CACMIN 11 07 1994
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CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
November 7, 1994
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Cultural Affairs Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in the La Quinta Civic Center
East Conference' Room.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Commissioner Honey Atkins
Commissioner Steve Berliner
Commissioner Kathryn Hull
Vice Chairperson Michelle Klein
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Commissioner Martin Langer
Commissioner Toni Lawrence
Chairperson Susan Francis
STAFF PRESENT:
Clint Bohlen, Parks & Recreation Director
Jerry Herman, Community Development Director
Frank Spevacek, RSG, Inc., City Consultant on Redevelopment Issues
II. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Chairperson Hull requested that Business Item VIII. B. be removed from the Agenda. The Chair approved the
request.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
No minutes for approval
IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS
No announcements.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
None.
VII. STAFF REPORTS
None.
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VIII. COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Carolyn Lair, Executive Director of the Arts Foundation, presented a proposal for developing a Center for Art
and Culture on City property located along Avenida Montezuma, across from the CVRPD Community Park. Ms.
Lair ,discussed the history of the site at the Civic Center, and possible arrangements for locating an arts center
at the Civic Center site. Ms. Lair indicated that it would be difficult to fundraise for constructing a facility on
public land, so the Civic Center site is not a viable one in the Art Foundation's opinion.
Councilperson Sniff interjected that. the Commission's authority in looking at this issue was strictly limited to
review only, and nothing more. A recommendation was not called for in the motion that Mr. Sniff made in
referring the issue to the Cultural Affairs Commission.
Councilperson Sniff suggested that the Foundation consider other City properties. The concept broadened, and
it was envisioned that the arts center would serve all cultural organizations of La Quinta, with the Foundation
serving as the lead, coordinating agency. It was suggested that the City provide the land as a gift to the
Foundation, or a long term-lease (Mr. Spevacek suggested that the gift concept would probably be illegal under
public law).
Ms. Lair indicated that the staff report attached to the Agenda researched 17 sites; the Arts Foundation felt that
the Village Specific Plan demanded that the Montezuma site be selected.
Commissioner Berliner asked how other cultural organizations would be involved. Mr. John Walling, representing
the Arts Foundation Board (along with the Board President, Ms. Joan Foster), indicated that the idea was to
include all La Quinta organizations, including the Commission, in the design of the site, as the objective was to
accommodate all organizations' needs.
Commissioner Hull asked if a concert hall of 500-700 seats was planned. Ms. Lair indicated that the preliminary
design reflects a 150 seat theater, and that the goal was to conduct· community input sessions to measure the
needs of La Quinta. Commissioner Hull questioned if this was a short term or long term solution. Ms. Lair
stated that three phases would be planned per the site master plan. Mr. Walling indicated a larger theater could
not be accommodated on the site, due to square footage restrictions.
Ms. Lair indicated the City does not have money to build a larger facility, and asked the question who would pay
for a larger theater. Commissioner Hull suggested that the plan include a larger theater, with the idea of
acquiring adjacent land through additional fundraising.
Ms. Lair stated.that the City is already looking at contributing land valued at $400,000, and that Merv Griffin has
been approached regarding a substantial donation to cover the cost of contracting the facility, perhaps with his
name being used.
Mr. Spevacek indicated that the land value was probably closer to $500,000-550,000, and that there are
additional concerns to be worked out regarding the concessions concept, and what percentage of revenue the
City might require of the concessionaires.
Mr. Sniff agreed with Commissioner Hull that a larger theater seating 500 or more is desirable, and suggested
the City might consider a lease on a similar lease arrangement patterned after the Boys and Girls Club or YMCA
lesses - perhaps 50 years. He suggested a multifunctional facility which would meet broad community needs.
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Commissioner Atkins questiQned what the administration of the facility would actually look like. Ms. Lair stated
that they have not gotten that far along, that per~aps a board would be formed, that the Arts Foundation would
have final say, and that other organizations would have a voice in accord with their contribution to the fundraising
effort. Mr. Walling said one of the major issues to be explored is how operating costs of the building would be
allocated to the user groups.
Commissioner Berliner questioned if the Arts Foundation has developed a fundraising strategy. Ms. Lair
indicated that the Foundation has $400,000 for a capital drive already. and that Mr. Griffin has been approached
to contribute $5 million. and he's open to considering the request.
Commissioner Atkins said the facility would be a benefit to the community; Vice Chair Klein and Commissioner
Berliner agreed.
Councilperson Sniff said he wouldn't want to tell the Commission what to recommend; he was hoping that the
Commission would support the proposal.
Commissioner Hull suggested that the Commission review the proposal with the whole Commission at the next
regularly scheduled Cultural Affairs Commission meeting, and develop.a consensus to present to the Council
at its first meeting in December.
The visitors left the meeting at this point.
IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
No Commission comment. I
X. COMMISSIONER REPORTS & INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
No reports.
XI. NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME AND TOPIC
La Quinta Civic Center Study Session Room
November 21, 1994 Regular Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Children's Museum Presentation
Art in Public Places Youth Art Works Program
Commission Handbook - Written Materials
Commission Work Plan
Change of Meeting Time from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Berliner, seconded by Vice Chair Klein to adjourn the meeting to the next
regularly scheduled Cultural Affairs Commission meeting on November 21. Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
CLINT BOHLEN
Parks and Recreation Director
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