Minutes Arts Commission 4 24 07MINUTES
ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 3:30 p.m.
Board Room, Carnegie Stout Public Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
Meeting was called to order at 3:37 p.m. following staff assurance of
compliance with the Iowa Open Meeting Law.
Commissioners present: Sue Riedel, Ellen Henkels, Louise Kames, Amy Weber,
Mark Wahlert, Geri Shafer
Absent: Paul Kohl
Staff Present: Jerelyn O'Connor, Liz Willems
Approval of Minutes of March 27, 2007
Motion by Henkels to approve. Second by Wahlert. Motion passed 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Report on Cultural and Entertainment District Research.
Dan Lobianco, Executive Director, Dubuque Main Street.
Dan distributed a report summarizing the data collected from various retail
establishments in the Cultural and Entertainment District. They compared actual
cash register receipts from dates where there was an event or cultural offering
downtown to a similar date where there was not an event scheduled. Data was
collected on a variety of events over a number of months. Although this was not
a scientific study, there was a marked increase in the retail activity when there
was an event downtown. They collected data from restaurants and gas
stations/convenience stores. The data indicates a significant positive impact on
merchants when a special event occurs at a downtown venue. Dan mentioned
that they would like to conduct a more comprehensive study at some point in the
future. Dan also updated the Commission on the status of the Historic Tax Credit
legislation.
REVIEW APPLICATIONS FOR FY2008 OPERATING SUPPORT:
The Commission reviewed each application to determine applicant eligibility. The
Commission did not review the Dubuque Arboretum application since it is was
received after the deadline. After extensive discussion, the Commission
determined that the other 11 applicant organizations met the eligibility criteria.
However, the Commission had questions on whether the primary mission of Four
Mounds Foundation is arts and culture. The Commission reviewed the purpose
stated in Four Mounds Articles of Incorporation. Staff suggested that there are
similarities in stated purpose in the articles of incorporation for Four Mounds and
the Dubuque County Historical Society, but commission could utilize the
selection criteria to differentiate funding awards between various organizations.
Based on the maximum funding formula, funding for the 11 organizations at the
maximum level would require $292,421. Staff suggested that the commission
utilize the established rating criteria (i.e., organizations whose programs/services
benefit Dubuque residents, organizations that have demonstrated artistic
excellence and leadership, demonstrated public benefit, demonstrated
management abilities, and impact of organization on broader Dubuque
community) for determination of the amount of funding recommended for each
organization. Commission agreed to establish points rating points for the various
criteria for the next funding competition. Commissioner Shafer also suggested
that applicants address the economic impact of their organizations.
Commission expressed concerns in particular about Four Mounds Foundation
and the Colts Organization. There was discussion that a large portion of Four
Mounds Foundation activities are social service/youth education related -not
strictly an arts and culture organization. There was also a great deal of
discussion about Colts Drum and Bugle Corps and the large portion of their
operating budget and activities related to out of town travel and events. For
these reasons, the Commission discussed recommending funding for these two
organizations at a lower percentage level than the other organizations.
Commission also had some questions on the long range plans for the Dubuque
County Fine Arts Council. Mark Wahlert responded to questions about Dubuque
County Fine Arts Council.
Commission reviewed a number of various funding scenarios -- (1) funding all
organizations at 3.71 % of operating expenditures with a $50,000 maximum
award, (2) funding at $68.4% or the original funding formula, (3) establish a
$40,000 maximum, 4.85% of operating expenditures with the exception of Four
Mounds and the Colts at 2.42% of operating expenditures.
Motion by Wahlert to table recommendation of funding awards until the next
meeting. second by Shafer. All approved.
Since Commissioners Kames and Shafer will be out of town on May 22, the
Commission agreed to reschedule the next meeting:
Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m. Motion by Weber, second by
Henkels to adjourn. All approved. Meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
R pectfully submitted,
.~
Liz illems
These minutes passed, approved and adopted on May 16, 2007
Louise Kames, Secretary