HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-18-2020
MINUTES OF THE
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Teleconference Meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners: Boldenweck, Bowen, Campagna, Hobson-Coard,
Foley, Fornaciari, DeNatale, Looper,
Absent: Commissioners: Avelar, Madrid-Nickle, Ventura
Staff Present: Sharon Ranals, ACM/Director of Parks and Recreation
Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager
Ercie Santos, Cultural Arts Specialist
Susan Filereto, Administrative Assistant
III. AGENDA REVIEW:
Manager Duldulao mentioned that all subcommittees listed under Subcommittee Reports were
left on the agenda in case discussion about the future public art plan led into decisions
affecting other subcommittees. Staff is aware that subcommittees may not have any new
updates at this time.
Chair Looper notified the members that former Commissioner Tony Violanti passed away
recently. She added staff could provide an address for those who want to send condolences to
the family.
Chair Looper reported that Commissioner Hobson-, Mary Allicson Hobson-
Coard, also passed away last week. Commissioners extended their sympathy.
ACM/Director Ranals introduced new Commissioner Sarah Bowen and invited her to say a
few words about herself. Commissioner Bowen stated she is originally from Washington D.C.
and has been a South San Francisco resident for 10 years. She loves living in the city and is
excited to be on the Commission.
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IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of May 21, 2020:
Minutes for May 21, 2010 stand as sent.
V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
(Citizen Comment on items not agendized/informational only)
VI. PRESENTATION: Jack Drago Cultural Arts Commission Youth Arts Scholarship
Finalist Helen Wilborn
Chair Looper stated that Helen Wilborn was attending virtually and congratulated her on her
award. Helen Wilborn thanked the Commission and stated that the scholarship would help
pay for her studies. Chair Looper stated that the Commission would normally take a photo
with her. However, since they could not under the current circumstances of a virtual meeting,
she invited Helen to return in the future to do so.
VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget Considerations
Manager Duldulao reviewed the projected 2020-2021 budget deficit addressed at the
previous meeting. This included COVID-related budget reductions and non-COVID
budget reductions. The budget reductions that specifically would affect Cultural Arts
included the following:
Canceling in person events through December 31; this was not only linked to
Cultural Arts but to all Recreation events.
Moving Commission meetings from monthly to quarterly.
Reducing the budget used for art shows by half.
Eliminating part-time staff support for art shows.
Eliminating the $50,000 Public Art acquisition funding for the coming year.
Manager Duldulao continued by stating that the City Council had their Budget
Study Session meeting on June 9. The most notable change to the Recreation
budget was an increase to the Innovation Fund from $100,000 to $300,000. These
funds could be used at the D to restore programs as the
shelter in place order is lifted.
She added that the next step is for the budget to be adopted at the regular City
Council Meeting on June 24. The City Council will revisit the budget again in
October. At that time, the budget could be adjusted up or down, depending on the
. Manager Duldulao stated it has been a
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tremendous challenge to plan a budget at the same time as keeping up with the
constant changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ACM/Director Ranals commended Manager Duldulao for her outstanding work
under difficult circumstances.
ACM/Director Ranals offered the following summary affecting the Parks and
total budget of $17 million. She emphasized that this
budget includes four divisions: Parks, Recreation, Facilities, and Administration.
The budget cut was $2.2 million. She reported that $1.1 million is
from frozen salaries (vacant positions). The second half of the reductions meant
discontinuing programs that rely on part-time staff, leading to the furlough of those
employees.
ACM/Director Ranals reported that the City applied for and received a FEMA
reimbursement due to the pandemic. She stated that the City Manager is re-
distributing these funds and giving $150,000 to the Parks and Recreation
Department budget. She stated that this could allow the Department to restore some
programs, such as the art shows.
ACM/Director Ranals reiterated that there are no guarantees that the Department
would receive these funds. Decisions for approval would be made at
City Council Meeting.
Chair Looper thanked Commissioner Campagna and Vice Chair DeNatale for
speaking at the June 9 Budget Study Session. ACM/Director Ranals added that this
feedback makes a big difference when City Council is considering budget cuts.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Revised Meeting Schedule
Specialist Santos reported that the Commissioners were mailed a survey about a
revised meeting schedule if the Cultural Arts Commission meetings ending up being
reduced due to budget cuts. She thanked the Commissioners who participated.
Specialist Santos summarized the results as follows. Most respondents preferred
holding the Commission meetings on a bi-monthly meeting schedule. Meeting time
preference during business hours was primarily split between mid-morning and mid-
day. All respondents were open to conducting the meetings via teleconference. Most
respondents opted to forfeit the monthly stipend. Specialist Santos can send the exact
results to the Commissioners if they so desire.
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Specialist Santos added that there was one comment, which was that it would best
serve the Commission to keep the Cultural Art meetings during early evening hours.
Vice Chair DeNatale stated he was the one who made the comment because if
meetings were held during the day it would impact working peoples availability to
serve on the Commission, and could impact the diversity of ages represented on the
Commission.
