HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-14 Budget Committee Minutes
Economic and Cultural Development Grant Presentation
Minutes
March 14, 2002, 4:00pm
Civic Center, Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street
ROLL CALL
Present: John Morrison, Russ Silbiger, David Williams, Chris Hearn, Ray Olsen, Cameron
Hanson, Cate Hartzell
Staff: Lee Tuneberg, Kirsten Bakke
CALL TO ORDER
Russ Silbiger called the meeting to order at 4:02pm.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Silbiger explained his recommendation at the previous meeting of providing a second set of
numbers to the Full Budget Committee, and his suggestion to recommend to council that the
allocation percentages for spending the TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) be repealed on
Resolution No. 2000-25. He explained his comments at the previous meeting, then opened the
meeting for public comment
PUBLIC INPUT
Brent Thompson /582 Allison Street/ explained that he read about this issue in the paper. He
stated that he supports the funding of small locally oriented art groups because they provide
opportunities for local talent and insure a range of affordable events.
Sandra Slattery, Executive Director of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce commented that
the Chamber was supportive of the Ashland Gallery Association and the Southern Oregon Film
Festival.
Beth Towner, Treasurer of the Friends of the Ashland Public Library said it was difficult for
small organizations to raise money and if funds could be spread wider all would benefit.
Doreen Wood, Secretary of the Southern Oregon Film Society began by saying that the
Chamber of Commerce had supported them. She stated that it takes a combination of goodwill
and it would be great if more funds could be allocated for Economic and Cultural Development
Grants.
DISCUSSION
Hearn asked about the distribution of the TOT spending. Tuneberg clarified that 1/3 of the funding
from TOT goes to the General Fund throughout the year and that it could be looked at as an
additional resource. He noted that last year they used a parking lot list to decide from a number of
things to fund. Hearn asked where the other 1/3 went. Tuneberg recalled that it becomes General
Fund revenues supporting Social Service grants and offered to bring further data to the Full
Budget Committee meeting.
The Committee discussed recommendations to repeal Resolution No. 2000-25 and change
allocation percentages at the Council level for the next year. Morrison recommended allocating
the $46,560 and only as an adjunct create an ideal alternative list, to put forth as a discussion
point.
Williams commented that the long-term plan was to wean organizations away from the grant.
Hartzell said that the biggest recipients were not given the same standard. The Committee asked
about the reporting system from OSF (Oregon Shakespeare Festival) and the Ashland Chamber
of Commerce.
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Hartzell pointed out that this was a venue in which to help the School District because it was
important to look at how these organizations served our local youth. Hearn agreed that because
of the many budget cuts for schools that was a good focus.
Hartzell proposed that the Committee recommend allocations for the available funds of
$46,560. Morrison seconded. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.
ALLOCATIONS
The Committee went over their individual recommendations for grant awards and came up with
an agreed upon average to propose to the Full Budget Committee, (see attached spreadsheet).
Hanson motioned to recommend allocations to the Full Budget Committee. Hartzell
seconded. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Williams moved to recommend that the
Full Budget Committee review Resolution No. 2000-25. Hanson seconded. Voice Vote: All
AYES. Olsen commented that it would be better to have a scheduled time for each applicant
presenting next year. Tuneberg confirmed that a schedule would be set-up next year.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm.
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