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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 09/27/2001 111110 ,122232az. JAN 2002 's MINUTES to RECEIVED LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING 011Yen OFF�ICEARY c CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS SEPTEMER 27, 2001 N',, • MEMBERS PRESENT: MS. Deborah Douglas, Chairman Ms.Susan Abarca Ms.Sharon Brower Mr. Michael Cleary Mr. Myron Grossman Mr.Tom Kreneck Ms.Grandis Lenken Mr. Kevin Maraist Dr. Richard Moore Mr.Terry Orf Mr. Elmon Phillips Ms. Bunny Tinker MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr.Alan Belcher (Excused) Mr. Mark Luddeke (Excused) Mr.Tom Stewart (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, City Planner Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. DISCUSSION ITEM: Presentation by Mr. Glen S. Ely, President of Forest Glen TV Productions, Inc., Austin, Texas: Ms. Douglas stated two guests were present at today's meeting- Mr. Glen S. Ely, President of Forest Glen TV Productions and Ms. Carol Scott, Chairman of the Sesquicentennial Committee. Mr. Ely will give a presentation on the successful projects he has produced for other cities and counties in documenting their history and how he can also work with the Landmark Commission and persons in the local community in producing a video documenting the city's historical resources. Ms. Douglas continued that before Mr. Ely addressed the commission,Carol Scott would give an update of what has Napped with the Sesquicentennial Committee and their planning efforts for the special celebration mark the city's 150°M1 anniversary. The floor was given to Ms. Scott. Ms.Scott began her comments by stating that as of 11 a.m.today, she became the chairman of the Sesquicentennial Committee and they had their first organizational meeting this morning. Ms. Scott stated the majority of the members were appointed several months ago. Ms. Scott continued that several members shared the same ideas that the committee needed to look for potential grant funding. Ms. Scott stated that In the midst of all of this, she found out that Faryce Macon was contacted by Mr. Ely regarding the possibility of the Landmark Commission producing a video for the city, and this was also one of the ideas the group had been discussing. Ms. Scott continued that she requested Patricia Garcia, Grant Writer for the City, to begin looking at possible grant opportunities for the Sesquicentennial Committee to pursue. After talking with Patricia Garcia and Faryce Macon, we came up with a proposed grant application that was due last Friday. Several discussions took place regarding what process the committee would use to make the application happen. Ms. Scott continued that the Sesquicentennial Committee was a temporary SCANNED i► Landmark Commission Meeting September 27,2001 Page 2 organization and therefore, there were limitations as to what the group could do in terms of grant funding with other governmental entities. The Committee asked if the Landmark Commission could be the avenue in which the group could do the video production as one of their projects. A grant application was submitted to the Texas Historical Commission for a Sesquicentennial Committee video project under the auspice of the Landmark Commission and the application states in partnership with the Sesquicentennial Committee so that we'll have the opportunity to receive some type of grant funding. The Sesquicentennial Committee has not laid out a complete scope of work or plan for the year, but a planning session is scheduled for October. At the planning session, the group will bring all ideas to the table so they can be prioritized. Because of the timeframe in which the application had to be submitted, the focus has been getting the application completed and submitted to hopefully get the video project started. Ms. Scott concluded her comments by stating she hoped the groups could work together in the video project and that Ms. Macon contacted the Texas Historical Commission staff and made them aware of the project. Ms. Scott stated that the Sesquicentennial Committee, along with the Landmark Commission, will be looking to hire someone to produce the video, possibly Mr. Ely,since he is currently the only one at the table, but a process will be used in determining which company will be hired. The Landmark Commission will be the official grant recipient. After MS. Scotts closing comments, the floor was opened for questions. Ms. Tinker stated she would like to know, aside from the Landmark Commission working with the Sesquicentennial Committee on production of the video, if the Landmark Commission had representation on the Sesquicentennial Committee, and if not, she felt the Landmark Commission should have. Ms. Scott answered that she did not know if the commission was represented on the committee, but she would look through the list of members that were appointed by council. Ms. Scott continued she thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for the Landmark Commission to select