April 24, 2024 — Boulder Arts Commission Regular Meeting

Transcript

Captions from City of Boulder YouTube recording.

[0:01] What is. Ready to be alright. You're ready record and recording. And where is the microphone? Okay, that's that's good to know for people tuning in having tuned in online a few times recently, it was difficult. Yeah, it's really fine. or the principal that would. Kevin. oh, okay, I'm gonna call the meeting to order Matt.

[1:02] Everyone. Oh, order, we have to approve the agenda. I'll go through the agenda. Okay? And does anyone second? 1 s? Wait second, do we have a discussion? No? Okay. all in favor approved minutes or the agenda. Okay. everybody. And then not open city of Boulder acknowledges the city is on ancestral homelands and unseeded territory of indigenous peoples who have traverse lived in and sorted the land in boulder since time in membrane. Those indigenous nations include the Apache Arapaho Cheyenne

[2:02] man, she. Connie Shoney, Sue, and you to be able to recognize is that those now living working on these ancestral lands have a responsibility to acknowledge and address the past, and must work to build a more just future. And I would like to say that maybe at at another meeting. I'd like to. I had brought it up before that to have some action items that we're doing like to make this aye. more, just just for me just reading it and doing nothing. as we call now, we approve this minutes. and then you want to make a motion to approve the March minutes.

[3:01] Okay, someone want to second that second. does anyone have discussion around the meeting minutes? No. One. Everyone approved. All in favor. Alright, give me a minute. Okay, next, we have public participation. Looks like we have a couple people. Do you have a couple people signed up 70. That's great. In order of sign. I think Marvi signed up first. Is that right? Yeah, so you'll have 2 min, and I think, Lauren, do you have a time on that? I don't remember all the can I clarify? I said. 2 min or 5, 2, 2 min, if they can. Do you want them to be here? So they're on the camera. Oh, sure, please. thank you. They went.

[4:01] My name is Marty Strezelle. I'm an Ojibwe playwright and parents here in Boulder Multipart. The leadership of the creative nations. The artistic collective of natives at the dairy and the American new Parents Council, Pbs. D. The dairy has been an incredible partner for us for many years. We wouldn't exist today if it wasn't for their sacrifice in a true land back. And I don't say that lightly, because most times, when I say that 4 min I look it is not. They don't have an agenda. It'll make us do anything. They give us true sovereignty over what we decide to do, and by we I mean the native people involved. They get money and space, their time, especially when it was so valuable during Covid, and there were so few people to do things and resources. and we are forever grateful for what you've done to show how leadership you've done for you other sportsmen through the city. Older red line Nda we've actually been had many partners fund your resources, etc. However, it's come to our attention that there is leadership who is capable of allocating funds and resources throughout the boulder area, who are questioning who and what we are

[5:09] questioning are the real natives leading creative nations. Are we servicing real native people? Those people have not come, find us? No one's spoken to me. I haven't got a phone call or an email instead of the main. And it's very typical of the native erasure. I've lived with my entire life. and we lived with a 500 Pearson right now we're standing in the land, not just to the people that are right here, but a people like Robert Martinez Bruce Cook, Sarah Oregon, who are artists in creative nations who have done awesome work in Boulder County. and they wouldn't be doing that work today, if not for this one. We just talked about my phone and email are always on. If anyone really wants to know what we're doing, they can come, find us, and actually ask us instead of making messages. Can I ask you a question before you walk away? Yeah. And Bruce?

[6:00] so can you give me more information about what the exact assumption was? And did it come from the Arts Commission? The assumptions were made that the dairy is leading efforts to do native programming rather than the native people themselves that we're not under our own destiny to decide what we put on, that we're not actually servicing native people, and that so our organizations don't even exist. For example, the American Council was questioned into existence. and these are very easy things to find out. Very easy things to find out. Did it come from. But did it come from here like what? Trying to figure out the contact? I'm not looking to blame. I'm just trying to. Yeah. Context. It came came from a commission. I'm sure this is gonna be coming up during community projects organizations later on the agenda at okay. thank you. Came through this scoring and evaluation correct.

[7:03] So they're talking about me. Don't react because they don't like the way that I scored the grant. And as far as your the organization. I did look it up. I did try and Google it. And I couldn't find it. Which is why I asked government organization funded by the Federal Government, based on the number of children in Boulder County who are registered as native Americans. They get an exact amount of money given to the school hire the liaison works for the school district funded by the Federal Government. That's why all of this information was applied back to the committee after it was asked, and number was taken into consideration. And you're assuming that because you don't know for sure, because that was my vote. so you didn't reach out to me and ask me what I don't know what I am or not allowed to stay here. I guess I'll say so. Can he? Can he speak freely. Is anybody. What's what's Lauren? Is there to be discussing it more during the community projects, Grant? But he's certainly spoken to. Say, is she going to be able to talk during the community project. Grant.

[8:06] Yep. and make blended with some important I think the 2 things that happened is that I'm very grateful. That and specific discussion about the grants process itself. We should probably be during that. Look at you. Okay, so fair enough. I'm very involved in the youth tribe, for example, I do a project there every summer. Teach the kids filmmaking. So I'm I'm very conscious of native American issues relative to the arts here in Boulder. So when you come and speak to us and tell us these things, it it it hits me hard. So that's why I'm trying to understand the context and everything. So thank you. I just wanna make sure. Procedurally, I've been committees and the way that I don't want to do things out of line, because I know there was procedures. Yeah. And I I appreciate that. And I was just trying to understand the context. I had no idea this was coming up later. So are you gonna stay? If it's useful, I would. I'd be happy to stay if it's not useful minutes if somebody

[9:15] okay. Well, thank you very much. Okay. thank you completely. I'll intrude here. all right. Who's next thing. Trevor? And is there anybody online, too? I think? Thank you. I'm sorry we approved the minutes from last week. Just cause it said I was here and I wasn't. Oh. okay. evening Commissioner. I'm Deborah Malvin, representing green boulder and myself as a city president. I'm here to share concerns regarding the community Projects organization's grant process with over a decade of experience as a grant reviewer across multiple cultural grant programs.

[10:06] private and public. based on what is obvious. Even a casual reviewer of the Grant scores. It's evident that outlier scores in this case exceptionally low ones from a single Commissioner. may disproportionately influence decisions tonight. allowing Mr. Happy would be a breach of trust with the Golden. including invaluable arts, organizations shaping our city's social. economic, and educational landscape. they use their assurance that their interests, while prioritized to remedy this, I urge you to take proactive measures to ensure fairness and transparency. And we can use these decisions by disregarding exchange scores. I know firsthand how many hours you dedicate reviewing the city's Arts and Cultural Grants program.

