HomeMy WebLinkAbout13/09/25 (min) RANCHO CUCAMONGA COMMUNITY & ARTS FOUNDATION
MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 25, 2013, REGULAR MEETING
A. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation was held
on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, in the Tri-Communities Room, at the Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, located at 10500 Civic Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga,
California. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chair Harrington who then
led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present were: Board Members: Barag, Brown, Bryan, Chen, Kahn, LeMond, Madsen, -
Pachon, Rivera, Snyder and Harrington. Absent: Arguello and Galindo. Chair
Harrington announced Member Galindo's intent to remain on the Board, but to decrease
his active participation at this time.
Staff: Nettie Nielsen, Community Services Director; Francie Palmer, Community Services
Marketing Manager; Susan Sluka-Kelly, Community Services Supervisor; Daniel
Schneider, Community Services Supervisor; Karen Silhanek, Management Analyst I;
Heidi Gautschi, Office Specialist I and Melissa Morales, Senior Administrative Secretary.
Guests: Bill Pallotto, Park and Recreation Commission Vice Chair and Janet Ryerson,
Park and Recreation Commissioner.
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
1. Newly appointed Member Rod LeMond was introduced to the Board by Member
Brown who had encouraged him to join the Foundation. He gave a brief self-
introduction that was followed by a Board recess from 5:15 p.m. to 5:32 p.m. in order
to give Members and opportunity to welcome him and enjoy a light dinner. The
meeting reconvened with all Members present except Arguello and Galindo.
Members who were unable to attend the recent Commission and Board Recognition
Dinner were presented with plaques from Director Nielsen on behalf of the City in
honor of their volunteer service to the community.
2. Presentation regarding the results of the Community-Wide Recreation Needs
Assessment was moved following the Consent Calendar.
C. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
There were no communications from the Public.
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D. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. To approve the Minutes of the Special Community & Arts Foundation Meeting held
April 24, 2013; Special Community &Arts Foundation Meeting held May 29, 2013 and
Regular Community & Arts Foundation Meeting held June 12, 2013.
2. To receive and file Treasurer's Reports for the months of July and August 2013 and
Fiscal Year End Report for 2012/13.
MOTION: Moved by Vice Chair Bryan, seconded by Member Kahn, to approve the
Consent Calendar, as submitted. Motion carried: 10-0-1-2 (Abstain: LeMond;
Absent: Arguello and Galindo)
B.2.Manager Palmer was joined by Park and Recreation Commissioners Bill Pallotto and
Janet Ryerson for the presentation regarding the results of the Community-Wide
Recreation Needs Assessment. The Board was shown an abbreviated slideshow on
the Assessment's findings and analysis and were provided handouts of the
presentation which included information on the Assessment's purpose, project
timeline, process undertaken for gathering the information and highlights of the
survey results. Areas highlighted included responses to the survey concerning the
ranking of importance of current programs and facilities, how well the respondent's
needs are being met and ranking of the most important programs, activities and
events to be added to or expanded in the next five years. Following the presentation,
Board Members were asked if they had any questions or comments. Questions were
raised concerning how respondents knew to rank a proposed library discovery center,
status of Southwest Park, age range of those identified as "Baby Boomers" and if
there is a correlation across key demographics. Staff and Commission responses
clarified that the survey included the library's proposed discovery center question
based on the suggestion provided at the initial focus group discussions, the status of
the proposed Southwest Park is still pending a decision by the State concerning the
property, the recognized "Baby Boomer" birthdates are from 1946 to 1964 and that
there is a correlation across key demographics. Manager Palmer was applauded for
her efforts as the Project Manager.
E. BOARD REPORTS
1. Golf Tournament Committee — Committee Chair Madsen distributed a tournament
brochure and reminded that the major fundraiser is only a month away. He asked
Members to provide him with a status of any potential sponsorships or donations that
they are working on. He reviewed the sponsors that have been secured to date and
expressed some concern that the event was a little behind then in years past. He
requested assistance by the Board in any way they could. Member Madsen was
asked when the deadline was to secure sponsorships and he responded that all
should be secured within the next three weeks. A suggestion was also made to
consider contacting the Chamber of Commerce regarding their participation and
support at which time Vice Chair Bryan offered to look into.
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Member Kahn left the meeting at 6:20 p.m. and returned at 6:25 p.m.
2. Spring Events/Party Train Committee — Committee Chair Bryan reviewed the events
held in 2013 and expressed disappointment with the lack of some members'
participation. She distributed a list of party train event ideas, encouraged each
Member to host an event and announced that she is having a fundraiser at her house
on October 191h, at 6:00 p.m., and all were welcome to attend.
Member Rivera left the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and did not return. Member Snyder left
the meeting at 6:31 p.m. and did not return.
A question was asked whether all of the unsold silent auction items that were the
property of the Foundation had been returned from the Chocolate and Wine Festival.