someone to serve as a liaison between the two groups. Ms. Scott explained that a member of the commission could be appointed to the committee and she does not feel there is a special rule stating a person cannot serve on two boards, since the Sesquicentennial Committee Is not ongoing, but was established only until December 2002. Ms. Scott continued she felt it would be appropriate for the Landmark Commission to select a liaison to serve even if that person was not appointed by council. Mr. Phillips asked if a member of the County Historical Commission was appointed to serve and Ms.Scott answered that Geraldine McGloin was appointed to the committee. Ms. Macon added that staff had spoken with the committee, before Ms. Scott was appointed as chairman, and at the meeting with staff, it was discussed the possibility of two or three members from the Landmark Commission working with the Sesquicentennial Committee. Ms. Tinker stated she was concerned that City Council did not give consideration t0 appointing a member from the Landmark Commission to serve on a committee that was planning a city-sponsored celebration. Ms.Tinker continued the situation is very concerning since the Landmark Commission is a city board dealing with history in this community and the City's own commission was not an official member of this committee. Ms.Tinker added that this action did not speak well for our outreach or education or the council's knowledge about the Landmark commission. Ms. Tinker asked how many people were appointed to serve and Ms. Scott answered a total of eighteen members will be appointed. Each council member was allowed to appoint two people and two council members have not made their appointments. Ms. Scott continued there were still two vacancies to be filled. Ms. Tinker added that the subject of the city's special celebration and the establishment of the Sesquicentennial Committee were briefly discussed at the June or July meeting. • Landmark Commission Meeting September 27,2001 Page 3 Mr. Grossman stated that If the grant was submitted under the auspice of the Landmark Commission, there should be at least three or four members serving on the Sesquicentennial Committee. Mr. Grossman continued that it was a coincidence that the Landmark Commission had the same idea as the Sesquicentennial Committee regarding production of a historical video. Mr. Grossman went on to say that the Landmark Commission wanted to be cooperative, but at the same time, also be part of the committee. Ms. Scott concurred that she did not have a problem with commissioners serving on the committee and she would let staff handle any Issues on ex-officio members. Mr. Grossman stated he was excited about the project, but at the same time, he wanted the commission to be represented. Ms.Scott stated this part of the project was kind of the cart before the horse because of the timeline deadline for the grant application. Dr. Moore stated he wanted to know if the Landmark Commission had a contract or lien with the Sesquicentennial Committee since the grant money would be coming to the Landmark Commission and Ms. Scott answered no. Ms. Scott continued there would not be a contractual relationship between the two groups, but the contract would be between the Landmark Commission and the Texas Historical Commission. MS. Scott went on to say that the project would not happen unless it could be funded and the contract would state that the money has to be spent for the project for which it was approved. Ms. Macon added that staff would be responsible for maintaining budgeting responsibilities for the project since she is the project manager for the grant. Mr. Grossman stated that In a previous commission meeting, the commission discussed the possibility of having Mr. Ely's company produce a video for the city and part of the discussion also included his ability to secure money for the project through fundraisers. Mr. Grossman asked would Mr. Ely be allowed to raise money for this project and Ms. Macon responded that in the initial discussion, this was a consideration. Ms. Macon continued that since that time, management made the determination that they did not want a separate entity raising money on behalf of the city and thought it best for staff to fund the project through another avenue. Mr. Orf asked if during that discussion the idea behind getting the video production done was to use it as a tool to help promote the historic nature of this particular area and get the ultimate use for the video. Mr. orf continued that not having a voice in the production of the video for this event would create an absence and would not serve this purpose. Ms. Macon stated that in Ms. Scott's earlier comments, she stated there were two vacancies on the Sesquicentennial Committee and she felt two members from the Landmark Commission could be appointed. A question was asked if the vacancies were on the video production advisory subcommittee or for the Sesquicentennial Committee and Ms. Scott answered the vacancies were on the Sesquicentennial Committee. The