[11:00] It is critically important. your collective, hard and good work not be overshadowed. Yeah. I have so many questions. But I feel like it's gonna reveal itself. Voting members. Amanda, did you want to speak? No, he's here. Okay. And and with with whom are you representing? I represent. Oh, wonderful! Nice to meet you. Yeah. alright. So we don't have anything. Next step bring in. Okay. Hi, jealous. I have the honor of you're swearing in the ceremony. Do you wanna go? Let's look at the camera over here. Thanks for being here. Thanks. I need you to repeat after me. Maybe you can raise your hand. I don't think it matters all that much, but whatever

[12:08] aye clear name do you solemnly swear or burn. Joel Kasenberger, do solemnly swear or affirm. I will support the Constitution of the United States of America. but I will support the Constitution of the United States of America, and of the State of Colorado, and of the State of Colorado, and the charter and ordinances of the city of charter and ordinances, and faithfully perform the duties of the office of of a member of the Prince Commission. and patiently perform the duties of the office of a member of the Arts Commission which I'm about to enter, which I'm about to enter. Well, congratulations with the power vested in me. I'm the Director of Community Vitality. Welcome stars, Commissioner. It will ask you to sign this, and then we'll have you

[13:02] signatures. No, right. thanks, everybody. Thank you. So welcome, Jill. can I? So I just don't get to interview. This is Jill Katzenberger. She's our new Arts Commissioner, and she is the owner. executive director. I always say it's a nonprofit. So we all own it. Okay, okay of the junk care of social just in case you don't. Thank you. hey? I'm excited. Welcome! Welcome to the group we're in. You're in it for 5 years. Don't worry. There's always food. Yeah, okay, we have a nice view. So okay, matters from commissioners, we first, we have liaison updates. does anyone have anything? I have a lot. Yeah. Okay. I want to like last month, I want to make another pitch to the Muller fest that's coming up this month.

[14:06] Urge everyone and the public and all of you to look at the schedule. I think it's gonna be fantastic. I had a nice coffee with the boulder ballet. I think several other folks did, too. So mind if I steal your thunder off. They were interested in being part of the 2. A interviews. Thank you, Lauren, for setting that up so it sounds like you did. They were part of that. They have hired a consultant to assist with their Dei impact. And I think that's sounds like it's going well, it's a consultant that works nationally, and they're getting, I think, good. Yeah. Feedback on that, and setting goals related to so how many, how many consultants is this now? I don't know. So you know I'm the copy. So it sounded like, it was wonderful. They've had multiple for a couple of years. And maybe you guys had coffee.

[15:00] Maybe you have more. Yeah, I've met with the Executive Director Development director, I guess so. I I only wrote down the one concern. So, Georgia, I guess if we have more questions and they seem very anxious, and to have a relationship with each of us. So oh, I haven't heard from them. You should reach out to. So yeah, I mean, I think that would be cause you're loose. So liaison, you're just on the link. Okay, I'm gonna keep rolling. So if that's a question I can certainly reach out to them and get the name of the consultant. Sorry, they told me, and I didn't. I think they said Mobile out of New York. But I am writing quickly and drinking coffee. So they're doing a lot of work around mental health which I thought sounded really compelling, you know, amplifying wellness with movement. They are seeing. I asked them a little bit about venues. They they're seeing as well as other folks in the community. Limitation with venues, and

[16:02] as I've also heard from other nonprofits in the arts. There's having some challenges with dancers and staff wages and benefits. And so this, I think, goes hand in hand with attracting diverse talent to come and move to boulder, because it's expensive to live there. Their salaries have to be very high, and that's not always commensurate with what? What they're able to pay. So I'll just keep going. Maybe you guys can fill in some gaps. I think we're doing those questions, but I don't know if I'll be able to answer those questions. Bemoka hosted the Creative Vitality Conference that invited both for Lauren and through Moca. It was fantastic. And I thought so. Yeah, thank you. Guys there, nicely great. Nice to show on folder update on Bamoka, as you all know. I'm liaison with Bamoka. I sit on their board they received an NEA. Grant for 2025, which I think is a huge

[17:02] kudos to them. The Hill Hotel is opening on May eighth. Bemoka curated the work there. So perhaps we're, you know, very friendly. We can get to work if you all want. Maybe, Lauren, we can talk to them and let's see, they got responses to the Rf. Queue for the architect selection for their North campus. They had 81 submissions. This is a strong national and international interest on the Submittals, and they feel like this is, you know, all the any international or national architects or team of local firms. So they think this is really strong investment in Boulder's vitality also will have some direct revenue going back into the city. Their art. Nix. Event is coming on. May tenth again. That would be. Think for everyone to attend. Awesome. Well, hopefully, I log the whole 10 min right? Can I just add to the little bit? Another thing we talked about as a challenge to attracting diverse staff

[18:07] was. they've just heard from some people. Some concerns, some perspective concerns about bringing their family here, and being the only having there could be the only child of color in their respective school, whether it's folder or the larger surrounding area. So I just think that's something. Also. just add to your toolkit. When you talk to people like that, please have them call the and Naacp Boulder County Branch because they have a whole committee. The Economic Opportunity Committee and one of their main goals is dealing with recruiting. hiring. and retention by park hires. So that's one of the things they're really trying to help companies with is make make those people of color that are coming to boulder make them feel more welcome, and like the sense of community that does exist, it's just perhaps very small, but it does exist. Yes, it does exist, and I think that

[19:12] you know, saying that we can't get people here still really excited to be well, I think there are people here. Oh, I think they're they're stating, was continuing to attract talent to the community. It's challenging echoes. Possibly in here as well. Typically nonprofits. Or this is a general that should you know their salaries or not. usually at the level. skin up. but that's what they were saying. That's that's what we want to see. And and also people are demanding more, just like in every industry. If I'm up, I don't go to the office. We all I wanna ask Lauren, can we include this link that Bruce referred to? Or Bruce, can you send the link to? I'd be happy to yeah, include that in the meeting, or something like, yeah. And there's also some pages on Facebook

[20:03] bipoc communities. There's 5 hog professionals and 5, just like. So those would be great resources. And I wonder, too, if if it would be helpful for them to have a conversation with Cleo Parker, because she's an employee. People of color for 52 years now. Sure they'll have pressing up, or something. I mean, that could be a workshop that arts and culture or Vca. Offers is kind of. How do we track people thinking of bypac staff. and then comma and keep them here. How do we do? How can we do better at that evening? Art?

[21:01] So we have been hosting meetings regularly on Saturday. Do you need this? We have been hosting meetings now. We've had 2 now. And I think we're having a third in July. We've been with leaders from the board organizations, organizations that have larger staff or a big volunteer groups. And it's been run by the Equity Project and publishing an equity project. If anybody knows the We did a whole series with them through Covid called How to be an anti racist organization. It was online. It's amazing to watch it. It's all very specific for our solutions. But now we have in person series that we're hosting with a consultant that is specifically about Hr. Practices. workplace retention, anything that organizations with Staff might need. If there's any organizations that have not been invited that would like to be invited, please, even yeah.

[22:01] we have maybe, like 18 or 20 people attending at this point from the arts community. It's a great resource. We're also offering some consulting one-on-one, consulting with Monica from the Equity project. Have drinks. Do you know about this new guy? I think he's new at the city of boulder business equity. Hmm, yeah. Thumbs up so much. Yeah. thank you. Good. Any more liaison updates. I'm meeting with Modis theater tomorrow to get an update on what they are doing on programming and some of their their recent wins, including becoming at the Capitol and being the first arts organization to do such specifically on a translated program and then going to the boulder. Build this Saturday, and then the way is on for them.

[23:00] But just my, my my closing with the liaison stuff I was asked to serve on the new Advisory Council of East Window Gallery. so we had a meeting a week ago. and was wonderful. Just lots of great ideas. Some gallery owners from Denver came down to serve on this council. Samantha, who's the head of Cpac. So that was nice to meet her and a few other people. So it was very nice. I really like what East Windows doing. And I'm gonna stay, continue. I'm gonna continue to stay involved with them in this capacity on their Advisory council. Since I had such great experience as their liaison on the arts. I also went to the traded Vitality Summit. It was very. I thought they did a really good job. Very informative.

