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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-14-2003 Approved HCAC Minutes *,,',5M' '4`,#*` s a r t �;yt *' s i H �TAC�Acv cULTr i�x�s`c� rS Sa , 'v tidlNUT S 4U'G ST 14„2003` Fr Chairperson Fasulkey called the August 14, 2003, meeting of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Dublin Civic Center,Dublin, California. Pledge of Allegiance Chairperson Fasulkey led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Acuff,Fasulkey, Lussie,Mack,Muetterties and Vonheeder-Leopold Absent: White • Oral Communications—None Approval of Minutes ON A MOTION BY CM. ACUFF AND SECONDED BY CM. LUSSIE, THE COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 10,2003. Written Communications—None Public Hearing—None Unfinished Business—None New Business 8.1 Heritage Center Quarterly Exhibits Elizabeth Isles,Heritage Center Director,reported that as a part of the 2003-2004 goals for the Heritage Center,the City of Dublin rated as a high priority to "sponsor programs at the Heritage Center that will emphasize Dublin's culture and heritage". She then presented the three exhibits that are proposed for 2003-2004. Mexican Folklorico-October 1 to 25,2003 This Day of the Dead exhibit will coincide with the family workshop for the Day of the Dead. There will be 4 or 5 Mexican secular altars in the exhibit showing the various traditions of laying out offerings for someone who is •revered or dead. There will also be a mural on the far wall of Mexican folk art. In addition, there will be several public inter-active exhibits: a graffiti wall, on which people will be asked to write dedications to someone they love or mementos to one another; and a public mural, which is also a large part of the Mexican tradition. Markers and little cutouts will be available that can be added on and the mural will be built as people come in. Cultural Fragments: An Exhibit by Amy Lam—January 11 to February 14,2004 Staff had been made aware that Amy Lam had done a wonderful exhibit at the Chinese Cultural Center in San Francisco, and Ms. Lam is from Dublin. The exhibit contains very exquisitely put-together small boxes with a photograph of a family member who has a very close Dublin connection, along with a few mementos. Each box tells a story of the subject person's experience in America. Staff would also like to bring in five or six other families. Ms. Isles is working with Anna Hudson at the Senior Center, who has in her membership several Asian Americans who have lived in Dublin for a long time. These members will donate or loan artifacts and photographs to be placed in some kind of container to follow along with Amy Lam's idea of the box exhibit. MINUTES—AUGUST 14,2003 Page 2 of 7 A children's area will be situated in the corner of the museum with a little tea table set up where the children can do a tea ceremony and origami. There will be ongoing craft activities to coincide with the theme of the exhibit and give children something to do while parents are looking at this exhibit. Gold Fever: Myth&Reality: The California Gold Rush and Its Legacy—March 15 to May 10,2004 The last exhibit of the year was put together by Dr. James Rawls, who is a history professor at Diablo Valley College, and was initially on display at the Oakland Museum. The exhibit is on loan to the Heritage Center from the California Exhibition Resources Alliance (CERA)which fits in with the goal of borrowing exhibits from major museums. There is curriculum material that can be circulated, and the timing is set so that the exhibit will coincide with the bulk of children's tours from the schools. After this last exhibit, the museum will need to be closed, and it is then hoped to start re-installing permanent exhibits. The Commission was asked for any questions or suggestions. Regarding the Cultural Fragments exhibit, Cm. Lussie stated she had a CD that was made by HP for CHCP (Chinese Historical) that is curriculum like a textbook on screen. She added that there had also been an exhibit at Foothill College with items in the shape of boxes,but did not know if they were the same as in this exhibit. Ms. Isles clarified that these are small black boxes. Cm. Lussie noted that these boxes were huge, with some as big as a person, and some smaller, with things such as the history of the fortune cookie, which was invented in San Francisco. She volunteered to have the people from that group get in touch with Ms. Isles. Ms. Isles asked if maybe there was a chance that the items from the Foothill College exhibit could be borrowed. Cm. Lussie thought it might be possible, and would get the name of the people to be contacted. At one time it was free to borrow the items and the only cost was for the shipping,unless