All right, everyone. I'm sorry I was a few minutes late. My computer wasn't letting me double authenticate in, but I'm happy to see that we're all here and I started recording. So, this is a meeting of the town of Ammerst Cultural Council. My name is Angela Mills. I work
for the town manager. We are able to meet via remote means due to the suspension of certain open meeting laws by our governor Mora Hilly. And at this time, I'd like to recognize the co-chairs, Cody Rooney and William Murray. And I will turn it over to the co-chairs.
>> Thanks, Angela. Um, Cody, should we continue as we have with you leading us through if you're okay with that? You're doing a great job. >> Yeah. And as I would just think
as a hot continent I can do that. Give me just a sec. >> I'm working on it. >> Me, too. First off,
let me just do a quick C because I always seem to get that >> present. >> Rachel,
>> I'm here. I know you're here, Bill, but yeah. Sorry. And >> here
we are here in counting four. before. I know there was concerns about the GR list
and from last cycle and should that go under new business or should we do it before
deliverations be cuz it was brought up on Monday. Well, I guess the question would be if Angela had a chance to even see her
email on that. >> Sure. >> So, um, can you ask are we talking about um I just I just need more details. >> Sure. um
on Rachel had taken a look at the distri at the list of um grants paid out last year and noted some things that didn't seem right. Some organizations that we know that we granted money to didn't show up on payes and uh like I think Amoris Historical
Society is that right Rachel had like three different pay. >> Yeah. >> Um and so we're just kind of curious to get a definitive you know is that correct? And if so, what happened to the folks that we thought had money? Um, and
you know, can we get can we find out what's going on? I guess basically Rachel, anything. >> Yeah, I can I can just fill in details. So Angela, I was looking I was looking for something else and you know the grant report or the kind of the financial report you had sent to us and on the like on the last two pages are
the details of uh monies that were paid out this past year >> and um I just happened to notice that organizations like Powow and I think Restless Books, they did not show up on that list. um even though I recall that
we definitely granted them money for this past um cycle and and then looking at the dates of the payments, it's all the same day. So, I'm wondering if they were just all recorded on the same day, you know, and um some of the grantees
were actually paid but it didn't show up on that list. So um whereas like >> yeah like Bill mentioned so historical society had three separate payments of different amounts. >> So I don't know if some of that is from
a previous cycle or you know what the discrepancy is. So >> okay >> um just to make sure that um we have you know the that the records are reconciled. I guess that's that's what I wanted to and and I I presume the people
all got paid who were supposed to get paid, but I just >> So I I know that in August and September I had to clean up um the Tibetan Association really felt like they had been received a grant award letter but had never received funding. So I had to
go back through our accounting office and make sure that they hadn't already cut them a check. And then the holdup was in the lag between the last message I received from the former chair and the time that I heard from the Tibetan group. We had been waiting and waiting and waiting for their W9. And so I had
to request that again from them in August and they finally got payment but not until the end of September of this fall. I see that wasn't even I that one didn't even occur to me but >> and then the other piece of and I can look through the report that I shared
with all of you the historical society sometimes they the application name is different from the payment name so I can look into that and I do know that we did make you did make a significant contribution to the POWA group so I'm
going to have to figure out why that's not on the spreadsheet. Yeah, because I recall, sorry, because last um spring, I guess it was because um our former chair had asked me to just um co-sign a lot of the documents. So, I
think I saw all of them come through um in my email. So, and I know for example, the Powow group sent in very detailed documentation >> um in June basically after, you know, they already as soon as the power was over. So, I don't know if they got paid
or not, but I know their documentation was was sent. So, >> if you have any questions on on that one, I you know, I could forward information if needed. But then the other one was Restless Books. I just happened to remember that we had given them a grant, but I didn't see their name on the list. So, I'm going to let
you go ahead with your deliberations and while you're deliberating, I'm going to dig through my email because oftentimes I was CCed on stuff and then um I will tell you that the numbers that we're working from in terms of that report are the numbers that we're working from because that is the actual accounting
out of our accounting system. So, that's that's that's what we have in to spend. So, I feel solid about the numbers, but let me figure out the pow-wow and the historic thing. And what I'm going to do while you all are deliberating is I'm
going to compare messages in my email to the report that is part of the packet to what I have from Julian in terms of turnover batches. >> Yeah. One last call. I will
add this going for maybe before the list is publish. We double check
individually or as a group just to make for conso and they got their payment
and whoever the forot. So just Yeah. >> Okay. So I'm I'm going to stay on and
try and dig up answers for you and I won't I won't interject until I have answers that I feel like are comprehensive. All right, it sounds pretty good. At this time,
we are going to public comment if anyone can tell me if we got anyone in the attendee room.
>> There's nobody in the attendee room. All right, that's order of business again. Don't minute
ago. >> I don't I don't have them ready from your meeting that happened while I was in Boston. >> How about Friday? I I owe you two sets. Fridays are ready to go, but they weren't in the packet. So, I'm going to give you a couple days
to review those. >> All right. We will table the minutes from Friday the 10th
and Monday the 15. Now Friday 12 got my days mix.
All right, let's hop back into the SP if you can sh I see you. >> Hello.
