July 26, 2023 — Boulder Arts Commission Regular Meeting

Transcript

Captions from City of Boulder YouTube recording.

[0:00] Oh. having a quorum for the recording. We're going to return to the land. Acknowledgment in just a moment. and our first order is the approval of the agenda. I'll I'll move to a proof a second. Okay, all in favor. So George is on my now. Awesome. That may. Well. it's not like Hi. hey, Georgia! So you just barely get started. The airline was introducing the meeting, and we approved the agenda. I think that's as far as we got, so we can hand it over to you for the approval of the minutes now.

[1:01] Oh, do you have the land acknowledgment? I don't have it handy. Sorry we we we'll get back to that still. But So we could go to item number 2 the approval of the June minutes. So, Georgia, if you want to call for any suggested changes to the minutes. Okay, did we have any suggestive changes? Seeing none? Then, okay, so then, should we? So anyone want to make a move to? Approved the minutes. I want to approve the minutes. Then we need one more second great. So we've made our move, and so we'll vote all right, everyone in favor. Yes.

[2:02] you vote in favor as well. Yes. thank you. So I I apologize that I didn't jump in with this. But yeah, laid as having a family issue, and needs to deal with it. And Bruce is in the wild, so neither of them will be joining us. which may be something we want to discuss in a minute. But the next to Georgia on the agenda is going to be public participation. Okay? And did we have anyone? Yeah, we're gonna have. We have 2 people one person present. You'd like to speak right? And so, Georgia, would you like to do the people present or the people online? First? let's do people that are present. Okay. Yup, you have 2 min.

[3:01] Oh, so can I interject. Sorry. Do you mind moving so that we can see you? I apologize that we're not. Yeah, thank you so much. Sorry about that. Yeah. And just make sure you're near the microphone so that the 2 of us online can hear you. Yeah. specific. My name is Lance Hardin. I am the the former artistic director of I have association with Boga Ballet going back to 2,006 as a guest artist, and and then, as a dancer. I would classify that as being at the end of my career. I retired from a for time like the that's one for

[4:01] that experience. I open to school. left as Colorado to run a program in Minnesota before being invited back Colorado to work for both my experience. at Boulder as the artistic director was difficult, because I think I felt bias that felt it being. I felt like I was being marginalized or not given full equity. One example of that after of being offered the the title of our system director, I was informed that the structure of organization would change, so I felt that that was diminish. It

[5:00] as well as previous. was not happy about that open. About that. It was suggested that we table it for a year and do it that way despite my my push back and revisit it. The next year. The next year it was decided that we were going to stay that way just prior to the year coming. So we've decided that we're going to say that there was actually no discussion. Returning to the table. I felt biased, and that just one example I was. I was reading my notes here before we got started. I remember when Simone Biles was unable to compete. This is why we started the staff meeting by questioning.

[6:00] Was. was she allowed to not be? of course that's not biased against me. but I feel that it exactly right. If we said that did. was it? If you started that Jim is the same that it's just a difficult place at the end of some. This it is a it's. It's just an unspoken all of our students in there or not just like if you. the soccer team. for everyone's not going to.

[7:02] So there's that felt intimidation. Folks insemination. you know. I should briefly talk about. I I for a hook house pass but at the chair's pleasure. You can keep going. Okay? At the time August of 2,020 with when I did sign the contract to be our assistant director. If you'll recall 2020 in that summer for the summer for more than others, for sure. But There was a pandemic, and there was also a discussion. Why and

[8:03] prior to my signing it was, you know, I was asked, would you be okay with taking the position and not it. Right? Wasn't okay with that that didn't matter, because I was given the salary that was given to me, and I was given a raise the next year, so I to work one year under what the it works. My wife, who is, who was also an employee of so dismissed start up the second season. I found out I was to fail should have been a very celebratory okay. International, there first time. But

[9:03] from that point they'll let me slow down. I'm sorry for taking so much time. just before going to bail my birthday. It's July sixth and July 6, 2,021 for going to fail. Thank you. Correct, bye. Oh, let's go ahead on it once a once, probably around this time of we wanted to talk about the hires and all the work through it. for it's hiring, and my wife was up for school director. The Exec Executive directed this here that we've got some find somewhere sounds good. That was very exciting news. and I asked about the school director. Some one

[10:02] or most. She didn't want to talk about it. So I was like, why are we talking about all the hires that I'm not a part of you asking about something that was quite that was not included to share that. So that so we getting the intimidation is a couple of weeks later, driving up. As I said, I want it's dismissed. I didn't know I had cost what the dancers are. It's not their fault. So let's go up there. This is probably going to be the beginning of the end of my time. It's the riding on the wall. Okay. who is well loved by

[11:04] As we got back down from the mountain. I don't think I was upset enough about my wife being fired. I just kind of understood the temperature. It's like that happens. Let me enjoy first, I should say, the first of my directorship job in August we had no performance. so the next May. Let's get them in there during a pandemic. I should not. As soon as so. I do feel like I'm rambling. I haven't had this much of an audience about these things. I, I did get an email saying that Zoom would be appropriate today. And I something classical

[12:02] dance classes. So I wasn't interested. I also thought that but I also thought it was just as important to be here in the room to say those those things that are tough. about my buyer that it that shares I'm I'm a Chicago. Diversity is so. Chicago is just like every other city in this country, very, very in Chicago. There's a lot of effort to diversify. I went to Walt Disney Magnet elementary school. probably the best school I've ever got to. Very diverse. That's the scope that so over the it's it's not what I let me see. Of course, I got used to that as leaving Chicago at 18,

[13:02] going to Bloomington, Indiana. It's like golden. I love it, but it's like, well, you know. I didn't have to end with basketball players part of my that you. So you know it. It's not something that I haven't experienced, but I I can't say that I've ever felt marginalized or discriminating against it to that degree. I've never been in our system. That's a good answer. So oftentimes, you know, if you're in a place that's to you that you may not get that. It can also be in place before you can. whether they see us the best. since it might be the opportunity.

