Arts Commission

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 Arts Commission Contact: Stephanie Johnson 360.709.2678 Thursday, October 14, 2021 6:00 PM Online or via Phone Register to Attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H0GeF245RUeLHuoI3BBkvA 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Dobler called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. 1.A ROLL CALL Present: 8 - Chair Frederick Dobler, Vice Chair Jim Burlingame, Commissioner Rose Clifthorne, Commissioner Kathryn Dorgan, Commissioner Stacy Hicks, Commissioner Kathy Murray, Commissioner Joe Batt and Commissioner Shameka Gagnier Absent: 1 - Commissioner Jace Hoag OTHERS PRESENT Parks Planning Manager Laura Keehan 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21-0948 Approval of September 9, 2021 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes The minutes were approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Chair Maria Ruth introduced themselves and shared interest in following the 2022 Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan process, coming up later on the agenda. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioners discussed past and upcoming arts events. Ms. Johnson announced the November Arts Commission meeting is scheduled for Veteran's Day. Commissioners City of Olympia Page 1 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes October 14, 2021 agreed to meet November 10. 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 21-0951 Parks, Arts & Recreation Plan Review Ms. Keehan shared an overview of the Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan process, structure and community response. She noted new focus on equity, inclusion and belonging (EIB) and climate action in the 2022-2028 plan, and shared large projects on the horizon, such as the Aquatic Center, Armory, and new neighborhood parks. She also touched on some of the concepts gathered for new park design, such as a downtown space with active recreation, a new playground designed around physical accessibility, and a park centered on peace and healing. Ms. Keehan had earlier forwarded community comment around the Arts component of the Plan to Commissioners, solicited through the draft review process. Commissioners specifically discussed a comment requesting development of a natural amphitheater somewhere in the parks system. Discussion ranged from better communication of existing amphitheaters on State and Port properties to possibilities and constraints within existing neighborhood parks (specifically issues of parking), to the potential within future park property developments. Commissioners were supportive of the addition of an amphitheater where possible, and the goals of the Plan to provide community gathering space were sufficiently supportive of the idea, not requiring edit. Vice Chair Burlingame moved, seconded by Commissioner Hicks, to direct staff to draft a letter, to be signed by the Chair, in support of the Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan and of the amphitheater per the discussion above for Commission review at the November meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 8 - Chair Dobler, Vice Chair Burlingame, Commissioner Clifthorne, Commissioner Dorgan, Commissioner Hicks, Commissioner Murray, Commissioner Batt and Commissioner Gagnier Absent: 1 - Commissioner Hoag 21-0959 Arts Commission Chair and Vice-Chair for 2022 Chair Dobler opened conversation by sharing that he intends to step down from the Arts Commission at the conclusion of his term in March 2022. He appreciates his time on the Commission and recognizes the need to move on. Ms. Johnson provided institutional history of how Arts Commission leadership has transitioned over time, and it was determined that Chair Dobler will canvass Commissioners to develop a proposed slate of officers for the November meeting. The discussion was completed. 21-0960 Discussion of 2022 Arts Commission Work Plan and Municipal Art Plan City of Olympia Page 2 Arts Commission Meeting Minutes October 14, 2021 Items Chair Dobler guided line item discussion of the 2021 Work Plan and Municipal Art Plan, while staff took notes of edits and changes in order to provide draft 2022 documents for review at the November meeting. The discussion was completed. 7. REPORTS 21-0949 Committee Report Commissioners reported General Government support for the Artist in Residence proposal and completion of the Salmon Art Adventure project. The report was received. 21-0950 Staff Report Ms. Johnson shared the opening of the Arts Walk cover search and Grants to Arts and Culture Organizations, upcoming public art dedications, and that the Olympia Downtown Alliance has hired a staffperson to engage community efforts around the Creative District. The report was received. 8. OTHER TOPICS - None 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. City of Olympia Page 3