Am I am I audible? >> Yeah. Um, I wanted to I think I saw something on the last up for this meeting's agenda uh was to discuss um what a staple event was because I remember I I used that phrase last time. There's a little
concern around it. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. All right. I'm back. So let's take few minutes really to define what a st
what we feel a stle meant is which would receive sustainable amount whe
or or full amount. Um I will just start and say I feel global fresh Junth in order
downtown. Um, yeah. And that we've Yeah. How about um, if I may, when I Yeah. When I when I
had used that phrase um at at the time, what I what I meant when I said staple event, I said it kind of saw hand, but then I saw it on the agenda. I considered what I meant was like a regular like established and uh recurring event that has been going on
for at least a little while uh in and around the downtown. Uh and that could presume to be like, you know, recurring and well known as well. I believe I had I had said staple event when we were discussing the contra dance. Um, and
what I meant was that it had uh it was an ongoing uh recurring event that um had had been going on for a while and was relative I believe if you asked a survey of of people would be relatively
well known but I don't you know my source right now was myself so >> yeah I hear you so I Guess
my question is like does the group want to um always go as high to fall
grants for what we see as shape or >> Thank you, Cody. Um, so I feel like if we're setting those definitions now, it's like we're kind of more than halfway through the process. It's almost like I I appreciate what Joe
said about, you know, him saying that um he used it as a description in in the conversation, but uh for me I rather than spending time deliberate, you know, figuring out what we mean by staple event, at this point, it makes more sense to me to have that conversation as
part of a larger discussion about um criteria and guidelines that uh the council wants to set for the for the next grant cycle going forward. Um, so because there are a lot of criteria that you know would be involved
in this and and I feel like that our time would be better used at this point to go through the rest of the applications. That's my opinion. >> No, you have a good point. Um
cuz I feel there could be more than just four events that we would deem as stable events and we can definitely
have these discussions throughout the Yeah, it come to a better understanding. Come
September, October when we are up and Yeah. >> Yeah. Uh I I I wholeheartedly agree with
uh Rachel. My my intent was to use it um as a as a descriptive word when talking about it. I didn't anticipate it would kick over the conversation of definitions. Um uh which isn't a bad thing. I just think um I would I would I
would just in favor of using the time we have to continue the process of evaluating one by one right now as we have been. But I do appreciate the consideration. >> All right. So definitely a good point
that we need to look at post cycle and we will um um
I feel a process or criteria can only get bad. So yeah, um only human
want to table this discussion for a future nons meeting. Let's half right into
the rest of the GR. Um, Bill, if you want share your screen, let me increase it a little bit. still.
Yeah. So, okay, let's just run through this for to keep in my available
funds. Um, we have >> All right. >> We have just over 2,000 still available based off of our like
initial number and what we have so far. >> Good point. >> If I may suggest, I was actually thinking about that. Um, I I was thinking it might be a good idea to not
ignore, but it's good to have a running tally, but I was thinking it'd be a good idea to sort of if we run each one individually and fund it, and then if we see the balance is over at the end, then go back and adjust rather than letting the running balance as we go down the list in order necessarily affect it as
it go. Does that make sense? Like I don't I don't want sort of bias of like oh we only have quote $3,000 left making us make decisions on like number 90 sort of influencing that >> just because of the order they were sorted in if that makes sense.
>> But it could this could also inform how we want to view the block that's orange. I think with that >> it does make sense. Yeah. >> Yeah. So no I agree. Yeah. I mean good
both of you good points like so that's you know yellow I say act as if we didn't
see that in orange we could get Um, >> good point. >> First of mine 5,000
of the 59,000 budget. I remember this. It's just it's a great symbol.
If you fund us, we will convery about because a lot of push is playing in the year. Now
work ves will be open and to book if and when they get the funds. >> I'm just going to jump in and say I put
this one in the red section because they have no documentations. No venue confirmed and they're saying we would like to or we hope to include venues such as Boston Ammeris and it's a ticketed event $25 to $35. So that's my
two cents right there. Put it out there. No, I wish you I gave I think at most it has five points on my she
um but whoever felt strongly about this. You wrote to make your case,
Jess, Joe or Bill? Um, I'm I'm I'm pretty torn because I want to I want to provide partial funding to the idea, but I'm looking and the only location
plan they has is the city of Ammerst will provide a suitable area for our circus tent, all electricity, boundary barriers, garbage cans, and pick up at no charge. And yet there doesn't seem to be any like have they communicated with Ammerst? Is there any record of them having communicated with Ammers? I'm
genuinely curious like if it's not in the grant application like >> it it's just making me curious >> in my opinion and you No, >> they have note. Yeah,
>> they request even beyond that. I'm not quite or how the go from being on the power committee a few years back.
We paid for even custo to say or you will provide this this and
we want to pay that much gives me a bad taste. It says on page three, sorry Cody, it says it says on page three of their application that they're hoping they're
they're planning a three city tour that hopefully will include Boston Ammerst. >> Yeah. >> So just what they wrote. >> Yeah. And they're saying the town of Ammerst will provide us with a suitable location for our tent. You mean they haven't scoped out a location for their
tent already? They haven't like they don't even say where in Ammerst it's going to take place. It's I agree with you, Cody. It kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth. >> Yeah. >> Like there are so many other events that have great planning >> um already like the Junth and the Odinong Powow know where they're going
to be. Like that's a great part of knowing where you're going to take place. You know, >> that's your response. You just am I bad if this
be off recorded but I don't code stuff is just you just don't
But >> the people hosting >> I'd um Yeah, I'd kind of go red on this one. I kind of agree with Rachel. >> Yeah. Um, we have
Bill or Jess. I see you. >> Oh, yeah. I I'm good with not funding this one. That makes total sense to me. >> Bill, >> I agree 100% with you all.
>> Yeah. We won't get fun for this. If you watch this YouTube be
and stop for next time. All right. Next up is all in end of the societal
by the center for human development requested all the budget um 5,000 um I will start again is for people with
disabilities which appar to see I think it's a great project a rule. No, I seem to recall
they do apply to accounts or so and I shouldn't be pressured to for fun anymore.
more simple. See, otherwise, please correct me. But I do seem to remember
they have a few others they apply to. According to their application, they said they'll be applying to the Chapi Cultural Council. >> Yeah. >> And then they Chapi hasn't supported
this event and not yet supported the event in the past. >> I'd go um I'd go at least mid like mid maybe high partial. I mean I'd be open circling back. Um I am I mean this I do
it's going to be on the common um supports underserved groups um disabilities. >> Yeah, I mean I could >> cost associated >> yeah it's free um especially for common town common events that uh does help the
vitality very visible. Um >> yeah. Um just >> I was going to point to the question, how will you adjust the project? And they said the project will continue to be carried out regardless of support,
but it would be impactful if CHD could continue to tout the support of the local cultural council, showing it too continues to value the all-in program, which makes me think that this is not symbolic,
but like they're not necessarily counting on us. So, I would definitely want to fund this, but I would personally be on the low end of partial because it sounds like they're not necessarily relying on our funding to put on the program.
