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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 03 09 ACSC MinutesARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 1 of 3 MARCH 9, 2026 QUARTERLY MINUTES ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026 CALL TO ORDER A regular quarterly meeting of the Arts and Community Services Commission (Commission) was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair Chiapperini. PRESENT: Commissioners Beesemyer, Brower (joined the meeting at 4:25 p.m.), Webb, and Chair Chiapperini ABSENT: Commissioner Biondi PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Beesemyer 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 1. HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT CODE PROJECT – PLANNING UPDATE Planning Manager Flores provided a detailed overview of the Highway 111 Corridor (Corridor) Specific Plan (SP) and Development Code Project (Project), outlining the project’s long-term planning efforts, prior community outreach, and coordination with consultants to develop roadway design concepts and updated zoning regulations; explained that the Project aims to consolidate the 11 separate SPs into a unified framework; described key development types including vertical and horizontal mixed use, retail, and lodging; reviewed policy concepts such as active frontage areas to enhance pedestrian activity and an auto-oriented overlay to accommodate vehicular uses; and highlighted opportunities for future affordable housing developments on City-owned vacant sites along the Corridor in accordance with the State’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) requirements and future development potential. The Commission discussed the integration of public art within future Corridor development, including requirements under the City’s Art in Public Places program, and the process for Commission review of proposed artwork; the importance of considering visibility, accessibility, and placement of art as projects are developed; and conceptual elements of the contemplated consolidated SP, including roadway configurations and strategies to balance pedestrian-oriented improvements. ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 2 of 3 MARCH 9, 2026 QUARTERLY MINUTES CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1.RECEIVE AND FILE MEETING MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 8, 2025 MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Beesemyer/Webb to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed: ayes – 3, noes – 0, abstain – 0, absent – 2 (Biondi, Brower). BUSINESS SESSION 1.RECOMMEND RECIPIENT OF THE JUNIOR INSPIRATION AND YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO CITY COUNCIL Senior Management Analyst Calderon presented the staff report, which is on file in the Community Services Department. The Commission expressed general support for the nominee, Ethan Miller, noting his leadership, community involvement and contributions to civic programs; and reached a consensus to recommend Council approval of his nomination for the Junior Inspiration and Youth Achievement Award. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Webb/Beesemyer recommending Council approval of Ethan Millar as a Junior Inspiration and Youth Achievement Award Nominee. Motion passed: ayes – 3, noes – 0, abstain – 0, absent – 2 (Biondi, Brower). STUDY SESSION – None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – Verbal Updates 1.SILVERROCK PARK MURAL Staff provided an update on the SilverRock Park mural project, noting that the selected artist, John Cuevas, is revising design concepts based on Council feedback; and the mural is anticipated to be installed as a vinyl wrap with an anticipated lifespan of two to three years, enabling future replacement or rotation of artwork. 2. CITY HALL MURAL Staff announced the completion of the City Hall mural, titled “Wish You Were Here” by artist Nathan (Nate) Frizzell, noting its successful installation and reception; the Commission commented on the importance of placing future public art in highly visible and accessible locations to promote community engagement. 3. CIVIC CENTER ART PURCHASE COMMITTEE (Committee) Staff reported on recently acquired art pieces by the Committee, noting the installation of “Synergy” by artist Boris Kramer and “La Quinta Bamboo” by artist Jessee Kelly at the ARTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 3 of 3 MARCH 9, 2026 QUARTERLY MINUTES Wellness Center, and the selection of “Dreams II” by artist Guilloume Fine Art and “Gulfstream” by artist Doug Merskin for display within the City Hall lobby; and noted that the City’s artwork is rotated periodically to improve visibility and public access. COMMISSIONER BROWER JOINED THE MEETING AT 4:25 P.M. 4. LA QUINTA YOUTH COLLECTIVE (LQYC) Staff provided an update on the LQYC, describing the program’s ongoing meetings and educational activities, and highlighting upcoming student-led community service projects, including senior engagement events, and a pet adoption event in partnership with Riverside County Animal Services for the La Quinta Birthday Celebration scheduled for April 25, 2026, at the Civic Center Campus. 5. CITY EVENTS Staff provided a summary of recent City events, including the Mission LQ Rocket Launch, Concerts in the Park, Wellness in the Desert at Civic Center Campus, American Express Golf Tournament at PGA West, La Quinta Art Celebration; and upcoming City events, including Concert in the Park on March 28 at SilverRock Park, Easter Eggstravaganza on April 4 at La Quinta Park, Flyover Kite Event on April 11 at SilverRock Park, City Birthday Celebration on April 25 at the Civic Center Campus, and additional Concerts in the Park on May 6 and May 23. COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS Vice-Chair Webb shared the Snake of La Quinta, a community-driven installation of painted rocks along a local hiking trail, noting its increasing length and popularity among residents and visitors as an example of accessible public art; and highlighted the Old Town Artisan Studios Paint and Sip event and the March 23 gala, which will honor Mayor Evans with the Community Spirit Award. Chair Chiapperini emphasized the importance of placing future public art in visible and accessible locations to encourage public interaction and encouraged identifying additional potential locations and providing early input placement. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Webb/Beesemyer to adjourn this meeting at 4:37 p.m. Motion passed: ayes – 4, noes – 0, abstain – 0, absent – 1 (Biondi). Respectfully submitted, Amanda Guerrero, Commission Secretary City of La Quinta, California