advisory subcommittee for the video production has not been established and the number of members to serve has not been determined, but it could be as big as it needed to be. Mr. Grossman stated that the Landmark Commission was leaning towards Mr. Ely's company to produce the video and he has delivered examples of his work that are extraordinary as far as the writing and acting. Ms. Scott concurred that the committee is also leaning towards Mr. Ely, but she was not sure about the paperwork and process to use. Ms. Tinker asked who would be the person on the video project. Ms. Scott answered that initially she drafted a potential scope of the work to be done on the project and Ms. Macon used input from the Landmark Commission's last meeting and she actually wrote the application along with Patricia Garcia,the City's Grant Writer. Ms. Scott stated in getting back to the fundraising question, the Sesquicentennial Committee would like to hold off on any fundraising for at least a few weeks until we can get the scope of work and a broader plan put together. Ms. Scott continued the committee Landmark commission Meeting September 27,2001 Page 4 does not want to be fundraising for a specific project and later on realize there may be multiple projects. Ms. Scott stated it would be much better to approach corporate sponsors with a complete packet after everything has been considered and outlined. Ms. Scott stated that Mr. Ely has indicated his willingness to accompany the committee when making fundraising calls to potential sponsors to explain the video portion of the packet. Ms. Scott continued that the committee did not want Mr. Ely to be out in the community on his own in making contact. Ms. Scott stated the committee has already experienced a little of that with a man who will be doing the calligraphy panels. Ms. Scott explained the man is going about in town putting together historical panels and getting corporate sponsorships for them, none of which the sponsorships will go to any Sesquicentennial Committee activities or for any community events. It was asked who was the man and who is he representing and Ms. Scott answered that he was a local businessman and as Sesquicentennial Committee Chairman, she now has the standing to ask those same questions. Ms. Scott stated she is concern that there are some disjointed efforts by others who are trying to capitalize on the 150th birthday celebration of the city. The committee wants to make sure that everyone knows what is going on, especially when the Committee starts making contact with corporate sponsorships. Ms.Tinker stated the way in which the proposal was presented at the last meeting was that this historical narrative, there would be 100 booklets and so many DVDs would be included for the school. Ms. Tinker continued that, after a lengthy discussion, the recommendation that if for historic and classroom purposes would be for thirty minutes, which grades would incorporate Texas History or local history in the curriculum for the school district, who the school district contact person would be, and whether an additional 12 minute tourist oriented video would be included. Ms. Tinker asked Ms. Scott if the Sesquicentennial Committee was coming from the same direction regarding use of the video and Ms. Scott stated it was a yes and no answer. Ms. Scott continued that she wanted to see additional vignettes included not just historic events, but also include the people who made a difference in the community. The committee's point of view is to potentially look at it as not just an educational video for the schools, but a potential community leadership kind of educational video when we talk about the history of the city. Ms. Scott stated we also want to talk about the trustees that made a difference and our very diverse backgrounds. Ms. Scott continued she viewed using the video in three or four different fingers and applications of the video. Ms. Scott stated there would be a base video, 60 minutes total, with an additional 10-12 minute promotional video that could be used by the convention Tourist and Business Bureau and any other applications. Ms. Scott stated she was hoping the project would become even bigger. Ms.Scott added that this is a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on the expertise of Mr. Ely and his company and potential fundraiser we have. Ms. Tinker asked what if the video becomes controversial with regard to the leaders highlighted and their contributions and Ms. Scott answered history that can be controversial and members serving on the subcommittee would have to deal with whatever comes up. Ms. Scott stated there are many "what ifs" in the project and she feels very strongly that an advisory subcommittee would be very important just for this project. This committee would be made up of two or three people from each group (the Landmark Commission and the Sesquicentennial Committee), along with local history experts to make sure the script is accurate. Ms. Macon stated that Ms. Dixie Binford, Social Studies Consultant