The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees last week discussed the formation of a municipal art council. Board members were interviewed on the proposal due to an issue with the meeting video.

This proposal comes in light of a previous discussion regarding the placement of art on public land after a request by a resident was submitted asking to display in a public park the “Pelham’s Laundry” exhibit of emails on racists incidents in the village.

(The Pelham Art Center, which had the exhibit in its courtyard for a number of days in July, had previously denied a request to use its space in Wolfs Lane Park for the work, citing the fact that it wanted to “keep public sculptures upbeat and tranquil,” according to Executive Director Charlotte Mouquin.)

Trustee Michael Carpenter said, “my proposal is for the council to, once created, establish its own guidelines and procedures to determine whether and to what extent artwork is appropriate for a particular project. Once established, the guidelines would help the council select artists and artwork for a particular project. They would also include guidelines and procedures for artists submitting proposals to the council for its consideration. And I hope that the council would be an advocate for public art in general.”

The idea for the municipal art council is still in its early stages and therefore subject to change. Once the board reaches a consensus, a public hearing will be scheduled.

The board also approved the continuation of a memorandum of understanding with Sustainable Westchester, Inc. for the Community Choice Aggregation Program. The program allows the village to obtain a steady energy supply for the community, whether for residential or small commercial customers. The memorandum would be in effect until 2023 and would  continue the services that the program provides.

The board also authorized the appointment of Police Officer Louis Magnotta and Zoning Board of Appeals member Olek DeRowe.

The next board meeting will take place on Sept. 22.