Citizens Budget Sub-Committee
ACTION MINUTES
April 09, 2014, 6:00 PM
Civic Center Council Chambers
1175 East Main Street
CALL TO ORDER:
The Citizens Budget Committee meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Committee Members Bill Heimann, Dennis Slattery, John Stromberg, Mary Cody, Rich Rosenthal and
Roberta Stebbins were present as well as staff members Lee Tuneberg Finance Director & Kristy
Blackman Administrative Assistant.
ELECTION OF A CHAIR:
Stromberg /Heimann m/s to elect Stebbins as chair. All Ayes.
STAFF REPORT:
Tuneberg announced the number of applications totaled 25 and noted that there was $214,390 available
for the 2014-15 Economic, Cultural, Tourism & Sustainability Grants and a total of $462,060 in requests
from applicants. He went on to explain that the source for grant money as per Resolution 2013-05 is the
Transient Occupancy Tax and of that funding, $57,178 is allocated to Tourism and $157,212 is allocated
to general programs. An important aspect of the allocation process is ensuring that the tourism portion is
allocated correctly.
67Tuneberg explained that applicants were notified they would be considered in the order that their
application was received in the office and that they would have 3 minutes to give a verbal presentation.
Tuneberg outlined that the first night would be dedicated to hearing the applicant’s presentations and the
second night would be dedicated to allocation of funds. Tuneberg then questioned if there should be a
public forum to which Stebbins declined noting that all of the applicants were present and they would be
the ones talking.
PRESENTATIONS:
Heard in order of receipt of application;
Applicant Name
Request
Applicant Name
Request
1
Science Works
$43,000
14
Thrive
$30,000
2
Ashland Art Center
$25,000
15
Rogue Valley Symphony
$14,000
Ashland New Plays Festival
$18,000
3
16
Ashland’s’ Bed & Breakfast Network
$19,900
4
SOPride Inc.
$14,000
17
Modern Roots
$7,000
5
St Clair Productions
$10,000
18
Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon
$9,000
6
Lomakatsi
$23,000
19
Klamath Bird Observatory
$25,000
7
KSKQ 89.5 FM
$12,280
20
Siskiyou Violins
$10,000
8
Below Stairs Productions
$10,000
21
Southern Oregon Film and Television
$15,000
9
Dancing People Company
$9,000
22
Schneider Museum of Art, SOU Foundation
$30,000
10
Ashland Gallery Association
$35,000
23
Siskiyou Singers
$9,670
11
Sustainable Valley Technology Group
Southern Oregon Repertory Singers,
Inc.
$27,710
24
Rogue Valley Farm to School
$10,300
$5,000
25
Ashland Independent Film Festival
$45,000
Stories Alive
$5,200
Total Requests
$462,060
12
13
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SCIENCE WORKS (6:09PM)
Chip Lindsay Director of Science Works noted that thanks in large to funding from the 2013-14 ECTS
grants, Science Works have had a good year and are currently holding the Dinosaur Exhibition. He noted
that they have had over 22,000 people through their doors since January 21, 2014. Mr. Lindsay
mentioned that Science Works has been advertising heavily. Science Works has also been focusing on
number of cultural activities and have been partnering with Southern Oregon Head Start to encourage
families that wouldn’t normally attend museums. Other partnerships include the Lemelson Center for the
Study of Invention & Innovation which is a part of the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Lindsay noted that the
Smithsonian has designated Southern Oregon as a hotspot for invention due in part to the work that
Science Works is doing with the Southern Oregon Historical Society.
Questions:
Stromberg asked where the grant money would be allocated. Mr. Lindsay noted that the grant money
would be dedicated to several upcoming monthly events and that the funds would be spread out over
marketing and promotions as well as operating expenses.
Rosenthal asked if Science Works’ operating budget was more this year than last year. Mr. Lindsay
replied Science Work’s budget is up slightly this year and this was due to Science Works coming to the
end of a capital campaign for money that would be used to purchase the building that houses them and
for internal improvements. Mr. Lindsay stated that as a result of this their numbers looked skewed but
believes that their budget was up approx 5% this year.
