HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-05 Budget Committee Minutes
Economic and Cultural Development Grant Presentations
Minutes
March 5, 2003, 7:00pm
Civic Center, Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street
CALL TO ORDER
Lee Tuneberg Finance Director called the meeting to order at 7:09pm. He then turned the meeting over to the Committee
for the election of the Chairperson.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee members Chris Hearn, Kate Jackson, Jim Moore, Russ Silbiger, Regina Stepahin and Alex
Amarotico
Absent: Cate Hartzell, John Morrison and Dave Williams
Staff: Finance Director Lee Tuneberg and Administrative Assistant Kirsten Bakke
ELECTION OF A CHAIR
Committee members Stepahin/Hearn m/s to nominate Silbiger for Chairperson. Voice Vote: ALL AYES.
STAFF REPORT
Tuneberg began by saying that there were $52,428 in funds available for distribution. He explained that the original
estimate was about $50,000 from the Transient Occupancy Tax (Hotel/Motel Tax). He pointed out that there were 19
applicants requesting $139,370.
He noted a correction in the materials that were sent to the Committee, saying that the Klamath Bird Observatory did have
a current 501c status and their advance-ruling letter was good through 2004.
Silbiger asked about the amounts for the other recipients. Tuneberg reported that the Chamber of Commerce would
receive $262,140 and Oregon Shakespeare Festival would receive $122,332, saying the three totaled $436,900. He
informed that the City was projecting 1.3 million in Transient Occupancy Tax revenue.
PUBLIC INPUT
Silbiger changed the order of the agenda and opened the meeting for public comment. There being none, the public
portion was closed.
PRESENTATIONS:In order of receipt of application.
GRANT APPLICANT REQUESTED FUNDING
Siskiyou Singers $ 6,000
Alison Elliot, Board President began the presentation saying that they have been providing choral music to
Ashland for 21 years. She talked about their history, growth and new goals. Stepahin asked about website
referrals. Elliott replied that there were links from Ashland businesses. Stepahin asked if they were charging fees
for educational outreach. Elliott explained that the program was still in development. Moore asked about revenue
projections. Saint Germain, Treasurer said that they were conservative in their estimates. Moore noted that
expenditures were up by $6,000. Saint Germain clarified that the Spring concert this year was an opera and
would cost more.
Planned Parenthood - Teen Theater Program $ 5,000
Maggie Sullivan, Education Program Coordinator, Cil Stengel, Artistic Director and Alex Groveman, Teen Theatre
Actor presented. Sullivan explained that the goal is to promote healthy sexuality using teen theater, reaching
5,000 people a year. Stengel talked about the history of the theater. Groveman talked about benefits of the
program. Jackson confirmed the benefits of the program. Hearn asked about the subsidization cost. Ms. Sullivan
said it was for the salary of the person who works directly with the teens. Silbiger was concerned whether or not
this program truly met the Economic and Cultural Development grant criteria or if it was more suited for the Social
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Services grant. Sullivan responded that they were applying for both grants with different programs. Stepahin
asked about outcomes. Sullivan said yes, they rely on research regarding age and peer influence.
Artattack $ 6,175
Nicole Isaacson-Hill, Vice President began the presentation talking about the opening of their new theatre in the
old Cantwell's building. She gave an overview of their organization. She said they were asking for funding for rent
this year. Stepahin asked about outreach and long-term broad-based support and if they were charging fees. Hill
said no that they weren't charging fees for their outreach program.
Siskiyou Institute $ 8,000
Carolyn Federico, Secretary/Treasurer and Ed Dunsavage, Director discussed the history of the organization. She
said they were working to develop community evolvement by offering concerts and master classes with world
class musicians and events in the off season. Hearn asked about expenses per event and the rental facility.
Federico replied that expenses were for paid staff, and that the rental facility was the Siskiyou Barn, which is
owned by the President and Vice-President. Jackson asked about other fees. Federico responded that frequently
their concert attendees' overlap with the master class students. Jackson asked about student demographics.
Federico said majority of students were from Ashland and they are networking with others in the Rogue Valley.
Southern Oregon Film Society $ 5,000
Ron Hulteen, Board President began by thanking the Committee for the past year’s support. He talked about the
cultural benefits of the film festival and the support from local restaurants and businesses. Jackson asked if the
funds requested were for promotional materials. Hulteen said yes, and that they were also requesting funding for
guest filmmakers. Silbiger asked about the changes in the Board. Hulteen explained that there were some
personal problems between the Founder and the Board. He discussed the changes in scheduling from October to
April. Stepahin questioned how last year's $3,000 grant was spent. Hulteen responded that the grant received last
year would be spent on the Film Festival set this year in April. Stepahin clarified that this year's request for
funding was for the next film festival in 2004. Jackson asked about goals, demographics and the draw from
outside of Ashland. Hulteen responded that as they grow they expect to draw from greater areas.
