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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.02.25 Art Commission Agenda Port Townsend Art Commission Meeting Agenda October 2, 2025, | 3:00 p.m. | In-person and Remote Meeting nd The meeting will be held in Council Chambers on the 2flooroftheHistoricCityHall. The entrance is the first door on Madison Street, which opens to the elevator. Attend in person or virtually via computer or tablet at https://zoom.us/j/98925253431?pwd=Npd9zmvb2wR4qnSIbcKgpPKxIb1K9h.1 Webinar ID # 989 2525 3431 Join by phone, please use number 253-215-8782, and meeting id number 98925253431# Submit public comment emails to be included in the meeting record to: https://publiccomment.fillout.com/cityofpt A. Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Approval of Agenda D. Approval of Minutes: September 4, 2025 E. Public Comment (3 minutes per person) Committee Business 1. Chair Update (5 mins) 2. Treasurer Update (5 mins) 3. Staff Update (10 mins) Creative District Update Raccoon Lodge Update F. Committee Updates and 2025 Program Discussion (90 min) Public Art 1% for the Arts Municipal Code Status Report from Steve King, Public Works Director Poet Laureate Selection Announcement Next Steps Art Awards Updated Program Overview for Review Grants Video Project Update Committee Report and Recommendations G. Set Agenda for Next Meeting H. Next Scheduled Meeting November 6, 2025 I. Adjourn Americans with Disabilities Act In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, those requiring accommodation for this meeting should notify the City Clerk’s Office at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at (360) 379-5083. City of Port Townsend Arts Commission (PTAC) 2025 Meeting Schedule City of Port Townsend Arts Commission Mission Statement The Arts Commission's mission as an appointed City Commission is to facilitate public arts programs that enhance the cultural life of community residents. Overview This document is a flexible summary of the annual approach to PTAC meetings in 2025 and the st development of the PTAC budget. PTAC meets on 1 Thursdays, from 3:00-5:00PM. The development of the PTAC budget is part of the development of the City of Port Townsend budget, and resides in the General Fund, as approved by City Council each year. This process begins nearly six months before the start of the subsequent year and includes state-mandated statutory milestones and deadlines. 1. January – Program Planning Part 1: Grant Criteria and Poet Laureate Discussion of grant program specifics, including application, criteria, and any marketing or public education opportunities. Discussion of Poet Laureate Program and jury process for 2026-2027. 2. February – Program Planning Part 2: Annual Arts Awards and Public Art Discussion of Arts Awards with roles and deadlines. Discussion of agency partners and arts connections, including Creative District and Arts & Culture Plan, and Public Art maintenance planning and coordination with City staff. Invitation to Public Works Director to discuss possible 1% eligible projects in 6-year Capital Facilities Plan. 3. March – Quarterly Grant Funding 4. April – Communications and Poet Laureate Jury. PTAC engages in a discussion of City communications and how to participate in covering funded events, updating the website, and promoting the work of PTAC. Finalize Poet Laureate jury selection and RFP for Poet Laureate nominations. 5. May – Workplan Strategic Session. PTAC receives a call from Mayor/City Manager to PTAC (and all City advisory boards) for workplan items and preliminary budget request. PTAC reviews progress on the 2025 workplan, strategizes on multi-year initiatives and the 2026 workplan, and considers priorities for next fiscal year in order to suggest a preliminary PTAC workplan. 6. June – Quarterly Grant Funding 7. July – Mid Year Review and Budget Strategic Session PTAC discusses all 2025 programs and makes mid-year assessments. Discussion on budget to pair with workplan and submits a recommendation to staff and City Council in advance of a decision on the preliminary City budget. (City Council may choose to approve/incorporate or may send the recommendation back to PTAC for further discussion). Poet Laureate jury process and selection occurs in this time frame. 8. August – 2026 Art Awards Planning Workshop; evaluation/jurying tools for Poet Laureate and Grants and workplan details 9. September – Quarterly Grant Funding 10. October – Poet Laureate selection ratified; review of 2025 grants program changes in relation to 2025 workplan goals 11. November – Visit with new Poet Laureate; Public Art Plan update and 2026 objectives 12. December – Annual Review. PTAC reviews the 2025 workplan, reviews 2025 granting data and budget expenditures, plans annual meeting schedule and 2026 grant deadlines, and ties up loose ends in discussion. Minutes of the Port TownsendRegular Session ArtsCommission Meeting ofSeptember 4, 2025 LOCATION:In-person at City Council Chambers and Remote MEMBERS’PRESENT:Alexis Arrabito,Joshua Saunders, Sheena Uritz, Dan Groussmanand Joe Gillard. Heidi Tullmann was excused. Simon Lynge was absent. STAFFPRESENT:Arts & Culture Coordinator Katy Goodman, andDeputy City Clerk Lonnie Mickle Board Liaison: Ben Thomas Community Members:Davy Mack-Hazelwood, Kelsey Caudebec, Margie McDonald, Michele Soderstorm, Denise Winter, Michelle Cesmat, Judith-Kate Friedman, Christopher Bricker TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action Call to Order Chair Alexis Arrabito called the meeting to order at 3:04pm. Approval of Agenda Joshua Saunders moved to approve the agenda. Sheena Uritz seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of Minutes forAugust 7, 2025 Dan Groussman moved to accept the minutes. Joshua Saunders seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Public Comment None Grant Funding The Commissioners and Applicants discussed grant applications. Joe Gillardmoved to fund all applicants and Joshua Saunderssecond. The Commissioners voted 4 to 1 tofund as follows: Applied Education Foundation $995.00, Key City Players $1,650.00, KPTZ Radio $ 500.00, Mythsinger Lagacy Project $1,200.00, Port Townsend Artscape $ 1,030.00, Songwriting Work Educational Foundation $ 500.00, Tom Fenollsa $ 2,075.00, Davy Mack- Hazelwood $1,200.00, and Jefferson County Historic Society $750.00. Commissioner Dan Groussmanopposed the vote. Motion passed. Chair Update Chair Alexis Arrabitodiscussed the artworkdedicated to Elenor Stopps. Treasure Update Joe Gillard gave an update on the budget. Staff Update Katy Goodmangave an updateon the training for the Open Public Meeting Act, Public works Director Steve King’s future visit to discuss the 1%code changes, and the Kevin TopicMotions/Recommendation/Action Mason Contract. Committee Updates Katy Goodman gave an updateon the applications for Poet Laureate, the event at the library with the current Poet Laureate, the plans for the introduction of the new Poet Laureate during the tree lighting ceremony, Public Art Commissioners Groussmanand Saundersdiscussed the relocation of theboundary Marker for Puget Sound Siteand the artist, Sara Mall Johani. There was a request to research the origin story of Mary Lou Cinellipoemslocated in the city. Arts Awards Katy Goodman gave an updateon the 1% code revision for the arts, the art and public places policy and the progress on the arts awardsprogram. Correspondence The Commissioners discussed the letter from poet Lindsey Wayland Set Agenda for Next Meeting Business Meeting. Next Scheduled Meeting November 6, 2025. Adjourn This meeting adjourned at 5:02pm UNDER REVIEW BY LEGAL Current Code: 3.50.010 Purpose and policy. A. The city of Port Townsend accepts the responsibility for expanding public experience throughout the broad spectrum of the arts by providing local and cultural artistic services and programs to its citizens. Artists capable of creating for the public in the fields of visual, written and performing arts should be encouraged, and such is hereby declared to be the policy of the city of Port Townsend. B. In harmony with this policy it should be the policy of the city to require that visual art be included in any city public works project, where applicable, and that a portion of the cost of such project, where applicable, be allocated for the acquisitionof visual art. C. It shall also be the policy of the city to provide an annual allocation from the city’s general revenues to a municipal arts fund or programs of the city for the purposes enumerated in this chapter. D. Public art shall not be inconsistent with the city’s comprehensive plan goals and purposes, zoning and subdivision ordinances, and land uses contemplated therein. E. Public visual art consisting of natural materials and requiring little or no maintenance, and which are appropriate in size, color and configuration for their location, will be preferred. F. Whenever appropriate, public art by artists with local or regional emphasis and backgrounds will be given priority. (Ord. 2866 § 1, 2004). New 3.50.010 Purpose and policy Section: A. The city of Port Townsend is committed to expanding public experience by advancing awareness of, and interest in, the arts, in connection with the artistic and cultural development of the city. B. In alignment with this policy, the city encourages artwork to be incorporated into city capital projects, as defined herein, and that a portion of the project's cost be allocated for the acquisition of public art, the upkeep of public art owned by the City, the replacement of public art at the end of its useful life, or the promotion and implementation of art programming. 3.50.020 Definitions. A. “Commission” means the Port Townsend arts commission. B. “Municipal construction project” means any project paid for wholly or in part by the city of Port Townsend to construct or remodel any building, decorative or commemorative structure, park, street, sidewalk, or any substantial portion thereof within the limits of the city of Port Townsend. “Municipal construction project” for purposes of this chapter shall not include: above ground utility projects (unless specially determined by the city council), below ground utility projects, routine maintenance, the repair of existing public facilities, or the replacement of fixtures in such facilities. (Ord. 2866 § 1, 2004). New 3.50.020 Definitions Section: A. “Commission” means the Port Townsend arts commission. B. A “capital project” is defined as any project paid for wholly or in part by the City of Port Townsend to construct or remodel any building, structure, park, street, sidewalk, parking facility, or utility, or any portion thereof, including permanent fixtures to any building within the jurisdiction of the City of Port Townsend. However, the purchase of land, local improvement district projects including the City’s participation in any such district, maintenance, repair, and operation, and the purchase of equipment are not considered capital projects. 3.50.030 Source of funds for municipal construction projects. A. For each municipal construction project as defined in PTMC 3.50.020, the city council states its intent to place in the construction budget an amount equal to one percent of the project’s capitalized costs to the city for placement of an artwork or works as part of the construction project, subject to the provisions and processes set forth in this chapter. The city’s contributions to the project pursuant to this chapter shall be funded from the city’s current expense fund. B. For purposes of determining the amount to place in the construction budget for public art, the project’s capitalized costs to the city shall include: 1. All capitalized amounts estimated to be paid by the city to third parties in connection with the project including, but not limited to, amounts estimated to be paid on contracts relating to the project, but not including: sales tax, consultant fees, or fees or charges related to preparing plans, specifications or engineering incurred in connection with the project, or capitalized project costs of city staff time spent on the project. 2. In computing the amount to place in the public art account, the project’s capitalized costs to the city shall not include any portion of the project’s cost which is not funded by the city, unless the noncity funding allows funding to be used for public art for the project. 3. The city’s contributions to the public art account pursuant to this chapter may include developer art contributions if the contributions have been approved by the designated agency. 4. In the event any law, rule or regulation establishing a source of funds for a project prohibits, limits or excludes art as a proper expenditure of funds on the part of any other entity participating in the cost of the project, then the amount of funds acquired from such source shall be limited or excluded to the extent required by law in computing the amount to include in the authorization or appropriation for the project and to place in the cultural resources subfund. 5. Funds authorized or appropriated pursuant to this chapter in connection with public art for a project, but not spent on that project, shall be returned to the general fund, or otherwise as required by contract or law, or as directed by council. (Ord. 2866 § 1, 2004). New 3.50.030 Source of funds for municipal construction projects Section: All monies required by this section shall be deposited into the Municipal Arts Fund from which the Arts Commission shall create an annual budget to present to the City Council to review and recommend for incorporation into the City’s annual budget approval process. All City departments shall deposit into the Municipal Arts Fund, out of any monies appropriated for any capital project an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the appropriation for the administration of the Public Art Program, excluding any funds from state or federal sources which are ineligible to be used in conjunction with Public Art Fund programs. One percent (1%) of the funds from multiple City capital projects may be accumulated in the Public Art Fund for the purposes as defined by separate resolution of the City Council. Only those capital projects exceeding the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) will be subject to the provisions of this section. At such time as the total capital project expenditure of any individual project exceeds seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000), the one percent (1%) provided herein of all such monies expended for that capital project shall be paid into the Public Art Fund as follows: one percent (1%) of the construction contract award, excluding funds from restricted sources including the Transportation Benefit District and the Olympic Gravity Water System, and excluding any funds from state or federal sources which are ineligible to be used in conjunction with public art fund programs, including additive change orders or other alterations to the contract, will be placed into the fund. Washington State sales tax, design fees, furnishings, and administrative expenditures will not be included as part of the capital project expenditure. 