[24:02] May I add a small date for sure just on the lease. So our general operating department with them late and we will reassign some of Lucas's We'll we'll go through a practice of redefining all of them in the middle of the year, when we do share vice, chair leadership positions, and we also have a couple boards, and, like Priya's, for example, a representative on this board. That's a we'll do that after the Grant sees it. You'll get to know directly. As long as we're talking about that. So I had my last meeting of the Convention and Visitors Bureau last week. It's now called Visit Boulder. so I'd like to see the Arts Commission stay involved and not wait till the summer so hopefully. I think Caroline was very interested in taking over the Cvb. But that's up to everybody, but just get some continuity. So this they have somebody from the Arts Commission at the very next meeting in May.

[25:08] Is this the woman her name starts with a beef patina. Yeah, no. That's downtown boulder partnership. Okay, this is Charlene Charlene Hoffman, who's the head of the CEO of Visit Boulder. Okay, yeah. I spoke to Melana about that, and he is already. They're already waiting until July. But I'll double check, because if we have somebody to point at the next meeting. That'd be great, I'm sure it'd be better to get. But you also do that. Thank you. Thank you. However, I will say I really enjoyed survey on the Cbb. Very good, very involved. And what's happening? Stuff coming to town and making sure arts is a part of it. With Bruce's departure. Does that mean that there will be a realignment of that, or does whatever he was doing. Just get past the job

[26:00] with the liaison corrections. In the past. We've gone through a whole like open call. Kind of it does, but you can all just write we'll do it behind the scenes offline before meeting. If you want to keep your liaison to let me know, and which meeting will be doing that because we may have some organizations that may want to log for individual individual commissions. Oh, sure, generally it's in July, when we do the reassignments for the leadership. Thank you in a point of order. Where did you get the matzah? Oh, I didn't see any back there. I'd love a little piece. Yeah. Egg mats especially I get to. I get to ask the 4 questions. I mean, I'm having 20 people over on Saturday with one woman.

[27:00] Thank you. I also want to just make mention. There was a studio, my boulder studio, a dance studio that was being run by a Latina woman, that she just shut her doors the beginning of the month. So it was sad for me. Been a few ways, you know, just to see a woman of color, business woman have to close her doors. That's where I had rehearsal around sugar nut proper last year. So we are now even more so out of a home. And yeah. just making the shortage of dance space. Bigger problem is it? Is it related to personal issues or something that would be on the city level? That's something that would be of interest to us, you know, leasing rates or something.

[28:00] Do you know the reason? You know what? I don't get into the personal stuff? But yeah, I don't know. I've reached out to her, but I haven't heard back from her, but I do know I was trying to help her write some grants last year that you know she's one woman and running single, mom and I go. I don't think she was able to get any of the grants. so was it specifically financial and economics, or was it something personal? You know I I can't say, because, like I said, I reached out to her. But I haven't heard back from her. But what I do know is that finances were an issue. Let me look bless you.

[29:00] or other topics from the community. No. okay, so we're gonna move forward to the ground. Pulling out. Is that a topic thing we can can ask a question under that. or is it for? No, no, that's it. Says matters from Commissioners. Can you give us an update on how the interviews are going for the do? A I forgot the name of the oh, they're being weird. There is only a that's the need to assess. Oh, thank you. Okay. Now, okay, alright, great. Thank you. Sorry. No, it's okay. Thank you. Alright, I'm glad you're so do we want to move on to the grasshopper? Okay? So first action we have is for community project grants for organization decisions. So I'm going to. Good evening, everyone. I'm going to share my screen.

[30:06] I'm gonna walk through something quickly. So the grant decisions for community projects for organizations. You have the option to approve. The staff recommendation for highest swelling grants. approve individual grants or post phone approval of individual grants, pending answers to specific and generally we would show this while we are showing. But we would show this and talk through this. considering the top scoring, however, the staff recommendation this evening is to postpone approval of grants, pending answers to specific questions from the Arts Mission. I have something written. I'm just gonna read it. But please feel free to ask questions. Our previously proposed staff recommendation students with intent and scoring, and thus far the process has been to follow the highest 24, and as far as in the last 9 to 10 years of this grant program, right.

[31:05] we recognize that even suspicion of impropriety or bias is worth our attention. There are implications for the trust in our Grant program, our process, our systems. the Commission and our work overall. the Arts commission in the office have just received an enormous vote of confidence from the community with additional funding, and in this Grant decision in particular, we are in unknown territory. We want to be sure that we treat our processes carefully and thoughtfully, so our staff recommendation is, as stated, to postpone people. This grant, in particular pending answers to your questions. And. that would mean that any questions you have or ideas we would essentially take and take to our legal department, discuss with our leadership. To be sure that you feel comfortable in your final vote for the community projects, organizations at break. I will note that I reviewed the applications of

[32:03] the top scoring. Quite a few and many of them begin should be comfortable. Starting in May, though I would reach out to ensure that is like their calendar for their proposal. That being said, we would like I'll give it back to you. It would be opening up for questions. We do have a language for vote. If you are so, maybe I'll start. So. I think I think, George, you've already approach the topic at hand. It was. Some of them are scoring. That you did. And I got 2 calls from organizations. Concerned about it. And it wasn't even the the organization that got all the ones with other organizations. So I think that. I guess I'm wanting to understand. Yeah.

[33:02] as I understand it, when you do the lower score. You need to ask the organization questions, and I'm wondering I I just don't know if that process happens. So I apologize. I should have known that. Did you ask questions? Did you see responses, and did you still score the same? After receiving those responses I did ask questions. I did see the responses. and it didn't change my mind. It didn't. It's not about changing my mind. It's it, doesn't. It didn't change the way I see the way that it lines up with the rubric. And I think that would be my second question. That's also what the community was asking was. was the rubric being followed during your scoring guess, answering your boring with the rubric. Absolutely. I, you know. having grown up in boulder grown up, a dancer in boulder. danced in the studio, all of the studios, and

[34:03] a majority of the venues. And just being here, I know. on a personal level most of the organizations that I see come in with grants. So this is why I have to lean so heavily on the rubric. because these are people that I know you know so. and I couldn't make the decisions without the rubber succeeded a random gas, which. thanks for thanks for responding. I have some comments. Several several months ago I had 2 different organizations with whom I was just in management. Casual conversation say they weren't even going to apply for a grant this year. because they knew they would be punish in a retaliatory way from Commissioner.

[35:02] and I assure them that just wasn't I I've been here about a year. I like to think I've got my feet underneath that. And then I saw the scores, and I was really shocked. and in particular with creative nations, which is nationally accredited. for which the dairy center has donated space. donated resources always at the disadvantage to the dairy by allowing them to apply for a grant and receive findings rather than the venue itself. They've given up their office space creative nations. which is again a nationally nationally accredited program. When I saw the the scoring that was so off base by you, Georgia. Specifically it was. It was shocking. so much so

[36:01] that if we took out your score, which was the absolute minimum which makes no sense based on the rubric because they are located in boulder. That's one of the questions that if we took out your score, and you recused yourself as opposed to a retaliatory score. They would come in, and then we divide by 6. They would come in second within the France program give. We also took out the highest score, which was 41 which was Maria's for that particular branch or creative nations, and we divide by 5 take out the highest and the lowest. They still get the grant. because and it also both of those scenarios take away the three-way tie per fit that we currently and based on what you've

[37:00] you've said, without much. despite the fact that the dairy center has replied to all of your requests where you no longer being their liaison and no longer working within the building. I just I just I just feel as though we repeat that last second. I don't with said something about with you no longer being the liaison as well as not working within the building for an organization in there. but continuing with every meeting since that separation to have an aside comment that was derogatory towards the leadership there and the management there. I I think it's your duty to refuse yourself rather than put a blaze of building retaliatory store. I don't think it's what you need to tell it to.

