Report Prepared by: Mike Conway, Assistant to the City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Direction on Establishing an Arts and Culture Advisory Commission with the City of Merced
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides the City Council with an update on the progress that has been made to establish a Public Arts and Culture Advisory Commission in the City of Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide staff with further direction as necessary on the creation and implementation of a City Arts Commission.
Body
AUTHORITY
Article VII, Sections 700, 702, 702.1, 707 and 708 of the Merced City Charter.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2017-18 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
On August 7, 2017, Council Member Martinez presented the concept of establishing an Arts Commission within the City of Merced. Council provided staff direction to explore the necessary steps to move forward. On November 6, 2017 staff presented the research that took place, including what other jurisdictions have done to establish and implement a local Arts Commission and the benefits to the community. Staff received direction from the Council to reach out to local partners and explore options.
Staff held three meetings with stakeholders: March 9, April 17 and May 4. The group discussed elements that were needed to draft an ordinance including: purpose, membership, duties and responsibilities and funding.
Council was given an update March 19, 2018 and further direction was provided to staff. The information from the Council was incorporated into the next meeting with the stakeholders on April 17, 2018, which was held after regular work hours.
After the first two stakeholder meetings staff created a draft ordinance forming an Arts Commission using the information and framework provided by the group and the Council. The proposed ordinance was presented to the group at the May 4, 2018 meeting. The stakeholders reviewed the document and provided comments. They decided that arts and culture were inter-related and that the commission’s scope should be broadened to encompass both. In addition, the group spent time focusing the responsibilities of the Commission to seven areas.
Staff is asking the Council to review the proposed ordinance and provide any feedback they may have on the document. Staff will incorporate any changes and send it to the City Attorney’s Office for its review. The finished ordinance will be ready for first reading by early summer.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Draft of Arts Commission Resolution and Ordinance
2. Arts Commission Presentation