for CCISD was invited to today's meeting and she should be part of the subcommittee. Dr. Moore stated he was a little confused about the financing of the project. Dr. Moore continued that one of the attractions of Mr. Ely's presentation was the fact that he was a professional fundraiser and he would be able to raise money for the project. Dr. Moore stated now it seems that the Landmark Commission is losing his services and the Sesquicentennial Committee will be gaining them. Ms. Macon explained that whatever funds Mr. Ely would be able to raise would be the same monies — hopefully even more, but Landmark commission Meeting September 27,2001 Page 5 Ms. Scott will be the representative for the City in going out seeking corporate sponsorships. Ms. Macon continued that before, Mr. Ely would have gone out alone. Ms. Macon went on to say that after she attended the preliminary meeting, it was very clear that the City would be in charge of the funds. Dr. Moore asked if the funds would be In the Commission's coffer and It was answered that the THC grant funding would come through the Landmark Commission/City Planning Department. Ms. Scott clarified that the grant application was for $15,000, which was the maximum amount that could be allocated, and that amount would be used for the video project. Ms. Scott continued that the total cost of producing the video that Mr. Ely outlined cost$50,000 — leaving $35,000 to be raised. Ms. Scott stated the Sesquicentennial Committee's standpoint was not to have two competing city entities out in the community raising money for the same project. Ms. Scott continued that one of the reasons this committee was established was to be able to coordinate a number of efforts under one umbrella. Mr. Grossman stated it would be to everybody's advantage for the groups to join together and make this project successful. Mr. Grossman continued at the same time, he wanted to make sure the Landmark Commission was represented on the Committee so they would have some input in decision making opportunities on both the Sesquicentennial Committee and the advisory subcommittee for the video production. Ms. Scott asked Ms. Macon to check with the City Secretary's office to find out what the procedure would be for adding additional members to the Sesquicentennial Committee. Ms. Scott continued that a representative from the school district should be also added since no one was initially appointed. The Landmark Commission should decide which three members would be appointed. Ms.Tinker asked which council member had not made their appointments and Ms.Scott answered John Longoria and Mark Scott. Ms. Brower asked what the timeline was for getting the celebration started, how long would the events last, and was there enough time to complete the video production within that time frame. Ms. Scott answered that she had spoken with Mr. Ely regarding the timeline for the video and he stated six months would be the minimum timeframe for him to produce the video, but eight months would be more realistic. Ms. Scott stated the timeframe is also dependent upon if the grant funding is successful and additional fundraising. Ms. Scott continued that the Committee is planning a workshop in October and after that meeting, we will have a better scope of what needs to be done. Ms. Scott stated there are members of the committee who think there should be an event, some think there need to be a series of events, or partnering with existing events for a focus for the year. There are a variety of different things that can occur and we don't have that plan laid out. The committee had its first meeting earlier today. Ms. Brower asked the date of the celebration and Ms. Scott answered that November 2002 was the Sesquicentennial month and she thought the actual date was November 19, 2002. Ms. Scott continued she would like to see things start happening in January 2002 and spend the entire 12-month period talking about the city's history. The video project is going to be just one aspect of the celebration. Mr. Phillips asked if the City budgeted any money towards this project and Ms. Scott answered that $10,000 was budgeted for this fiscal year, and the plan was to budget another $10,000 for the next fiscal year. After all comments and questions were answered, Ms. Macon asked commissioners who would like to serve on the full Sesquicentennial Committee and the advisory subcommittee for the video production. The following members were Interested to serve: Deborah Douglas, Bunny Tinker, Elmon Phillips, Richard Moore,and Dixie Binford for CCISD. Ms. Scott stated that she and Ms. Douglas would appoint two or three people from each commission and they will be the mainstay of the committee for the video, and also make sure that representatives from the university and other historians are included. Landmark commission Meeting September 27,2001 Page 6 Mr. Phillips asked when was the actual date of the Sesquicentennial celebration and Ms. Scott answered she thought the date was November 19, 2002, but there was some dispute on