Loading...
2007 05 14 CSC MinutesCOMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES May 14, 2007 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Senior Center Classroom. Chairperson Weber presided over the meeting and Commissioner Gassman led the Pledge of Allegiance. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Mark Weber Vice -Chairperson Robert F. Sylk Commissioner Andrea Gassman Commissioner Bob Leidner Commissioner E. Howard Long STAFF PRESENT: Edie Hylton, Community Services Director Steve Howlett, Golf & Parks Manager Robert Ambriz Jr., Recreation Supervisor Tustin Larson, Recreation Supervisor Angela Guereque, Community Services Secretary GUESTS PRESENT: Christi Salamone, Executive Director, La Quinta Arts Foundation PUBLIC COMMENT CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Motion - It was moved by Vice -Chairperson Sylk and seconded by Commissioner Gassman to confirm the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. 1;;3*9q011IFeAi[or Christi Salamone, Executive Director, La Quinta Arts Foundation spoke regarding the La Quinta Arts Festival. The La Quinta Arts Foundation was founded in 1982 and incorporated by Fred Wolff. The La Quinta Arts Festival is consistently recognized as one of the top 10 fine art festivals in the nation. Only Sausalito and 2 Community Services Cornrnission Minutes May 14, 20011 0 La Quinta have ever received the distinction of nationally ranked in California. For the last 4 or 5 years, with the exception of this year, art sales annually have averaged between $1.8 and $2 million for the 4 days of the festival. The proceeds of the festival are used throughout the year for various programs. "Making Friends with Great Works of Art" is taught in 4" and 51h grades in the Coachella Valley and Desert Sands Unified School District. This program was established in 1992 but has been experiencing some difficulties lately with "No Child Left Behind." The teachers do not have the time to set aside for art education. Elementary schools have no requirement for art education. La Quinta High School offers a photography lab for the visual arts. That program historically serves approximately 5,000 students every year. This past year the foundation achieved about a 25% saturation into schools because the foundation was not welcome any longer. The foundation has also kept programs in the local service agencies such as the Boys & Girls Club. Up until last year the Foundation had a full time teacher at La Quinta, Indio, and the Coachella Boys & Girls Club. The Boys & Girls Club hired a teacher from the Foundation who segregates time between the three clubs. The Foundation's scholarship program has awarded $750,000 to approximately 300 students who have gone through college. The awards annually are between $45,000 and $75,000 depending on how the Foundation does at the Festival. Commission Gassman asked what the criteria are for selecting the artists. Ms. Salamone stated that there is an artist selection advisory board that selects artists each year. Attendance, art sales, the satisfaction of the artist, and public opinion are all criteria's. Vice -Chairperson Sylk asked if one of the criteria's could be the percentage of sales from the previous year. Ms. Salamone stated that every year there are a certain percentage that automatically return and they are the award winner artists. These artists are automatically guaranteed entrance the following year. Every year the Foundation strives to have at least 35 to 50 new artists. Historically the Festival has had 250 artists, this year there were 228 artists. A panel of juror's selects the artist, it is totally independent, and it is removed from the Foundation, with the exception of those invited artists who have been award winners and the poster artist. A panel of jurors comes in, which consists of professional working artists, art educators, and museum curators. Commissioner Leidner asked if there is any additional weight given to local artists. Ms. Salamone stated that there is not additional weight given for local artists. The Foundation does have a certain percentage of local artists who qualify to participate in the Festival. This is one of the reasons that the Festival is nationally ranked and achieves the standing that it has, to the best of their ability we present the finest quality artwork. Vice -Chairperson Sylk asked how many attendees there was this year. Ms. Salamone stated approximately 14,800. The attendance was down 8% this year 3 Community Services Commission Minutes May 14, 200! and sales were down 13%. Ms. Salamone stated the Festival has had 30,000 attendees in past at a different location. Vice -Chairperson Sylk stated that Commission Gassman had come up with a suggestion for local artists to have a separate area at the festival. Commissioner Gassman stated she was interested in