HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-21 CAC MINUTESCity of Englewood
Cultural Arts Commission
Minutes of January 21, 1998
The regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Englewood Cultural Arts Commission was called to
order at 5:46pm by Chairperson Wolosyn at the Englewood Recreation Center, Conference Room.
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Also present:
Wolosyn, Krueger , Warner, Tomasso, Peterson, Black ex officio
Spangenberg, LaPorta Kreiger, Lindsey, Gootee
Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager
Alex Habenicht, City Council Liaison
Shannon Mary O'Leary, Englewood Public Library Liaison
John Gerlick, President, ACT Englewood!
Jerry Schell, Vice President, ACT Englewood!
Seth Rossman, ACT Englewood!
Chairperson Wolosyn asked the guests to introduce themselves. John Gerlick, President of ACT
Englewood! explained that he and Jerry Schell, along with Director Black and Recreation Manager Hultberg,
toured the Foley's building that day. Vice Chairman Spangenberg had asked Mr. Gerlick and Mr. Schell to
compile a proposal for a theater/cultural arts center. Mr. Gerlick, Mr. Schell and Mr. Rossman were at
tonight's meeting to present that proposal.
Before discussion began on the theater/cultural arts center, Chairperson Wolosyn asked if there were
any changes or additions to the minutes of December 3, 1997. There were none. A motion was made and
seconded that the minutes be approved as presented . The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion began on the Foley's building and the probability of the City of Englewood transferring it's
facilities over to the Foley's site. It was also noted that the possibility of a cultural facility, primarily a theater ,
is also being researched.
Liaison O'Leary arrived at 6:50pm.
Jerry Schell told Commission members about ACT Englewood!, explaining that it is a local theater
group, organized by volunteer work. The group operates out of Flood Middle School and the Malley Senior
Recreation Center for it's two to three shows per year. Mr. Schell indicated that the group is looking for a
permanent home.
Mr Schell showed a floor plan for a 224 raked-seating theater that ACT Englewood! recommended for
the Foley 's site. The recommended facility included a 20' stage, with a set shop/storage, costume and prop
rooms, light and sound booth , and dressing rooms. Mr. Schell also stated that a room for rehearsals,
preferably at least 30' x 50', is essential, enabling one group to rehearse while another group is using the
stage. A letter with these recommendations was distributed to Commission members. Different theater e options were also discussed. It was noted that there were plenty of theater groups looking for space and that it
was felt there would be no difficulty in filling the space. Discussion ensued regarding day usage of the facility
including meetings, conferences, teaching facility, etc.
Council member Habenicht stated that she envisioned a collaboration between the City of Englewood
and four to six small theater groups to facilitate and utilize the facility. Habenicht thought there would be e
support for such a thing, and allow for the opportunity of grant funding.
Director Black updated Commission members on the progress of Cinderella City. The City of
Englewood had sent out for RFP' s (Request for Proposal) for the renovation of the facility. Five were
received. The City is reviewing those submittals and would be interviewing the first of next week. The City
is hoping it will be a quick process. After the selection, the first step will then be to define the needs . Black
stated that the first priority is the Englewood residents and local community groups.
Habenicht stated time is of the essence. Habenicht reported that the Cultural Arts Commission has the
authority to organize a committee to identify the needs and pull together resources . Habenicht also suggested
that the committee start developing letters of intent from other groups. It was decided to hold a special
meeting on Wednesday, January 28 , 1998 at 6:30pm at the Englewood Recreation Center, Conference Room,
to discuss the aforementioned.
Commission member Krueger left the meeting at 6:31 pm.
Director Black reiterated on the short time frame. Black also discussed the program needs and the
possible need for space from the Department of Parks and Recreation's programs .
Habenicht pointed out that the facility would need to be self-supporting. Black agreed. Habenicht
noted that Sony Theaters has intent of putting in a theater that would be open for public use .
Mr. Gerlick , Mr. Schell and Mr. Rossman left the meeting at 6 :45pm.
Liaison O'Leary left the meeting at 6:45pm .
Commission youth member Peterson reported that she is organizing an Environment Club at
Englewood High School. The new club has plans for a trip to the mountain. The club has invited the art
students to go along on the trip as an opportunity to inspire them artistically . Peterson thought that the art
created from the excursion could be displayed at the Englewood Public Library, as discussed at previous
meetings. Commission members thought it was a good idea.
Youth member Peterson left the meeting at 6:48pm .
Discussion moved on to reports from recent seminars and workshops attended by Commission
members. Council member Habenicht reported on the Cultural Tourism Seminar attended by herself and
Commission member Tomasso . Habenicht stated that the seminar focused on the development of culture to
bring in tourists . Habenicht added that Englewood needs something to market off of for it's audience .
Chairperson Wolosyn then reported on the Volunteerism Workshop she had attended . The workshop
focused on the care and feeding of volunteers. Wolosyn reported that she had requested a booklet concerning e
volunteerism. Hultberg asked for a copy of the booklet for the Department.
Commission member Warner said she had some questions on the Foley's building. Warner's first
questions was if the City of Englewood now owned the Foley's building. Black explained that the City of
Englewood now owns the whole site. Warner asked in regards to the surety of the City of Englewood utilizing
the Foley's building. Black said it was 99% sure. Warner then asked if the City of Englewood would
determine the amount of space needed. Black explained that a study has been done, and those figures would
be forwarded on to the architect. Warner then asked questions concerning the development of the Foley's
building . Black replied that the architect would be making those decisions.
Chairperson Wolosyn discussed the Art in Public Places ordinance. It was explained that a resolution
and two ordinances were presented to City Council at the January 19, 1998 meeting regarding the
establishment of annual funding for an Arts in Public Places program. Habenicht reported that City Council
will pass the resolution.
Director Black reported on the Financial Report, stating that the 1998 operating budget was sent to
Commission members in their January packet. Commission member Tomasso asked in regards to the 1997
budget. Black responded that there is not a final account yet due to year-end encumbrances.
Commission members were updated on the RTD light rail station progress . Chairperson Wolosyn
discussed the specifics for art for the windscreen including advertising for the piece of art and judging.
Wolosyn has talking to an individual who has a lot of experience with such events. Wolosyn was told that the
$5,000 prize was too low and needed to be $7,500 to $10,000.
Director Black asked if a prize needed to be awarded, or if public recognition was substantial.
Commission member Tomasso responded that with time and materials put in by the artist, a monetary award
needed to be given. Recreation Manager Hultberg asked if money was available through the RTD budget.
Wolosyn stated that the feeling from RTD representatives is that the canopy will use up the $30,000. Wolosyn
has been told that the art at the station is tailor-made for grants.
Discussion followed regarding funding through SCFD. Black reiterated that the Cultural Arts
Commission was not eligible, but that the City of Englewood, Parks and Recreation Commission was, and that
the Commission could apply under the Department's eligibility such as EDDA and Summer Drama program
do.
Regarding the Feasibility Study, Wolosyn apprised Commission members that Vice-Chairperson
Spangenberg and herself are looking at the questionnaire and areas of concern developed by the David Taylor
Dance Co.
Chairperson Wolosyn then discussed the Plaza Statue. Specifications for the statue were distributed to
Commission members in the January packet. Commission discussed the option of revolving the piece of art or
keeping a permanent piece, and the issues involving each option. e The meeting was adjourned at 7:4pm.
Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary