One of the topics of discussion was the feedback from the recent Autumn Arts Festival. Members highlighted the generally positive reception of the event, particularly the effective signage and organization of activities, which helped visitors navigate the festival. However, concerns were raised about the central aisle of tents, which some found problematic. Vendors expressed that the focus on performances diverted foot traffic away from their booths. Suggestions were made to centralize vendors in future events to encourage more attendee interactions and cross-traffic.

The timing of the festival was another point of discussion. It was noted that attendance typically dwindles during the last hour, prompting ideas for concluding the event with a grand finale performance around 5 PM to maintain engagement. Additionally, there were logistical challenges during clean-up, specifically in managing the parking lot chaos, which affected vendor experiences. The presence of bees, especially near food stalls, was identified as an issue, with anecdotes of vendors struggling with bee swarms. This highlighted the need for better waste management strategies.

The venue was also reconsidered, with suggestions to explore downtown North St. Paul as an alternative location. The downtown area could offer wider sidewalks and a more cohesive space for vendors and performances, drawing inspiration from successful local car shows. Members discussed the potential of combining events, possibly creating a week-long celebration to foster community unity and streamline event management.

In addition to the festival feedback, the commission discussed ongoing and future public art projects. A notable update was the transition of a proposed concrete stamp project to a branding iron concept. This new design aims to offer a subtler, reusable imprint for public art projects, inspired by the “hidden Mickey” concept at theme parks. The estimated budget for the branding iron and materials is around $150.

Ideas for a penny press machine were also explored, with proposed designs including a snowman, a classic car, a silhouette of Henry Castle, and an emblem of the Autumn Arts Festival. The machine would reside in City Hall, potentially serving as a community attraction. Members debated the logistics, such as payment methods and the future of pennies, while considering commissioning local artists for the designs.

Another topic was the potential installation of art benches around Silver Lake Park. The need for additional seating, particularly around the playground and beach areas, was emphasized due to the current lack of adequate benches. There was enthusiasm for an artist call to design benches that reflect nature themes, integrating art into the park’s natural setting.

The meeting also covered the logistics of utility box art projects. Members emphasized the importance of selecting prime locations for art installations to avoid past issues. A color-coded map of utility box locations was proposed to streamline the decision-making process and ensure an even distribution of artwork. This initiative aims to enhance the area’s aesthetics while reflecting the community’s character.

Safety considerations were another focal point, particularly regarding event setups. Members discussed the need for assistance from public works staff in handling the physical demands of setting up tables and chairs. There was also a commitment to addressing safety concerns from previous events, such as sharp table corners, which posed risks to attendees.

Additionally, the commission considered a “food passport” initiative for local restaurants, with careful attention to avoid conflicts with gambling laws. This initiative aims to encourage community engagement by offering small rewards for participants who complete the passport, maintaining the fun aspect while adhering to legal guidelines.