Cultural Council

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Nov 14 2023 8:47 am FITCHBURG CULTURAL COUNCIL MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 CITY HALL LEGISLATIVE BUILDING, 700 MAIN STREET 4:30 PM In attendance: Tamar Russell-Brown, Elizabeth “Liz” Murphy, A.J. Tourigny, Shara Osgood, Ellen Daoust, Catherine Healey, Audrey Pendleton-Chow Call to order: Tamar called the meeting to order at 4:32 pm Sculpture Park: Tamar met with the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority to assist with developing/creating a sculpture park. Tamar will work with the FRA and the City to coordinate next steps, involvement of other organizations, and identify a specific location. Grants: ● FY23-LCC-40965 - City of Angels - Applicants are requesting a change of production from City of Angels to The Music Man. ● Motion made by A.J. to accept change, with a second made by Shara ○ Speaking to the motion - Shara, full support of the change ○ Audrey - in full support ● All in favor: 7 ● Opposed: 0 ● FY23-LCC-35768 - Swan Hope Press 2023 Projects - Applicants are requesting an extension of the project to do the illustrations. Asking for a one-year extension. ● Motion Made by Liz to extend the deadline for another year, with a second made by Catherine. ○ Speaking to the motion: Shara - What are the parameters for extension? ○ Liz - It would be good to have the money disbursed by June of 2024. ○ Liz amended the motion to May 31, 2024 for an extension of this grant. ● All in favor: 7 ● Opposed: 0 ● FY23-LCC-46565 - First Thursday Live Painting Days ○ The council asked the applicant to provide more information for the council's next meeting. ● FY 22 Zachary Bos - Abolitionist Voices: A Community Publishing Project - Audrey reported that of the $1,500 award, he requested payment of $750.00. Unfortunately, Mr. Bos has not submitted a final report of expense report to the council. ○ Motion made by Shara that Mr. Bos return the funds, or submit a final report to the council for our October 17, 2023 meeting, with a second by Audrey.  ○ Speaking to the motion: Liz - it needs to be communicated to Mr. Bos that if he does not return funding or submit a final report, he will not be eligible to apply for future grant rounds. ○ Shara - we should ask for a submission prior to our October 17, 2023 meeting. ○ Shara amended the motion to have a final report or return of funds by October 15, 2023, seconded by Audrey. ○ All in favor: 7 ○ Opposed: 0 Treasurers Report - Liz provided an overview of the Treasurer's balance sheet. August report - no change to the local account - This budget sheet has not yet been reconciled with Audrey's grant report and will have it completed for our next meeting. - Shara made a motion to accept the report, with a second by Ellen - All in favor: 7 - Opposed: 0 Events Winter Bazar - A discussion was had about the Winter Bazar. Efforts will be made to have four individuals by the end of the week to participate. Otherwise, the council may not have the capacity to hold the event. In the event we are to move forward with the event a date should be chosen. ● A motion was made by Liz to have the Winter Bazar on December 2, with a second by A.J. ○ Speaking to the motion: none ○ All in favor: 7 ○ Opposed: 0 Grants are open until October 17th. Fitchburg Open Studios are occurring on September 30 and October 1. Through Creative Cities, there will be yoga classes on Tuesdays at 6 pm, for the remainder of September at the Fitchburg Public Library. In addition, chair yoga Classes are held on Tuesdays for the remainder of September at 2 p.m. at the First Parish Church. Approval of Minutes - A motion was made by A.J. to approve the August 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes, with a second by Shara. - All in favor: 6 - Abstain: Audrey, not president  - Opposed: 0 Motion to Adjourn - Motion made by A.J. to adjourn, with a second by Liz - All in favor: 7 - Opposed: 0