2024 12 09 ACSC MinutesARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 1 of 4 DECEMBER 9, 2024
MINUTES – REGULAR QUATERLY MEETING
ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
A regular quarterly meeting of the Arts and Community Services Commission
(Commission) was called to order by Chair Biondi at 4:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Beesemyer, Brower, Chiapperini, Webb, and Chair Biondi
ABSENT: None
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
Staff requested to move up and consider the Departmental Reports section first on the
agenda. The Commission concurred.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – verbal updates
>>> Considered out of agenda order as announced during Confirmation of Agenda above
1. CULTURAL CAMPUS UPDATE
Public Works Director/City Engineer McKinney provided an update on the Cultural
Campus project status, including nearing completion of the construction design phase;
anticipating bidding the project in summer of 2025; and parking availability in the area
and possible future plans to provide additional parking.
2. DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD RECIPIENT
Staff noted Council approved the Commission’s recommendation to recognize John
(Juan) Salas with the Distinguished Citizen Award; and both recipients, Mr. Salas and Mr.
Will Donato, will be presented with the award at the December 17, 2024, Council meeting.
3. CIVIC CENTER ART PURCHASE COMMITTEE
Staff said at the November 2025 La Quinta Art Celebration, the Civic Center Art Purchase
Committee purchased two art pieces which have been added to the City’s Art in Public
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Places (APP) collection – “Joy” by artist Karo Martirosyan displayed at City Hall’s lobby,
and “Tree of Life” by artist Patrick McCauley displayed at the Wellness Center. The
Commission recommended that the placement of “Joy” on the wall be elevated to be at
eye level.
4. SILVERROCK SCULPTURE INSTALLATIONS
Staff showed photographs of the three recently installed sculptures at SilverRock Park –
“Caught Up II,” “Graceful,” and “Lively” by artist CJ Rench, which are on loan until 2027.
5. ONGOING ITEMS – FUTURE ART OPPORTUNITIES
Staff updated the Commission on the status and possible future opportunities to display
public art along the following ongoing projects – CV Link, Highway 111 Corridor, and Arts
and Music Line; and informed the Commission that the City entry monument project is
underway, led by the City Manager’s Office, and a status update will provided in the near
future.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. RECEIVE AND FILE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 14, 2024
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Webb/Brower to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. RECOMMEND RECIPIENT OF THE 2024 SENIOR INSPIRATION AWARD TO
CITY COUNCIL
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed the community contributions and qualifications of the two
Senior Inspiration Award nominees, Patty Andersen and Mario Sewell, and consented
both are well qualified; reached a consensus to recommend Mr. Sewell to Council as the
recipient of the 2024 award based on his diverse volunteering experience with several
organizations serving a variety of populations and causes; and noted Ms. Andersen could
be recognized with a different award.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Biondi/Brower
recommending Council recognize Mario Sewell as the recipient of the 2024 La Quinta
Senior Inspiration Award. Motion passed unanimously.
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STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS LA QUINTA YOUTH COLLECTIVE (LQYC) PROGRAM
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed staff’s collaboration with the La Quinta High School Public
Service Academy (PSA) (a three-year program designed for students with interest in
public service careers) in identifying students interested in participating in the LQYC;
collectively selecting, executing, and completing a community services project as part of
the program; the student’s involvement in City’s public meetings and community events,
particularly their role in relation to the Commission; recommended the program’s focus
areas list out arts and community services items specifically; and importance to have
strong leadership and involvement from the school to help guide the students.
Staff informed the Commission the LQYC program concept will be presented to Council
as a Study Session item to get additional feedback, it will be presented back to the
Commission as a Business Session item for their recommendation.
2. DISCUSS TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOX ART PROJECT AND FRITZ BURNS PARK
MURAL
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed anticipated timelines for the two possible mural projects, and
recommended waiting to implement the Fritz Burns Park mural until the contemplated
park improvements are completed; limited public visibility of the mural at Fritz Burns Park
outside of the pickleball and tennis courts and consideration of whether this is the right
location for such an investment; mural designs could include sporadic art along the wall
versus one continuous mural, images of an audience, La Quinta branding, tying it in with
La Quinta’s early days history, and possibly surveying pickleball and tennis players for
suggestions; possible development, plans, and art opportunities for the paisley shaped
vacant parcel north of the park, generally used for excess parking; expressed general
support for the traffic signal box murals, and recommended the mural designs be a
student art project and/or a competition between La Quinta schools.
3. DISCUSS CITY HALL MURAL CONCEPTS
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed this mural location might be appropriate to pay homage and
depict people of significance to La Quinta, such as Merv Griffin, Arnold Palmer, La Quinta
founders, former Mayors, etc., instead of non-specific people in the design; and
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recommended the mural design include La Quinta branding and a timeline showcasing
the city’s history.
COMMISSIONER’S ITEMS
Commission Brower expressed that she is still interested in displaying artwork from the
Coachella Valley Watercolor Society at the La Quinta Library. Staff will collaborate with
Commissioner Brower to begin preparations for the art displays.
Commissioner Webb commended staff for coordinating and organizing the Annual Tree
Lighting Ceremony; and noted Old Town Artisan Studios has a passenger train that could
be used at next year’s event.
Chair Biondi reiterated the Commission’s interest in exploring opportunities for selling La
Quinta branded apparel and merchandise; and noted the 100 th anniversary of the La
Quinta Resort is in 2026 and would like to see the City collaborate and/or participate in
the celebration.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Commissioners
Beesemyer/Webb to adjourn the meeting at 5:04 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL CALDERON, Management Analyst / Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California