Williamsburg Public Art Council

City of Williamsburg Agenda Williamsburg Public Art Council Meeting Monday, August 26, 2024 @ 3:30 PM Stryker Center (Room 127), 412 N Boundary St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Page I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. July 29, 2024 - WPAC Minutes 2-4 WPAC - July 2024 Minutes III. CHAIR REPORT a. Midtown Row Fall Festival 2024 IV. STAFF REPORT a. Storymap Presentation to City Council b. African American Heritage Trailhead Project RFP V. OLD BUSINESS a. Williamsburg Poet Laureate Program - Consideration & Approval 5 - 10 Williamsburg Poet Laureate Proposal - draft 2 WPAC - AIS - Williamsburg Poet Laureate Program b. Midtown Row Mural Funding - Consideration & Approval 11 - 22 WPAC Application - Mural Funding Request WPAC - AIS - Mural Funding Request VI. NEW BUSINESS a. Future Projects VII. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 22 The Williamsburg Public Art Council met at 3:30 pm, Monday, July 29, 2024, in room 127 at the Stryker Center, 412 N Boundary Street, Williamsburg, Virginia. WPAC members present: Robert Currie (Chair), Pat Dent, Bill Hamilton, Barbara Ramsey, Barbara Vollmer, and Sally Wolfe. WPAC members absent: Harold Philipsen, Scott Spence, and Rachel Trichler Staff members present: Joanna Skrabala (Tourism Division Manager) and Sarah Seward (Economic Development Administrative Coordinator) I. Call to Order Mr. Currie called the meeting to order at 3:29 PM. II. Approval of Minutes a. June 24, 2024 – WPAC Minutes Ms. Wolfe motioned to approve the June minutes. Seconded by Ms. Ramsey. Approved by Mr. Currie, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Vollmer, and Ms. Wolfe. III. Chair’s Report IV. Staff Report a. Williamsburg Poet Laureate Program - Draft & Timeline Ms. Skrabala reported that there are a couple of changes to the draft: residency and age requirements, and a reduction in the number of recommendation letters needed. Ms. Skrabala reviewed the proposed timeline with the announcement of the Poet Laureate being in April 2025. Mr. Hamilton asked Ms. Skrabala for clarification of the term “writing community” as listed in the draft application. Ms. Skrabala explained that the term is supposed to be vague. Ms. Wolfe suggested that the language be altered to be more inclusive of the arts community. b. Financial Report Ms. Skrabala reviewed the financial report provided in the packet. Page 2 of 22 V. New Business a. FY25 Electronic Participation Policy Ms. Skrabala reviewed the new electronic participation policy passed by the General Assembly. She shared that boards and commissions throughout the City must re-adopt the policy every year to continue to use it. Ms. Ramsey moved that the Williamsburg Public Art Council authorize remote participation pursuant to City Council Ordinance #24-08. Seconded by Ms. Wolfe. Approved by Mr. Currie, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Vollmer, and Ms. Wolfe. b. WPAC Signage – Budget Approval Ms. Skrabala discussed the need for signage for when the WPAC attends and hosts events. Ms. Wolfe said that we need to ensure that the items we purchase need to be heavy duty. Ms. Skrabala shared that she is hoping to purchase an assortment of items to support all the WPAC’s needs. Ms. Vollmer moved that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve a budget of $2,500 for City staff to purchase signage for the WPAC. Seconded by Ms. Ramsey. Approved by Mr. Currie, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Vollmer, and Ms. Wolfe. c. Midtown Row Fall Festival 2024 – Participation and Budget Approval Mr. Currie reported that he and Ms. Skrabala spoke with Hannah Warner about the WPAC’s project for the Midtown Row Fall Festival 2024. Mr. Currie said that he would like to invite Steve Prince to help orchestrate a chalk art project. Mr. Dent and Ms. Ramsey expressed ways to involve William and Mary students during these events. Ms. Ramsey moved that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve participation in Midtown Row’s 2024 Fall Festival with a not-to-exceed budget of $5,000. Seconded by Ms. Wolfe. Approved by Mr. Currie, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Vollmer, and Ms. Wolfe. d. African American Heritage Trail RFP – Honorarium Approval Ms. Skrabala reported that there are some changes happening with the RFP. Ms. Skrabala shared that in doing research, it is common to have an honorarium. Ms. Wolfe moved that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve up to five (5) finalist honorariums of $2,000 each from the Williamsburg Public Art Council Budget for the RFP for the African