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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - April 6, 2020, COTA Meeting MinutesMinutes COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Monday, April 6, 2020 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Tom Lockhart. Members present were Deanne Brill, Steven Kawaler, Tom Lockhart, Natalie Robinson, and Troy Rutter. Staff member Brian Phillips was also present. Selection of a COTA Chair It was moved by Deanne, seconded by Troy, that Tom be named chair. Motion carried unanimously. Public Forum Bill Dilla was present representing Ames Town and Gown. Approval of the February 3, 2020 Minutes Moved by Troy, seconded by Natalie, to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2020 Meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Motion Waiving Special Project Grant Requirement to Attend Workshop Tom indicated his preference to suggest that people watch the meeting, but not make it a requirement. Deanne and Natalie agreed. It was moved by Deanne to waive the requirement to attend the workshop, seconded by Natalie. Motion carried unanimously. Fall Special Project Grant Workshop Brian delivered the presentation. Request from India Cultural Association to Modify Spring Special Project Grant Scope of Services Brian outlined the current situation related to the India Cultural Association. No action was taken. Update on Survey for COTA Agencies The Commission discussed the survey but did not have the most recent version of it. Tom agreed to follow-up with Steve Sullivan to get the most recent version and the Commission would discuss at the next meeting. Discussion of COVID-19 Impact on COTA Annual Grantees and Spring Special Project Grants Brian outlined the issues related to the current contracts. Deanne noted that if the money was simply paid out to the agencies, the agencies would still have to account for how the funds were spent. Tom agreed, and noted that in the future, there may be less funds available due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Heather Johnson of the Octagon indicated the performing arts agencies were in a different situation than agencies like the Octagon. Bill Dilla, of Town and Gown, indicated that their contract specified five concerts and four have been performed, but the expenses have been paid. Troy expressed interest in reimbursing organizations that have already spent funds. Tom recommended that all the funds ought to be paid out under all the contracts. Deanne agreed. Natalie noted that the university is taking this approach with funding for certain activities. It was moved by Deanne, seconded by Natalie, to ask the Council to pay out remaining funds to arts agencies that have balances. Motion carried unanimously. Upcoming Important Dates Tom reviewed the upcoming important dates. Adjournment Natalie moved the meeting be adjourned. The meeting adjourned at 5:42 p.m.