HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-2006 Approved HCAC Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN
HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF: MAY11, 2006
The May 11, 2006 meeting of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 7:00p.m. at the
Dublin Civic Center,Dublin, California,by Chairperson Mack.
Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Mack led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Acuff,White, Lussie, Vonheeder-Leopold and Mack
Commissioners Absent: Halket and Fasulkey
Oral Communications-None
Approval of Minutes
ON A MOTION BY CM. ACUFF, SECONDED BY CM. WHITE AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE
COMMISSION APPROVED THE MINUTES OF APRIL 13,2006 AS PRESENTED.
Written Communications—None
Public Hearing-None
Unfinished Business-None
New Business
8.1 Dublin Fine Arts Foundation—Art Takes Place Proposal
John Hartnett, Heritage &Cultural Arts Supervisor, reported that Lynne Baer, Consulting Director for the Dublin
Fine Arts Foundation (DFAF), is ill and therefore would not be here tonight to present this item. He felt that it is
important that Ms. Baer present this particular item since it is the vision of the Dublin Fine Arts Foundation to
pursue this project. They came up with the concept and she is well versed in what DFAF wants to offer. He
requested that the Commission defer this item to another meeting,possibly in June or July.
The Commission concurred.
8.2 Winter 2006 Quarterly Report
Hartnett reported that it is the goal of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission 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 diverse cultural program offerings in the areas of
music,theatre, dance, and visual art . He presented a brief summary of programs conducted during winter 2006.
This past winter, a total of 375 participants registered for Cultural Arts Classes, which was an increase of 102%
over winter 2005. This is due to the addition of many new classes as well as more diverse cultural program
offerings. The cancellation rate was virtually the same for 2005 and 2006. The average registration per class
decreased over last year by approximately two participants per class, but this may be attributed to participants
having many more choices of programs in which to enroll (52 classes in 2006 as opposed to 21 classes in 2005).
Hartnett noted that in the winter session, a number of new programs in the categories of visual arts, music, music
appreciation, and cultural dance were offered. Although most of these classes were cancelled, they have been
offered again this spring, with increased success. A total of 375 participants were registered with 52 classes
offered in comparison to 186 registered and 21 classes offered in 2005. In addition, some new classes were added
Minutes—May 11,2006
Page 2 of 3
for the summer. Staff is continually evaluating the classes that are offered, and if not successful, they will be
. dropped and replaced with other classes offered by new instructors.
Cm. Lussie inquired as to what is the minimum enrollment required for a class. Hartnett stated that it depends on
the instructor. Some instructors will conduct a class with less than the minimum enrollment, particularly if it is a
new class.
Cm. Acuff stated that in some cases, low enrollment may be due to the fact that a similar class may be offered by
another city.
Hartnett stated that being in close geographical proximity to other cities we are going to run in to offering of
similar classes. He noted that it was encouraging that non-resident registration was pretty high.
Winter Concert Series
Hartnett reported that this past fall, at the request of the Commission, a fifth concert was added in October to
extend the Winter Concert Series to five events, from October through February. The Series total entertainment
cost was $2,600 this past year. Admission was charged to offset most of the direct costs for the program. Tickets
were sold in advance for the last three concerts,but this proved unnecessary and will not be repeated next year.
The first concert on October 29, Spooktacular—Dr. Meridian&the Countess, was not well attended and Staff will
re-evaluate the type of entertainment to offer for this first concert. The other four concerts experienced good to
excellent attendance and overall comments on the performances were highly favorable. The concerts included;
November 12 — Oak, Ash, and Thorn, December 3 — The Gifts of the Magi, January 14 — James Robinson, Jazz
Guitarist, and February 11 —Bell &Branch.
Cm.Acuff stated that she hopes that it has been taken into account the problems with the Gifts of the Magi.
Hartnett stated that it was definitely a promotional issue and has been duly noted.
Cm. Lussie asked what the attendance was for the Halloween concert. Hartnett replied that it was low, about 18-20
people compared to the 60 that were in attendance for the other concerts.
Cm. Lussie asked that since it is an evening venue, do more adults than youth attend the concerts. Hartnett stated
that the concerts usually draw an older crowd. A lot of seniors attend because the concerts are actively promoted
at the Senior Center because there is an interested audience there.
Chair Mack stated that she really enjoyed the concerts that she attended. She listened to the conversations between
those in attendance and it seems that most were very impressed with the concerts.
Other Business
Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Heritage and Cultural Arts Commissioners and/or Staff
Staff Reports:
•Hartnett passed out invitations to the Bray Commons Artist Reception on Wednesday,May 24 in the Civic Center
Regional Room from 5:00-7:OOpm. The project is now narrowed down to five artists and they will have models on
display in the display boxes of what they are proposing, and the artists will be in attendance.
•Cm. White asked how long would the models be on display. Hartnett stated that the models will be on display for
several weeks.
•Hartnett reported that Las Positas College will be returning with another graphics art show. It will be displayed
in the lobby for one week.
•Reminder - The joint meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission and the Heritage and Cultural
Arts Commission is scheduled on Monday,May 15 to discuss the Dublin Historic Site.
Minutes—May 11,2006
Page 3 of 3
Cm. White stated that while in Modesto, she stopped by the McHenry Mansion with her granddaughter and they
had a personalized tour. The mansion has a gift shop, and is completely furnished and rented out for weddings.
She mentioned to them that she was on the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission for the City of Dublin and that
the City also had a museum. They are very interested in coming to visit our museum, the church and cemetery, so
she left her name and number.
Chair Mack stated that at the City Council meeting on May 16, they will be discussing the Program Fees and
Charges for the Heritage Center tours and she planned to attend.
Cm. Lussie stated that she was very disappointed in the City Council's selection of banners, as it was not the
choice of the Commission. The Commission spent two meetings discussing the banners. From past experience, it
really does help when Commissioners attend the Council meetings, because the Mayor and Councilmember's do
listen to what you have to say. She suggested that it is a good idea that our Chair will be attending the Council
meeting on May 16 for the Program Fees and Charges.
Adjournment
Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 7:22p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Char J.Young
Administrative Tec 4an
APPROVED:
R,Y17
Chairperson
•