[38:01] but that's when I look at the rubric, and there were some things within the budget that I thought were glaringly inappropriate and not okay. How? How would I just don't understand how your interpretation of that was so wildly different and opposite from everyone else on well, so as a dance instructor, a person who, like we all have different perspectives. Right? I'm a dance instructor. I know. I put on workshops. I hire people, you know. I put on performances. and I I pay people. I am paid to do workshops. I know the costs of these things. you know, and so when I look at something, I'm going to see something different than what you've seen than what your leg sees right? And so I'm gonna see it very differently than we do.

[39:01] I understand business cases and balance sheets clearly. and I can also say that every single organization and I was consistent in my asking of questions regarding impact reach and general marketing, which weren't part of the questions, but I made sure that I was consistently asking for those numbers to to allow. Each of these organizations have a strong, rapid. and in every single instance, when we receive the giant pack of all of the responses from all of the organizations, every single one of them that re that replied, and I had numbers. Every single one of them from me received a higher number, because it was clarification on a number of different questions within the album and creative nations

[40:01] provided numbers. They provided exactly how. They're a differentiator. And I use this word very carefully and unique. Nothing else like it exists being bolded. And that's what we're here for as as representations of the arts, community representations of the taxpayers and entrusted by city council. Yes. absolutely. I think it's a big job that we are appointed by city council and entrusted to our community to watch the tax money and where it goes and the programs that are offered. And I take that very seriously. And you know. retaliatory like, I'm getting back at them for what you've made a lot of comments in the last several. and they have responded to every single one of them.

[41:03] I can't be the only person who sees this. I don't know what to tell you it sounds like because I'm not voting like you. You want me to change my vote to be like you. That's not to be fair. That's that's not what I'm hearing. being very, very clear. Then, you know, I think you're hearing it, that he's he's accusing you. singling out. I don't know how many organizations, at least one. Then. being very clear about that. I am, and and I you know I hear what you're saying. the you know the chair. So it's a little awkward if I may. Does anybody have anything they wanna interject at this point in time, because this is kind of serious shit

[42:02] well not to hold off. No, I just wanted to ask, like one of Matt. Had there ever been a conversation anything about dropping the lowest in the highest. You know how to look extremely. I think I think it's about to be started. That's yeah behind the scenes and with other funders that do so the discussion for this evening would be if we do that, what are the implications? Right? So we would go and ask for about that and discuss that. But that is an option amongst granters. We bought it. Consideration. It's it's been decided not to go that way for a couple of reasons. My radio. One is really cool. Now we drop the highest and the lowest, and someone, one or 2 people, reaches themselves. And all of a sudden we've got 2 or 3 commissioners, not even a quorum.

[43:00] right? So there have been some real issues around that. I think. So. That is a structual, a suggestion on structure that is good. The examiner. really. I think that the staff, looking right now is the scores of the sellers right? Right? And it's important that we're so and speak. and what I've heard of the conversation so far been good to point out positions. It's helpful for the process, right is that there's 2 things going on. There's been a question about Georgia here. Do this work based on said yes. I think we've answered that question on your end. You've you've given your answer. There's also a question of perception. and that is something that we've taken very seriously. And as Lauren said. this is something you know, there are questions that have been coming up pretty much every year of people who say, I don't like this morning Skip.

[44:03] and that's a serious question. You take it very seriously. But that's not a question about the system. Right? That's a question about subjective decision which your scores. I think that for the first time, when we consider a staff recommendation, it has always been physical off sports. and we've had a very transparent way of saying, by doing so. you build trust in the system. and we show that we're being good stewards of attached in a moment. This is the first time that we have had to come to the conclusion that there are other factors other than just the math that we need to take into consideration to do that work. So when Lauren makes a staff recommendation that you exercise this ability you have to postpone and ask more questions. That's what we're getting at is we want to do this carefully. We don't want to rush into a decision. We don't want to

[45:03] arbitrate over exactly which scores go in or out in a meeting right now in an impromptu fashion. We believe that the scoring happened and that it is what we provide to you to help you make a decision. You think you need more inputs based on what you're. And so that's the nature of our staff recommendation is we need to understand from you what the questions still remain about. The bigger picture issues abide by decisions that you're about to make. Make the right decision with all the tools we have available, some of which we we need to understand that. Really, I've never been home. Sorry to hold on, but I think that's where we're at with what. So Jeffrey also, I wasn't meaning to suggest that you don't understand numbers and budgets in terms of what you do. What I meant was when I look because I do art workshops and dance workshops. And when I look at a budget that says multiple thousands of dollars for views.

[46:06] a red flag right? And then they replied, Well, how those people are getting sort right. And when I see the salary of what they're paying, say, I'm going to pay someone, and I know how much people get paid. You know that? Right? So that's what I was saying is that it's I'm guessing that it's Budget, for an art event is going to look more familiar. I mean, whereas you do numbers, I think. Thank you. Would someone from the I'm sorry. Would someone from the city pull up the numbers from the voting on that particular program, please to show the disparity which is like a canyon. and and I would I would personally ask you, as another commissioner, to refuse yourself from the vote of that instead. Given your recent

[47:07] separation with the dairy art center. my recent separation has nothing to do with the way that I voted. I think it does. I'm telling you that it doesn't. and I live in here. You live over there, and I definitely understand. Think that for sure. But let me tell you, I've been a black woman for 51 years. This is not my first dance with race season. and what I know when I'm in a group of people where I see things going on. and they're not going to change. Instead of trying to change a situation, I walk away and let that organization feel about. This is information that was given to me by my father. who the black man raised in Montgomery, Alabama. He's like, don't get caught up in trying to change racism, because then you'll be stopped from doing what you need to be doing. You know, I need to be out in the world teaching children's stance creating performances, you know.

[48:05] So I keep that very separate. Do we have the scores that we can share on screen? Please. Okay, my question is, you're not about postponing so that we can get more information about the decision we're gonna make. My question is, next time we come to make a decision? What are our options for decisions? Is it still gonna be the same as it would be if I mean, I do want to postpone. But would the would it? Are the decisions changing at all here in Georgia. or so is that even an option so like, what are the decisions that will be made. That's the more information that we need. And any of us can use ourselves from any. It's the very first question, domino. It's the very first question within all of the applications

[49:03] we have something to share on the screen. So we would before we do that. Yeah, yeah. see what? I'm sorry, very good. Go forth and no go ahead. Okay. So yes. it's true that we're trying to figure that out, and some unprecedented like, no way, let's really go. Don't have a phone. But we need specific questions like that. What are our options to? The question of cubicle recruit has specific Mercury. and so I'm not sure that I can say one. It is the second question we don't have. What are the pictures? It would be like? What are the other options for both have. Yeah? Because I think recusal is if the

[50:02] if it impacts me financially. which was that a conflict, or if there's a conflict of interest in general. and said, That's the reason. And I see you raising your hand. We meant to believe you. You're not gonna be giving a conflict of interest dairy Art Center, and who you've spoken publicly, negatively about in this room. My record. in which you've had a very negative breakup with recently, you're to say to this group. In full truth, I started talking to swear a new person in sworn in this, that you have no conflict of interest with the dairy arts, and I'd like to hear that on. I don't have the conflict of interest with the dairyte center. Right? So then I'm supposed to take anything you say your word you could say that was on record the negative statements you said about the deer, which were statements, are you? I don't. I don't have up in front of me anyone in this room who was there when I wasn't has heard from statement he's mentioned. Those things

