University Place council adopts Arts and Culture Advisory Commission, adds flexible youth‑seat language

The University Place City Council voted 6–0 on March 16 to adopt an ordinance creating an Arts and Culture Advisory Commission (ACAC), a nine‑member body intended to promote public art, advise on acquisitions and help integrate arts and culture into city planning.

City Attorney Matt Kaeser, who presented the ordinance, told the council the commission would sit alongside the city’s four existing commissions and include seven adult seats and two youth positions. Kaeser said the ordinance also amends related municipal‑code language about the parks commission and lays out terms and responsibilities for members. "The commission, if council choose[s] to adopt this ordinance would create a fifth commission in addition to the four existing commissions," Kaeser said during his presentation.

Council members raised a concern about how youth seats would be filled. Kaeser proposed and the council approved an amendment to clarify that the two youth positions would be filled "if feasible," so the seats would remain vacant rather than be filled immediately by adults if no youth applicants were available. The amendment passed by voice vote before the council approved the ordinance as amended.

Council members who spoke in favor described the commission as a long‑sought initiative for University Place. "I am very proud of this moment finally, that we are at the point of having an arts and culture commission in our community," Council member Wood said. Mayor Pro Tem McCluskey said the commission could create a "huge giant leap forward" for the city by broadening cultural programming, economic development ties and preservation work.

The clerk recorded six ayes on the adoption vote and the motion carried. (The roll call portion of the transcript includes an inconsistent spelling of Council member Grassi's name as "Grassley"; other parts of the record use "Grassi.")

The ordinance directs staff to implement the commission structure and return any necessary administrative steps to council. Kaeser said staff would prepare language and exhibits to reflect the amendment before final implementation. No specific funding or staffing plan for the commission was adopted at the meeting.

The council moved on to other business after the vote and recessed to a study session. The ordinance will be filed with the city clerk’s office as part of the council record.