the actual date of the celebration. After all comments were received, thanks were expressed to Ms. Scott for updating the commission on what was happening with the Sesquicentennial Committee. At this point in the meeting, Mr. Ron Ely was introduced and given the floor for his presentation. Mr. Ron Ely, President of Forest Glen Productions, Inc., addressed the commission. Mr. Ely began his presentation by expressing thanks for the invitation to be at today's meeting and he was looking forward to the opportunity of working with the Landmark Commission and City In the video project. Mr. Ely provided a written overview regarding the video production. Forest Glen Productions, Inc.will produce a 60-minute documentary On the history Of City Of Corpus Christi/Nueces County, from the beginning to the present. This program would be produced in two 30-minute blocks with a short break in the middle so that teachers can show part one on one day and part two the next, with both segments perfectly fitting their classroom time periods. This project will be produced under the total direction of City of Corpus Christi. A shorter 10-minute version is also included, at no charge. The shorter version can be shown continuously on DVD players at the Convention Tourist Bureau or Chamber of Commerce and local the museum to orient visitors to the city's history. This 10- minute version will encourage tourists to stop, shop, and spend several days getting to know Corpus Christi and its history. Half of all tourism visits in Texas are to a historic site. This shorter version will focus on this new and rapidly expanding heritage tourism market. Mr. Ely stated that in a lot of the local communities, Glen Forest Productions, Inc. has used one of the local teachers to adapt the history's script to meet their classroom needs. Mr. Ely continued that a local teacher would be hired by the company to specifically write a companion teacher/student workbook containing classroom exercises and discussion topics, specifically correlated to the Texas Education Agency ITEM curriculum guidelines, which will also be included in this package. Mr. Ely stated that in addition to hiring a local teacher, the company always hired a local history specialist to write the script for the video and he has worked very well with Mr. Robert Wooster who certainly knows a lot about local history. Mr. Ely continued that Mr. Wooster was in one the documentaries and he knows him very well. Mr. Ely added that the services of Mr. Wooster could be obtained or anyone the Committee chose. Mr. Ely stated the Dean of History Department at Texas A & M University at Laredo wrote the script on the history of the King Ranch. Mr. Ely continued that the company also produced a documentary on Calhoun County and the head of the history department at Victoria College wrote the script. For a 60-minute video equates to approximately sixteen single-spaced typed pages. Mr. Ely explained that after the script is written, the committee would review and get one round of changes to the script once it is submitted. The committee would get an opportunity to set down and review the script. Once the changes are completed, the script is finalized and the pictures and images are selected to be included. A lot of the pictures and information would come from the city's archives. Historic sites and markers that exist today, personal interviews with old-times would also be included in the video. Once the script is returned, a production time line of what needs to be shot and are covered in the script. Once it is shot, it is edited together and is post produced. A rough first draft will be submitted to the committee. Again, the committee will get one round of changes. Once the draft is approved, the DVDs will be made and copies of the video. A question was asked who Robert Wooster was and Mr. Ely answered that Mr. Wooster is well known around the state of Texas. He is at Texas A & M University here in the city. He S Landmark Commission Meeting September 27,2001 Page 7 was on the Executive Council of the Texas State Historical Association. His father, Ralph Wooster, is at Lamar University in Beaumont,Texas. Forest Glen Productions will be the sole producers of the video and once the video is completed, copyright to the finished production will be owned totally by the City of Corpus Christi. Any profits resulting from sales of the video and television broadcast will stay in the city and go directly o the City's historical and preservation efforts. The video will be filmed in Digital 16 x 9 wide screen letterbox format. The city will get three DVD copies of the program, a digital master videotape, 2,400 custom-designed color videotape slipcases, the teacher-student workbook, plus 100 free VHS copies. The videotape can be sold to local citizens, tourists, in gift shops, and also on the city's web sites. The cost of the video production Is $49,500, which is priced more than S40,000 below the current industry rate. Forest Glen Productions, Inc. has worked flawlessly with many other Texas