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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-10-2005 Approved HCAC Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES OF:MARCH 10, 2005 The March 10, 2005 meeting of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m.at the Dublin Civic Center,Dublin, California by Chairperson Vonheeder-Leopold Pledj'e ofAlleLiance Chairperson Vonheeder-Leopold led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Fasulkey,White,Acuff,Lussie,Halket,Mack and Vonheeder-Leopold Commissioners Absent: None Oral Communications None Approval of Minutes ON A MOTION BY CM. ACUFF, SECONDED BY CM. MACK AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10,2005. Written Communications-None Public Hearin. -None Unfinished Business-None New Business 8.1 Dublin Historic Master Plan—Consultant Selection Committee John Hartnett,Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor, advised that at the March 1, 2005 meeting of the Dublin City Council, the Council approved a Request for Proposals for consultant services for the design of a Master Plan for the Dublin Historic Park. The Council also approved the composition of a consultant selection committee to include a representative of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission. After a review of the proposals by Staff, the selection committee will conduct interviews with selected firms. As per the Bylaws and Rules of Procedure for the Commission, the Chairperson "appoints committees and chairpersons of committees as necessary". Hartnett recommended that the Chairperson make an appointment of a representative and an alternate to the Consultant Selection Committee for the Dublin Historic Park Master Plan. Cm. Lussie stated that she thought the Heritage Commission had already selected a Representative and an Alternate Representative to oversee the entire process of designing and implementing a Dublin Historic Master Plan. Cm. Lussie thought that Cm. Acuff was the Representative and she was.the Alternate Representative for the Dublin Historic Master Plan. Chairperson Vonheeder-Leopold stated that the appointment to this selection committee would be just to pick the consultant for the project and would not be an appointment to oversee the entire project. Chairperson Vonheeder-Leopold stated that she would like Cm.Halket to get involved in one of the Commission's projects and felt this would be a good opportunity for her. Cm. Fasulkey stated that this is just the first step in developing and implementing. a master plan and there would be a lot of other opportunities for different Commissioners to serve on this project, in the future. Cm. Acuff and Cm. Lussie both agreed to step aside to let Cm. Halket participate in this committee. Minutes—March 20,2005 Page 2 of 5 By unanimous agreement, the Commission agreed that Cm. Halket would be the representative to the Dublin Historic Master Plan Consultant Selection Committee and Cm. Acuff would be the alternate representative for this project. 8.2 California Stories Uncovered Elizabeth Isles, Dublin Heritage Center Director, advised the Commission that The California Council for the Humanities is sponsoring California Stories Uncovered,a statewide campaign that will ask people across the State to tell and listen to stories that reveal the truth beneath the headlines, statistics and stereotypes about the State and its people. California Stories is a multiyear initiative designed to strengthen communities and connect Californians by uncovering personal and community stories that, once gathered and woven together, tell the story of today's California. Isles has been working collaboratively with Lee Jouthas,Dublin Library Manager,to produce a variety of activities that will stir and engage the community. Dublin California Stories Uncovered will feature lectures by local historians and authors, book discussion groups and classroom projects. Additionally,Dublin residents will have an opportunity to share their stories, cultural heritage, and thoughts on Dublin, which will later be compiled to create . Dublin's own anthology and"snap shot"of the community. Activities programmed at the Library for California Stories Uncovered will run through the month of April 2005. Isles stated she should have a schedule of events available for the Commission's review at the next scheduled meeting of the Commission. Isles handed out a flyer to each Commission member. The flyer is labeled "What's Your Story?" and asks the participant to tell a story about their local experiences in Dublin and their hopes for the future. The participant would also have their picture taken to go with their story. This material will be used later to create a "What's Your Story"exhibit. Cm. Lussie asked Isles if the stories gathered would include audio/video tapes. Isles stated that at this time, there would be no audio or videotapes available for use however; something of that nature could be created at a later date. Cm. Lussie asked what promotional steps have been taken to advertise this event. Isles advised that The California Council for the Humanities and the Library are in charge of promotions. Cm. Lussie asked if some of the older families in Dublin would be contacted to ask for a sampling of their stories. Isles stated that she would be contacting DHPA and the Dublin-San Ramon Women's Club for assistance in gathering stories from some of the prominent, long time residents in our community. Cm. Mack suggested getting a story or ad in the local newspapers advertising this project and advising the public where to pick up forms to participate in"What's Your Story". Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold asked if this project was limited to Dublin Residents. Isles confirmed that this project is only available to Dublin Residents. 