Minutes_Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission 2 22 11MINUTES
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Library Auditorium 3rd Floor, Carnegie -Stout Library,
360 W. 11 Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. following staff assurance of
compliance with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Ellen Henkels, Louise Kames, Marina O'Rourke, Sue
Riedel, Geri Shafer, and Paul Hemmer. Julie Steffen joined the meeting by
conference call. Staff present: Jerelyn O'Connor.
Approval of Minutes of January 25. Motion by Henkels and second by Riedel
to approve the minutes. Motion carried 7 -0.
NEW BUSINESS: Conflict of Interest Policy. At the Commission's request,
Crenna Brumwell, Assistant City Attorney, provided an explanation of the City's
Conflict of Interest Policy. Generally a conflict arises if there is a financial interest
or a family interest. Regarding an indirect interest, the recommendation is to err
on the side of disclosure of the potential conflict. After disclosing the conflict, it is
recommended to step away from the table. Crenna also provided an explanation
of expartie communication and detailed the three steps to prevent expartie
communication.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Discussion about incorporating public art in the Bee Branch Parkway
Project. Louise Kames provided samples of several examples across the
country where functional artistic elements were incorporated in various
public improvement projects such as a pedestrian overpass, gateways,
bridges, streets, benches, and paving. Kames moved that the Commission
recommend to the City Council that functional public art be integrated into
the Bee Branch Creek Parkway project. Possibilities include decorative
paving areas, gateways, and bridges. Second by Hemmer. All approved.
The Commission further suggested that the existing Art on the River
Committee could serve in an advisory capacity on incorporating artistic
elements in the Bee Branch Creek Parkway Project.
2. Commission Priorities Update: AdvocacyNisibility.
Geri Shafer told the Commission about the budget public hearing and the
need to increase arts funding. There were two arts budget improvement
requests, 1) a request to increase funding for the Arts Coordinator position
from 10 hours a week to 20 hours a week. 2) A request to increase the
operating support funding by 10 %, or a $20,000 increase. The City
Manager did not recommend either of the budget improvement requests.
Geri Shafer suggested contacting board members of the various arts
organizations to request that they contact City Council members about
increased funding for the arts. The final budget public hearing is scheduled
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on March 10. Sue Riedel suggested inviting Mary Cownie, the new
Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, to Dubuque, perhaps to
the Art on the River opening.
INFORMATION SHARING:
1. O'Connor provided an update on Art on the River. Applications are due
February 28.
2. O'Connor stated that several arts organizations are providing audience
surveys for the Economic Impact Study. 250 surveys are due by the end
of March.
ADJOURNMENT
O'Rourke moved and Riedel seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Motion passed 7 -0. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011,
at 4:30 p.m., at the Carnegie Stout Library. Commission suggested meeting in
the board room for future meetings if it's available.
Respectfully submitted,
relyn • Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist
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hese minutes were passed and approved on
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