2025 02 10 ACSC Minutes Special MeetingARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 1 of 4 FEBRUARY 10, 2025
MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING
ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
A special meeting of the Arts and Community Services Commission (Commission) was
called to order by Chair Biondi at 4:02 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 – Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. RECEIVE AND FILE MEETING MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 9, 2024
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Brower/Beesemyer to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPOINT MEMBERS OF THE ART AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMISSION TO SERVE ON THE SPRING 2025 CIVIC CENTER ART
PURCHASE COMMITTEE (Purchase Committee)
Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed the importance for staff to provide the Purchase Committee
prior to purchasing the artwork with a list of potential locations where it may be displayed;
the rotation of Commissioners who have previously served on the Purchase Committee;
and Chair Biondi said she does not wish to partake this year.
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MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Chai Biondi / Commissioner Brower to
appoint Commissioners Webb and Chiapperini to serve on the Spring 2025 Civic Center
Art Purchase Committee. Motion passed unanimously.
2. RECOMMEND RECIPIENT OF THE JUNIOR INSPIRATION AND YOUTH
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO CITY COUNCIL
Administrative Technician Elizalde presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Services Department.
The Commission discussed this is the only nomination received at this time; support to
recommend the nominee, Maximilian (Max) Radi, be recognized by Council as a recipient
of this award, based on his qualifications; and possibly having Max serve on the La Quinta
Youth Collective currently in development.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Webb/Beesemyer
recommending Council recognize Maximilian Radi as a recipient of the Junior Inspiration
and Youth Achievement Award. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION – None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – verbal updates
1. CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A LIBRARY RESOURCE VAN PURCHASE
Staff said Council approved the Library Resource Van purchase on December 17, 2024,
and provided a brief overview of the bookmobile programming, including mobile library
check out services, story time, STEM workshops, homework help and tutoring, and
resume and job search assistance; the van is anticipated to be purchased in the upcoming
months and start programming in Fall of 2025; and the bookmobile will be equipped with
Wi-Fi capabilities, potentially a 3-D printer, and laptops and resources to support various
users needs.
2. TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOX ART PROJECT UPDATE
Staff said this project is moving forward and will focus on signal boxes near La Quinta
High School and Benjamin Franklin Elementary with the potential to collaborate with the
schools for students to provide art designs and concepts. The Commission recommended
possible collaboration with other various youth art groups within the Desert Sands Unified
School District and community.
3. LA QUINTA YOUTH COLLECTIVE UPDATE
Staff said Council considered this item a the January 21, 2025, meeting, and provided
comments and recommendations; and staff continuous to work on the development of
the program and aims to implement it in Fall 2025.
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MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING
4. ONGOING ITEMS – FUTURE ART OPPORTUNITIES
Staff provided brief status updates on the following projects – Highway 111 Corridor, CV
Link, Arts and Music Line, and Entry Monuments; as these projects are in the early stages
of development, future updates will be proved when available.
The Commission reiterated its interest to stay informed of the projects’ development
which would allow to provide suggestions for art that can showcase what makes La Quinta
the Gem of the Desert.
COMMISSIONER’S ITEMS
Commission Brower thanked staff for partnering with the Coachella Valley Watercolor
Society to display art at the La Quinta Library.
Chair Biondi said that May 7, 2025 is National Public Service Day and it can be an
opportunity for the City to recognize its staff; and citizens walk their dogs without a leash
at public parks.
Staff noted several public parks in La Quinta that provide designated and fenced dog park
areas for small and large dogs; and off-leash dog reports are being addressed by the
Code Compliance Division.
Commissioner Webb thanked staff for responding promptly to address an off-leash dog
incident that occurred in his neighborhood, and post related signage.
Chair Biondi reiterated the Commission’s prior recommendation to Council to postpone
art purchases during the La Quinta Art Celebrations (LQAC) and to potentially allocate
the funds towards a larger commissioned art piece or future projects; and a presentation
on the Art in Public Places (APP) account would help the Commission understand what
funds are available and how they can be used.
Staff noted the Commission’s previous recommendation has not yet been presented to
Council for consideration and expressed Council’s interest in supporting the LQAC and
its artists but shared the Purchase Committee and the Commission have the option to
acquire information from artists and express interest to commission a large art piece and
staff will explore possible opportunities; provided a brief summary of the APP budget and
funding; and will coordinate with the Finance Director to provide APP fund overview at
the Commissions March 2025 meeting.
Commissioner Beesemyer said March 4, 2025, is the Coachella Valley Giving Day and
an opportunity for anyone to support local nonprofit organizations.
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MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Commissioners
Webb/Beesemyer to adjourn the meeting at 4:38 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MANUEL ELIZALDE, Administrative Technician / Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California