3.50.040 General revenues to the municipal arts fund. In addition to such funds as may be appropriated for municipal construction projects, the city council states its intent to fund as part of the annual budget an appropriation to the municipal arts fund or other arts programs for the purposes enumerated in this chapter. (Ord. 2866 § 1, 2004). New 3.50.040 General revenues to the municipal arts fund Section: In addition to funds as may be appropriated for municipal construction projects, the city council shall allocate an appropriation to the Municipal Arts Fund or other arts programs for the purposes enumerated in this chapter. 3.50.050 Arts commission responsibilities – Process. A. The commission shall make an annual review of all capital improvement projects as part of the annual budget process in order to make its recommendation to the city council as to which projects are subject to funding under the provisions of this chapter. In addition, the commission shall review and make recommendation on projects at the direction of the city manager other than during the annual review of capital improvement projects as deemed appropriate by the city council or city manager. Their review and recommendation shall be undertaken in accordance with the following procedure: 1. The commission shall meet with representatives of the city staff as designated by the city manager in order to review proposed capital improvement projects and to determine which projects are municipal construction projects subject to funding under the provisions of this chapter. Such review shall take place in advance of the preparation of the city manager’s budget report to the city council in order that the recommendations of the commission may be considered by the city manager in the preparation of his or her budget report, and at other times as deemed appropriate by the city council or city manager. The target shall be one percent of eligible capital costs of municipal construction projects. 2. The city council shall review as a part of its budget review, and at other times as it deems appropriate, the projects and the estimated expenditures proposed for funding. The city council retains its discretion to determine whether or not it is appropriate for such funding to be incorporated as a part of the budget and shall fix at the date the budget is approved the estimated expenditures for public art to be funded in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and also shall determine the level of general revenue funding to the municipal arts fund for the general purposes set forth in this chapter. 3. The city council determines to establish the level of funding at such time as substantial construction plans for municipal construction projects have been prepared and approved by the city council; provided, the city council, in its sole discretion, may choose to limit or eliminate funding in the event of a significant budget overrun for a particular project, if it believes such action to be in the public interest. B. The commission shall be responsible for working with the city manager (or designated staff) to recommend to the city council the method of selection for commissioning of artists, for reviewing the design of, execution and placement of, and acceptance of works of visual art funded by this chapter, subject to final approval by the city council. C. The commission shall have such other duties and responsibilities as the city council may assign by resolution or other council action. (Ord. 2866 § 1, 2004). Arts 3.50.050 Arts commission responsibilities – Process Section: The Port Townsend Arts Commission shall follow any policies related to public art to make decisions regarding what types of visual public art shall be purchased, what types of artists shall be eligible for contracts, and processes for accessioning, maintaining, and de-accessioning public visual art. The Port Townsend Arts Commission shall also adhere to any policies related to the promotion of and encouragement for public art programming. 3.50.060 Public arts projects – City council approval. The city council specifically reserves to itself final decision-making authority regarding the funding, purchase, erection, siting and installation of works of public art; provided, nothing prevents the city manager authorizing temporary (not to exceed oneyear) placement of works of public art. The city council indicates its intention to use a selection process and public process which incorporates members of the city’s arts commission, and which provides opportunity to citizens to comment on any aspect of funding, purchase, erection, siting and installation of works of public art. For public art proposed for installation in an area subject to design review, the city council will process the installation through the city’s design review processes. Once installed, artwork is solely owned and maintained by the city. City council has final authority to relocate, remove, or destroy artwork, following recommendation from the arts commission. Loaned art may be accepted by the city manager for a period not to exceed one year, and by the city council for a period not to exceed two years. (Ord. 2874 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2866 § 1, 2004). New 3.50.060 Public arts projects – City council approval Section: Public Art Fund monies shall not be expended without the prior approval of the City Council. Nothing in this section shall limit the amount of money the City Port Townsend may expend for art, art programming, and administration of arts initiatives. 