[51:03] like this is not like me trying to think things up. It's ongoing. You can go back and record so for you to say you have no conflict of interest you have said negative things about. I don't believe I've said any negative things about the day little people saw them. If you can't remember this stuff. would you say I have a problem. You can't remember the stuff. So I'm not saying that I don't remember. I'm saying I don't believe that I've said anything negative about the dairy I left because I didn't want to be there anymore. I didn't. Is it that I haven't said anything? That's not true. So so I don't know about things that are true. You asked questions about the validity application. I was part of your client application as a leadership prepared meeting, Parent Council, which you said Google and couldn't find. We then sent you more information about what it was and your scores only one. So is the question whether you go there or not, and withdraw over here for you to tell us that we created patience, hit the lowest score, and every criteria of the application, you could move, fair and honest, not involve the initial read of the application. But after we supplied additional information, and that all of your colleagues read it wrong? Is that what we're saying?

[52:19] Not what I'm saying? So then what are you saying? Lower score is one thing, and to be clear. get the ground on the ground all the time. I've never been in room over before ever I've gotten so many grants from them. but when somebody retaliates against it and takes money out of the pockets of something we're gonna do for native kids in the city who get nothing. Then I'm gonna sit in this chair and tell you you need to be accountable. So did you, or did you not grade us accordingly, according to the Rover? Have I answered that question yet? Because I feel like I have you, did she? She did answer that question.

[53:06] We have numbers we can share for this particular day. because I don't know. I don't think everyone in the room knows the disparity between the highest and the lowest numbers. While I'm pulling this up, please keep thinking questions for us to consider and address between now and the next meeting with our legal team similar to Elite's question. Right? That we're we're considering sorry. See Malaysia. that if there are rules on. If we ask the Commission to restore, we can restore what are the processes before right. If we. if there is any question about removing or using yourself. What that entails, if that's not.

[54:02] are you? And we're looking at the sixth line from the bottom with a 37. Can you make a big 35, a 41, Mary Jeffrey, I have 33. I can't even I'm 34 and a 34. So one of the questions is, are you a boulder based organization? How would using the rubric come up as one on that? What was the what was the understanding of that? Are you asking me. Oh, yeah. what's my understanding of being a boulder base? Correct. It's in Melbourne. and it's scored from one to 6. Somehow. They don't want

[55:00] you, and they always either give a one or 2 that one? Well, an organization is either based in boulder, with older employees of older artists serving bold rights, or it's not. I'm not sure that addressing the scores themselves, because the the scores have been bare finished. Happen he did. I understand. I wanted everyone to see the disparity. Thank you. So just just to be clear that I'm seeing what you're referring to. Can you just make it bigger? Yeah, I'm sorry. And I'll repeat, if you take out the 6 min 5, 6, I just want to see. No, I also. I'm sorry. No different. Everybody online. I think the only

[56:02] the the only thing I will contribute is that well, 2 things. One is, Jill. This isn't this. 5 years this has never happened. I've never seen anything like 5 years. so don't run out of your screaming. Second thing, I'll say, and I I guess, similar to that in 5 years I've never seen this kind, that scoring before, where in every category somebody got once. No judgment. I'm just saying I've never seen that before. Alright. if if there would be, if there would be a refusal. and the 6 were taken out, and you, divided by 6 creative nations, takes second place. Can you ask for a planning process. we we sort of have a staff recommendation on the table. I think we've gone pretty

[57:00] the scores in the math of. in order to like sort of bring this in a direction. Maybe we can have 9 people on if the staff recommendation is worth discussing further, because if it's not, then there's, you know other things to discuss about what we might do. But if that's something that maybe we could frame the conversation around, what are the questions that I want to have the answers to by the next meeting. to clear up some of the. to to make sure you have full information and understanding. just a suggestion on how to I am laid out. remind ourselves we're here following zoom and point of having permissions is not to have everybody always agree should not be necessarily vetting into individual's perspective on one side or the other. but leaning on nation to act as a body where a majority is to make the decision

[58:04] not necessarily a black and white scoring. That is 800 reference for how you but it's not the point. And so Staff can take some time to review with the the City Transit Office of how we to create a motion majority vote on without narrow him discriminating against one perspective or another how some you might shoot. and that is, that is the freedom of of anybody. While there is a lot of guidance that you like provide to help deploy these types of dynamics because I want to be respectful of which is. see what weird. So

[59:00] give Staff some more time. We would like to be able to check in with the CEO the attorney's office. On framing this work in a label built in as a majority vote, even if let me give a sec. But I think the second part is. there's obviously a altering of public press address that then I've format of the room. I also. I do think that Georgia is not? She answered the question. When I asked it. I felt like I had answered it separately. So, and I've even said in prior meetings. when, oh! At 1 point we were having a meeting for the public. Each commissioner went around and said how they

[60:01] score the grants! And I said exactly the same thing. I know a lot of people in this town because I moved here in 1979. And you know whether it's because you came and performed in my kids school, or I went and saw your show. or I saw something, and I didn't like it. You know I have, I have. I'm very. If you know me. I'm not 1, 2. I do things very specifically and intentionally. and so yes. I use the Uberc way. scoring the group. So let's head back to our gallery. We need to somehow manage the amount.

[61:01] I think it's gonna be so many unmute process holding one the link for this. but that those would be my 3 agenda items. It's all the same. And then, too, when you go through, I think when we go through this selection. If we change the methodology, then someone else is bulked out. So earth even the I I I'm sorry someone will be bumped up, but I don't think I should have been there. In the first place. I just feel our legitimacy is a road.

[62:03] Well, is there the money? But I mean, is there additional funds where we can? We look at these grants and expanding? I don't know. I don't. I mean, I'm more I'm more concerned with the with the bigger picture like. can I ask you something without it being like an Inquisition? Or would you rather questions wait so that, like another be an inquisition. No, I don't want is, I don't want you to feel like that. So it's not fair. You I do. I feel that way a lot. I guess if I were to ask you a question it would be along the lines of I've been 5 years. I've never seen any commission or vote ones across the board. If I were to put that into a question form, it would be.

[63:02] how would you explain that? Because I, keeping in mind. You don't have to explain it right now, right? Because I think that I have a very different perspective. I think that I had kind of personality where, you know, if I see something happening that shouldn't be happening, I will have that difficult conversation where I think I don't know who's been on the commission in the past, so I can't say why you haven't seen this before. but I will say that I speak up when I see something is not going with as it should. And yeah. And so I can't answer your question. Why have you never seen this? I don't know. I don't know who was here before.

[64:05] Is that an accurate thing that I've never seen that before? And I missed it. I'm sure that it happens before my time. One instance where adjusting Gordon? Oh, no. Yeah. As yeah. Like the opposite of what I yeah, it's it's the closest I could say, yeah, but they're not. They haven't used it either. Scores have been questioned. I remember. Actually. Grant, that's not all licenses. but this one didn't get any cheese. Got one. and it's a program that I don't understand. How be construed.

