Thank you all. Good luck with your meeting. >> All right. Thanks, Samantha. Um Cody, we didn't as we usually don't discuss who's going to lead the meeting. Um I don't know if you if you want to continue what uh your work from last
week or if you want me to. I have no preference at all. >> Um I can take it again. Okay, >> I can uh bring up the agenda then if
that's helpful. Yeah. Does someone have [snorts] read the strength Hold on. I think I know where to find it. Um
Okay. I don't have the exact wording, but from the Mass Cultural Council email that that we all got, I think today, um does say that the law allowing open public meetings to take place online um is in
place and has been extended to June 30th, 2027 um per the legislature and the governor. Hopefully, that's good enough. Thank you, Bill.
Just a quick roll call to my stream. Joe >> here. >> Bill, I know you're here and we hear
you. So you're good. Jess >> here. >> And Rachel, >> I'm here too. >> I'm here as well. So, [clears throat] Bill, if you would do my
sharing your stream [snorts] so we can see where we are in [sighs] all this pulled up and then I had to restart.
Okay. Can you all see that? >> Um, it's loaded. No, I can't. All right. And this time, if there's any
[clears throat] that would like to comment, please raise your hand. Bill, is there anyone in the 10 room?
Let me see. >> I do not see anybody. No. >> All right. Therefore, we will move on to the approval of the management
for [snorts] Friday. Um, has anyone had a chance to work at that? Y [clears throat]
the meat. I'm hearing. So, is that a no? >> Yes, >> I haven't looked at it. >> How about anyone? Oh,
>> I have not looked at it either. We can table that to Wednesday. Um, all right. I'm
We can switch over to the [snorts] SP now to continue our deliver. Um, I do believe we were at the end
the boo if I'm not mistaken. >> I believe you're right. And we got blue, yellow, brown left to do before we have the ones we will
circle back to. Whoever touched up the spreadsheet, that looks good. [snorts] A lot better than my my hack job. So, thank you. with the >> boxes
like to share screen. >> I can continue to share if that's okay. >> Yeah. Yeah, sounds good. [clears throat] >> That together. And then let me increase the size a
little bit here. >> So, how are we going about this today? >> Um, same way we did it on Friday. I mean since
these are the ones that we were me about. I would hope for some discussion
or why or why not they should get high fun or why not post my
>> does somebody want to do timing? Do you want me to keep time and >> Yeah. How much time per are we sticking with three minutes? Is that too much? >> I mean that worked
Friday so I don't see why we can't do three minutes. >> Sounds good. Um >> so first up is
support for and most hope and I will just you know I felt this was someone that
supported their work and not really a part of the art. It was on the hope
at least the way it was sound like they would just want to see them to get fun and not really
whatever. or community board whatever. So um I remember I stole [snorts]
this well because of that. So yeah anyone else? I mean, I I agree with you, Cody. Based on the wording in their application, it
sounds like they were quite successful last year and and not just um meeting what they wanted to do, but exceeding what they set out to do. So, I would be inclined to do
either full or high partial. I say I agree. I'd say I'd say at least at least high partial especially because it's funding u multiple projects over a long repeating multiple projects over a long period of time for an underserved community
um seniors I think kind of embodies the spirit of it and it's free for for the people doing it. Um I don't know I could go with like 800 for now and then we can discuss up or
down. I'm good with that. >> Let's go with Oh, wait. Before that, just in the comments.
>> 800 sounds good to me as well. >> All right, let's do 800. Next up is take care.
I see the statistic for you community of us and I will just say this is so it's
[snorts] successful and I've known people in the past that burn in the cast is a sell out. All right.
I definitely would say hi to full. Um, anyone else? Sure. >> I agree with definitely funding them, but I'm personally more inclined towards
half. So, $1,000, that's what my what I would put forward based on what we've done in the past and um you know, as an ongoing show of support. And I agree it's it's a very good um
good uh initiative. >> Yeah, I agree. I know there been any concerns about well since you mass
could be open to fun but you know is a good I that I think that's a thousand's good to start with. Um and and I I fully expect
not expect but I imagine there will be a phase of deliberations where we run up against the sum remaining and we'll have to go back and adjust as well. So but that's that's good for now I think
number and keep going. I mean I would ever keep for high to but we can do a thousand now but why
bill and just made made a note for you Cody uh about that circling Eric, >> thank you. Just for context, last year um they requested a thousand from us.
>> Um and we gave them almost all of that. So yeah. Okay. So 3 minutes is up. Thank you. >> Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. He could be just push
in their blood and I mean I would say since high porous I was a
grade um But and due to time let's keep moving cost to restoration
and community lending clause. I would I would go for partial or high partial on this one. I do like that it's helping to maintain a continual resource
for other arts projects in the community into the future um in terms of like updating and maintaining the costumes that they lend out for free to other [clears throat] places. So, it'll kind of have a continued benefit going forward.
