MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Held Tuesday, October 5, 1999,
for the purpose of discussing artist studio license agreements.

The meeting began at 8:13 p.m. It was held in the Council Room of the Municipal Building.

PRESENT WERE: Council members Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull, Edward V.J. Putens and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; David E. Moran, City Clerk; Hank Irving, Director of Recreation; Joe McNeal, Community Center Supervisor; Sarah Schaffer, Recreation Coordinator and Nicole Dewald, Arts Coordinator.

The Mayor began by stressing that the work session was about the studio license agreement. Everyone introduced themselves.

Mr. McLaughlin noted that the Community Center had been open for 4 years and that staff were suggesting some changes to the license agreement, based on experience, to improve the public experience.

Mr. McNeal summarized some of the compromises made to the agreement. He stressed that input had been received from many groups including, the Arts Advisory Board, the Studio Artists, GAVA and others. Mr. McNeal explained the rationale for each of the new provisions in the agreement.

Council reviewed each item in the agreement. Under 1, Mr. McNeal noted that the initial term was one year with a two year renewal provision. Ms. Deplatchet and Ms. Whitmore noted that initially they were told that they could have the space as long as they were good tenants.

Mr. Turnbull asked about history of artist turnover. Mr. McNeal noted with the exception of Mr. Bates in July, there had been no artist turnover.

Next, the jury process was discussed. Mr. McNeal noted that the jury would be made up of non-resident experts in the arts field. There was considerable discussion of the criteria for a jurying process.

Dennis Jellalian, of the Arts Advisory Board, proposed that original work be used instead of slides. He also proposed using the gymnasium, because of lighting. Ms. Deplatchette stated that the studio artists were never opposed to jurying and reported that they were never asked. She also had a concern about studio artists not being allowed to serve on the Arts Advisory Board. One resident suggested grandfathering existing artists in their spaces.

One young man expressed support for the artists. Mr. Turnbull asked about industry standards. Ms. Dewald noted that while there were differences in criteria, jurying was a recognized procedure for deciding on users for studio space.

Mr. Roberts asked why consider non-residents at all. Mr. Turnbull asked for clarification of the jurying process.

Ms. Whitmore suggested that jury panel consist of more than one person.

Mr. Jellalian believed that the Council needed to look at all possibilities for available space. Ms. Lefchik believed it was important to embrace younger or newer artists who might not pass a jurying system. Another resident stated it would be bad to kick out existing artists.

Mr. McMullin mentioned that the timing for a move was bad, because of weather and holidays. He suggested that there were uses at the Community Center such as offices, theater storage, and a video studio that could be placed elsewhere and free up more space.

Mr. Roberts asked if there were single artists holding an entire space. Mr. McNeal responded that the Lefcheks, McMullins and Ms. Platchet had entire studios. Mr. Roberts asked if these artists were willing to share their space. Ms. Lefchek noted that she would like the leases to be more flexible to allow for sharing.

There was considerable discussion of the artist’s difficulty in obtaining insurance.

There was discussion about public access to the studios. Mr. Putens and Mayor Davis stated that many residents had expressed concern about an appearance that the artists were hiding their spaces. Council suggested that the artists not cover up the window in the door.

There was discussion about architectural changes to the second floor to make the studios more accessible. Mr. Turnbull suggested consultation with an architect about significant structural changes. Other suggestions included: glass door, dutch doors and an interior glass door, Mr. Roberts was not in favor of major structural changes.

Next, Council discussed the issue of teaching classes in the studio.

There was discussion about the sign-in provisions. Some of the artists expressed concern about the language. Council agreed to modify the language.

Council agreed there should be no subleasing of the studio spaces.

The meeting ended at 12:10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 6,

Respectfully Submitted,

David E. Moran, CMC

City Clerk

City of Greenbelt, Maryland
City Offices, 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 301-474-8000 FAX: 301-441-8248