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Commission approves lodging and small reception for artist installing "Boards on the Street"; one commissioner objects
Summary
After debate over whether artist lodging should be covered, the commission approved reimbursing four nights for artist Scott Froshower and allocated funds for a small opening reception; Commissioner Noguez voted no while most others voted yes.
The Heritage Arts Commission voted to reimburse lodging for the visiting artist installing the "Boards on the Street" project and to spend a modest amount on an opening ceremony.
Chair Gupta summarized logistics: artist Scott Froshower will install the work June 1–2 and return for a public unveiling Saturday, June 6 (tentatively 12:30–2:30 p.m. at Shoreline Park by the ferry terminal). The Lodge at Tiburon offered a discounted room rate of $209 per night; Gupta said the town had secured a total accommodation cost of about $828 for four nights.
Commissioner Nora raised a procedural objection, saying lodging was not included in the project as presented to town council and cautioning against a standing practice of covering artists' lodging and transportation. "My understanding is when I asked that specific question before the town council, I was told there were no other expenses," Nora said. She asked that the commission make a clear policy about what incidental project costs it will cover going forward.
Gupta and other commissioners responded that the commission has previously paid similar incidental costs and that securing a discount demonstrates fiscal prudence. Gupta said, "I got a discount for the accommodation. That's my fulfillment of the fiduciary duty right there."
The motion to reimburse four nights at the Lodge at Tiburon for Scott Froshower and to allocate $200 for a small reception passed on a roll-call vote: Yes — Chair Gupta, Commissioner Etemod, Commissioner Fong, Commissioner DeMica; No — Commissioner Noguez; Vice Chair Feibush and Commissioner Farren were absent.
Next steps: staff will complete permitting for the unveiling (if alcohol is served) and notify commissioners of exact installation times so they can walk the path with public works before installation.