Yeah, having access to costumes is be very important for various productions. Um, >> I agree. I would go for high partial, maybe even full for this one. Um, for that same reason. It's um it would be a
helpful resource for different theater productions and stuff like that. Maybe like 800. >> Yeah. My my only slight pause on this is that they're asking for the grant for both the exhibition and for the
restoration of their costumes. Um, if it was like I I would I would be amendable to full if if other people were, but just I think I would be like full all the way. If it was like just for the restoration and maintenance because it I I do want to th put some
money towards this as like a community resource for the arts. I think that's very valuable to to help fund a little at least. >> Yeah. I mean, initially I would think
[snorts] seven 50, but >> yeah. >> Um, >> yeah, >> I like that. >> I'm going to advocate for full on this one. That's going to be my vote because of the um, like you all said, it's it's basically we could think of it as a sort
of library, right? um in the longer term and because it's it's Emmer's Ballet I know was probably established in the community 50 years ago and it remains in the community and it has evolved over the years. Um and the requested amount
is less than half of the project budget. So I personally would advocate for full funding. >> Yeah, I I'll hop up to full actually. Thanks for that point. Yeah, I I I really do like that they're they're having a continuous library for for
community access. I think that's a very valuable thing. >> Yeah, I'm good with that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that sounds good to me. >> No, that sounds good. Um
Yeah. Yeah. [clears throat] Now I think on this I do deserve to be praised. All right, that's the deep listen
in community work series. me. They requested a thousand dollar budget. >> Does anybody have the details in front
of them? My my laptop is super slow. I don't remember the specifics on this one. >> The the M I'm on the MCC page um for it. currently poking through um >> in
>> it's going to be in July and September at a place called Empowerment Through the Arts on North Pleasant Street serving about 60 people. It's um a collaboration between Ghost Ensemble and disabled artist community empowerment
through the arts workshops and exploratory music making open to all and inclusive slashaccessible for people with disabilities. >> Um it's a meditative music practice.
>> It says for two workshops. >> It sounds like it. Yes. So 500 each part. Um
again I feel we only have one other grant that's benefited it's personally people with disabil
I would advocate for funing But at least I post Rachel. >> Thank you. This was one of the ones where I put down as having no supporting
documents because that was one of the things I raised last time. And so I think if we're fine with that, I would, you know, I'd be good with like >> like half funding this um like 500. that that's kind of my personal vote. Thanks.
>> 500 sounds good to me as well. I when I read through this the first time, I was like, "This sounds like a good project in serving an underserved community, but I don't quite understand what it is." And it didn't have many details that really
showed what exactly what it is. Um, but 500 sounds great to me. >> Now you have a fair point.
How about Bill or Joe? >> Um, I would go for to start with this 500 or 750 depending on how we're feeling. I think that I do I do agree with Rachel on the lack of supporting documents. Um
uh they do have a plan they [clears throat] do have a loose plan to seek additional funding if we can't fund the entire amount requested um and are able to scale back this series if necessary. I think I would go I think we are at three minutes also as
well. I don't know if that's part of the thing. I' I'd go for 500 for the moment. Um and make a note to circle back. Maybe >> I could be okay with 500, but I Yeah, I'd want to if we had more money, I I
would want to circle back here. >> So, yeah, let's put 500 for now, but so cool back. Let's sing
a summer 20 season by the silver sword company requesting 3,000
out there, $300 budget. They do have a cushion if we're unable to fund the full amount requested. Um yeah, I got a feel that we
won't be able to even if we start cold back just cuz I know this that or hide that we
are passionate about. So um I would say maybe portal which would be 50. I agree partial for that same reason. I
was thinking even smaller than that, maybe like 500 or a,000 just because they are charging 15 to $25 per ticket but with >> options for free tickets and they're going to leverage like additional
resources. So maybe this is a case of like >> showing our support but not necessarily being the ones to >> give a ton of funding. Yeah. Yeah, it seems like and I do respect I do respect it like it is eligible for grant funding. It does seem like there they
want and this isn't a bad thing. It's just they're looking at grant funding as a bit of a line item to help sort of bal balance the budget for this production as it were. >> Um >> yeah, >> so I I I agree with Jess. Maybe
I don't know 500 750,000. I'm trying to think land on a number here. My head is at a thousand, but if my
says 500, >> yeah, I could go with a thousand for now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I wonder if as we're making the notes, like, you know, because we're saying what we want to put down for the initial number, right? And we can like want to
we might want to Oh, sorry, time is up. uh evaluate like either up or down depending on what we have available and if we put down a thousand now I would vote to for a downward adjustment kind of later because I'm I'm kind of leaning towards Jess with 500.
>> So you read my mind as well. I was just writing that note actually circle back to go down. >> Um can I ask a quick like question of what you're all seeing? So, I'm I'm trying to move back and forth between the
spreadsheet and a PDF of all of the applications. Do you all see that when I move back and forth or you just keep >> you just see the spreadsheet? >> Yeah, the screen's locked on the spreadsheet. I think it only shares that window. >> That was that was my thought, but I
wanted >> Sorry, real real quick. I have another question. I had originally started out taking notes on the meeting, but couldn't really participate and take notes. Is Angela going to go back and use the recording to write out the
minutes for this meeting as well or do you guys think I should focus on notetaking? I don't >> I I mean I feel safe in assuming that Angela will go back as she has her other ones to take the notes. Um
>> Yeah. Yeah, >> I think we're also some of us are also taking notes on each one as we go too, right? I think Joe's doing that and I'm doing that, >> right? >> By notes I meant I was typing the short >> Oh, yeah. You have right here on the notes. Yeah, right here in the boxes. I
mean I more detail on it if >> I think she will go back in just so I'm not too concerned about no taking in the moment. movement.
