Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Arts Commission Funding Subcommittee met Aug. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the subcommittee:

Present: Ron Romero, Deborah Summers, Donna Franks-Tapley, Ellis Wright and Lori Carmine

Absent: Lonnie Posley

1. ROLL CALL

The Committee elected Lori Carmine to temporarily chair the meeting until a permanent chair was elected.

Role was taken at 4:06 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Commissioners Romero, Summers, Franks-Tapley, Wright, and Carmine were present.

Present: Ron Romero, Deborah Summers, Donna Franks-Tapley, Ellis Wright and Lori Carmine

Absent: Lonnie Posley

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

3. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

4. OLD BUSINESS

5. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appointment of Funding Subcommittee Chair

A motion was made by Lori Carmine, seconded by Ellis Wright, to appoint Ron Romero as Funding Subcommittee Chair. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Summers, Franks-Tapley, Wright and Carmine

Absent: Posley

Abstain: Romero

B. Update on IACA GOS FY2023 Grant

Staff liaison Heitner provided an overview of the IACA GOS FY2024 grant acceptance procedures.

Heitner then provided an update on staff's analysis of the IACA GOS FY2023 expenditures, and relayed an initial acceptance of the Commission's desire to use FY2023 monies on Bicentennial park salaries.

Commissioner Romero asked if a financial report could be produced that tracks the flow of how grant funds are allocated. Committee members expressed interest in finding out how IACA GOS FY2022 dollars were ultimately allocated, and if grant dollars could be tracked and reported back to the Commission going forward.

The Committee then went on to discuss how it would collaborate with the other subcommittees with respect to policy formulation and project prioritization. The Committee also discussed potential allocation of funding in future years to different areas (public art, events, non-profits, operational expenses, etc.).

Sources of funding outside of grants were also discussed, with potential to pursue a percent for public art program being discussed. Commissioner Carmine added that the Commission can accept sponsorships, but that fundraising would likely be better suited to the Arts Movement. Wright added that he felt the Commission was set up to act as a liaison to the Art Movement and other 501(3)c agencies in Joliet.

C. Update on IACA GOS FY2024 Grant

D. Subcommittee Goals

Commissioner Carmine motioned, and Commissioner Wright seconded, that the Subcommittee adopt the following three goals:

1. Providing the Commission with reporting and budgets

2. Working toward adoption of a strategic plan for the Commission by the end of the 2024 calendar year.

3. Ongoing research for future grant funding opportunities and potential other funding sources.

The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.

E. Scheduling of Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to keep meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers.

This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Commission members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

6. NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION

Commissioner Summers asked about the status of the murals report and condition of the sculptures and what role the Funding Subcommittee has in dealing with those issues. Heitner responded that Public Art and Policy is the entity that would address those issues.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

The Commission discussed the existing mural report and status of sculptures that are in disrepair and determined that the Public Art and Policy Subcommittee would be charged with prioritizing when those items are repaired, but that it would be charged with potentially finding additional monies to perform more repairs.

Commissioner Romero also asked if there is a database of existing Art assets throughout the City. Heitner responded that this doesn't technically exist at the moment, but that Dante DiBartolo has a spreadsheet which details the majority of public art pieces throughout the City that Heitner will try to convert into a City arts database.

This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Commission members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

8. ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Lori Carmine, seconded by Deborah Summers, to adjourn at 4:59 p.m.. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Romero, Summers, Franks-Tapley, Wright and Carmine Absent: Posley

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2023/8/1931_M_Arts_Commission_-_Funding_Subcommittee_23-08-02_Meeting_Minutes.pdf