Cultural District Task Force Minutes

August 27, 2013

Present:  Commissioner Bob Schumm, Cindy Maude, Mandy Enfield, Mike Logan, Jacki Becker, KT Walsh, Ben Ahlvers for Susan Tate

Absent:  Susan Tate, Grace Peterson and Brenda Nunez

Commissioner Schumm called the meeting to order. 

Ms. Walsh made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 13 meeting.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Becker.  Motion approved unanimously. 

Ms. Becker summarized the discussion of the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association.  The neighborhood had been concerned with the different areas that comprise the neighborhood, knowing that a large part of the district is residential.  The group was leaning toward 9^th Street as a corridor.  There was a desire to look at the new draft with the neighborhood association.  She said that the neighborhood association needed one more meeting to discuss thoughts about the draft.  It was decided that once that group would meet, the subcommittee that had drafted the current report draft could meet again to make any revisions to the report.  Commissioner Schumm asked whether the group had expressed any highly negative comments.  Ms. Walsh stated that the concern is the vision for the cultural district indicated that the cultural district area would make money for the city.  Ms. Maude stated that the intent was that the cultural district would create opportunity for the entire city.  She stated that improving the quality of life would make Lawrence more vibrant and would enhance the economic development of the city because businesses were looking for those qualities.  Commission Schumm added that the cultural district would add benefits to the community and not only the neighborhood, but also downtown, and other areas near downtown.  Commissioner Schumm asked if the 9^th Street area was identified as the corridor.  Ms. Becker stated that understanding there was no zoning changes, the 9^th Street area was the home base for sidewalk and lighting improvements and other items that had been discussed.  Commissioner Schumm asked about whether an outdoor performing arts area had been discussed.  Ms. Becker said that had not been discussed.  He suggested that might be a topic for the group to discuss and where this might be located.  Some of the ideas mentioned were the parking lot east of the Riverfront Mall and Hobbs Park.  Ms. Walsh said that she wanted area residents to be considered for employment regarding benches, lighting and other projects in the area.

Ms. Enfield reported on the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission meeting that she and Ms. Peterson attended.  She stated that the LCAC thought that the group needed to refocus on the models and get back to the fundamental charge of the Task Force.  She added that her challenge is identifying what we are looking for in the models.  Ms. Walsh stated that Ms. Tate looked at the communities with various criteria.  Ms. Maude stated that she agreed that the group needed to work toward the charge.  Commissioner Schumm stated that he thought that the group had come a long way and thought that if the group could identify one model if it could be agreed upon, that might be appropriate.  He stated that he thought that the group has not wasted any time to this point with many items being discussed, including many important issues.  Ms. Maude asked about whether the group needed to break into smaller teams and what approach should be taken to write the task force report.  Commissioner Schumm asked if the group needed to do homework on this either individually or in small groups.  Ms. Enfield indicated that the book “the Creative Community Builder’s Handbook” might be helpful to create a worksheet for this.  Commissioner Schumm thought that if the group took more time than the end of October, extending the time frame would not be a problem.  There was a desire to determine how Salina funded its arts program.  Commissioner Schumm requested that staff contact Salina for this information. 

It was discussed how it was decided to place the three models in the charge for the group.  Patrick Kelly, chair of the LCAC, was present and indicated that they developed their recommendation that included this charge through the discussion with the Arts Center, the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association, etc.   Ms. Enfield stated that she thought it was important to do the homework and identify the models. 

Commissioner Schumm asked about communities that have a defined district and whether they had a plan.  Ms. Enfield mentioned that Ms. Peterson had stated that identifying districts that have a residential component would be useful.  Ms. Becker said that it would also be useful to identify districts that haven’t worked. 

The group decided to divide up various cities:  Homer, Alaska- Ms. Maude; Santa Fe, Albuquerque, St. Paul and Minneapolis- Ms. Walsh; Little Rock and Fayetteville- Mr. Logan, Chattanooga and Providence- Mr. Ahlvers; Cincinnati and Cleveland- Ms. Becker; Paducah and Crested Butte- Ms. Peterson.  Mr. Alvers suggested looking at college towns.  It was requested that members send information in to Ms. Stoddard for distribution.

There was brief discussion on the report.  Commissioner Schumm suggested that the group recommend the Burroughs Creek Trail extend north to the river and then west to Pinckney School.  Additional assets were identified New York School, Hobbs Taylor Park, St. Johns Elementary, Century School, Liberty Central Middle School and Pinckney Elementary.

The next meeting was set for September 10, 2013 at 4 pm- 5:30 pm.  Ms. Maude stated that she would be out of town.  

Ms. Soden stated that the public library open space would be a space for arts events and also the north Lawrence development area around Johnny’s. 

The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 pm.