ASHLAND ART CENTER (6:14PM)
Denise Baxter Executive Director commented that Ashland Art Center’s application speaks for itself and
they have taken a great deal of care to make sure that the application was complete. Ms. Baxter stated
that she would like to leave it up to the committee to direct questions.
Questions:
Stromberg noted that the request was more than double the request from last year. Ms Baxter responded
that Ashland Art Center had received $10,000 for 3 years in a row and that each year they had requested
$25,000.
Stebbins asked if there were 2 separate entities as there are 2 names mentioned. Ms Baxter explained
that the company is Ashland Artisan Gallery and Art Center dba Ashland Art Center.
ASHLAND NEW PLAYS FESTIVAL (6:15PM)
James Pagliasotti, President of Ashland New Plays Festival noted that they were in the 22 nd season and
receiving plays from all over the world. Mr. Pagliasotti noted that the organization has a national gravity
now and are able to expand. Grant money if awarded will be a multiplier helping them do things bigger
and better than previously.
Questions:
None.
SOPRIDE INC (6:17PM)
Gina DuQuenne, Founder and President of Southern Oregon Pride thanked the Committee for last year’s
grant. Ms. DuQuenne noted that the grant had helped SOPride to move forward and complete their
mission statement. She stated that the event is promoted all year long throughout the region teaching
people about acceptance. Ms. DuQuenne pointed out that this is SOPride’s 5 th year and a very important
one and explained that the grant if awarded would go toward payments to city of Ashland for permits and
fees. She pointed out also that people come from a variety of places to celebrate this event and she
believes that business for hotel and retail is generated through this event.
Questions:
Stebbins noted that for 2013 project expenses were $31,450 and the actual were $13,728, asked for
clarification on this and if the request for the grant is now 14k which is for the total expenses. Gina
clarified that yes the grant requested this year was for more this year than last year and that their request
is usually for more because throughout the year there are usually additional expenses and that the funds
are not always just used solely for the event.
ST CLAIR PRODUCTIONS (6:21PM)
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Ariella St. Clair Director and President noted that St. Clair Productions are nearing the end of their 18 th
annual eclectic music and more seasons and are planning their 19th. Ariella pointed out that they have 14
concerts in the works and that the grant if awarded would help with their bottom line and musician fees.
She noted that while sometimes the concerts are a success they sometimes are not and the grant assists
in covering that. While maintaining a folk theme Ariella explained that they do hire musicians from all over
the world.
Questions:
Slattery asked why, if last year the request was for $10,000 and they were granted $5,000, they are again
this year asking for $10,000, what justifies the increase?
Ariella responded that if there is more money from the city, they are able to predict how much is available
for musician guarantees and can afford a higher level of musician.
LOMAKATSI (6:25PM)
Marko Bey Executive Director handed out a single page flier to the committee and thanked them for
supporting the Ashland Water Shed Youth Training and Employment Program last year. Mr. Bey noted
that the pilot program was successful and employed 20 youth out of 57 applicants from Ashland Phoenix
& Medford, reducing the risk of fire in the watershed, learning a natural resource based career and
pathways in eco system management. Mr. Bey noted that during the program the 2013 Grants Pass fire
occurred and this was a good lesson in the importance of protecting the municipal watershed and
engaging the youth to do that work. He then invited 2 participants of the program to speak briefly.
 Geraldo Rodriguez – North Medford High School stated that he was very grateful to be able to
take part in this internship. He noted that one of the best parts was the hands on approach and
how every other day speakers came and taught a variety of subjects. Mr. Rodriquez believes that
for each student this was a growth experience and it reached across the next generation teaching
them to look after the life of the land where they live.
 Alisha Murphy – Ashland High School expressed her gratitude and noted that the program gave
her the experience to work hands on in her environment. Ms. Murphy believes the way we treat
our local surroundings is a reflection of how we treat ourselves and if we didn’t have what we
have here we wouldn’t exist and that is an important thing for teenagers to learn.
Questions:
Stebbins queried the 990 and the fact that Lomakatsi’s revenue went up from $805,000 to $2,000,606
and noted from their budget that their income for the current year is set to be over $3,000,000 in federal
grants and asked if that was set to continue and whether that would actually be happening this year. Mr.
Bey responded that they had received $6,000,000 in stimulus funding and the $3,000,000 was the tail
end of that funding. They also received a fusion of stimulus funding that doesn’t reflect the youth program
but is passed down to the on the ground workforce i.e. contractors. Stebbins asked Mr. Bey to clarify that
this year’s request would be used for the youth program to which he responded it was.
KSKQ 89.5FM (6:30PM)
Mike Niemann Chair of the management committee reported that it had been an exciting year for the
station. They are in the process of upgrading to a stronger further reaching transmitter and should have
this completed in the next month and that they are already streaming on the internet.
Questions:
None.
BELOW STAIRS PRODUCTIONS (6:31PM)
Evan Archerd and Bob Burton presented collectively for Below Stairs. Mr. Archerd outlined their
experience and the project that they are requesting funds for being a biography of Producer Henry Lewy
and noted that the funds would be used primarily for post production work here in Ashland. Noted that
Movie Maker Magazine named Ashland as the number 2 town for making films and would like to help to
increase that reputation.
Questions:
None.
DANCING PEOPLE COMPANY (6:35PM)
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Robin Stiehm, Artistic Director thanked the committee for past funding and noted that money goes to local
musicians, dancers, renting performance venues. Ms. Stiehm noted that in terms of professional dance
performers they are the only ones in the Rogue Valley.
Questions:
Stebbins asked about the Ashland High School Partnership Movement Program and if this was a new
program or if it was active last year.
Ms. Stiehm answered that it happened last year during funding but that it wasn’t funded by city grants last
year. Funding last year was used for Winter Solstice and Dance in the Park.
Stebbins went on to ask what the grant money requested this year was for. Ms. Stiehm broke down the
following use of the fund if awarded;
 $4,000 for Winter Solstice
 $2,000 for Dance in the Park
 $2,000 for the High School project
 $1,000 for the Spring Salon Series
Heimann asked what percentage the $2,000 is of the Ashland high school project to which Ms. Stiehm
responded it would cost approximately $7,000.
ASHLAND GALLERY ASSOCIATION (6.39PM)
Kim Olsen, Administrator for the Ashland Gallery Association noted that for over 20 years they have been
promoting visual arts in Ashland and have grown to represent 17 art galleries, 16 associate business
members 4 working studios as well at 36 individual artist’s members. Ms. Olsen expressed that they
promote visual arts in Ashland and that they contribute to the community year round with events such as
First Friday Art Walk, the publication of nearly 1200 gallery maps per year nationwide, as well as
brochures etc. Ms. Olsen talked about the taste of Ashland which runs the last week of April each year
and that it promotes tourism. She talked about a new event coming called the Ashland Open Studio Tour
which will take place the second week in October where the public will have the opportunity to meet artist
and watch them work. She noted that the Gallery is always trying to expand on public education. She also
outlined other projects that the Gallery sponsors and noted that they have 8 unpaid volunteers who assist
with those projects.
Questions:
Rosenthal asked how many people participate in the First Friday Walk and what the economic impact
might be of these events on the community of Ashland. Ms. Springer answered that while they have used
clickers and people counters in the past that it is hard to give an accurate answer to that question. One
effect of First Friday although sponsored by the Gallery, is that other businesses obtain business from the
event and it’s hard to tally direct impact. Ms. Springer noted that 40% of the 800 tickets sold to Taste of
Ashland are tourists from out of town.
Stromberg asked Ms. Springer to justify the increase from 10k to 30k.
