HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-07-05 CAC MINUTES•
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I.
II.
CALL TO ORDER
City of Englewood
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
Minutes of July 5, 2000
The regular monthly meeting of the City of Englewood Cultural Arts Commission was called to order
at 5:55pm by Chairperson Bertoluzzi at Englewood City Hall , Community Development Conference
Room.
Present:
Absent:
Also Present:
Eric Bertoluzzi , Chairperson
Rosemary LaPorta, Vice Chairperson
John Gates , Commission Member
Corrine Lindsey , Commission Member
Janet Moore, Commission Member
Ray Tomasso , Commission Member
Olga Wolosyn , City Council Liaison
Jerrell Black, ex officio
Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager
Martha Warner, Commission Member
Julie Grazulis, City Council Member (arrived at 6 :00pm)
Jim Copenhaver, Facilitator, Exploratory Committee
Robin Schaffer, Exploratory Committee Member (arrived at 6:35pm)
Alex Habenicht, Exploratory Committee Member
REVIEW OF AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda .
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairperson Bertoluzzi asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of June 7,
2000. There were none . A motion was made to accept the minutes as presented. The motion
passed unanimously.
IV. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
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Linda Trujillo, Administrative Aide III , Department of Parks and Recreation , was introduced. Linda
was present as Recording Secretary due to Debby Severa being on vacation. Members of the
Exploratory Committee were also introduced, including Alex Habenicht, Robin Schaffer, and Jim
Copenhaver.
NEW BUSINESS
Alex Habenicht, member of the Exploratory Committee, gave a brief history of how the Cultural Arts
Commission and eventually the Exploratory Committee came into being. Ms. Habenicht explained
how plans began to take root for a Cultural Center, spearheaded in part by Eric Bertoluzzi , who was
appointed Chairperson of the Cultural Arts Commission in 1999. Ms . Habenicht said that the
Exploratory Committee was formed approximately a year ago, and has been meeting since that time to
explore the possibility of developing a Cultural Center for the City of Englewood . Ms. Habenicht
continued, explaining that Jim Copenhaver was brought into the Committee as a Facilitator, and that
Mr. Copenhaver was present at tonight's meeting to present the Business Plan for the Cultural Center.
Chairperson Bertoluzzi added that Janet Moore had written a couple of drafts for the business plan,
and then turned the meeting over to Mr. Copenhaver. •
Mr. Copenhaver began his presentation by citing the benefits a Cultural Center would bring to the City
of Englewood. Among those benefits explained by Mr. Copenhaver are community pride and a
positive effect on Englewood schools. Mr. Copenhaver said that a Cultural Center would enhance the
City's culture and education, and that a performance-based venue was Jacking in the South Denver
area. Mr. Copenhaver added that the Committee was counting on support from the schools, the David
Taylor Dance Theater, and the Museum of Outdoor Arts. Mr. Copenhaver then illustrated how the
City would benefit economically with the influx of new businesses and new students.
Mr. Copenhaver spoke about the major points of the Business Plan that the Committee is currently
working on, including curriculum, performance venue, etc. Mr. Copenhaver stated that the Committee
is nearing the end of the budget process, and hopes to present the plan to City Council in October.
Presently, the main focus is location. Eight original sites have been narrowed down to three, with the
old City Hall building being the first choice. Copenhaver stated that a public forum with parents and
businesses, etc., would be held in two weeks to I) make the public aware of the proposal, and 2) solicit
support. Mr. Copenhaver said the final draft of the business plan is expected to be ready August I.
The presentation was then turned over to Commission member John Gates, who showed designs he
had drafted of the Cultural Center using the former City Hall building . Gates said a proposed parking
structure would hold 650+ spaces, and the three stages in the Center could seat up to 1,550 people.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed design, including elevators, handicap accessibility, etc.
Chairperson Bertoluzzi stressed that the former City Hall building is being explored because the City
already owns it. •
Council Liaison Wolosyn invited everyone to the parents forum to be held Tuesday, July 18, at
7:00pm at the Civic Center Community Room.
Chairperson Bertoluzzi suggested inviting area youth to help in designing the landscape for the
building. Ms. Habenicht asked ifthe Commission should do a formal recommendation to approve the
design. Jerrell Black, Director of Parks and Recreation, answered that the proposal would be
formalized in the minutes of the meeting.
Chairperson Bertoluzzi thanked the Committee for its efforts in researching and designing the proposal
for the Cultural Center.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Council Member Grazulis reported that negotiations with the David Taylor Dance Theater are still
progressing favorably.
Liaison Wolosyn raised discussion regarding the legal ramifications of changing the name of EFOT to
the Englewood Arts Council. Concerns are that monies invested in EFOT will be transitioned into the
newly named group. Commission Member Lindsey stated that an attorney, Peter Guthrie, is working
with the group and will research IRS laws and statutes.
VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Director Black passed out information that had been presented to City Council at the Study Session
regarding the Art Wall at Wal-Mart. Black announced that the artist chosen was Todd Silor, and
showed some examples of Silor's work. Council Member Grazulis described the artwork chosen for
the Wall, and said that the artist was hoping the work would be in place by February. Robin Schaffer
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asked whether graffiti would be a problem. Director Black responded that Englewood was on the low
• end of the scale in the metro area as far as graffiti.
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Olga Wolosyn reminded Commission members that the Exploratory Committee was working on the
Parents Forum scheduled for July 18. The Committee is working on a fac (frequently asked questions)
document. Wolosyn announced that the Committee would meet the following morning at 9:00am in
the City Attorney's office to discuss a partnership with the school district.
Due to Martha Warner 's absence , Jerrell Black reported on the Park and Recreation Commission .
VII. DIRECTOR'S AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS CHOICE
Director Black spoke about an arts/crafts booth sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department at
the annual Fourth of July Celebration at Belleview Park. Black reported that several hundred children
had participated in the arts/crafts activities.
Black then invited Commission members to a performance, "A Symphony of Story", to be enjoyed by
kids in the Parks and Recreation Summer Playgrounds program the following day at 2:00pm at
Sinclair Middle School.
Regarding the new Cultural Arts Special Events programmer, Black announced the position had been
filled by Amy Doe, an Englewood native who was currently a programmer for the City of Parker.
Black said that Doe would be assisting in planning Special Events and cu ltural events , and would be
scheduling the cultural space at City Center. Black added that he would invite Doe to the next Cultural
Arts meeting so she could meet Commission members .
Director Black presented Commission members with guitar picks, mementos from the last Sounds
of Summer Concert at the Little Dry Creek Plaza. Black announced that attendance at the first
concert had surpassed 1,000. Black added that the following Thursday at 7:00pm, the Denver
Concert Band would be performing .
Black reminded Commission members that the annual Funfest Olde Tyme Fair scheduled for
August 26-27 would be tied in this year with a City celebration.
Lastly, Black announced that the Parks and Recreation Summer Drama Production this year was
"Grease".
Commission member Gates said that he felt like he had not contributed enough to the
Commission. Commission members assured Gates that he had done much for the Commission,
particularly developing the plans for the Cultural Center.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25pm .