[14:00] Every place where I dance. That was enough as possible with hard work with. see? So being in that position here was very rapid. and I'll just finish because I think in my the hearts in my mind. being the artistic director of attach at all. I thought that it might be possible. as an African American to participate versus the equity within the

[15:00] felt like that wasn't actually that I was the point. the the the token. So that's how it felt that has changed as I, and it's unhealthy for me to be involved. So I don't really know. But from what I understand, there's another black man where? he's not our director. It's probably not a a chance for him to be. I understand that. There are a lot of sites where we can look for employment all over the time. The I don't know if. but it's time to website somewhere. And and there's organizations that kind of here to

[16:00] other organizations are willing before you desire. of course. So an example with the there's dance. U.S.A., right? So search for work there or information. There's the International Association. the Flex, and which is more of an umbrella. Really it was founded by Cleo. but as well as for so. but the International Association of blacks and dance is, you know. one simple way to show that effort to see

[17:01] professional stuff may or may not same. that there was one instance. international Association of Blacks position. one position. and you know, still, there it was. That was the only time. I yes. website minutes. So okay. I'm not. Question 3. Try to clarify or thank you so much for sharing that and sure

[18:03] people. And I'm curious from your perspective. what? How you feel the Arts Commission. It's into the picture. And and it, this is something that you're just bringing to our attention. Do you feel like there's action that might be necessary or right? you know this is a great question, because this is a very confusing time. of course. Just a few weeks ago the Supreme Court said about affirmative action, for example. you know. So this is interesting time. If you follow your sister, your mother is always that wrestled up. Let's let's do this so. And so I guess the the with the information about

[19:00] I'm one that believes that if you do take money that is meant for. and I don't think it's really that in in my mind they may be much more complicated in in the senior seats, or for so that's why I'm sharing that. because I think there are people that believe that. Let's take some clip art. Remember, there was click on. Now. You can just take pictures of another when both we will. But so that information. I appreciate it with you, and then I'm able to talk today. I suppose here

[20:01] your your sweating. angry And so I think it's it's that I'm saying that now, because it is what it is. It's it's not tried to. Even today. I I know there has to be some context regards to me. But really, what I'm trying to say is how it affects other people. I I have a few questions. If no one else does. Sure. Thank you again for for sharing this. you know, as as the Commissioner is obviously, we read, we we take the the Dei initiatives very seriously, as we think about reading the Grants and distributing money. and as well. When we read reports trying to understand the metrics, do you have any suggestions or feedback for us? How we can better understand what is going on in the organizations, you know. Is there a way that we should ask for some feedback from

[21:06] staff in our reports as an example, or from different members that might help give us insight into what's going on in organization. So I think that's one level. And then the second is we do have an initiative as a commission to to help prevent bullying. And we were, you know, we were focused on a more community level of people expressing themselves in public. But I think this extends down to the the, the issues that you have experienced as well. And so wondering if you have any suggestions for us, how we can help our community want the individuals protect themselves and help our community grow so that people can express themselves freely. It's a lot sorry.

[22:06] Yeah. It's something popped into my head that I was going to say as well. You know. I think a couple of things that struck me in a in a board environment. I heard that. when we're discussing hiring the development directed. So they they position in an Arts organization. It was stated by a board member that I let me get this because I this is in my mind. Yes. and indeed it was an Api meeting. It's not a for me.

[23:02] Diversity wouldn't be necessary. That would necessarily be necessary in regards to the hiring of the development throughout. because we need that person to raise a lot of not with it. It looks worse now. I mean, that's the the development director. We did hire Wait before it. The other kind of like you had 2 people and chose you didn't choose a black male. It goes something that I would choose local.

[24:00] She she was gone before the it's like. thanks. Yeah, it's your business card. Does that answer the question in terms of? And your first question that, Maria, my first question is, do you have any suggestions how we might better understand what's going on. in organizations as far as their the culture of diversity. Actually in inclusion, we obviously ask for reports. But what you're describing is, perhaps the culture of the organization is different than perhaps what we're reading in a report. So do you have any suggestions on how we might better understand, you know, asking questions to better understand the culture. Yeah, you might ask, what is the

[25:00] process for? What's the consistency there across the board? are we always gonna let everyone know that we're hiring, or we only gonna go through our what would they? That's it. So no, I was not allowed to hire my friends. I I basically because my friends are too old. Thank you. I didn't. But other than that, I mean, I know quite a few dances that could have been. if it was clear that I was not to work with my wife. Okay. so can I hire the ballot, and that's to work alongside. No, okay.

[26:02] So now everyone's coming into it almost feels like. Oh, we discussion. Yes. Well. person you have, that's running. I mean person that you hired to run another host. Yes. is saying that you are this, this, this, this? Well. I'm not that that. So where do we go. That's your hire. It's coming into policemen. What you point that that's not how I don't know if that's where to everyone that's not out of the valley anywhere in the world. unless I may may start my own doesn't make sense

[27:01] same as a manager with baseball team. You don't necessarily hire the first base coach from this barrel. Maybe it's my, maybe they cross that somewhere if you should still everyone, so that she has a potential hiring and double standards within within the board. There there was a decision that was made to not have anybody on the board that was the parent. but there was 2 parents on the board my entire. that the board share at the time was works diligently those things attorney against clients that

[28:02] right the university that was. this is not gonna go. So I mean, I don't know if I'm just saying too much now to me it's just clearest, most pristine picture, and I don't know how to right so lifted. That's to say that it's not. But I just want to make sure that I'm not the same over Georgia. Do you mind if I ask a question? first of all, thank you for coming and making us aware of this. I I'd like to reach out to you separately and ask some questions, but I just wanted to ask if you're finding one place to dance in Boulder right now.

[29:02] I'm working at the Arthur Murray I been associated with our. So I taught there between that, like big jobs. for one of 9. It's a it's in Minnesota. one of the. So a all thrills. No. yeah. that's that's what I'm doing now. I I haven't decided what I'm gonna you in terms of valid.

[30:00] Let me decide. Been kind of trying to make hold. I'll I'll reach out to you thinking. okay, Georgia. Oh, great welcome back. Yes, sorry. I had to switch devices. so I just had one quick question for Lance. I'm curious, because I did see your name on the Grant last spring for Boulder ballet for the Geos grant. I'm wondering. When did you leave Boulder Ballet? And when was your contract up? My contract was up on July thirty-first. 2,022. Okay? And do you remember when you last my last day at Boulder Ballet was April 28, twenty- okay.

[31:04] so I was informed. we all the ballet. There's a performance annually in February. Valentine's Day of We had that same performance in 2,022 Okay. A couple weeks later there was 2 tour dates that was one was cancelled for the venues. Right? Did the first on the first weekend in May. excuse me, march like with Call Center. The next weekend should have been another performance, but instead of dance as well. I was called in, and I asked for I I was very clear, and I just asked what in writing and audio kept asking, Are you You know which way you're? But

[32:01] so I'll tell you when I get it right. she said. And it it was unclear. She was going to go get it because it was in writing somewhere else, or if I was and I, I said, you know I signed a contract to be here through August, and it's not been any surprise to me that this where we are today so essentially nothing to change my mind, nothing at you. You're just now telling me what I already do. so I'll I'll stay through for the gala The only thing I had to do with the gala was other than the parent's answer to the performance was to speak about the great things, about all the, and I declined. and during the gala.

[33:00] No, I have to plug it into here. That was my lifetime with calendar. you know. Get the black guided support us. Another pair in there. I need it with the straight thing. Thank you very much. I hope I offer some insights. you know, I think what you're doing is great. So the so trying to find a ways to make that possible so doing that with. So you is is admirable?

[34:04] I'm sorry that. Thank you, Lance. All right, Georgia. You have one more person signed up for it to speak. Sarah Pike, she's online. And so on. get to on my phone thanks. hi can you guys hear me. yeah, that's nice. Hello, I'm Sarah Pike. I'm the development and membership Associate at the Moca and also an artist that lives in Boulder. So for stop, I just wanted to say, Thank you, all of you, for all the hard work you do to support the arts and boulder. I'm often most months observing these meetings, and I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of your discussions and the personal time that you've all committed as Commissioner. So thank you for that.

[35:03] The other reason I'm here tonight is because I know one of your agenda items is to discuss leadership, position appointments for several organizations, including the Moka. So with that in mind, I wanted to read aloud the following letter on behalf of the Museum. dear Boulder Arts Commission. the Boulder Museum of Contemporary art would like to express our interest in continuing to have Maria Cole represent the Boulder Arts Commission, Hemoka's Board of Directors. Maria's knowledge as a commissioner and professional experience as an architect has brought valuable thinking to our conversations as Themoca moves forward with its plans to anchoring creative campus in North Boulder. We feel Maria's continuing presence on the board will provide helpful continuity of leadership and information sharing between the Older Arts Commission and the okay. She is an important contributor to our Board, and we encourage you to extend her appointment respectfully and with things. Eliza Leach, president of the Bemoka Board of Directors, and W. To donning the Moka executive director and chief carrier.

[36:08] and that's all that. Thank you. Thank you. I, Georgia. That concludes the public. Okay, great thanks. up next. so we do have the land of development. Is it okay? If we go to that real quick? Oh, yes. overdue Carol. Sure. The city of Boulder acknowledges the city is on the ancestral homelands and unseeded territory of the indigenous peoples who have traversed lived in and stewarded lands in the Boulder County, in the Boulder Valley. Since time immemorial those indigenous nations include the Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Pawnee, Shushami, Su, and mute the city boulder, recognizes that those now living and working on these ancestral lands have a responsibility to acknowledge and address the past, and must work to build a more just future.

[37:15] Great, thank you. So, Georgia, our next agenda on him is commissioned business number 4 and 4, a, or leadership position appointments. If it's okay with you, I just want to say it. Report before we jump in. Okay? So the, as you know from the packet, the leadership positions are the chair vice chair, and then the 3 board seats. I just wanted to do a quick check in, because there has been a practice in the past. If a couple of members are not present to postpone I I don't want to necessarily say I'm encouraging that because we already post one once to get through the grant season. And how long can we keep doing this, and you have a forum. So it's perfectly fine for you to go forward. But that has happened more than once, so it's one to put it out there. If anyone's interested in talking about this.

[38:10] I was gonna suggest that, and I had forgotten that we had already postponed. But it feels significant that there's 2 numbers gone. It does especially unless we can take it offline and through before we get to the next meeting. Find out if they have what we know, one does not have interest and renewing, but finding out if the other does have interest in being. you know, in a leadership position. Yeah, so that we're not we that I think that we have information on that right. Okay. who else has gone? Besides? Bruce and I, as far as who is the chair. Is that what you're asking? The oh, I have.

[39:02] Okay. If they did not respond with any interest or otherwise for whatever that's worth. Okay? So it seems like we could vote, am I sorry I have these headphones in it? It's really weird. I'm having a hard time hearing things this evening. It sounds to me like you wanted to postpone the voting because there are some people that are not here. If there's a couple of commissioners missing to post phones so that everyone gets a chance to weigh in, and they have. They want to. Do the boat now, and choose your chair and vice chair. You could do the vote now, and choose your 3 board seats, or you could do neither, or one of the other. That's entirely up to you. if you do want to post phone, particularly the board seats that would require a motion in both.

[40:07] Okay. so first, I just want to ask, do we want to postpone or do you want to vote? Now. I feel like, twice I've heard that you want to postpone. This is a strong I would. Yeah, I would be leaning toward postconing. But I I would be pro leaning towards a post-point also with the caveat that we would have a conversation via email to to verify who who would be interested in leadership position so that they can be considered and then go to the next week and just feature a conversation with Staff. Not amongst. So we're not violating correct right? I guess I I'm in the camp of. Let's vote now, because I'm concerned that we'll everyone be there next meeting, you know. Do we set that? We just gonna continue rolling down the road that we don't kick issues off?

[41:10] Yeah, I feel like I received an email from Boron asking about liaison positions. so we've had the time to input, there and then as far as chair and vice chair. I believe we've received information from Bruce. and then you aid did not express an interest. so I feel like we would be good to vote this evening. So, Cheryl. break this talk. Oh. I was leaning towards postponing, just because I feel like there might be valuable conversation pieces that they would bring to the conversation, even if neither of them is going to end up in one of the

[42:04] all right. That's it for me. So, Georgia, it's your call and how to proceed. I'm gonna go ahead and we're just going to go ahead and vote because we've already heard from first. Or I have. I know Carolyn has. I know that has. Okay. Okay? So then, the first leadership position would be for chair. And if it's okay, George, I'm just going to start to walk through this process. Is that acceptable to you? So we had 2 individuals who were nominated for the meeting. Anyone else can throw their head in now. But we take a few minutes just for them to say, just a few sentences about why they want to be share. the Commission can ask any questions about that.

[43:00] And then someone needs to make a motion on who to a point. And then if there's a second, then we go into discussion. there can be a counter motion if someone wants to entertain something like that. But it's the a motion in a second that lines us up to a vote on that person. So I will say that like, for my part, a little awkward. But yes, Maria. do you mind Matt? Doing both the chair and the vice chair, and then circling back and having a discussion. th! This is something that's a very formal process, that kind of ill fit for the camaraderie of this type of group. So even though we're scoting off all this stuff. We just have a good conversation, and we know that we're all pulling in the same direction. So whatever the outcome is that you know, it's it's going to be something that we're

[44:03] working in a healthy way together on. So with that. If it's okay with you, Georgia, We'll have the 2 people who are nominated as chair and Georgia. Would you like yourself to go? What was the last part of the question? Would you like to go first, or would you like to by Caroline to go first to say a few words about their chair nomination? Sure, Caroline, you can go first who have thrown their names in right. say it. Bruce has let us know that he is wanting to step down because of time. and straight, just so that in in case there's anyone that doesn't know all right. And now, Caroline, thank you, Georgia and Maria, thank you so much for nominating me. It was a surprise and a an honor. Thank you so much. but I I am interested in moving into the chair position, you know at a timing that works for the Commission. I'm interested in it because I have a lot of experience running meetings, making sure that there is

[45:24] conversation that is on track with with the issues at hand. I invite the opportunity to work with staff. I invite the opportunity to try. Help us keep on on track in terms of the policies and the deeper conversations that we want to be having is case in points like, how do we start to hold those bigger discussions into our vision as a whole. I I think I'm very adept and well practiced, and it's not not that it's needed in this group at all. But you know, need any conflict. And have not seen that ever to be an issue here.