Um, move on crack. This is by the center dance request 4,000
out 15,300 budget. Um, I kick it off. Just saying what I said about last
one 4,400 since the high, but that's my opinion. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
Uh I'm just I mean they have they seem to have a robust plan to adjust um even their costumeuming. They've detailed a pretty what seems like a pretty decent like initial plan to adjust if we can't fund the full and I mean I would even
just shoot out like 500 like in terms of partial like >> what I'm thinking but >> I was Yeah. So I was I'm conflicted on this one. On the one hand I like their approach. I like that there would be lots of kids and audience members who
could see people who look like them. Um, no matter what that is. On the other hand, the $50 fee for dancers, >> $25 tickets kind of offset that a little bit. Um, all that to say, I think I end up kind of where where Joe is. I could
go a little bit higher, but but it would be, you know, lower end on the partial. or you think 750 or more than that? >> No, I was I had 750 in my head, but I'm
also fine with with the with the 500 that Joe brought up. Yeah, I don't ei. I was like right kind of on the same page as you guys. Um, I was originally thinking like a,000. So, I would lean
more towards 750, but I would be fine with 500. So, in my own notes when I was scoring this one, I put 600. >> That was what I wrote down. But, so I that, you know, whatever. I think we're
all the same ballpark. >> So, maybe we could just kind of go with because that's close to the average as well, right? So, I would say between 500. So, whatever you all want to do. I think this I think we agree in principle on this one. I'm hearing that
500 if we could 750. Cool. All right. That's a music called storytelling
in songs by Eli E. [snorts] How if you watch this last name as the performance
more only he is requesting his [snorts] full budget 800. Um,
every four performance system 200 each. Um, I would say maybe poor
or what do I think? >> I uh I agree because I do want to support this. I think I think storytelling's uh just personal bias. I think storytelling is a great art form.
Um so I'd like to support it in some capacity. Uh kind of adds some whimsy. Um and it is supporting four performances over uh over various days. Um I I would think partial maybe 400. I could go higher or lower depending on
what other people think. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I agree. I liked the multiple performances. I also, you know, almost guaranteed a a sitdown audience at least with kids um at the farmers market. At
least that's been my experience. So, I think it would be >> impactful. Um and I I would be fine with um any 400 or above. >> I could I could go I could see circling back to potentially go higher on this one. I mean, I initially had 500 on the
brain, but um but again, like the last one, I think we're all in the same ballpark here. >> Yeah. Um Yeah. Oh my. >> Oh, yeah. I was just going to say I was
also thinking 400 like 100 per performance for one person seems pretty reasonable to me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I do I do like the art writing kind of sort of right in the town square kind of. >> Yeah. >> As it were, you know.
>> Yeah. >> No, I agree. I have my mind on 400. >> We can go high.
Yeah. about [clears throat] to PC um requesting 600 out the 2,65
budget. I would just say I [clears throat] think this is a reasonable app. Um, [clears throat] I was I don't mind saying
full fun if we could >> take a gander at this. I had originally with this one said full funding, but now that I'm going back, I'm seeing that there's a
>> $450 um >> yearly fee for singers, which is pretty steep. So, I would say lower, maybe like $2,250 or something. Still show support, but not
>> Yeah. No, I agree. I I did catch of course I be this [snorts] well few weeks ago at this point. So I
will Yeah, I'm on board with 250. >> Yeah. I'd uh I'd go for 250 or I'd go for looks like we averages out to 200
even just based on our spreadsheet entries. I could do that, but it's pretty small difference. So, just lock us down. >> I I think 250 sounds good to me. Um the I don't know if you all read through the
um different points, excuse me, from the Mass Cultural Council email that Angela forwarded, but we also received them individually. You probably received it directly from the Mass Cultural Council at um as well. And one of the suggestions they made was to make 250 a
minimum grant, like don't give out grants under 250. So I think that seems sensible, like you know, they must say that for a reason. So if we're deliberating because there were a couple others from last week where we said 200. So I was going to raise that towards the end saying can we just do 250.
>> So in this case that's that's why I'm raising it now. So if you're you're okay with that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I get why they said that it's why fun if you
give then let's say $100 >> cool >> which we have done in the past. Yes, >> I'm I'm I'm fine with that. Um, >> I'm as I port over the email. I didn't see that. Was it in one of the
member training videos attached to it? >> Oh, well, I I can find >> it's not directly in the email. You have to go to one of the, you know, the links that they provide where there's more details about um just the process like what we're going through right now. And
that was one of the line items. I thought, oh, that's interesting because we had a couple at 200. So, I would I was planning to raise that tonight. Anyway, >> okay before that. Thanks. >> Now question
because I know we meet two hours after we are done with boo. Does everyone want take a 10 minute break?
I know I need a bio break. So >> yeah, I could I could take a 10 or or five. >> Is five minutes. Okay, Cody >> five. >> Yeah, >> I'd be happy with the five. That sounds
good. All right. [clears throat] The birth and death project interview is shesting
$800 out [clears throat] the $60 budget. Um, it sounds good. I
I just don't see the public benefit unless you into that kind of stuff.
Oh, I burn it. >> It's Yeah, it's interesting. They don't seem to have a firm location commitment from a place in
Ammerst yet. Like, it says that they've got like they're seeking multiple partnerships with public libraries. It's like a multi- venue project all over the valley. And so far they've locked in on Holio, Forbes Library, Lava Center in
Greenfield, and uh Wisteria Hurst Museum, but there's no like doesn't unless I didn't catch it. It didn't seem like there was a locked in place in Ammerst yet. My question is where is the app
from be that will come and say well if you find us we will come and Yeah, you're that's a good point. >> They do seem to be based in Western
Mass. The real life theater that's that put in this app is in Sunderland. And then a bunch of the people who are participating like I think most if not all of them are based in Western Mass as well. >> Okay.
>> But yeah, the fact that they don't have a set Ammeris location does make does give me pause as well. A and they've applied to a bunch of other cultural councils, including cultural councils in the towns that they have definitive locations in. I would I would even trend
towards zero for this. I don't I don't know what other people are thinking. lecture. Now my question for this is if they got the fun would they then try
to secure a spot and if they can't you know is that a waste of award
we can give to someone else. So I mean just by just I agree I will change this to a red.
>> Yeah, >> I'm good [snorts] this out. >> Yeah, I would I would go zero. >> Yep. [gasps] Yeah. >> Yeah, that sounds good to me as well. Also, none of the artists are specifically from Ammerst. They're all
from the area, but not Ammerst specifically. >> Oh, let's see if my Excel skills can change the color. [laughter] Did it work? Yes. >> All right. success
by noise creation. I mean I got no pre [clears throat] I >> I want bull. I would take 250.
I just I I don't have like a compelling argument. I just I really enjoy the conceptual this project conceptually. [laughter] >> I I would champion full funding for this one as well because I think in terms of
whimsy and creativity and just so on so many levels, it's like and the fact that they're going to be out there. >> Yeah. >> Um we could ask them to put our logo on there. >> Yeah. That's exactly the type of >> their you know vehicles too. [laughter] >> So
that's true. >> This is the type of thing I want in Ammerst like it feels very susian like [laughter] >> like you know >> and it just promotes a lot of nice messages kind of you know indirectly
about cycling just having fun being making music making art and just kind of being out there. So yeah, >> just for all those reasons, I just I I would champion for full funding for this one, even though it's the entire project budget, but it does seem modest.
>> Yeah, it's [clears throat] modest. It's >> great. It's I mean, it definitely draw attention, whimsical. It's >> Yeah, I mean, I'll admit I was on the fence at first, but um >> Susy, I love it.
>> You guys make good arguments. I'm good with full funding on this. Yeah, same. You guys sold me. [laughter] >> Yeah. Yeah, let's do it. >> I I think we should maybe, you know, if we have we can send them our logo, too. Here's the
>> council. Fantastic. Um now and that's why we have this deliver when you
deeper change. All right. And we got to the yellow. So let's take five and now we'll put us
at 62. >> All right, sounds good. >> Cody, >> thank Cody. >> Is anyone able to take what we have so far and just tell me the total? So, I think there's a box up at the top that >> Okay.
>> Joe had done on the last spreadsheet. >> Let me find it. >> Um, and then I think I just scroll over. There we go. So, right now we have 34,322 committed with 23,447 left.
>> Okay, we're in good shape. >> Yeah. So, Bill, since we're recording now, can I just continue talking just to ask questions or do I need to wait until the end of the >> um me? That's a good question. I don't I mean, I don't see why you can't ask
questions. >> I'm asking questions. I'm not deliberating anything, right? So I think just because in case we run out of time at the end, >> I was going to ask um because when we were kind of in preparation for you know
all these like deliberations and stuff I was looking through the again the report that Angela has sent us at the beginning with the accounting you know with like the the financial report right and like the >> but I don't know if you scroll down further it it provides a whole list of
um the monies that were awarded this past year. Okay. >> And there were a few items that I thought were either missing or they I I wanted to ask her questions about them and happy to raise this just, you know, for the purpose of like making sure this is all done to process. I could raise
this again at the end of our meeting tonight, but I just wanted to flag it. Um, one is um there are a few grant applicants that I know we approved last year, but I don't see their
names on the list. >> Okay. >> So the question is did they get their money? I presume they did >> but if so then it should be on the list. Right. So >> among them was um Restless Books >> Ammer Media the Onam Pow. >> Yeah.
>> I don't see them on that list. >> Interesting. >> Money given. And then um on the flip side of that Amoris Historical Society was paid three times with different amounts. Um, so just, you know, details like that, you know, that
they don't necessarily impact what we're doing now, but I think just to clarify, >> yeah, >> records. Does that make sense? >> I think that's that's a worthwhile question. Um, yeah, we can ask um, Angela to to um,
address some of those. Um, and and I I think maybe we should bring it up towards the end of the meeting in that in that last section just so it's official, but >> Right. And it's in the minutes like kind of more formally as well because I think
that um >> because I mean you >> we all like you you and Cody were there too for last year's deliberation. So the ones I ra you would remember as having approved, right? Yeah, >> but I don't see them as being paid on that list.
>> Okay, >> that's so strange. >> So, just um I mean they they probably were paid, right? But it's when they should be recorded. So, I just I just wanted to clarify that for because especially with now that we have a treasurer on board, it' be good for that
person to have a very >> clean record to work with going forward. Right. >> Right. >> Yeah. Okay. I think [snorts] you know on this
we see more organiz best [snorts] of such you in now we have each for me last time to get in.
That was what was that [snorts] 49 time but um it's 72. >> All right. So
like off we got on public or that the Drake and requested 2500
out of 6,000 and I did See just now we got 7,000 left to green. So
I mean this I remember in the past this is something we really were on board.
Um, I think it gives young people that [snorts] experience of performing at music. So I really like that component.
I'm do 2500 is [sighs] high but I will go maybe it's hours. I' I'd go the lowest I'd go is high
partial for me. Um I think I'd think 1500. I mean it's the public schools. It's five concerts. Um I think it's a good thing to be able to
to fund through public money is public school music activity. >> Yeah. That's it's kind of about right almost right in line with our priorities pretty much. It's the public schools, you know.
>> Um I agree. >> I see the ticket prices. >> Are they free? >> Yeah. >> Suggested donation. So >> no one turned away. So that's a good aspect. just to pile on to Joe, what Joe said,
like the the music budget in the schools is always under threat. Um, >> yeah. >> And being able to show this support and, you know, as as a as a former band kid, being able to play in a professional venue like that, um, has a huge impact on kind of how you feel about music and
and performing. >> I mean, >> yeah, I mean, I'll I mean, I'll disclose my my bias here. I mean, I went to I went to PVPA, which had intentionally decent like music funding and just
played music like in the ensembles and on stages. I think it's a very good thing for kids to be able to do and I think especially from the through the Ammeris public schools. It's a great thing to fund. I mean, I would >> Yeah, I I would advocate for full intake.
>> Yeah. I think go on this >> if we go back and cut >> not quite
It's so um but it's okay like already moving on. >> Wait, Rachel, did you have something to add? >> I did. I did. I personally um would I have reservations about giving full
funding for that one? um because there was I think this is different from for example the community band one where the access is and and also the participation is much broader um but I think if you know that's you all's inclination um I
am okay to go along with but this would be one of the ones that I would want to negotiate downward um if we were doing that and >> that's reasonable >> I could look at my notes to find out exact because I I know I have reservations about this one for full funding and I think in part because on
the one hand you all are saying this is for public schools. Yes, I agree. And at the same time I think that um that kind of automatically also they they should also have their money their budget and I know it's I know it's
reduced. I know I understand that I had kids in in the school systems at the school system as well but um >> that's a good perspective. So just uh yeah um anyway that's that's my two cents but I'm fine to leave as it is now. Thank you.
>> All right. We can come back to this and and see and the final decision.
I ra 10,000 which isn't for budget of 10,000 Y but I feel torn because
I get this directly impact in town. is a staple in the J. So
I'm there's no way we will for them. I think we even know even a low fun is
high at this point. Um for the average we do have 2,400 um
yeah could be some we say yes to in other place. So >> yeah, I' I'd be good with 2500 or 3,000.
This was one of those where I was like in an ideal world, if we had the budget, this would be fully funded. Um >> yeah, >> I and I am more favorable to to it than the other one requesting 10,000. So I would want, you know, that's just me
though. Like I'm like the other one I think it was called Ammersty. I think this one has a lot more like demonstration of public benefit. Um, at least in my opinion when I was looking at the So I I would want to fund this like you know at least from what they're
requesting like like low partial relative to the requested amount. I was thinking 3,000 or 2500 to start with possible deliberations to increase. I mean it it does is a staple event, good event, you know.
No, I agree with you on those points. [snorts] I mean, we will. How [clears throat] about anyone else?
Right. So, >> Jess, you go ahead, please. I saw you. I'm first. >> Um, okay. I was going to say I had personally advocated for like 5,000 for this one. Um go towards the higher
partial like around half end. Um I would want to go higher than 3,000 definitely. Um because this is like you guys said like kind of a staple event. It's um for an
underserved community and the highest um grant we have so far is 7,000. Um so we definitely do have some like larger awards that we're giving out. Um so yeah.
>> Yeah. I actually have 5,000. Sorry. I had 5,000 as well for my personal vote. Um because I think this one is a one-day event. So um >> it it you know is and and it's um in spirit is is a festival as well right
which we're funding one of the festivals fully the global one and so I think I think 5,000 seems quite fair because the 7,000 grant you're talking about Jess that's for like a weekend long event too you know and that's only part of their budget and this one you know 10,000
would be the entire project budget so I would be comfortable with five as Yeah. Yeah. Y'all sold me. I agree with you now. Five. I'd go five with y'all. >> That's where I'm at. >> No. Five hours.
Um, it's just we got find ways to make that happen, but I trust we will. Um,
stuff in this was never silent. 250 years of speaking the full budget which is 350
um yeah I mean, I guess it be helpful to remember how much we funded immers society
in the past. [snorts] I think it depends on the project, Cody, because I think we we supported it very highly when um for the Cambodian history exhibit that was that took place. So, I think
>> um but this one is a very different type. >> Yeah, this this is a multi-month multi venue project all in Ammerst as well. And how many does it serve?
>> They estimate 2,000. >> And there is I think there's a charge, right? Admission fee or like >> it says most events free to the public. AHS charges five for non-members. Students are free. So this is a multi-
multi- venue multi-event humanities/historical project across town different town venues multiple months next year. Oh. Um
me personally since it's hot but you know keep in mind we only gave out
two grants that were [snorts] huge up to this point. We at risk may want a few more to that risk.
Just >> I I would go high partial to full with leaving it open to adjustment later just because of how concentrated an Ammerristen is. Um yeah, low cost and um
wow I forgot what I was going to say. Okay, somebody else can. >> No, I'm thinking I was America's birthday
250 years and it goes a lot that right. So
I would say maybe five hours. >> Yeah. At least Yeah. At least for now. >> Like what does everyone else think? >> Bill. >> Yeah. No, I I think I'm leaning in the
same direction and and to I mean you guys have already said it, but it's a unique event tied in that that that's able to tie the city history into it. Um yeah, I mean it just to me it merits um
a higher funding. >> Yeah. I mean once in a life time event. Oh yeah. >> Plus I don't know if we've given much to
other historical projects yet. though. >> No, >> I was going to say you guys have sold me a bit, but I would still probably go a little bit lower than 5,000 personally. Maybe like 3500
or 4,000 or something. um because I can't imagine they don't have other like >> groups they can leverage to >> get the rest of the funding for this
>> but I also >> I don't know I would be open to 5,000. >> They did mention uh that uh their plan is to quote try and obtain funding from local sponsors. If that fails we will scale back the programming. So that's sort of their plan for if they're not
>> able to meet the difference of sponsors >> and their single largest line item is for printing which is like 40 4,300 4500. So >> yeah, >> Rachel, did you have >> Thank you. I'm going to go on a limb
here. Um I don't know if as a council it's up to us to decide what is represented in the history and what is not represented in the history for the these projects. So I I personally am comfortable with the average amount that's listed right here
based on what we've already voted. So that would be my my vote for how much we give. Um, and because it is a group of projects, so so they would the historical society would
would decide based on how much grant they're getting from different sources what the priority of their projects are, right? So it's not one project that they cannot do at all if we don't give them the entire or high partial or even half
of the of the um request. So, um, that's kind of where I personally sit with this this vote. But, you know, obviously we're going to go with the majority. So, whatever you all decide on the, um, amount is I I will go I will, you
know, I will accept. Um yeah, I'm here with four five hours for the most part. But let's go back.
>> Yeah, I put increase decrease to signify that we're definitely going to swing back to this one after we in the finer calculations. Yeah. So, let's
>> do we want to say 4,000 for right now and then circle back to this? >> Sure. >> Yeah, >> I'm fine with that. >> Um, I'm 500 to 5,000,
but yeah. Sure 4,000 for now. >> I will say we are definitely over three right now. So I'm I'm amendable to putting a number down and circling back. 4,000
[laughter] >> following the I know track lot science events across M. Um when he cross the 1800
out the 17 [snorts] 45 budget. So um we funded this in the past.
Um, I just can't remember how much, [snorts] but average here was
800, which I would be comfortable with. comfortable with eight eight or maybe five. Um it's it's good that it's like
one one of it is like a multi- project multitown thing, but they are putting a significant amount of time into one an event at in Ammerst on Ammerst College. Um >> yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Science is cool. I love science. Yeah. this this project has kind is this is the one with like the multiple partners with collaboration with NEPM and everybody. So I think I think it depends on how we want to look at that. Does that mean that they already have support
without us giving them a high partial funding or does it mean that by supporting something like this it helps to promote the cause further and also just kind of to um you know communicate what we're doing to support events like
this. So I think it just to go it works both ways. So I personally would vote for higher higher um higher than 8 800. >> Yeah. Me too. I was pretty sure the latter in terms of of the impact. Um I mean it's you know obviously they're not
going to get any any money from any PM. Um, but you know, they would get some advertising support, but anything that ties, you know, and maybe it's just my my geeky kid coming out, but like you've got this trifecta of like dinosaur
science that makes it fun for kids, but also ties it to like local areas. Like, you know, if I were a kid and I could go see like real dinosaur tracks, I my head would have exploded. Um, >> it's true. [laughter]
And I didn't even know that we had such a rich history until I moved here um that this was like >> the beginning of of the discipline. So um I I think it's a really great thing um from that but also the the
partnerships and the extension beyond um also I think just speaks highly of the project. So I would I would vote for a high partial. >> Yeah. also if we want to support kind of like you know education about the history of the area this is a natural history so um you know it's it's quite
compelling for me anyway said my bit >> I'm I'm sold that was a what about 1 1500 for now and then circle back for increase maybe or >> or just going full I don't know much
>> I would think but I'd be for that too. Um if we do increase it probably be 500.
Um just >> I was going to say I would go for 1,500 and if we have extra at the end do the full 1,800. Yeah. >> All right. Um [snorts]
the suit case says that the Py I will say if I'm not mistake in this the first year this
to place we [snorts] start our to that that time hosted this. Um
but it's for this past years porn that's right there kind of put a pause
in me versus if it was for next year I say ab fun this
but since it's already passed Yeah. >> I need to go back and look at it again cuz I'm I was thinking it was for this upcoming year,
but I might have just missed that. me or it could be a typo in a just legit copy and paste last year's
proposal to this year and for got to change the year. So that's highly possible.
Um, >> yeah, I was wondering the same thing, Cody, because it's scheduled for September. >> September 17th, 2025 was a Wednesday, which means Thursday, September 17th would be 2026.
So it looks like it is a typo. Let me double check. >> Oh dear. >> Yeah. Thursday, September 17th is in 2026. >> Okay. I'm just taking
as a type of beat cuz I know it's always on. It's day. >> Yep. >> Every year. So
let's treat you there as such. I want to say hi to four. I agree. I mean I don't find much to argue against this having attended this every year that I've lived here seeing the impact it has seeing the audience it
draws. Music. >> Yeah. learn that easy decision. Um anyone else have objection to that?
Is this one of the ones that this is going to happen anyway? Right. the showcase stage is there regardless. And so this is the support that um is being asked of the cultural council by the business improvement district which
is also applying for funds from various sources um and sponsorships. So I yes whatever you all want to do now but I would um put this down as one of the ones we would uh adjust downwards if came to that later.
I mean that's a good point. They will meet the request probably. So,
do we put it at let's say five and I mean that's a good point, but >> I I was going to say exactly the same thing like that context is very helpful.
I'd say I would go for around 2500 as well with that context. Like give them a lot of support as the cultural council, but they're not dependent on our funding. >> Yeah.
Um it's 2500 everyone. >> I'm good with that. >> It sounds good. Let's do that. And it's 400 above
the average. Oh, [snorts] yeah. All right. The secret planet M series requesting
1200 out of the 5900 budget mean I forget the details.
of this. Um, no on this. I would say probably low partial for this one, but I need to go back and
review the actual application as well. >> Yeah. Well, hello and with me the average amount which is like 308.
So if we did it probably go 300. >> They're charging 20 to $30 per ticket. And it's at the Drake
um >> Oh yeah. >> I think this is to offset if they have less attendees than projected. >> I I'm much much more favorable to queer queer core at the Drake than this at the Drake. If we're going to fund something
at the Drake, not not to compare everything. I don't know if that's a good thing to do, but >> well, the venue I think it does make a diff. I mean, it should it should feature somewhat in our final deliberations because the Emmer School's music is also going to be at the Drake, right? >> Yeah.
>> I mean, it's it's great for the Drake and I think, but we could we could probably balance all that out at the end, >> but I I agree with, you know, a low partial for this one. >> Yeah. The Drake is virtually the only at least that I'm
aware of currently like dedicated music venue in Ammerst aside from other community spaces and >> y everything I guess you got the final at >> Hammer's proper. [laughter]
But yeah. >> Yeah. Back back to the amount for this. Do we want to say like 250 300? I' I'd go 250. >> Okay. >> I was about to say let's propose
300, but I can do 250 as well. >> 250 sounds good to me as well for this. >> Yep. That works. >> Yeah.
Let's do that. All right. Let see what um requesting $1,200 out the $2,000 budget.
Um um what we think this seems like another one that it would be good for us to support in some way, But they're not necessarily reliant on our funding.
>> Yeah. >> Would you say partial or high? Say hi. Partial. Um, it's sort of like um [sighs] it looks like one of those multi venue event days like the ones they have in
Northampton. >> Yeah. >> Like which is valuable because people will come to the town to go wander around and go to the multiple things. Um, and it is supporting literature, poetry,
local history. Um, it's all free. Um, it's like sort of a multi- venue sort of event day for Ammerst. Um, sort of they're tying into its, you know, strong literary poetry poetry
history. Um, so I'm more favorable towards high partial or even full for this one to be honest. So would we be comfortable with putting down
for this? >> That's what I had in mind. >> Yeah, I like that. >> I would be good with a thousand and maybe circle back to see if we want to decrease. But I I do see the argument for high
partial dom. Um, [clears throat] stay fit 2020 since requesting
2,000 out with the 40,400 budget. this one. Sorry, I'm just going to pipe up here. We've supported every year um >> on some level or another. And I personally am comfortable with what we
have as the average amount here as a gesture of our support. And this is one of the ones where they have um funding from the Mass Cultural Council that's on that list that I afforded you all. Um and it's you know it's in the
next town from Ammerst if that matters to anybody. But so that's kind of where um I probably would start but I can go higher if you all want to do that. Thanks. >> Yeah. No, I'm B.
>> I agree. >> Yeah, I could go 375 as well, >> Bill. >> Yep. I agree with all that. >> 375 is all right.
Time five brass could request over there. Well, full budget. Um, we got down for 25.
This is nice and we always have fun. So, um, yeah, I would personally say full for this one, but I'm looking through the
application again, and why I would say full is because it's specifically going to be at the assisted living facility. So like benefiting like elderly community and um I mean it sounds like a good program.
It's like pretty modest funding. So >> yeah, it's coming back to me. I sing clear I'm more that was
cuz it was to the sister living community which she's a public support
cons say If it was showing live, I'd be okay. And what has
came up in the past with events at the facilities? Yeah, it's open. But how many people
will go to [clears throat] the facility outside of the residence that live
so or see you. Yeah, I do I do agree with you, Cody, in that while it does support an underrepresented group, having it be in a specific assisted living community
limits its possible public benefit and reach. Um, I I would I would go maybe low partial, but it's still a good thing. >> Yeah, I'm fine with the average
here. Maybe 400. average. That looks good to me. >> Yeah, me too. >> Yeah, that's fine with me. >> So that's [snorts] perfect 25
emergency mask. Well, I'm sorry. film making is yeah resting 2500 again full budget
so on It's uh it sounds like definitely a cool project that I would want to support and it's the final screening is going to be at Ammer Cinema, but I maybe like low partial would be my
personal >> Yeah. Well, we got 66 cents as a average. So, would that be one?
>> I can go with the >> Sorry, I couldn't hear you, Joe. Oh, am I audible? >> No, you are. >> Okay. So, uh I would agree with going with the average on this one. >> I'm good with that.
>> So, Cole, are we calling that 650, 675, or just 666? >> I was I was >> Oh, sorry. Go ahead, Cody. Let's [snorts] go with S.
All right, let's go to the next one. No ctory spring concert requesting
700 out the 1550 budget. Um yeah, no profit,
but their average was 208, which again if that's [snorts] no fun in
to if we treat them now 250 B more below that it's a no
and I mean it it sounds interesting and the artistic director is an amorous resident who's actually the works in the school. My my only question is this just from
reading it, it sounds like it's going to be a piece of work that is going to be nontraditional. Um, and I don't know how many people they would draw with it. Not maybe then
that maybe that shouldn't be a consideration, but it's a question that I have. sounds really interesting to me and and be something I would be interested in, but that doesn't necessarily translate. So,
>> yeah, I think I I hear I hear what you're saying. I think also um in terms of how like because I thought about that too when I was reading I was like oh this seems like kind of bucket at least the way I'm interpreting what you're saying at least from what I thought was like oh is this like art
form more on guard more out there how like what mass appeal is going to have I think it's it's it's good to have funding of like even even like art forms that we might not think are like going to be super popular you know if that makes any
sense. I don't I'm not trying to thy mouth. I just kind of like what um even if it's like really out on guard or something. I think if it's the rest of everything checks out, I think it's hard regardless. >> What were you going to say, Rachel? Were
you going to say something? >> Oh, I think No, just gonna in response to what Bill was saying, I just I I thought it was chamber music, but you know, maybe you're Yeah. what you said is true. It's more unconventional. >> Yeah. What they talk about is it's this
program is going to be the intersection between music and technology. They're going to explore loop pedals and all that. Um and all that said, like I also think maybe part of our job is to fund things avantgard things, things on the edge that might not otherwise be able to
be put on. So, you know, I guess I can I'm sitting squarely on the fence unfortunately. I I think I had 250 for this one in my own notes, >> which is kind of close to the average. I don't know what you all think.
