1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
June 20, 2022
Meeting by teleconference (Zoom) – in accordance with procedures on agenda 1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Rubino called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Tokashiki, Karger, Vice Chair Spackman, Chair Rubino
Absent: Marcy, Attam
Staff present: Linda Robb, Parks and Recreation Senior Management Analyst, Eilen Stewart, Cultural Arts Manager, Rosemary Lackow, Recording Secretary.
Analyst Robb noted that Commissioner Attam, being the student rep, is allowed to miss summer meetings (June, July, August) without counting against her attendance record.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 18, 2022
Noting that Commissioner Marcy is absent, and there are only three Commissioners present who were at the May meeting (not a quorum) Chair Rubino noted that the May minutes would be held over to the July meeting agenda. There being no objections, it was so ordered.
D. CEREMONIAL
Chair Rubino welcomed new Commissioner Karger, who introduced herself, noting that she has served two terms (six years) on the Parks and Recreation Commission and is looking forward to learning about projects and working on the subcommittees.
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) – None
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Reprioritization of Work Plan items
CAM Stewart noted that the current thinking is that instead of trying to advance several programs of a very robust Work Plan, the Commission might more efficiently concentrate its efforts and work as one big team on one or just a few selected projects . Commissioners Karger and Tokashiki endorsed this concept and Commissioner Spackman agreed, as long as the Commission doesn’t limit its projects too much.
Discussion proceeded on prioritizing projects. The Commission came to a consensus that the highest priority would be the MB Art Center signage, in varying forms (e.g., main identification sign, wayfinding and perhaps a front wall mural) and the next priority time permitting, would be the mural art grant and/or utility beautification art grant. It was noted that the mural grant program pertains to murals on highly visible private properties using public funds.
Chair Rubino stated she will email to the entire Commission, the MBAC Revamp PowerPoint presentation,
2 updated with status of each project element and asked that each Commissioner provide input to her as to what they think could be done to accomplish the project goal: to have better, clearer or more visible signage bring attention to the center. It was also agreed that, moving forward, the Commission will develop a list of actionable item s, or steps that need to be taken to accomplish the signage improvements and the Commission could assign priority to these.
Chair Rubino stated that she will compile everyone’s ideas and present at the next meeting at which time new Ad Hoc committees will be formed which will carry out various portions of the MBAC improvement plan.
2. Work Plan Items Updates
No new information was provided for any other work plan items (other than MBAC Revamp, Mural Grants and Utility Beautification) as discussed for prioritization purposes.
G. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Manager Stewart reported:
The Bo Bridges mural on the south facing wall of City Hall has a new timeline due to supply chain issues – now will be completed in 6-8 months.
Exhibitions: 1) MBAC exhibit “Out of the Mold” still going on ; 2) Staff is prepping for t he next exhibition, the Annual Community Exhibition which opens in July. Council update: The Council approved the MBEF Donor Wall in the Metlox Plaza; staff is working on an MOU (fully funded by MBEF).
Public Arts Trust Fund : currently 2.2 million, 1 million allocated; 1.1 unallocated. Earliest expiration will be in 2023. Projects are in the works, so at this time, staff not concerned.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
Chair Rubino expressed appreciation for the Public Works Department for the installation of the Rainbow Crosswalk and complimented CAM Stewart on the graphic design and all who were involved in organizing a beautiful unveiling ceremony.
I. ADJOURNMENT
CAM Stewart noted that the CAC will continue conducting meetings via Zoom format until further notice. At 7:08 p.m. with no objection, Chair Rubino adjourned the meeting to July 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., via Zoom.