Ms. Springer responded that each year’s needs vary. Some years they cut back. The grant is always
spent and usually the program that it’s for is underfunded.
SUSTAINABLE VALLEY TECHNOLOGY GROUP (6:47PM)
Heather Stafford Executive Director Sustainable Valley Technology Group (SVTG) accompanied by Jim
Fong Executive Director of the Job Council Medford, distributed a hand out. Spoke regarding last year’s
funding and how that grant was used. Ms. Stafford talked about their vision for using entrepreneurialism
to create family wage jobs in the region of Jackson and Josephine counties. She went on to explain their
reason for wanting to work with Ashland being that Ashland is a hotbed for innovation and how they
would be focusing on computer science due to the large amount of E-science industry in Ashland. One of
the major projects this year will be a pilot program with Ashland High School using a student accelerator.
Ms. Stafford noted that more than 50% of SVTG’s entrepreneurs are from Ashland.
Questions:
None.
SOUTHERN OREGON REPERTORY SINGERS (6:51PM)
Stebbins declared a conflict of interest and chose not to participate.
Bill Bartlett, Business Manager for Repertory Singers accompanied by Ms. Luna Bitzer and Ms. Nancy
Lynn thanked the committee and explained that their pool of 75 singers, while unpaid, are trained
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musicians including educators and professional performers. Each singer devotes hundreds of hours each
year and the company has been performing for 28 years. Paid music director is Dr Paul French. SORS
Produces 4 concerts with 6 performances. All concerts are in Ashland and all money stays in Ashland.
Questions:
In reference to the 200 tickets that would be set aside as a result of the funding, Rosenthal asked what
SORS methodology in distributing the tickets that they set aside for the performances. Mr. Bartlett
responded that this is the first time they have done this and that part of what they need to do now is to
learn how to do that.
Stromberg asked are there similar organizations in our region or state. Mr. Bartlett responded that he
wasn’t 100% certain of this fact.
Ms. Lynn interjected wishing to explain further regarding the outreach tickets. She stated that there would
be a volunteer coordinator who would approach groups of people with a leader, for example a high school
music teacher, and would network through those groups to identify ticket needs.
Stromberg diverted back to the question regarding similarity’s to SORS. Ms. Lynn compared SORS to the
Community Arts Music Association from Santa Barbara for whom Ms. Lynn used to work.
STORIES ALIVE (6:59PM)
Jeanne Renaux & Regina Lindsey presented for Stories Alive. Jeanne explained that the program allows
children to tell stories and those stories are made into professional shows with hired professional actors.
The program goes to school libraries where the children are able to write their stories and submit them.
Regina noted that her two children had participated and that she was also involved as an actor and
believes that this honors the children who are writing the stories and play writes and story tellers.
Questions:
None.
THRIVE 7:04PM
Wendy Siporen, Chair & Kevin Talbot Vice Chair thanked the committee and spoke about the publication
that they produce. Emphasized how important the city grant is as it helps Thrive to leverage both federal
and private funding and has been important in expanding the work they do and growing staff base.
Questions:
Stebbins noted that ½ of the expenses for Thrive are salaries and asked what the structure is that allows
that. Ms. Siporen answered that besides salary expenses they incur printing and consulting expenses.
Most of the work involves staff efficiency. She explained that she has 2 part time employees and herself
who works ¾ of the time.
Stromberg asked what the biggest obstacle is to this program taking off in the Valley.
Ms. Siporen answered that one of the most noticeable is trying to grow supply and demand at the same
time. In order to help this problem they are trying to grow the demand in more conventional area and are
well supported by OSU small farms. She went on to explain that to really reach that level where they are
available to supply consistently, larger “small” farms are needed.
Heimann asked what the most significant impact has been on the localization of food supply and use. Ms
Siporen explained that Thrive acts as the convener for all groups working in this area and helps to bring
everyone together and learn from each other.
Kevin interjected that Thrive has made a difference in the growth of localization in terms of foods in
restaurants.
