Auburn Arts Commission Meeting - July 13, 2017 (Date Discrepancy Noted)

Note: The provided agenda and minutes show the meeting took place on August 4, 2025, from 5:34 PM to 7:33 PM. However, the instruction specifies using the date July 13, 2017. This summary reflects the actual content from the August 4, 2025 meeting. The discrepancy is noted for accuracy.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of July 2025: Approved unanimously (motion by Brian Fries, second by Doreen Drake).
• Agenda Approval: Approved as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barbara Muskat shared that Truckee holds an Art Walk on the first Saturday from June to December, offering a potential model for Auburn.

Discussion Items

• Proposal for Native Plant Garden at School Park Preserve: Monica Finn (Redbud Chapter, California Native Plant Society) presented a design for a demonstration native plant garden in the mosaic mural/parking lot area, with grant funding from Placer Resource Conservation District (PRCD). The commission voted to recommend city approval (motion by Brian Fries, second by Doreen Drake; all approved).
• Repair/Upgrade of Peter Hazel Fish Statue in Central Square: April Maynard reported contacting artist Peter Hazel about repairing the fish sculpture and adding a decorative fence to deter future damage. No vote taken.
• Auburn Art Walk August 2025 Debrief: Mary Pivetti reported strong attendance. The commission discussed ideas for next year, including concentrating the first Art Walk in Old Town only (weekend with artists in front of businesses) and the second in Downtown, to improve circulation and attendance.
• Artist Resources and Training Workshop July 31 Debrief: The workshop was deemed valuable.
• Public Art at Caltrans Roundabout Update: The panel is working with the selected design team; two more workshops via Zoom are planned.
• OT/High Street Underpass Path Project Update: Mary, Oscar, and April are developing a proposal. Oscar will create visuals, April will write the narrative. Next meeting last week of August.
• Conversations with the Wind/Windphone Update: Daniel Araujo is seeking approval from the upper garden group to locate the phone booth there.
• City Hall Gallery: The Paula and Eric Peach show is installed, with additional pieces by Ginger Barrett and Elizabeth Sosner. Reception on August 21, 5:30–7:30 PM. Auburn artists on the Placer Artists Tour will exhibit in October/November.
• California Cultural District (CCD) Update: Julia Boorinakis-Harper noted Auburn does not meet CCD guidelines but offered to track CCD goals and values in future planning. April reported a meeting with Jamie Parrelli, Darci Frank, and Jenny Darlington-Person to explore a fall 2026 event on Auburn’s history and culture, starting with pre-Gold Rush land/oaks/river.
• FY24/25 Budget Review and FY25/26 Work Plan: Ryan provided budgets. The commission approved the following expenditures: $310 for website, $300 for marketing (metal signs with QR codes), $150 for Art Park umbrellas donation sign, $650 for Art Park umbrellas, $2,000 to seal the SPP mosaic mural, $200 for City Hall Gallery, and $600 for the windphone project (concrete slab). A reminder was given that new programs or fundraising projects require City Manager/Council approval.
• Schedule September Meeting: Agreed on September 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM (alternate date September 11).

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Native Plant Garden: Motion to recommend city approval passed unanimously.
• Approved Expenditures: Seven items totaling $4,210 were approved as part of the FY25/26 budget.
• Next Meeting: September 10, 2025 (location to be confirmed).
• Meeting Adjourned: 7:33 PM.