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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-06 Commission on Cultural Development Minutes � = . .�� � ,. @� - � CITY o� BANGOR Commission on Cultural Development June 6, 2025 Penobscot Room at Penquis CAP, 262 Harlow Street Meetinq Minutes Commissioners Present: Sundance Campbell, Kelly Chenot, Cody Clark, Nina Earley, Kal Elmore, Benjamin James, Rosemary Lausier, Barbara McDade, Samantha Schipani, Jennifer Snow Others: Grace Innis —Assistant City Solicitor, Anne Krieg — Director of Development, Sarah Maquillan — Development Assistant 1. A quorum being present the June 6, 2025 meeting of the Commission on Cultural Development was called to order by Chair Earley at 8:31 AM. 2. Meeting Minutes— Motion passed to approve the minutes of the May 2�d meeting. 3. Report of Chair— Chair Earley gave a report on the budget hearing for the next fiscal year. Commissioner Clark asked what the primary pushback was on the Commission's proposal — Earley responded that it was primarily the amount of money being requested across all departments, and the Council's need to make difficult decisions regarding budget approval. Earley also noted that there had been some concern regarding the amount requested for a cultural assets survey. 4. Financial Report— Development Assistant Sarah Maquillan gave a verbal report confirming that all remaining funds for the present fiscal year have been spent. Chair Earley asked if all spring grant recommendations had been approved by City Council — Maquillan confirmed that they were. 5. Committee Reports: a. Grant— No update as Committee Chair Adams was not present. b. Cultural Asset— No update from Committee Chair McDade. c. ARTober— No update as Committee Chair Campbell was not yet present, but Chair Earley noted that she and Vice Chair Adams met with Campbell for a "hand-off' of ARTober responsibilities. Earley also requested that Commissioners participate in more publicizing of the Bangor Arts Award nomination process. Commissioner James requested to join the ARTober sub-committee. 6. Legal Training —Assistant City Solicitor Grace Innis presented a legal training to the Commission. a. Commissioner Chenot asked for clarification re: social media—Assistant City Solicitor Innis responded and clarified. b. Chair Earley asked for clarification re: media interviews —Assistant City Solicitor Innis responded and clarified. 7. Public Restroom Art— Development Assistant Sarah Maquillan reported that the artist, Mariah Reading, has requested a deadline extension for completion of the work. a. Chair Earley asked whether there would be any weather concerns with an installation date in the fall — Development Assistant Maquillan responded that she would follow up with Parks & Recreation Director Tracy Willette regarding this. b. Chair Earley requested that staff coordinate an opening ceremony to coincide with installation. � = . .�� � ,. @� - � CITY o� BANGOR c. MOTION to approve the deadline extension request by Commissioner McDade, SECONDED by Commissioner Clark. All in favor, none opposed. MOTION PASSED. 8. Pickering Square Art Installation a. Members of the public Joe Pickering and Jay Martin presented to the Commission, and provided a proposal for a historical sign and/or display at the transit center located at Pickering Square. b. Commissioner Chenot asked about the design — Martin responded that it would likely incorporate historical photos, but this is still up for discussion. c. Chair Earley asked if the City owns the building — Development Director Anne Krieg confirmed that they do. d. Chair Earley and Commissioners expressed support for the project, and Commissioner Campbell commented on its relating well with Downtown Bangor Partnership's work in the waterfront area. e. MOTION to provide support for the proposed historical display by Commissioner Snow, SECONDED by Commissioner James. All in favor, none opposed. MOTION PASSED. f. Member of the public Jay Martin also provided a brief summary regarding the construction of a new YMCA building to the Commission. Chair Earley commented that it would be desirable to see some public art on the building — Martin responded that he would bring this to the attention of the CEO. g. Chair Earley opened the discussion for the Pickering Square art installation project, and asked whether the kiosks would be waterproof— Development Assistant Sarah Maquillan confirmed that they would be. h. Commissioners discussed length of art installations —Commissioner Snow suggested that quarterly installations may be the best option. i. Chair Earley asked whether there would be a stipend provided to artists— Development Director Krieg responded that this is not currently in the budget. j. Commissioners discussed with Development Director Krieg how often they should publish a call for artists—quarterly was suggested. k. Chair Earley asked for additional kiosk specs— Development Assistant Maquillan provided these. I. Commissioners and Development Director Krieg discussed at length how to engage teachers and students in the project, as well as other organizations such as the Bangor Arts Society and residential programs who may offer art therapy to residents. m. Chair Earley recommended re-addressing this project at the Commission's September meeting. 9. Other Business a. Chair Earley asked for an update on the plaque for the canoe sculpture— Development Assistant Sarah Maquillan provided this. 10. Adjourned at 9:32 AM.