City Council Minutes 1999 04 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bill Simmons, City Administrator, stated that Mr. Hamerly provided an accurate description of the process about how art is displayed at the recreation center. He explained that art has been displayed at the recreation center since it opened. There have been no understandings or policies with any group regarding the use of the wall. It has become a public forum of art displays similar to the way a wall at City Hall has been. He asked to apologize for the misinformation that was given to Ms. Fanger regarding Council's approval of the art display. He explained that neither the City Council nor the City staff has approved any art that is displayed on the wall. He stated that the comments made tonight are understandable, as are the concerns that the City should consider how art is displayed on the wall. Davidson explained that the reason there is no policy is due to the fact that Louisville is a small town and an issue like this has not come up before. He agreed that, in today's changing world, it might be time to establish a policy. He stated that he is sure the intent of public art displayed in Louisville is to encourage local artists and not to express ideas or philosophies. He expressed willingness to determine what the City can do in terms of freedom of speech, etc., however, he is reluctant to stop displaying public art due to one problem. COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL COMMENTS ON PERTINENT ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Sisk commended Carol & Rob Lathrop for recently being inducted into the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame. He stated that Louisville is honored to have the Lathrop's as part of the community. Mayer stated that there is a juried exhibit from the Boulder Valley School District on display at NCAR. There are a number of exhibits from students of Monarch and Centaurus High Schools. He encouraged Council and members of the community to view the exhibit. Howard stated that he was on Council when the art displays were started at the recreation center. He explained that the purpose was to help display local art work. There were very few forums in this small community with the display capability available at the then, new recreation center. The City Council held many discussions with the Art Association, and Council stressed that this is public art and the purpose was not to create controversy. He explained that once the Art Association approves a display, any attempt by Council to change the display becomes a First Amendment issue. He felt the display was a needless, in-your-face display that the community did not come together and ask for. He agreed with Mr. Hamerly that there are other groups that would love to have public displays that much of the community would dislike. He suggested that Council schedule a work session to discuss the City's general policy for exhibits. He agreed that the community should come together to openly discuss this issue and insure that public displays are for all of the public.