Arts Commission

Minutes of the Meeting Executive Committee January 25, 2021 6:00pm Middletown, CT Via WebEx Present: Lee Godburn Crystal Laffan Pamela Steele Also present: Kisha Michael, Staff 1. Call to Order - Meeting called to order at 6:04pm by Steele 2. Public Session - None 3. Approval of Agenda - Laffan motioned to approve agenda, Godburn seconded 4. New Business – Staff, Michael gave overview of three (3) topics initiatives – bylaws, recommendations for new initiatives & goals, and creative ways to strengthen the subcommittees. Discussion to request Poet Laureate to develop an inspirational poem about the pandemic. New initiatives to bring young people involved in the arts of Middletown discussed as a goal for MCA to focus on. Godburn suggested have Planning & Projects subcommittee meeting to discuss the upcoming 50th MCA anniversary for development of ideas for activities and events for celebration I. Development of Action Items Kisha had meeting with the mayor and discussed initiatives, plans, goals for the MCA. Godburn wants to get Planning & Projects subcommittee, mayor, and chamber to be involved in large project for anniversary. Subcommittee meetings to be encouraged and reminded to meet in February to prepare to report at Feb MCA meeting. Youth involvement sought out with potential development of a youth sub-committee that involves Middletown youth. II. Bylaws Review Conflict of interest rules discussed. Three pages of bylaws currently being reviewed and revised; will be presented to whole of MCA soon. Grants policies and procedures reviewed, conflicts of interest policies & procedures reviewed, financial awards outside grant period – 3 documents being worked on with bylaws subcommittee. 5. Adjournment Laffan made motion to adjourn; Godburn seconded; meeting adjourned at 7:11pm Respectfully submitted by Crystal Laffan, secretary