CACMIN 06 26 1995
CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 26, 1995
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Cultural Affairs Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the La Quinta Civic
Center Study Session Room. Chairperson Francis presided over the meeting. Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Commissioner Klein.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Commissioner Honey Atkins
Commissioner Steve Berliner
Commissioner Susan Francis
Commissioner Michelle Klein
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Commissioner Kathryn Hull
Commissioner Martin Langer
Commissioner Toni Lawrence
STAFF PRESENT:
Tom Hartung, Interim Parks & Recreation Director
Cristal Spidell, Secretary II
It was moved by Commissioner Atkins/Klein to excuse Commissioner Hull, Langer & Lawrence from the meeting.
Unanimous.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Atkins asked that the minutes reflect that she suggested having La Quinta Days at museums similar
to the one at the Children's Museum of the Desert. It was moved by Commissioner Atkins/Klein to approve the
minutes as corrected. Unanimous.
V. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Chairperson Francis introduced Susan Benay, the newly appointed CAC member.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
Carolyn Lair, La Quinta Arts Foundation - Ms. Lair discussed her concerns about budget cuts to cultural arts
programs in the community, and she would like to see a resource base be developed so that when new groups and
new ideas come along that everyone is not dealing with the same pot of money which she feels is inadequate to
begin with. Ms. Lair suggested hiring a consultant to do a Cultural Plan for the City, as well as developing a
resource base for culture which could extend resources to include Federal, State, and County funds like the Arts
Foundation currently is working on. City funding currently represents 6.5% of the Arts Foundations total annual
budget, and they are reducing their dependency on the City each year.
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VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
A. Art in Public Places Minutes for April 4, 1995 - Received & filed.
B. Art in Public Places Minutes for Special Meeting on April 5, 1995 - Received & filed.
c. Art in Public Places Minutes for May 1, 1995 - Received & filed.
D. Updated Arts Education Mailing List - Received & filed.
VIII. STAFF REPORTS - None
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Geoff Dunbar, Music Director, La Qulnta Middle School - Mr. Dunbar thanked the Commission for the
invitation to the meeting. Mr. Dunbar then gave the Commission a little back ground on the La Quinta
Blackhawk's Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, and Jazz Combo and the events they have
played in which include the Blockbuster Video Grand Opening and the City's Tree Lighting Ceremony. Mr.
Dunbar indicated that his musical groups would like to play at other events such as the Mainstreet Market
Place, Chamber Mixers, City functions, etc. The Commission suggested Mr. Dunbar contact the Indio Date
Festival, Sun City Palm Springs, the La Quinta Senior Center, and the La Quinta Museum, and the La Quinta
Rotary for possible play dates. They also suggested he form a community band, an All-Valley band, as well
as contact the La Quinta Arts Foundation to play at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bear Creek Bike Path
Art Project.
B. Donna Martin, President, Community Concerts Association - Ms. Martin told the Commission that the
Community Concerts Association began in 1949 and currently there are 675 members valley wide. The
Community Concerts Association does 4 concerts during their season which begins in December each year
and tickets for the series is $40.00. Ms. Martin indicated that a scholarship has been established for area music
students to further their education.
The greatest challenge the Concerts Association has is finding a venue to hold concerts, and M,s. Martin would
like to see the City build a Cultural Arts Center with a large multi-use room with removable seating for 900-1000
people. The Center could be used for large City Council meetings, Round Table West meetings, and concerts.
Ms. Martin indicated that the Community Concerts Association will be sending a representative to future CAC
meetings.
c. La Qulnta Pageant - Commissioner Atkins read the subcommittee report on the La Quinta Pageant to the
Commission. After a lengthy discussion the following issues were addressed/answered:
- "Contracting" means paying the leads involved in the production of the project
- The program would be held at the La Quinta Resort Tennis Courts on Easter Weekend
- The script would need to be written by a professional in ensure its success
- It is not known whether grant funds are available to assist with funding of the pageant
- Shows will be held on Thursday, Friday, and 2 on Saturday
- Storage and construction site of the sets has yet to be determined
- Seed money in the amount of $5,000 would be needed in order to proceed with the project
- Citizens of La Quinta will be solicited for historical stories of La Quinta for the pageant
- The word "Pageant" will remain unless another name is suggested and agreed upon
Staff suggested going to the City Council on July 18, 1995 requesting approval to solicit RFP's in order to hire a
consultant that would check into all areas of putting on a pageant of this nature. Upon approval of the City Council,
the CAC would seek RFP's and report back to the Council in September with a recommendation.