>> Me, I'm both, but just what you think? Yeah, I was thinking like I don't have super strong opinions about this one and how I guess it's the strongest of the classical music for adults category. So,
for that reason, I would say 250 sounds good to me. >> All right. >> I agree. I' I don't have um access to my laptop right now, but I would if I did, I'd put a note saying maybe circle back to discuss increasing. I can add that
note in. >> Let's go with 54 now and just straight to comment. Do we want to stop
at seven or seven? I can go. [clears throat] >> Sorry, Joe. >> That's okay. I was going to say I could go until 7:20, but then I'd hop out. The seven sounds good. [clears throat] >> How about everyone
else? I got no so doesn't matter. >> Bill, did you say you need to go at seven? Sorry, Jess. Go ahead. >> I Sorry. Go ahead, Jess. [laughter] >> Sorry, I was going to say the same thing
as both of you since Bill asked to leave at seven. Let's wrap at seven. >> All right. >> Yeah. Yeah. We do quum at 7. So, sounds good. >> Yeah. Do I think we
should get more? So, let's do that. Um, all the K play
season again. just so we always fund and so I think we should keep funing
them. Um they're as average 291 which if we went to
with the average I say 3000 300 00 sounds good to me. I was thinking like 250, but 300 sounds good. >> Yeah. >> Bill, >> yeah, 300 works for me,
>> Joe. >> Uh, yes, I agree. 300 sounds good. All right, let's move on to Cork House cuts up.
We requested it full out but average would be 208. Oh yeah, if we went with that, we you
have to bump it to 250 or not fund it. Um, >> do we have to bump it to 250 or is that just what the MCC recommend?
as to knowing that we have my current on that. >> We don't have to. I think it's just suggested by I think yeah 250 seems okay
to me but that's yeah 250 we just sorry >> all good I was going to say I agree with 250 I feel like this is worth funding
like thematically similar to the memoir writing workshop but in a different medium So cool. >> What was that, Joe? >> Oh, I just said the the ask is very reasonable. I I respect it. So
>> yeah, I agree. Let's put 250. Um yeah, man. This way. We
could go to more downtown course dance request 5260 L 595 The average is 500
and me comments. >> I'll just note that according to the project budget um they have 17 events planned. >> This is proposed I should say not planned.
They yeah they'll do have one a month over a long series of months. So it's a continuum of funding for almost a year year plus um continuous arts and social project um so with that context in mind
um it is a staple in Amish as well in my opinion. Yes, >> I would go for like a thousand maybe circle back to increase personally cuz I think it's worth supporting. It sounds like a very like
solid program that's been going on for a while and their goals are to not have to raise the admission prices, increase performer pay, and make the venue more accessible. So, I think supporting that
just like Yeah, that makes sense. >> Yeah. >> Oh, it's okay. Um I I was thinking I would push for at least 2,000 right now and then maybe circle back to increase. Um again, I think there are some like
single day events that we have allocated funding higher for and granted more closely line of priorities. Again, this is sort of funding an ongoing arts socialization event over a year plus. Um
uh yeah, I would just I would advocate for this one more to strongly circulate. >> Yeah. Um yeah, since we feel it's a st I say two hours
but circle back. >> Yeah. And I think when we circle back we could evaluate like how much we are going to be granting towards these kind of community dance like participatory
dance events. I think that we could balance those out between like for example the salsa and you know the different dance events um that are >> that's a great point >> participatory. >> Yeah. Okay. Was a staple event and was not
that also would be a criteria. um for Wednesday. Um but with that being said, don't want to
spend everyone's time. Great work. And every one do I have a motion to
>> um Cody I had two things I wanted to just mention. Sorry if that's okay. Um just try to be as fast as I can because I know Bill needs to go. So um during the break I I started to mention this is that um you all um you remember like Angela has sent us the um financial
report right for the past year >> and if we scroll past that if um if you look if you look at that there's a list of the um organizations and individuals that were paid during this past fiscal program year and when I was looking at
how much we had granted to you know people who had applied in the past. I noticed that for last year some of the the um organizations that I know we approved funding for were not on that list of people paid or organizations paid. So for example, Ammeris Media,
Restless Books, the um Oong Pawo, you know, I didn't see them on the list. So, I just wanted to raise that while we have quorum to say that we probably should ask um Angela or to check with the town um controller um to just make
sure that the records are accurate in terms of reflecting who was paid and what's paid. And then along with that like Ammerst me uh Ammerst Historical Society was paid three times >> for with different amounts. So that could have been >> different programs over different years.
I don't know, but I just feel like um to justify um the accounts, especially now that we have a treasure, it'd be good to just have those clarified before just moving forward with, you know, recording what we're granting this year. So, that
was the one order of business I wanted to raise before we lost quorum. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> How do we take that up with Angela? we mention at the next meeting or the co-chairs can do it um now that it's been flagged or what
>> I think we could send her an email and Cody I'm happy to draft that up if you like and >> um yeah I'm all for trans parent and that's
definitely is pencil. We have to clear up to ensure for transparency. So [snorts]
>> So >> sorry, I have one more thing to add to that. The reason I kind of discovered this was that because last in the last meeting I had said to Jess, I think >> we had paid the ceramic mural artist in the past or we granted her. So I was looking to make sure that that was
correct and I could not find her name on last year's list of of you know individuals pay. So Jess if you still wanted to champion that I wanted to just you know full disclosure that I couldn't find her name after all even though I thought maybe that had come up. So, and
that's what made me realize, wait, some of these other organizations that I I recall that we had granted funds to did not appear on that list either. So, that's >> all right. Thank you. Sorry to go beyond seven.
>> No, you're good. We need that. We hopeully will have a answer Wednesday.
All right, I guess that's not and so that's ten care. Um, do I have a motion to >> I move to adjourn.
>> I also move to return. I use the sec [snorts] and so I will this meeting at 74.
Great job every Wednesday on Wednesday. >> Thanks Cody. Thanks for keeping us on track. All right, >> take care everyone. See you in a couple days.
>> Bye. Have a good night everybody. Thank you, too. Bye.