ACM/Director Ranals clarified a misunderstanding about having the meeting during
business hours because of staff overtime. She stated that the concern is reduced
staffing in light of the hiring freeze. ACM/Director Ranals stated there are some staff
who are averaging an excess of four to five evening meetings a month.
Chair Looper asked for clarification that no decision can be made until the next City
Council meeting. ACM/Director Ranals responded that is correct. She also stated that
the Commission can agendize this for their next meeting.
2. Outreach Opportunities
Manager Duldulao stated this item is on the agenda
future planning efforts. She stated the Department has several avenues for
disseminating information to publicize the Cultural Art Commission programs
including a monthly newsletter containing over 16,000 e-mails, City website, and
social media which includes Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Specialist Santos informed the members that once direction is provided by the
subcommittee chair for an art show she utilizes all the resources mentioned plus an
artist mailing list and art event invitation list. For art acquisitions she notifies local and
national organizations and uses art related publications. Commissioners are always
invited to contact her with any referrals.
Specialist Santos also creates follow up articles on the Cultural Arts webpage
highlighting the concluded art events, any new art acquisitions or other art related
activity, for example the recent February art show and extended exhibit. Based on the
guest book responses, of all the methods of promotion she has distributed over the
years, flyers and word of mouth tended to be the most popular.
Commissioner Boldenweck arrived and informed the Commission that she was
present.
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3. Art Tunnels/Boxes at the Genesis Campus
ACM/Director Ranals stated about two years ago she and Specialist Santos met with
management of the Genesis Towers that are located at Sister Cities Boulevard and
South Airport. They asked if the City would be interested in curating art displays in
the corridors and art shows there. ACM/Director Ranals reported that as time passed,
Genesis Towers management did not move ahead with the project.
ACM/Director Ranals stated that one of the conditions for approval of the
development is that the developer has to do some kind of art treatment. She reported
that the City had recently been contacted again by the developer and they are revisiting
the project. She stated that Genesis Towers will be installing plexi glass boxes on the
wall in between the corridors of the two towers. She added she would have more
details to share at the July meeting.
ACM/Director Ranals reported that she told the developers she would share with the
Commission the idea of curating art shows at the towers, but she emphasized that she
could not promise participation. She commented the buildings are open to
the public and get some foot traffic. She stated the Commission could host a show and
reception, perhaps the Day of the Dead or Youth Art Show.
Chair Looper asked if the Commission could go look at that space and ACM/Director
Ranals stated they could.
To Vice Chair DeNatale inquiry about if the building has a theater inside,
ACM/Director Ranals responded that the building was supposed to have a theater, but
the project changed so that it ended up being more of a meeting room that could serve
as a nice reception area. She added that Councilmember Matsumoto hosted her Jazz by
the Bay event there several years ago.
ACM/Director Ranals also commented that there is very beautiful art in the Genesis
building, and a sculpture in front of the building that was designed by a Burning Man
artist.
ACM/Director Ranals stated she does not think these boxes will be completed until
the end of year.
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IX. SUBCOMMITTEES:
1. Future Public Art Plan
Commissioner Campagna stated the subcommittee compiled a resource list. Vice
Chair DeNatale added that it was created to inform the as well as
serve as a reference for new ideas.
Commissioner Campagna described the resource list as inclusive of all the things the
Commission does, but specifically geared to the future art plan if the Commission
does not have a budget. The subcommitteewas planning for the future, to
better serve the population of the City.
Commissioner Campagna described what the resource list contained. First was a list
of art surveys conducted by different cities including hyperlinks and some of the
questions they used. He mentioned this survey could be posted on ssf.net and other
social media. He highlighted a sample mock survey using the Google Survey
platform. Manager Dudulao stated that the Department conducted a survey recently
and shared a map of specific neighborhoods, which could be helpful to their goals.
Commissioner Campagna continued addressing the contents of the resource list
including virtual art show references, art scavenger hunt information, grant funding,
urban art, and additional resources from other cities. He added the subcommittee felt
this list provided a lot of different options for the Commission.
ACM/Director Ranals stated that reaching out to specific districts where
Councilmembers live could be very beneficial for gaining support for public art and
other Cultural Arts programs.
Chair Looper thanked everyone on the subcommittee for putting this resource
together.
2. Sculpture
Commissioner Boldenweck had nothing to report at this time.
3. Utility Box Mural Program
Commissioner Campagna stated he had no update.
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4. Youth Art Scholarship
Commissioner Campagna reported that Youth Art Scholarship finalist, Helen Wilborn,
was recognized at the June 17 City Council meeting.
Specialist Santos stated she is trying out a new platform for a virtual Art Gallery Page.
Since the atrium window is not available due to the building closure, this is the venue
she hopes will work for virtual gallery exhibits.
5. Urban Art
Commissioner Fornaciari had nothing to report at this time.
6. Art Shows 2020
Photography Exhibit (July 10 &11)
Chair Looper asked if the Commission should cancel the Photography Exhibit.
Commissioner Boldenweck thought it had been cancelled. Manager Duldulao
stated it was not officially cancelled at the last meeting, and added the question
is if the Commission wanted to consider other alternatives.
