Minutes Arts Commission 1 8 08MINUTES
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, January 8, 2008, 4:00 p.m.
Board Room, Carnegie Stout Public Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
Meeting was called to order at 4:08 p.m. following staff assurance of
compliance with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Amy Weber, Ellen Henkels, Paul Kohl, Paul Hemmer,
Louise Kames, Sue Riedel, Geri Shafer.
Staff Present: Jerelyn O'Connor. Liz Willems
Approval of Minutes of November 13, 2007.
Motion by Henkels to approve minutes, second by Kames. Motion passed 7-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
FY2009 Budget Request:
As a follow-up to the November meeting, O'Connor reviewed the budget
proposal process. The budget narrative and requested improvement level
package were reviewed. There was an improvement package requested for a
part-time (20 hour/week) Arts and Cultural Affairs Coordinator as either an
employee or contracted position. Shafer stated that the request for additional
staff is an attempt to help grow the Arts program and is needed because of the
growth in the city's arts initiatives. Henkels discussed the importance of sharing
information on the economic impact that the arts grants provide to the community
to build the case for increasing funding. O'Connor provided clarification that the
budget request was submitted to the City Manager. The City Manager's
recommended budget will be presented to City Council later this month.
Motion to support the Arts budget including the improvement level request
proposal by Hemmer, second by Riedel. Motion approved unanimously.
Iowa Arts Council Grant Writing Workshop:
The Commission's preference is to hold the Dubuque grant writing workshop in
February. The Iowa Arts Council staff will conduct a three hour workshop and
there will be an opportunity for individual meetings with DCA staff after the
workshop. Commissioners suggested having an informal networking reception
after the workshop and to have information available at the workshop on other
funding resources such as Mediacom Cultural Grant, Community Foundation
grant, DRA grant, as well as the City's grant programs.
Progress Report on Commission Goals/Priorities:
Commission Priorities were discussed. Item #2 is "Compile Arts & Economic
Prosperity information. Share with the community and non-profit organizations
through a press release. Make recommendation to editorial board regarding arts
impact." Weber suggested changing completion date from January 31St to
February 29tH
Top Priority item #4 is "Prepare the case for why arts are important to economic
development and to quality of life in Dubuque. Complete the first request for an
increase in funding the Commission's annual budget." There was discussion on
whether the January 31 deadline was feasible. There was consensus that the
Commission needs to support the current Budget request. The consensus of the
commission is to work on this priority to prepare for a request for increased
funding for FY 2010. Geri Shafer, Amy Weber and Paul Hemmer will form a
subcommittee to work on this priority.
Motion by Kames to approve these changes in the Commission priorities.
Second by Hemmer. Motion approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Review FY2009 Grant Schedule:
Commission was in general agreement with the proposed grant schedule.
Commission will review grant programs at February commission meeting,
advertise in March, Operating Support requests due mid April, Special Projects
due mid-May.
The commission discussed incorporating a point system for the rating criteria of
the operating support funding program. This matter will be discussed further at
February Commission meeting. Commission directed staff to provide
commission copies of last year's funding requests from Four Mounds and the
Colts.
INFORMATION SHARING:
Cultural Advocacy Days are scheduled in Des Moines on February 18tH & 19cn.
America for the Arts Conference in Philadelphia on June 18, 19 & 20tH. O'Connor
noted that registration fees are lowest for early-bird registrations. Louise Kames
might be interested in attending.
Next Meeting will be February 26, 2008.
Motion to adjourn by Hemmer, second by Riedel. Approved 7-0
Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Liz Willems
These minutes passed and approved on February 26, 2008.
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Paul Kohl, Secretary