08.14.2025 TC Arts Council MinutesMinutes From Regular Session
Trophy Club Council for Arts and Culture
For the Town of Trophy Club
Location: I Trophy Wood Drive, Trophy Club, Texas
Date: Thursday, August 14, 202S, 6:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
The Trophy Club Council for Arts and Culture of the Town of Trophy Club, Texas, met in a Regular Session on May 8,
2025. The meeting was held within the boundaries of the Town and was open to the public.
ARTS COUNCIL MEMBERS' PRESENT:
Melissa Eason
Chairperson
Jean Frazier
Vice Chairperson
Brandi Morris
Secretary
Peter Steinmetz
Member
ARTS COUNCIL MEMBERS' ABSENT:
Hernan Bahamon Member
STAFF AND GUEST(S) PRESENT:
Brandon Wright Town Manager
Tamara Smith Assistant to the Town Manager
CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCE A QUORUM
Chairperson Eason called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and noted a quorum.
1. Consider approval of the May 8, 2025, Trophy Club Council for Arts and Culture Meeting Minute-s.
Agenda Item: Consider approval of April 10, 2025, meeting minutes.
Motion: Motion to approve by Chairperson Eason.
Seconded by: Vice Chairperson Frazier.
Vote: All in favor — Motion passed unanimously.
2. Consider the appointment of an Arts Council secretary.
The Arts Council had a resignation of Place 5 held by Grace Murray. Per the Arts Council Operating
Procedures, any resignation of the secretary seat, the Arts Council will hold a meeting to elect a
replacement.
Agenda Item: Consider the appointment of an Arts Council secretary.
Motion: Motion to Brandi Morris approve by Chairperson Eason.
Seconded by: Peter Steinmetz.
Vote: All in favor — Motion passed unanimously.
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3. Discuss and review the Trophy Club Explore Arts and Culture Website.
The Trophy Club Explore Arts and Culture webpage has been developed as part of the Arts Council's
initiatives. The page, located under the Explore section as "Arts & Culture," provides an overview of the
Council and highlights initiatives previously approved in meetings.
The webpage includes two key features:
Resident Survey —A draft survey has been created to gather community feedback. It covers general interest
in participation, current satisfaction and gaps, facilities and spaces, community identity and priorities, ideas
and vision, as well as demographics. The draft is being presented for review and discussion before final
distribution. The survey will be on the Survey Monkey platform. The survey is lengthy and includes notes or
comments as well as demographics.
Artist Interest Form — A form for local artists, art forms, or those with related interests to share their
background, helping identify talent and resources within the community. Add areas of expertise and a link
for artists to provide examples of their portfolio or work.
Together, these tools aim to engage residents, collect valuable input, and build connections with local
artists while shaping future arts and culture initiatives.
4. Discuss recommendation for an Arts Council workshop facilitator.
Margie Reese, who previously assisted with the ad hoc committee, is recommended to serve as an arts
facilitator for monthly workshops with the Arts Council. She would attend a work session before regular
meetings each month to help guide the Council, provide expertise, and support progress on initiatives.
Margie brings extensive experience in arts and cultural development. She has assisted with the Arts
Council in DeSoto, contributed significantly to Wichita Falls and has worked on numerous projects
nationwide. Her background equips her to help the Council stay on track, navigate grants, and achieve its
goals more efficiently, saving time and resources compared to working independently.
The cost of this facilitator has already been included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The Arts Council
approved to bring in Margie Reese for this role.
5. Discuss prioritized initiative number one: public art and historical markers, focusing on their preservation
and maintenance, as well as potential grant opportunities.
The Arts Council identified public art and historical markers as its first initiative, with a focus on
preservation, maintenance, and potential grant opportunities.
Grant Research and Opportunities
Four potential funding sources were reviewed: the Texas Historical Foundation, Texas Historical
Commission, Summerlee Foundation, and federal/state-level preservation programs. Challenges remain,
as many grants require municipalities to partner with a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) or have an arts council
outside municipal capacity.
The Texas Historical Foundation requires a 501(c)(3) sponsor, which may be difficult to secure.
The Summerlee Foundation is more municipal -friendly, allowing government entities to apply directly. Its
focus is on underprivileged communities, preservation research, and educational programs.
Federal and state preservation funds also prioritize underprivileged communities, making access
challenging for Trophy Club unless a very specific project is identified.
A Texas Historical Foundation membership ($50 annually) would provide subscriptions, grant alerts, and
partner listings.
The Arts Council will hold off on this initiative until the Arts Council Facilitator, Margie Reese, comes on
board for a work session.
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Action Items
�Tamara tosend out alink ,nthe draft webpage
Tamara to send out a pdf form of the survey.
Next Steps
Regular meetings will be held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM.
FIM
Attest:
Tamara Smith, Assistant to the Town Manager
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ELL
Melissa Eason, Chairperson