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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-20 Livonia Arts Commission Monthly Meeting Minutes July 20, 2026 | 6:30 PM | Livonia City Hall Summary: The Commission approved the June minutes and Treasurer's Report, reviewed gallery and Music From the Heart updates, discussed food truck logistics and communications protocols, advanced planning for kids programming, scholarships, FOLA support, the DIA project, Otaku U, and a potential Holiday Makers Market. Attendance: Lindsey Spence, James Sercu, Paul Van De Ven, Megan Duby, Joe Gilligan, Richard Kent Absent: Patrice Mang, Pam Valentine I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM. Members reviewed the agenda and meeting packet. II. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes The Commission reviewed the June 22, 2026 meeting minutes. A question was raised regarding prior discussion of a potential purchase of a wood art installation. Members clarified that the item had been discussed and reflected in prior notes, but no final purchase approval had been recorded. Motion Moved By Seconded By Result Approve the June 22, 2026 Motion carried Jim Joe meeting minutes. unanimously. III. Treasurer's Report The Treasurer provided a budget update, including adjustments related to the first two canceled Music From the Heart concerts. In accordance with existing arrangements, canceled performers receive 30% of the contracted amount. Updates were also made for arts and crafts programming, gallery supplies, expenses related to the 3-in-1 series, and the $2,500 grant entry. Members discussed the distinction between actual expenses and budgeted items. It was clarified that prior listed items generally represent actual paid or committed costs, with future Music From the Heart concert expenses remaining subject to change until events occur. Motion Moved By Seconded By Result Approve the Treasurer's Motion carried Jim Lindsay Report. unanimously. Livonia Arts Commission Meeting Minutes | July 20, 2026 IV. Committee and Program Reports Gallery Report In Patrice's absence, the Commission discussed a potential October exhibit featuring Livonia Public Schools art teachers. Members indicated support for the concept, particularly given that the Fine Arts Show has been moved to 2027. The City Hall exhibit schedule was also reviewed, with Anna Clemens identified as the August featured artist. Music From the Heart The first two concerts of the season were canceled due to rain and poor air quality. Air Margaritaville is scheduled for the upcoming Thursday concert and was noted as a strong prior performer with good attendance. The Commission discussed whether Sean Riley could be rescheduled later in the year. Options discussed included alternative venues or a smaller solo performance format. Commission agreed to look into possible alternatives, including whether another city event may be suitable. Social Media and Public Communications The Commission discussed the importance of ensuring that any communications presented as representing the Arts Commission are factual, accurate, and coordinated through appropriate Commission channels. Members agreed that personal opinions may be expressed independently, but posts involving Commission business or Commission actions should remain fact-based and, when appropriate, be made through the Commission's own page or approved communication channels. Food Truck Proposal for Music From the Heart A proposal was discussed to invite Rolling Stoves to provide food service at an upcoming Music From the Heart concert. Members expressed general support for the idea, while emphasizing the need to confirm requirements before the truck appears onsite. Key concerns included confirming availability, city permission, Fire Department review, insurance/licensing status, parking location, arrival time, and whether the truck would require a minimum sales guarantee. The discussion clarified that the preferred arrangement is for the truck to operate independently, without a financial guarantee or obligation from the City or the Arts Commission. Joe agreed to contact Rolling Stoves and follow up with the Fire Department/fire inspector regarding requirements. Once approvals and timing are confirmed, Paul will post information on the Commission Facebook page, and Megan or Parks and Recreation will assist with public posting for the concert. Kids Programs The August 8 children's program was reviewed. Volunteers remain a major need, with discussion indicating a desire for approximately 5 to 10 additional volunteers, and ideally more support if available. Logistics discussed included tents, tables, chairs, the showmobile, maps, road signage, coloring pages, crafts, popcorn supplies, and coordination of activity areas. The event is expected to use available budget funds already approved for the program, including unspent art supply funds from Shakespeare in the Park if needed for an additional entertainer. Livonia Arts Commission Meeting Minutes | July 20, 2026 Scholarships No applications were received for the mini-scholarship opportunity. Members discussed whether to reopen or repurpose the funds and generally favored holding the funds for potential later use. The Commission also discussed improving future scholarship promotion through more direct outreach to dance studios, art classes, and other local arts programs. FOLA and Grant Updates No recent FOLA meeting had occurred. A forthcoming FOLA meeting was noted, with discussion expected regarding whether FOLA remains active and how funds may be used. The Sonatas in the Shadows concept was discussed. Grant applications were not awarded, but Paul plans to ask FOLA whether it would consider covering at least half of the program cost. The program remains dependent on funding and LSO musician availability, with early November discussed as a possible timeframe. DIA Project and Ribbon Cutting The Commission discussed the DIA-sponsored public art project and noted that the finished work looks strong from the roadway. Members expressed interest in supporting the ribbon cutting scheduled for the following day at 1:00 PM at Ben Celani Park on Seven Mile. Members discussed bringing markers or crayons and using coloring pages based on the artwork for children attending the ribbon cutting. V. New and Ongoing Business Otaku U Event Eddie reported that Otaku U at Schoolcraft College is confirmed for November 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The event will be promoted as in prior years, and Arts Commissioners interested in attending may be able to receive passes. Holiday Makers Market The Commission discussed a potential Holiday Makers Market at the Senior Center. Concepts included use of the large room for vendors, possible additional rooms for youth or teen makers, a vendor fee of approximately $15 to $20 per table, and use of Senior Center-provided tables. December dates were discussed, with attention to conflicts such as the holiday parade, Nutcracker weekend, Santa/Grinch programming, and Senior Center availability. The matter will continue to be developed once room availability, pricing, and scheduling conflicts are confirmed. Senior Center Art Purchase The Commission discussed the previously considered purchase of physical artwork for the Senior Center. Members were informed that the Mayor may be reconsidering the desired direction for artwork in the facility. The Commission agreed to hold off on approving any physical art purchase for the Senior Center until a final plan is provided. Livonia Arts Commission Meeting Minutes | July 20, 2026 Map or Handout Update A request was made to update a map or handout for a future Music From the Heart concert, if not in time for the next concert. VI. Public Recognition Members noted that the Arts Commission received positive public recognition during a City Council meeting for its organization and presentation of materials. VII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Motion Moved By Seconded By Result Motion carried Adjourn the meeting. Jim Richard unanimously. Action Items Owner Action Item Contact Rolling Stoves to confirm availability for the Joe upcoming Music From the Heart concert. Follow up with the Fire Department/fire inspector Joe regarding food truck requirements, approval, parking, and arrival/setup expectations. Post information about the food truck on the Arts Paul Commission Facebook page once approvals and timing are confirmed. Assist with public posting for the Music From the Heart Megan / Parks and Recreation food truck once approvals are confirmed. Provide an overhead map of the Kids Program site and Megan / City staff coordinate tent, table, chair, and showmobile logistics. Develop a stronger promotion plan for future Commission scholarship opportunities. Ask FOLA whether it will consider partial funding for Paul Sonatas in the Shadows. Continue planning the Holiday Makers Market once Commission room availability, rental cost, and date conflicts are confirmed. Hold Senior Center art purchase decisions until final Commission direction is provided by the Mayor. Livonia Arts Commission Meeting Minutes | July 20, 2026