[65:03] Can you see how it would? I have a deeper explanation? But I do. I don't know Ebony. I remember she he's all that's I have seen another grant that was scored. It wasn't me right. I'm really on my native children in boulder produced by natives. Do you mind if I circle back to like? Is there enough agreement to move forward with Staff? Because I did hear a few more questions springs in there. But I'd really like looking for the records that these are the questions that. And if you're going to go, the direction 12 wasn't. Is that okay? Yes, we're going. Yeah. So you're asking us to

[66:02] to agree to postpone this. Yeah, so that we can get more information. Yeah, okay. get more information to and want to. These. These are the things that I think as a group. These are the things that we're going that you have questions about? Yeah. I mean. so I have so far, what are the other options like? What options are there? And what does refusal? going in 5? Or is that possible? And again, I think to be respectful. This case Georgia, does she want to do? Does she feel she needs money? Maybe he wants to be part of this function. Yeah, right? And I really don't. Because the way that I see this grant and I know the the rubric is, you know? Does it meet one or more, you know? Does it not meet? Does it need one or more? Does it meet 3 or more? You know of all the different priorities. And when I look at

[67:09] the grant and the organization, and what I see doesn't neat our priorities. So is that something that can be Lauren, I mean, I feel like we don't. It shouldn't be all of us kind of going through thinking something new. Possibly Lauren, would that be? That would be fine, Lauren, would you also be able to find out from the city if someone's unwilling to introduce themselves? And and there are, there are reasons that are presented. Is, is there a way? Is is there? Is there precedent? If to ask for refusal rather than then request someone to volunteer review?

[68:09] We've sent back with you on it. No, it's good, it's really good. Those are very clear. But any other questions I kind of do. I haven't had my grants training yet, but I am curious, as I'm not necessarily staring at the boulder. Focus on right now, when the rubric is outline at this one seems pretty objective. So like when we go through the training, is there a level of Obviously a one not based in boulder? What that means like? Is it percentage of employees that you know must live in the area to meet or not meet that? So there is the project. Okay, I'm each Commissioner.

[69:00] use the refresh as an invite right? But there's also an understanding. No, absolutely no question. If I may suggest building up your Christian. Another question. Right can motion. backed up by the stores you all consider. and that perhaps Georgia will go on. or someone else can go for a while in order to express your your opinions about the grant. Maybe we should have framed this up this way at the beginning, but we don't have a way respond from the scores. Give me a motion that can do that. That's the must be part of.

[70:03] doesn't need as much. So is that okay? If we add that question is that like at the court, it's like, that's the work that. including all the other questions did you mention and then provide you there process and the motion that actually represents what you need out of this conversation. and make sure everyone expressed and not simply set us up. We sort of I don't really understand what you just said. But let me see. you know. So, Georgia, okay. Oh, well, you ended your statement with, Does that make sense? Yeah? And the answer is, No. and so a noble isn't. and it can send a message.

[71:01] And I hear that about something years. And one of the things about what right is I am personally not interested in the process that ignores. or that doesn't give the majority of the option to have a majority of. And you know, just simply staffing. These are the top 4 that are either you like it or doubt. But it's that it doesn't get told. So that that's what I really want to feel is to say visual commercial acid scores backed up like that. Here's all the information. some appointments, motion for renewal. And may I ask, too, because I know that there are lots of people that have gotten grants before? Obviously, right? So does this look more about

[72:04] the low scoring or the dairy just being upset, that they didn't get a grant. If it's about the very few, that's everything ramping up. Okay? Yeah. And then there are people. Their scores were wrong. right? So I think the 2 issues. Or if there's something structural. that's a long for question. But also, how do we express on the word. based on. not about prosecuting an individual score. because if we open the door to this individual score, as well take an action on that that anyone can do that all about any sort of information that very much lowering when I feel like that's what's going on here is because I voted differently that my scoring is being attacked.

[73:03] And What's the point of having people with different lived experiences and different voices voting on things? If you only want to hear. you know done for exactly. and I think we have to answer that question. I'm counsel. Hold on, Brett. I think that what we have right now, is there additional inputs of the story trust in the system? You know the quality, the outcome. There's there's other things we're asking about that. We believe always that a simple reading of the scores would not be respectful. and to to be honest, I think another question that came up was. Was your score in violation of conflict.

[74:01] and I think that first of all, we start from a place of assumptions, good intent. and that we should go ahead and ask that question with the city attorney. Travis. and put that to. So I think that's if I may suggest that's another one. Well, and I think I've answered that because I have said that I I know lots of organizations. Your ends. some of them I like, and some of them I don't, and it doesn't matter. I don't think we're here to judge whether that we like an organization or dislike an organization. I think we're here to vote and support organizations based on the output of what they do. But the citizens of Boulder are paid by the tax. That's exactly. and that I'll let you clarify that what I said was. I'm there are those that I had enjoyed, and there those that I have not enjoyed, whether it's performance or maybe I took a class somewhere. I was like, I didn't like that teacher. But despite all of that, I always

[75:08] and press that aside and vote. And I don't think that I think that you and I see that Grant very differently. because I, as well as everyone else in there. Well, probably because I have, you're talking about serving brown children and folder community. I've been there. I've lived in Lone, composing. My life is very different now, but I still go back to the Mobile Home Park, and I teach classes. I see children living in mobile homes with water that is brown. I see them not having enough food to drink. I see a lot of things, so believe me, I know what it is. and how desperately it is needed to serve these children. But I don't.

[76:02] I don't see the program that the dairy has put together as a good service to these children. We'll also have time for more public comment next month to pardon me and I can tell you why, but I feel like maybe no, it's not so. Why, what? Why, I don't see their grant as a good service to. He's joking. and that's why part of the reason why they receive these low scores. And then, when I read other grants that I see they've got their plan, and how it's going to be delivered into the community like who it's being delivered by, where it's being delivered and who it's being delivered to. I see it

[77:05] as a healthy partnership, and meeting points in the rubric. Therefore, getting a higher score. were lined up in this particular brand, and the application as well as their response. It's it's it's not open there. Interpretation, they said. This is what we're going to do. who we're gonna reach. This is how we're gonna reach it. And this is who's gonna be teaching me border base. There's something in there that we no, I think you have all the investigation items to start with. Okay for you to bring back from city folks and attorney folks to figure out where to go. And also, I wonder if maybe there's a conflict of interest for you, because you seem very heated about this, like you're very angry with me

[78:07] like, do you have some kind of partnership with the dairy, where you've taken personal offense to my well, I've served as a new liaison. I used to be on their board. I mean, it's a 44,000 square foot facility, largest one in Boulder County, serving a hundred arts organizations. So I see it for the wonderful thing that it is. But I'm not alone in my my shock in the story. Differential. but you're the only person that sat here like her name. So I feel like you're more invested than I don't think. Just think! That statement is fair, like 2 calls from organizations asking what what's going on concerned about the the process exactly what I said before, we feel like there's no public trust.

[79:03] So I think that that that perception is out there. and I think. expressing it. But that concern. But it's out there. It's a concern. And I got 2 calls out of the blue. We need to. We need to review it. 2 calls, how how do other people did the other grantees see other other drinks? The meeting number? Oh, the meeting number so public. I mean just to give another another perspective. like I was. I have applied for a grant personally own permission. and I'm reading. And I recuse myself obviously. And I was reading as I was judging the first round and recusing myself for mine. I was looking through and grading them going.

