Berkeley Municipal Code Ch. 3.12 Civic Arts Commission

A Civic Arts Commission is established. The commission shall consist of nine members. Appointments to the commission shall be made by councilmembers, and vacancies on the commission shall be filled by councilmembers in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.04.030 through 2.04.130 of this code enacted as Ordinance No. 4780-NS by the voters of the City. (Ord. 6032-NS § 1, 1991; Ord. 5253-NS § 1 (part), 1980)

Commissioners shall adhere to the attendance rules and commission secretaries and the City Clerk shall adhere to the termination procedures as set forth in BMC Section 3.02.020 and the City of Berkeley Commissioners’ Manual. (Ord. 6890-NS § 1, 2006; Ord. 5880-NS § 1, 1988; Ord. 5253-NS § 1 (part), 1980)

Subject to the approval of the council in each case, the commission may designate one of its members to act as a liaison representative to any other board, commission or committee of the City. The functions of such liaison representatives are:

A. To attend the meetings of such other board, commission or committee;

B. Advise this commission on the background, attitudes, and reasons behind the actions of such other board, commission or committee; and

C. On request of any member of such other board, commission, or committee, to advise such other board, commission or committee of policy, procedures and decisions of this commission that may bear upon matters under discussion by such other board, commission or committee. Such liaison representative shall have no power to vote. (Ord. 5253-NS § 1 (part), 1980)

A. The commission shall organize by electing from its members one president, one vice-president and such other officers as may be necessary, who shall hold office for one year and until their successors are elected unless their terms as members of the commission sooner expire. An officer or employee of the City designated by the City Manager shall serve as secretary of the commission.

B. The commission shall establish a regular place and time for meeting. All meetings shall be noticed as required by law and shall be scheduled in a way to allow for maximum input from the public. The frequency of meetings shall be as determined by City Council resolution. The scheduling of special meetings in addition to those established by City Council resolution, except special meetings that take the place of cancelled regular meetings, shall be subject to approval by the City Council. A request for a special meeting shall include the reason for the proposed meeting and should be expedited on the City Council’s agenda, or in the alternative, placed before the Agenda Committee for approval.

C. The commission may make and alter rules governing its organization and procedures which are not inconsistent with this chapter or any other applicable ordinance of the City.

D. A majority of the members appointed to the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the affirmative vote of a majority of the members is required to take any action. The City Manager shall appoint a staff liaison to the commission.

E. The commission shall keep an accurate record of its proceedings and transactions and shall submit an annual report to the City Council with a copy to the City Manager. (Ord. 6890-NS § 2, 2006; Ord. 5880-NS § 1, 1988; Ord. 5366-NS § 1, 1981; Ord. 5253-NS § 1 (part), 1980)

A. Encourage programs for the cultural enrichment of the City and help make City resources available to cultural groups.

B. Provide assistance to groups and individuals wishing to sponsor neighborhood events, such as block parties, small business celebrations, and community holidays.

C. Provide support for art groups in their search for funding from county, state, federal and private sources and pursue projects which would provide funding for the arts.

D. Coordinate and strengthen existing organizations in the arts and develop cooperation with regional organizations.

E. Develop ongoing data on the economic impact of the arts on the community.

F. Review and make recommendations upon all works of art to be acquired by the City, either by purchase, gift, or otherwise, and exterior works of art installed in the civic center district which are visible to the public.

G. Encourage the beautification of the City.

H. Advise the council on all matters affecting the beauty and culture of the City.

I. Render advice and assistance in the fields of art, esthetics and beautification to other City boards and commissions.

J. Develop guidelines and procedures to be submitted to the City Council for approval for a visual arts in public places program.

K. Appoint a temporary subcommittee known as the visual arts panel, consisting of four commission members, to carry out the visual arts in public places programs.

L. Report to the council the final action of each visual arts panel in selecting and installing each art in public places project.

M. Provide recognition and increased opportunities for artists through art in public places projects and maintain an inventory of meritorious works of art in the public view.

N. Provide assistance to local artists and private property owners on matters relating to installation of works of art on private property in the public view.

O. Advise the council on all matters pertaining to the quality, quantity, scope, and style of art in public places.

P. Develop recommendations for distribution of City arts funding in accordance with established criteria.

Q. Promulgate curatorial standards for exhibits that change on a regular periodic basis.

R. Appoint a permanent committee known as the Public Art Committee. (Ord. 7082-NS § 1, 2009; Ord. 5880-NS §§ 1, 2, 1988; Ord. 5631-NS § 1, 1985; Ord. 5253-NS § 1 (part), 1980)