08-18-2025 BPA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Beautification and Public Art Committee MinutesPage 2 of 3 August 18, 2025 --------- Josh asked EDA and Council representatives Cory and J. Brian if this initiative is best fit for the EDA or Council. Cory thought that the EDA would be best suited based on the current mission of the board. J.Brian asked about current availability of downtown spaces and lease prices. Zanielle and Kelli shared some of their botanical art works. Josh asked Zanielle and Kelli to elaborate on how the resident artists would rotate. Kelli shared that WBA would start as the artists-in-residence for an agreed upon time and then overlap with the incoming artist to mentor. She also suggested a revolving fund from ticket sales to go back into the space to fund equipment, supplies, or free workshops with the schools. She advised that some of their personalequipment could be stored at the space and the city would own the space itself, the rest of the supplies, and materials. She thought that there wouldn't be a need for purchases of expensive and specific artist tools, however, if future artists would need those, it could be considered by the board. She also advised that after their residency, they could afford and move into their own space. Mel shared that the proposal excites her and reflected that downtown used to have an arts organization. Deb is also excited about the opportunity and thinks downtown would be an ideallocation for this venture. Zanielle shared that connecting with MontiArts could be a good next step to see what is working for their arts program. Cory suggested tightening up the proposal and providing some hard costs before approaching the EDA. 5.2Garden Gem Awards Josh shared that the judging panel visited the properties to score the nominees. The highest scoring properties in each category are as follows: Single Family (before 2000) - Sando 20753 York 54.6 pts Single Family (2000 or later) - Quesenberry 10103 192nd Ln 49.4 pts Commercial - Plaisted Companies 11555 205th Ave 50.6 pts Neighborhood - Handke Center 1170 Main St 46.0 pts Mel suggested considering different creativity scoring criteria for the commercial category. J.Brian suggested looking at a unique category for properties like Varty's which is a natural prairie. He also asked how this program is marketed in the off-season. Josh advised that the committee can review the policy at a future meeting to consider more changes. Deb shared that this first season of this program slow-rolled due to when the program was approved.