HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-12 Commission on Cultural Development Minutes
City of Bangor, Commission on Cultural Development
Minutes
September 12th, 2013
8:30 AM
City Council Chambers
Commissioners present: Judy Boothby, George Kinghorn (Vice-Chair), Elisabeth Young, Josh Plourde, Councilor
Blanchette and Jason Bird (staff)
Commissioners not in attendance: Tim Lo (Chair), Jamie Ballinger
1. Previous Meeting Minutes
Judy Boothby made a motion, which was seconded by Josh Plourde, to approve the minutes as
presented. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.
2. Implementation of Optional Arts Investment Fund
George and Jason had summarized the current status of the program. Jason said that a letter will be
drafted thanking the donors. The group agreed that having the commissioners add their personal
notes to the letters is a nice touch. If room allows, additional material will be included with the
donation forms when they are sent with the sewer bills.
3. Discussion of Comprehensive Arts and Cultural Plan
Jason summarized that a prior conversations and thoughts about the need to update the
Comprehensive Arts and Cultural Plan. He asked the group to discuss what the plan should be moving
forward. George suggested that hosting a focus group, with specific questions and information for
participants, would be the best way to solicit thoughts and input from the arts and cultural
organizations in the City. George also suggested that the services of a writer be solicited to help pull
the plan together.
A motion was made by Josh, and seconded by Elisa, to request the use of up to $750, to engage the
services of a writer to assist in the production of the new cultural plan.
4. Plaque for Continuity of Community Sculpture
Jason discussed the need for a plaque on the sculpture. He said that with the placement of the Sister
City Monument it makes sense to have a plaque placed on the sculpture to inform visitors.
George said a plaque with the title, the artist and the year is standard. He said that having some
background on the piece and the original location would be helpful. The group felt that small
informational sign or kiosk would be beneficial as well.
A motion was made by Judy and seconded by Josh to move forward with a small plaque and an
informational sign for the Continuity of Community Sculpture. The motion passed by a unanimous
vote.
5. Other Business
George opened conversation to the idea of the Chair position being a one year term. Jason said that
he has not seen any language on the term of the chair position.
A motion was made by Josh, and seconded by to adopt the following policy: at the first meeting of the
year, the Commission shall elect the Chair and Vice Chair for a one year term. In order to be electable,
to these roles, each individual must serve a minimum of six months on the Commission and each
individual must understand that attendance for the Commission roles are mandatory unless excused.
The motion passed by a unanimous vote. Jason will investigate whether this action should be
reflected in an amended ordinance.
George stressed the need for the Chair of the Commission to communicate with the City Staff and the
Vice Chair if they are unable to attend the meeting. He went on to say that any commissioner should
inform the Chair if they are not able to attend.
Jason brought up a past suggestion to remove the associate member designation and, instead, have all
members be considered commissioners. The group discussed it and agreed that there should be no
distinction between the members.
A motion was made by George and seconded by Josh to request an amendment to the ordinance so
that all members of the Commission have the same classification. The motion passed by a unanimous
vote.
Judy reported that the Bangor Ballet and the Penobscot Theatre’s collaboration is a learning process
for both entities. However, she is confident that they will produce a great product.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.