HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-06 Budget Committee Minutes
ECON & CULT DEVELOPMENT GRANT MEETING
APRIL 06, 2006- PAGE 1 OF 5
Economic and Cultural Development
Draft Minutes
April 6, 2006 7pm
Civic Center, Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street
This meeting is a continuation of the meeting from April 5, 2006.
CALL TO ORDER
The Citizen’s Budget Subcommittee meeting for Economic and Cultural Grants was
called to order at 7:05 pm on April 6, 2006, in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175
E. Main Street Ashland, Oregon.
ROLL CALL
Councilor Jackson, Silbiger were present. Budget Committee members Stebbins,
Mackris, Thompson, and Everson were present.
STAFF PRESENT: LEE TUNEBERG, FINANCE DIRECTOR
BRYN MORRISON, ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE
VERONICA WARD, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
PUBLIC INPUT
None
Lee Tuneberg, Administrative Services/Finance Director spoke to an email that was
sent to him regarding conflicts of interest and that a member of the Committee resides
on an grant applicant organizations board. Mr. Tuneberg added that he invited this
individual to speak at the meeting to voice his concern. Lynn Thompson, Budget
Committee member stated that she was a member of the board of Second Street
Musicians and she abstained from the allocation for that applicant. The Committee
determined that was appropriate.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
The Committee Members each submitted their proposed allocations for the grant
funding. See attached.
The Committee discussed why some members did not grant all of the available funds.
Some members felt that this process was a work in progress and would revise their
figures throughout the night. Some members were new at the process and this was a
starting point to allocate and they could adjust throughout the night.
ECON & CULT DEVELOPMENT GRANT MEETING
APRIL 06, 2006- PAGE 2 OF 5
The Committee discussed that they will use Resolution 2004-32 that is in place to
allocate the funding. There was concern mentioned that there is not guidance and
criteria on how to allocate the funding.It was mentioned that in the next year, the
Resolution may need to be changed to offer more guidance.
The Committee spoke to the portion each organization would dedicate towards tourism.
The amount required from the smaller grantees is $19,311. The Committee discussed
section 3 of Resolution 2004-32. See attached funding worksheet. They spoke to the
need to assure that the tourism amount per the state statute is accomplished.
ALLOCATIONS
In much of the Committee discussion, it was mentioned that it is unclear if the direction
is to fund one time, start up costs, or one time performances or ongoing expenses. It
was determined that Council needs to give more direction on the allocation of these
funds.
Community Works: Everson, Silbiger, Jackson, and Stebbins felt that the proposal for
Community Works did not fit the requirements for economic development and was more
of a social service grant. Mackris and Thompson felt it was an arguable point in regards
to the assistance to local businesses. Everson added that all of this funding is business
support although this organization is funding belongs in the social service grant process.
Nuwandart: Thompson thought the proposal was confusing as to what they were doing
now and how it fell into the requirements. The financial information was not clear as to
the non profit and the Nuwandart entity. Jackson agreed that the financial information
was confusing. Silbiger said that they have a history of applying for the 501c3 and
applying for grants. The NAAPA is Nuwandart. The Committee requested that staff look
further into the tax status of the 501 c3 certification. Thompson made the point that they
would like to make sure the applicant is the same entity. Everson stated that many
applicants are fiscally sponsored by someone else, legitimately. Mackris added that
they are doing programs with children and exposing them to non traditional art forms.
Jackson added that they reach people in their 20-30’s.
Multi Cultural Association: Jackson was uncomfortable by the relation between the
radio station and the Multi Cultural Association. She was not comfortable with the City
sponsoring their journalistic quality. Mackris thought it was a good option for an
alternative radio station that may give a voice to some of the population that hasn’t been
heard in this community. Silbiger would like to grant once as a start for them. The
Committee discussed to award for start up funding, and does not want to see this as an
ongoing funding source. Everson suggested funding at full request with the note that it
is for start up costs only.
Jefferson Center for Religion: The Committee determined that they did not want to
provide funding for religious organizations.
Second Street Musicians: Everson proposed $0, but stated they should put on
concerts that raise money for themselves.
ECON & CULT DEVELOPMENT GRANT MEETING
APRIL 06, 2006- PAGE 3 OF 5
Dancing People Company: The Committee questioned the tax status. Jackson
expressed concern that this previously was a for profit business and now is non profit
requesting funding from the City. Bryn Morrison clarified that they have applied for the
501 c3 status but have not received confirmation as of this meeting. Everson did clarify
that the IRS does not send out those letters of intent to receive the tax status and not
grant it.
Peace House: The Committee felt it was not an appropriate request for funding.
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Art Now!: Stebbins felt it was more of a Chamber 4 of July event rather than a City
funded event. Jackson stated that the Art Now artists wished to get paid and that didn’t
fit the requirements.
Children’s Musical Theater: Everson and Silbiger proposed $0; they felt it was one
family’s work and they asked for too much funding. Mackris proposed $2,500 because
they work with kids. Jackson said that it has been a private business and they are now
requesting City support and the theater charges a fee. Silbiger would like to see this
organization come back in their next request with accomplishments from this year.
Chautauqua Poets and Writers: Mackris wanted to support it. Felt they really worked
with the schools. Thompson felt it was a cultural event and it was good as a seed grant.
Everson commented that it is the only literary art form request.
Southern Oregon Reparatory Singers: Stebbins felt the application was poorly
written, but they do a lot for the community. Thompson questioned if they really needed
the money, they have a following and a ticket price. She felt that they deserved seed
funding.
Arts Council: Jackson stated this is a beginning project; she is interest in the visual
arts support in the community. This is something that could become an annual event.
Thompson proposed $2,500 as a one time event. Everson said it does reach a Council
goal of expanding the off season or winter season.
St. Clair Productions: The Committee questioned if the applicants know the amount
available for granting when they submit their applications. Staff responded they do.
Silbiger stated that this is one applicant that does an outstanding job and would support
it again.
Lithia Arts Guild: Everson stated she felt that they represent a broad cross section of
the community. Jackson would like to see how they balance what they charge and how
they raise money other than City funding.
Youth Symphony: The Committee consensus was used.
Konway Nika Tillicum: Jackson believes there is great value in the Native American
Culture. Everson felt it is more ethnically cultural than any other proposal.
Oregon Stage Works: Stebbins did not feel that they needed the money from looking
at their financial statement but was supportive of the Stage Works program. Thompson
ECON & CULT DEVELOPMENT GRANT MEETING
APRIL 06, 2006- PAGE 4 OF 5
stated that their budget did not relate to the children’s theater, but stated that the City
gives a large amount to the OSF and it would seem reasonable to give to them.
Stebbins added that the children pay to take these classes. It was unclear what the
funding would go towards.
Siskiyou Singers: TheCommittee looked at the local culture experience and liked the
low ticket price.
Ballet Rogue: The Committee commented that it is free and open to the public.
SOWAC:There was concern to the direction of the agency. Everson spoke on their
behalf and the struggles they are currently going through and they do not intend to
change their direction while they rebuild their board.
Thrive: Silbiger stated that they provide more pure economic development within the
community. The Committee thought they should be encouraged to keep helping small
businesses. Thompson questioned that they serve a niche of food based businesses.
She questioned the local business publicity and how that reflects on the City. Silbiger
replied that they encourage increasing the local economy.
The Committee took a break at 8:43 PM, returned at 8:50 PM.
Ashland Independent Film Festival: Thompson felt that this is a fabulous venue but
they are successful and the City shouldn’t fund employee’s salary and benefits.
Everson stated that their request meets the criteria of the grant. Stebbins voiced that
some of the events are free to the community. Silbiger voiced that their financing
should be looked at, the more successful they are the more grant money they will
require to run their organization. The Committee suggested that this organization not
make comments like they will go away if they do not receive funding from the City.
Jackson added they should become more self supportive and less reliant on grant
funds. There is a lot of off season tourism brought in which is also a Council goal.
Rogue Valley Symphony: The Committee discussed that they are a perennial
recipient. Thompson thought that this type of grant is designed to provide a foundation
for these core activities that are cultural in nature. Jackson added that the City
continues to grant them funding, while leaning towards not providing funding to the
previous for profit organizations. Everson added that she is as supportive of the
Symphony as she is of Nuwandart, supporting a variety of cultural events is important.
Ashland Gallery Association: Everson thinks this organization fulfills all of the criteria
of the grant. Silbiger agreed.
ScienceWorks: The Committee went with the average. Jackson hesitated because the
City has given them marketing and development funding for years. She is not as
confident that it is either economic development or cultural as it is assuring that the City
has more science and education opportunities. Stebbins sees that it is very strong in
tourism.
Rogue Opera: Stebbins pointed out more of their focus is education in the schools.
ECON & CULT DEVELOPMENT GRANT MEETING
APRIL 06, 2006- PAGE 5 OF 5
Everson thought that teaching children about opera is cultural where they may not
receive this education without this organization.
The Committee discussed if they needed to allocate all of the monies available.
Everson stated that it is incumbent on the City to invest these funds in economic,
cultural, and tourism related businesses and to carry it forward is inappropriate. Jackson
agreed.
Everson/Mackris ms to approve the allocations as stated. All Ayes.
