McEwen Commission urges city council not to accept consultant’s recommendation to eliminate commission

The McEwen Collection Commission on April 6 told city staff and the council it does not support a Municipal Resource Group (MRG) consultant recommendation to eliminate or consolidate the McEwen Commission and asked for time to prepare a formal, work-plan-backed recommendation.

Chair Trumper opened the discussion by reviewing meetings with city staff and a town-hall session convened to gather commissions’ feedback on the MRG report. Commissioners said the consultant’s recommendation did not make clear what would happen to the collection itself if the commission were dissolved, and they expressed concern about divesting a city-owned cultural asset. Commissioner Kent and others argued the collection is a “valuable asset” that should remain a public resource rather than being handed off or dispersed.

Commissioners discussed several alternatives the city could consider instead of elimination: retaining the commission while streamlining meetings, turning the McEwen program into a committee of another body, contracting management to the McEwen Foundation or another nonprofit, or arranging for support from the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum. Panelists noted distinguishing between management of the collection and the commission’s formal oversight is important; any transfer or consolidation would require detailed terms addressing custody, insurance, and the attached endowment.

After extended discussion, commissioners took a straw poll and reached consensus to recommend the city council not accept the consultant’s recommendation to eliminate or consolidate the McEwen Commission. The commission asked city staff to exclude the McEwen Commission from the set of changes the council is considering and to allow the commissioners time to draft a more detailed recommendation. Chair Trumper said the commission would return with answers to the consultant’s questionnaire and specific proposals tied to the approved work plan.

The commission also flagged that the consultant report may reflect conditions during a low-activity pandemic period and that recent programming (including Art Walk exhibits) and an approved work plan demonstrate renewed community interest. Commissioners emphasized cataloging and public engagement as priorities that could strengthen the commission’s case with council.

The commission closed the agenda item by asking staff to pass their recommendation and questionnaire responses to the city manager’s office for council consideration. The meeting adjourned at about 6:05 p.m.