HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-13 Budget Committee Minutes
Economic and Cultural Development Grant Presentation
Minutes
March 13, 2002, 7:00pm
Civic Center, Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street
ROLL CALL
Present: John Morrison, Russ Silbiger, David Williams, Chris Hearn, Ray Olsen, Cameron
Hanson
Absent: Cate Hartzell
Staff: Lee Tuneberg, Kirsten Bakke
CALL TO ORDER
Russ Silbiger called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Tuneberg welcomed everyone. He began by discussing the fund allocation percentages, stating
that of the 33.3% anticipated Hotel/Motel tax monies, 60% will be allocated to the Ashland
Chamber of Commerce; 28% will be allocated to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival; and 12% will
be awarded to local organizations.
He read the goals and criteria stated in Resolution No. 2000-25. Tuneberg explained that there
was $46,560 in funds available, with 21 grant applicants requesting $148,695.
Tuneberg clarified that last year our practice was to allow applicants 5 minutes for presentations
and 5 minutes for questions from the Committee.
Silbiger acted as Chair. He began by introducing the Budget Committee members and opened
the meeting for presentations.
PRESENTATIONS
Siskiyou Singers $ 5,000
Gerry Jilek began the presentation by explaining that they have been performing in Ashland for
20 years, and have 117 singers, 90 of which live in Ashland. He described their programs stating
that the singers range in ages from 16 to 85 years. He said that the requested grant would be
used to buy music, fund professional orchestras, buy risers and develop their website. He went
on to say that of the 1,350 tickets sold last year, 50% of the buyers were from Ashland and that
all concerts were in Ashland. Hanson asked about the risers. Jilek said that they were 34 inches
deep and had room for a chair.
Rogue Valley Symphony $ 8,000
Francis Van Ausdal, Executive Director and Julia Lester began the presentation explaining their
need for funding to cover outreach, concert programs and full symphonics for their elementary
program. He described their programs including 3 concert series at SOU. He noted that they were
the third largest symphony in the State, with 80 paid musicians, half of which were Ashland
residents. Their goal is to attract tourists during the off-season, November through April. Hearn
asked about their economic impact. Van Ausdal said it was a conservative estimate at
approximately $1,270,000 in the Ashland area alone. Morrison asked about the upward trend in
budget. Van Ausdal said there was still a small deficit and they were working on other fund
raising. Olsen asked if the 14 concerts were in Ashland. Lester said yes and gave a recap of all
concerts in the Rogue Valley, stating that 42 performers were from Ashland and performed in 57
schools.
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Theater Ikcewicasa $ 5,000
Robert Owens began by saying that they were a common man Native American Theater that has
been performing and promoting for 7 years. They were requesting funding for their third event
driven grant. He said that they produce one show per year in the off-season focusing on a strong
educational component with Native American artists, using themes of wellness, being drug free,
and stay in school to inspire students, and reach across all cultures. Williams asked if people
from Ashland were used in performances. Owens replied that the technical and box office people
were local, but that headliners are from other areas. Williams asked about tribe affiliations.
Morrison asked about budget for events, attendance and expenditures. Owens asked for
clarification of event driven budget. Owens said they were seeking endowments through tribal
and entertainment based foundations.
Friends of the Ashland Public Library $ 20,000
Barbara Ryberg, President and Beth Towner, Treasurer began the presentation requesting
funding for a sculpture to beautify the Public Library. Ryberg spoke about the model sculpture
made of copper panels, not wider than 3 feet or longer than 9 feet. She discussed the Art
Selection Committee and process in which the artist was chosen from a field of applicants. Hearn
asked if the $20,000 was a one-time cost. Ryberg said yes that it would cover the complete
installation. Hearn asked if they had taken in any other funds. Ryberg said that this was their first
request for funding for the art installation.
Ashland Community Theatre $ 9,500
Doug Mitchell, Artistic Director began the presentation by talking about their new programs and
goals, explaining that they have been in operation for 12 seasons, since 1991. He explained the
purpose of their grant request was to cover the purchase and installation of a black theatre drape,
extend theatre outreach, and accumulate properties such as costumes and stage sets. Morrison
asked if they maintained their relationship with the Ashland Middle School. Mitchell said it was
their third season in collaboration with the Middle School and it has been expanded to include a
second weeklong theater camp this summer. Hearn asked if the curtain could be used at any
venue. Mitchell said yes.