8.3 Murray Schoolhouse Exhibit Restoration Project Hartnett advised that in 200372004 the Dublin City Council rated as a high priority goal: "to refurbish exhibit . space within the Murray Schoolhouse to provide a fresh setting that will optimally highlight Dublin's history". On March 1, 2005, the Dublin City Council gave approval for Staff to enter into a contract for design and project management services with John Vieira, a local Museum Exhibit Designer. Mr. Vieira's extensive portfolio 2 Minutes—March 20,2005 Page 3 of 5 demonstrates exceptional museum interpretation skills and workmanship in the broad variety of exhibits he has designed and executed. The contract with Mr.Vieira details a scope of work, as follows: • Exhibit design, graphic design, and project management services for eight (8) individual exhibit design spaces within the museum that combine into one overall cohesive design for the museum. The eight design spaces are: o The Native Californians of Dublin o Spanish Era o Pioneer's Journey West o Pioneer Kitchen o Historic Murray Classroom o John Green's Store o Children's Hands-on Area o Volk-McClain Era • Detailed CAD plans for electrical, construction; light and placement of exhibit elements. • Project Management to include identifying and developing contracts with fabricator/vendors. • Work with installation team to complete the project. This project is scheduled to be completed by March 2006 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Murray Schoolhouse. Cm. Acuff stated that she had originally worked on the subcommittee for this project and wanted to clarify what her role in this subcommittee was and, wanted to confirm whether or not this task was complete. Isles stated that the original subcommittee for this project was formed to brainstorm ideas and concepts for the exhibit and its components which has been completed. Once the exhibit's component selections were completed and accepted by City Council,the subcommittee's job was finalized. Hartnett stated that Staff hopes to present the first set of preliminary designs for the project to the Commission in May of 2005. ON A MOTION BY CM. LUSSIE, SECONDED BY CHAIRPERSON VONHEEDER-LEOPOLD AND BY UNIANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION VOTED THAT STAFF SHOULD MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS PROJECT AS DESCRIBED IN THE STAFF REPORT PRESENTED. 8.4 Winter Concert Series Hartnett stated that staff is interested in hearing the Commission's opinions on the recently completed Winter Concert Series. This was the first year that the City offered this type of program, and Staff welcomes constructive criticism and new ideas as we head into the second year of programming. Harnett stated that the purpose of the Winter Concert Series was to offer additional performing arts programs as a balance to the Summer Concert Series and to also showcase the Heritage Center and Old Saint Raymond's Church to the general public. Four concerts were planned each month from November through February. The budget for the series entertainment was $2,000. Admission was charged to offset most of the direct cost for the program. The concerts were general admission, $10 for adults and$5 for children,with tickets sold at the door. The Church seats approximately 100 people. The following is a financial re-cap of the 4 concerts: Date Act Income Expense Nov. 12,2004 Guitarist Jim Earp 400 450 December 12, 2004 Bay Bells 425 500 3 Minutes—March 20,2005 Page 4 of 5 January 8,2005 What's Up Big Ban 500 500 February 12, 2005 Gordy Ohliger Banjo-ology 665 650 1990 2100 Net cost to City of Dublin $110 The concerts were advertised in the Tri-Valley Herald with two large display ads published in November and January and two individual concert ads published the week before each event. Two thousand postcards were also distributed throughout the season. Press releases were also sent out before each concert. All of the concerts selected contained "heritage" music from a broad range of historic periods, styles and instruments. The solo artists—Jim Earp (Guitarist) and Gordy Ohliger(Banjo)included an educational component to their playing. Both gave historical facts and amusing anecdotes throughout their performances that was very well received. "Bay Bells" was a fifteen person handbell group. The bells themselves, ancient European instruments provided a rich historical texture. The historic church provided the perfect setting for the classic holiday tunes. Toward the end of the concert, the performers engaged the audience and provided sheet music, allowing the audience to practice with the real bells and also sing carols. "What's Up Big Band" was an eighteen piece 1940's style big band that played classic swing and jazz. The audience enthusiastically participated with clapping and some danced in the aisles. All of the concerts attracted a multigenerational audience.Public feedback from attendees was very positive.Many commented that they would like future concerts to continue with the educational and interactive elements. Constructive comments from attendees were that the "Big Band" might be too loud for the facility and that the Pews were uncomfortable. The Dublin Historical Preservation Association noted this at their last meeting, and has voted to purchase cushions,which will be delivered within 90 days, at a cost of$1,500. Some preliminary ideas for the 2005-06 Winter Concert Series that Staff is developing include: • • A Halloween theme-based event with music,where attendees dress up in costume. • A scaled down version of a holiday play,with an actors/audience dialogue at the conclusion. • Another folk music/storyteller entertainer. To better prepare for larger audiences, Staff will be offering advanced ticket sales for the 2005-06 Winter Concert Series. Cm. Acuff suggested hosting a Christmas Carol Sing Along event. Cm. Mack suggested getting audience feedback to help plan future winter events. Cm. Mack also suggested opening the Murray Schoolhouse before events to help promote Dublin's historic resources. Cm. Lussie asked if we needed to charge more for tickets to recoup out of pocket costs. Hartnett felt the pricing was right. He felt that revenue was affected by the large amount of set up space needed for The Big Band and The Bay Bells Band,which left less space available for ticket sales. Cm. White suggested including October in the Winter Concert Series schedule too. Cm. Fasulkey suggesting hosting a concert the 2nd Saturday of each month and advertising the event in the Valley Times. 4 Minutes—March 20,2005 Page 5 of 5 I Chairperson Vonheeder-Leopold stated that she was very pleased with the concert series and felt it performed well fiscally for the first year,with only a deficit of$110.00 in direct costs. Hartnett asked the Commission if they would like to see a concert in October. All Commission members agreed that they would like to see a concert in October. Isles suggested it should be held the second Saturday in October to stay consistent with the rest of the scheduling. Hartnett asked the Commission if they would like to have one of the concerts at the new Dublin Senior Center. The Commission thought it would be nice to have one concert there but felt that overall, the event should stay at Old St.Raymond's Church/The Heritage Center. Other Business Brief INFORItilTIONAL ONLY Reports from Heritage and Cultural Arts Commissioners and/or Staff Cm. Lussie stated that there was a lack of public art in the Ft. Meyers area of Florida. Housing is really growing but she couldn't find any art. She feels that Dublin is ahead of its time in displaying public art. Cm.White stated that Chico was rated one of the top 5 areas for public art in the country. Adjournment Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christie Marks Senior Office Assistant APPROVED: &WU-(2 Chairperson 5