City of Capitola

Key discussions focused on staff transitions within the Recreation Division, with a new manager assigned to the Commission. The commission reviewed merchandise sales practices for Twilight Concerts and decided to form a subcommittee to analyze costs and potentially change the logo. Regarding the Art at the Beach Program, concerns were raised about the Program Coordinator's retirement, leading to a direction for staff to provide recruitment process recommendations. The Banner Project review concluded that streetlight banners should be viewed as Public Art, requiring staff to report on Administrative Policy V-16. Progress reports were provided on the Tree Stump Art Project, the Plein Air event, the 41st Ave Art Project (where solar lighting was deemed unsuitable), the Begonia Art Project (which is preparing a call to artists), and the Monterey Ave Railing Project (which may require scaling back). Additionally, the commission received a positive report on the Begonia 5th Year Commemoration.

The general business section addressed several key items, including a motion to recommend Laura Orantes for appointment to the Commission. Discussions covered merchandise sales for Twilight Concerts, focusing on inventory and logo printing logistics, with a request for staff to provide mockups. The commission decided to explore new structures for the 'Art in the Park' event due to operational challenges. Other topics included reviewing submissions for the Tree Stump Art Project and selecting a selected artist for a mockup, moving forward with the Begonia Art Project's Call to Artist, and publishing a Call to Artist for the Monterey Avenue Railing Project, noting cost limitations. The Plein Air event was reported as successful, with recommendations to purchase credit card and sound systems.

The General Business section covered several key items. The Commission discussed and approved sponsoring a Ukrainian Cultural Event in August 2023 and allocated $2000 for related expenses. A motion was approved for the subcommittee to order t-shirts for Twilight Concerts, modifying the design to include the concert series name. The Commission also approved postponing the Art at the Beach events for the 2023 season and directing evaluation and recruitment for the 2024 season. For the Tree Stump Art Project, the commission accepted Anthony May's concept proposal and directed staff to prepare a draft contract. There was no action taken regarding the Village Decoration Policy Banner Project or the Plein Air event, and the Retreat Agenda planning was tabled.

The commission discussed goals and budget for the 2024 Art & Cultural program. Key discussions included increasing the budget for Twilight Concert band and sound contracts, improving support from the CPD during the Art at the Beach event take down, and exploring changes to the Movies at the Beach event, potentially moving it later into the Fall. For the Plein Air event, unknowns include location, volunteer coordination, and displaying prize artwork. The commission approved adding Commissioner Christiansen and Kelly Mozumder to the Movies at the Beach committee. Furthermore, the commission approved the 41st median sculptures for Public Art maintenance for FY 24/25. The commission also established a request for the City Council regarding year-round Streetlight Banners for village beautification and sought inclusion in the workflow for artistic review of any external banner requests.

Key discussions during the meeting included landscaping considerations for Tree Stump Art and updates on staff comments regarding Monterey Raining samples and a reminder about the Brown Act. Program reports covered sponsorships for Twilight Concerts, the status of Recreation Specialists interviews for Art at the Beach, Movies at the Beach reporting, and updates on potential sites and date changes for Plein Air. General business involved a report on the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project mosaic art, inquiries regarding the SUESD Park & Washburn Art Proposal leading to scheduling a special meeting, and the presentation of a concept for the Begonia Festival Commemorative Public Art Project, resulting in a motion to approve the contract with the artist.