Title
Update of the Arts, Culture & Library Commission as a Follow-up Report Since the Merger of the Arts Commission and the Library-Historical Commission
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Infrastructure
• Fiscal Sustainability and Transparency
• Community Engagement and Outreach
• Race and Equity Initiatives
• Community & Business Development
SUMMARY
Per City Council’s direction, as part of the approval of the creation of the Arts, Culture & Library Commission, City Staff will present information as an update on the activity of the Arts, Culture & Library Commission since its creation December 5, 2022.
This item is for information only, no action is required.
BACKGROUND
On December 5, 2022, the City Council approved an ordinance change merging the existing Arts Commission and Library-Historical Commission, thereby creating the Arts, Culture & Library Commission.
As part of the merger of the two commissions into the Arts, Culture & Library Commission, City Council requested a presentation be made approximately one year after it was in place to report progress and accomplishments.
As appointments were needed with a newly elected Council, the first meeting of the Arts, Culture & Library Commission was April 13, 2023.
Analysis
The merger has been effective in addressing major challenges the previous commissions had including commissioner appointments, meeting absences, and canceled meetings due to lack of quorum or lack of agenda items. Additionally, the subject matter expertise of Library staff being involved as Secretary to the Commission has helped improve the Arts Grants engagement with the community.
Previous Actions
On November 21, 2022, City Council approved Ordinance No. 2022-021 amending San Leandro Municipal Code to consolidate the Library-Historical Commission and Arts Commission into the Arts, Culture & Library Commission.
On December 5, 2022, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2022-021 after the second reading, amending San Leandro Municipal Code to consolidate the Library-Historical Commission and Arts Commission into the Arts, Culture & Library Commission.
Financial Impacts
Unspent Arts Commission budget was carried over from FY23 to FY24. In FY24, $150,000 was appropriated to the Arts, Culture & Library Commission. ; $75,000 was appropriated as was done for the Arts Commission consistent within past years as an annual operating appropriation and an additional, one-time $75,000 was appropriated as part of the transition of the merged commissions to set the new commission up for success.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment A: Presentation
PREPARED BY: Bill Sherwood, Assistant Library Director and Brian Simons, Library Director, Library Department.