10-10-1978 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA October 10, 1978 The meeting was informally convened at 7:30 A.M. in the Education Gallery of Bowers Museum. Following breakfast, the meeting was Chaired by Everett E. Parks, Chairman of the Bowers Museum Board, who had requested a meeting with the City Council to discuss recent developments in the opportunities available for higher levels of excellence at the Museum. Council members present were James E. Ward, David L. Brandt, Vernon S. Evans, David L. Ortiz and Harry K. Yamamoto. Councilmen John Garthe and Gordon Bricken were absent. Staff members present were Acting City Manager/ City Attorney Keith L. Gow, Deputy City Manager Manuel Rede, Bowers Museum Director Reilly C. Rhodes and Acting Clerk of the Council Patricia E. Rice. Also attending were Museum Board members Jean- ette L. Bean, Manuel Esqueda and Ross E. Crane. BOWERS MUSEUM EXPANSION Mr. Parks thanked the RECENT DEVELOPMENTS & PLANS Council for giving the Board this opportunity to discuss the Bowers Museum. He pointed to 144,393 annual Museum visitors, an impres- sive increase in attendance at the Museum during the past year, 26,000 of whom were school children. He stated that the summer school attracted 550 participants; 855 attended classes at the Museum; and 13,000 volunteer and community people used the cen- ter and conference room. Mr. Parks said that during the past year there was a 75% increase in the membership of the Museum Foundation, from 800 to 1,400. Ross E. Crane gave a brief history of the acquisition of the Museum and its development to the present 10,000 square foot facility. He displayed the plans for expansion, which include a two story 30,000 square foot building that is needed to support the increase in attendance and interest in the Museum. Mr. Crane said that the Board is very aware of the momentum of interest that has been generated by the very fine exhibits and programs the Museum has been able to acquire during the past year. Jeanette Bean reviewed the exhibits presented by the Museum and emphasized that the Museum staff had developed the confidence of the art world and of world renowned museums in order to accom- plish these acquisitions; that Orange County has the population and the wealth to support a major metropolitan museum, and that it can be Santa Ana at Bowers. Museum Director Reilly Rhodes stated that the Foundation and the Board recognize that the City of Santa Ana cannot provide funding for expansion of the Museum, and that they would like to develop a cooperative effort by both public institutions and private indus- try. Mr. Rhodes said that he is confident that contributions are forthcoming from Orange County industrial companies who support the arts. He continued with a summary of the personnel employed at the Museum and the need for three additional employees to pro- vide the clerical support for a fund raising campaign. Mr. Rhodes emphasized that if the Museum is to grow and flourish that this is the appropriate time for a promotional campaign. Councilmen discussed the possibility of obtaining additional CETA personnel as well as the use of a contract employee for one year. Mr. Rhodes said that the Fluor Corporation is ready to provide the Museum with a loaned executive for promotion of the Museum right now. Councilman Ward said he was impressed with the presentation, and Mayor Evans encouraged Mr. Rhodes to bring his plan to Council for action. CA 85 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 A.M. PatT~ci-a E. Ri~-~, Acting Clerk CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 423 OCTOBER 10, 1978