[46:07] That's that's a strength. And also, I'm just a huge cheerleader for artists. And I I would love the opportunity to be out there and listening for the entire permission of cheerleader for the. and I'll say it now that there would be no hard feelings at all. And yes, and I'd also put my main in in the ring for vice chair, if that needs to be filled, and and we think that there's a better configuration. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks for that, Caroline. so. just for those who may not know. I am currently the Vice chair.

[47:01] and I've been on Arts Commission for 3 years in Boulder. I was on ours commission and Antonita for 2 years when I lived there but 2 years before I moved back here. And so with having been on Arts Commission now for 5 years total learned a lot from both organizations how they run similarly and differently. and I will say my first year on commission really difficult, because it is so different from the and Sanita's commission. But I I've had a lot of help and practice and understanding how it's run. especially when it comes to grants and reading grants. And I I'm finally very comfortable with it. I'm quite passionate about it. Actually, I've been liaison for several

[48:01] different organizations and gotten to know them well, and having grown up in boulder as as a dancer, I've had a lot of experience with a lot of different organizations. Especially lately. I've just been going to a lot of performances and just getting more involved. And you know, with the discussion public discussion from tonight. you know. because I have gotten to know a lot of organizations. I do kind of have like that insider information that I want to continue to bring forward so that we understand how to better ask better questions, to understand what's actually going on in different organizations and understanding, you know, who really needs to be supported and how we can help others grow. so

[49:03] yeah. So I just, I guess I want to step up just because I want to continue learning more about being an Arts Commissioner and Arts organizations. And if I were to move up. Then the Vice chair position would open for anyone who wanted to take it. Okay, Georgia. is there anyone else who wants to throw their name in for chair or vice chair at this point. So at this point, we need to have a motion and a second to continue the discussion. Right? so does anyone want to motion for voting for chair? I guess we could have a motion for a chair and a vice chair. or you have some language. What we need. I'm sorry made you make that. I don't know. So are we having a motion to continue a conversation with having a motion to vote. So you, you have a motion in a second, and that gives you the clearance to go ahead and have the discussion. And then about yeah.

[50:17] The motion to vote for chair. Right? Well, I'm going to put it forward that someone should make a motion for chair, and and then we'll have a discussion from there. I'll make a motion. Oh, so you have to phone the links. I feel comfortable. Okay, I'm going to share with them. I move that Caroline be appointed chair, and Georgia be appointed vice chair

[51:01] the second part. So is there a second to that? I'll second. I think it's they'll be honest. I think it's hard because you guys are a great team. So I think either way you organize it. it's a win for the for the Commission, so it'd be a great team either way. But I did second so. So other questions or discussion. So how about I break some of this over here there is a precedence from the Human Relations Commission for coaches. and so. you know, we could organize that the way you want it, the way that it worked for them is that they conducted all of the in between meetings business together along with with staff support, and then they alternated

[52:04] so dedicated. So you could also go that route if you wanted to, and we would just have to make a friendly amendment to. I mean, I have. I'm happy with whatever I feel like. I work really well with Georgia. I'm happy to be chair, Georgia. I did reach out. I'm sorry I I did try to kind of game plan this before, but wasn't able to get a hold of you and You know I how we can. George, what are your thoughts about? A co-chair situation. chair and co-chair, I mean, what's the difference between co-chair and vice chair? the the different. I'm sorry. My screen. The difference would be that with chair advice. There the chair is always the person who facilitates the meetings, and they invite the vice chair to participate.

[53:02] and then the bicycle fills in for the actual facilities when the chair can attend co-chairs. The way that it's worked in city of Boulder in the past is that both individuals are work with staff on the in between meeting business, and then they alternate, facilitating you to basically alternate the chair. you know each meeting one person takes it, and then the next person takes the next. Was that clear? I understood. may I put that motion on the table? Yeah. I move that Georgia and Caroline share share the position as co-chairs. I second their discussion. I am more comfortable with continuity, with the motion, but I have. First.

[54:05] I guess I also feel. yeah, I also feel like it would provide more continuity if there was just one. I know this past year with Bruce and I. You know he was chair, but I all I came to. you know, almost every meeting that he had beforehand with Matt. But then he always let the meetings all right. So if I have process right, quick process check in is, we have a friendly amendment which may not be so friendly and so you could vote on that. And if it's a no vote, if there's yeah, sorry, Chris, might I? So just reviewing the language of the Border Device code. I'm not saying.

[55:09] Look up the Hrc. We have specific language. They are operating outside of the coordinates it does. Each Commission shall organize by planning a chair a. By shared in the secretary. The secretary can be hired a coach at 4,000. All right. So if that motion is approved. We're going to have to check it with legal, and we may come back to you and say that it's not so good. So If there's no votes for that, then we go back to the original motion. We could vote on that. No, because. okay.

[56:02] because that George would. Okay. All right. We got this. So on Maria's motion for co-chairs. Dubia says that may be Georgia. Do you want to call for a raise of hands? Is that acceptable. Sure. I I wasn't clear from Georgia, if that was a role that she was interested in having co-chair. Yeah. because I feel like. yeah. Well, either way honestly like in the last year. The way that I have worked with Bruce is pretty much like co-chairs would work, except that he was always leading the meeting, you know, we just didn't alternate. So really, the only difference is that with co-chair you alternate just leading the meeting, and

[57:07] with as chair the chair is always leading me. but if motion were to pass, and then we were allowed to do it. That is something you would be really to participate in. Still. I just don't think it's it's a good idea. I don't think it's going to be very consistent if I'm leading one meeting, and then Caroline is leading the next. so that again. I think it's a like I don't know if you some photo that's a should right like you still could vote on that. But yeah, that's yeah. To take that into consideration with your both. Right? Okay?

[58:00] Okay. Any other questions. So hands up. And for you in favor of Maria's motion for co-chairs. All right, so that motion fails. And so we're back to Jeffrey's motion for Caroline for chair, Georgia for vice chair. Any questions, or I'm sorry, Georgia, I took a or is it okay? If I ask for questions and further discussion. Yes. all right. there being none. Georgia, you can go ahead and ask for a vote on that one. All right. So show of hands for a vote we have 3 in favor to against. Is that what I'm saying? Sorry, Georgia, did I get too far ahead? No, no, I see 3 in in in favor and 2 against. Yes.

