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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-2007 Approved HCAC MinutesCITY OF DUBLIN HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES OF: November 8, 2007 The November 8, 2007 meeting of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 7:06 p.m. at the Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chairperson Mack. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Mack led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Mack, Acuff, Carr, Halket, Swalwell and Vonheeder-Leopold Commissioners Absent: Lussie ORAL COMMUNICATIONS — NONE APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion by Cm. Swalwell, seconded by Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold, with Cm. Lussie absent, the Commission approved the minutes of October 11, 2007 as presented. Cm. Halket abstained from the vote due to her absence during the October 11, 2007 meeting. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 5.1 Correspondence from Eddie Jo Mack regarding a Black History Month Celebration Mr. John Hartnett, Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor, gave the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. Ms. Eddie Joe Mack, Dublin resident, gave an overview of the program concept. She described past programs that have gone on in Dublin and other cities and discussed ideas for future programs. She explained that she would like to start a City of Dublin Black History Celebration program that could be utilized as a learning program for the citizens of Dublin. Cm. Swalwell thanked Ms. Mack for the great ideas. He stated that it is important for residents to recognize Black History. He asked about the goals and objectives timeline for the program to .begin in 2009. Ms. Mack explained that they are currently preparing a broad program that includes singing, storytelling, speakers, historical information, and more. Cm. Swalwell suggested partnering the program with the Dublin Unified School District's Black History programs. He stated that it would be worthwhile to coordinate the program Citywide. Ms. Mack agreed and stated that it would be great if the program could be partnered with the School Districts, as well as with the Dublin Library and Sports groups. Cm. Halket stated that Dublin High School's Black Student Union has events during the month of February to promote Black History Month. She stated that this program could be taken to the School or the students could attend the program, thus enhancing the experience at the School. She stated that this is a wonderful opportunity. Minutes — November 8, 2007 Page 2 of 4 Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold asked about past programs at Valley Christian Church. Ms. Mack briefly described the programs. Cm. Acuff suggested that the program include Chautauqua lectures. Ms. Mack agreed and stated that she has spoken with Ms. Lee Jouthas, Dublin Librarian, about this in the past. Mr. Hartnett reminded the Commission that, if implemented, this project would incur Staff time, resources, and possibly funds. He stated that he would work with Ms. Mack to further define the program for the purposes of including it on the list of potential Goals & Objectives for Fiscal Year 2008-09. On a motion by Cm. Acuff, seconded by Cm. Carr, and by a vote of 6-0-0, with Cm. Lussie absent, the Commission voted to include a Black History Month Celebration on the list of potential Goals & Objectives for Fiscal Year 2008-09. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE NEW BUSINESS 8.1 Poet Laureate & Local Historian Mr. John Hartnett, Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor, gave the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. Cm. Swalwell stated that he is delighted about the programs. He stated that he would prefer the assigned persons be Dublin residents. He stated that he would also prefer that the Poet Laureate be one who has published poetry. He stated that regarding the application materials, the one -page letter of interest, along with the "statement of what you would like to accomplish" seems redundant. He stated that the two documents should be merged. Mr. Hartnett explained that the programs were modeled from similar programs of neighboring cities. He stated that the candidate pool would narrow if the candidates were limited to Dublin residency or authorship of published poetry. Ms. Elizabeth Isles; Heritage Center Director, agreed and stated that for the Historian Program, she knows of several persons that are not Dublin residents, but would qualify to be the City's Historian. Cm. Swalwell asked if the programs would have terms. Mr. Hartnett stated that the recommendation is that the positions would hold a 2-year term; however, they could be structured so as not to have a limit to the number of terms served. Cm. Halket asked if similar programs of neighboring cities also have no compensation, and Mr. Hartnett said yes. Cm. Halket further asked if the neighboring cities had trouble finding applicants because compensation is not offered. Mr. Hartnett said no and explained that the programs are an opportunity to give back to the community. Cm. Swalwell asked when the application period would begin. Mr. Hartnett said it would probably begin in January 2008. Minutes — November 8, 2007 Page 3 of 4 Cm. Swalwell asked if the Commission would assist the City Council in reviewing applications. Mr. Hartnett explained that the application review process is currently being defined. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold stated that the history of the City, including the Historian position, should be overseen by the Dublin Historical Preservation Association (DHPA). Ms. Isles explained that she discussed the position with DHPA in the beginning phases of the program. She stated that someone from DHPA would be an ideal candidate as well. Mr. Hartnett stated that Staff has recommended two DHPA representatives to sit on the City Historian selection committee. Cm. Acuff stated that she sees the Historian position as more of a public face, and the DHPA as more of a research face. She stated that she would like to see the Historian position filled by someone from the public. Ms. Isles stated that the Historian would be the contact person for all history -related questions. Cm. Swalwell stated that perhaps a limit on the number of terms served would not be a bad idea. He stated that term limits could create a need to groom potential candidates for the position so that there could be a constant pool of qualified candidates. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold stated that these programs are a tremendous benefit to the City. On a motion by Cm. Acuff, seconded by Cm. Halket, and by a 6-0-0 vote with Cm. Lussie absent, the Commission voted to recommend to the City Council the Poet Laureate and Local Historian programs and applications as presented. OTHER BUSINESS 9.1 Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Heritage and Cultural Arts Commissioners and/or Staff Cm. Acuff reported that she attended a potluck event on Tuesday night at the Heritage Center and it was a lot of fun. Cm. Carr reported that she was in Chicago two weeks ago and viewed some outdoor art. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold reported that she also attended the Tuesday night event at the Heritage Center and it was a lot of fun. Cm. Halket apologized for missing the last two meetings. Mr. Hartnett gave a report on the last Art Takes Place meeting. He explained that the program remains in limbo at this point, with more information forthcoming in December. Mr. Hartnett reminded the Commission that the Winter Concerts start next Saturday, November 17, 2007. Ms. Isles invited the Commission to the Heritage Center for a pioneer breakfast and book discussion group on Saturday, November 10, 2007. Ms. Rhonda Franklin, Administrative Technician, stated that Staff would like to move the December meeting from December 13, 2007 to December 6, 2007. She asked the Commissioners if they would be Minutes — November 8, 2007 Page 4 of 4 available for a meeting on December 6, 2007. The Commissioners stated that they would be available for the meeting. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Franklin Administrative Technician APPROVED: Chairperson