American Heritage Trailhead Project. Seconded by Mr. Dent. Approved by Mr. Currie, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Vollmer, and Ms. Wolfe. Page 3 of 22  e. Mural Donation by ViBe and the Virginia African American Cultural Center Mr. Dent moved that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve the installation of the ViBe and the Virginia African American Cultural Center’s donated mural, Pieces of History, alongside the FedEx wall located at 200 Monticello Avenue, subject to approval by Midtown Row and the ARB, pursuant to City Council Ordinance #21-01 and Resolution #21-03. Seconded by Ms. Wolfe. Approved by Mr. Currie, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Vollmer, and Ms. Wolfe. VI. Next Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 26, 2024, at 3:30 pm in Room 127 at the Stryker Center. VII. Adjournment Ms. Ramsey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:23 PM. Seconded by Mr. Currie. Approved by Mr. Currie, Mr. Dent, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Ramsey, Ms. Vollmer, and Ms. Wolfe. _______________________________________________ Scott Spence, Secretary Page 4 of 22  -DRAFT- WILLIAMSBURG PUBLIC ART COUNCIL Williamsburg Poet Laureate Program Introduction Through this program, the City of Williamsburg will name a Poet Laureate to honor and highlight the City’s community and culture through the artform of poetry. The Williamsburg Public Art Council (WPAC) will facilitate a selection process to make a final recommendation to City Council who will then appoint the position. The City seeks to celebrate and support a poet who can engage new audiences and create new opportunities for poetry to be shared and encouraged. This program is a means to spotlight the City of Williamsburg community through a poetic voice that will champion the arts as a whole. Description of Position The Williamsburg Poet Laureate serves as an advocate for the City to build awareness of and appreciation for the impact of poetry through public readings and presentations in meetings, events, schools, libraries, and other public settings in the City. The Williamsburg Poet Laureate will have the following opportunities: • Present a reading of their original inaugural poem; • Work with the WPAC to create and execute a project during their tenure; • Help build networks and opportunities for poets and other literary, performing, and/or visual artists to create and engage new audiences; and • Present additional readings at events mutually agreed upon by the City and the WPAC Term of Service The Williamsburg Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term under the City’s fiscal year which runs from July 1 through June 30. The Poet Laureate will be awarded a $1,500 grant for each year of their tenure. The Williamsburg Public Art Council will review requests by the Poet Laureate for additional funding to support programs and/or projects during their tenure. Eligibility & Requirements Updated 8/14/24 - JOS Page 5 of 22  -DRAFT- The following list of requirements is to be considered for the Williamsburg Poet Laureate: • Must be residing in the greater Williamsburg area at the time of submission and for the duration of the Williamsburg Poet Laureate’s term; • Must be 18 years of age at the time of submission; • Must have one letter of recommendation from a mentor and/or someone in the writing community (i.e. a teacher/professor, author) that can speak to the applicant’s voice and connection to poetry; • Must present a body of work that is poetry or poetry-based; • Must be willing and able to promote poetry and implement an approved project through the program; and • Must be actively contributing to poetry or the literary arts as whole. If the WPAC feels a candidate is more fit for the role without having met all of the above requirements, an appeal may be made. Grant Restrictions The Williamsburg Poet Laureate represents the City of Williamsburg through their commitment to the art of poetry and the community. The financial support provided shall only be used for legal activities. As Poet Laureate, the individual cannot engage in political advocacy, promote one faith over another, or participate in events that would be inappropriate for a diverse, multicultural, and multigenerational audience. Selection Process All submissions will be made via the City of Williamsburg’s online grant portal. Following the Williamsburg Poet Laureate submission deadline, City staff and the Williamsburg Public Art Council will verify eligibility. Staff may follow up for additional information as needed. Incomplete or ineligible submissions are subject to rejection