Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS CULTURAL COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Meeting Location: Sterling Heights City Hall, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, Conference Room 202, 6 p.m. Members Present: Josephine Berthet, Ronald Bindle, Jan Burns, Frank DiMaria, Grace Finazzo, Jeanne Schabath, Donald Schinzing Members Absent: Maurice Batarseh, David Bollman, Margaret Frontiera, Eboni LaMar, John Stampor Representing the City: Steve Guitar COMMUNICATION FROM CITIZENS: Joe Burns, Slow Joe Running LLC, presented a check (made out to the Sterling Heights Community Foundation) to the commission in the amount of $1,250. The monies will be utilized to fund the “Oracle Sculpture” account ($500) and the Dodge Park Trails endowment ($750). The donation was made from the proceeds of the first “Sterlingfast 5K Fun Run & Walk” held Saturday, July 27 during Sterlingfest. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the June 4, 2013 Cultural Commission made by Ron Bindle. Seconded by: Frank DiMaria Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Review of 2013 Sterlingfest · Donald Schinzing thanked all of the commissioners who volunteered during Sterlingfest. Whether commissioners volunteered selling raffle tickets, helping artists sign in, or jurying the “Choice Awards,” the assistance was valued and much appreciated by the city and the Community Relations Department. · The Upton House/Sterlingfest Balloons painting raffle garnered $202. That money will be donated to the Sterling Heights Community Foundation to help fund the Oracle sculpture purchase. Steve Guitar said that he would provide an update on funds dispersed to the Community Foundation to fund that sculpture. · Frank DiMaria stated that we really needed an additional person helping sell the raffle tickets. · Jeanne Schabath said that it was very difficult selling tickets in the Suds ‘n’ Sounds tent while the bands were playing because of the loudness. She could really only sell effectively during band breaks. · DiMaria and Schabath said many more people inquired about a 50/50 raffle. The Commission inquired about the process of obtaining a gaming license to sell tickets next year. Guitar said he would seek advice from legal counsel. · Josephine Berthet suggested that the commission also open an information tent under the Gazebo. Steve Guitar said that the city did operate two information tents with one under the Gazebo years ago, but due to staffing reductions it halted having two locations. Guitar said that if Commissioners can pledge enough time to staff a second location, a Gazebo info tent branded as an “Info Center for Artists/Crafters – Cultural Commission” would be more convenient for artists and could be a place for the booth sitters to station. · Ron Bindle suggested that the commission once again review its approval policy for jurying the Sterlingfest Arts and Crafts Show. There were a few booths that he thought were not recommended by the pre-jury and received several no votes on jury night, but still managed to be in the show. Berthet suggested that the commission discuss this issue before the new applications are drafted and mailed. Bindle asked for this item to be added to the October agenda for discussion. · Guitar wanted to thank Joe Burns (Slow Joe Running LLC) and his team of volunteers for heading and running the inaugural “Sterlingfast 5K Fun Run & Walk.” Guitar said he has received nothing but rave reviews from participants and felt it was a terrific new asset to the Sterlingfest event. Joe Burns thanked the city and chamber for their assistance and also praised the SHTV video produced by Mike Crimmins. He said that he hopes to grow the participation level next year. Guitar said he will review operations with staff to see if costs for DPW services could be offset and reduced. B. Sterling Heights Featured Artist · No new applications were received. Featured artists are booked through January. C. 2013/2014 Fiscal Year Calendar Motion to approve the 2013/2014 Meeting Dates Calendar (below) made by Jan Burns. Seconded by: Grace Finazzo Ayes: all Nays: none OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: None ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn at 6:59 p.m. made by Josephine Berthet. Seconded by: Grace Finazzo Ayes: all Nays: none Next Cultural Commission meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013