>> Yeah. NC they do have fun maybe not what it was but um I agree with you and I'm torn on it
propos >> I go how how's a thousand and sound. And then >> um sorry before we like confirm the number I I don't know if I was the only one who saw this in the application under number of people served there must be a typo because it says two
>> um >> it's it's 600 I think. Um >> okay so I'm missing a part of that um >> in the application because it's estimated number of people served is two. >> Yeah. I I'm wonder I just saw that as
well. I totally missed that. It says two, but then when it says who is the target audience, it says serving 600 people annually. So maybe it has two performers and then they're going to have additional people like coming in to watch it maybe. I
don't know. I think I think um I'm you know in principle I I think it's great to support this and I would just vote for the the minimum amount that we would you know give for a grant on this fund. Um
well the average was 301 but I would say 750
or 8,000 go 750 and circle back maybe. >> Yeah, I'm good with that. >> I would personally advocate for like 500 rather than 750, but I'm open to 750 if that's what you guys
really want. >> I would go with the average that's listed there. 400. But yeah, I think let's circle back to this one so we can move on. Yeah. >> And let's
just put >> five. We just put five, you know, five in my >> Yeah. Yeah. 500. All right. And so we got tiny turn tiny turn.
I don't know how correctly pronounce it request all the budget at 1350. Um,
I got no perfect. I don't remember this app. >> They're the ones that had that uh letter that
external letter sent afterwards further explaining their application in the email. >> I did check out their YouTube channel. It's cute. They do like kid songs. Um, they want to do one at the Jones. I uh let me open their mass cultural council page. But
>> the Jones sent a letter of support for them after the fact. That was like the additional documentation they sent. I would personally be open to like partially funding this >> like maybe the average maybe 500 but
probably not more than that. >> Um this is multiple performances March through December of next year. Yeah, >> the the budget numbers suggest two performances.
>> Maybe the other ones are through the other towns they're planning to visit. >> Possibly. Good point. >> Yep. >> Because they they've applied to a lot of cultural councils, >> which it I respect. you know, it's it
not not necessarily a discounting factor. Just >> Mhm. >> Um I think they're doing like a maybe a Tiny Tutti tour. Let me see. Yeah, this it's like a duo duo that does
kid uh sings like kid songs. It's quite I I did check out their channel, you know, solid >> for them for applying to multiple councils if they want to do the performances in those respective communities. That totally makes sense to me to >> Yeah, makes sense. Yeah. So, it's not
not a discounting factor at all. I mean, if they want to come to Ammerst. Absolutely. Um, sounds fantastic. God, >> I was going to also draw attention to I just pulled up and they're saying the estimated number of people served is
about 50. So it sounds like it's going to be kind of a smaller scale event. Um so that would also be contributing for me of wanting to go like low lower end of partial personally. >> No, that's just Yeah, I do I do want to
fund this though. I think I think partial partial would be good. >> Yeah. I I just looked at what push would be
would come to 675 and just divide the request in half. Um, how does that sound?
We can do 500. >> I think that sounds good. >> Yeah. >> So, are you guys saying yes to the 675? Oh, I was saying yes to the 500, but I would be open to 675 and not
do. >> Sorry. Go ahead, Cody. No, I was about for you or um 75 Rachel
>> 500 for me. If that was the other one on the table. >> Yeah. >> 500 >> bill. >> Agree. 500 >> 500.
>> 500. We will go with next up is into request 600
full budget. Um, sounds cool. Um, >> my only concern is they don't seem to have a specific time or event
for when they want to play. >> Not I mean, shouldn't knock them out of contention, but >> yeah. Um, yeah. Doesn't Yeah. not very specific or locations or anything. I mean, my mind
is conjuring an image of like scattered street performances around, but I don't know if that's actually what it's going to look like. Um, >> yeah. My I got the same or image
and it's like I go with the average on >> I' I'd go 250. Yeah. >> Yeah.
because it's not feeling like a actual set of words. So yeah, >> which is still cool. Yes,
>> I was going to say adventure into Ammerst. When you look at the bid letter of support, the like additional material, it says Adventure into Ammerst is a program to welcome new students to their host community. So, it sounds like the locations and dates aren't set
because they're maybe waiting on coordination from like the colleges >> um for like student orientation and stuff like that. So, it's based off the letter that was here. It sounds like this is maybe an established event that
she's partnered with before. Um, but I also am open to like 250. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. My my question becomes
do they have act to fund food therefore and me I be >> yeah Yeah,
>> yeah, I'm good with 250. I' I'd want fully funding if I had kind of a little more information. I feel like I don't know if I'm missing anything on like what's cuz my mind's eye is conjuring. If anyone remembers
the um I don't know if he still plays, it's been a while since I've been in Northampton at night, but the saxophone guy in Northampton. Um, I'm kind of picturing that, but like all over the town, but that's that's not what's actually in the application. It's it's what my imagination's conjuring. Um, all
it says is a widely public performance on the street available for our all to enjoy. Let's see. Yeah, I'd go 250 for now. Maybe maybe uh adjust it later.
>> All right, we go to 50. All right, next up for student language and culture preservation requesting
the full budget of $1,000. Um, I seem to remember this is a repeat app. So, um,
if someone knows what we've done in the past, now that help. Um, average here is
the 83. Um, I got no preference. That is in line with what we granted last year based on my quick search here of
>> the average Oh, five hours. >> The average. The average. >> Oh, right. >> Because I think last year we had um initially granted 1,500 1,5500, but
then do you remember we went through that round where it's like which ones of these will we >> take away from. So that was one of the ones that we chose to do that. So I would say that what's the average here is pretty close to what we is very close to what we ended up granting them last
year just as reference. >> My question then is that do we want keep with the average try to give them more
this year? I'd say personally the a thousand sounds good to me since it is a year-long program but it is for a pretty small number of students. >> Um yeah >> I agree I agree at least at least yeah
thousand um yeah it is uh is is preservation for for an underserved group. Yeah, it is called >> the other thing that I would bring up just to have it in the record is it's a regional um organization.
They're meeting in Hadley, but they're not applying anywhere else in any other cities. Um and so just to note that that may be and I don't know if we are allowed to provide them feedback, but they should certainly consider applying to other cities um if it truly is
regional. Yeah, if they definitely >> me I think we have provided feedback
because I remember some young people with they got I I mean I say one got very small
but I got feedback but >> we sorry go ahead. No, I was going say that some
when we do a info session we can say you know it's more appeal to have to
most But very >> I was just going to say how about if we put what you know the number we have up on the screen now and then just consider this is one of the ones we might adjust downward when we're balancing the budget in the end. >> Sounds good.
>> I'm close. Um, yeah, I'm cool with >> Yeah, the thousand right there. Yeah. >> Yeah, >> that work. >> Yeah.
All right, next up. friend of mine meet free fil stream requested 250 out there 2500
budget I for this amount out and I really respect people
when they had personally said don't fund this one because it's going to be in Turner's Falls. So there definitely might be people from Ammeris that go, but it's not like an Ammeris specific event. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. I mean, and I know we have a fun something else out there, but I will say just cuz it's
people this that Um that have clearly reg. Um, what do other people think?
>> Um, I I I'm leaning towards red just uh I'm I'm agreeing with just leaning towards red just because it's mostly outside of Ammerst, but the ask is so small that if everyone wants to lean towards 250 and moving on, I'm fine with that. Uh >> um I'm fine either way.
advice for dread then. >> Bill, what do you think on this one? >> Yeah, I guess I am back and forth. I guess where I land is is ultimately with with Jess and Joe and that it's we I
think we have been prioritizing events in Ammerst and just in order to to follow keep following that I would be okay with not funding it. If we happen to have money left over at the end enough to to give them the 250 I would be totally fine with that. Sounds like a
unique um film and it does serve underserved communities. Um, but I think keeping keeping in line with what we've been doing that it to me it makes sense to put it in the red for now.
>> I wish you that and we have done that in the past with the young person. I just made
we were able find that something did to have an extra. So I'm fine with that.
So moving on to liberation playback the 2020 training series
I was just making or train um request 1250. I'll answer the
whole budget. Um no perfect as I mean, I guess if I'm being consistent in what I said just five minutes ago, this is also in Turner's Falls. Um,
>> it does mention other venues around the area. And and on the opposite side of you know the other side of that coin is it does seem to really focus on disabled bipok facilitators and LGBTQ facilitators. Um
>> which makes it a little more in I'm a little more inclined to give give something. Um but I >> the average is for 16 which I think
you know if we were to get something that could be possible. what do >> I agree with Bill um I think it's even though it's outside of Amoris it is very
laser focused on supporting underserved communities which um I I think I would I would be amendable to giving it the average of of 400 for now. >> Yeah. Yes,
>> I was going to say in the like partners question, they listed Hope Community Church as a potential space. So, it sounds like they don't have a confirmed Ammerst location, but especially if we were to give them some sort of monetary support. I could see
them like having at least one of their workshops here. >> How about you, Rich? Oh. Um, how would you all feel about putting down 300 for that for now? >> Y
>> I'm good with that. >> Yeah. All right, moving on to dividing perussion mean for sh
performance. question 600 out the 12,400 budget again
this um the average was 18 It sounds like this one's going to happen primarily in Montigue as well. It's run by someone who's based in Ammerst and it mentions throughout it
like there's Ammerst connections but it doesn't give a very like clear indication of what that is. >> So I would personally want to give zero to this one. In addition, it costs
there's a sliding scale of 0 to 600 for ensemble members to join for the semester. >> I'd agree with not funding this one as well. >> Yeah, agreed. I mean, I said this before
close. I do see immers folks communic Get alo sad if you don't drive
mountain stuff to get to. So um I'm putting this in red. >> Yeah.
Bill, you on board with that? >> Yes, I am. >> All right. Um moving on to cate media against
5,000 out the 20 4,000 budget I mean it's okay I mean all this
so pretty I'm getting for 16 are This is an exhibit at the Ammerst media office.
Um it's free. uh they will prioritize what uh are inter they they say they state they will prioritize underserved communities when selecting their art. Um,
let's see. >> My only resation about this is how many people are going
to go to their office. >> I agree. >> Yeah. Um, it's pretty out of the way, >> but I don't think that, you know, let's scratch that. Um, but it depends on how how they're advertising
it. They do claim 250 for marketing materials in their promotion, but other than that, it doesn't seem might not seem very apparent that it's there. I I am okay with giving them that amount for the marketing actually the 250 because
um if you look at their budget it's mostly salaries right and if we go to that um MCC page that I referenced before about operating grants they're getting over $26,000 from MCC for the operating grant
for the operations >> that's a page separate from their cultural council grant application interesting. >> Uh, correct. If you want me to share my screen, I can do that. Um, show you quickly, but otherwise, you know, like can I share screen or no? Anyway,
um, so that's just a little bit of perspective. So, I think I think the what you mentioned, Joe, about the marketing, I think that's I'm I would be comfortable with giving them that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. How cool is that at just
you me? Oh yeah, 250 sounds good to me as well. The only thing I was going to add is that the Jones library is like temporarily in the same building as Ammerst Media. So I could see them trying to like capitalize on that. So
I'd say giving them the marketing money makes sense. Help them do that. >> Be decent. I like it. >> I agree. >> So, let's put 50
down. I'll go find the ID for art for community to request in the full budget at 6,58. Their average was 300
events. Oh, wait. I see you now. This is the um Yeah, I mean I'd be okay with that about 300.
How about >> What about 250? >> Yeah. 2 4 250 43 under bill. I'm good with 250 for this one.