seeing more local artists and would like to see art that is not so expensive so that more people who are interested in art can afford it. Ms. Salamone stated that the Foundations biggest challenge is trying to communicate everything to all people. If you were to peruse the grounds with Ms. Salamone you would be able to afford something from La Quinta Arts Festival. There is something there for everyone. Ms. Salamone presented a hand blown ceramic pot made by a local artist who has pieces that start at $5 and go up to $300. Commissioner Leidner asked if "local" meant La Quinta. Ms. Salamone stated that "local" is the Coachella Valley. If you have artists that are used to participating in the top shows across the country, they have a certain level of expectation that they are not going to be set up next to someone whose presentation isn't up to quality. The Foundation is looking for excellence in presentation as well as excellence in medium for this Festival. There are also opportunities for local artists at the "Art Under the Umbrellas" and "Art on the Plaza" outreach ten times a year. Commissioner Gassman suggested that an annual workshop be held to assist artists with their presentations. The City tends to lean toward one particular artist because of their presentation. This workshop could help other artists with their presentation skills. Commissioner Gassman asked if the Foundation would be willing to sit as a panel. Ms. Salamone stated the Foundation would be delighted to. Director Hylton stated that when we have a public project, we can talk to Mr. Bill Ware to help with the presentation since he has been very successful. Chairperson Weber asked if there is a way to identify bargain pieces during the Festival. Ms. Salamone stated that she purchased five original water colors at the Festival for $124. One of the benefits of buying art at an art festival versus an art gallery is that you get to speak with the artist about that piece. This is not a swap meet; it is a fine arts festival. Commissioner Gassman asked if asterisks could be inserted in the brochure noting new artists, local artists, and repeating artist. Ms. Salamone stated that new, local doesn't always mean price point. Commissioner Gassman stated she would like some way for first time festival attendees with children to introduce them to art without being overwhelmed. Ms. Salamone stated that the Foundation needs to communicate to the artists that they need to appeal to a broad range with different price points. 0 {:nmmunhy SerViGes Commission Minutes May 14, 200f -4- Commissioner Leidner stated that when he was looking at some higher priced pieces, several artists commented to him that if he contacts them after the event they could do better. What can the Foundation do to make sure you get your fair share? Ms. Salamone stated this is a big challenge. This Festival is one of the few remaining shows that charge a percentage of sales. The Foundation has an Artist Advisory Panel consisting of 12 artists that give feedback to the Foundation. If the Foundation wasn't a percentage show, they would have to charge a pretty hefty fee up front, which would further exasperate the problem of affordability. The Foundation has been having discussions about maybe doing some testing at a couple of the Umbrella shows to see if the artists are happier with a set fee. The Foundation has expenses up front; it is a $250,000 commitment to put on a Festival. Commissioner Gassman asked if the artists are on their honor. Ms. Salamone stated the artists are on their honor. The Foundation's precautions are the multi tiered tickets that are turned in every night to report sales. Attendees leaving the gates of the festival must present a ticket for each piece of art. Chairperson Weber asked how many of the top 10 are on the % and do the artists sign any kind of statement agreeing not to take sales outside of the festival. Ms. Salamone stated that all artists sign a contract. The producers of different art shows are of different levels and some are happy to make a lesser percentage than the Foundation requires. Vice -Chairperson Sylk asked what the percentage is that the artists pay the Foundation. Ms. Salamone stated it is 20%. Vice -Chairperson Sylk asked if the Foundation has ever thought of charging a small set fee plus 7% or 8% from the artists that haven't made much money, or the ones that are making more might want to put up cash and a lesser percentage, giving them two different choices. Ms. Salamone stated that would be very complicated. The Foundation is looking for ease of handling. The final analysis is that the Foundation will stay with the 20%. Vice -Chairperson Sylk asked what Ms. Salamone would consider to be a successful event, what might have kept attendance down this year, and what can be done to help the event get to the level that she