3.50.070 Municipal arts fund created. There is hereby created a special fund entitled the “municipal arts fund” into which all funds shall be paid that are received by the city from whatever source for the purpose of providing for the advancement of local cultural and artistic programs and services within the city, including federal, state or other funds to which the city may be entitled now or in the future, other funds as the city may from time to time transfer into said fund, and revenues from performances or projects sponsored by the arts commission. Funds earmarked for funding public art for construction projects need not be placed in the municipal arts fund, but may remain part of the project construction budget. (Ord. 2866 § 1, 2004). New 3.50.070 Municipal arts fund created Section: N/A already exists?? 2026 Port Townsend Art Awards Outline and Info for PTAC October 2025 DRAFT Action Plan & Timeline Target Ceremony Date:Friday, February 27, 2026 Commission Meeting Dates: Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 8, Feb. 5 Phase 1: Approval & Infrastructure (Now –Oct. 15) By Oct. 2 (Full Commission Meeting): Vote to adopt the re-envisioned framework (hybrid categories, rubric, transparent process). Confirm that the Arts Awards Committee will carry out prep work, with all final decisions brought back to the full commission for a vote. • Assign leads: Nominations & Rubric –Drafted by Committee Communications - Draftedby Committee Event Logistics – Staff with committee support Archive/Legacy - Staff with committee support By Oct. 15 (Committee): • Finalize nomination form (draft included for commission review) • Finalize rubric scoring sheet (draft included for commission) • Draft press release/announcement language Phase 2: Public Call for Nominations (Oct. 16 – Dec. 31) Oct. 16 (Committee + Staff): Launch call for nominations. Push through city website, press release, social media, partner networks. Include rubric in call for transparency. By Nov. 6 (Full Commission Meeting): Committee reports on nominations received so far. Full commission discusses outreach gaps, suggests adjustments. Dec. 31: Close nominations. Phase 3: Review & Selection (Dec. 31 – February 5) January 8 (Full Commission Meeting): Preview number of nominees Review scoring rubric and process January 8-15 Staff compiles nominations into review packets for commissioners. All commissioners score individually; scores compiled by Staff. Phase 4: Ceremony Planning (Jan. – Feb.) By Feb. 5 (Full Commission Meeting): Confirm honorees Approve ceremony details (venue, program, presenters). Feb. 10 (Committee + Staff): Public announcement of awardees. Feb. 15: Finalize scripts, speeches, slides. Feb. 20: Media outreach and press kits. Phase 5: Ceremony & Legacy (February-March) February 27: Ceremony & reception. March 5 (Full Commission Meeting): Debrief: successes and areas for improvement. Approve additions to online “Hall of Fame.” March 15 (Committee + Staff): Publish digital archive with photos, bios, and awardee statements. DRAFT Scoring Rubric Artistic Excellence (25%): originality, mastery, recognition. Shows continued success Community Impact (30%): how many people are touched, how deep thecontribution goes, accessibility. Promotes tourism/culturalism Tangible connection to local arts community Alignment with Civic Values (20%): does it advance what the city says it wants for arts + culture? Represent broad array of Arts community: performance, music, supporters/advocates, visual Strong nomination materials Is submitted by the deadline Equity & Inclusion (15%): does it expand access, represent marginalized voices, or break down barriers? Fosters education Publicly nominated Distinction & Legacy (10%): will this contribution resonate beyond themoment? “Uniquely PT/EJC” Very Good ExcellentGoodFair SCORE POSSIBLE TOTAL Artistic Excellence 25 20-25 13-19 7-12 0-6 Community Impact 23-30 15-22 7-14 0-7 30 Alignment with Civic 16-20 11-15 4-10 0-4 20 Values Equity & Inclusion 12-15 8-114-70-3 15 Distinction & Legacy 8-10 5-72-50-2 10 Total 100 DRAFT Nomination Information Do you know someone in the community that has made a difference through the arts in our community this year? If so, consider nominating them for a Port Townsend Art Award! The Port Townsend Art Awards honor notable works of art, artistic achievements and