And I'm break. All right. That stuff is langly or the B session
requesting the whole budget at 500. average is $83. Or I say if we don't want fun
more care. >> Oh, >> this is like a performance art series of workshops. And they say that they're doing them throughout the area, but might do one in Ammerst. >> They say they claim at least one will be
in Ammerst, yet um they have actually a pretty detailed list of places they've confirmed or have potential venues. Um like in Holio like Locust and Holio make it Springfield confirmed Northampton Center for the Arts which are confirmed
potential ones in Greenfield and East Hampton but no potential or confirmed locations for Ammerst uh yet they just say uh at least one in Ammerst >> where that
be hard to book. I guess >> the other thing I'll say is >> Oh, sorry. >> I mean, you can probably get
river or a outdoor space, but as for a indoor space. Yeah, we got man by time they got the
money. It would be tough. Bill, sorry to cut you off. >> No, I cut you off. So, I'm sorry. Um I just gonna say when if I look at their project budget, what they submitted is
for one um performance or session. So, um, that would we're not fully funding their entire program. We would just be fully funding a session in Ammerst, it looks like. And they have applied to the other cities where they're going to be as well.
>> Yeah. So, it's like if you find us, we will come of >> feels like it. Mhm. and which I me personally
don't really care for. I ra a confident versus >> I >> I feel not as strongly but I feel
similarly to how I felt toward the Miltown Circus um with this one >> in terms lack of a >> solid plan um they're asking Like you just said, if you fund it, we will come. So I I would go red or zero on this is
what I'm leaning toward. >> Yeah. >> Now I'm on board with red or Jess. I don't feel strongly either way. So, Jess, what do you think?
>> Yeah, same. I'm I'm good with going red on this one. >> All right, we will go red on this one. That stop me
condom menu requesting all the budget at 1750. The average speed 375. Um, ain't got no pre
like to hear from others. >> I guess I'm a little confused about how this would actually happen in protocol having been in there. >> Definitely a little cramped. Um, >> yeah, >> it's a good point.
>> And I'm not is this would this happen outside of like their normal hours? And apologies if it's in here and I've missed it. Um, they also mention, you know, encouraging the purchase of venue food. Um,
yeah, I don't know. It is in Ammerst. Um, but is this a concert benefiting the public or a specific business? I mean, that that raises some questions like with like with like well place concerts at the
Drake would would benefit the Drake. Like I imagine their bar will be open during Queer Corefest, right? So, I'm starting to think about that. >> That's a good point. I think yeah, this is this is meant to be a fundraising
dinner for the symphony orchestra. >> Um, and Protocol would be the venue. And the thing that would entice Protocol to host them is they would encourage people to like buy food from them while they're there.
>> So, I think that's the actual setup. >> Sorry. >> I mean, it makes sense. I think I I I would I would go for low low to mid partial on this. But uh I mean >> I conflicted on this. I mean
supporting the orchestra absolutely funding a fundraiser feels a little weird to me. >> Yeah. Yeah. No. >> That's kind of how I feel too.
I don't mind going red on this one, too. >> I'm I'm fine with red if that's where everyone's leaning. I was just thinking about some other
>> also can someone last one >> uh we don't forget >> we're reading we readed Lurggy Order
Bridge that got rated. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's that's been >> that's story time in the gold and $1,200 budget. The average is six.
So, it is free. It's on a farm in Ammerst. Um, it is uh I I would I would be personally going for for like low low partial on this. It is um it is uh definitely representing an
underserved and voice that is being actively erased right now or attempted to at least. So uh >> yeah, >> yeah, how about
>> I was sorry. Go ahead. >> No, go ahead. Sorry, Joe, you were going to say something. >> Um, yeah. I mean, I' I' I' I'd be amendable to I'd be amendable to 300 for for the time being. Um,
>> uh, just do do you want to fund do I am a fan of funding things that elevate Palestinian voices uh, >> in general. >> Makes sense. Great. Oh,
>> I was actually going to go to bat for this one for full funding >> because I think regardless of whose perspective is being shared here, I think the premise of the event and what is you know being um
incorporated and what they have planned um as a whole I feel very much is you know aligns with what we're doing with our with our grant making. So that's that's what um I was going to go to bat
for myself. >> I was >> um I was going to say around a thousand and I'd be more inclined to lean towards Rachel's full funding. Um yeah, I' I'd say full funding for this one as well.
>> Bill, >> yeah, I I can be behind that. >> Yeah, you know. Yeah, I think yeah, if there's anyone I think yeah, you'll you'll definitely sold me on it. I think we'll go full and then adjust everything else around if we need to at the end
because this again this this is another example of like this is why we're just trying to evaluate each one on its own like I was mentioning at the beginning, not considering the running total because Yeah, that's a good point. >> Yep. >> All right.
1500. >> Thank you all. I think it's also just the, you know, based on the objectives they're achieving and also the different ways they're doing it, you know, kind of addressing people where they're at and all of that. So, thank you for for that. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Out of all out of all the events is very well well set up. I do agree with that. Oh, yeah. It's a whole day. Yeah. Heck yeah. and dress. >> Yeah, it's a very multifaceted event
like Rachel was saying as well. Oh 2,000 out of the seven budget average 76.
I'd personally want to go for at least like a thousand on this one cuz it's going to be throughout the summer a series of musical performances held bi-weekly on the common. Um, they're going to be talking about
artists from underrepresented communities and there's going to be like food truck vendors and it sounds like it has the potential to become like a quote unquote staple event. >> You know what? You know what? I agree.
I'd argue for full. >> I like I do like taking over multiple things and it's on the common. Uh, I'm hearing
a thousand. I'm hearing four. How about >> I mean, this one to me kind of ticks all of the boxes that we should almost all the boxes that we should be looking for. Um, so I would I would be good from anything a thousand to full funding. I
can be behind any of that. All right, Rachel. >> Thank you, Cody. I agree in principle with that as well. And I think that when it comes down to kind of when we like finessing all the numbers later, I I
guess I would put this one in the same category or bucket as the um community band performances. So maybe between the two of them we could strike a balance because I don't know if we can fully fund both but maybe you know they're they're kind of similar right in spirit
and reach. >> Yeah. So >> so whether we want to put down a thousand full now I don't know but that's that's kind of how I would evaluate later. >> I'd advocate for full now um and
evaluate later if everyone's all right with that. Let's do a roll call. I own that very >> I would vote for a thousand personally.
