Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Arts Commission Events Subcommittee met Jan. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the subcommittee:

1. ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m.

Present John Simpson Jr, Lori Carmine and David Wheeler

Absent Donna Franks-Tapley, Ellis Wright and Giovanni Alvarado

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Lori Carmine, seconded by David Wheeler, to approve COUNCIL MEMO #TMP-6939: Meeting Minutes for December 13, 2023. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Simpson Jr, Carmine and Wheeler

Absent: Franks-Tapley, Wright and Alvarado

3. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

None.

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.

4. OLD BUSINESS

A. RFQ for Poet Laureate

Staff Liaison Heitner provided an update on the Poet Laureate RFQ. Heitner said the City would fully advertise the RFQ announcement, pending full Commission and City Council approval of the RFQ.

Commissioner Carmine stated that the Joliet Public Library confirmed that it can host the Laureate competition on May 16 at the Ottawa Street Branch location. The Library would also be willing to have a staff member sit on the selection panel.

Heitner made a change to the RFQ that the Laureate needs to live in the city, but stated that criteria might change in the future if applications are lessened by that stipulation.

Commissioner Simpson asked if the Mayor or Council would supersede the final selection decision from the selection panel. The subcommittee agreed that the final selection decision should rest with the selection panel.

The Subcommittee discussed potential marketing and messaging options for the Poet Laureate.

This Agenda Item was recommended for approval.

B. Pop-Up Art Gallery Discussion

Staff Liaison Heitner provided an update on staff's internal discussions about the pop-up art gallery planning process.

Commissioner Simpson asked about the duration of the event. Heitner stated that the event duration and hours of operation are up for discussion, but that it likely would not extend past three weeks.

Discussion was had about the pros and cons of holding the event in an unused space versus a regular event space. The subcommittee generally agreed with the approach of using an unused space so that exhibits wouldn't be competing with regular artworks or overlapping events.

Commissioner Carmine added that sponsorships should be an added deliverable to the workflow.

Heitner stated he would try to get more staff direction on next steps before the February meeting.

5. NEW BUSINESS

None.

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

Commissioner Carmine asked if there was a way to put out information just for the Arts Commission. Carmine stated she would send a template of what she is envisioning to Staff Liaison Heitner for additional review.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 4:48 p.m.

Aye: Simpson Jr, Carmine and Wheeler

Absent: Franks-Tapley, Wright and Alvarado

This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Christa M. Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780.

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2024/1/2077_M_Arts_Commission_-Events_Subcommittee_24-01-17_Meeting_Minutes.pdf