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

Staff: Lee Tuneberg, Kirsten Bakke

Russ Silbiger called the meeting to order at 4:02pm.

Silbiger explained his recommendation at the previous meeting of providing a second set of numbers to the Full Budget Committee, and his suggestion to recommend to council that the allocation percentages for spending the TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) be repealed on Resolution No. 2000-25. He explained his comments at the previous meeting, then opened the meeting for public comment

Brent Thompson /582 Allison Street/ explained that he read about this issue in the paper. He stated that he supports the funding of small locally oriented art groups because they provide opportunities for local talent and insure a range of affordable events.

Sandra Slattery, Executive Director of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce commented that the Chamber was supportive of the Ashland Gallery Association and the Southern Oregon Film Festival.

Beth Towner, Treasurer of the Friends of the Ashland Public Library said it was difficult for small organizations to raise money and if funds could be spread wider all would benefit.

Doreen Wood, Secretary of the Southern Oregon Film Society began by saying that the Chamber of Commerce had supported them. She stated that it takes a combination of goodwill and it would be great if more funds could be allocated for Economic and Cultural Development Grants.

Hearn asked about the distribution of the TOT spending. Tuneberg clarified that 1/3 of the funding from TOT goes to the General Fund throughout the year and that it could be looked at as an additional resource. He noted that last year they used a parking lot list to decide from a number of things to fund. Hearn asked where the other 1/3 went. Tuneberg recalled that it becomes General Fund revenues supporting Social Service grants and offered to bring further data to the Full Budget Committee meeting.

The Committee discussed recommendations to repeal Resolution No. 2000-25 and change allocation percentages at the Council level for the next year. Morrison recommended allocating the $46,560 and only as an adjunct create an ideal alternative list, to put forth as a discussion point.

Williams commented that the long-term plan was to wean organizations away from the grant. Hartzell said that the biggest recipients were not given the same standard. The Committee asked about the reporting system from OSF (Oregon Shakespeare Festival) and the Ashland Chamber of Commerce.

Hartzell pointed out that this was a venue in which to help the School District because it was important to look at how these organizations served our local youth. Hearn agreed that because of the many budget cuts for schools that was a good focus.

The Committee went over their individual recommendations for grant awards and came up with an agreed upon average to propose to the Full Budget Committee, (see attached spreadsheet).

Hanson motioned to recommend allocations to the Full Budget Committee. Hartzell seconded. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Williams moved to recommend that the Full Budget Committee review Resolution No. 2000-25. Hanson seconded. Voice Vote: All AYES. Olsen commented that it would be better to have a scheduled time for each applicant presenting next year. Tuneberg confirmed that a schedule would be set-up next year.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm.