The Ojai Arts Commission on Oct. 16 approved amended minutes from its Sept. 18 meeting, asked city staff to reconcile the public‑art account balance after a press inquiry, and discussed next steps on a proposed Kent Hall mural and distribution of a public‑art brochure ahead of Ojai Day.

Lede

Commission Chair Smitty West moved to accept the Sept. 18 minutes with an amendment to list the ad hoc grant‑review committee members; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Nut graf

Commissioners used the regular meeting’s administrative portion to highlight three operational items: (1) confirm and publicize the grants review schedule; (2) resolve a ledger discrepancy in the city’s public art fund; and (3) advise on public‑art outreach materials and a proposed mural in Kent Hall.

Formal action: minutes

The commission voted to accept the Sept. 18 minutes as amended to include ad hoc committee members Louise Sandhaus, Carolyn Wagner, Michael Addison and Elizabeth Herring. The motion was moved by Chair Smitty West, seconded, and approved by an affirmative voice vote.

Public‑art fund reconciliation

Commissioner Christine Steiner said she had received public inquiries after the Ojai Valley News requested the public‑art fund balance and that the figure provided by Finance appeared lower than she expected. The commission asked city staff to reconcile the account and provide a clear report. City staff member Robert said he was already working with Finance and would follow up with a written account and suggested next steps; commissioners said they would consider a formal audit if discrepancies cannot be resolved administratively.

Public‑art brochure and Kent Hall discussion

Commissioners agreed that the current public‑art tour brochure — though containing a few inaccuracies noted by a member of the public — should be distributed for Ojai Day this weekend rather than delayed. Several commissioners also raised the proposed Kent Hall mural, noting that by statute the commission advises the City Council on arts matters and asking staff to place the mural proposal on a future agenda so commissioners can make a formal recommendation about whether the work should be treated as public art, a backdrop for council chambers, or part of the city’s permanent collection.

Mentorship series and other operational items

Commissioners reported work on a mentorship/education series for artists and students (panels on dance, theater and literary arts) and asked staff to prepare a modest budget and itinerary for review; if expenses are modest the item could be handled as a consent item at a future meeting. Commissioners also praised staff liaison Bridgette for expedited preparation of grant packets and application materials.

Ending

Staff committed to return with a reconciled public‑art fund report and a set of possible next steps on Kent Hall. The commission’s next regular meeting on grants review is scheduled for Nov. 20; the ad hoc grant review panel will meet Nov. 1 (with Nov. 2 reserved if needed).