FAC 03-22-2021
MINUTES
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Monday, March 22, 2021
FINE ARTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
At 6:33 p.m., Vice Chair Kasamsetty called the meeting to order via virtual teleconference.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Sudha Kasamsetty, Diana Matley, Janki Chokshi, Esha Rao,
Satish Tare
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Joanne Magrini, Kelsey Christian
CEREMONIAL MATTERS AND PRESENTATION
1. Subject: Oath of Office for newly-appointed Commission members; training on
Commissioner Handbook approved by City Council on January 19, 2021
Recommended Action: 1.) Conduct Oath of Office for newly-appointed commission members;
and 2.) Conduct training on Commissioner Handbook
City Clerk, Kirsten Squarcia conducted the Oath of Office for Esha Rao and Satish Tare.
The Commission accepted a presentation from City Clerk, Kirsten Squarcia.
2. Subject: Commissioner Introductions
Recommended Action: Conduct Commissioner Introductions
The Commission welcomed the new commissioners, and all commissioner introduced
themselves.
3. Subject: Chair and Vice Chair Selection
Recommended Action: Conduct the selection of the Chair and Vice Chair
Commissioner Chokshi motioned to nominate Vice Chair Kasamsetty as Commission Chair.
Commissioner Tare seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with five votes yes.
Chair Kasamsetty motioned to nominate Commissioner Chokshi as Commission Vice Chair.
Commissioner Matley seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously with five votes yes.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. Subject: Regular Meeting of January 25, 2021
Recommended Action: Review and approve the draft minutes of January 25, 2021
Commissioner Matley motioned to approve the minutes Commissioner Chokshi seconded the
motion. Motion passed with 3 votes yes, with Commissioners Rao and Tare abstaining from
vote.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Diana Argabrite, on behalf of the Euphrat Museum of Art, presented a Power Point
presentation on the public art and poetry project, “Hope and Solace”.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
OLD BUSINESS
5. Subject: Update on Art in Unexpected Places
Recommended Action: Receive an update on the current Blackberry Farm project.
Staff updated the Commission on the status of the project. The artist began work on the mural
in early March, and the project is anticipated to be complete in the coming weeks.
NEW BUSINESS
6. Subject: Discuss the 2021 Artist Award Program, including Proposed Timeline, Application
Criteria, Award Description, and Evaluation Forms
Recommended Action: Discuss the 2021 Artist Award Program, including proposed timeline,
application criteria, award description, and evaluation forms
Staff gave report on the 2021 Artist Award Program, and asked to commission to review staff
report, supporting documents and artist award webpage in preparation for program review
and edit at the May commission meeting.
7. Subject: Considerations Regarding Art Talks for the Community
Recommended Action: Discuss the recommended considerations regarding Art Talks for the
community.
Staff gave report on Art Talks to the Commission. Staff will follow up with the Communications
Department in regard to hosting a virtual art talk and bring item back to the Commission at the
May commission meeting.
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
8. Subject: Monthly Update Reports
Recommended Action: Receive an update report from the Fine Arts Commission staff liaison
and commissioners.
Staff Liaison informed Commissioners that the Santa Clara Valley Water adopt-a-bench project
was complete and there is a bench near Stevens Creek at the McClellan Ranch.
Commissioner Chokshi reported that she attended the February Mayor’s meeting and reported
that Mayor Paul was excited to hear about the potential virtual art talk project.
Chair Kasamsetty reported that she attended the January Mayor’s meeting and ethics training.
COMMISSION ATTENDANCE AT UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Commissioners discussed attendance for the upcoming Mayor’s meetings. Attendance will be
as follows:
April- Commissioner Matley
May- Commissioner Rao
FUTURE AGENDA SETTING
9. Subject: Schedule for Annual Items and Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action: Review and provide feedback on the schedule for annual items and
future agenda items.
Commissioner Matley motioned and Chair Kasamsetty seconded the following future agenda
item:
- Discussion and creation of a Fine Arts Commission handout on reason why the
community should support the arts.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Kasamsetty adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m. to the May 24, 2021 meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted By,
Kelsey Christian, Recreation Coordinator
Parks & Recreation Department
Minutes approved at the May 24, 2021 regular meeting