Joe Santoy

The commission reviewed and approved art for traffic boxes and reached a consensus on updating the color scheme for the Triumph Over Harmony project to include city-branded blue and green. Additionally, staff provided an update regarding the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village, and a status update on the current commission budget was provided.

The committee discussed several project updates, including the completion of the Keewaydin Park project and the status of Tenant Based Rental Assistance programs. There was a detailed review of CDBG-CV3 and WA Commerce grant fund utilization, focusing on the challenges of meeting COVID-related tie-back requirements for potential projects. Other key topics included upcoming committee membership changes, the review of the draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), expectations regarding the 2022 HUD award, and a decision to transition future committee meetings from Tuesdays to Wednesdays to accommodate Council Chamber scheduling needs.

The committee discussed updates on CDBG-CV3 and Emergency TBRA funds, confirmed committee members for terms expiring in 2025, and conducted the election of officers. Project updates included the status of Keewaydin Park upgrades and the transition to a regular Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program. Additionally, the committee reviewed the status of the 2021 Annual Action Plan, HUD allocation increases, applications for WA Commerce CDBG-CV2 grants, the new City Grievance Procedure, and updates regarding Downpayment Assistance (DPA) 6-year reconveyance and fee increases.

The commission reviewed and approved artwork for traffic boxes. Discussion items included a potential NEA Challenge America Grant opportunity and the identification of locations for 2023 traffic box wraps. The commission received a budget update, discussed upcoming arts-related events, and explored the potential acquisition of an elk statue for a local roundabout.

The commission discussed and approved the installation of a new sculpture titled Still Dancing in downtown Kennewick. They approved a repair quote for the Triumph Over Harmony sculpture and reviewed final artwork selections for traffic utility boxes. Additionally, the commission discussed participation in an upcoming ribbon-cutting event at the Columbia Gardens Urban Wine and Artisan Village, potential video projects featuring commissioners discussing local art, and received a budget update.