Meeting Information

Executive_Committee

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, Febuary 21, 2006
4:30 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Minutes

Commission President P.J. Johnston called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m.

1. Roll Call
   Commissioners Present
   P.J. Johnston
   Maya Draisin
   Ethel Pitts Walker
   
   Commissioners Absent
   Alexander Lloyd
   
   Staff Present
   Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth
   Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar
   Commission Secretary Sharon Page Ritchie
   
   
2. Budget Report
   
   Deputy Director Nancy Gonchar distributed the current draft budget and reported on discussions with the Mayor’s Budget Office. She explained that there had been a request for any one-time expenditures that could potentially save money over the long term. She explained that she and Director of Cultural Affairs Richard Newirth had presented the proposal to move all of the Arts Commission staff upstairs to the same floor, which would save money on rent each year. Mr. Newirth further emphasized the positive effect the move would have on staff morale. Commissioners and staff further discussed the budget and other factors influencing it.
   
   
3. Discussion and update on the Street Artists program and proposed legislation on street performers.
   
   This item was taken out of order at the request of staff. President Johnston reminded the Committee of the discussion a few months earlier at a meeting of the full Commission on the question of street performers, and explained that he and Street Artists Program Director Howard Lazar have been meeting with Supervisors and the Entertainment Commission. Mr. Lazar summarized the history of the program and the voter-approved ordinance, as well as some of the concerns of street performers. He noted that in addition to performing, they often want to sell CDs of their music, but that violates the peddling ordinances. He also noted that because Pier 39 is such a sought-after location, any street performers program will most likely require the participation of the Port, which has authority over the pier. Mr. Lazar noted that the Street Artists Program has licensed musicians to sell CDs, but not to perform. President Johnston pointed out that the Charter gives the Entertainment Commission responsibility regarding amplified sound. Mr. Lazar said that performing in public has been interpreted as a First Amendment right, but that performers’ economic interest lies in selling their product. President Johnston and Mr. Newirth agreed to continue working with the Supervisors and the other departments involved.
   
   
4. Possible legislation to amend the 1% for art requirement in C-3 zone development (continued from previous meetings).
   
   Staff and Commissioners agreed that the next step in this process would likely need to come from the Mayor’s office. President Johnston said that the Committee would revisit this question in the future.
   
   
5. Discussion and update on the Arts Task Force; possible action to form a subcommittee of Commissioners and staff to address the Arts Task Force report and recommendations.
   
   Mr. Newirth reported that the Task Force will vote on its final report at the meeting scheduled for February 28 at 5:30. Staff and Commissioners discussed some of the possible outcomes of the report, and how the Commission and staff might want to respond. Mr. Newirth noted that he has already begun to work more closely with Grants for the Arts.
   
   
6. Discussion: New Business
   
   There was no new business.
   
   

   Adjournment
   There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

spr 3/24/06