HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/04/1996 Work Session
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Springfield City Council
Joint Work Session
~TES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL AND THE
SPRINGFIELD ARTS COMMISSION HELD
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1996
The City of Springfield Council met in Joint Work Session with the Springfield Arts
Commission at Springfield City Hall, Library Meeting Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield,
Oregon, on Monday, November 4, 1996, at 6:05 p.m. with Mayor Morrisette presiding.
Present from the City Council were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Ballew, Beyer, Burge,
Dahlquist, Maine and Shaver. Also present were Acting City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City
Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Eileen Stein, Administrative Aide Shari Higgins,
Development Services Director Susan Daluddung, Senior Management Analyst Cynthia Pappas
and Museum Coordinator Kathy Jensen.
Present from the Arts Commission were Chair Nancy Albro, Linda Hansen, Nan Kennedy,
Sharon Neylon, Reid Stewart and Nada Zawodney.
1. Welcome and Introductions
The welcome and introductions were led by Mayor Morrisette.
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2. About the Arts Commission
Arts Commission' Chair Nancy Albro stated the purpose of the commission is to act as a
conduit for public arts programs in Springfield and to make arts accessible to the community
and its citizens. She believes public art is also a community enhancement which
increases civic pride. The commission provides opportunities for local artists by giving
expression to artistic creation and by providing space for exhibits, performances and events.
The commission tries to promote awareness, communication, and cooperation among local
artists, art groups, and citizens. This is accomplished through several programs, such as the
youth arts program (five programs per year with hands on experience for performance, music
and art), sponsors the annual puppet festival (for the past six years) and promotes public arts
by providing the City of Springfield with murals and sculpture. As Springfield grows the
commission would like to see the arts grow also.
Mayor Morrisette commented that most of the programs held at City Hall have been well
received. He spoke of the programs for children and how good it is to see the sponsorship
by the commission.
3. Proposed Projects
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Ms. Albro stated a huge list was compiled by the commission in order of priority. After
further review, the commission decided to shorten the list to the following items: an Art
Alley mural on 5th Street, a new sculpture depicting the timer industry and the creation of an
arts marketing plan for the City of Springfield.
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City of Springfield
Joint Work Session - 11/4/96
Page two
Ms. Albro stated the items identified as proposed projects were decided upon by the
commission as those with the best chance of promoting arts within the community. She
gave specific information about the development of a mural and explained the
commission currently has a $15,000 set aside for a sculpture.
Councilor Burge inquired about programs in which the commission interfaces with the
schools. It was eXplained the commission does not directly interface with School District
#19, but promotes exhibits and connects children with local artists who promote youth art.
Councilor Beyer stated that with the current level of funding that the commission receives,
that they can not assist the schools with the promotion of art in the co~munity. There was
a discussion of school age children who have worked on the Art Alley murals and the
gallery display that is often provided for the youth at City Hall.
~r. Stewart stated interest in performing arts in the schools are growing in Springfield.
He felt the commission could foster that interest by the continued encouragement of
youth art in the community. Ms. Kennedy stated the commission works very closely with
the museum and the library in the promotion of youth arts.
Councilor Shaver discussed the trees which impair the vision of the Oregon Trail mural.
Ms. Kennedy commented the trees should not be trimmed or removedto providing for
easier viewing, as those wishing a closer view can stop, park and visit the downtown area.
Mayor Morrisette suggested limiting parking of trucks and campers in front of the mural as
they restrict the view.
Councilor Shaver suggested the proposed mural have a tie to the museum and its new
exhibit.
Mayor Morrisette suggested the creation of a post card which shows the entire mural. He
also spoke about possibly dedicating a percentage of the room tax fund annually to promote
arts in the community. He spoke of arts in the park or an annual festival which would
attract many people to Springfield.
Councilor Beyer suggested the commission provide the City Council with a proposal for
funding of one-percent ,per year of the room tax revenue. Councilor Burge agreed and
stated he would like to see the room tax fund distribution process occur prior to the annual
budget process.
Ms. Albro stated the commission was looking for both a focus and funding options from
the council. They discussed the current staffing level (.1 FTE) and possible fundraising
options for future endeavors. Mayor Morrisette suggested individual sponsorship by
community members for specific arts projects. Councilor Burge agreed.
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Springfield City Council
Joint Work Session - 11/4/96
Page three
Mr. Reid commented the current staff level to the commission could need seek private
solicitations and fundraise without an increase in FTE or assistance. Mr. Leahy stated
from a City standpoint, someone from staff would need to supervise and oversee a fundraising
project.
Councilor Shaver suggested combining fundraising activities with art events. He also advised
the commission if they wanted to place a sculpture depicting the timber industry in
Springfield, to contact local members of the community to solicit donations.
Ms. Kennedy suggested the City assist the commission in connecting tourism with the arts.
She felt more murals and art would make the community more viable and attract visitors.
The arts are critical to living and through music, dance and art, the community gains
much enjoyment.
Councilor Burge stated not all things in our society have a financial return associated with
it and suggested that promoting the arts is one of those things. He supports the efforts of the
commission and agreed that receiving a proposal from the commission regarding funding
options would be a helpful tool when discussing room tax apportions.
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There was a general discussion regarding use of room tax funds. Budget Committee member
Joe Mathieu was present and stated the commissions lack of a marketing plan was considered
a large factor when the room tax funds were discussed for Fiscal Year 1996-97.
Councilor Maine suggested the commission discuss a mural that depicts a timber industry
theme. She said many local businesses have timber painting or murals and they might assist
the commission with contacts.
By consensus, the council asked the commission to focus on a new Art Alley mural and,
bring back a funding request or plan regarding upcoming projects. Council asked the
commission to include the costs for a mural, sculpture and staffing increases. It was agreed
that another work session would be scheduled in the near future to discuss the request/plan.
Adjournment 7:05 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins
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