Southern Oregon Film Society $ 5,000
Doreen Wood, Secretary and Co-founder of the Film Festival began the presentation describing
their first film festival held last year. She noted that 40 filmmakers participated in panel discussion
with the audience. In response to the tragedy on September 11th, they added two sold out
shows. Wood described their goal of self-sufficiency which included setting up an endowment
fund, extra show runs for 5 days with extended screenings. Silbiger asked about attendance.
Wood said it drew people from local and surrounding areas. Morrison asked about free showings,
stating that it would be better to offer more paid screenings. Wood said yes, they plan on
extending to an all day showing with some free screenings. Morrison asked about the proposed
financial plan. Wood said they were looking at a strategy with volunteers.
Science Center of Southern Oregon $ 8,138
Sharon Javna, Treasurer and Dave Bernard, Board Chair said they were creating a science
center at the old Natural History Museum building. Javna described an educational, family
destination for locals and visitors to take their kids for fun and interactive science, saying it would
be a resource for all students in Ashland. Javna and Bernard described the opening phases of
operation. Olson asked about OMSI meetings. Javna said OMSI came to visit and talk about
collaboration with exhibits and programming. Hearn asked about the benefit for local families and
tourists. Javna said they encouraged adults to bring children when they were at plays. During the
off-season it would benefit the community. Morrison clarified that this grant, if awarded, wouldn't
be available until the first week in July and wouldn’t help with pre- opening materials. Williams
asked about $189,000 salary expense and how many people that included. Bernard replied that it
included a Program Coordinator, two Exhibit Builders, an Assistant Director, and a part-time
Clerk.
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Ashland Gallery Association $ 8,500
Judy Howard, President, and Lynn Kambury, Vice President began the presentation by giving her
background in marketing. Kambury said that the Gallery Guide motivated her to come to Ashland.
She talked about the First Fridays Art Walk and the Taste of Ashland events, stating that the AGA
had been around since 1994. She stated that they support diversity and are made up of 25 small
businesses creating events during the off-season and helping support other community
businesses. Kambury described their youth support program called AHAA (Ashland High Arts
Advocates. She explained that their request for funds would cover development of their website,
marketing, and advertising to expand along the I-5 corridor. Their public relations efforts include
co-marketing with Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Silbiger asked about the Chamber
financial support. Kambury said that this year they received $1,500 towards their goals.
Arts Council of Southern Oregon $ 4,000
Amy Richard, President and Lyn Godsey, Executive Director began by describing the Artists in
the School's Program stating that artists work with students 20 hours a week. She stated that
teachers use the program as a way to expand art techniques and offer family art nights where the
artist works with families and students after school. Hearn asked about the agreement with the
Ashland Schools Foundation. Godsey said yes, that the money is only used in Ashland. Olsen
asked about other public funding. Godsey said no, that they had submitted to Medford and had
been denied, but Jackson County had funded them in the past.
Artattack Theater Company $ 4,400
Justin Lockwood, President began the presentation stating that they were founded in 2000, and
so far have presented 4 plays in 2001. He said the have a permanent home at the Greenroom
Theatre on Hersey Street and one of their plays had an off Broadway run in New York. He spoke
of their core supporters in Ashland. He described the educational opportunities for adults and
youths, in the form of workshops, benefit performances, and discussions with playwrights.
Hope Equestrian Center $ 5,000
Trish Broersma, Program Director and Maryellen Cole, Board Member presented, discussing
their therapeutic horseback-riding program for people with emotional, physical and learning
th
year, riders range in age from 2 - 65 years. Broersma said their program
disabilities. In their 13
brings together the equine industry with conventional arts, and is mainly a volunteer program with
50-60 volunteers a week. She noted that 35% of their students come from Ashland, include high
school and SOU students, parents and professionals. Broersma said their goal was to expand the
volunteer program by funding a Volunteer Coordinator. Hearn clarified the percentage of students
coming from Ashland. Olsen asked about length of participation. Broersma replied 10 weeks to
several years.
Youth Symphony of Oregon $ 4,000
Jane VanDeZande, Board Member began with their mission to foster a life long appreciation of
the arts, stating that they were founded by local musicians, she gave history of the organization
noting that the total audience was 5,400 a year, and performances were free of charge. She
explained that the rental hall costs were rising and that the cost of the SOU performance hall had
tripled. She described their goals for self-sufficiency. Morrison asked about the Retreat line item
in their budget. VanDeZande said they had retreats to build rapport and teamwork for the year
since they only had one practice per week. Olsen asked about the off season. VanDeZande said
they did three concert series running November through February, with one in May. Williams
asked about Ashland performances. VanDeZande said there were three. Hearn asked about the
percentage of attendees in Ashland. VanDeZande said there were many.
Community Works - The Grove $ 12,757
Mathew McClennahan, Staff, and Carsen Clover, Jared Prong and Alex Groveman, Students
began the presentation explaining their venture of a coffee and juice bar that would provide an
enriching work experience with a stage for live music and theatre. Clover explained their goal of
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hiring one full-time person as a Supervisor to help with the venture. They said that the café would
provide a sense of responsibility and business learning environment to produce art and an outlet
for student expression. Prong, a local graffiti artist, talked about the importance of art exhibitions
and professional installations for youth. Groveman said that there were many local contributors
and supporters, and that he had been involved with the Grove since he was 8 years old. He said
that their idea was to include theatre and live stage music at the café. He said economic and
cultural development would include operating a working café and a recording studio for
community members and teens. Hanson asked about café hours. McClennahan said the hours
would be Friday and Saturday from 5-10pm and they would open at lunchtime, if successful.
Hearn asked about supervisor's role. They explained that the Supervisor would manage the 5-10
teen volunteers. Morrison asked about the daily average of students currently using the facility.
Their estimate was 30 to 40 teens, with 25-30 after school and more with parenting classes, it
varies. Morrison asked if they expected a greater draw. Carsen said that with the multipurpose
use they estimated at least 20 extra students a day. McClennahan said it would be a community
draw. Williams confirmed that the draw was to the cultural exhibits. Hearn asked if they didn’t get
the full $12,757, would a lower amount still help. McClennahan said yes.
Hanson suggested 10-minute break.
Nuwandart Gallery $ 7,500
Johan Ziems, Board Member began the presentation stating that the gallery had started 2 1/2
years ago. He said they used last years grant for an awning and an overhead. He described their
goal of providing an outlet for artists and to provide support for art in the community. Ziems
described their current projects including Shakespeare actors doing private shows, a haunted
house and shows in conjunction with the Grove and Artattack. He also mentioned the Walker
elementary art auction, showing kids artwork and Sunday morning painting classes. He said that
for most productions, most of the proceeds go to another charity to support the community and
that they change shows twice a month.
Sneider Museum of Art $ 5,000
Mary Gardiner presented stating that half of their funding was raised through private sources. She
said they opened in 1986 and provide a venue for the visual arts. Their proposal was to bring
greater visibility to the community through a lecture series and they were looking at fall, winter
and spring programs. Their program gives the community an opportunity to interact with local
artists through workshops. Gardiner explained that they bring in artists and also build on the
foundation of existing community resources. She said that even with a limited staff, increased
awareness and interest in the museum generate business for the community.
Rogue Opera $ 6,000
Lenore Leines, President and Patricia Morris, Grant Writer began the presentation explaining the
Opera's mission, programs and goals after 25 years in operation. Morris talked about the
Children’s Opera with the Beatles song theme. Hearn asked about Ashland attendance. Morris
said SOU buses in over 10,000 school children throughout Southern Oregon. Leines said about
2,500 – 3,000 students in Ashland.
Lomakatsi $ 5,900
Michael O’Rourke, Founder, Mark Obey, Co-Founder and Gary Shrow, Sponsor began the
presentation quoting John Muir, stating their mission of regenerating and rehabilitating
watersheds within the greater Klamath/Siskiyou Bioregion of Southwestern Oregon and working
toward the creation of a multi-cultural restoration workforce, through training programs and
community outreach. O'Rourke defined the Hopi word, Lomakatsi, meaning, "Life in Balance". He
explained that they were primarily an environmental organization looking to provide a series of
workshops educating the community. Obey said they received national grants, and were
requesting funding for administration and for a consultant to help with a 5-year strategic plan.
