Arts Commission Regular Meeting

1 MINUTES Ojai Arts Commission Regular Meeting Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Ojai City Hall, City Council Chambers - 401 South Ventura Street Ojai, CA ROLL CALL On the roll of call present in City Hall Chambers is Chair West, Vice Chair Steiner and Commissioner Wright. Not present is Commissioner’s Grau and Leeds Also in attendance were Staff Liaison Mara and Council Liaison Mayor Gilman PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF AGENDA (0:55) Chair West moves to approve the agenda with a second by Vice Chair Steiner PRESENTATION PUBLIC COMMENTS The Arts Commission will receive comments from the public at this time for items not on the agenda. No response will be given or action will be taken during this period. Matters raised at this time requiring Commission action will be placed on a subsequent agenda. When addressing the Commission, please state your name and address, and please limit your comments to three minutes CONSENT ITEMS 1. Minutes of July 17, 2025 Recommendation: Approve Minutes (9:59) Commissioner Wright moves to approve the minutes with corrections with a second from Chair West Roll Call: On the call of roll, the vote was three (3) for in favor and zero (0) against. Ayes: West, Steiner, Wright Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Grau, Leeds MOTION PASSES DISCUSSION ITEMS

2. 2026 Arts Grant Submissions and Timeline Recommendation: That the Commission provide direction to staff on establishing a timeline and process for the submission and review of 2026 Arts Grant applications. (26:12) Chair West moved to approve the 2026 Proposed Grant Cycle Timeline and Process as submitted. With a second from Vice Chair Steiner Roll Call: On the call of roll, the vote was three (3) for in favor and zero (0) against. Ayes: West, Steiner, Wright Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Grau, Leeds MOTION PASSES 3. 2026 Arts Grants Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation: Review, discuss and provide direction on the role of the Arts Grants Ad Hoc Committee for the 2026 grant application process (31:29) Commissioner Wright moved to create an ad hoc committee to review the 2026 grant cycle under the direction of the lead commissioner. To use the submitted rubric as the primary scoring document and to bring the proposed committee membership to the next meeting for formal approval with a second from Vice Chair Steiner Roll Call: On the call of roll, the vote was three (3) for in favor and zero (0) against. Ayes: West, Steiner, Wright Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Grau, Leeds MOTION PASSES 4. Communications Recommendation: Arts Commission to discuss setting short-term communication priorities. (44:24) Chair West opened the discussion (51:07) Chair West closed discussion on item 4 COMMISSIONER REPORTS A. Commissioner Steiner: Public Art We are going to excise from the existing brochures the reference to the decent-led tours with labels and update the QR codes. On August 20th, a skilled team from LA Arts Lab completed the one-day conservation of the Sound Arch at Libby Bowl, restoring key areas and preparing the

3 site for future maintenance—next up will likely be the more complex Big Red Roller project. B. Commissioner Grau: Arts Education, Mentor Program Chair West for Commissioner Grau reported on a meeting with Colleen Omara to plan a fall mentor panel series—covering performing arts, film, and dance— designed to connect teens and young adults with professional artists through public discussions and a six-month mentorship program, with outreach through local schools and arts organizations and a recommendation to seek grant funding for independent administration. C. Commissioner Wright: Grants At the April meeting, it was agreed that Commsissioner Wright would follow up with 2024 grant recipients to collect missing summary reports and invite them to share their experiences publicly, prompting a broader discussion about enforcing reporting requirements—potentially including clearer language in future materials and the expectation that failure to submit may result in repayment of funds. D. Commissioner Leeds: Communication, City Collection E. Chair West: Technology, Strategic Planning Commissioner Steiner was recognized for being named one of America’s top art lawyers by peer review, serving as a powerful example of Ojai’s deep civic and creative talent, which will be further reflected in the upcoming strategic planning meeting with City Council focused on public art, long-term goals, and aligning community investment with government capacity. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Recommendation: Discuss and recommend future agenda items Vice Chair would like to have Commissioner Comments back on agenda STAFF LIAISON REPORT CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT – MAYOR GILMAN Council welcomed commission reports at the start of meetings and encouraged participation in the upcoming joint session—focused on three key topics and designed for open dialogue—while also discussing grant expectations, the importance of distinguishing arts and culture from recreation, and a proposed “Ojai Cultural Contribution” initiative to reinvest tourism revenue into local nonprofits, including a potential welcome basket program to connect new residents with community resources.

ADJORNMENT (1:24:24) Adjourn to the next regular meeting on Thursday, September 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m. ATTEST TO POSTING: Bridget Mara Admin Analyst I/Staff Liaison Date and Time: August 18, 2025 12:00 pm Page 3 of 3

AC Agenda_08 21 2025.pdf - Google Drive

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