioner Wojtkowski, and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the April 25, 2016 minutes. AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Sovereign, Dias, Evans, Ruhnke, Wall, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ***End of Consent Agenda***  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 PUBLIC COMMENTS INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 3. Receive Museum and Cultural Arts Division Activity Report – March and April 2016 (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) ACTION: Report received. Commissioner Questions/Comments: Commissioner Wojtkowski asked about: 1) the visitor capacity of the Pacific Biological Laboratories (PBL) and asked that staff email Commissioners the information, and 2) what are the options for restoring the Father Serra statue? Director Bui-Burton said before the head was found, staff was looking to have a replica made from different types of material. When the head was recovered, questions were asked about how it would be placed, and does it need a piece of steel put inside to make it stronger. Staff is going with the best option to preserve and make it whole, and to keep the statue from being vandalized again. Commissioner Wojtkowski asked if the City was paying for it or the Old Monterey Foundation (OMF). Director Bui-Burton said that it is her understanding that OMF has a donor who would like to donate the money to cover the cost once restoration is completed, and as long as a security system is installed. Commissioner Wojtkowski asked if the City is going to take the lead to have a Section 106 [of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966] review, and Director Bui-Burton responded the City is currently going through the Section 106 as well as the Serra head is being conserved. (Section 106 is a review on federal property on any changes to the environment.) Commissioner Sovereign asked if the proposal for a surveillance camera security system passed at the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP), and Director Bui-Burton said she believed it did and it will go to the City Council. The challenge will be where the system will be placed, and how it will get electricity to make it a viable security system. Commissioner Dias asked about how the Major Cooksey collection was going to be used, and Director Bui-Burton said Manager Copeland will provide more information on it. Commissioner Dias also commented on Administrative Assistant Rygg attending the April 16 Great Cannery Row Foundation Symposium, and she asked if there would be a lecture, tour coming out of the symposium or field trip to learn more, and was the symposium recorded? Director Bui-Burton said the symposium was a one-day event, open to the public for a fee, and was promoted through the Cannery Row Foundation, Fisherman’s Wharf Association, and Hopkins Marine Station. Assistant Rygg said the symposium was recorded by Wave Street Studios and will be up on You-Tube soon. Commissioner Sovereign said that local historian Tim Thomas provides tours of Cannery Row. Commissioner Ruhnke asked about the Pilates event at the Lower Presidio Historic Park, and Commissioner Wojtkowski said that OMF is advertising the LPHP by sponsoring events for the public. He also added that Tim Thomas is providing tours with a fee to the LPHP on every third Saturday of each month. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 4. Receive Updated Commission Strategic Plan for 2016 (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art 2 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 2  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 Commissioner Questions/Comments: Director Bui-Burton noted that everything new on the strategic plan is in bold text with members of subcommittees and the highlighted shows the monetary amounts raised through the music and the angels restoration fundraising projects. Commissioner Wojtkowski commented that Commissioner Evans be included on the subcommittee for the Battle of Monterey-Bouchard event. He also asked if the subcommittee has completed the cell phone tour signage task. Director Bui-Burton said there was an interest in continuing because there are some locations that need signage. For the next Commission meeting, Commissioner Wojtkowski asked that Manager Copeland create a short status report on which cell phone signs are completed, those yet to be completed, and which signs Manager Copeland needs help with. Commissioner Ruhnke commented that it looks like Cultural Assistant Booker is looking for people to restore the angels, and Director Bui-Burton said that there is $4,050 for angel repair, and that Assistant Booker is reaching out to different artists to conduct the repairs. A report will be made at a future Commission meeting. 5. Approve Submission of Grant Proposals to the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Community Foundation for Monterey County for Funding for Colton Hall Accessibility Improvements (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) On a motion by Commissioner Evans., seconded by Commissioner Wojtkowski, and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the submission of grant proposals to the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Community Foundation for Monterey County for Funding for Colton Hall Accessibility Improvements. AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Sovereign, Dias, Evans, Ruhnke, Wall, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE 6. Receive an Update Report from Bouchard–Battle of Monterey Bicentennial Subcommittee (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) Commissioner Sovereign reported that the Subcommittee met, and tasked him to create an outline and draft schedule of the event, and the Commission received copies of both. OUTLINE PLAN FOR BICENTENNIAL OF THE BATTLE OF MONTEREY OBJECTIVE: Engage Monterey in the history and culture of the period when it was part of the Spanish empire in celebration of its transition to independence. BACKGROUND: In 1818 the Argentinean privateer Bouchard captured Monterey and briefly raised the flag of independence over the Royal Presidio. The city has officially proclaimed the celebration of the bicentennial of the Battle of Monterey. