pages: CityCouncil/2020-02-18.pdf, 25
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CityCouncil | 2020-02-18 | 25 | applicants have been screened; a public meeting was held and a lottery conducted to select artists for the 2020 calendar year. Councilmember Oddie expressed concern for violations of the First Amendment. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the request is to change the venue to City Hall West. Councilmember Oddie moved approved of the item. Councilmember Vella expressed concern about content based regulation of speech; stated issues should be addressed; expressed support for feedback from the PAC for the 2021 calendar year. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would prefer the art chosen for the third floor to be moved to City Hall West this year. Councilmember Vella stated the lottery has already been conducted; expressed concern about changing the venue without advising the artists of the process. The Public Information Officer stated when the lottery is conducted, the artists may specify a desired floor; an agreement has been executed with the artists. Councilmember Vella inquired how far out the selections have been made, to which the Public Information Officer responded through the 2020 calendar year. Councilmember Vella expressed support for enacting the change in 2021. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated many people are confused when traversing the third floor; that she would like the third floor to be user friendly; recommended the second floor be used instead of the third floor; noted there are concerns related to artwork depicting hate groups or symbolism. Councilmember Vella noted artists should not be slighted with an alternate location. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the West End of Alameda is being slighted without art; the West End should have an opportunity to display art; it would be nice to give the West End the same opportunity. Vice Mayor Knox White stated that he is unclear of the Council direction; stated deciding what is allowed on City Hall walls feels outside of policy and problematic; City Hall West does not have many visitors; questioned how many artists would elect to display art at City Hall West due to lack of exposure; expressed support for a fair process for those to display art at the West End and for art being displayed at City Hall. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is concerned about the public as well. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council February 18, 2020 23 | CityCouncil/2020-02-18.pdf |