>> Yes. >> I stand by a thousand >> bill. Uh, tough one. Um, I mean, I guess I can stand by a thousand and and you know, as Rachel mentioned, we can find a balance
between the other two and maybe it gets a little bit more, but I'm good with a thousand. >> Joe, >> uh, I' I'd say I'd say full again, but it sounds like everyone seemed toward a thousand. And with this kind of thing, I don't it doesn't necessarily have to be be either or if we're looking to
prioritize uh, central events on the comment. And if if we wanted to balance fully fund in both possibly. >> Yeah. >> Doesn't have to be an either or type of thing. >> No, and we will come back
with this one. Um probably the same community band will be the same.
So thousand for now and if we can go higher alo. Yeah, Joe. Joe, just so I think you
understood what I was saying was just as I thought maybe we would high, you know, high partial for both if it came down to that. >> One or the other. Yeah. Yeah, >> definitely. >> Okay, good. Thanks. All right.
Inspire story. The timeless beauty of the silk road or request in 21
out the 2100 budget average was 34. Um, no pressure on this.
My personal reservation with this is that it seems to be pretty focused on UMass and like having workshops with UMass students and community members. So, it sounds like there is a public benefit, but I'm also a little curious
as to why they're applying for a grant through us rather than through like institutional funding. >> Yeah. No, good point. And again,
you know, when we talk about standing summer or fall, we can ask the question those
was a college be more or be ass or you find it but um
yeah is yeah, this is very um focused at UMass, which isn't necessarily a bad thing because UMass is in Ammerst,
but I do I do hold the same reservations. um they are applying to a bunch of Eastern Mass um cultural council funds as well, which I was just
wondering about like like NATIC and things like that. Um maybe it has to do with the locations of like their research places, but it says Sudbury, Walton, Brooklyn, Act and Nic and Lincoln. Um, which would imply Ammeris is the only Western Mass Council
they've applied to, which I'm assuming is because UMass is there. Um, so it seems more of an institutional exhibition. >> That makes sense. I think I'm more slow because
I would be $1. Well, you finally come back. You have a good point of well
if you m the home base. >> Yeah. And like I I do want to mention like the like productions at Baler Auditorium um are gen are like they are at UMass but
they're well known as again a staple event in in the Ammeris community whereas this one seems uh kind of like almost like a like an in college or museum institutional exhibition that happens to be very focused on UMass. And
I question how much it would be advertised to the broader Ammerst community outside of UMass students, mainly on campus. Um, it does feel kind of one of those things like like an exhibition that you may only find out about if you're if
you're on UMass campus, if that makes sense. >> All right. I saw him So, this doesn't hap have to happen now, but I have some details on the forensic accounting side of cleaning up last
cycle when and if you're ready. It doesn't have to happen this meeting. It can happen in a standalone. Yeah. >> Do you do you mind maybe if we go through the yellow since we just >> Yeah. No, I don't mind at all. I'm just hanging out looking up documents to try and make sense of all this.
>> Okay. Thank you, Angela. So Cody, I just have a quick comment about this um >> current application we're discussing is that judging by the application, it's very much a workshop for um almost like
a student club like a kind of a group on campus. So because the support letter is written by the I think Asian history club or it's like a student group. So, it's even smaller than an exhibition in scope. Um,
>> yeah, >> at least judging by, you know, what I see in the application. So, I feel like this one should actually be a red in my in my opinion. Um, >> yeah, fantastic. >> It's not I think it' be a very different thing if say the Jones Library said, "Oh, we want to invite this group to do
this workshop for the community and they it's going to take place at UMass." >> Yeah. UMass. So yeah, >> UMass has great internal systems for student clubs to seek funding from the university which the university has an excess of funding they could divert
towards this. So >> comment >> um did everyone speak I'm hearing
red on this one. >> That sounds good to me. >> Yep. I agree with that. Let's together emotion rock through the deck. It's
if the music can dance, of the 4050 budget. Um, did we already talk about just
>> this one and the magic for seniors were ones that had been in the red and then Bill and Rachel advocated for these two. We talked about them and then we set the amount to 200, but then um Rachel had mentioned the MCC's
guidelines to have 250 be the minimum award amount. >> All right. So, thank you for that. I'm always good with this last two.
I think I was trying to find exactly that citation like again to be able to share this meeting and I was having trouble finding it. So I think you know the MCC has their recommendations but that doesn't mean that we can't as a council
decide on you know what we want to do. So if 200 is a better number for everyone, that's we could certainly go with that. So um >> so I just want to mention that. But I will actually keep looking for that reference in the meantime. Thank you.
>> I think 250 sounds good though, personally. >> Yeah, >> it' be fine. If if we like really want to at the end, like if we say, "Oh, what if we cut all the 250s down to 200s to like do the final balancing?" Then like, sure, but 250 for now is good, you know?
Like No, I like that joke. Like, so we could look at that balance. >> Yeah,
>> that that's a that's a negative value. So, currently we would uh need to cut that amount 3 30 3,527. And uh and again that's this is a
theoretical number um for the end of our deliberations and we haven't discussed the oranges yet either. >> Yeah. >> So I think we maybe need to take that into account in conjunction with whatever update Angela has for us.
Right. So with the orange ones I mean because we already gone through the red. The reds are like we dealt with them. Right. So the orange ones, I don't know if people if anyone feels strongly about any of the orange ones that should be funded.
>> Yeah, I I would advocate for start for saying like like I what I think your plan is I would advocate for turning the oranges to red unless anyone has wants to go to bat for any of these.