would like to see it. Ms. Salamone stated that the Festival has evolved in the last couple of years and is in a transformation mode. Previously the event was held at Frances Hack Park and also on Washington Street. At that time the event had evening hours and a very large entertainment component. The artists were not happy with that formula because after a long day in the sun the artists had to keep their displays open until 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. at night. More artists and bringing back the entertainment might not be the solution. For many years the La Quinta Arts Festival was the only one 5 Community Services Commission Minutes May 14, 200/ -5- of it kind. Now there is El Paseo, the Southwest Arts Festival, the Indian Wells Arts Festival, and the Rancho Mirage Art Affair. Commissioner Leidner asked if there has been any thought to change the month of the festival. Ms. Salamone stated that the Festival has been held the 3rd weekend in March since its inception. There is a little bit of flexibility in that date, but not much. The 2008 Festival will be March 13`h through the 16t' which will be the earlier weekend before Easter Sunday. Commissioner Leidner commented on the lack of accessibility to food and refreshment. Ms. Salamone stated that the Foundation is trying to create a stronger association with local restaurants. Chairperson Weber stated the Commission would like to have a continued dialog with the Foundation and try to find ways to partner and assist with the Foundation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of April 16, 2007 Minutes Motion — It was moved by Vice -Chairperson Sylk and seconded by Commissioner Gassman to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR None. PUBLIC HEARING None. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Consideration of the Air Motion Art Piece Placement. Commissioner Gassman stated that she had driven by the Village Roundabout and looked at the surrounding area. One thing that was impressive was the proximity to the Frances Hack Park with the playground equipment and youthful ambiance. Vice -Chairperson Sylk stated that he agreed with Commissioner Gassman and would like the feature up lit. Director Hylton stated that one of the opportunities the Commission has is that the Public Works Department is currently renovating the Village Roundabout. The 0 Cammurdty Services Commission Minutes May 14, 2001 -6- roundabout will be raised and will have conduit, and lighting. Any piece we put in this area should be up lit due to vandalism. Commissioner Gassman stated that the Air Motion piece would be a nice feature to drive around in the Village Roundabout. Commissioner Long stated he agreed with the location in the Village Roundabout and that the Air Motion would enhance the beauty of the area. Commissioner Leidner stated that the Air Motion is a nice looking piece, but that area with Old Town is an early California motif and this piece would look out of place. Chairperson Weber stated that he liked the location especially being a plexiglass piece with lighting will be an effective way to enhance that roundabout. Commissioner Gassman thanked staff for providing other possible locations for art to be placed. These are all areas that the Commission might consider at a future date. It would be nice to have art in the medians on the major streets. Motion — It was moved by Commissioner Gassman and seconded by Vice - Chairperson Sylk to approve the integration of the Air Motion art piece into the Village Roundabout for $13,700. Motion carried with Commissioner Leidner opposing. Commissioner Leidner asked the Commission if the City didn't already own the Air Motion, would the Commission select the Air Motion for this location. Commission Gassman stated she would select this piece, particularly given the proximity to the Frances Hack Park. 2. Consideration of Fees and Charges Policies Update. Director Hylton stated that staff is not going through all the fees and charges, just a couple of changes for the Commission to consider. Robert Ambriz Jr. explained that the items to be considered by the Commission are the addition of new fees for the Museum Community Room; modifications for the Library Classroom; and fitness center fees. Considering the expansion of the La Quinta Historical Museum and the City's future management of the facility, staff will be permitting rentals of the first floor community room in the museum. This community room will have a maximum capacity of 100 and will open up to an outside courtyard that will have a capacity of 175. Staff recommends the rental fee of the Museum Community Room be established at the same rate as the Senior Center/Library multi purpose rooms. Staff recommends the rental fee of the Library Classroom be established at a rate $25.00 lower than the current multi -purpose 7 Comrnunity Services Commission Minutes May 14, 2007 -7- room rate per category. There is a large difference in size between the Community Room and Multi -purpose room. Commission Gassman stated she is not opposed to the new fee rates but she is opposed to the language in the classification of groups. If you look at Class I, it says "La Quinta Youth, 501(c) 3 recreation organizations." 