Loading...
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.