[80:02] There's no way I'm good, and like all these are so good. And I remember thinking at that about the creative nations. This is one of those was that, oh, my God, how am I gonna beat these guys. So that's why I wanted to see the actual numbers. So I I, too, was very surprised to see ones across the board. I feel like, I know you very well, and I know you're you're deliberate, and the way you think and stuff, and you, I respect what you bring to the table. I was, however, very surprised to see ones across the board for that particular grant, and I wouldn't have even noticed it. How does not come up tonight? I don't look to see how I might have looked to see everybody voted for the Film Commission thing, but but I didn't. I don't look at like all the other ones to see how things did, and nobody called me to alert me about this. So that's I kind of wanted to see with my own eyes. So I was a little surprised myself.

[81:01] I'm not making any judgment. I was just surprised with Bruce being a a near mere citizen, but a Mensch. Always, Deborah, you've been so patient with staying around. Did you have any any comment as well as I think it's okay to share? It's okay. Did you have anything else to say, Jeffrey? No, otherwise I would like to hear that. Yeah, it's lovely. I've been quiet. and he's I don't. I mean. I don't want to like comment on Jeffrey's passion. Whatever I do have. I also don't look at the other scores. And then I was like the start I was like, was I supposed to look at all these scores like, did it tell you to look like. like, yeah, that's my list of things to do. But I definitely don't want you to feel personally attacked. Oh, I do. Well, I hope which is. But it's not my first time

[82:04] being personally attacked for seeing Wagga. something was going on that should not be going on. I see it, and I then I hope that what I'm saying going to speak for others. I, too, is surprised and just in terms of the Public Trust piece. I can see how someone who might not know you and might not understand the lubric who's sitting out in the world and watch the meeting. I think I guess that was only last month, so I guess it was 2 months ago. and we talked about your experience at the dairy, and then saying this, I could understand how that could affect public trust. and I see that as a concern, and I am not suggesting that you're scores aren't legitimate, or that you're coming from a different place. I'm just saying that I can understand

[83:00] the perception. Yeah. And I do, too. I would unders I would. Definitely I was in someone else's shoes shoes, and I knew that Jill was on the board of an organization, and then the next, granting what happens didn't give good scores. I might go. Hmm! And then how how many of the Commissioners. you know, are going to change their vote based on that. See that how you feel personally, in fact. for that that one It sounds like. There is not the questions that we have. and more working on our colleagues out in the arts team.

[84:08] And if anything, I would hope that the public would see my my honesty like my I'm getting on camera so like how close that I know that my my honesty and transparency, not just in this meeting, but always, and my ability to not be afraid to seeing what I actually see would. What's the word in store in in place. Trust, insight. inspire, inspire, trust. yeah.

[85:00] And not only my scoring, but the whole commission. Alright. So we have a nodding. Do we have a nodding approval to set this aside and address it at our next meeting or next week. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Because people are waiting for these brands. Okay. Grant reports can't record. You had 5 reports to review your time. the 4 Arts, education reports and a community project for individuals. You have the option as usual. You may approve all of these reports. You may approve individual reports.

[86:02] you can approve individual ones submitting specific questions, post phone approval or not through individual reports and cancel the final 20. This would be motion language. If you'd like to approve all them, I can pull out individual reports to discuss with you and challenge. I move that we approve. The Grants report from the boulder in the National Film Festival Opera, count, Opera Company. Streetwise Arts. Mesa, elementary and Betsy token. and then second. hold it in. Is there any discussion? All in favor? Alright. 2 men. Thank you, everyone. And finally, you have one final general operating port report. Thank you all for your time through the review, the annual review process.

[87:00] The certification process. This is quite similar that you can approve with questions not approve or postpone until there are specific responses to any specific questions. And this is motion language that you can either make a motion or hold off, and I move to the approval report for the 2,022. Slash, 24 dos rent from the Big 3. I'll second we have any session. all in favor. 14 min you I will against turn, which is to say, please be reminded. I just sent you today. I apologize like you're working as much as me today, and I'm sorry you're 9 to 5. You're 9 to 8. the community projects for individuals. Final review and scores through Wednesday, May eighth, and that just went out today their final, their one-page responses to your questions and comments

[88:07] and the arts. Education grants. There were 17 applications. And they just went out for your review today. Thank you. And let me know if you have questions or questions. Yeah, onto education grants. That sounds like an update. 17 was 15. Yes, there was a year that it was 7. And then we have team that we have so much. That's great. Yeah. And they're all over. Boulder. It's a really solid. I do not envy you what happens to scoring conference. They're paper. and do I have to recuse myself? Don't do them this time around. I did them last time I stayed up to like 2 o'clock in the morning, and then they're like, Oh, you!

[89:00] So there were 2 people not storing. And like, I said, for the first 2 meetings going, I'm not gonna approve something that I never had a chance to read. So yeah. but he was smart enough to not you might want to. Oh, not with this. Hmm! You get the Grant training. I was. Gonna say, you might want to like kind of practice a little. And like, yeah, because I have access to them. Yeah. for me, it it took some time to come up with a technique of like how to talk swap just a phone. I don't know. That's what's going on. matters from staff. Okay. Still, me, I just keep going. Sorry all well, I do want to introduce, and sorry we didn't do at the beginning, but Lauren Kennedy, so Kennedy and click now is our new Board specialists welcome? Thank you.

[90:03] art, submission or submission. If there are any other questions regarding the memo, I do have a another section here to update you on the needs assessment from there. There's any other questions. no questions moving on update on the needs assessment. It's me again. Hi, so you did have a short update in your manager's memo. Their spread has been doing a ton of outreach. They've spoken to the Create folder group. They've interviewed 8 staff. Now, 6 focus groups they spoke to. I do realize here it was 38 different organizations. some of which yeah, but 40, 47 different people and organizations that received general operating support and some that were not eligible. So like or we're not received, some that were defined awards also, so

[91:06] how we can improve those for the full spectrum of the people that are applying for dinner operating support grants. There is still a opportunity, for if anybody's listening for general operating support grantees or non-recipients, I will send out an email with some questions because I'm not hosting another focus group. But there's an opportunity, and they'll be meeting with the city's community connectors in early May to get feedback from our engagement community connector team, and then they'll be presenting some suggestions presented for input after meeting with their liaisons of the Commission at the May 27, 20, seventh, not may 20, may 27. Yeah. Is that set alright. That's a Monday. and that's Memorial Day. may 29. Sorry. No fun. Okay. So we have moved to the meeting. Yes, may 20,

[92:04] 9, 7, 8 9. That would be lovely, because right now it's on my calendar. I'm sorry it wasn't for the 20 s, it's pretty typical. I think it was 29, the 20 ninth. But I can double check and not, I think it was okay. 20, ninth. It's just this conversation led me to look to see. Yes. because I will be in time by the time I know I'm sorry, so I will be at the next meeting. But if I have thoughts as we have this conversation this month, I can share them. Yeah, that's easy. I'll level check in. send out a calendar, invite. just to be sure. any other questions on the Jeffrey. Did you have any input cause? You and I had the meeting then no other than the fact that I I was surprised not why, we hadn't heard back from them to schedule kind of the follow up. And then, when I found out how many people they've spoken to now I know why we haven't heard back from them as of yet. But

[93:09] no, I don't. I don't. I didn't have any any feedback share with the group. Now, yeah. they did. And just to be clear, this is all relative to how arts and culture, the Arts Commission that's gonna use the new money. This is for the Gap year. So just specifically, that was our conversation. Geos, for the gap. Yeah. And whether the 3 year can I? Yeah. whether the 3 year Grants should just become a 4 year grant, or if there should be a one year, grant I thought that was a really great question, and I was leaning towards. And this just my opinion. It's not they're making. The final decision is to have. They're making a recommendation. Right? Right is to have a one year, Grant, just because those that didn't get a 3 year. Grant don't have to go a fourth year without getting a grant.