someone drove there to pick the items up. Cm.Acuff questioned whether anything was being borrowed for the Mexican Folklorico exhibit. Ms. Isles responded that a couple from Danville had been contacted. They have an extensive collection.of items and had just traveled to Mexico. She is waiting to hear back from the couple to see what they brought back from this trip. Cm. Acuff noted that there is also a Mexican museum in San Francisco. Ms. Isles stated that Staff is still pulling items together, but there are three altars so far and the display should be very colorful and lively. Cm.Lussie asked if some kind of panning experience was going to be rigged up for the Gold Fever program. Ms. Isles answered that she would have to see what comes with the exhibit. It can be augmented with the Center's own artifacts, which include a pick and a gold pan, so there might be an opportunity for a great little hands-on corner. Cm. Lussie stated she had experienced panning in Montana, with the result of getting more garnets than gold, and it was extremely time-consuming. She suggested perhaps using fool's gold. S � MINUTES—AUGUST 14,2003 Page 3 of 7 Chairperson Fasulkey inquired whether Ms.Isles had been to the exhibit when it was at the Oakland Museum. Ms. Isle confirmed that she had and noted that the exhibit consists of panels with great text and interpretation, the activities are wonderful, and she believes it fits in well with the pioneer theme. This event will be kind of a sample to see how well these exhibits work,and the idea of going into a more ambitious schedule next year. Cm. Lussie noted that on the riverbanks in the California gold country, people pay $10 for a bag of dirt to pan in the river. The suggestion was made to have somebody contribute some bags of dirt,. Yvonne explained that each bag of dirt would be enough to fill up a pan and a stand with water in it would be used to pan the"gold". Chairperson Fasulkey stated that Columbia, north of Sonora up in the gold country, is an entire old miner's town, all done up in the period dress and buildings. A lot of panning for gold is done there, which is a real tourist attraction. Cm. Acuff wondered if the historical society (Ms. Isles clarified that it,was the California Exhibition Resource Alliance)has connections with the hundreds of other little community museums around the State. Ms. Isles explained that C.E.R.A. plays the role of middlemen between the different curated exhibits, including working out the shipping and handling of the exhibits. They are a nonprofit organization, so it is at cost. ON A MOTION BY CM. MUETTERTIES AND SECONDED BY CM. VONHEEDER-LEOPOLD, THE COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE EXHIBITS. 8.2 Dublin's History and Antique Share Day Elizabeth Isles reported that this will be the Heritage Center's final program for Fiscal Year 2004. A City Councilmember had suggested inviting Dublin residents and the public to the Museum in an open-house fashion. Attendees could bring family photographs and any artifacts that could be shared in round-table discussions. If the members are willing, the photographs could be scanned and added to the archives for the Heritage Center. This would really just be a friendly, get-to-know-one-another kind of day to show what the museum has to offer and also discover what's out there in the community. This event could be done in cooperation with the Dublin Historic Preservation Association (DHPA), who could be asked for support in the way of volunteering and providing a presence there on that day. This event is a way to build the community around heritage. Cm.Acuff asked Ms. Isles if she was going to have a model of the planned renovation of the museum. Ms. Isles did not know if there would be a model,but there should be some plans available as Staff is going out to bid for an exhibit design firm to come up with some concrete designs. It would be great to put those designs out for the public to see. The event is informal with refreshments, and there would also be a couple of antique dealers to give opinions on items that people bring in to see if something is rare or valuable. . 'Cm.Acuff commented that she did not realize the event would be limited to Dublin things. Ms.Isles clarified that it is not limited to Dublin,but an open-house for anybody to bring artifacts. Cm.Acuff responded by saying that if the event is not limited,it could bring in a huge crowd. Ms. Isles stated the event will first be marketed to Dublin residents,but it will be open to anyone else in the region who is interested. MINUTES—AUGUST 14,2003 Page 4 of 7 Cm.Mack asked if it is free to get an appraisal? Ms. Isles answered that the details will have to be worked out,but it could be a $5 donation. These appraisals are informal and not for insurance purposes. Chairperson Fasulkey asked if it does well, can it be something that could be done on an annual basis? Yvonne confirmed that the event can be included in the Goals&Objectives annually. Chairperson Fasulkey thought it would be fun to bring up new people for next year since it's only a 3-hour day for this event. Cm.Acuff felt it would be a great way to build constituency. People would buy in to what is there. ON A MOTION BY CM. VONHEEDER-LEOPOLD AND SECONDED BY CM. MUETTERTIES, THE COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE EVENT. 