2024 10 14 ACSC MinutesARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 1 of 4 OCTOBER 14, 2024
MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING
ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
A special meeting of the Arts and Community Services Commission (Commission) was
called to order by Chair Biondi at 4:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Brower, Chiapperini, Webb, and Chair Biondi
ABSENT: Commissioner Beesemyer
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Webb led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Webb/Chiapperini to
confirm the Agenda as published.
Motion passed: ayes – 4, noes – 0, abstain – 0, absent – 1 (Beesemyer).
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.APPROVE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Chiapperini/Brower to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion passed: ayes – 4, noes – 0, abstain – 0, absent – 1 (Beesemyer).
BUSINESS SESSION
1.RECOMMEND DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN NOMINEE TO CITY COUNCIL
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed Distinguished Citizen Award nominee John Salas’
accomplishments, contributions, and qualifications, and expressed a consensus to
ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 2 of 4 OCTOBER 14, 2024
MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING
recommend him to Council as a recipient of the award; the Community Service Award
would have been better suited to recognize this nominee based on his background; and
the awards programs’ nomination process and timeline.
Staff noted the Commission may elect to recommend revisions to the awards programs
for Council’s consideration.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Webb/Brower
recommending Council recognize La Quinta resident Juan (John) Salas with the
Distinguished Citizen Award.
Motion passed: ayes – 3, noes – 1 (Chiapperini), abstain – 0, absent – 1 (Beesemyer).
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS FACILITY NAMING POLICY
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed the policy’s criteria, well-defined qualifications, and rigorous
nomination process; community awareness of the policy and the opportunity to nominate
someone; extensive time commitment of staff and laborious process to review and vet
nominations; there is a Street Name Change process already in place under the Planning
Division; the City’s various award programs through which people can be honored;
exploring options to create art projects to honor someone, such as a murals or art pieces.
Staff said the policy was requested by Council; if it is approved, it will be posted on the
City’s website and there will be promotional efforts to create awareness; nominations
would be submitted via the website, email, or in paper format; when screening
applications staff can determine if nominations may be better suited for the Community
Awards Program; art can be further explored as part of the Art in Public Places (APP)
program.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – verbal updates
1. DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD RECIPIENT
Staff said at the September 17, 2024, meeting Council approved La Quinta resident Will
Donato’s nomination to be recognized with the Distinguished Citizen Award.
2. CITY SPONSORSHIP POLICY
Staff provided an overview of the City Sponsorship Policy.
The Commission discussed potential opportunities the policy can have for the City and
future art projects; and how sponsorship revenues might be handled.
ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 3 of 4 OCTOBER 14, 2024
MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING
3. CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF 2024 VETERAN NOMINEES
Staff provided a brief update on the approval of the 2024 Veteran Nominees and invited
the Commission to attend the Veterans Recognition Ceremony.
4. CIVIC CENTER ART PURCHASE COMMITTEE
Staff provided an overview of the Civic Center Art Purchase Committee.
The Commission discussed its prior recommendation to Council to postpone art
purchases during the La Quinta Art Celebrations for fiscal year 2024/25 to potentially
allocate the funds towards a larger commissioned art piece or future projects. Staff noted
the Commission’s recommendation has not yet been presented to Council for
consideration.
COMMISSIONER’S ITEMS
Commissioner Webb provided an update on his outreach efforts to the local schools and
school districts for future art projects that can involve youth participation.
Commissioner Brower discussed the Coachella Valley Watercolor Society and the
potential for the La Quinta Library to participate in their monthly art selection to showcase
local art talent from across the valley.
Chair Biondi shared her outreach efforts with local shop owners in Old Town regarding
La Quinta apparel; potential collaboration with Art on Main Street; inquired about the
possibility to work with commercial developers for future APP; the opportunity to create a
map highlighting potential areas for future public art; asked if staff can include previous
items the Commission has discussed to remind and ensure “unfinished business”
continues to move forward; and a reminder for the Commission to incorporate all art such
as performing, culinary, industrial, graphic, musical, etc.
Staff noted the City can allocate funding towards a larger art project if it is of interest to
the Commission. The Commission reached a consensus and directed staff to look into
funding for a future larger art project.
Staff said once art is selected by the Watercolor Society staff will work on coordinating
with the library; and will add items the Commission has previously discussed as
departmental reports on the agenda to serve as reminds for the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Commissioners
Webb/Brower to adjourn the meeting at 5:05 p.m.
Motion passed: ayes – 4, noes – 0, abstain – 0, absent – 1 (Beesemyer).
ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 4 of 4 OCTOBER 14, 2024
MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING
Respectfully submitted,
MANUEL ELIZALDE, Administrative Technician / Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California