01-19-1999 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes January 19, 1999 Page 3 e regarding the Art Soup Arts Festival planned for June 21-27 in the Historic Downtown. In an overview of the goals of the organization, it was indicated that special efforts (such as the Art Soup Festival) are being made to promote community involvement towards obtaining an art center for Elk River, and that the group is seeking ideas and financial support from the city in that regard. At this time, the organization suggests a contribution from the city in the amount of $5,000 in support of the festival fund raiser. The group indicated that in an effort to promote community involvement, the festival would include art exhibits, activities, visual artists, and workshops for young adults. Chuck Gilliam, Central Minnesota Arts Board, indicated that the School Board had voted unanimously in support of an art center, and that the organization is seeking possible "joint" support from the city. He added that the group is also offering sponsorships and advertising spots for the Art Soup Festival project. Representatives indicated that to date, the organization has raised $9,400, and is awaiting word on grants from Target and the 2001 Committee. It was also indicated that the organization feels that the Art Soup Festival ranks highly in importance to the downtown promotional efforts. In that regard, it was requested that council compare the benefits of the Art Soup Festival to that of the Heritage Festival when considering the contribution request. e Mayor Klinzing indicated her support for the organization and stressed the importance of the arts in the community as well as the value for the youth. She stated that the group is most certainly headed in the right direction with their efforts in making the community aware of the need for an art center, and that she supports the group in its goal towards community involvement. She further indicated that the city should be willing to provide support to help promote the partnership for the arts center. MAYOR KLINZING MOVED TO APPROVE THE FUNDING OF $5,000 TO THE 2001 ARTS ALLIANCE FOR 1999. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. Council member Dietz indicated that he was not prepared to vote on the issue without a recommendation from staff. He further stated that a funding source had not been identified, and he would not be comfortable making a decision until staff has evaluated the issue. Council member Farber stated he feels the promotion of downtown is of high importance for revitalization and he would be willing to use the contingency fund as a source of funding. Councilmember Motin stated that although the funding effort is a good idea, he would be interested in more information on the source and the possibility of a fund matching type of grant. e COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO POSTPONE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE FUNDING OF $5,000 TO THE 2001 ARTS ALLIANCE FOR 1999 TO THE FEBRUARY 8, 1999, MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION AND DIRECTED STAFF TO BRING BACK A RECOMMENDATION AT THE FEBRUARY 8 MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Mayor Klinzing opposed.