[59:08] thank you everyone I I just want to reiterate. I think you both are fantastic. And I would think if we're really lucky to have a hard choice. So and I think you'll be a great team. So I want a second. Okay. the way this is typically happen for the Arts Commissioner's pass is that the new chair takes over immediately, unless you want to defer to Georgia for the I'm happy to support to Georgia, I mean. Otherwise I'm happy to Are we voting on? But. Matt, I know there was going on

[60:00] the dairy. That's up next. Yeah, the dairy Bemoka and visit folder seats. Okay? And Georgia. I apologize. I know you're having technical difficulties. If you need me to speak loud or slow down, please interrupt me. I apologize about that. Okay. so Caroline just invited. If you want to continue the meeting, or if you'd like her to take over well, no, she can take over. She's chair. So there you go. Okay. so the next item is the general operating for the organizational liaison appointments. And I saw that one sent out an Updated sheet with everybody's tentative assignments and on the dairy. Okay? Oh, separately. Sorry. Yeah. Yeah. it's like to do that first. That's why it's all blank. So

[61:02] all right. So And who's the dairy. George? Okay. there is. Oh. also. Can I just say I know that there was some talk about. So I'm interested. I'm just jumping ahead. I can't hear anything. we? There were some emails. Jeffrey is interested in being liaison for the dairy. I'm interested in the Commission position for board on the dairy for that and Georgia, we combined those. Those are the same position. Oh, okay. okay. So to recap the the people that we're considering right now in the interests is Georgia and Jeffrey for the dairy, for the Bmoca for Maria, backed by a lovely letter recommendation from the

[62:10] and then Bruce as the department, the convention and visitors Europe correct. So that's kind of what the situation is right now. And so we'd be looking for a motion. Someone would like to make a motion on that. I'll back to a motion. you would I? It's the second. Oh, it's a second. Somebody on mine called the first. No, yeah, no, yeah. I'm a re of it. Oh, no, that was me. Georgia. Georgia, please. I move that. Okay, this is blank blank. Be appointed as what board members. This, what we're doing.

[63:00] Okay, I'm going to actually step back. or I can say, okay, I move that George, at the appointed as board member with the Dairy Art Center that Maria be appointed as board member with the Boulder Museum of contemporary art, and Bruce be appointed as board member with the Convention and Visitors Bureau. There? I did it. Is there a second for that language? I'll second. okay and discussion. And I think one of the discussion points is The one of the questions I have is about Jeff. But right? I I I had needed to add it an additional organization to my list from 5 to 6, and from the list that was there, the one that seemed to make the most sense for me personally, was the Dairy art Center, which.

[64:00] with which I've been involved with for 13 years, for through a number of different executive directors, and have recently cycled off their actual board and continue to run programs there and have raised about $300,000 personally for the the organization and I don't know if there's any precedence for having input from the from the organization which we did hear from someone tonight, from another organization. So I know there is that but it it it. It's something that I want to continue to to do and be involved with and and I understand the nuances between the city and and the actual center itself with the contract and such and and understand the finances with it. Georgia, do you want to add anything about it? Perhaps your interest in the Board member position? I'm interested because I have

[65:04] worked at Boulder ballet in the Dairy art Center. For the last 3 years my daughter has been taking dance classes there. I've basically been going there for the past 8 years and seeing a lot of changes. and just want to be part of moving forward like I, I see a lot of more diverse offerings coming up, and just want to be part of that movement and adding to that piece quick questions, discussion. I have a question. you had originally stated you had melded 2 positions together. So can you say more about that? In that role there's not 2 board seats that could be available.

[66:07] People in the dairy also is their liaison for the and they move from there. They go from month to meet this quarter. Okay. any other distinction. Okay, so the motion on the floor is to appoint Georgia as the board member for the dairy for the Moca to appoint Maria, and to appoint Bruce as the Convention and Visitors Bureau. So we've had a second. We've had discussion, and let's go all in favor of Georgia as the board member. pretty much. Are we 30? Yeah. So I see 1, 2,

[67:02] 3 in favor. So the motion asks. okay, thank you very much. Now, to follow up on what I think you are alluding to. Yes, we could separate. I just need to call it So the the liaison discussion, though, is, there's no need for a vote. This is an administrative task of staff. And so we just need your nodding approval that everyone likes where they okay. So that would beg the question about Jeffrey on. So would you like to stand? I would not. you would not. And Georgia, would you be interested in them, switching out something with Jeffrey so that you take the lead on rule. Actually, no, because Jeffrey has 1, 2, few liaison positions that Georgia has one too many. And so I think, Lauren, you are thinking about someone to switch

[68:01] Well, well, all I'm looking at this is, these are the list as we have them, you should each have 6. It divides equally. Can I ask what Jeffrey just said it garbled up. I didn't say anything. Okay, I? Okay. I if you're About a minute ago I had asked him if he was interested in taking on the liaison position, and he said, No. that's that's what I didn't hear. Yeah. we're all right. Yes, because I think I just okay. So this is already adjusted. Right? And if not, may I just check to you, Jeffrey, with the an adjustment. But if you have. oh, okay, so yeah, I was I. I had 6 to begin with. yeah, double check the screen.

[69:07] So is it true, then, that I need to drop one liaison then? So you're almost 87? I I just said before. all right, so we don't need to vote on this so but I guess the question is, if everybody's had a chance to look at the adjusted list that's up there now, and do you have any concerns or questions? otherwise this will be what it is moving forward. So just for an update after this meeting like on Monday, Tuesday. Next week I will write you an email connecting you with their contact with these organizations just to say, Zoom your liaison, you should talk to them once you guys see or or if you have

[70:02] concerns, are things you would like to bring up with them. hey? As we would say, hearing no objection, we'll consider that settled all right. I don't even want to know where we are. Time wise, but our next Our next piece of business is public art program and the finalist approval for the experiments and arts specifically social streets and hand it over to Brendan for this. But before. Note staff is I. I have been checking the time, and we are severely behind wisely so. We had a very complicated discussion that we had to take care of with public comment, and I'm glad we took our time with that. But Brendan Lauren and I will be very expedient I'm here to talk about the process and finalist approval for experiments in public art. This is a partnership with social streets. As to the initiative.

[71:04] the site is thirteenth between Canada and Arapaho. and there are several events this fall. The budget is up to $50,000, and we're waiting a more revised budget for the artist for the process of date i' this is all in the in the managers. Memo. I won't go through all of that. but we did have our standing selection panel and our social streets. Team members participate. We came up with criteria for the invitational and we sent it to 10 different artists or artists. Teams. 3 responded. We had 2 interviews and the panel selected Atika Paca for the Commission. It was a unanimous decision. They were excited by her enthusiasm for civic practice, her holistic and sensitive approach. generally this is unanimous decision. So the feedback is to work with city staff on best locations for her temporary art. And sure the work is reviewed and sent by an engineer. Attend focus group meetings and community events. And then, the final, take away video photography, a narrative, maybe a booklet, something like that.

[72:15] So the next steps is to approve this selection and process, and then follow up with the artist and get her under contract as soon as possible. Questions about the process post motion. Anybody so open it up to anybody who wants to make a motion. On this I move that we approve. This process was properly conducted and recommend. It's selection of artists advanced to the city manager for final, approved a second. all in favor. and Georgia, if you can give us a verbal Y or N. You're muted right now.

[73:04] All right. we have 4 and a on both. So it passes. So yeah, I I, before we go into this, which is my favorite slide. Yes, I I just wanted to thank you for that, and just say, like experiments in public art is an unusual beast, right? This is not how public our program we go, but it's more of a residency. and it's meant to sort of front-load the artist before a lot of the work is done to embed them in the team, and so really appreciate you. Continuing to sort of push forward some innovation with us on this. And people will be tracking it really, closely. Make sure it's the the artist is really excited. And so is the social streets that we actually did a site visit today to figure out some location. Sounds like the whole committee is especially those unanimous. Any other advice for success from commission. hey? I just wanted to say that you have my yes vote I just. I couldn't get to the button quickly. Quickly. Thanks, Georgia.

