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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-23 Commission on Cultural Development Minutes ` City of Bangor, Commission on Cultural Development - Minutes - January 23, 2008, 8am, Council Chambers Commissioners in Attendance: John Rohman, Commission Chair, Steve Ribble, Susan Carlisle, Susan Jonason Others in Attendance: Sally Bilancia, City of Bangor; Daniel Williams, Howard Foundation 1. Commission approved minutes of August 24, 2007 meeting. 2. Review of Howard Foundation public art request (moved up in agenda to accommodate our guest, Mr. Williams) Summary: Howard Foundation proposes to resurface the cement sidewalks from State Street to Washington Street on both sides of Kenduskeag Stream with brick. They wish to sell memorial bricks to the general public for a fee that will cover the cost of the brick, installation and maintenance. According to the proposal, any residual revenues would be used to fund a scholarship program through the Howard Foundation. The brick company investigated in MA glazes bricks after laser engraving, so there is a glass-like effect. They plan to do the project in sections. The proposal will be brought before the Art in Public Places Subcommittee. Both Rohman and Ribble advised Mr. Williams of potential issues with the proposal, including trying to do the project in phases, the potential legal issue of having a scholarship fund associated with a public art project and the overall expense of the project – easily $100,000+ for entire project. 3. Review of recommendations from Program and Grants Subcommittee Request: American Folk Festival, $75,000 Program and Grants Subcommittee met on Jan 17 to review request from American Folk Festival. Last year there were concerns about dependency on City funding and not reaching out to other municipalities. As requested, additional information was attached to the Commission meeting agenda, outlining efforts to raise funds from other municipalities. Most notably, Veazie was approached for funding of $500, but raised it themselves to $1,500, due to an estimate from AFF that 1,500 Veazie residents attended the festival. AFF has established a reputation that reaches outside Bangor and therefore has attracted the attention of potential sponsors. New sponsors include LL Bean and Stoneyfield Yogurt. Current fundraising for 2008 is stable compared to years past. The subcommittee feels that there is no question the investment shows a return for the community. Subcommittee recommended full funding. Jonason moved, Ribble seconded, to recommend full funding of $75,000 to Bangor City Council. Since Evelyn Silver is no longer on the Commission, Jonason will attend Feb 20th B&ED Committee meeting as the representative of the Commission. 4. Status report on Maine Arts Commission grant application The grant request for $10,000 (to be matched by $5,000 cash and $5,000 in-kind from the City) was submitted by the December 14, 2007 deadline. We will be informed of the grants approval status after March 14, 2008. The timeframe for spending this grant income will be the next fiscal year, July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009. As you know, the purpose of applying for this grant is to proceed with the five-year plan of strengthening communication and providing technical assistance to Bangor’s cultural organizations. Discussion of five-year plan: Jonason expressed hope that we will look to the arts community to see what they think would be helpful for professional development. Eight major cultural non-profits currently meet – perhaps we can start there. Rohman hopes we can increase that amount to include non-traditional groups such as Bangor Land Trust and others who want to do events with cultural elements (river event with an arts exhibition)… to seed an event that can grow on its own. Jonason will facilitate getting the group together for a brainstorming session this winter. 5. Status report on the Cultural Affairs website RFP The RFP has been written, but not yet distributed. As the point of contact for questions from web developers, Sally wanted to clarify a few things before proceeding. The Commission felt that the RFP was detailed enough to move forward at this time. Sally questioned if a subcommittee would be formed, but the Commission felt that a project of this size should have input from the full th Commission. Full Commission will meet March 26 at 8am to discuss primarily the website. Per instructions, Sally will invite Al Douglas (web developer for the City), Lisa Veilleux from the Maine Arts Commission and Tracy Stutsman from the Maine Highlands Crafts Association for their expertise. 6. Review of meeting schedule / frequency Last year several meetings were cancelled, due to a lack of agenda items. The th Commission recently determined the 4 Wednesday of each month at 8am as a convenient time to meet. Commission agreed to have a stated meeting quarterly, falling on the months that grant applications are due. Other months will only have meetings on the set date if there are outstanding issues to discuss. th Commissioners agreed to keep 8am on the 4 Wednesday open for such meetings, with reasonable notice given. 7. Other Business Commission membership status: Seats for Evelyn Silver and John Rohman were open as of the end of the year. Silver will not be applying again, but Rohman will th be going before Council on 30. The Chair of the Program and Grants Subcommittee is now open, with Silver leaving the Commission. It was agreed Susan Jonason will now Chair the Program and Grants Subcommittee. Budget: Discussion of current budget figures. We currently have $30,950 left for the fiscal year, with only one more deadline for small grant requests. It was noted that the cost of website development will have to be taken out of this total, as the grant match of $5,000 is separate. Per request, Sally will add a column stating the requested amount (versus the amount granted) for informational purposes. March meeting will have to include discussion of budget request for FY08-09. Discussion will include possibility of small grant level going up to $1,500.