It was moved by Commissioner Klein/Berliner to request approval to solicit RFP's in order to hire a consultant for
the La Quinta Pageant not to exceed $5,000. Unanimous.
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X. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Klein asked for clarification on reports going to City Council and whether they go through the
Commission or the subcommittee. Staff indicated that the subcommittee is to present their item to the Commission
for their approval. The Commission then forwards their recommendation to the City Council.
Chairperson Francis asked if the CAC should send a thank you letter to Commissioner Langer for his time served
on the Commission. Council member Sniff indicated that an appreciation plaque is given to all out going
Commission members.
Commissioner Berliner would like to see a more personalized letter from the City confirming the reappointment of
a person to a board/committee/commission. Staff will direct his suggestion to the City Clerk.
XI. COMMISSIONER REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
A. Committee or Professional Affiliation Reports
It was moved by Commissioner Francis/Klein to continue this item until the next meeting CAC meeting. Unanimous.
B. Subcommittee Reports
DEP A - Berliner
Commissioner Berliner will meet with Sherry Wollenberg in the fall to see if she has contacted any parents for their
assistance with distribution of tickets which has been set up with three major theaters. If Commissioner Berliner
is unable to contact Ms. Wollenberg in the fall he will contact Jon Gaffney, Principal of La Quinta High School
Latin Jazz/Salsa Festival - Berliner
Commissioner Berliner updated the Commission on the status of the Latin Jazz/Salsa Festival feasibility study.
Another exploratory meeting is set for July 6, 1995. An October 1996 or 1997 event date is possible.
Commissioner Berliner will report back next month on the progress of the feasibility study.
Arts Advocacy - Hull/Klein
A Value of the Arts in Education Forum is currently being planned to be held in La Quinta with valley wide
participation at LQHS sometime in the fall (November). Subcommittee members have met with Susan Troublefield,
Assistant Superintendent from DSUSD. Ms. Troublefield suggested contacting principals and arts education
instructors in the valley schools by way of a survey. Survey responses are coming in.
The subcommittee would like to expand by adding additional members to help them accomplish things that need
to be done. Chairperson Francis suggested asking Susan Benay, the newly appointed Commissioner. It was
determined that a keynote speaker would be needed, as well as other speakers involved in the arts (Le. dance,
visual, etc.).
It was brought to the attention of the Commission by Judy Vossler that a forum of this sort was just held at the
McCallum Theater with Carolyn Armanson.
The subcommittee will meet again and report back to the Commission in July and new subcommittee members will
be sought. Commissioner Atkins reminded the Commission that subcommittees need to keep each other informed
of whom they plan on contacting so that the same person is not asked by a number of Commissioners to assist on
their subcommittee. The Commission concurred.
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Other - Atkins
Commissioner Atkins has been in contact with the La Quinta Sculpture Park and will report back next month about
a La Quinta Day at the facility.
XII. NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME AND TOPIC
Monday, July 24, 1995 7:00 P.M.
La Quinta Civic Center Study Session Room
· Introduction of New Parks and Recreation Director, Marty Nicholson
· Introduction of New Commissioner, Susan Benay
· Review of FY94-95 CAC Accomplishments - Francis
· Discussion of Master Plan Versus Cultural Plan
· Discussion of a Cultural Arts Center in La Quinta - Hull
· NALAA Conference Attendance Report - Francis & Hull
· Report on City Council Action on Request to Hire Consultant for the La Quinta Pageant
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Atkins/Berliner to adjourn the Cultural Affairs Commission meeting to the next
regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, July 24, 1995. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:17
p.m..
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