HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-09 Commission on Cultural Development Minutes
City of Bangor, Commission on Cultural Development
March 9, 2017
8:30 a.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Commissioners Present: Mary Budd (Chair), Stephanie Harp (Vice Chair), Elisabeth
Young, Amy Blackstone, Kim Stewart, Jared Hunnefeld, Liam Riordan
Excused Absent: David Zelz, Marianne Lynch, Owen Smith, Allen Adams, Zeth Lundy
(staff)
Unexcused Absent:
1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Mary Budd called the meeting to order.
2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Approval of February .
3. Grant Application Reviews
Green Gem Holistic Healing Oasis: Executive Director Sandy Fortin attending the
meeting via phone. This is the second time the Green Gem has submitted a grant
application; the first time, the request was withdrawn for further work. Grant request is
for $6500. Sandy detailed conservation and historical preservation plans, conceptual
design with architects. This grant request focuses on marketing the project as it moves
us on the history of the
camp in the summer; working with Career Connect to create food/arts/music events to
bring together community and learn about cultural experiences.
Mary asked about sustainability and revenue streams long-term. Sandy responded that
they are working on a lease-to-own scenario where Green Gem would own property
within 6 years. Liam asked about funding of historical booklet, maps, self-guided tour,
etc. Sandy described books, poetry, letters, etc that will be preserved and available to
share to public in person and online. They will be engaging historians, student interns.
Stephanie asked about budget clarification, and about what the CCD would be funding
in particular Sandy clarified two separate booklet publications would be funded, which
could be shared with libraries and schools etc.
Maine Troop Greeters: Julia Munsey, Nichi Farnham, and one other representative
Airport; greeters have been welcoming troops for decades, hit the 1.5 million welcomed
mark this year. Troop greeters have close to 6k challenge coins, badges, letters, flags,
uniforms, etc that have been shared by the troops with the greeters over the years, and
they need a larger space in which to display and share it. Would like it to be a formal
rd
museum. Maine has 3 highest per capita population of veterans. Mary asked about
coast), history as military base, refueling station based on location, airport shared w/
guard, etc.
Jared: concerned that they are trying to raise approx. $300k of $500k budget ASAP to
down to $425k; $100k of that is an endowment fund, which is not critical to launch; they
have $100k credit line with Bangor Savings Bank. In reality that puts them about $25k
away from goal, and a lot of that will be in-kind i.e. glass, wood, etc. They are
confident that they will get to where they need to be when they need to be there.
Mary: both proposals are very
cultural landscape. It presents an exciting opportunity. Discussion about remaining
money for this fiscal year, next round of apps, rolling over unused funds, budget request
for FY18, etc. Discussion on how these proposals fit into
impact of both projects.
Elissa: motion to fund $1500 to Green Gem for postcards/flyers/fact sheets (detailed in
budget spreadsheet), instead of full $6500 request. Liam interested in promoting
cultural history in community, not simply marketing efforts. Kim feels more
comfortable with funding $1500. Vote on motion to fund at $1500 only three yes
votes, motion does not succeed. Jared: motion to fund $3500 to fund everything save
video/historic documentation; seconded. Vote is unanimous to fund Green Gem at
$3500.
Liam: Maine Troop Greeters request at $2k is modest, content to fund at full level.
Group agrees it is an important thing to support. Kim makes motion, seconded
unanimous vote to fund MTG at $2k.
4. Committee Updates
Funding: decided not to apply for MAC grant, because the time crunch was too severe.
Stephanie in touch w/ cultural planner in Maine to collaborate at a future time. Looking
to get ducks in a row to apply for this next year. Discussion of process for application,
and both phases of MAC Grant funding.
Marketing: website edits are being implemented. Before ARTober meeting next week,
Elissa will send around ARTober comments etc.
Advocacy: committee discussed MAC grant, and role of committee in that process
identifying stakeholders, building wider bridges between commission and stakeholders
in Bangor, etc. Inform stakeholders, encourage applicants for grant funding, excite them
around cultural planning process.
Future Commission Meetings (8:30 a.m. in Council Chambers):
April 13, 2017
May 11, 2017
June 8, 2017 (grant reviews)
July 13, 2017
August 10, 2017
September 14, 2017 (grant reviews)
October 12, 2017
November 9, 2017
December 14, 2017 (grant reviews)