without evaluation. The Williamsburg Public Art Council will review all eligible submissions in a public meeting. The WPAC may invite members of the literary community to provide additional evaluation and feedback. Evaluation criteria includes: • Merit of the submission itself, including eligibility requirements; • Record of professional poetry activity and/or achievement (i.e. publications, list of readings/lectures, awards, honors); • Artistic merit (i.e. reviews/critical acclaim, originality, innovation, audience reach, etc.); and • Proposed Community Engagement Project. A list of finalists no greater than three (3) will then be invited to present to the WPAC at a later date and time. Instructions will be given at that time. Updated 8/14/24 - JOS Page 6 of 22  -DRAFT- Of the finalists, the WPAC will select its recommendation for Williamsburg Poet Laureate. The recommendation will be presented to City Council for final approval and appointment. Conditions of the Poet Laureate Award The selected Poet Laureate must comply with the following conditions: • Announcement of Award: The Williamsburg Public Art Council will notify the applicants of a final decision via email by March 3, 2025. • Eligibility Status: The Poet Laureate must continue to meet all of the program eligibility requirements throughout the two-year appointment period. The Poet Laureate is required to notify the City of Williamsburg’s Tourism Development Specialist in writing of any major changes to their circumstances, such as a change in residency, performance plans, or similar relevant factors. • Publicity: Upon submitting the application, the applicant grants the City of Williamsburg and the Williamsburg Public Art Council a non–exclusive license to use, reproduce, record, exhibit, edit, broadcast, and perform in any manner and by any means or media of every nature, whether known or unknown, the name, biography, performance, film/new media, photograph, recording, literary works, and any and all copyrighted materials owned or controlled by applicant (including, but not limited to, any and all materials submitted in support of the Poet Laureate application), singularly or in conjunction with other materials, solely in and in connection with the promotion, advertising, and marketing of the Poet Laureate and/or the City of Williamsburg. • Publication: The Poet Laureate permits a non–exclusive license to the City of Williamsburg to produce a publication of their work and its use during their tenure. • Payment and Reporting Procedures: o The Poet Laureate is required to develop benchmarks at the start of each year and submit progress reports, as requested by the Williamsburg Public Art Council, based on their activities toward accomplishing benchmark goals. o At the end of their tenure, the Poet Laureate will compose a final poem as a reflection on their term. o The Poet Laureate will receive a $1,500 grant at the start of each fiscal year of their two-year tenure, contingent upon evaluation of the prior year. Updated 8/14/24 - JOS Page 7 of 22  -DRAFT- Submission Requirement Checklist The online application form will include the following documentation and materials*. All written documents should be submitted in PDF format. ☐ Brief Biography & Poet’s Statement: The statement contextualizes your work and the ideas that form it. It should discuss your work as a poet, the role of a poet in society, and/or what experiences have shaped your own work. (Suggested word count: 300 – 500 words) ☐ Community Project Idea: The Williamsburg Poet Laureate is expected to design and implement a community project that addresses the intent of the program. Specifically, the community project must use poetry to engage people in exchanges of ideas, stories, and traditions. Please provide a preliminary description of your idea. You may include any activities that you would pursue, possible partners (organizations and/or individuals), settings, and audiences. Ultimately, this is your vision for the impact of your tenure and beyond. If selected as a finalist, you may be asked to provide additional details on your project idea. The appointed Williamsburg Poet Laureate will dedicate a portion of the first year of the term expanding on this outline. (Suggested word count: 150 – 300 words) ☐ One (1) Letter of Recommendation: The letter should be from a mentor and/or someone in the writing community (i.e. professor/teacher, author) that can speak to your voice and connection to poetry. ☐ Work Samples: o Poetry Portfolio: Submit up to 10 examples of original poems, published or unpublished. (Not to exceed 10 pages) o List of Publications: Submit a list of publication credits. Include individual publications of your work, followed by inclusion of your poems published as part of collections, journals, magazines, e-zines, and websites. (Not to exceed one page) o Videos: Please provide website links for videos showcasing your poetry readings or public speaking abilities. Accepted links may include social media videos, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. ☐ Supplemental Materials: Materials may include, but are not limited to, programs and other promotional materials for readings or events, news articles/reviews, testimonials, letters of support, or awards. *Selected applicants may be invited to provide additional information, including an introductory video. Updated 8/14/24 - JOS Page 8 of 22  -DRAFT- WILLIAMSBURG POET LAUREATE Timeline • September 2024: Announce program • October 2024: Open application process • December 2024: Close application process • January 27, 2025, WPAC meeting: Review applicants/select finalists • February 2025: Interview/review finalists (as needed) • February 24, 2025, WPAC meeting: Make selection • April 10, 2025, City Council meeting: Announce/Appoint Williamsburg Poet Laureate (April is National Poetry Month) • July 1, 2025: Term begins (ending June 30, 2027) Updated 8/14/24 - JOS Page 9 of 22 Meeting Date: 8/26/24 Staff Contact: Joanna Skrabala, Tourism Division Manager Agenda Item Wording: Williamsburg Poet Laureate Program - Consideration & Approval Background Information: In early 2024, City staff was approached by community member Lacroy “Atlas” Nixon to consider the idea of appointing a Williamsburg Poet Laureate. Staff and the WPAC Chair met with Mr. Nixon to learn more about his idea. At the May 20, 2024, meeting Mr. Nixon spoke to the WPAC. In the meantime, staff and members of the WPAC worked to draft a Williamsburg Poet Laureate Program and timeline. If approved, the program would open in the fall with a selection process to follow in the winter/spring. The hope is to have someone appointed in April 2025 – for National Poetry Month – with the term beginning July 1, 2025. As a part of the program, the selected poet would receive $1,500 from the WPAC budget for each year of his or her two-year term. Details are outlined in the draft program document. Previous Action: None Staff Recommendation: Approve the Williamsburg Poet Laureate program and timeline. Sample Motion: I move that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve the proposed Williamsburg Poet Laureate Program and timeline, including the monetary stipend of $1,500 from the WPAC budget for each year of appointee’s two-year term, pursuant to City Council Ordinance #21-01 and Resolution #21-03. Village Council Action Summary - Final August 13, 2024 RESIDENTIAL LOTS, AND TO AMEND THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AND ADOPT THE CANTER PROJECT STANDARDS MANUAL; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mr. Barnes introduced the item. Ms. Hall read Resolution No. R2024-19 by title. Ms. Cohen stated the Item is Quasi-Judicial and swore in the individuals who wished to speak on the item. The Village Council disclosed their Ex-Parte Communications and stated they could be fair and impartial. Brian Terry, PLA/Principal Insite Studio, Inc., presented on behalf of the applicant. Council asked questions regarding the timeframe for the contract, intersection at 120th and single story lot commitments. Mr. Terry responded to Council’s questions. Public Comment: 1. April Clark spoke regarding a previous email she sent and landscaping for the project. 2. Paty Gustafson-Barr read a statement into record regarding traffic safety and Vision Zero Action Plan. 3. Tom Gustafson discussed a conceptual plan by Ramon Trias regarding the Vision Zero Action Plan in reference to 120th Avenue South and speeding. 4. Bernadette Curling spoke regarding her property and Lots 13 and 14 of the Pulte Development. 5. Kevin Turner referenced 120th Avenue South and commented regarding the Equestrian Zoning Overlay District and the Equestrian Preserve Committee (EPC) review. 6. Maureen Brennan thanked Pulte for the time spent with them today and commented regarding EPC review, speed tables and the intersection. Village of Wellington Page 6 Village Council Action Summary - Final August 13, 2024 C. 24-6632 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION CONCERNING 80-FOOT DRAINAGE AREA REFLECTED ON THE PALM BEACH LITTLE RANCHES EAST OF WELLINGTON PLAT Mr. Barnes introduced this item. Ms. Cohen discussed the conveyance and plat in regards to easements. The Village Council asked questions. Ms. Cohen responded to Council’s questions. Mr. Reinsvold spoke regarding the origin of this issue. Public Comment: 1. Lisa Forman spoke regarding her property. 