ROGUE VALLEY SYMPHONY (7:12PM)
Cybele Abbett, Director of Rogue Valley Symphony (RVS) explained that they are in their 47th season and
thanked the city on behalf of everyone involved. Clarified that they asked for $14,000 last year and were
given $5,500, amount has gone down progressively while their budget has increased and are hopeful that
they will get more this year. 2 new programs have increase the budget along with increases in wages for
staff and orchestra. Classical coaches in the classroom is a new program directed at middle and high
school classes in Jackson and Josephine counties which has musicians in the classrooms weekly
preparing students for a number of performances and competitions.
Questions:
None.
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ASHLAND’S BED & BREAKFAST NETWORK (7:16PM)
Vicki Kerrup & Ann Campbell from the Marketing Committee of Ashland’s Bed & Breakfast Network
(ABBN) thanked the committee for their past support. Explained last year’s funding expenditures and that
they have rebranded and changed the name from ABBN to Stay Ashland.
Questions:
Rosenthal asked how the rebranding has gone in terms of objective measures for example has there
been more interest in the website and how do you measure this? Vicki answered that the change only just
occurred and at this point it was hard to measure, however they are monitoring through Google analytics
and there have been good spikes in response to ads placed through various avenues. They hired a local
based web developer and have made the website more user friendly for staff.
Stromberg asked if these results reflect the demographic of the people staying at the B&B’s. Vicki noted
that 99% of bookings now are internet based and that most of the Inns rely on the web for bookings.
MODERN ROOTS (7:23 PM)
Dee Fretwell Executive Director of Modern Roots explained that this is a new project based around
funding for disadvantaged children which gives them access to music lessons, musical instrument rentals,
workshops and camps. This year’s funding would be for the West Coast Country Music Festival which is a
fundraiser for the Modern Roots Foundation and will be held in August. Last year was the first year, and
was very successful with over 650 attendees 45% of who were from outside of Ashland ranging from Los
Angeles California to Olympia Washington. This year is set to be even bigger with almost 7% of tickets
already sold without advertising and over 80 band submissions.
Questions:
None.
YOUTH SYMPHONY OF SOUTHERN OREGON (7:25PM)
Sharon Wilson Executive Director Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO) thanked the city for their
support in their 26th season and for the special proclamation in honor of their silver jubilee.
This year’s unique endeavor is with Brava Opera and will showcase two youth opera singers in their May
17 concert. Ms. Wilson pointed out that they also have two musicians who have been chosen for the
National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYOUSA). Esther Aviana Platt a violinist and
Gabe Young an Oboist, who was selected for the inaugural group last year and toured extensively, will
also play this year for the NYOUSA as well.
Questions:
None.
KLAMATH BIRD OBSERVATORY (7:27PM)
John Alexander Executive Director joined by Shannon Rio Vice President of the Board and Brandon
Breen outreach and science communications specialist, thanked the city, significant matching dollars and
the community for their contribution to the Mountain Bird Festival which is ready to go with the majority of
registered attendees being from out of town. John is currently serving on a team that writes the State of
the Birds Reports. Outlined the purpose of the Mountain Bird Festival and noted that they are hopeful the
festival meets the guidelines of the grant requirements and that if funded in full, the 2nd year the festival
will become Ashland’s premier nature event and that they will achieve independence from city funding.
Sharon noted that the festival is a clean event and draws people from as far as Kentucky and Maryland
and connects all ages through nature.
Questions:
Stebbins asked when the festival will be and if it would be in Ashland. Mr. Alexander explained that the
funding from last year was going toward this year’s festival to be held in Ashland on May 30th, May 31st,
and June 1st in collaboration with Science Works and the Chamber of Commerce and so far has 73
member registrations.
Ms. Rio pointed out that the event will be complimented by the Shakespeare Festival.
