Arts Commission
Regular MeetingNorwalk, CT · August 2, 2022
Minutes
CITY OF NORWALK
ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
August 2, 2022
I. CALL TO ORDER
Board: Chairman Marc Alan, Brian Kaspr, Nori Grudin, Elizabeth Tardif, Bob Abriola, Eva
Jacobs, Janet Evelyn, Melissa Matuska (7:00), Steven Rust (7:00),
Staff: Sabrina Church,
Other: Donna Schlegel, Ash Nichols
Chairman Alan called the meeting to order at 6:03. A quorum was present.
II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was no public participation.
III. ADMINISTRATION
Approve the minutes of the June 7, 2022 meeting.
**** Mr. Abriola moved to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2022 meeting.
**** Mr. Kaspr seconded the motion.
**** The motion passed with Ms. Jacobs abstaining.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
a. Approve the donation of the Dragon Boat to the City of Norwalk and its suggested
placement.
Ms. Church reported that the South Norwalk Business Association, the original owner, has
closed. Ms. Church confirmed that the original owner and the artist need to sign over the rights.
The legal department's plan is to find a former officer of the South Norwalk Business
Association to sign over the rights.
The next steps are to have the Arts Commission accept the donation and choose an appropriate
location to display the piece. After that, the Common Council will approve the acquisition.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
8/2/2022
1
Chairman Alan asked if an appraisal was necessary. Ms. Church confirmed that in this situation
an appraisal was not necessary.
Chairman Alan confirmed that the suggested location is the Community Room of City Hall.
However, the location is open to suggestions.
Ms. Schlegel gave a background on what dragon races were, and this piece in particular.
Ms. Schlegel confirmed that she had been a member and has gotten approval from all the
former members of the South Norwalk Business Association and the artist, Rand Arrowitz, to
make the donation. She gave a background of the artist and the piece itself.
Chairman Alan asked if signage giving the history could be included in the display. Ms.
Schlegal confirmed that there are funds available for this that have been set aside from the
business association.
There was discussion as to the placement, so as to maximize the amount of people who get to
see it. It was agreed to vote to approve that the piece be displayed in the lobby for a few
months and then moved to the Community Room.
Chairman Alan asked if there was any funding to maintain the work. Ms. Church confirmed that
there was a small budget for this.
****Mr. Abriola moved to accept the Dragon Boat donation.
****Ms. Grudin seconded the motion.
****The motion passed unanimously.
b. Design review for Traffic Graphic Box by artist Ash Nichols.
Chairman Alan confirmed that funds are available to decorate traffic boxes, however, specific
locations have not been approved. This box is not limited to the MLK Corridor.
Ms. Nichols presented two ideas for traffic box paintings. Ms. Nichols created colorful,
abstracted images of her impression of the people of Norwalk: friendly, welcoming, and colorful.
****Mr. Abriola moved to accept the first design with a change in the door number to 203.
****Mr. Kaspr seconded the motion.
****The motion passed unanimously.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
8/2/2022
2
c. Welcome of new member – Ava Jacobs
Chairman Alan introduced Ava Jacobs, a new committee member. The committee welcomed
her.
V. COMMITTEE STAFF UPDATES
a. Budget Committee Update
i. Finance update – Nori Grudin
The new fiscal year started on July 1, 2022. There is a budget of $16,500. There is also
a balance of $25,000 in the Art in Public Places budget.
There is also Capital Funding, which includes the MLK projects, in addition to the
$16,500. There is also grant money available.
Capital Funding will be sought to pay for inventorying, cataloging, archiving and valuing
the entire public art collection.
b. Communications Committee Update
i. Social Media update – Marc Alan
All social media for the Arts Commission needs to be generated from the commission
itself, it won’t be done by any city employee.
Chairman Alan invited Ms. Nichols to join the Communications Committee, she agreed.
c. Infrastructure Committee Update - Brian Kaspr
i. Art in Public Places RFQ and proposal update
Mr. Kaspr announced that the RFQ proposals have been narrowed down to two of the
three artists for the Monroe Street Underpass. Mr. Kaspr would like to have a total of
five artists submitting proposals, which would require an increased budget.
Artist number one is GERA Lozano. Mr. Kaspr shared images of their past work.
Artist number two is Ernesto Maranje. Again, Mr. Kaspr shared images of their past
work.
Mr. Kaspr presented the work of four more artists for the committee to choose the third
artist to be invited to submit a proposal.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
8/2/2022
3
Ms. Church confirmed that there is $75,000 available for this project. Mr. Kaspr would
like to keep the budget for this underpass under $50,000, and carry over the remaining
funds to larger projects in the future.
The committee agreed to offer the last paid proposal to artist number three.
iii. MLK Lighting Project update
Mr. Rust reported that there was an issue with the electrician, so there is nothing to
report on this at the moment.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
***Mr. Matuska moved to adjourn the meeting.
***Mr. Rust seconded the motion.
***The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Chaple
Telesco Secretarial Services
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
8/2/2022
4
Agenda
ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2022 – 6:00 - 7:00 PM
AGENDA
To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone or Zoom. Specific
instructions and links can be found at www.norwalkct.org/meetings.
Members of the public can call in and listen to a meeting. They will not be able to speak or
see any of the meeting participants. Each meeting will use a unique Meeting/Webinar ID.
Please find the information using the link above.
Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" will need to register in advance
and use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the
meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will call on by the host of the
meeting during the public comment section. Please find the information using the link above.
Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those
via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be read into the record, they
should be submitted at least three hours in advance of the meeting start time. Please email
Maritza Alvarado at malvarado@norwalkct.org to provide written public comment prior to
the meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
IV. ADMINISTRATION
a. Approve the minutes of the June 7, 2022 regular meeting.
V. NEW BUSINESS
a. Approve the donation of the Dragon Boat to the City of
Norwalk and it's suggested placement.
b. Design review for Traffic Graphic Box by artist Ash Nichols.
c. Welcome of new member – Ava Jacobs
VI. COMMITTEE/STAFF UPDATES
a. Budget Committee Update
i. Finance update – Nori Grudin
b. Communications Committee Update
i. Social Media update – Marc Alan Page 1 of 2
c. Infrastructure Committee Update
i. Committee Report – Brian Kaspr
ii. Art in Public Places RFQ and proposal update
iii. MLK Lighting Project update
VII. OLD BUSINESS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Page 2 of 2
CITY OF NORWALK
ARTS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 7, 2022
I. CALL TO ORDER
Board: Chairman Marc Alan, Brian Kaspr, Nori Grudin, Melissa Metuska, Janet Evelyn,
Elizabeth Tardiff, Bob Abriola (6:33)
Staff: Kyle Benjamin
Other: Donna Schlegel
Chairman Alan called the meeting to order at 6:03. A quorum was present.
II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was no public participation.
III. ADMINISTRATION
Approve the minutes of the 4/5/22 meeting
**** Mr. Kasper moved to approve the minutes of the 4/5/22 meeting.
**** Ms. Evelyn seconded the motion.
**** The motion passed with Ms. Tardiff abstaining.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A) Approve the display and acceptance of the Norwalk Harbor Splash! Dragon Boat
Trophy in the Norwalk City Hall Community Room or any other location deemed
appropriate by the commission.
Ms. Metuska gave some background on the trophy. This was found when the Community
Room in Town Hall was being remodeled. It belongs to the South Norwalk Business
Association, and needs a place to go.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
6/7/2022
Page 2
Ms. Schlegel explained that in 2019 a site to put this trophy was being researched, but was put
on hold due to Covid. It is currently in Ms. Schlegel’s office in the Health Department.
Chairman Alan explained that before the Arts Commission finds a place to house this trophy, it
needs to be officially gifted to the Norwalk Public Art Collection. At that point, the commission
can take responsibility for its care and maintenance.
Ms. Schlegel offered to provide more background information on the history and significance of
the Dragon boats if anyone is interested.
*** Mr. Kaspr moved to table this item for future discussion.
*** Ms. Tardiff seconded the motion.
*** The motion passed unanimously.
V. COMMITTEE STAFF UPDATES
A) Budget Committee Update
Finance Update - Nori Gruden
Ms. Gruden gave an update on the finances of the commission. There is a budget of about
$2,000 to create a Mayor’s Gallery. She is waiting for final numbers from Sabrina Church.
B) Communications Committee Update
Social Media Update - Marc Alan
Chairman Alan reported that the social media effort is moving forward with daily posts.
C) Infrastructure Committee Update
Committee Report - Brian Kaspr
1) Art in Public Places RFQ and proposal Update
Mr. Kaspr gave an update on the results of the call for applications for proposals. There was a
total of 97 applications received. Mr. Kaspr is really pleased with the quality and quantity of
responses received. Because of this, Mr. Kaspr would like to increase the number of accepted
proposals from three to five. This would raise the budget needed.
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
6/7/2022
Page 2
The next steps are to narrow the applications down to three or five finalists, and have the
commission vote on the best one. The winning artist will then provide all of the necessary
details.
2. MLK Lighting Project Update
Chairman Alan explained that the lights that were chosen were tested and approved, so the
additional lights needed have been ordered. There are very minimal electric costs that will be
absorbed by the city.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Arbriola told the commission about a mural he is working on that will be introduced as a new
business item next month.
