Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-02 CAC MINUTES• • I. II. m. CALL TO ORDER City of Englewood CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of April 2, 2003 The regular monthly meeting of the City of Englewood Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 5:45pm by Chairperson Bertoluzzi at the City Council Conference Room at the Civic Center building. Present: Absent: Also Present: Eric Bertoluzzi, Chairperson Darrell Freeland, Commission Member Janet Moore, Commission Member Donna Schnitzer, Commission Member Maggie Stewart, Commission Member Ray Tomasso, Vice Chairperson Olga Wolosyn, City Council Liaison Mary Lynn Baird, Englewood School District Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Kate Dulaney, Commission Member Kris Fritzsche, Education Coordinator for the Museum of Outdoor Arts Gary Hultberg, Manager of Recreation Mike Flaherty, Assistant City Manager REVIEW OF AGENDA Chairperson Bertoluzzi noted that he had an item for discussion under Commission Member's Choice regarding Englewood Public Schools and proposed budget cuts. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Bertoluzzi asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of March 5, 2003. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. IV. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS v. Michael Flaherty, Assistant City Manager, was introduced. NEW BUSINESS Discussion was turned over to Michael Flaherty who was present to discuss the City's current financial situation and options to increase revenue. Mr. Flaherty gave a history in regard to the City's financial situation, explaining that due to declining sales tax, the City has had to reduce the 2003 budget by two million and has had to continue looking at additional means to reduce the current budget even further . Commission members were told that City officials feel that they can meet budget short falls for this year without impacting citizen services. Mr. Flaherty went on to explain that unless the market increases, City officials are looking at additional cuts at a minimum of two million for 2004. Mr. Flaherty also discussed three tax initiatives as a means to increase revenue including an increase in the mill levy, an occupational privilege tax and creating a service tax; going into detail for each option. Discussion followed . Commission Member Moore asked Mr. Flaherty that if total sales tax in the area is down, is Community Development working on bringing in businesses that bring in sales tax. Moore also asked in regard to the situation with Kmart. Mr . Flaherty replied that Kmart is one of the largest revenue makers in the City and that Community Development has had discussions with Burt, owner of the property, in regard to other retailers that may be interested in the location if Kmart closes. City Council Liaison Wolosyn explained that sales is not limited to within the boundaries of Englewood, but that it also applies to products delivered into Englewood. Wolosyn explained the "80110" tax situation. Mr. Flaherty thanked the Commission for their time and told them to feel free to contact him at any time with questions or comments. Mr. Flaherty left the meeting. Director Black told the Commission that the Family Aquatic Center video would not be shown tonight. As previously discussed, Black explained that a naming contest is being held for the Aquatic Facility and that a committee is being formed to select a name . Black asked for a volunteer to serve on that committee. Commission Member Freeland stated that he would be interested. Discussion moved on to budget. Wolosyn informed the Commission of the upcoming budget retreat and items that she will be discussing with City Council including the cultural land bank and budgeting for cultural activities. In regard to the cultural land bank, Wolosyn explained that $350,000 has been requested every year for the last three years for a land bank for the purchase ofland for a cultural facility. Due to budget constraints, $125,000 was received last year. Wolosyn stated that $350,000 would again be requested for 2004. In regard to funding for cultural activities, Wolosyn reported that she would be requesting additional money for cultural activities. Chairperson Bertoluzzi commented that the money received for cultural arts is modest. Director Black commented that as discussed by Mr. Flaherty, the City is looking at every penny this year and only expects things to become even more difficult for 2004. Black explained that every year staff meets with the Cultural Arts Chairperson to • discuss programs, etc. for the upcoming year and budgets accordingly. Black reviewed some of the A budget cuts and explained that any new cuts could be substantial. W Wolosyn continued, updating commission members on upcoming events including the Englewood Jubilee II Celebration, May 9-10 and 13 , 2003 . VI. OLD BUSINESS Kris Fritzsche, Education Coordinator for the Museum of Outdoor Arts, updated the Commission on the latest concerning the National Arts Education Association Convention. Fritzsche spoke in regard to a four-tiered project for the event partnered by the City of Englewood, Museum of Outdoor Arts, David Taylor and Up Close and Musical. Fritzsche discussed what MOA has planned for the conference. Discussion followed. There was no new information regarding Chicken Lips. VII. COMMIITEE REPORTS City Council Liaison Wolosyn discussed the art piece for the round-a-bout and installation. Recreation Manager Hultberg reported that the City Attorney's department is developing the professional service contract. Director Black clarified that the art piece would be steel and would rust over time and the color would change. There was no new information on the Exploratory Committee. • Commission Member Moore updated the Commission on the March Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. • vm. DIRECTOR'S AND COMMISSION MEMBERS' CHOICE • Director Black bad no items for Director's Choice. Englewood School District Liaison Baird announced that she and another teacher from Clayton Elementary have received an award by the Colorado Alliance for Arts Education and will now be competing for the regional award. Baird discussed the new sculpture garden at Clayton. Kris Fritzsche told the Commission that MOA currently has an artist in residence and encouraged commission members to stop by and visit with the gentleman. Chairperson Bertoluzzi discussed Englewood Public Schools and proposed budget cuts concerning art and music programs in order to trim the budget. Bertoluzzi discussed the benefits of art and music in the schools and urged commission members to write and/or speak to the Englewood School Board. vm. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:25pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary