Present: John Morrison, Russ Silbiger, David Williams, Chris Hearn, Ray Olsen, Cameron Hanson

Absent: Cate Hartzell

Staff: Lee Tuneberg, Kirsten Bakke

Russ Silbiger called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.

Tuneberg welcomed everyone. He began by discussing the fund allocation percentages, stating that of the 33.3% anticipated Hotel/Motel tax monies, 60% will be allocated to the Ashland Chamber of Commerce; 28% will be allocated to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival; and 12% will be awarded to local organizations.

He read the goals and criteria stated in Resolution No. 2000-25. Tuneberg explained that there was $46,560 in funds available, with 21 grant applicants requesting $148,695.

Tuneberg clarified that last year our practice was to allow applicants 5 minutes for presentations and 5 minutes for questions from the Committee.

Silbiger acted as Chair. He began by introducing the Budget Committee members and opened the meeting for presentations.

Gerry Jilek began the presentation by explaining that they have been performing in Ashland for 20 years, and have 117 singers, 90 of which live in Ashland. He described their programs stating that the singers range in ages from 16 to 85 years. He said that the requested grant would be used to buy music, fund professional orchestras, buy risers and develop their website. He went on to say that of the 1,350 tickets sold last year, 50% of the buyers were from Ashland and that all concerts were in Ashland. Hanson asked about the risers. Jilek said that they were 34 inches deep and had room for a chair.

Francis Van Ausdal, Executive Director and Julia Lester began the presentation explaining their need for funding to cover outreach, concert programs and full symphonics for their elementary program. He described their programs including 3 concert series at SOU. He noted that they were the third largest symphony in the State, with 80 paid musicians, half of which were Ashland residents. Their goal is to attract tourists during the off-season, November through April. Hearn asked about their economic impact. Van Ausdal said it was a conservative estimate at approximately $1,270,000 in the Ashland area alone. Morrison asked about the upward trend in budget. Van Ausdal said there was still a small deficit and they were working on other fund raising. Olsen asked if the 14 concerts were in Ashland. Lester said yes and gave a recap of all concerts in the Rogue Valley, stating that 42 performers were from Ashland and performed in 57 schools.

Robert Owens began by saying that they were a common man Native American Theater that has been performing and promoting for 7 years. They were requesting funding for their third event driven grant. He said that they produce one show per year in the off-season focusing on a strong educational component with Native American artists, using themes of wellness, being drug free, and stay in school to inspire students, and reach across all cultures. Williams asked if people from Ashland were used in performances. Owens replied that the technical and box office people were local, but that headliners are from other areas. Williams asked about tribe affiliations. Morrison asked about budget for events, attendance and expenditures. Owens asked for clarification of event driven budget. Owens said they were seeking endowments through tribal and entertainment based foundations.

Barbara Ryberg, President and Beth Towner, Treasurer began the presentation requesting funding for a sculpture to beautify the Public Library. Ryberg spoke about the model sculpture made of copper panels, not wider than 3 feet or longer than 9 feet. She discussed the Art Selection Committee and process in which the artist was chosen from a field of applicants. Hearn asked if the $20,000 was a one-time cost. Ryberg said yes that it would cover the complete installation. Hearn asked if they had taken in any other funds. Ryberg said that this was their first request for funding for the art installation.

Doug Mitchell, Artistic Director began the presentation by talking about their new programs and goals, explaining that they have been in operation for 12 seasons, since 1991. He explained the purpose of their grant request was to cover the purchase and installation of a black theatre drape, extend theatre outreach, and accumulate properties such as costumes and stage sets. Morrison asked if they maintained their relationship with the Ashland Middle School. Mitchell said it was their third season in collaboration with the Middle School and it has been expanded to include a second weeklong theater camp this summer. Hearn asked if the curtain could be used at any venue. Mitchell said yes.

Doreen Wood, Secretary and Co-founder of the Film Festival began the presentation describing their first film festival held last year. She noted that 40 filmmakers participated in panel discussion with the audience. In response to the tragedy on September 11th, they added two sold out shows. Wood described their goal of self-sufficiency which included setting up an endowment fund, extra show runs for 5 days with extended screenings. Silbiger asked about attendance. Wood said it drew people from local and surrounding areas. Morrison asked about free showings, stating that it would be better to offer more paid screenings. Wood said yes, they plan on extending to an all day showing with some free screenings. Morrison asked about the proposed financial plan. Wood said they were looking at a strategy with volunteers.

Sharon Javna, Treasurer and Dave Bernard, Board Chair said they were creating a science center at the old Natural History Museum building. Javna described an educational, family destination for locals and visitors to take their kids for fun and interactive science, saying it would be a resource for all students in Ashland. Javna and Bernard described the opening phases of operation. Olson asked about OMSI meetings. Javna said OMSI came to visit and talk about collaboration with exhibits and programming. Hearn asked about the benefit for local families and tourists. Javna said they encouraged adults to bring children when they were at plays. During the off-season it would benefit the community. Morrison clarified that this grant, if awarded, wouldn't be available until the first week in July and wouldn’t help with pre- opening materials. Williams asked about $189,000 salary expense and how many people that included. Bernard replied that it included a Program Coordinator, two Exhibit Builders, an Assistant Director, and a part-time Clerk.

Judy Howard, President, and Lynn Kambury, Vice President began the presentation by giving her background in marketing. Kambury said that the Gallery Guide motivated her to come to Ashland. She talked about the First Fridays Art Walk and the Taste of Ashland events, stating that the AGA had been around since 1994. She stated that they support diversity and are made up of 25 small businesses creating events during the off-season and helping support other community businesses. Kambury described their youth support program called AHAA (Ashland High Arts Advocates. She explained that their request for funds would cover development of their website, marketing, and advertising to expand along the I-5 corridor. Their public relations efforts include co-marketing with Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Silbiger asked about the Chamber financial support. Kambury said that this year they received $1,500 towards their goals.

Amy Richard, President and Lyn Godsey, Executive Director began by describing the Artists in the School's Program stating that artists work with students 20 hours a week. She stated that teachers use the program as a way to expand art techniques and offer family art nights where the artist works with families and students after school. Hearn asked about the agreement with the Ashland Schools Foundation. Godsey said yes, that the money is only used in Ashland. Olsen asked about other public funding. Godsey said no, that they had submitted to Medford and had been denied, but Jackson County had funded them in the past.

Justin Lockwood, President began the presentation stating that they were founded in 2000, and so far have presented 4 plays in 2001. He said the have a permanent home at the Greenroom Theatre on Hersey Street and one of their plays had an off Broadway run in New York. He spoke of their core supporters in Ashland. He described the educational opportunities for adults and youths, in the form of workshops, benefit performances, and discussions with playwrights.

Trish Broersma, Program Director and Maryellen Cole, Board Member presented, discussing their therapeutic horseback-riding program for people with emotional, physical and learning disabilities. In their 13^th year, riders range in age from 2 - 65 years. Broersma said their program brings together the equine industry with conventional arts, and is mainly a volunteer program with 50-60 volunteers a week. She noted that 35% of their students come from Ashland, include high school and SOU students, parents and professionals. Broersma said their goal was to expand the volunteer program by funding a Volunteer Coordinator. Hearn clarified the percentage of students coming from Ashland. Olsen asked about length of participation. Broersma replied 10 weeks to several years.

Jane VanDeZande, Board Member began with their mission to foster a life long appreciation of the arts, stating that they were founded by local musicians, she gave history of the organization noting that the total audience was 5,400 a year, and performances were free of charge. She explained that the rental hall costs were rising and that the cost of the SOU performance hall had tripled. She described their goals for self-sufficiency. Morrison asked about the Retreat line item in their budget. VanDeZande said they had retreats to build rapport and teamwork for the year since they only had one practice per week. Olsen asked about the off season. VanDeZande said they did three concert series running November through February, with one in May. Williams asked about Ashland performances. VanDeZande said there were three. Hearn asked about the percentage of attendees in Ashland. VanDeZande said there were many.

Mathew McClennahan, Staff, and Carsen Clover, Jared Prong and Alex Groveman, Students began the presentation explaining their venture of a coffee and juice bar that would provide an enriching work experience with a stage for live music and theatre. Clover explained their goal of hiring one full-time person as a Supervisor to help with the venture. They said that the café would provide a sense of responsibility and business learning environment to produce art and an outlet for student expression. Prong, a local graffiti artist, talked about the importance of art exhibitions and professional installations for youth. Groveman said that there were many local contributors and supporters, and that he had been involved with the Grove since he was 8 years old. He said that their idea was to include theatre and live stage music at the café. He said economic and cultural development would include operating a working café and a recording studio for community members and teens. Hanson asked about café hours. McClennahan said the hours would be Friday and Saturday from 5-10pm and they would open at lunchtime, if successful. Hearn asked about supervisor's role. They explained that the Supervisor would manage the 5-10 teen volunteers. Morrison asked about the daily average of students currently using the facility. Their estimate was 30 to 40 teens, with 25-30 after school and more with parenting classes, it varies. Morrison asked if they expected a greater draw. Carsen said that with the multipurpose use they estimated at least 20 extra students a day. McClennahan said it would be a community draw. Williams confirmed that the draw was to the cultural exhibits. Hearn asked if they didn’t get the full $12,757, would a lower amount still help. McClennahan said yes.

Johan Ziems, Board Member began the presentation stating that the gallery had started 2 1/2 years ago. He said they used last years grant for an awning and an overhead. He described their goal of providing an outlet for artists and to provide support for art in the community. Ziems described their current projects including Shakespeare actors doing private shows, a haunted house and shows in conjunction with the Grove and Artattack. He also mentioned the Walker elementary art auction, showing kids artwork and Sunday morning painting classes. He said that for most productions, most of the proceeds go to another charity to support the community and that they change shows twice a month.

Mary Gardiner presented stating that half of their funding was raised through private sources. She said they opened in 1986 and provide a venue for the visual arts. Their proposal was to bring greater visibility to the community through a lecture series and they were looking at fall, winter and spring programs. Their program gives the community an opportunity to interact with local artists through workshops. Gardiner explained that they bring in artists and also build on the foundation of existing community resources. She said that even with a limited staff, increased awareness and interest in the museum generate business for the community.

Lenore Leines, President and Patricia Morris, Grant Writer began the presentation explaining the Opera's mission, programs and goals after 25 years in operation. Morris talked about the Children’s Opera with the Beatles song theme. Hearn asked about Ashland attendance. Morris said SOU buses in over 10,000 school children throughout Southern Oregon. Leines said about 2,500 – 3,000 students in Ashland.

Lomakatsi $ 5,900

Michael O’Rourke, Founder, Mark Obey, Co-Founder and Gary Shrow, Sponsor began the presentation quoting John Muir, stating their mission of regenerating and rehabilitating watersheds within the greater Klamath/Siskiyou Bioregion of Southwestern Oregon and working toward the creation of a multi-cultural restoration workforce, through training programs and community outreach. O'Rourke defined the Hopi word, Lomakatsi, meaning, "Life in Balance". He explained that they were primarily an environmental organization looking to provide a series of workshops educating the community. Obey said they received national grants, and were requesting funding for administration and for a consultant to help with a 5-year strategic plan. Obey explained that their goal was for workforce training plans, riparian area repair, a hosted ecological symposium and to bring the land back to it's natural state. Williams asked about seasonal jobs. O'Rourke confirmed that their season was November through June. Morrison asked about the theatre arts presentation. O'Rourke said that the target audience was the general public with a goal of educating people about nature, indigenous people and environmental awareness. Shrow said that the healthy restoration of the environment equals tourism and business growth. Tuneberg asked how their work related with the fuels reduction grant work of the City. O'Rourke said they work on private land, that borders public land, that the City doesn’t work on, mainly low to moderate intensity prone landscape.

Ariel St. Clair, President began the presentation noting their 7-year track record of bringing in music from all over the world, including the Rogue Valley Blues Festival. She said that concerts take place at the Unitarian Center. She stated that ticket prices were kept under $20. Williams asked about total income and expenses, referring to the $20,000 difference between expenses and revenue. St. Clair said those were estimated projections that would roll over to the next year's funding, if earned.

Richard Moeschl, Executive Director, began by talking about the 40 brown bag lunches and lectures, saying that they appear on RVTV and Jeff Golden’s radio show. He explained their goal of cultivating culture. Moeschl said that after the tragic event on September 11th they hosted an evening event that attracted over 600 people with 40 performers and ended up turning away 20, poets, composers, singers, and photographers. He explained that they were seeking funding for a symposium and looking to engage more of the student population.

Kristy Offineer, Board Member of the Native American Leadership Institute presented saying that they were sponsored by the Southern Oregon Economic Development Coalition for their Powwow at Emigrant Lake. She said it was a city supported Native American community event and the only event at Emigrant Lake in July. Offineer gave details of the event stating that there would be drummers, dancers, a Dinae rug weaver, a canoe builder, and canoe races. She noted that next year the site fee would go up, but that this year it was $750 for 2 days. Hearn asked if it was offered statewide. Offineer said yes, that the Powwow drew people from all of the Pacific Northwest. Hearn asked about percentage of Ashland participants. Offineer said that she wasn't sure about attendees because the event hadn't occurred yet, but that Ashland had a large percentage of participants. Hearn clarified regional versus local participation. Morrison asked about last year's grant award. Offineer reiterated that because the event hadn't occurred yet she didn't know.

Helen Wallace, Executive Director and Kimberly Martinez began the presentation discussing the organization's history. Wallace stated that their focus was to provide technical assistance and financial advice for women and men in pursuit of entrepreneurship. She said that of their 36 clients, half were from Ashland. She said they worked 17 to 46 hours with each client, and had loaned 5 businesses up to $25,000. She explained their goal of going to one on one counseling. Wallace stated that they were multiply funded and that half of their funding needed to be matched locally. Morrison asked for clarification of the percentage of Ashland clients. Martinez confirmed that half were Ashland residents, and that 9 had graduated the program, including a local photographer, coffee shop owner, flower shop owner, day spa owner, and more. Hearn asked about the women's focus. Wallace said that they helped any small business and that 25% of their clients are men. Hearns asked about qualifications. Martinez gave a description of the cost and scholarship program fees. Olsen asked if clients were required to have a written business plan before loaning money. Wallace said yes, and that they helped clients to develop business plans.

Silbiger opened the meeting for public input. There was none.

Hearn suggested proposing allocations at tomorrow's meeting. Silbiger proposed recommending a higher allocation of funds to smaller groups, proposing two sets of allocation numbers to the Full Budget Committee. Silbiger stated that OSF (Oregon Shakespeare Festival) is already self sufficient and the Chamber doesn’t have a history of supporting other groups. The Committee discussed the options of proposing two sets of numbers. Tuneberg said Resolution 2000-25 stated that 1/3 is still in the General Fund and not mutually exclusive, providing an additional resource for funding.