8.3 Murray Schoolhouse Exhibit Design Interview Panel Theresa Yvonne, Heritage & Cultural Arts Supervisor, reported that in Fiscal Year 2003-2004, the Dublin City Council rated as a High Priority Goal to refurbish the exhibit space within the Murray Schoolhouse to provide a fresh setting that will optimally highlight Dublin's history. In order to proceed, a consultant will be selected to design a cohesive exhibit that utilizes innovative and interactive methods of display. The interview panel will be responsible for reviewing the specifications and parameters of the project, reviewing the consultant's proposal, participating in the interview process and recommending the finalist. Per the Bylaws and Rules of Procedure, the Chairman or Chairperson "appoints committees and chairpersons of committees as necessary". Staff recommends that the Chairperson appoint one Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission representative to sit on the interview panel for this Consultant. Chairperson Fasulkey recommended Connie Mack as she is new and fresh and exciting to the Commission, and would do a fine job of representing what the Commission wants to see in the schoolhouse. Cm. Mack stated she had no reservations about serving, and is very willing to ask other Commissioners for some guidance. Cm. Acuff commented that Elizabeth Isles will be helpful. Chairperson Fasulkey asked if there was any need for an alternate at this point. Ms.Yvonne responded,"No." Cm.Muetterties inquired who else is going to be on the interview panel. Ms. Yvonne replied that it would herself, Elizabeth Isles and Diane Lowart, the Parks & Community Services Director. The Interview Panel is scheduled for October 16th, although the time has not yet been determined. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold asked if it would be good idea to extend a hand to the DHPA to see if they would like to appoint someone? Ms.Yvonne stated that at this time, it is only the design phase of a project that is not very large. MINUTES—AUGUST 14,2003 Page 5 of 7 Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold stated that since the contents of the Murray Schoolhouse belong to DHPA, that it might be a goodwill gesture to have a member sit on the panel. She asked for confirmation that the other members of the Interview Panel have already been determined. Ms.Yvonne did so confirm. Cm. Acuff noted that Donna Miller has essentially been a consultant as far any of the developments of the exhibits in the schoolhouse. Ms. Isles informed the Commission that Ms. Miller has not been well lately, but had initially been on the committee that recommended the hiring of a consultant so there was representation from DHPA as far as the exhibit display. Cm.Lussie asked how many bidders there were. Ms. Yvonne explained that at this point, the deadline for proposals from the consultants is September 31st, with the interview panel tentatively set for October 16th, 2003. The RFP was sent out to 7 consultants, and this process is no different than the one to select the public art consultant. The proposals will be examined and a decision made base upon their submittal Cm. Lussie stated that the Commission did not have a representative on an interview team except when the Master Plan was done. Not to criticize the Chairperson's pick, but there are 2 or 3 members on this Commission who are also members of DHPA, so that might be one way to avoid having to go back to the City Council to request adding another seat on the interview panel. Cm. Mack suggested that the Chairperson appoint someone else and she would be glad to help in any way that was needed. Cm.Acuff did not believe she was a paid-up member of DHPA at this point. Cm.Muetterties thinks she is a member. Chairperson Fasulkey stated she had been more interested in just getting a cross-section of the various Commissioners serving on committees, but if Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold felt that it was important to have a representative from DHPA she would reconsider the appointment. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold stated that she believed that somebody from DHPA needs to be on the panel since somebody from the Commission will be there. Cm.Mack stated that whatever works is fine with her as she want it to be right with the Commission. Chairperson Fasulkey felt that input is valuable so we know where everybody is coming from. If Cm. Vonheeder- Leopold is definitely a member of the DHPA, but Cm. Acuff and Cm. Muetterties are not sure, then it seems. logical for Cm.Vonheeder-Leopold to represent the Commission on the interview panel. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold thought it was important to have formal representation so it can officially be taken back to the DHPA. Chairperson Fasulkey stated that one of beauties of sitting on this Commission and having a cross section of the DHPA is the ability to represent both and have the chance to avoid problems. Knowing that the interview panel's decision is coming back to this Commission final approval, as well as the City Council, it may be best to withdraw the recommendation of Cm.Mack. MINUTES—AUGUST 14,2003 Page 6'of 7 CHAIRPERSON FASULKEY OFFICIALLY APPOINTED CM. VONHEEDER-LEOPOLD AS -THE HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT ON THE INTERVIEW PANEL FOR THE MUSEUM EXHIBIT DESIGN CONSULTANT. Other Business 9.1 Brief Informational Only Reports from Commissioners and/or Staff DAY ON THE GLEN: Ms. Yvonne requested help at the arts and crafts table for two shifts on both days of the event, September 27 and 28. Bonnie Leonard is putting the display/activity together and will have some camp counselors handling the crafts, but some help is needed in setting things set up and getting the kids going. There will be 7 different kinds of crafts at 14 tables. Cm.Vonheeder-Leopold will ask for volunteers from the DHPA. Saturday from 9:30 to 2:00 Chairperson Fasulkey Saturday form 2:00•to 5:30 Cm.Mack,Cm.Muetterties and Cm.Vonheeder-Leopold Sunday from 9:30 to 2:00 Cm.Acuff, depending on the weather Sunday from 2:00 to 5:30 Cm. Lussie,tentatively PUBLIC ART TASK FORCE: The first meeting of the task force is set for Thursday, September 4`h. Prior to the Task Force meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 in the City Council chambers there will be a public art presentation. This presentation will be different than the one given at the City Council meeting. The Commission was urged to publicize the event by telling neighbors, friends, and anyone who might be interested in public art. Yvonne inquired as to the status of the flagpole that DHPA has purchased for the Heritage Center. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold stated the flagpole was ordered 2 weeks after receipt of the letter from Ms. Yvonne. There is a 4-month lead time on receiving the pole, so it should be here in November. There will probably not be a ceremony until spring due to the uncertain weather in the late fall and winter. GROUP PHOTO: Ms. Yvonne stated that pictures were taken last year for the volunteer dinner, which is held every year. Commissioners were advised that a group photo would be taken 10 minutes prior to next month's Commission meeting. Pictures will be taken of all of the Commissions and volunteers, as well as the DHPA and Dublin Fine Arts Foundation. Ms.Yvonne then gave updates on various projects: Bus Shelters — The City has entered into a fabrication contract, and it is estimated that the bus shelters will be installed toward the end of November, barring unforeseen weather that would prevent construction of the foundation Safeway Clock Tower — A site visitation was done with the people from Safeway. The installation should be taking place in October.This project will be completed before the bus shelters. Underpass Lighting-The lights have been ordered, and installation was to have started this week. However, this has been delayed as the light fixtures have not been received. All of the hardware is here,but the contractor does not to have to mobilize twice. The work will take 3 weeks to a month to finish. Installation will start on Dublin Blvd. first and then move to Amador Valley Boulevard. Underpass Sidewalks: Public Works wants to wait until the mural is completed on Amador Valley Boulevard before doing the sidewalks. MINUTES—AUGUST 14, 2003 Page7of7 Emerald Glen,Phase II—Construction has started. Ned Kahn is working on his art piece and it should be installed in December. Art in the Parks Program—Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold supplied flyers regarding Dublin Fine Arts Foundation's event for next Tuesday,an artist's reception and viewing of art proposals for an art piece to be placed in Dolan Park. Adjournment Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 4 //,,,6;1. §<5/.61w-fre--1 M chelle A.Brown Secretary APPROVED: r � (7airPerson