Um >> yeah, that's kind of Yeah. >> Yeah. Thank you. I I would agree. I would agree with that. If I'm just going to scroll through these. Yeah, I don't I was going to I don't feel like the the agony
event is is something >> like in in terms of the two ones asking for 10 grand. I mean the Junth it's much more of a >> this is also a competition
>> and it charges money to >> university students. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. I would not >> Yeah. I will flag that hill
cover present the spider with cl in summer house sunset the series or
repeat that I know we fund it in the past. Um the two I would
say the cat summit house set concert series cuz I know that's a pretty well off of
it. I would >> when people you know how much >> I would I would advocate looking at Cle
I'd advocate for putting KZ in at least the yellow um as part of their um plans. They do have some co-sponsored events in Ammer. Uh do plan to have some like their main event is not in Ammerst, but they do plan to have some co-sponsored events in Ammerst during the time. Um on
that July weekend um even though the main events in Cumington, uh they they are planning to have some like satellite events in Ammerst and have heavy ties to the JCA as well. Um I'd advocate for putting it in in at least yellow. Um, my heart wants the Summit House concert
series to receive some funding. Uh, logically, I know it's not in Ammerst, like personally I I've been to that event. It's great, but it is on Mount Skinner and Hadley and they do charge tickets and it is on top of a mountain, but it's it is on a personal level, it's
quite a nice event. >> I would say the one thing that I would want to have reconsidered would be the Hilltown Youth Recovery Theater. Yeah. So basic >> in the rest I'm comfortable
going red >> and I'm I'll just make a note I'm comfortable with summit house not receiving funding, but if there's like if we want to throw some that way at the end, it's that's just personally again it's a personal thing. I personally that
is a good event, but I understand if that doesn't meet our grant funding priorities. Yeah, >> I mean it has in the past. So I
that's why I'm not quite comfortable with it. But >> yeah, >> you know people can't persuade me
and think otherwise. >> Wasn't the um I'm trying to remember music dance edu applied to two. >> Yeah. and the Kendrick Drake beef one
where we were more favorable to. Is that right? It was the other one in the red. I think I'm trying to remember. >> The other one is the hiphop chair dancing for seniors. >> Oh, yes. >> And
I think I would be willing I would want to advocate for the um hip-hop popular culture one. I think >> I forgot of
we also have fun in the past. I it's such a low amount and it is you know something that is continually in Ammerst >> but the rest I would >> I I would be comfortable let me see
looking at the rest I would be comfortable um going red on the remaining four. >> Yeah me too. Yeah, >> I know we found a cloud for
that's more pros more odds and end the past even with fun. Yeah.
All right. Do we want to go to and then come back to what we want or what do we want now this
out now go to what's a Let's finish these up. Finish up the ones we have and then go to Angela. >> How about
that works for me? >> All right, let's do it. So go up. Yeah. Hill town cover
you theater present Spider B of one3,000 800. Um,
>> so I would for me it's the the money is secondary, the support is primary. So if if you know 250 would be okay for me. Um, but I do want to show support for the work that they do.
>> Yeah. Like as a youth ad I'm all for this kind of I was for them
because you do get from all over. So as long as they well in
yeah it's a job but like >> yeah this is like >> well I mean yeah like they said in their application a large contingent of their attendees do come from Ammer so they are
plugged into the target group in the Ammeris community that they're supporting >> um uh as well. So, I think I do agree with Bill that we do want to have some support. I would I would go for I would go for 250 for now at least.
Um I would advocate high but I will go with majority for now. Um,
Rachel Jess, >> my personal um reservations about this are like it must be hard for someone from Ammeris to get up to where it is held for a day camp in Heath. Um, but I
it they have yearround programming that engages Ammeris people more directly. Um, so I would be fine with 250. >> All right. >> Thank you, Cody. I think, you know, in
to kind of um echo what Bill said, it's really the gesture gesture of our support in this case. And um I think just as a something to consider down the road is for a lot of these projects is
is our you know token of support is that something we want to focus on going forward and there are there are arguments against funding the same people every year. Okay. So, that's something we at the council would need
to to talk about as well is, you know, repeat repeat um applicants. But for the purposes of this one and the rest um on this list, I think 250 seems like a comfortable number to work with. >> Yeah.
>> Thank you. >> Yeah. Go to 50 and you do bring up. We got a lot of
conversations to have over the off season. Oh, I'm definitely me and if it's just what I'm
love about >> I'd go 250 again but I do want to show some support I think >> that sounds good to me as well >> yeah I'm good with that >> yes thank you 250
>> 250 If he's a win summit house concert series 100 out the 7450 budget. Um,
do we want to say to 504 listen is only 200. So yeah, >> 250 sounds good to me. I was personally going to say red for
this one because it's going to be held at well I'm yeah this is a similar principle to me as some of the other ones that I've said read on where it's out of town and there's not like a direct way to get there if you don't have a car.
Um but if if the majority of people say 250 I'm fine with that. All right. Yeah. >> I'm also fine with voting it as a as a red if that's what we, you know, have to because we're going to have to
>> make compromises. So, >> as the person who originally advocated for this, um I've sort of I think I'm going to agree with Jess and Rachel and go red for this. While I personally enjoy this event, I think uh I do have to concede it is outside of Ammerst and
on top of a mountain. Um, so not extremely accessible. Um, but it is it is fun. I do recommend going to at least one of the concerts next year if you have the time. >> Yeah, I can't remember why we funed
this. If I did the hour or give it up, I think they would just start out, which is why we wanted to help
them. But Bill, >> I was also leaning to red on this one. All right, red. It is our last one of the night party. We will party
have meet Monday and once next week. Yeah. Do we have time to hear what Angela has to say >> or
the is the seven 200 to fully ear that >> I'm fully funding this, but I think they gave us money back this past year because they didn't do it. Maybe the
weather or something, but >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Sure. >> Yeah. Um just to
say wait I would do 250 don't mind. How about >> I I say 27. I mean, I would fully fund the extra 20 bucks. Doesn't mean too
much to us, but it does show like full support. >> I feel super neutral on this one. That sounds good to me. Joe, >> I agree on the 270. >> All right. And that
concludes pro of first to last and go through what you have for us. >> All right, I think I'm gonna have to do
some more work, but I want to show you where I am. So, I'm just going to share my screen. And we are going to start with this is the document that everyone got to see. Has everyone seen that list? That general list?
