RESOLUTION NO
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE, CALIFORNIA, FORMALIZING THE CONVERSION OF THE ARTS IN PUBLIC PLACES AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE INTO A STANDING COMMITTEE AND ESTABLISHING ITS ADVISORY ROLE AND REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT WHEREAS, the City of Commerce is committed to enhancing its visual environment, promoting cultural expression, and enriching the community through public art; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Arts in Public Places Ordinance in September 2016, requiring certain development projects to incorporate public art or contribute to a public art fund; and WHEREAS, to support the implementation of this ordinance and advance the City’s public art goals, the City Council previously established an Arts in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee on May 9, 2023, to advise on the review, selection, and recommendation of public art projects and related policy; and WHEREAS, on May 27, 2025, the City Council approved converting the existing Arts in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee into a formal Standing Committee composed of three Council Members, to improve transparency, promote sustained engagement, and ensure compliance with open meeting laws; and WHEREAS, Standing Committees are subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code §54950 et seq.), requiring public meetings, advance notice, and opportunities for public comment; and WHEREAS, the Arts in Public Places Standing Committee shall continue to serve in an advisory capacity only, with final decisions and approvals remaining under the authority of the full City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby finds and declares that the foregoing recitals are true and correct, and incorporates them herein as findings and a substantive part of this Resolution.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby formalizes the conversion of the Arts in Public Places Ad Hoc Subcommittee into an official Arts in Public Places Standing Committee.
SECTION 3. The Arts in Public Places Standing Committee shall consist of three (3) members of the City Council, as previously appointed by a majority vote of the Council. The City Manager or their designee shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member to provide staff support and coordination.
SECTION 4. The Standing Committee shall advise on matters related to the planning, development, and implementation of public art within the City, including:
Reviewing and evaluating art proposals and submissions; Interviewing and recommending qualified artists;
Overseeing the allocation of public art funding;
Promoting public awareness and civic engagement in the arts; Making formal recommendations to the City Council for final consideration and approval.
SECTION 5. As a Standing Committee, the Arts in Public Places Committee shall fully comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act, including:
Posting agendas a minimum of 72 hours in advance of meetings; Conducting meetings that are open to the public;
Allowing public comment on each agenda item;
Maintaining accurate minutes and records;
Ensuring that a quorum is present to take any action;
Avoiding serial communications among members outside of public meetings; Complying with conflict of interest laws under the Political Reform Act.
SECTION 6. The Arts in Public Places Standing Committee shall function solely in an advisory role. All final actions, approvals, and policy decisions shall remain under the jurisdiction of the full City Council.
SECTION 7. The Mayor is authorized to execute this Resolution on behalf of the City of Commerce.
SECTION 8. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and maintain it as part of the City’s official records.
SECTION 9. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 27th day of May, 2025, by the City Council of the City of Commerce, California. _______________________________
Ivan Altamirano, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Lena Shumway
City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. ________