501(c) 3 is a non profit. In Class II, it says non-profit organizations. The average person will look at Class I and Class II, which are both non profit, and they are going to see that disparity of $20 per hour. Commission Gassman suggested cleaning up the language by making Class I — La Quinta Youth (18 and under), or 501(c) 3 recreation organizations and Class II — Community Based Organizations, Competitive Youth Sports Leagues, and Desert Sands Unified School District. Commissioner Gassman suggested the City Attorney look at this to clean the language up. Director Hylton stated she would talk to the City attorney about it. Commissioner Long stated that the cost for the Library Classroom is currently too high. Chairperson Weber stated that the City should be providing the opportunity for organizations to have these facilities at a reasonable rate. Mr. Ambriz Jr., stated that staff recommends the fitness center fees for residents be raised to $15 and the fee for non-residents be raised to $35. This increase in fees will help pay for the increase in Fitness Center hours. Motion — It was moved by Commissioner Gassman and seconded by Vice - Chairperson Sylk to approve the rental fee for the rooms at the Museum at the same rate as the Senior Center/Library Multi -Purpose rooms; approve the rental fee for the community room at the Library be established at a rate $25 lower than the current multi -purpose room rate per category; and approve the annual fee for the La Quinta Fitness Center membership be increased to $15 for La Quinta residents and $35 for non-residents. Motion carried unanimously. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS 1. Monthly Department Report for April 2007 Chairperson Weber asked what occurred last year at Fritz Burns Park that did not occur this year. Director Hylton stated that there was an adult egg hunt that was not held this year. Chairperson Weber stated that he liked the Parks Items of Interest. Commissioner Gassman stated that staff did an incredible job cleaning up the park after the Community Picnic. The fireworks show was the best she had ever seen. Vice -Chairperson Sylk asked if the hours should be extended for the Birthday picnic E? Commodity Services Commission Minutes May 14, 2001 g. next year. Director Hylton stated the hours will be extended up to the normal three hours for the picnic next year. Directory Hylton stated that the Public Works Department and the Marketing Department had a very important role in helping staff during the event. 2. Calendar of Monthly Events Commissioner Leidner asked how many entries have registered for the Car Show. Vice -Chairperson Sylk stated the there are 40. 3. Field Maintenance Improvements with PRZ Steve Howlett stated that PRZ stands for Prescription Root Zone. This program examines soil needs, maintenance needs, and usage. This assessment program will explain the current conditions of the fields, give costs for restoration and/or renovation of fields for budget purposes, provide workable maintenance plan to restore fields to sustainability, and provide expertise to reach out and educate users groups to gain participation in any use changes. Director Hylton stated that at some point there can be a situation where you have too much use no matter what the conditions. What we are trying to analyze is if we are at that point or are we close. This helps us communicate with the sports associations for the use limit, particularly non-resident players. Chairperson Weber stated that he felt it will be beneficial to have the input from this program for the sports association agreements. The program will give us more data and expertise that we need. Director Hylton stated that if the sports associations want a certain level of service it may come with additional costs to maintain those fields. COMMISSIONER ITEMS 1. Reports from Commissioners Regarding Meetings Attended. OPEN DISCUSSION None. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Vice -Chairperson Sylk and seconded by Commissioner Leidner to adjourn the Community Services Commission meeting at 7:05 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. E Community Services Commission Minutes 9- W14, 2001 NEXT MEETING INFORMATION: A Regular Meeting of the Community Services Commission to be held on June 11, 2007 commencing at 5:30 p.m. in the La Quinta Senior Center, 78-450 Avenida La Fonda, La Quinta, CA 92253. Submitted by: Angela Guereque� Community Services Secretary 10