Chapter 1.36
YAKIMA ARTS COMMISSION*
Sections:
1.36.020 Arts commission created.
1.36.040 Meetings, officers, records, and quorum.
1.36.050 Functions and duties.
* Prior legislation: Ords. 2010-01, 2010-09 and 2013-002.
1.36.010 Purpose.
The purpose and intent of this commission is to make available to the city council and staff an advisory body to provide expertise on visual, performing, and literary arts (described as “art” hereafter) as cultural enrichment opportunities. The commission will also encourage and support art in Yakima to improve quality of life, strengthen economic development, and revitalize the community. The commission will also actively pursue the placement of public art in public spaces. (Ord. 2014-039 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2014).
1.36.020 Arts commission created.
There is hereby created within the city of Yakima an arts commission composed of no less than thirteen and no more than fifteen members. At least two of the members will be working artists. There will be four to six community members, of which at least three shall be residents of the city of Yakima. The community members shall be from diverse backgrounds and shall have no vested interest in any particular art or cultural endeavors. Six persons each of whom represent one of the following six professionally staffed local arts organizations: the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, the Capitol Theatre, the Seasons Music Festival, the Larson Gallery, the Yakima Valley Museum and a representative from the dramatic arts. Commission members shall be appointed by the city council for a term of three years each. There shall also be one member of the Yakima city council. Each member shall serve for a three-year term; each year commencing on July 1st and ending on June 30th. No member shall serve for more than two three-year consecutive terms. For purposes of this chapter, “working artist” shall be a person who has had his or her works of art exhibited in professional gallery spaces and/or has had their work included in professionally juried exhibitions or permanent collections.
The commission members shall be selected without regard to political affiliation and shall serve without compensation. The city council wishes to balance the commission between people who are involved in the making of art and those who enjoy art. Therefore, the city council shall strive to include people who are in each of the following professions: visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, and design arts. Design arts include architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, and graphic arts. In making appointments to the commission, the city council shall strive to appoint individuals with multiple skills, experience and expertise from various disciplines and backgrounds applicable to the commission’s purpose. (Ord. 2014-039 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2014).
1.36.030 Vacancies—Removal.
The commission may, by majority vote, recommend to the city council removal of an appointed member upon such grounds as may be deemed appropriate. The city council, by majority vote, may remove any appointed member of the committee and declare the position vacant. Vacancies occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for any unexpired term in the manner used for regular appointments. (Ord. 2014-039 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2014).
1.36.040 Meetings, officers, records, and quorum.
The commission shall elect its own chairperson, vice-chairperson and create and fill such other offices as it may determine it requires. The commission shall hold regular quarterly public meetings that will be broadcast on Y-PAC. The regular quarterly meetings will occur on the third Wednesday of March, June, September and November each year. The committee may conduct subcommittee and project meetings during the months the commission does not hold its regular quarterly meeting, and at any other dates or times the commission deems necessary or appropriate. Such subcommittee and project meetings shall be limited to conducting internal discussions regarding specific projects and formulation of recommendations to the commission. The commission may recess for the summer months of July and August. It shall adopt rules for transaction of business and shall keep a record of its meetings, resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations.
At least one-half of the total members, rounded up to the nearest whole number, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. An agenda shall be prepared and distributed prior to each meeting including individual items of committee business that are intended to be discussed. (Ord. 2016-001 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016: Ord. 2014-039 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2014).
1.36.050 Functions and duties.
The arts commission shall perform the following functions:
A. Provide recommendations to the city council on artistic endeavors in which the city becomes involved and act as a representative of the community in such matters; regarding artistic components of all municipal government projects under consideration by the city. The commission may also serve as a resource for artistic components of land use developments;
B. Serve as the central commission to whom individuals and groups may bring their concerns and ideas with regard to the arts;
C. Encourage donations, grants and other support to further expand art opportunities in Yakima;
D. Explore ways and implement methods of obtaining financial support through development of private, local, state and federal funds and establishing public/private partnerships to promote art within the community; develop relationships with existing organizations and community groups having a stake and interest in good building and public space design and development;
E. Explore and promote arts-related projects, events and businesses that provide an economic benefit and/or beautify and enhance the image of the city; pursue gifts and grants available to the city of Yakima for the purposes of cultural and artistic activities and enhancement of public spaces in the city;
F. Engage in long range art planning and implementation, and review city plans for the purpose of integration of arts elements into city planning including education, public finance, community services, etc.;
G. Recognize artistic contributions made by individuals and organizations to the city and provide recognition and encouragement to local artists; promote and engage in activities that enrich the lives of the city of Yakima’s residents through artistic education and expression;
H. Review and make recommendations on all works of art acquired by the city; encouraging public art, establishing procedures for selection and approval of art pieces, suggesting placement of public art and arranging for ongoing maintenance of public art in public places throughout the city of Yakima;
I. Review and recommend policy for acquiring, maintaining, and displaying the city’s art collection. (Ord. 2014-039 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2014).
1.36.060 Expenditures—Budget.
The expenditures of the commission, exclusive of donations, shall be limited to appropriations. All services requiring appropriations shall be submitted through the budget of the city’s economic development division; provided, however, that the services of outside consultants may be obtained for a temporary period of time when specifically authorized by the city council. (Ord. 2014-039 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2014).
1.36.070 Staff assistance.
The staff of the various departments within the city, as assigned by the city manager, shall provide staff assistance and shall also serve to facilitate communications by the arts commission to the city council. (Ord. 2014-039 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2014).