Chair Looper expressed a concern for the lack of time to prepare.
Vice Chair DeNatale stated a virtual Photography show could be a possibility.
He also commended the staff for the virtual activities featured on social media
including SSF Rocks, and the Alta Loma Playground Tile art activities.
Specialist Santos commented that one month is not enough time to properly
organize and promote a show. She suggested since the show will be virtual it
can be rescheduled to occur on a different date. There was a discussion and it
was decided to cancel the July Photography Show and reschedule the event.
Everyone was in favor.
Day of the Dead/Dia de Muertos (October 9/10)
Chair Looper stated the Commission should keep these dates open until more
is known about the budget. Commissioner Boldenweck agreed and stated the
Commission should be mindful of the current COVID situation which limits
how shows can be hosted. She added that the show could be presented
virtually.
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7. Fundraiser
Chair Looper stated the Barbeque Fundraiser was canceled at the last meeting. She
commented that Commissioner Hobson-Coard and Commissioner Ventura could
come up with another fundraising idea for the next meeting. Commissioner Hobson-
Coard stated she would touch base with Commissioner Ventura to discuss different
fundraising possibilities.
Commissioner Fornaciari suggested combining the Photography Show as a
fundraiser and charging an entry fee to see the photographs.
Chair Looper asked Commissioner Hobson-Coard if these two events could be tied
together. Commissioner Hobson-Coard stated it was a good idea and that it did not
necessarily have to be photography. It could be tied in with another art media.
Commissioner Fornaciari also mentioned that her Soroptomist group hosted an
online fundraiser asking for a donation of $10.00 from 1,000 people. It was very
successful.
Commissioner Boldenweck asked Commissioner Fornaciari if this event was done
on the internet or by mailing lists. Commissioner Fornaciari responded the
Soroptimist group used Facebook and a very large mailing list of past fundraiser
attendees.
Vice Chair DeNatale also suggested the possibility of auctioning the Orb sculpture,
which could raise a significant amount of money in a quick fashion.
X. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Commissioner Foley suggested that the Photography Show subcommittee should start to
plan for a virtual presentation.
Vice Chair DeNatale requested that Specialist Santos contact the San Mateo County Art
Commission about the results of their survey.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
1. Specialist Santos notified the Commissioners that the first public art installation video
was now posted on the Dsocial media, YouTube, and the Cultural Arts
webpage. The video highlighted
d an interactive art project. Specialist Santos stated that her
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intention is to add more videos of the public art installations as time and opportunity
permit. Her ultimate goal is to create an art video library that might eventually be
included on the Cultural Arts webpage. Chair Looper requested that she email the
Ceramic Tile video link to the Commission.
2. Specialist Santos shared the start time that Vice Chair DeNatale and Commissioner
Campagna spoke at the June 9 Budget Subcommittee Meeting, for those who wanted
to watch the archived video. Vice Chair DeNatale spoke at the 46 minute mark.
Commissioner Campagna spoke at the 3 hour and 6 minute mark. She added that
Helen presentation at the June 24 City Council meeting took place at the 11
minute mark.
3. Specialist Santos highlighted an email forwarded by ACM/Director Ranals regarding
an upcoming webinar in July hosted by Thrive Alliance of Non-profits organization.
focus is helping the local arts community navigate operations during
the COVID pandemic. Specialist Santos stated she will forward the information on to
the Commission.
4. Manager Duldulao gave an update on what the Parks and Recreation Department has
been able to open since the pandemic began.
A Summer Childcare Program opened on June 15. This includes a preschool
program and a summer camp program for school-age children. She stated
there is a waiting list for the program.
Orange Park Tennis Courts opened on June 15. Per the County Order, tennis
courts are monitored by staff and are available Monday through Friday from
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. by reservation only. The cost to reserve the tennis
courts is $6.00 per hour with a two-hour maximum.
Orange Pool will re-open on June 29 for lap swimming only. Participants will
need to reserve the lanes at a cost of $6.00 for one hour. Lanes can be reserved
5:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. One swimmer per lane.
Chair Looper asked if park restrooms would be opening, and Commissioner
Campagna asked if the picnic areas were open. Manager Duldulao responded that
currently they are not. The major concern is restrooms and playgrounds are high
contact areas that require constant maintenance. The Department is still following the
current public health orders and is looking at staffing and evaluating how the
Department can keep the picnic areas clean and safely monitor these areas if opened.
5. Specialist Santos commented that although the status of the subcommittees is
uncertain at the moment, Commissioner Bowen is invited to join any that she might
be interested in by contacting herself or Manager Duldulao.
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XI. CORRESPONDENCE:
Specialist Santos stated that going forward if there is any correspondence, staff will
include it in the packet. If Commissioners have any notices they would like to include
such as an event flyer, Specialist Santos requested that notices be emailed to staff by the
Wednesday of the week prior to the meeting.
XII. ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Looper adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Filereto
Administrative Assistant
Next Meeting: July 16, 2020