Arts Council of Southern Oregon $ 4,000
Lyn Godsey, Executive Director began by thanking the Committee. She talked about their goals with the
residency programs. She explained that last year's goals were to provide residencies at three schools, but
unfortunately they were only able to provide one. So they have approximately $1,981 in restricted funds to return
to the City from last year's grant. She commented that the Proposed State Budget totally eliminates funding for
the Oregon Arts Commission until 2005, which significantly impacts the Arts Council. Jackson asked about the
length of programs in schools. Godsey explained that most residencies are two weeks. She said that the artist
works in the school for no more than 20 hours a week and they offer free family art nights. Stepahin asked if there
was a contingency attached to matching funds from the Ashland School's Foundation. Godsey said that there
was no contingency. Stepahin clarified that if they didn't receive the full grant requested from the City, the funds
from the Ashland School's Foundation were still available. Jackson asked about fundraising. Godsey confirmed
that it is contingent on the school.
SO Economic Development Coalition $ 5,850
Wendi Siporen and Shareen Fiol, Board Member began by talking about their Livable Jobs Toolkit Workshop
series. She gave a background of the organization and said that they are no longer a coalition of separate non-
profit organizations. She talked about the benefits the Toolkit would have for small businesses. Silbiger asked
about the cost per toolkit. Siporen said budget was broken down into three parts and the Toolkit was originally
written by Vermont Business for Social Responsibility Education Research and specifically written for Vermont
businesses, so it will take some time to make it Oregon specific. Stepahin asked if they considered partnering with
other organizations as co-sponsors. Siporen responded saying that their intention was to utilize those resources,
but due to the uniqueness of the program it is not something other local organizations have done in the past.
Moore asked about the Vermont choice. Siporen said that Vermont was unique in their approach to this program,
so it was a good model to follow.
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Nuwandart$ 2,500
No show at 8:17pm.
Ashland Community Theatre $ 8,495
Larry Ziegelmeyer, President and Barbara Jackson, Board Member presented and thanked the Committee for
their support. He stated that this year they were requesting funding for chairs, set maintenance, tools to build the
sets and a removable panel to separate concession area. Kate Jackson asked about ticket costs. Barbara
Jackson answered that the highest priced ticket was $14.
Rogue Opera $ 7,000
Lorrie Hall, Co-President and Dr. David McKenzie, Artistic Director presented and talked about their history and
the Opera in the Schools program. Hall talked about providing comp tickets to students. Jackson asked for
clarification on the number of performances in Ashland. Hall said that last year they did 12 performances in
Ashland.
SOWAC $ 7,500
Kimberly Ward, Program Manager and Helen Wallace, Executive Director presented and spoke about the
organization’s history and their current programs for small businesses. She said the course was 13 weeks and
counseling in financial literacy and management followed the life of the business. She stated that $87,919 have
been loaned to eight small businesses in Ashland. Moore asked about staff. Ward said that there were eight staff
and one contractual person. Jackson asked about support from the banks. Wallace explained they only give loans
to people who are not bankable. She said they give small loans between $500 and $25,000. Hearn asked how
many people had been served this year through their seminars and one on one. Ward stated that 42 businesses
were served in Ashland this year.
Rogue Valley Symphony $ 9,600
Francis Van Ausdal, Executive Director and Julia Lester, Board President began by thanking the City of Ashland
for supporting the Symphony over the years. He talked about their concert series and programs. Lester
emphasized the ways the Symphony was meeting the goals of the resolution pertaining to the grant. She stated
that six of the featured soloists are Ashland residents. Jackson asked about other government funding sources.
Van Ausdal said that they were hoping for a National Endowment for the Arts grant. He said that they had strong
foundational support. Hearn asked for clarification on demographics.
Youth Symphony of SO OR $ 4,000
John Richards, Board Member and Musicians' Dylan Lineberger and Sarah Cochren presented. Richards talked
about performances saying they were the only venue offering full symphonic opportunities for youngsters.
Lineberger and Cochren spoke about their experiences in the Symphony. Richards stated that they train and
support 187 young musicians in the valley and produce eight concerts a year, and three of those are in Ashland
during the off season.
Science Works Hands-On Museum $ 20,000
Sharon Javna, Executive Director presented saying that they have exceeded their projections and membership
goals. She talked about the strong relationships with the community and broad-base support. She talked about
the museum and their programs and said they were asking for under 4% of their full budget for 2003. She thanked
the Committee for past support. Hearn asked about the percentage of patrons who are Ashland residents. Javna
said about 50% are from Ashland. Hearn asked how many school children would attend the museum. Javna said
they estimate about 5,000 students in 2003. Jackson asked about the target of their marketing program. Javna
said that their primary focus is regional.
Walk In Peace $ 5,000
Steve Traisman, Founder and Executive Director presented, saying that they produce the Ashland Country Fair
and World Peace and Prayer Day. He talked about the events saying they were successful even without
marketing. He noted that the Ashland Country Fair brought 4,000 people to Ashland. Jackson asked about
financing and the Wellsprings location. Traisman said that this year's event might be at Emigrant Lake. Jackson
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asked about previous funding. Hearn asked about attendance at the Ashland Country Fair. Traisman said that
4,000 people attended last year's event. Hearn asked about their profit and loss statement. Moore asked about
the Program Budget. Jackson asked about ticket prices. Traisman said that they charged $10 a day and $25 for
the weekend.
Ashland Gallery Association $ 6,750
Judy Howard, President began the presentation talking about the history of the organization and their events,
including the First Friday Art Walk and the Taste of Ashland. She said that they were asking for funding for
marketing and that last year's funds were used to develop the Gallery Guide. Jackson asked about partnership
with the Chamber. Howard said that the Chamber was very supportive.
Klamath Bird Observatory $ 10,000
Ben Wieland, Program Leader presented and talked about economic figures in relation to bird watching activities.
He talked about the outreach and education programs. He said they were working with local bed & breakfasts to
put together ecotourism packages for bird watching. Hearn asked about paid staff. Wieland said they had four
fulltime staff. Hearn confirmed that they all were Ashland residents. Jackson asked if birding was seasonal.
Wieland said it was essentially any season and especially spring and fall during migration. Also, during winter in
the Klamath basin. Jackson asked about birding tour packages. Wieland responded that they would offer day
birding tours and a full 2-3 day to a weeklong package. Stepahin said that she would have preferred to see more
of a specific project or plan. Moore noticed two budgets, a budget and a forecast. Wieland explained the forecast
was the current operating budget. Stepahin asked about local grantors. Wieland replied that they received funding
from the US Forest Service, Medford BLM, PacificCorp and funding from memberships and private donors.
St. Clair Productions $ 3,500
Ariella St. Clair, Founder, President and Concert Producer began the presentation talking about the history of the
organization. She said that the grant request would fund the Rogue Valley Blues Festival, increase awareness of
event and increase the number of venues for workshops. Stepahin asked about the numbers of booked hotel
rooms doubling.
Ballet Rogue $ 15,000
Glen Hill, Board President began by thanking the City for 18 years of support. He talked about the goal of six full
performances of Ballet in the Park. He detailed an economic study that stated that 700-800 people attended each
performance. He said that the budget was $30,000 for the full 6 performances and talked about becoming self-
sufficient. Hearn asked about last year's missed deadline. Moore asked about $1,500 in bank charges. Hill
explained that the $1,500 was the cost for processing credit cards. Jackson asked about fees for guest dancers.
Hill said it was important to have a professional show with a mixture of talent.
DISCUSSION
The Committee discussed the allocation process in previous years.
ALLOCATIONS
The Committee agreed to decide on proposed allocations. Tuneberg suggested that each committee member write down
their proposed allocations and pass them forward to be put into an Excel spreadsheet to get an average number and
make a decision from that average.
The Committee discussed recommendations and agreed on the following proposed allocations for the Economic and
Cultural Development grants for fiscal year 2003-04.
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FY 03-04 Economic and Cultural Development Grant
Subcommittee Proposals
Proposed
Grant Applicant2003-04
Artattack$ 2,500
Arts Council of Southern Oregon 3,500
Ashland Community Theatre 4,000
Ashland Gallery Association 2,500
Ballet Rogue 4,500
Klamath Bird Observatory -
Nuwandart Gallery -
Planned Parenthood - Teen Theater Program 1,500
Rogue Opera 3,000
Rogue Valley Symphony 4,000
Science Works - Hands on Museum 7,500
Siskiyou Institute -
Siskiyou Singers 2,000
So OR Econonomic Development Coalition 3,714
Southern Oregon Film Society 3,000
SOWAC 5,714
St. Clair Productions 2,000
Walk In Peace -
Youth Symphony of Oregon 3,000
Total Proposed Allocations$ 52,428
The Committee discussed issues with the current allocations of the anticipated Hotel/Motel tax monies. (Per Resolution
2000-25, sixty percent (60%) of thirty-three and one third percent (33.3%) is allocated to the Ashland Chamber of
Commerce; twenty-eight (28%) is allocated to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival; and twelve percent (12%) is granted to
local organizations which promote Economic and Cultural Development).
Silbiger/Moore m/s to recommend consideration of the reallocation of the thirty-three and one third percent
(33.3%) of the Economic and Cultural Development grant. Voice vote: Motion passed 4 to 2. Amarotico and Hearn
opposed.
Tuneberg talked about changes with the application process. It was agreed that the meeting should not be televised.
Tuneberg said as part of the application redesign, a form would be created for applicants to report on previous year's
spending. The Committee suggested changes for next year's grant process.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 11:27pm.
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