>> Yeah. >> Okay. But we're going to go to the press release. So the press release I have on January 17th, 2024. Is that is that the wrong year? >> Yeah, we're looking for 2025. >> Okay. So, let me just say, and I'm going
to do this, and it's going to be really quick. This is the W9 for the Powow, and I'm not showing their EIN number, so we're okay. But do you see how it says tiny seed? >> Okay, that makes sense. I was wondering. >> So, on the list, it's Tiny Seed, right?
And so, I went back to the list and Ammerst Historical Society is here three times. It's right in the middle underneath Ammeris Community Television. So, we worried about the historical society not showing up three times. They're there three times. And then if we go to the bottom, tiny seed is here,
right here at the bottom of this page. So, even though you had over 140 applicants, right? You didn't fund all of them. And so, I'm going to go back to Leah and push back a little bit.
But what I can do for you, and it's going to take some time, is I can go through everyone's W9 and match up like Alexandra Marsh, that's not descriptive. I can tell you what the project was, and I can modify this PDF so that it's And
Alexander Marsh, right? Let's pretend she was the Powow Powow, but it would be Tiny Seed, Inc. Onendog Powow. So, I can go through and do that for you >> if that would be helpful. Is that what you'd like me to do? Yeah. And just going forward
again before we publish it. We should be the on. But yeah,
that sounds good. >> Okay. I'm sorry, Rachel. Go ahead. >> I was just gonna say thank you so much for checking for looking into that, Angela. And I think some of the questions I have was because I thought okay because tiny C because they had the the largest number on that list. I
thought maybe that's for the POW, but I thought as I recall we had um that was the one we had said we were not going to disc like take away any of the full funding that we um had committed to. So that's why um but I think maybe in the
end the the kind of justification or the the the shifting of of numbers did just happened you know >> yeah I mean the chair like we didn't we didn't see that part of it but but that makes sense to me and then >> the historical society no I only raised it because it shows up three times where
as I didn't realize we had funded them three times in that year so I didn't know that was from >> a previous year that was also added to Yeah. >> Right. So, this is this is the award letter. I don't know if you're seeing it right now, >> but it's to Anand Dog Pow. And then the
total amount is 5,853. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Um Yeah. And then the So, yeah, the historical society. I just thought maybe something from a previous year was recorded at, you know, last year or um and then Restless Books. That was one I
remember. And then I think that there was another one that we talked about. But I mean I don't question um you know the what what was done. It was just more like okay so do we are we sure that >> that they're all there and accounted for.
>> Exactly. >> Yeah. >> So the way that Leah went about and I in full and complete transparency we changed comprollers during the time that you guys were kicking into this new grant cycle. So the only way Leah had to pull that report is to go into our accounting
system and literally print out everything that had been paid paid out from your budget line and that's how that report was created. So she didn't have access to the awards list like Holly hadn't left that for her and she didn't have access to all of the
background like I have all the W9s. um so I can go through and match things up but um but that's how that report was created for the MCC. Thank you so much because also, you know, I mean, for our purposes, it's like we're to make sure that the amount of money that we
actually have reflects what what's paid out and what we and and I saw that a couple of people probably returned their grants because they were able to. >> So, >> so I feel confident about the numbers on that report and I feel like we can we can feel good about those numbers and we
can roll with those numbers. But again, as you reach the end of your deliberations, I would really encourage you to save a chunk of money for you as a council to really thoughtfully spend in terms of supporting um the cultural district in Ammerst and also putting
yourselves out there as ambassadors for cultural events in Ammerst. Like you do a lot of work. This has been a tremendous amount of effort. It's been a number of hours and I feel like you guys should show up at block party and table and say we are the people who support all of these great events and we are the
people that are promoting cultural activity in your area. So, it's not like take a bow, but it's also like >> we want you to have >> uh an outward facing presence whenever it's possible. And we have
table when we did the survey and just >> joing back to previous talks.
That could be something we want to do this coming year. Just a temper to check of what are we missing?
What if any more that community wants? But um >> so I'll go through and match up all of those names with things that you can
recognize and I will send that out to you in an email attachment and then if you give me the thumbs up I'll put it in the next packet. But it sounds like you want to meet on Monday >> if that works for everyone
else. >> Everybody who's here needs to show up in order for it to function because I I haven't heard from Evelyn at all. Yeah, I can do I know Evelyn wanted to advocate for one that was in the red, too. So, um I haven't heard her voice on
that. Um >> I mean, she's missed the entire grant cycle kind of. I I know she was there early on like on the front end, but Bill and and Cody, have you heard from her directly? >> No, I haven't reached out, but I haven't heard from her either.
>> So, the five of us need to show up. I mean, we have to at least make sure the five of us are able to vote for the >> I can't make it on Monday, but are people able to do a different day? >> What's What's good for everyone? Maybe
we should just try to figure that out now so that um because then we're running up into the holidays after that. >> Unfortunately, I do have to get going um at the end of the meeting right now. I do apologize. >> So, I'll put a poll out for Monday and
Tuesday of next week and see what we come up with quorumwise. Does that sound good? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> I'll do it right still an option or no? >> Uh, >> I mean, not that we necessarily want to be having a meeting on Friday, but
>> No, we've missed the 48 hour window. >> Oh, right. Because Wednesday already. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I'll put a poll out right after this meeting for 5:00 Monday, 5:00 Tuesday. And um Do you need it to be a two-hour meeting or do you think you're good with
an hour and a half or like an hour? >> Hour. >> Okay. I mean, we could shoot for a hour, but like I know for
our should be good. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thanks everyone. >> Take care everyone. >> Thanks. >> Thanks everyone.
>> You every night.