===== PDF PAGE 4 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] CITY OF WEST CHICAGO CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM TITLE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 4.a. Code Amendment for the COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: September 4, 2025 Cultural Arts Commission STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, SIGNATURE __________________________ CEcD ITEM SUMMARY: The Cultural Arts Commission was created in 1992 to advise the Mayor and City Council on matters related to the arts. While the Commission’s work has grown and evolved over the past three dec- ades, including sponsoring public art, exhibits, performances, and community programs, the original ordinance establishing the Commission has not been substantially updated since its adoption. At the August meeting, the Commission reviewed the existing ordinance along with comparable commissions in other communities noting opportunities to: • Modernize the purpose to reflect today’s vision for arts and culture in West Chicago. • Remove outdated provisions that no longer match the Commission’s role. • Consolidate and streamline functions to focus on areas where the Commission can have the greatest impact. As a result, staff prepared a proposed amendment to the authorizing ordinance, which is presented for consideration. Additionally, the proposed revision aligns the role of the Cultural Arts Commission with the goals outlined in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which highlights arts, culture, heritage, and placemaking as integral to West Chicago’s identity and vitality. ACTIONS PROPOSED: Recommend amendment to Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 13 of the Municipal Code, Cultural Arts Commission, as presented. Attachments: Redlined Draft Amendment to Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 13 of the Municipal Code Clean Draft Amendment to Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 13 of the Municipal Code ===== PDF PAGE 5 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] DIVISION 13. – CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Sec. 2-435. - Establishment. There is hereby created a commission, to be known as the cultural arts commission. Sec. 2-436. - Membership and appointment. The commission shall consist of ten (10) members, all of whom shall be appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council. (1) All members shall be residents of or demonstrate a significant connection to the City of West Chicago and shall possess an interest and/or expertise in the cultural arts.Nine (9) of the said ten (10) members shall have an interest and expertise in the functions of the commission and shall be voting members of the commission. (2) All members shall serve as voting members.One (1) of the members of the said commission shall be nonvoting ex-officio member. Sec. 2-437. - Terms. (a) Appointment to the commission shall be for a term of four (4) years. Terms shall be Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering staggered to ensure continuity of membership. Sec. 2-438. - Meetings; by-laws. (1) The commission shall have the power to adopt its own by-laws and schedule of regular Commented [KC1]: Change from (a) to (1) for meetings. consistency throughout Code (2) Special meetings of the commission may be called by the chairman or any three (3) members provided that notice is given as provided in the Illinois "Open Meetings Act." Sec. 2-439. -– Purpose and Functions of the commission. The City of West Chicago recognizes the arts as essential to cultural vitality, community identity, and the beautification of civic space. The Cultural Arts Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council and works to enrich the lives of all West Chicago residents through the support of cultural arts. The Commission shall have the following functionsThe cultural arts commission shall: (1) Make recommendations to the city council for the provision of an environment in which the cultural arts will flourish within the corporate limits of the city; (2) Foster educational opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all of the residents of West Chicago by making recommendations to develop arts and cultural programs directed at various age, ethnic, and religious groups; (3) Enhance the economic base in West Chicago by promoting opportunities to combine areas and economic development; (4) Cooperate with the professional city staff to administer all commission programs and activities; (5) Support and foster strong bonds between and among all arts organizations in the community and encourage new arts organizations in a manner which will make the whole ===== PDF PAGE 6 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] considerably stronger than the individual parts, which shall include working cooperatively with other city commissions, and other public and private agencies; (6) Apply for grants to support commission programs and administer and serve as a vehicle for "regrants" under the rules of the Illinois Arts Council and other agencies; (7) Provide a vehicle for publicizing all arts-related events of various organizations as well as community, state or national events related to the arts, and provide a strong public relations program for communicating the commission's goals and their impact on community life; and (1) Act as a resource center and clearing house for information and provide technical assistance to community arts organizations to enable them to improve the effectiveness of grant writing, planning, audience development, identification of sources for funds, and assistance in connection with legal, tax, insurance and liability issues related to arts programs and arts organizations.Advise the Mayor and City Council on cultural and artistic matters, including policies, projects, and programs. (2) Promote and sponsor cultural arts initiatives such as public art installations, performances, exhibits, workshops, and special events that enhance community life. (3) Foster collaboration among artists, cultural organizations, community partners, and City boards and commissions to strengthen West Chicago’s cultural landscape. (4) Encourage education and public awareness of the arts through outreach, engagement, and diverse programming accessible to all residents. (5) Support economic development efforts by contributing to placemaking, tourism, and community identity initiatives where arts and culture play a complementary role. (6) Identify, select, and recommend placement of public art in City-owned spaces and encourage the growth of the City’s public art collection. (8)(7) Develop and pursue funding opportunities including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to sustain and expand cultural programming. Sec. 2-440. - Report to city council. The cultural arts commission shall submit a written annual report to the city council at the first council meeting in February August of each year. The report shall contain an outline of activities and work accomplished during the previous yearcover activities and accomplishments from the previous July 1 through June 30 and shall include recommendations for any proposed improvements, or programs, or initiatives which the council should consider for the next coming year. Secs. 2-441—2-470. - Reserved. ===== PDF PAGE 7 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] DIVISION 13. – CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION Sec. 2-435. - Establishment. There is hereby created a commission, to be known as the cultural arts commission. Sec. 2-436. - Membership and appointment. The commission shall consist of ten (10) members, all of whom shall be appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council. (1) All members shall be residents of or demonstrate a significant connection to the City of West Chicago and shall possess an interest and/or expertise in the cultural arts. (2) All members shall serve as voting members. Sec. 2-437. - Terms. Appointment to the commission shall be for a term of four (4) years. Terms shall be staggered to ensure continuity of membership. Sec. 2-438. - Meetings; by-laws. (1) The commission shall have the power to adopt its own by-laws and schedule of regular meetings. (2) Special meetings of the commission may be called by the chairman or any three (3) members provided that notice is given as provided in the Illinois "Open Meetings Act." Sec. 2-439. – Purpose and Functions. The City of West Chicago recognizes the arts as essential to cultural vitality, community identity, and the beautification of civic space. The Cultural Arts Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council and works to enrich the lives of all West Chicago residents through the support of cultural arts. The Commission shall have the following functions: (1) Advise the Mayor and City Council on cultural and artistic matters, including policies, projects, and programs. (2) Promote and sponsor cultural arts initiatives such as public art installations, performances, exhibits, workshops, and special events that enhance community life. (3) Foster collaboration among artists, cultural organizations, community partners, and City boards and commissions to strengthen West Chicago’s cultural landscape. (4) Encourage education and public awareness of the arts through outreach, engagement, and diverse programming accessible to all residents. (5) Support economic development efforts by contributing to placemaking, tourism, and community identity initiatives where arts and culture play a complementary role. (6) Identify, select, and recommend placement of public art in City-owned spaces and encourage the growth of the City’s public art collection. (7) Develop and pursue funding opportunities including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to sustain and expand cultural programming. ===== PDF PAGE 8 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Sec. 2-440. - Report to city council. The cultural arts commission shall submit a written annual report to the city council at the first council meeting in August of each year. The report shall cover activities and accomplishments from the previous July 1 through June 30 and include recommendations for proposed improvements, programs, or initiatives for the coming year. Secs. 2-441—2-470. - Reserved.