Mr. Tuneberg reminded the Committee to offer any suggestions to the application,
resolution, and process.
ADJOURNMENT
Stebbins/Thompson ms to adjourn. All Ayes.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bryn Morrison
Account Representative
City of Ashland
FY 2006-07 Economic and Cultural Development Grant Applicants
Listed in the Order of Presentation
ProposedTourism Allocated to
Organization RequestedKateKathleenLynnRobertaDee AnneRussAverageAmountAmountPercentageTourism
Ashland Independent Film Festival30,000$ 15,000$ 10,000$ 15,000$ 20,000$ 20,000$ 15,000$ 15,833$ 16,000$ 20,000$ 0.6710,667
Rogue Valley Symphony14,750 7,000 10,000 7,500 8,000 7,000 8,000 7,917 8,000 1,622 0.11880
Nuwandart5,500 5,000 3,000 - - 3,000 2,000 2,167 1,500 1,100 0.20300
Ashland Gallery Association33,200 15,000 10,000 12,000 10,000 16,200 15,000 13,033 16,000 19,400 0.589,349
Community Works10,000 8,000 10,000 5,000 - - - 3,833 2,500 - 0.00-
St. Clair Productions6,000 3,500 5,000 2,500 3,000 3,000 6,000 3,833 4,000 2,400 0.401,600
Arts Council12,500 8,000 7,500 2,500 1,500 5,000 5,000 4,917 5,000 7,500 0.603,000
Multi Cultural Association10,000 - 5,000 5,000 - 3,000 10,000 3,833 10,000 - 0.00-
The Jefferson Center for Religion10,000 - 1,000 2,500 - - - 583 -
7,000 0.70-
Lithia Arts Guild15,431 5,000 5,000 5,000 7,000 7,005 10,000 6,501 9,000 3,086 0.201,800
Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon5,500 5,000 5,000 5,500 5,000 5,000 5,500 5,167 5,000 - 0.00-
Second Street Musicians3,250 3,250 1,000 \[ABSTAIN\]- - - 850 - 2,000 0.62-
Dancing People Company7,000 2,500 - 2,500 - 3,000 - 1,333 - 700 0.10-
ScienceWorks20,303 12,000 15,000 15,000 20,000 20,000 15,000 16,167 16,000 5,076 0.254,000
Konaway Nika Tillicum5,000 2,500 3,500 2,500 3,000 3,000 5,000 3,250 5,000 2,500 0.502,500
Chautauqua Poets & Writers Board5,000 2,500 2,500 2,500 1,000 3,000 2,000 2,250 5,000 - 0.00-
SOWAC8,000 5,000 2,500 8,000 5,000 8,000 8,000 6,083 8,000 - 0.00-
Thrive11,000 11,000 7,500 5,000 5,000 10,000 11,000 8,250 11,000 1,100 0.101,100
Children's Musical Theatre of Ashland25,000 10,000 2,500 2,500 5,000 5,000 - 4,167 - 625
0.03-
ArtNow1,500 1,000 1,500 1,500 - 1,500 1,500 1,167 1,205 300 0.20241
Rogue Opera12,000 5,000 10,000 7,500 5,000 8,000 7,000 7,083 7,000 - 0.00-
S. Oregon Repertory Singers7,500 5,000 2,500 2,500 5,000 3,000 - 3,000 2,500 4,100 0.551,367
Peace House9,766 - 2,500 - - - - 417 - - 0.00-
Oregon Stage Works51,000 10,000 15,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 9,167 5,000 20,400 0.402,000
Siskiyou Singers7,000 5,000 6,000 3,500 7,000 3,000 6,000 5,083 5,000 300 0.04214
Ballet Rogue10,000 6,000 5,205 5,000 5,000 7,500 7,000 5,951 6,000 5,000 0.503,000
$ 152,250336,200$ 148,705$ 125,500$ 120,500$ 154,205$ 149,000$ 141,835$ 148,705$ 98,909$ 38,804
Amount Available148,705$ 3,545$$-
5/1/2006
City of Ashland
Economic and Cultural Grant Allocation
FY 2006-07 Proposed
2007
Proposed
Tourism
Hotel/Motel Tax Revenue (5% growth)1,514,100$
Per Resolution 2004-3214.23%
Minimum amount needed for Tourism215,456$$215,456
1/3 of the proposed revenue504,650$
Additional Carryover from Prior Year5,000
Total amount budgeted509,650$
Amount Allocated:
Per Resolution 2004-32 (3% inflation)
Chamber to promote tourism 82,845$$82,845
Chamber for economic development164,800
OSF to promote tourism113,300113,300
$360,945$196,145
Other Grants148,705$$19,311
$215,456