Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 20, 2024
1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
May 20, 2024
Hybrid format: by teleconference (Zoom) and in person in accordance with procedures on agenda 1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
A. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Tokashiki called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present:, Dohner, Erlich-Fein, Karger, Patterson, Vice Chair Tokashiki
Absent: Chair Spackman
Staff present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Management Analyst Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 18, 2024
It was moved and seconded (Karger/Patterson) to approve the March meeting minutes as submitted.
The motion passed by voice vote : 5-0-1 (Spackman absent)
E. CEREMONIAL - None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) - None
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Work Plan Item Discussion
a. Utility Box Beautification (Phase III): Directed Leyman confirmed status on Phase II that it is completed, including repairs; Phase III on hold.
b. Murals – Director Leyman reported: murals are being installed around town; the Dave Titus on Parking structure 2 is now complete; the Charles Bragg sea lion has just been completed on the 34 th
Street beach stairs and his mural on the wall of the pier comfort station will start soon; the Fire Station No. 1 mural is just starting to go in; the Rocket Ship Hall mural at Marine Avenue Park (same artist) will start next month.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 20, 2024
2 c. Sculpture Garden – Director Leyman confirmed that after the Commission forwarded its recommended 15 artists, City Council has indicated its top preferences but has paused this program until the Cultural Arts Manager position is filled or an interim project manager is hired.
d. New Art Initiatives – Commissioner Karger updated on the Downtown Art Walk: she has emailed Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association (DTMBB&PA) President Jill Lamkin, informing regarding a skateboard focused art exhibit; Commissioner Karger intends to meet with Ms. Lamkin regarding the association’s buy in. Commissioner Karger encouraged the Commissioners to visit the Culture Brewery downtown, that a current exhibit there is a good example of a business/art collaboration as is being envisioned. Vice Chair Tokashiki also requested that Commissioner Erlich-Fein pass on any important information on the new initiatives she had been looking into, before leaving the Commission. Commissioner Erlich-Fein will serve as a volunteer on the skateboard project.
H. STAFF ITEMS
Cultural Arts Division updates – Director Leyman reported:
• Cultural Arts Manager Recruitment: hope to open in June; city is interviewing contractors who can assist in moving projects forward; will keep the Commission informed • City facility tour: the Commission will soon receive a “save the date” email for a tour of the city art and parks and recreation facilities, along with Library and Parks and Recreation Commissions. • Parks and Rec Strategic Plan: The community outreach portion is complete and staff will now prepare the strategic goals and objectives; he will provide ongoing updates. • Arts Assessment: City consultant RLA will be wrapping up soon; update at next meeting. • New kiln: July hope to complete; mid-June classes to return 4-5 per week, starting with Open Lab • Concerts in the Park: Satin Dollz/Salute the Troops kicks off the 10-week summer program, Sunday 6/30.
• Community Art Exhibit: submittals being received through June 3 rd; already 50 pieces submitted
• The annual volunteer recognition event is next Thursday at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach.
PATF (Public Art Trust Fund) – see (I) Commission Items.
City Council update – no additional updates
I. C OMMISSION ITEMS
Commissioner Dohner reported on happenings at Mira Costa: Comedy Sports 5/24, , e.g. the school play “Footloose” has been nominated for several prestigious awards; STEAM Night 5/29; “MB Local” show by Derek Billings at Culture Brewing to 6/2; and “Be Our Guest” program tickets available for older adults.
Commissioner Erlich-Fein passed out books compiling art work/graphic design work by Mira Costa students in grp hic design
Vice Chair Tokashiki announced that the Home Town Fair board is looking for a graphic designer to design the 2024 Home Town Fair. This opportunity is also open to Mira Costa students.
Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission
May 20, 2024
3 Vice Chair Tokashiki noted an email was sent by SMA Robb in April as an FYI of background information regarding a possible maker space being explored by City Council.
Director Leyman requested that the Commission proceed to choose a new Chair and Vice Chair. It was moved and seconded (Dohner/Patterson) that Vice Chair Tokashiki be the next Chair, and Commissioner Karger, the next Vice Chair. The vote passed 5-0 -1 (Spackman absent) by voice vote.
PATF balances: Director Leyman reported: a balance of $1,543,553.48; $628,714.29 is unallocated; and $176,000 (approximately) is set to expire at the end of 2024. He is very comfortable that the amount to expire will be used by the RLA assessment work but there are a few projects “in the works” that could be using some of this amount, e.g. sculpture program, concerts in the park, RLA and perhaps a small amount of Utility Box Phase III. For future additions anticipated, staff can ask Community Development for an update.
J. ADJ OURNMENT
At 4:26 p.m. Vice Chair Tokashiki without opposition, adjourned the meeting to 4:00 pm, June 17.