communities. Ms. Douglas asked if there was a particular format to use for the video and Mr. Ely stated that would be the call of the committee. Ms. Tinker commented that the video she reviewed was very professional and informative, but it felt kind of contrived. Mr. Ely's response was that each video was tailored to meet the entity's style. Mr. Kreneck asked who decides what needs to be re-enacted in the city and Mr. Ely replied that re-enactments were not included in the current budget. The committee will select whether re-enactments would be needed. Ms. Brower asked how long will the commercials be at the beginning and end and would the commercials take away from the 60 minutes of the actual video and Mr. Ely answered that the commercial time can add up to five minutes. After all comments and questions were concluded, special thanks were expressed to Mr. Ely for his presentation and attendance at the Landmark Commission meeting. ACTION ITEM): Approval o1 Minutes for August 23, 2001 Meeting: me minutes for the August 23, 2001 meeting were approved with the following correction: Page 4: Fourth paragraph, sentence reads "Ms. Macon continued that the other reason for the delay . . . in the midst of the"bread"and breakfast development" Sentence should read "bed" and breakfast. Submittal of Texas Historical Commission Grant Proposal for Local History Media Production: Ms. Macon stated the Landmark Commission needed to take action to approve submitting the grant proposal to the Texas Historical Commission. Ms. Macon stated the commission heard Mr. Ely's proposal regarding the video production and also heard an update on the Sesquicentennial Committee from Carol Scott. After a brief discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MS. LENKIN AND SECONDED BY MR. GROSSMAN THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION APPROVES SUBMITTING THE GRANT PROPOSAL TO THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION FOR $15,000 FOR PRODUCTION OF A HISTORICAL VIDEO IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE FOR THE 150T" YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE CITY'S HISTORY. MOTION PASSED. Landmark Commission Meeting September 27,2001 Page 8 Landmark Commission Workshop for October 25, 2001 at Yorktown Retreat Location: Ms. Macon stated that at the last meeting, the commission approved having a workshop meeting in lieu of a regular meeting. The workshop will be off-premise at the farm site of Ms. Bunny Tinker. The purpose of the workshop is to offer an Informal setting to set annual goals, discuss what the commission's focus should be and provide Information as to what the Landmark Commission's function is. Dr. Moore asked what standards determine a structure historical and Ms. Macon answered that all of these answers will be available at the workshop meeting. OTHER MATTERS: Ms. Macon informed the commission that in reviewing the CDBG budget for the next funding cycle, a total of 5400,000 was requested, 5173,715 was recommended by staff,and 5100,000 was approved to redevelop Artesian Park in honor of the Mexican-American War. The request was submitted by the Coastal Bend Foundation. Ms. Macon stated that the existing park and property associated with the parking lot would be used in the plan. A presentation to present the proposed redevelopment is scheduled before City Council sometime in December. Ms. Macon stated she wanted to keep the commission abreast of upcoming items. Mr. Phillips asked if the proposal should come before the Landmark Commission and Ms. Macon answered yes since the Park is city property and has a historical marker. Ms. Macon stated she would find out more information and keep the commission updated. Ms. Tinker gave an update on the Master Review Committee meeting with Mr. Leland Johnson and representatives of the Gold Star Court. Ms. Tinker stated suggestions were given to Mr. Leland Johnson as to how the organization could resolve the situation and the committee told them he had to January 2002 to come up with a workable solution. A letter will be sent to Mr. Leland Johnson with the suggestions outlined as to how the situation can be corrected. A copy of the letter will also be sent to Crystal Mead, Chairman of the Beautify Corpus Christi Association, which is a Subcommittee of the Gold Star Court Committee. Mr. Philips informed the commission that the Central Library is creating a web site for the Old Bayview Cemetery. Also, the City has advertised for bids for completion of the fence surrounding the cemetery. Ms. Macon stated the Texas Historical Commission was holding a mini-conference here in the City on November 15, 2001 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference will be at the Museum of History and Science. Ms. Macon reminded commissioners that attending the conference would be in lieu of the November meeting. There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. • 12A1-11 n Li da Williams Fa a Goo Ma on,City Planner Re ording Secretary ' - Staff Liaiso o Landmark Commission IH WORDWNDAtANDMARMISEPMINSO1.Dad