arts events, and celebrate those who have contributed to the arts in Port Townsend and East Jefferson County. Award winners are chosen based on nominations submitted by community members. Please take this opportunity to nominate individuals that you feel exemplify these qualities and have had this impact in the local arts community. Find the link to nominate individuals here: Nominations are invited for individual artists, businesses, benefactors for the arts, arts educators, arts supporters, notable art related events and artistic achievements from individuals and organizations. This is the criteria by which the Port Townsend Art Awards will be selected: “Uniquely PT/EJC” Shows continued success Tangible connection to local arts community Promotes tourism/culturalism Fosters education Strong nomination materials Publicly nominated Represent broad array of Arts community: performance, music, supporters/advocates, visual Is submitted by the deadline Nomination criteria: Only one nomination may be made per form. The number of nominations received for each nominee has no bearing on the selection process. It is highly advisable to collaborate with the nominee to ensure a competitive nomination packet. Be sure to include all relevant details explaining your nomination. Port Townsend Art Awards Nomination Form Your Information Date Name * Organization Name (if applicable) Email address * Phone number * Mailing Address * Nominee Information Nominee Name(s) * Nominee phone number Nominee Email address * Has nominee received a City of Port Townsend Arts Award (Angel or Patron of the Arts) in the past Yes No Unknown Which of these disciplines best fit the nominee's work? (You may choose as many as needed.) Visual Arts Literary Arts Performing Arts Culinary Arts Craft/Maker Arts Film/New Media Arts Arts Supporter/Volunteer/Champion Nomination Narrative Please provide a brief summary of the nominee's contributions to the arts and culture of Port Townsend and why you are nominating to receive a City Arts Award. * This section has a character count restriction of 800 characters. Does the nominee have a website where we can learn more about them? If so, please provide it here: Additional Information If you have additional materials to support your nomination, please upload them here. This can include, and is not limited to: resumes, pictures, videos and news articles (five files max). Submit Joe Gillard, Simon Lynge, Katy Goodman Joe’s Notes: We discussed a little of the history of the reason for wanting to address grant funding as a subcommittee. There was agreement that one of the biggest priorities in grant funding to make the process as easy as possible. We briefly discussed that the funding is not required to be divided into equal periods as it currently is, but that we can be more flexible with it. Simon mentioned how some grant programs, for example in Denmark, enable grant seekers to get quick (one week) turnaround for opportunities that may arise that require quick travel plans to take advantage of the opportunity, where they might otherwise have had to be more financially cautious and be unable to take the opportunity. This way, even with reimbursement, they can budget for these opportunities. We discussed whether there is a need for this in our community, if this is something that could replicated here. Simon’s comment led us into a discussion of whether some form of faster turnaround (microgrants with expediency) could be handled by our commission and what challenges might arise. We discussed if ideas like this and others might lead into having a grant subcommittee that is solely responsible for evaluating grants, that would then be taken to the wider commission to vote on the recommendations. We discussed if the “public benefit” part of the grants might be too restricting and not represent the full scope of how art benefits the community, for example how an individual’s art is beneficial regardless of whether they have a specific event tied to it. We agreed that a poll or survey of past applicants to gain insight into how we can improve the grant process was a good idea, as well as mining any relevant historical feedback. We discussed additional ideas around art event calendars that could better serve the community. -Katy’s Notes - Priority make process simple, clear, transparent - Weighing repeat and larger orgs vs. Individual artists with less capacity to apply for grants - How to message that we take are seriously here and reflect that in process while respecting artists’ needs and way of working (not overly professionalizing/gatekeeping with bias towards bigger groups) - Earmark some funds for individuals? Create more flexible/reponsive pathways? - Trial an “emerging needs” fund - Would a subcommittee that make recommendations to the full commission be able to better assess and work with grantees? - Consider a survey of past grantees to determine if/how current process could be improved. - When grants are open, Artist Resource Help Desk is available to support artist