Minutes_Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission 12 17 13Minutes
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
December 17, 2013
Lacy Boardroom, Carnegie-Stout Library
The special meeting was called to order by Chair Ellen Henkels at 5:04 p.m.
following staff assurance of compliance with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Ellen Henkels, Katherine Kluseman, Jessica Teckemeyer and
Julie Steffen. Sue Riedel, Gina Siegert and Marina O'Rourke were unable to attend.
Staff present: Jerelyn O'Connor, City Manager Michael Van Milligen, Economic
Development Director Maurice Jones
Members of the public in attendance: Steve Silberman, Ali Levasseur
Approval of Minutes of November 26, 2013. A motion was made by Steffen and
seconded by Teckemeyer to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS: Arts and Cultural Affairs Coordinator Position
City Manager Mike Van Milligen said he appreciated the Commission's willingness to
have a special meeting. He said that although he understood the arts had an important
impact, he didn't realize the scope of the economic impact of the arts until reviewing the
economic impact study. The City Manager said he's been thinking about the position
and exploring ways to create greater focus on the relationship of the Arts to economic
development. He stated that the stars aligned with the retirement of Arts Coordinator
Jan Stoffel and the hiring of Economic Development Director Maurice Jones. He stated
that the positive direction of the arts initiatives is due to the work of the Commission,
staff members O'Connor and Stoffel, and the commitment of the City Council. The new
arts coordinator will staff the Commission with Maurice Jones interjecting himself as
needed.
Steffen said she looks at the role of Neighborhood Development, Economic
Development and Cultural Development. This shift creates new ways of thinking about
the impact of the arts. Teckemeyer asked how this transition with change the job.
Maurice stated that it makes it more comprehensive; we'll look at retaining jobs and
attracting employees. Van Milligen stated that the job description doesn't change,
although the change will fit in with the functions of the economic development
department of helping existing businesses expand, attracting new businesses, and
workforce development. Teckmeyer asked if this change will add new expectations,
such as will Art on the River need to be profitable. Van Milligen said that is not the
expectation. Henkels stated that she thought having the involvement of the Economic
Development department will be positive.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION
Henkels said that the upcoming Americans for the Arts Conference is in Nashville, June
13-15 and she encouraged other commissioners to attend if they have the opportunity.
INFORMATION SHARING
Ali Levasseur said that there is an opening for the exhibit Erotica at the Nash Gallery on
Friday, December 20.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Henkels and second by Steffen to adjourn. All approved. Meeting adjourned
at 5:35 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, January 28, 2014.
Respectfully submitted,
-k•-"U' AL
Jerelyn/O'Connor
Neighborhood Development Specialist
These minutes were passed and approved on