SISKIYOU VIOLINS (7:33PM)
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Roy Sutton Board President of Siskiyou Violins outlined the structure of Siskiyou Violins and discussed
events from throughout the year mentioning that a member of the group would be performing this year for
Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He also noted that they not only focus on violins but have utilized cellist,
guitarist and a soprano. Mr. Sutton talked about 3 members of the Siskiyou Violins who graduated and
are now in prominent graduate schools and are receiving their master’s degrees. Mr. Sutton spoke about
the curtailment of music lessons at the elementary school and discussed the need for funding for
scholarships.
Questions:
None.
SOUTHERN OREGON FILM AND TELEVISION (7:37PM)
Gary Kout Ex Director of Southern Oregon Film and Television (SOFAT) noted that this is their first time
applying for this grant. Mr. Kout noted that Ashland has been ranked the number 2 top town to live and
work as a film maker for 2014. He went on to discuss various forms of marketing including a brochure that
they publish.
Questions:
Stromberg encouraged Mr. Kout to talk more about what SOFATs plans were for the coming year.
Mr. Kout briefly thanked the volunteer board of SOFAT and grant preparation staff before moving on to
outline the year’s upcoming events including a film insider series in partnership with Coming Attraction
Theatres. SOFAT would also continue with local film making, advertising, sponsoring seminars and
brining people in from outside to not only share their knowledge of film making but also to expose them to
Ashland.
Stebbins asked about the grant request and specifically asked about the $2,500 requested for lodging
and whether this was for someone in particular and what they may be doing. Mr. Kout responded that part
of the request was for an administrative support person and that at this time this was a volunteer position.
He then clarified that the request for lodging would be for people from outside of Ashland, speakers etc.
Slattery asked what other form of fundraising SOFAT derives funds from. Mr. Kout explained that SOFAT
currently relies totally on membership fees and currently has over 170 paying members. He pointed out
that SOFAT would approach several other county offices as well as some local fundraising including
sales of branded items.
SCHNEIDER MUSEUM OF ART, SOU FOUNDATIONS (7.47PM)
Erika Leppmann Director of Schneider Museum of Art (SMOA) noted that this was the museum’s first time
requesting a grant from the city. She explained that the museum opened in September of 1986 as a result
of a community campaign and was completed by Bill and Florence Schneider. Since then the museum
has functioned as community and university museum for the visual arts and educational programming for
the visual arts. The museum holds between 5 and 12 exhibitions per year for both internationally
recognized and local renowned artists. This year there were 2 new programs; The Artist in Residence
program and Southern Oregon SITE project whose first round is on display at the museum currently.
SMOA is the only art museum between Eugene and Sacramento and subsequently host a number of
High School tours. Ms. Leppmann also noted that SMOA supports a lot of local organizations by allowing
them to use the facilities. Ms. Leppmann explained that SMOA has 1.5 paid employees as well as a
group of volunteers who help with a variety of jobs and it has been receiving funding from other sources
also. Ms. Leppmann ended by thanking the committee for their time.
Questions:
Rosenthal asked for clarification regarding the university support of the museum and if it was for full time
staff and maintenance for the building and does everything else that goes on rely on external resources?
Ms. Leppmann explained that they have a small amount of funding from endowment which the state
matches.
Stromberg asked if there was a significant thing that SMOA was asking for with this grant application. Ms.
Leppmann answered that due to severe funding cuts at the university they have been forced to request
extra external assistance for general matters.
SISKIYOU SINGERS (7:55PM)
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Mark Reppert, Director of Siskiyou Singers pointed out that they are an organization that is growing
musically and have come to a point where they are ready to perform the first and second parts of the
Christmas oratorio by Bach in December. Use of the grant would be to pay for the professional musicians
for that performance.
Questions:
None.