Discussion ensued that included concern expressed regarding the progress of
Consultant Wagner in tying up any loose ends with the event held in June. A
suggestion was made to call a special meeting with the consultant and Director
Nielsen indicated she would schedule a meeting with him next week. It was agreed
that Chair Harrington would also attend on behalf of the Foundation.
3. Executive/Finance Committee — Committee Chair Harrington reported that the
Committee's August meeting included updates on the activities of the various
subcommittees, investment policy discussion and identification of agenda items for
the Board meeting.
4. Board Development Committee — Committee Chair Kahn commented that recently
interest has been expressed by an employee of Citizen's Business Bank. Member
Barag added that Jason Gould has indicated he would like to join the Board at the
beginning of the year.
5. Arts Giving Committee— Manager Kelly informed Members that a Committee meeting
held earlier today resulted in no action by the Committee but that they would meet
again in January to further discuss their recommendation for proposed Foundation
giving for fiscal year 2014/15. Manager Kelly also informed that the application
deadline was approaching for the high school scholarship program and that Members
Brown and Chen had joined the Committee.
6. Major Gift Committee— to be discussed on Item F.1.
7. Marketing and Communication Committee — Committee Chair Pachon spoke of the
initial Committee meeting held with the next one scheduled for October. She indicated
that a focus will be given on the Foundation's Annual Report. Access for Member
Kahn was requested in order to update the Board's web-site and Manager Palmer
announced that press releases are in process for the Fritz Coleman fundraiser. Vice
Chair Bryan added that she had submitted a letter to the editor of the Daily Bulletin
regarding the benefit of arts in the community and highlighting the Cultural Center.
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F. FOUNDATION BUSINESS
1. Review and acceptance of the Major Gift Committee 2013/14 Plan of Action was
opened by Committee Chair Harrington. He spoke of meetings held so far one of
which included Consultant Ron Wolff as provided for by a grant received from the
Community Foundation of Riverside County. Staffs report was summarized which
contained the Committee's Plan of Action, current funding breakdown chart, project
timeline through April 2014 and newly created Donor Survey. An allocation of $1,000
to assist with various expenses was recommended. Following his comments, brief
discussion by the Board took place. Comments were made that the Board needs to
make sure they have a good idea of how donors view the Foundation and importance
of contacting past donors regarding their willingness to facilitate other connections in
the community. Member Pachon also explained the Foundation "affiliates" which
Manager Palmer added now includes the military banner program. A question was
asked regarding who applies for the various grants and Manager Palmer confirmed
that both Community Services and Library staff have applied for and received grants
benefitting the Cultural Center.
Member Kahn left the meeting at 7:05 p.m. and did not return.
MOTION: Moved by Vice Chair Bryan, seconded by Member Brown, to accept the
Plan of Action for the Major Gift Committee and approve the allocation of $1,000 as
requested. Motion carried: 8-0-5 (Absent: Arguello, Galindo, Kahn, Rivera and
Snyder)
2. Information on the City's Investment Policy was presented by Chair Harrington. He
made reference to the information provided in the agenda packet which included the
City's Statement of Investment Policy and noted that currently the Foundation has no
official policy in place. An inquiry was made whether the Foundation could implement
a separate policy from the City's. Director Nielsen responded that the Board could
approve their own policy but that it should closely follow that of the City's. Suggestions
were made to consider looking at more long term investments, possibly form a
subcommittee to work on the policy, to research whether administrative support will
still be provided if the Board varies from the City's policy and to consult with City
Treasurer Frost. Director Nielsen indicated she had spoken with City finance staff
and they would be willing to assist in working with the Foundation on establishing its
policy. In conclusion, Chair Harrington commented that the effort is just getting
underway and will continue to be addressed by the Executive/Finance Committee who
will draft a policy that the entire Board should be comfortable with. No other action
was taken or discussion held.
Member Chen left the meeting at 7:21 p.m. and returned at 7:25 p.m.
Rancho Cucamonga Community &Arts Foundation - 4 - September 25, 2013
3. Analyst Silhanek provided staff's update and recommendation regarding Restricted
Funds of the Community & Arts Foundation. She informed Members of her and
Specialist Gautschi's efforts to review each of the Funds and determine a plan of
action for their expenditures and closure. She referenced staff's report which detailed
the five funds and recommended expenditures. The five funds are: Youth
Achievement; Off Leash Dog Park and the James Curatalo, Ralph Lewis and Betty
McNay Memorial Funds. A question was asked whether the families of the memorial
funds had been contacted and clarification requested on planned uses for the McNay
Fund. Analyst Silhanek responded that the Curatalo Family had been contacted and
were not interested re-activating the fund and that few contacts for the other funds
were found. Director Nielsen clarified that the proposed use for the McNay Fund could
be for use of technology such Pop-Up RC or possibly credit card swipers. She noted
that there were not enough monies in the Fund that would greatly impact any specific
programs. A comment was made that the funds should be earmarked for Foundation
purposes only and Director Nielsen confirmed that the intent of the funds is to serve
the community. A question was also asked as to the status of the Learn Not to Burn
Fund and Analyst Silhanek indicated she would research the matter and report back.
Following their questions and comments, the Board took the following action:
MOTION: Moved by Member LeMond, seconded by Member Madsen, to accept
staffs recommendation on the expenditure and closure of the Youth Achievement
Fund, Off Leash Dog Park Fund, Curatalo Memorial Fund; Ralph Lewis Memorial
Fund and McNay Memorial Fund. Motion carried: 8-0-5 (Absent: Arguello, Galindo,
Kahn, Rivera and Snyder)
4. Chair Harrington called upon staff for the update on the Fritz Coleman Benefit
Performance scheduled for October 5, 2013, and presentation of Foundation Awards
at the Performance. Manager Kelly reported that the show is selling well and that Mr.
Coleman has been very easy to work with. Committee Member Pachon encouraged
the Board to buy tickets and attend and estimated that $9,000 could be grossed if the
event sells out. She asked the Board's consensus if tickets could be sold to City staff
closer to the event date at a 2-for11 special to help fill the house. The Board
expressed their concurrence.
Manager Palmer confirmed with the Board that former Member Chuck Buquet, U.S.
Bank and Vavrinek, Trine and Day will receive their donor recognition awards
immediately after the intermission. She gave the proposed timeline which includes a
welcome reception at 6:30 p.m. In addition, an opportunity for those in attendance to
give a voluntary donation will be provided. A suggestion was made that all of the
Board Members present should be on stage to present the awards and have a
presence at the information table.
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5. Director Nielsen was called upon regarding review of Committee assignments,
appointment of Board Members to various Committees and schedule of upcoming
Foundation Board and Committee meetings. She reviewed with the Board their
organizational chart, list of Committee assignments and meeting schedule. Following
the review, no other discussion was held or action taken.
6. The update and status on the Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation
Name Change was provided by Manager Palmer who informed the Board that the
Letter of Determination from the Internal Revenue Service is still pending receipt by
staff and should arrive in the very near future. No other discussion was held or action
taken.
Vice Chair Bryan left the meeting at 7:55 p.m. and returned at 8:00 p.m.
7. Chair Harrington called upon Director Nielsen to discuss the possible re-alignment of
terms of appointment to the Community & Arts Foundation Board. She referenced
staff's report which included a chart of the current terms, as well as proposed new
term dates which would bring the Board's appointments in line with the City's
Commissions which are required by the Municipal Code to end in December rather
than June as is currently the practice. She indicated that, from staff's perspective,
appointments based on the calendar year will be easier than the current fiscal year
terms. It was also noted that Members Madsen and Snyder's terms would be the first
affected by this change. Brief discussion ensued. Board questions included whether
the Foundation operates on a fiscal or calendar year basis and possible impacts to
the appointments in December when the City is closed for business over the holidays.
Director Nielsen responded that the Foundation operates on a fiscal year basis and
the end of the year closure would not be impactful. Some support was expressed for
keeping the appointment terms as is, and other support given to concur with staff's
recommendation to change the effective dates. The Board then took the following
action:
MOTION: Moved by Vice Chair Bryan, seconded by Member Madsen, to approve
that regular term appointments for the Board of Directors of the Community & Arts
Foundation be set to expire in December and commence in January. Motion carried:
10-0-1-2 (Abstain: LeMond, Absent: Arguello and Galindo)
8. Manager Kelly provided the update and status of Foundation Supported Programs.
She reviewed upcoming performances at the Playhouse as well as invited Members
to attend the October 151 Director's meeting of the Aesop in Rancho Cucamonga
production. She also informed the Board that complimentary tickets were available
for the October 121h•Bellydance Superstars Danzara show. Brief discussion by the
Board ensued and a statement made that Members need to attend and support the
Playhouse productions. Manager Kelly clarified that tickets for certain shows can be
comped for Members if they are stewarding a new attendee or potential donor to the
theater. The update was then received and filed.
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G. IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
1. Board Member Pachon commented on the number of Board Members who had left
the meeting early and suggested that lengthy presentations such as Item C.2. not be
placed at the beginning of the meeting to allow for Foundation business to be
conducted prior to Members needing to leave.
H. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Moved by Member LeMond, seconded by Member Chen, to adjourn the
Regular Rancho Cucamonga Community &Arts Foundation Meeting. Motion carried:
8-0-5 (Absent: Arguello, Galindo, Kahn, Rivera and Snyder). Meeting adjourned at
8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Morales
Senior Administrative Secretary
Approved by the Community & Arts Foundation: January 22, 2014
Motion carried: 9-0-3 (Absent: Arguello, Barag and Galindo)
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