[94:11] so we'll hear some all of their feedback, and my feedback was a rubber stamp, but not a rubber stamp, at least allow some sort of intake as to what the impact is thus far, and and what the reach is. You both for your time speaking with them, and you'll speak with them again. And if anybody has questions for them or or questions. you'll see the details about it. Alright. Mission business. Part 2. Look at learn. I know, is it? Oh, yeah, okay. Bruce. thank you. please. Actually. Well, I'll start. Person. Yeah, 10 min.

[95:05] This function ends. No. But I know that Lauren has some things that she wants to share. But I what are we calling? This is like the sequel. Part 2. Thank you. I'm sorry. Arts and culture did not become part of community vitality sooner, so they could have been able to spend more about. It's an Api. basically. Thank you. boy, Laura. I just wanted to say Thank you, and I'll I mean I will open up the commission, of course. But I was thinking, I I mean after 5 years. I it's really tough to summarize. However, I do know that we have mentioned something called a brief rule on public record, and the Bruce rule implies that if an organization or artist or somebody is struggling that we try to help them, and we do so with kind intent.

[96:01] So I will be carrying on this rule even after you've left. Thank you. Very welcome. Thank you. That means a lot the opposite. We lose it. Oh, do I have speakers. Oh, no, it's up to you to speak it all delegate. Oh, delegate! Oh, you can do whatever you want. I'll say we could just update. Yeah, I'll say something. I want to thank you from my very first meeting, showing me that the dress code was one. I think the T-shirt maybe had had a lot of like experience. The person shirt I saw you wear and shorts, and I was like

[97:01] I can come after I would go. I damped it up a little bit. I got pulled a collar. Bruce knows he stuck with me, and he made sure he solidified that by sending me an invoice for sponsorship this morning for the 2425 season. Thank you, Chris. I don't know if you remember this, but the first time that we met was at the Walnut Cafe, and neither of us brought our wallets. Well, Bruce, you always have the gift on these grants and the find that passion and education. You were always saying that to you that you you won your first grants. And still that rewarded.

[98:05] I always remember that look for the fashion. I'm bumped. I don't get to spend more time, but I know with everything that you do, that we will have other opportunities to work together. Thank you. Jill was kind enough to post at no charge. The Boulder County Film Commission's launch party. 2 and a half years ago or so. That was the first time we met was wonderful. I have a short, prepared statement. If you'll humor me. Only one thing. let's see. So I'm going to miss you all. It's been a great 5 years, and I've learned so much about the arts in Boulder. Some of you know. I got my first grant from the Boulder Arts Commission in 90, 92, and many others over the years. Now that I've been sitting on the other side of the table for a while now, I wanted to share one quick story one last time, because I know a few of the order. It is

[99:01] about an early grant I applied for in 90 94 I had applied. I had been doing a local public access TV show on rock climbing and mountaineering. and I thought, Oh, my God. what a perfect place to do a video documentary about the history of rock climbing in boulder. So I did the application. I but I don't know. Like maybe a semi finalist at the time, and the semi finalists had to come in and answer questions from the Panth Arts Commission members. and I was all excited and watched everybody go before me. And then it was finally my turn. and one of the commissioners looked at me and said. What in the world does rock climbing have to do with art. So, needless to say, I didn't get the $2,500 I had asked for. and the next very next morning I went out to my 5 sponsors of the show.

[100:00] and they each gave me $500. So I got the $2,500 and did the project, anyway. But I guess the moral is that we don't know everything. Sitting up here as panelists. We should always remember that we're hoping people are thinking outside the box and bringing unique stuff to us that we're then hoping bring to the bolder community, even though we ourselves might not be the primary audience. My wife and I went to something at the dairy last month the place was packed. There were at least 4 different arts, events all going on at the same time in different parts of the building by 4 different arts organizations. It was very exciting to see so many things happening, so many people engaged in the arts simultaneously. In one building the dairy is awesome. Wouldn't it be great to have another one or 2 facilities in town that cater just to art and artists

[101:00] that artists were actually able to afford leaving the Arts Commission is bittersweet for me. Domestic lenders. I've really enjoyed learning about how the multitude of arts, organizations in boulder work behind the scenes and during Covid. Wow! Seeing how artists came together to continue to display their art in public. knowing it might help the community just a little bit. Get through some of the stuff they were dealing with. I'm grateful that the Arts Commission was able to help artists continue their work through Covid. It was hard for everyone, but I think we all learned one thing for sure. If we didn't know it already. that art is not only important to the human soul. but vital to the human spirit. We're so lucky to have such a vibrant art scene here, but of course, we can do even better. I'd love to see a few new Grant programs developed specifically for traditionally underserved artists like kids. senior citizens, black, brown, and indigenous people and people for whom English is a second language

[102:04] I want to really acknowledge and thank the arts and culture staff. For 5 years now I've seen them work with the Arts Commission. I've seen them hustle to get stuff done before a deadline. I've seen them. I've seen them listen to us and then respond ever so patiently. They really are amazing. They get so much stuff done behind the scenes. So I just wanted to let them know how much I've appreciated all their work and due diligence over the years. especially when it came time to listening to some of my crazy ideas, some of which they even made happen, which was incredible. So thank you, Staff. Thank you, Lauren and Matt, and thank you, my fellow Arts Commissioner. That concludes my trip alright. So unless anyone else has anything to say.

[103:00] Go ahead. Real quick station, there's gonna be. Yes, Alberini, and for Ca. Thank you. So I'm thinking, Pearl, me dimension of sculpture like going where we came from in honor of, but not in memorial of. That's what I thought is, I was getting excited, and I'll just say in closing, I'm I'm happy to announce I I couldn't do it before Thursday, but I was just awarded a very large grant from red line. the Arts and Society, grant. So I'll be working with the whole different project with the Youth Mountain Youth tribe out by 4 corners for almost a month this summer.

[104:06] Great congratulations. Wow. yeah, it's a big one. Yeah. Well, good to make announcements. Listen to. Your mother is at the Boulder Theater on May fourth, I'll be performing great. So yeah, it's for anyone who is a mother knows a mother has a mother. is it? What is it? It's it's an evening of storytelling of that mother with you only. No, no, no, no, no, no! There's some are very poignant summer. Funny. I'll let you guess where I lean in. But yeah, just stories of mother. It was the week before mother. So, raising money in part for oppressed child. A what a precious child, which is a I've been ridiculous.

[105:00] Yeah, for Penfield nonprofit that works with people in meetings. So and I'll be the largest audience. Okay? Well, I did statement. But this is storytelling. So it's like the moth needs the vagina model. So as as a bellwether and as a community leader and national leader. I would ask if our chair would recognize and ask. get remote, and if she has anything to add at all as a representation of the community as as a as a citizen, as as opposed to representing an organization. Deborah, do you have any words you'd like to share with us before we end this meeting. Thank you for being late.

[106:00] Thanks so. But I think question birthday. Marilyn. Courage complex over there. Wow! Always. Bradley.

[107:00] I'm sorry that you so just. The people are so disappointed by the scores. But I'm happy to. I'm meat outside of the meeting, so that I can. Further, if you need further an explanation of how I see their screens and the way that is service. don't you? Mother's great. Yeah. I'll leave it on. Who should let her count.