[74:09] Awesome. all right, and thank you to the committee members of looked like a really great line up of all stars. So yeah, thank you. grants program business. And I believe that 7 A is really 6. A. Yeah. So we're we are looking at the great. So a quick refresher, you received all the reports by email at this meeting, you'll be able to vote, to approve the reports, to prove individual reports, to approve individual works while submitting specific questions. postpone the approval of any individual reports pending answer to specific questions and or not through individual reports and cancel that.

[75:06] And I have draft motion language just up here that we can edit, if you so what I'd like to do first is pull the Commissioners and see if there's anybody that you'd like to pull out of that language for a little bit further discussion I had. let's see. I don't think mine really impacts whether my questions can hold to the end. But if anybody else has one of those reports that you want to pull out and discuss. not not seeing anybody. So I do. Wait, actually. And I just have 1 min to read something.

[76:02] I I have a question, maybe what George is reading? Yeah, for everyone. Do we have any opinion about the the input on a organization that an individual gives such that we just received today. Does that? How do we address that as far as grants and approvals? And our thinking about the organization. So obviously, I'm talking about boulder ballet. So just to connect the dots. how does this come up before? Sort of thanks for the question, Maria. I I think what I would have to say a couple of things is. you all decide on the discussion and decision that I'm going to make. So you know. information you receive. You can use that, said

[77:03] you have a very specific role to play, which is that you have a report. It's based on an application that was approved. And so your discussion should be pertinent to that action. Did does the report fulfill the terms of the application? Now. Your discussion, like I said, could go anywhere, but the decision you make should be centered on that I will lastly say that there! There are obviously precedences and implications. Right? So the reason you make a decision needs to be thoughtful, not only in the isolation that decision, but on what? Pressing your setting? but also on the perception of good stewardship of the program. So. yeah, Chris, do you have anything to add to that?

[78:02] yeah. consideration. Anybody who is going to have a certain perspective. It's the application criteria process that really is the tool that we should be using, relying on to weed out be supporting, for really the reasons that we're able to clearly publicize, and folks can be aware of the advance as opposed to bye like, very concerning a very valid thing to to look into. not using an individual. Yeah, I definitely would feel very uncomfortable having that impact any decisions based on hearings.

[79:02] My temperature. Is that it? To your question for you? Hey? Yeah, thank you for the I wanted to have the conversation. I appreciate your all of your input. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your thought last night. And, Maria, you're okay to move forward with. yes, and I think I think Georgia had a question. She was reading something, too. But yeah, so I've had a minute to read through something. And so just what I'd recommend right now is, if we want to approve the Grant reports that we would just remove boulder ballet from that only because of something else. And I think I need to. just have a discussion first before there. There's a reason why I want to pull it out, and it has nothing to do with the what Lance said today. It's something else.

[80:01] Would you like to make that motion. Georgia? Sure. I move that we approve the Grant reports from the catamounts, local theatre, third law dance, leader, boulder, museum of contemporary art holder, opera, company, boulder, orchestra, dairy, art center and local theatre company for a second. all in favor and Georgia again, we cannot see you. So okay, so here, wait. Hold on all in paper right now for this motion. So we've got 4 votes on a post Jeffrey's post and the motion carries. and Georgia. let's put up some. Are you suggesting that we can possibly make a decision tonight based on this discussion.

[81:02] older ballet. I guess what I'm getting at is, should we go ahead and make the motion? Or you think it's something that's gonna I move that we we would wait to approve the current report from boulder ballet next time. Okay, can you give us a little teaser before we get into a full discussion. because I taught that class, and I'm looking at the report. And there, there's a budget here for an assistant. I had no assistant so the list would go on from there. All right. Now you can tell us so. One suggestion is that we can amend, and somebody can make an emotion to get more information.

[82:00] Yeah, exactly. If I may interject you. You don't need to make a motion to to do that. You just need to do this. You've already not made a motion to approve. So you're postponing approval. And because the answer to the question doesn't require a motion. Oh, perfect! There you go, all right. Was there anything else you wanted to add in your observations, Georgia, or is Can I just leave it there for this evening? Sure, absolutely. Yeah. So may I clarify the question that we're asking? Yes, is this, and, Georgie, you may be the one answer. So are we asking specifically that line in the budget is, we understand, to be incorrect? Do they want to provide a revised budget? Or is there a different question? Can I give those questions to you later, just in the out of respect for everyone's time?

[83:03] So I see for expenses. the assistant salary planning studio rental and tuition scholarships. and then advertising. So yeah. So clarity on teacher's salary. hold on. Okay, yeah. No. So the teacher's salary assistant salary.

[84:01] all of it. Okay. I'll be expenses in actual. Could we ask for a revised budget there. So maybe the question is something like, we believe the budget may have some incorrect information. If they could have another look. describe each point, and. you know. Make sure that there's nothing there that shouldn't be there. Yes, or eloquently put by. Lord. alright. Okay, okay, thank you. And we do need to make a motion on the delay of about. No, no, we do not. Okay. Great Caroline. Caroline can. Do you mind if I make just 2 quick comments, you know. I I I felt it was a good. A few of the organizations mentioned that they would, at least with the rehiring grants that they had the funding to continue that position. So I thought that was a a sign of optimism that these

[85:00] grants perhaps help them bridge a gap and bring folks on, and they, you know, could rehire. And then and then the second was just on the theater companies. and I'm sorry it's going to be a little bit of a tangent, but I think I just know there's a New York Times article over the weekend. Maybe you'll re read it about the challenges with staffing and keeping folks hired in the theater. So I think these rehiring grants are critically important. So I think that. And I think we're seeing the results of them with these reports. Yeah, Maria, I I noticed the same, and I'm sorry I forgot which organization it is. But there was an organization that said that on the back of this grant they were able to bump into a mid-size organization and apply for more money with a CD, yeah. which is just amazing. All right, any other comments before we move on.

[86:01] Great. what do you want to do next? One. Okay. Next, we have an extension request, and Celia is here. Thank you so much for joining us, Celia. If anybody has questions about this, I'm going to share again. So you received an extension request? from Celia. We she received a we need projects for individuals. and was accepted into a film festival, so has requested an extension so That can be so. she can fit her final. So you might remember this, but she turned in a rep, but she had many do a screening in the city of older yet. So The Commission asks that she wait until she's able to screening. And now she's like. so this is essentially just confirming that that is okay, that that extension approves.

[87:04] It's for extension. And is this something at this point in the extension request that we need to. You do because it is now the and she's here. If you have a question excellent. So let's start with a motion. If anyone like to make an option. I moved with the 1 s, that great discussion. Does anybody have questions about the request and for those of you online? If you want to hear. The artist is on the zoom. Also questions. Okay. I don't see any discussion, so all in favor. Raise your hand.

