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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-2005 Approved HCAC Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES OF:_DECEMBER 8, 2005 The December 8, 2005 meeting of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 7:04 p.m. at the Dublin Civic Center,Dublin, California,by Chairperson Vonheeder-Leopold. Pledge of Allegiance Chair Vonheeder-Leopold led the pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Commissioners Present: Fasulkey,White,Mack,Halket, and Vonheeder-Leopold Commissioners Absent: Acuff,Lussie Oral Communications-None Approval of Minutes ON A MOTION BY CM. WHITE, SECONDED BY CM. MACK AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 10, 2005 AS PRESENTED. Written Communications-None Public Hearing-None Unfinished Business-None New Business 8.1 Murray Schoolhouse 150th Anniversary Celebration—DHPA Planning Committee Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor John Hartnett reported that Staff is planning in spring 2006 to open the new exhibit at the Murray Schoolhouse. In conjunction a 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Murray Schoolhouse will be held. Hartnett introduced Heritage Center Director Elizabeth Isles to report some of the ideas discussed with the Dublin Historical Preservation Association(DHPA)for this event. Isles reported that in FY 2005-2006 the Dublin City Council rated as a high priority goal: "Coordinate grand re- opening of the Murray Schoolhouse to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the schoolhouse upon completion of the exhibit restoration project". DHPA have proposed to host a special Friday evening event to kick off the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Murray Schoolhouse. This will coincide with the re-opening of the new exhibit and Staff is supportive of DHPA taking on this worthwhile task. Some of the potential activities DHPA envisions conducting for the Friday evening event include a dinner for local dignitaries and VIP's followed by a tour of the Green Store, possible carriage rides along Donlon Way, musical entertainment, dessert and coffee at St. Raymond's Church, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and tours of the new exhibit. Staff envisions completing the weekend Anniversary Celebration with activities on Saturday that could include an Open House from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with music, demonstrations, arts & crafts, storytelling, and giveaways. Sunday would culminate with museum tours only from 1:00 to 4:00 pm for the general public. As further details are developed by Staff and DHPA for the 150`h Anniversary Celebration, an updated report will be presented to the Commission at a later date. DHPA is in the process of establishing a Planning Committee for the Friday evening celebration comprised of James K nen (DHPA Chairperson), DHPA representatives, and a School District Representative. They are also requesting that a Representative from the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission be appointed to the Committee. Chair Vonheeder-Leopold asked for any volunteers. Minutes—December 8, 2005 Page 2 of 5 • Commissioner Halket volunteered and was appointed as the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission's representative to the DHPA Planning Committee for the 150`h Anniversary Celebration of the Murray Schoolhouse. Cm. Fasulkey inquired as to the date for this event. Hartnett stated that it will be sometime in the spring to coincide with the opening of the new exhibits. Isles added,probably in late April. 8.2 Fall 2005 Quarterly Report Harnett reported that one of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Division's goals is to develop and implement quality programs that strengthen community image, preserve the City's heritage, provide recreational experiences, and encourage healthy lifestyles. This is accomplished by providing a diverse mix of cultural programs in the areas of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Staff has compiled a summary of programs conducted during fall 2005 for the Commission's information. A total of 356 participants registered for cultural arts classes during fall 2005, which was an increase of 112% over the fall of 2004. This can be attributed to the addition of many new classes, more diverse cultural program offerings, and a focus on cultural arts classes in the Dublin Guide. The cancellation rate was also 23% lower than 2004. The average registration per class decreased over last year by approximately 3 participants per class,but this can be attributed to participants having many more choices of programs in which to enroll (45 classes in 2005 as opposed to 24 classes in 2004). Hartnett reported that classes that prove to be popular and have an established participant following are repeated from session to session, as long as the public supports them and the quality of the classes are satisfactory. This past fall, many classes were again offered as repeat classes due to their popularity. These classes included; Ballet & Tap, Beginning Guitar, Irish Dance, Cartoon Workshop, Boogie with your Baby, Country Line Dance, Cheerleading, and Kindermusik. Three new popular classes offered in the fall included: Hip Hop for Youth &Teens -22 students enrolled in this eight-week session which allowed participants to dance like their favorite "hip hop" video artists; Piano Keyboard - Chords & Notes, a new business in Dublin, began offering youth piano classes through the city in the fall. Thirteen individual classes were offered in the fall for children ages 4 & 5 years old; and Belly Dance - 34 participant's ages 16 years and up participated in the fall session of belly dance. Commission Input Chair Vonheeder-Leopold commented that the classes offered increased despite the closure of the Shannon Community Center. Hartnett stated that he is trying to build up a base of classes so that when the Shannon Community Center re-opens, a full compliment of classes and programs will immediately be available at the new facility for the general public. Cm.Fasulkey stated that the variety of classes being offered now is just wonderful. Cm. Halket stated that it is interesting to see so many non-residents participating in Country Line Dance. She really likes the variety of classes offered. Cm.Fasulkey asked if there are a lot of teens taking classes. Hartnett stated that of the 45 classes currently offered, a majority are for youth. Middle school and high school youth are always a challenge to program for, but the goal is to continue to offer new classes that might catch their interest. Cm. Fasulkey stated that she noticed that there is a CPR class offered for youth. Hartnett stated that it is not offered through the Cultural Arts Division,but rather the Parks&Recreation Division. Minutes—December 8, 2005 Page 3 of 5 Hartnett stated that he continually evaluates the new classes each quarter to see how they are being accepted and what people think. The information is passed onto the instructors so that they can get receive and evaluate positive or negative feedback. This allows the instructors to make changes to their classes to make them better, if necessary. 