Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Arts Commission met Aug. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 5:01 p.m.

Present

Eric Gorder, John Simpson Jr, Ron Romero, Donna Franks-Tapley, Vince Logan , Tom Grotovsky and Deborah Summers

Excused Peg (Marguerite) Stoiber

Absent Ellis Wright

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by John Simpson, Jr, seconded by Tom Grotovsky, to approve COUNCIL MEMO #TMP-7642: Meeting Minutes - July 17, 2024. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Gorder, Simpson Jr, Romero, Franks-Tapley, Logan, Grotovsky and Summers

Excused: Stoiber

Absent: Wright

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. Update on City Square Sculpture Project

Staff Liaison Heitner provided an update on the City Square Sculpture project. Heitner stated that the voting window has closed, and that based on the voting results, staff is recommending six finalists. Heitner provided an updated schedule for the remainder of the selection process.

The Commission discussed review criteria that it would like each finalist to consider before submitting final designs. Heitner stated that any necessary bonding for the project will be worked out in the award contract.

B. Update on the Utility Box Decoration Project

Staff Liaison Heitner stated that the ten designs submitted have been approved by the City and that payments are being processed to each artist for submittal of their designs.

Commissioner Chair Ron Romero stated that next year there should be more planning put into the project and bid out design work. Romero stated that a new company is working on making the vinyl wrapping covers. The goal would be to have the vinyl coverings placed on the utility cabinets this year.

C. Discussion of Potential Projects for 2025

Staff Liaison Heitner provided a summary of the ideas for potential projects that were discussed at the July meeting. Heitner stated it would be good to prioritize 2-3 projects for 2025.

Commission Chair stated that other grants and sponsorships need to be investigated. Romero stated that the city and its partners should be spending more money on arts and tourism when compared to similar cities in the state. Heitner said that in researching Elgin and its policies, that it allows sponsorships to made to the city. Heitner said he would try to get more clarity on whether sponsorships could be used shortly. Romero stated that the Commission should be reaching out to other arts commissions to share policies.

Commissioner Franks-Tapley said the Commission should work on 3-4 ideas year after year until they get better. Commissioner Grotovsky suggested doing events for kids to get them involved. Commissioner Franks-Tapley said that a full-day sidewalk chalk event/festival is a great way to get kids involved. Grotovsky stated that a street arts fest and painting or chalk event could be combined. Grotovsky also said there is a need to spread events outside of Downtown Joliet.

Chairman Romero asked if a small committee might be needed to look at funding for an arts fest? Commissioner Simpson asked if the City can get sponsorships. Heitner stated an answer on the sponsorship question is needed first.

Commissioner Grotovsky recommended continued work on the utility box project in 2025. Chairman Romero stated that the Union Station space for a museum likely won't be available. It was agreed upon that a night market might be a tough project for the Commission to project manage. Commissioner Franks-Tapley suggested doing events outside of Downtown until the City Square space is finished. Commissioner Summers said that the crumbling murals need to be addressed. Heitner stated that a plan is probably needed to take a look at which spaces should be prioritized for new murals. Commissioner Gorder stated that new quality murals require a strong substructure and quality paint. He also stated that the City needs to take ownership of removing blighted murals.

The Commission ultimately agreed that murals, and art street fest, and continued utility box decorations should be pursued in 2025.

5. NEW BUSINESS

A. Discussion on Submitting a Creative Catalyst Grant Application for 2025

Chairman Romero and Staff Liaison Heitner provided a general explanation of the creative catalyst grant opportunity. Heitner stated that an application in the 2024 calendar year might be ideal, but that he could reach out to Joliet's IAC region contact for more information.

Romero also stated that other grant sources should be pursued. Commissioner Franks-Tapley stated that Blick has a number of grant opportunities for art supplies and organizations as well. Romero emphasized that a priority on opportunities to underserved communities should be prioritized as well. Romero stated that Illinois Humanities also provides general operating grants.

Heitner suggested having a few Arts Commission members study the art street fest project and mural project in more detail and report back to the Commission in October. Commissioner Gorder volunteered to research the street art festival project. Chairman Romero and Commissioner Franks-Tapley agreed to research mural locations and estimated costs for new murals.

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

None.

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 adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

Aye: Gorder, Simpson Jr, Romero, Franks-Tapley, Logan, Grotovsky and Summers

Excused: Stoiber

Absent: Wright

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2024/8/2191_M_Arts_Commission_24-08-21_Meeting_Minutes.pdf