A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

The Special Joint meeting of the Lodi City Council and the Lodi Arts Commission of April 11, 2002 was called to order by Mayor Pennino at 6:30 p.m.

Present: Council Members – Hitchcock, Howard, Nakanishi, and Mayor Pennino

Absent: Council Members – Land

Present: Lodi Arts Commissioners – Reverend William Crabtree, J. Douglas Gerard, James Harvey, Laura Heinitz, Robin Knowlton, Donna Jean Phillips, Sherri Smith, Patrick Stockar, and Jennifer Walth

Absent: Lodi Arts Commissioners – Cynthia Inman

Also Present: City Manager Flynn, Deputy City Manager Keeter, Community Center Director Lange, Arts Coordinator Yvonne, Management Analyst Hamilton, Deputy City Attorney Schwabauer, and Deputy City Clerk Taylor

B. TOPIC(S)

With the aid of overheads (filed) Reverend William Crabtree and Arts Coordinator Theresa Yvonne presented, in part, the following information:

• The Lodi Arts Project Fund (LAPF) Web site, www.lodiarts.org, offers information on local entertainment, educational courses, and special events. Ms. Yvonne introduced her guests Lyn Gerard, LAPF Chair, and John Rooff, an LAPF Board Member and key fundraiser for the Arts Commission.
   

• The 9’ x 7’ cranes are nearing completion, with installation at the Lodi Station fountain scheduled for June 2002. Council Member Howard suggested that photos depicting the creative process be placed inside the Lodi Station for public display.
   

• The Art in Public Places Advisory Board has been created.
   

• The mission of the Lodi Arts Commission is to inspire, encourage, and promote the arts in the community.
   

• Vision Statement: 1) Encouraging the arts to flourish, we embrace the cultural and economic diversity of our entire community; 2) We have provided stronger support of community arts groups – both existing and new organizations; and 3) The Lodi Arts Commission is the advocate for the arts in our region.
   

• Continued programming: Review of Arts, Night Time Live, Celebrate America, Lunch Time Live, Under the Columns, Art on the Square, and Jewel of the Valley.
   

• New programming: One Book, One Lodi - Farewell to Manzanar, Haunted Hutchins.
   

• Educational classes: Fifteen new classes added, offering lessons in dance, music, voice, yoga, and art. In response to Mayor Pennino, Ms. Yvonne stated that the classes offered fill in gaps within the community, and do not impact participation in school-sponsored programs.
   

• The Lodi Arts Commission’s gross revenue has increased 62% over the last three years, and total student attendance in programs during that same time period has increased 55%.

Reverend Crabtree requested that the City’s funding to the Arts Commission be increased by approving the change of the part-time clerical position to a full-time position to support the increased programs and assist in coordinating enrollments and Arts Commission activities.

Community Center Director Lange stated that she was encouraged last year to bring this request before Council in 2002. She explained that the growth of events, programs, and classes requires a full-time staff member to provide balance, support, and consistency in coordinating and providing an anchor for the many volunteers, staff helpers, and committees involved in the Lodi Arts Commission.

Council Member Howard stated that during a visit to Hutchins Street Square recently she was surprised to not find the donated busts available for viewing, and noted they were not a part of the Commission’s presentation. Ms. Lange confirmed that through the Hutchins Street Square Foundation, 17 busts of famous composers were recently donated, and that plans are currently underway to display the collection for public viewing. She stated that an evaluation would determine the best location and display presentation, as well as considering a suggestion that historical information should accompany each of the items on display.

Mayor Pennino thanked Ms. Lange, Ms. Yvonne, and all members of the Lodi Arts Commission for their vision and accomplishments to date and for their continued efforts.

Council Member Nakanishi stated he was very impressed by the things that have been done by the individuals who work collectively as the Lodi Arts Commission.

Council Member Hitchcock expressed her pleasure and appreciation for the year-round efforts of the Lodi Arts Commission members, and added that she very much enjoys the annual joint meeting and the opportunity to receive a detailed review of the Commission’s accomplishments.

C. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

None.

D. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

ATTEST:

Jacqueline L. Taylor
Deputy City Clerk