[88:07] So me? Yes, so. I do have a number of sites, but I will go quickly, because they do all sit together. So every year in the summer we start talking about our next year's Grant cycle. You thought it was public. We reach out to the community. We get feedback. Throughout the years. People are playing as they're training the reports. And we I've actively gone out, been seeking feedback from the community the how to improve our Grant cycle for next year. So I've compiled some of the feedback. But first I want to say congratulations, and oh, this is It's an enormous lift, and I think all of you so so much like my job is so much with the we have this year given up. Now there' be a

[89:00] and for the first time giving out more than a million dollars. This is an agenda for the within the agenda. But it's very brief. So we're just, I'm just gonna give you an overview of the Staff Community Commission feedback that I've gathered. you will ask. They are fine questions. We do have public comments. If that if there's anybody from the public that wants to add anything and final discussion. So the first step is really us telling you the feedback that we've received, and then at the next meeting we come back with options for you how to address that feedback. So this is really like, this is what we heard. Also, we're still gathering feedback. So it's It's part of the whole process that somebody might be watching this later and reach out to us. And we will add that in next time, too. But I will say that the feedback has been very consistent, so that topics for discussion are the financial structure. So our funding structure which I'll show you in 1 s

[90:05] across any process improvements. And then the 2,024. So really the first big future thing that I want to hear back from the Commission is about the funding financial structure. So this is our structure. From this year. It is kind of a mess, because because we've added in those funds from Arpa. Right? Oh, my goodness. As you know, general operating support awards, continue for it the next round of decisions. 2,025 But if you have any kind of big picture thoughts on the project grants the strategic funds. If there is something that you think is missing. It needs more. It needs less

[91:00] kind of big picture thoughts about this funding structure and just add real quick for this and everything else. This isn't our last chance to have this conversation. So, as you think about things and things come up, you can reach out to you. Want it. I guess I have one question for staff just in terms of your experience on, because you have certain categories that you can just award. So for those categories. Are you seeing a trends that it would be helpful to expand that funding, or is it? Are we having difficulty spending the money in any of those categories. I'm the so the venue and online event affordability fund is very popular because it's very So the fact that we were able to add some more this year, and to add from our, we have only $3,000 left out of like 46

[92:03] forty- 3 sorry total which goes to show that we started this year with 16, and they were gone by January twentieth, their first come first Next year we will let me know the same breakdown of as much as we can get out of our strategic funds. We've already voted on that the arc of funds for next year to continue with that 21. I think that will be wonderful. It's more of a conversation, for I think of how we can add some more into that category, because it's very popular and very so expensive like it supports exactly what we Beyond that everything has either played out very well. You saw that the organizational category has a a lot of applicants as we do every year. That's the largest applicant pool that we get.

[93:00] and then we're still finding out about the leadership pipeline Fund. That one will be next the deadlines early August, and we'll find out how that one goes, and that might take a year or 2, also to get off the ground to find out about it. But yeah, I think we've like for all of these. I think we've kind of like bucketed over time like it started kind of bigger challenges. And now we're like getting nitty gritty stuff. Right? Yeah, yeah, I think you're right. That things are settling into a a really functional state, and so the discussion is very different. Then. Oh, thank you. The discussion is very different than in 2,017. We're like, Wow, that year really needed some help. So I feel good about that. I think 1 one note, which is sort of a side is. you know, next year we're going to go through a real assessment of everything because the cultural plan is expiring. We need to sort of really dive in deep. And there may have been things that have developed that are sort of just

[94:01] outside of all these categories. So that's not something that we're discussed right now. But it's coming up. We'll be able to talk about like you said. We also have more time. And really, we're just bringing up. This is feedback that we have heard so far. and we're still getting community feedback also. but really they tend to fall into one of. So the first and one that we've heard about most strongly was the change in eligibility having to live or the headquarters organization in the city of Boulder as an eligibility requirement versus it being a point. This points. yeah. but that raised a lot of concerns. And I think you all heard a lot about that when we started getting up there.

[95:00] I'll go through all of these, and then, if you are not interested in us investigating and bringing ideas back to you, then let us know. But if so, if you are interested. then we will investigate all of these and bring some options back to you. Okay, Several applicants raised concern about the lack of quick comments and questions. This one comes up every year. It still has coming up. You're over a year, even though we've tried to put in. Okay, if it's about before, then, you'll have comments, because I think we're doing really well. So, you know, giving them a 5 is actually like the lowest score. That is great, like they're doing really well. So I would like to bring it up, because if somebody calls us and says, I really want to approve my for. But I don't know what to do right. All I can say is all the special meeting, they said. They're interested in this, and you know. getting feedback from you, all is. and it will help them ultimately in other applications that they're working on right with the safety and Cci and all their other applications. So

[96:05] the like. The third one is second, third extension request practices might be an excessive use of Commissioner time. So we tend to we that was like, it's a covid, a hold over that. We were getting so many requests. We're bringing it to you. But you see that for the most part the extension requests are are pretty consistently valid, right? Like somebody. Oh, I have a. They're the extension requests. But I was approved to go to right. So there are sort of valid reasons when your second third extension now for the extension. I think there's reasons to bring it back to the Commission to help them as well. But Some kind of discussion over, if that's the best use of the commission of time. And then the last one we had. One applicant was concerned about partial funding. This was in the discussion about there was funding left over category and our practices of like fully funding. Anybody have questions or comments.

[97:05] So we do have a question from a participant. If that's okay with Could you please define what delineate small versus made versus large in general operating support categories? Oh, it's a budget calculation. So. And there's an extra large to which is actually a folder. I'm not sure that the net would be like a super extra large right? let me just go back to. It's based on operating. Yes, and in this in particular, in 2,022, we looked at operating budget over 3 years. So we went to 2,019, to be sure that they were in their biggest category, and it was not a covid calculation. So these are based on small or is up to a hundred 1,000, it is 250 large is about 2 million, and the next I had 2 things that came to mind on that slide. We had the ones on the second bullet. the comments for scores, and I'm wondering this is just a suggestion for your consideration and what you recommend back to us. But I'm wondering if there's opportunities at our sort of Town Hall type meetings if we have the pre granting, get together and kind of hype up. And maybe there's some in those agendas for

[98:27] the commissioners to give some feedback as to how they balance things out, or when and why they're keeping comments. just maybe possible space to do that. Yes. And then the other request is maybe give some consideration on discussions that we can have and addressing concerns like what came to us today. and whether you know, I think it's a big. bigger, philosophical discussion for us.