2. Katie Walpole-Edwards referenced the Mock Roos Report and spoke regarding the easements. 3. Harry Knopp spoke regarding pooling water on Cindy Drive. 4. Kristy Lund spoke regarding the properties and the easements. The Village Council suggested having a meeting with the property owners regarding the easement. Mr. Barnes stated staff will contact the other property owners. 9. PUBLIC FORUM Mr. Barnes indicated there was one card submitted for Public Forum. Public Comment: 1. Richard Schoenfield submitted a card regarding short term rentals but was not present to speak. Vice Mayor McGovern read his card into record. 10. ATTORNEY'S REPORT MS. COHEN: Ms. Cohen presented the following report: Village of Wellington Page 11 Village Council Action Summary - Final August 13, 2024 Ms. Cohen stated the Village received the release of the cash bond in the Dog Park case. She provided an update regarding the relocation of the Wellington Athletics Facility and specific donation agreements. Mr. Barnes stated they have not received the payments that Ms. Cohen noted and no attorneys have reached out. He stated that an inquiry was received last week on where to send the money and the information was provided by the finance department. Vice Mayor McGovern asked what are the Village’s options. He asked that the Village contact the HOA and Mr. Ganzi to inform them that action will be taken at the August 27, 2024 Council Meeting. A motion was made by Vice Mayor McGovern, seconded by Councilwoman Siskind to extend the meeting past 11:00 pm. 11. MANAGER'S REPORT MR. BARNES: Mr. Barnes presented the following report: The Next Council Meeting will be held on August 27, 2024. 12. COUNCIL REPORTS VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN: Vice Mayor McGovern presented the following report: Vice Mayor McGovern welcomed everyone back to school. COUNCILWOMAN SILVESTRI: Councilwoman Silvestri presented the following report: Councilwoman Silvestri extended well wishes to teachers, students and parents for the new school year. Councilwoman Silvestri stated she is looking forward to the follow up meeting with the regional superintendents and to scheduling a meeting with all of the principals. Councilwoman Silvestri stated although she did not vote for it, she is proud of the work Council did regarding the Pulte Project. Village of Wellington Page 12 Village Council Action Summary - Final August 13, 2024 COUNCILWOMAN SISKIND: Councilwoman Siskind presented the following report: Councilwoman Siskind welcomed everyone back to school and encouraged everyone to be safe. Councilwoman Siskind commended staff, the Crowned Pearls of Wellington and community partners regarding the SWAG graduation and internships. She complimented Gus Ponce, Markus Lockhart, James Smith and Ian Williams and stated the students mentioned them in their speeches in regards to their mentorship. COUNCILWOMAN ANTUÑA: Councilwoman Antuña presented the following report: Councilwoman Antuña thanked PBSO for the great job they are doing regarding the school traffic. Councilwoman Antuña complimented how the Village Council works together. MAYOR NAPOLEONE: Mayor Napoleone presented the following report: Mayor Napoleone wished everyone a great school year and encouraged everyone to drive carefully. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Village Council, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:02 PM. Village of Wellington Page 13 Village Council Action Summary - Final August 13, 2024 COUNCILWOMAN SISKIND: Councilwoman Siskind presented the following report: Councilwoman Siskind welcomed everyone back to school and encouraged everyone to be safe. Councilwoman Siskind commended staff, the Crowned Pearls of Wellington and community partners regarding the SWAG graduation and internships. She complimented Gus Ponce, Markus Lockhart, James Smith and Ian Williams and stated the students mentioned them in their speeches in regards to their mentorship. COUNCILWOMAN ANTUÑA: Councilwoman Antuña presented the following report: Councilwoman Antuña thanked PBSO for the great job they are doing regarding the school traffic. Councilwoman Antuña complimented how the Village Council works together. MAYOR NAPOLEONE: Mayor Napoleone presented the following report: Mayor Napoleone wished everyone a great school year and encouraged everyone to drive carefully. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Village Council, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:02 PM. Village of Wellington Page 13