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art 3 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 3 Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 GOALS: 1. Increase public exposure to the battle sites at the newly renovated Royal Presidio Chapel and the spruced-up Lower Presidio Historic Park (LPHP) 2. Increase historic tourism, particularly Hispanic, during the traditional Nov. lull 3. Pull in the younger generation with exciting battle re-creation 4. Raise awareness of the struggle for independence of Latin America from Spain 5. Initiate preparation for the 250th anniversary of Monterey in 2020 CELEBRATION CONCEPT: 1. Attack by tall ships on El Castillo in the LPHP 2. Sailors land and drive off defenders who retreat to Royal Presidio 3. Bouchard captures Royal Presidio, raises flag, burns military facilities & leaves 4. Historical pageant explains background and consequences of the battle ADVANTAGES OF CELEBRATION 1. re-enacts the unique land-sea battle on the West Coast, ever 2. Monterey only capital of a province of New Spain and of Mexico now in the US 3. Interest of Hispanic students of Monterey’s schools & colleges, DLI, etc. 4. Historic pageant ends with signing of the California Constitution in Colton Hall TASKS: Engage participants, establish teams, identify resources, test concept, reserve venues, develop funds, begin November demos for 2016 & 17, BLOG ANNEXES: Proposed Stakeholders, Schedule, Budget, Social Media Plan First-Draft Schedule for BICENTENNIAL of the BATTLE OF MONTEREY June ’16 Approval of draft plan by CHMCAC Summer Request for funding to Community Foundation for Monterey County Present plan to 1849 Society Invite key individuals – Mayor, Mrs. D., Green, San Carlos, OMF, etc. Conduct 2016 Flags Demo planning meeting Initiate social media campaign & hospitality industry campaign Nov 2016 Flags Demo Winter ’16 Conduct stakeholders meeting & create committee structure Committees: Event, Demos, Recruitment, Media, Funding, Venues Spring ’17 Committees report & coordinate Plans for 2018 event & 2017 demo prepared & circulated Media campaign initiated Summer ‘17 Approval of 2017 demo and 2018 event Requests for funding developed & presented Recruitment of venues, re-enactors, ships, etc. Nov 2017 Demo event, local public relations campaign Winter ‘17 Final approval of 2018 event and funding obtained Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art 4 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 4  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 Spring ’18 Media blitz public recruitment & funding drives, script prep. Summer ’18 Detailed planning & training, venue preparation, vendor plans Fall ’18 Rehearsals November 2018 Celebration of the Bicentennial of the Battle of Monterey Winter ’18 Begin planning of the 250th anniversary of the founding of Monterey Commissioner Questions/Comments: Commissioner Evans asked for more details and the November 2016 flags event. Commissioner Sovereign explained that, based on the [January 27, 2016] Proclamation which states that November 2016 is the start of the celebration, the flags of Spain, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States would be sequentially displayed for a number of hours (an hour equates to a year of occupation) possibly on the City campus. Commissioners Dias, Evans and Wojtkowski suggested working with Monterey State Historic Parks for display at Custom House Plaza. Commissioner Sovereign explained that crowds would dress in appropriate costumes, and a historical commission would be read. Commissioner Dias asked if the subcommittee is working with the City’s communications staff for publicity, and she added there needs to be a logo or a look for publicizing the event and suggested OMF’s Melissa Thoeny. Commissioner Wojtkowski also suggested Sandy Freeman who designed the logo for OMF’s Friends LPHP. Commissioner Dias volunteered to help with branding of the event. Commissioner Wojtkowski asked if anyone personally knew [Eduardo M. Ochoa], the President of California State University of Monterey Bay (CSUMB) who is from Argentina, and suggested perhaps the subcommittee could meet with him and find contacts for official representation. Commissioner Dias will try to arrange a meeting with President Ochoa. Commissioner Evans referred to Goals # 2 and # 3 and said there looks like a need for outside connections if those goals are to happen, maybe a major outreach program that CSUMB can help the Commission with. Commissioner Sovereign referred to the schedule and there are a couple of public meetings with influential people: the Mayor of Monterey, the 1849 Society, and Ms. [Vanessa] Diffenbaugh, the wife of [D.K. Diffenbaugh] the Superintendent of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, and others, and hopefully make contacts within that period. Commissioner Dias suggested the Boy Scouts could have an “explorer” project since they have a club house [lodge] at the LPHP. Commissioner Sovereign will include Boy Scouts on his stakeholder list. Commissioner Dias asked if there were people to volunteer as reenactors that may be interested. Commissioner Wojtkowski suggested actor Taelen Thomas as Captain Bouchard. Director Bui-Burton said that there are two different groups of reenactors: Monterey State Historic Park is the lead for one, the City for the other, and staff doesn’t know of a group that performs naval battles but can acquire information. Commissioner Ruhnke asked about using the actors from the California 1849 Constitutional Convention. Commissioner Evans asked about the ships, and Commissioner Sovereign said the replica of San Salvador [from San Diego]. Commissioner Evans suggested an alternative, the Lady Washington and asked what the draft is, and is Wharf # 2 capable of tying up the ships. Commissioner Wojtkowski suggested contacting the City’s Harbormaster for that information. Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art 5 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 5  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 Commissioner Sovereign said he is the initial organizer of the event, and hopes that people will be found to “pick up the ball”. Commissioner Wojtkowski suggested having a separate meeting with Bill McCrone of OMF about the event. Commissioner Sovereign also said there needs to be a fiscal agent, a 501( c ) 3 to obtain grants, like OMF and Friends of the Library. There should be a budget within the next couple of months. 7. Approve Music Subcommittee's Recommendation for Colton Hall Evening Music Series Fundraising Letter (Not a project under CEQA, per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061.) The Commission suggested adding quotes about the concert, making it clearer on the lack of ADA access in Colton Hall which is why the concerts are held in the City’s Council Chambers, and Commissioner Dias’ will send edits via email. Public Comments: Councilmember Downey said she was impressed with the Commission working and it’s fun to see it contributing. Thank you. On a motion by Commissioner Wojtkowski., seconded by Commissioner Dias, and carried by the following vote, the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission approved the Subcommitte’s Recommendation for Colton Hall Evening Music Series Fundraising letter with minor edits. AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Sovereign, Dias, Evans, Ruhnke, Wall, Wojtkowski NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: NONE COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Ruhnke: None Commissioner Dias: 1) Kathleen arranged for Mike to come to the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) meeting and talk about Bouchard, and people were fascinated by it. I want to learn more, and can staff to arrange a field trip to the Bouchard Monument so that the Commission is prepared to answer any questions from the public about Bouchard, and why it [the Battle of Monterey] is important. 2) Thank you Mike. 3) We need to figure out a way to get a head start on the graphics and promoting History Fest so “we’re already seeing that throughout the summer when we have all the visitors”. Commissioner Evans: I attended the last music concert, and would like to congratulate and praise Chalet and all the work she does to make the concert happen. It came off wonderfully. Commissioner Wall: I enjoyed the concert, too – it was professionally done. Thank you, Mike for the presentation to our group on Bouchard, and on the letterhead of fundraising letter, my name is Kathleen and not Katherine. Thank you. Commissioner Wojtkowski: I’m in charge of the lecture series for OMF. On Thursday, June 16 at the McCone Building at 6:00 pm, and Cameron Binkley will talk about the history of the LPHP, followed by an update by Bill McCrone. On Friday, July 15, 6-8:30 pm, Michael Melter Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art 6 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 6  Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 will talk about his new book “Patriot Pirate”. There will be a picnic on Saturday, July 16 at the LPHP and talks about Bouchard. The last two talks will be on Cooper-Molera: Past and Present, and the Monterey Museum of Art. These talks are funded by the Marsha DeVoe Fund. Commissioner Wojtkowski said it was good news about the Osio, and Manager Copeland was going to update the Commission about the Museum of Monterey (MoM). He asked Director Bui- Burton if she knew when it is going to City Council? Director Bui-Burton said she didn’t know but the building official has cleared them for work on the facility. Commissioner Wojtkowksi said their [MoM] concept is to keep some semblance of the Maritime Museum upstairs and the rest Salvador Dali. Director Bui-Burton said staff is still waiting for the official word when report is done. Commissioner Wojtkowski asked when the report is done, can the Commission get a copy? Commissioner Sovereign: There is a meeting on the Cooper-Molera on Thursday, May 26. [The National Historic]Trust is coming down to give a presentation. Why is Bouchard [Battle of Monterey], it’s true it not a huge battle, it’s the only battle in California that was fought in the wars of independence for the Spanish colonies - Mexico from Spain. People may not realize that. The independence of Mexico from Spain was enormously important. The king of Spain owned the land, he loaned it to the Missions, he occasionally loaned land to retired soldiers. You could not buy land, even if you were a Spaniard in California to start a ranch or farm. You could borrow the land under certain circumstances in a small couple of areas. Once independence was achieved, the Mexican legislature could do what they wanted: secularize the missions, authorize ranchos, and a huge trade developed in cattle hides. It drew in people like Colton, and all that came after independence. We would not have had Sutter [the Gold Rush] if the battle for independence had not been successful. NEXT MEETING 8. Monday, June 27, 2016 ADJOURNMENT Chair Sovereign adjourned the meeting at 4:53 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Dennis Copeland Mike Sovereign, Chair Museums, Cultural Arts & Archives Colton Hall Museum & Cultural Arts Commission Manager Colton Hall Museum Cultural Art 7 Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 23, 2016 7