8.3 Summer Concert Series Hartnett reported that the City will be sponsoring Dublin's 10th annual Summer Concert Series this summer. The series traditionally consists of five free concerts held on Friday evenings. This summer, the concerts will be held on July 7th and end on August 4th. The concerts are from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. outdoors at the Civic Center in the plaza area and are free to the public. Staff is beginning the process of selection of artists for this summer's series and would like to obtain some direction from the Commission on the different types of,music they would like to see performed. For the Commission's consideration, Hartnett pointed out that the agenda statement lists a number of different types of musical styles to consider. In many situations, bands often play a combination of two or three different styles of music to provide a greater variety of sounds and appeal to a larger audience. The report also includes a list of bands that have performed at the summer concerts over the past four years, with attendance figures in parenthesis. Each band has been listed under a general category of musical style. Last summer, the Commission directed staff to provide a diverse mix of musical styles that might include; Latin, Latin-Salsa,Afro-Cuban, a Rock&Roll tribute band, Caribbean, a Beach Boys tribute band(summer beach party), Tango, R&B, or Swing. The Commission also asked if the Jazzmasters participants could do a short performance prior to one of the concerts. Based on the Commission's input, the following bands were contracted to provide entertainment for the summer 2005 concert series: • Dave Martin's House Party(attendance 200)—Rock&Roll/Beach Party • Broken English(attendance 250)—Caribbean/Salza • Frankye Kelly(attendance 225)—Jazz/Rhythm&Blues • Rolando Morales(attendance 300)—Latin/Afro-Cuban • Cow Bop (attendance 175)—Country/Swing-Jazzmasters performance before concert Hartnett stated that he brought this item to the Commission early this year because he is already receiving calls from groups who wish to perform next summer. Commission Input Chair Vonheeder-Leopold asked if there is any thought to doing a 6th concert next summer? Hartnett stated that there is a budget consideration to do that. Last summer the entertainment cost about $7,000, staging about $6500 and the sound technician about $3,000, totaling about$16,500. The concerts are offered free to the public. If the Commission was interested in offering a 6th concert,the budget would have to be increased. Cm. White stated that the last concert offered is August 4, so we really could offer another one that month. Based on the attendance reported for the concerts, turnout seems to be good. She pointed out that she likes Reggae music. Chair Vonheeder-Leopold felt that we really should try for another concert. The concerts have been well received and we obviously have bands that want to perform. She would like to see a mix of bands like we have had in the past.. None seemed to have low attendance. Her suggestion is to stay with the five top bands and add a 6th band. Cm. Fasulkey felt that we should try a Country Band one more time. She asked how the attendance was determined. Minutes—December 8, 2005 Page 4 of 5 Hartnett stated that he does a visual count by physically counting 25 people and then looks at the size of that group and estimates how many groups of 25 are in the total crowd to determine the total audience. Cm.Mack stated that people seem to enjoy music that they can dance to. Cm.White stated that people of all ages like the Beach Boys. The Commission concurred that they do not want any Rap music. Hartnett stated that it seems the Commission is interested in having a mix like we did last year and consider music styles such as Reggae, Jazz, Beach Boy Summer Music, R&B, Rock& Roll and to try adding a Country band if we go to a 6th concert. Other Business Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Heritage and Cultural Arts Commissioners and/or Staff Cm. White wished everyone a Merry Christmas. She is expecting a new granddaughter in January, so she may or may not be at the January meeting. Cm. Halket asked if the Commission has ever considered meeting earlier than 7:00 pm. She felt that if the meetings were at 6:00 p.m., Staff would not have to wait around for two hours to start the meetings at 7:00 pm. Chair Vonheeder-Leopold stated that to meet earlier than 7:00 pm would be a problem for her. The City Council used to meet as late as 8:00 pm and over time it was changed to 7:00 pm. The 7:00 pm time is probably a compromise for those who work out of town. Cm. Fasulkey stated that she attended the Oak, Ash and Thorn concert at Old St. Raymond's Church. The trio that performed was very talented, witty and entertaining. • Chair Vonheeder-Leopold asked if anyone attended the Gift of the Magi. Hartnett stated that Cm Acuff attended and there were about 80 people in attendance. The event was very well received. Cm. Mack stated that she attended a meeting today for the Art in the Parks for Bray Commons. Lynne Baer of Dublin Fine Arts Foundation gave a slide presentation showing the various art pieces in Dublin and some from other areas. She also reviewed the timeline for selecting the artist for the project. The next meeting will be in February. Chair Vonheeder-Leopold pointed out that there are only two residents on the Selection Committee. Hartnett stated that Lynne Baer asked the two residents to pass the word along among their neighbors. Chair Vonheeder-Leopold reported that she attended a meeting of the Dublin Fine Arts Foundation today and had the opportunity to talk to DFAF President Marty Inderbitzen about Antone School. There was discussion originally to donate the Antone School to the City. However the City was not very receptive to that idea, as it would cost over $20,000 to move it. They are now thinking of having it moved to the central area of the development,restore it, and use it as a community room. It would be great if we could move it to a historical park, if we had one. At the same meeting,people from the Imagine Performing Arts local theatre company were in attendance. It seems that when they asked the City to grant them some money, they were told that they need to get more organized. In the meantime, Claudia McCormick and Morgan King have met with Imagine Performing Arts to help them along. Minutes—December 8, 2005 Page 5 of 5 Cm. Halket stated that she also met with them together with Claudia McCormick and Morgan King. They were told that they are going to need to form a board to run the non-profit. Adjournment Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 7:38p.m. Respectfully submitted, ��✓ 0, Char J.Young 4 Administrative Technician APPROVED: • f airperso, Q1"—ed