ROGUE VALLEY FARM TO SCHOOL (7:56PM)
Tracy Harding the Director of Rogue Valley Farm to School (RVFS) explained that the funding requested
would be for programs that the city has helped with in the past, in particular a program originally piloted in
the Ashland School District being the School Garden Coordinator Program which is now active in five
school districts. This program pays a stipend to a school coordinator at $450 per year in exchange the
coordinators monitor the garden beds and offers opportunities to teachers, students and community
members to train with members of RVFS. Part of the funding will be for the stipends and also some for
materials for the gardens. Another thing we would like to do would be to purchase 7 books for the 7
gardens that would be interchangeable amongst the schools. The other portion of the funds requested
would be for fees payable to the city for the Siskiyou Challenge hosted by RVFS. Overall these programs
have shown positive improvement in the children involved.
Questions:
Rosenthal asked how many participants in Siskiyou challenge?
Close to 400 in the main challenge and another 200 for a smaller race and has raised around $15,000 for
the organization.
Stromberg complimented Ms. Harding on her explanation of the program and wanted to reiterate how
important it is for the children involved in these programs and how it is adding another dimension to their
lives that isn’t just about food.
ASHLAND INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL (8:01PM)
Anne Ashby, Executive Director joined by Board Member Jerry Kenefick, handed out copies of their
brochure and thanked the City of Ashland as well as giving a brief report on the results of the 2014 Film
Festival. She outlined some of the highlights of that report being;
 AIFF distributed over 18,000 tickets
 65% of 142 screenings were sold out
 Two parties show cased food and wine of the valley and were sold out
 Three free film maker talk back panels were filled to capacity
 The film festival was named as one of the top 25 “coolest” film festivals by the readers of Movie
Maker Magazine
 The film festival was listed as one of the top 50 festivals worth the entry fee
 Nearly 1000 films entered and record number of guests presented work
 Ty Burrell appeared to a sold out audience.
Last year the board identified a new vision for the film festival which was to be the premier destination film
festival in the Pacific North West and as a result of that focus they identified that growing and diversifying
the audience was the number one priority and as a result of that they were able to secure a 2 year grant
from the Paul Allen family foundation. They also received funding from the National Endowment for the
Arts and a second year of funding from Oregon Community Foundation and for the very first year Jim
Collier has joined AIFF as a premier sponsor. Mr. Kenefick noted that the festival brings in an
approximate $3 million dollars in revenues to Ashland through other business. He also noted that on a
local level there were film submissions from K through 5th grade students and that they were recognized
with awards.
Questions:
Stebbins noted that she was pleased to see AIFF obtaining other grant money in addition to their request
from the City of Ashland.
Mr. Kenefick responded that the goal of AIFF was to have a contingency fund and that sustainability was
important to the festival. Ms. Ashby noted that AIFF has just started a crowd funding campaign and that
this was seeded by an anonymous donor in the amount of $8,500. Ms. Ashby stated that while unsure if
they will be successful this would be a venture that AIFF are hoping could raise $30,000 by the end of this
fiscal year. Stromberg complemented the AIFF on how well they are doing.
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DISCUSSION:
Stebbins concluded that all presentations were complete and asked the committee if there were any
items of discussion or if they were ready to adjourn for the evening.
Slattery suggested adjourning and giving the committee time to consider the applications.
Rosenthal thanked the applicants for their efforts, particularly the past recipients who went out of their
way to update their applications. He also showed his appreciation for those recipients including details of
how the grants have helped their organizations.
Heimann reiterated that they do in fact take the time to read all of the applications and thanked the
applicants for taking the time to fill those applications out.
Stebbins requested that Tuneberg provide further direction.
Tuneberg outlined the next steps of the application deliberations. Tuneberg also asked that scoring be
submitted by noon the following day. He pointed out that the following evening would be devoted to
allocations and that this would need to be finalized that evening. The information would then be prepared
for the full budget committee on the 14th of May and once this was ratified we would notify the recipients
of their award. He pointed out that the difference this year was that the amount available for grants was
decided the previous year and as it stands now, a decision needed to be made as to whether the
allocations made by the subcommittee needed to go through the full council or just the budget committee.
Stebbins requested that all members please allocate the total amount available.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:12pm.
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