Obey explained that their goal was for workforce training plans, riparian area repair, a hosted
ecological symposium and to bring the land back to it's natural state. Williams asked about
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seasonal jobs. O'Rourke confirmed that their season was November through June. Morrison
asked about the theatre arts presentation. O'Rourke said that the target audience was the
general public with a goal of educating people about nature, indigenous people and
environmental awareness. Shrow said that the healthy restoration of the environment equals
tourism and business growth. Tuneberg asked how their work related with the fuels reduction
grant work of the City. O'Rourke said they work on private land, that borders public land, that the
City doesn’t work on, mainly low to moderate intensity prone landscape.
St. Clair Productions $ 7,000
Ariel St. Clair, President began the presentation noting their 7-year track record of bringing in
music from all over the world, including the Rogue Valley Blues Festival. She said that concerts
take place at the Unitarian Center. She stated that ticket prices were kept under $20. Williams
asked about total income and expenses, referring to the $20,000 difference between expenses
and revenue. St. Clair said those were estimated projections that would roll over to the next
year's funding, if earned.
Horizon Institute $ 5,500
Richard Moeschl, Executive Director, began by talking about the 40 brown bag lunches and
lectures, saying that they appear on RVTV and Jeff Golden’s radio show. He explained their goal
of cultivating culture. Moeschl said that after the tragic event on September 11th they hosted an
evening event that attracted over 600 people with 40 performers and ended up turning away 20,
poets, composers, singers, and photographers. He explained that they were seeking funding for a
symposium and looking to engage more of the student population.
So. OR. Economic Development Coalition - Emigrant Lake Powwow $ 5,000
Kristy Offineer, Board Member of the Native American Leadership Institute presented saying that
they were sponsored by the Southern Oregon Economic Development Coalition for their Powwow
at Emigrant Lake. She said it was a city supported Native American community event and the
only event at Emigrant Lake in July. Offineer gave details of the event stating that there would be
drummers, dancers, a Dinae rug weaver, a canoe builder, and canoe races. She noted that next
year the site fee would go up, but that this year it was $750 for 2 days. Hearn asked if it was
offered statewide. Offineer said yes, that the Powwow drew people from all of the Pacific
Northwest. Hearn asked about percentage of Ashland participants. Offineer said that she wasn't
sure about attendees because the event hadn't occurred yet, but that Ashland had a large
percentage of participants. Hearn clarified regional versus local participation. Morrison asked
about last year's grant award. Offineer reiterated that because the event hadn't occurred yet she
didn't know.
SOWAC $ 7,500
Helen Wallace, Executive Director and Kimberly Martinez began the presentation discussing the
organization's history. Wallace stated that their focus was to provide technical assistance and
financial advice for women and men in pursuit of entrepreneurship. She said that of their 36
clients, half were from Ashland. She said they worked 17 to 46 hours with each client, and had
loaned 5 businesses up to $25,000. She explained their goal of going to one on one counseling.
Wallace stated that they were multiply funded and that half of their funding needed to be matched
locally. Morrison asked for clarification of the percentage of Ashland clients. Martinez confirmed
that half were Ashland residents, and that 9 had graduated the program, including a local
photographer, coffee shop owner, flower shop owner, day spa owner, and more. Hearn asked
about the women's focus. Wallace said that they helped any small business and that 25% of their
clients are men. Hearns asked about qualifications. Martinez gave a description of the cost and
scholarship program fees. Olsen asked if clients were required to have a written business plan
before loaning money. Wallace said yes, and that they helped clients to develop business plans.
Public Input
Silbiger opened the meeting for public input. There was none.
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Discussion
Hearn suggested proposing allocations at tomorrow's meeting. Silbiger proposed recommending
a higher allocation of funds to smaller groups, proposing two sets of allocation numbers to the
Full Budget Committee. Silbiger stated that OSF (Oregon Shakespeare Festival) is already self
sufficient and the Chamber doesn’t have a history of supporting other groups. The Committee
discussed the options of proposing two sets of numbers. Tuneberg said Resolution 2000-25
stated that 1/3 is still in the General Fund and not mutually exclusive, providing an additional
resource for funding.
Adjournment
Morrison motioned to continue the meeting tomorrow at 4:00pm, March 14, 2002. Hearn
seconded. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed. Meeting ended at 10:20pm.
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