*** Ms. Tardiff moved to add the mural to the agenda next month.
*** Mr. Kaspr seconded the motion.
***The motion passed unanimously.
As this is new business introduced during Old Business on the agenda, a vote was taken to go
out of order of the original agenda.
***.Mr. Kaspr moved to vote on this out of order.
*** Ms. Tardiff seconded the motion.
*** The motion passed unanimously.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
***Mr. Kaspr moved to adjourn the meeting.
***Mr. Grudin seconded the motion.
***The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Chaple
Telesco Secretarial Services
City of Norwalk
Arts Commission
Regular Meeting
6/7/2022
Page 2
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Printing & Duplication
Account # 01-14-50-5221
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Secretarial Services
01-14-50-5225
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 2,100.00
26-Jul PO: Telesco Secretarial Services $ 1,500.00 $ 600.00
$ 600.00
$ 600.00
$ 600.00
Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Secretarial Services - Telesco Secretarial Services
01-14-50-5225/ PO# 02300351
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Membership & Dues
01-14-50-5235
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
$ 100.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Advertising
Account # 01-14-50-5237
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Other Professional Services
Account # 01-14-50-5258
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
$ 7,800.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Business Expenses
Account # 01-14-50-5286
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Other Contractual Services
Account # 01-14-50-5298
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
Norwalk Arts Commission FY 2022-23
Other Operating Supplies
Account # 01-14-50-5329
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
Norwalk Arts Commission
Budget Summary
Dept Account Summary Original Balance Expenses PO Transfer In/Out Balance
011450 5221 Printing & Duplicating $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
5225 Secretarial Services $ 2,100.00 $ (1,500.00) $ 600.00
Telesco Secretarial Services $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
5235 Membership & Dues $ 100.00 $ 100.00
5237 Advertising $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
5258 Other Professional Services $ 7,800.00 $ 7,800.00
5286 Business Expenses $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
5298 Other Contractual Services $ 500.00 $ 500.00
5329 Other Operating Supplies $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
Business Development & Tourism
MLK BLVD ART FY 2020-21
09-21-1450-5777 PROJECT C0792
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 50,000.00
Julio Pardo Creative - PO (Bal of $6,750 with
10-Feb correction) $ 10,500.00 $ 39,500.00
29-Oct Lauren Clayton Sarsoza - PO $ 26,500.00 $ 13,000.00
23-Feb Increase J Pardo PO (correction) $ 6,000.00 $ 7,000.00
Balance from closed po $ 2,500.00 $ 9,500.00
$ 9,500.00
Business Development & Tourism
MLK BLVD ART FY 2020-21
09-21-1450-5777 PROJECT C0792
Julio Pardo PO#2100690
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
10-Feb Beginning Balance $ 10,500.00
24-Feb Julio Pardo Creative - 1st payment $ 5,250.00 $ 5,250.00
14-Sep Julio Pardo Creative - 2nd payment $ 4,500.00 $ 750.00
23-Feb PO correction $ 6,000.00 $ 6,750.00
24-Feb Julio Pardo Creative - Final Payment $ 4,250.00 $ 2,500.00
Close PO $ 2,500.00 $ -
$ -
$ -
Business Development & Tourism
MLK BLVD ART FY 2020-21
09-21-1450-5777 PROJECT C0792
Lauren S. Sarsoza PO# 2200614
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
29-Oct Lauren C. Sarsoza PO $ 26,500.00
4-Nov Lauren C. Sarsoza - 1st Payment $ 13,250.00 $ 13,250.00
6-Jan Lauren C. Sarsoza - 2nd Payment $ 13,250.00 $ -
Business Development & Tourism
Art In Public Spaces Program
0922-3760-5777-C0804
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 25,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 25,000.00
Business Development & Tourism
Art In Public Spaces Program
0923-3760-5777-C0804
Date Description Debit Credit Balance
1-Jul Beginning Balance $ 50,000.00
$ 50,000.00
$ 50,000.00
Capital Accounts
Summary of YTD Expenses and Account Balances
Description Department # Pro.# Original Balance Expenditures PO Avail. Bal.
MLK Blvd Art 0921-1450-5777 C0792 $ 50,000.00 $ 40,500.00 $ - $ 9,500.00
PO: Julio Pardo $ 16,500.00 $ 16,500.00 $ - $ -
Req: Studio 162, LLC $ 26,500.00 $ 26,500.00 $ -
Arts in Public Places Program 0922-3760-5777 C0804 $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00
Arts in Public Places Program 0923-3760-5777 C0804 $ 50,000.00 $ 50,000.00