[99:02] If those are the types of discussions that we should be having as a commission, or what corners touch, or what actionable. always up, correct any other feedback for Lauren. Are you shaking her head? It's quiet over here. I know the process of the operational rhythm. Thank you for saving us from ourselves. I am speaking it for them. So yeah, next year I'm not doing inter operating support. grant you. So you're just a casual 50 to 80 individual applications review, please. Thank you. Do you have any input on the schedule this year? I do realize there's overlap. But with the steps that we have, it is sometimes hard to not have that overlap, but I could try to avoid that. I thought it was

[100:03] easy for easy. That's me. Do we have any one? Do we have any open positions next year? Only because I came in at a time. We both came in at a time where we're voting on things that we weren't grading, and I didn't feel comfortable voting on them. Personally, I was. I also just launched a crank program at the organization in my work. So I was in the process of doing all of that as well. We have 141 applications in our first time. So, but going back to my original question is. do we have folks up for election? Is their consideration for that? That overlap you every year? Right? Yeah. So cycles off work and there'll be one new Commissioner. So we generally ask for has been the practice. We ask them not to jump into scoring because they haven't. Yeah, yeah. Some of us try to

[101:20] the school they were colleagues with, so I didn't know them. I like to say the scoring is a guideline to help you with your motion. Thank you. we had questions, if there's any comments, but this is a with only one new person at the same time. Wow, so no one online. So they want to thank you. So really, I will bring back to at the next meeting ways to address each of these. and it like, I said, if anybody is listening, if any of you hear anything in the community, or if you have any thoughts yourselves without the

[102:04] and, Lauren, I'm I'm noting we have like 7 min left in the meeting, so I apologize to everybody on this, but I think we may have skipped over 1, 2, and 3 in the agenda in your portion. the Residency. the reports, local rights adaptive dance program. Okay, that's the best I linked, overseeing their name. I don't thank God, all right. So matters, commissioners. anybody else, anything I want to bring to the meeting great moving along matters from staff questions about the managers. Yeah. So while you're thinking about all the detailed questions that we can answer in 7 min about the advantage. Memo, I just want to point out one thing.

[103:04] 2 things, actually. first of all, the standing selection panel makes a bunch of decisions on some of the oddball public art projects that happen, and they they get deep on that. And Brandon is doing a great job sort of bringing that group back together. But we do need more members. We currently have 3, because one person resigned and one person got a fantastic job. So we we are going to be building that group out. And so we're not quite sure the timing yet. But it's something to think about is if there's great people in the community who contribute to that type of group. Send them Brendan's way, and we'll start to get together some some nominations in the standing meeting. Now is second Tuesday of a month and 4 to 5 pm. If we have no business, will cancel. But it's a standing meeting. That's not great. Yeah.

[104:01] Second point is that one of the updates that we gave was about the urban design project This was at a wait wait. Which one was it. It was the transportation project and we haven't had a chance to talk about this with everyone in a while. But we do these urban design projects quite purposefully. there's been. I don't know, over the years, and not just in the city. There's a sort of tension around. Well, public art has a lot of process, a lot of protections. And it's about the community selecting art for their collection. Sometimes you just want an artist to come in and great, get great ideas for how to make a project more active, more human, more visual. and that's not necessarily rising to the the very high standards that we get to public art. And so we develop this idea of urban design to be a way for construction project managers across all departments and city to be able to do that deploy artists, architects, and landscape architects, designers, and all sorts of different creative people to improve the projects for the community. And so this is an example of that urban design doesn't come to you like a public art project does. This is a staff decision. We support other departments to make good decisions about that. But we'd slip those in the packet to make sure you're aware of them, because they're still really important to the community and the visual environment and very valuable.

[105:27] But they they're not something that we bring to the agenda. So if you ever see an urban design project in the step updates, you want more information. You want to ask detailed questions. It's not only good for you to know good for you to be a good ambassador of the work that we do. But you're also a check on us, right? You want to make sure that the transparency is there. So I always encourage. If you see something like that in there, and you have questions, or you not sure that you agree with anything, just make sure you raise it to the meeting, and we'll answer your question. But that one's going to be great. You want to scratch. Sure. Yeah. So there's a transportation project happening on baseline

[106:04] just east of 36. They're building bike lanes, and they're putting low barrier walls are about 18 inches high. Concrete barriers between the traffic lane and the bike lane and the project manager said, we have a tiny budget, and we want to make these like clean barriers a little bit more attractive. Can you help us with the process? And I said, great She didn't really know much how much her budget was. But, I told her, if you were looking for artists, we have a mural roster of artists, and she went there. Her team selected 3 artists and invited them to. Hey, are you interested in creating a design for these low barrier walls? 2 artists responded. we had a meeting. I wasn't really voting, but had a meeting with her, her staff. We picked a proposal from one of the artists, so the city is essentially buying this design for about $3,000 to then hire a Vinyl company to print the line that will wrap the small concrete there. That's a good. So so it's it's again. It's it's sort of. We want to be active in our community and make sure that built an environment is attractive and inclusive. So I'm happy to help with.

[107:14] It's a process and connecting artists helping with, you know, best practices in public art to help these other departments spend money effectively and with some impact. But again, it doesn't really rise to the public art. There will be a future project that they. Another phase connected with this project that will actually trigger the one policy. So we will have a public our process for that project, and that's a couple of years down the line. What if you were sitting in one of these meetings, and they were like they had this proposal to do. I don't know. Don't read these books, you know, like something that's gonna upset people on either side like then how? What kind of control

[108:01] are you talking about? Like the content of the the art is very controversial, but and people are going to come to us to complain about it, and kind of correct, for that is that our real roster kind of already goes to that betting process. So that's kind of what kind of a one-stop shop to say, hey, these artists have already beened through our public, our program. If you see something on that roster that appeals to you and your team. They've already sort of been fed by the city. So that's kind of one thing, and I think if I mean working public for almost 15 years, and I think if there was something that popped up that I think we would, there, there would be some some kind of why these departments reach out to us for like, hey, how do you do this sort of design work, you know. And so there's yeah. It's it's not as far as you might see. Your examples are maybe on the but yeah, there was. So I wanted to make sure that I project, or the pandemic of a barrier wall

[109:06] where I'm asking, there was something someone you very much objected to that. So yeah, it does come up. But I have to say that the values of the city tend to carry themselves forward in the apartments. One other thing I'll add, that is a value to the Urban design project is artists getting hired and making money? Yeah, in our community, right? Like, that's something we want to encourage. We don't want to stand in the way of it. And and because we have, there are other option there. Other idea was, well, we could just have something from our staff get some paint it just like spray that all the way down it. I I think it would be valuable if you consider I I don't know what periods of time you open that list. But as you're opening the list to let us know. So yeah, absolutely kind of getting caught up in, I think I'm not sure when last open that I think we just closed the yeah, I feel like it was very recent. But you could not. Next year early. 25. Yeah.

[110:05] So we'll definitely. And I will just add that, like art should make you think it should start conversation and all of those things. And yes, there's going to be a controversial piece of our work. It's probably going to be out of our. You're talking about the explanation for that. I'm sorry anything else from the South. No, thank you very much. Oh. thank you, Maria, thank you, George.