HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-13 Cultural Council Minutesra ` Town of Reading
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TOWN CLERK
READING, MA
2021 DEC 13 PH 3: 2Y
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Cultural Council
Date: 2021-09-13
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center
Address: 49 Pleasant Street
Purpose:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Arts and Crafts Room
Session: Open Session
Version: Final
Brian Kimerer, Katherine Lopez Natale, Megan Fidler -Carey, Sherilla
Lestrade, Kern Perry
Members - Not Present:
Bharti Parris
Others Present:
None
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kern Perry
Topics of Discussion:
Call to order at 7:02 p.m.
The meeting was conducted by Brian Kimerer, and Megan Fidler -Carey Co -Chairs. This was
Sherilla's first meeting as a new member, so she was welcomed. Brian also shared that
Michael Smith is no longer a member of the council, he has resigned.
The topic of how much money has been allocated by the Town of Reading came up and
Kathy said she will inquire with the Town on that.
October 15th is the deadline for annual reports and submissions.
Brian will be presenting at the Selectboard Meeting September 14, 2021 and will review the
deadline as apart of that.
The new website was referenced and reviewed. We each have our own log ins was
highlighted as well as that we will be able to download the Book of Applicants online when
ready. Brian will be encouraging the Reading Art Walk group to apply early so we can find
out more feedback on how the application process is experienced by an applicant. There is
a Webinar on how to use the site on YouTube that Megan will post on our Facebook site.
Brian will be sure the URL is updated on the Town of Reading page for where to apply.
August minutes were reviewed, and Megan made the motion to accept the minutes with
only one amendment to remove her as present. Sherilla seconded the motion, and it was
unanimously voted yes.
Treasurers Report: 2021 Funds from the Town has been fully spent. Funds from the grants
that remains unspent will roll over into 2021. Some 2020 rollover of grants being still
applied. $1955.16 of 2020 funds are remaining and for 2021 all remaining from grants. We
discussed how some will hit next month dur to recent events that have taken place. If
anyone's event pushes to 2022 the funds will roll over, but they will need to reapply.
Discussion took place around getting out the word we are in a grant period. Post and Patch
were discussed as avenues for that. Sherilla said she would reach out to all schools and ask
that the Superintendent and Principals include In their newsletter. She will also see if HRAC
can post on their Facebook page and also for Teachers Against Racism to post. Megan will
post on our Facebook page and Instagram. She will ask Michael for the log in for Facebook
and Instagram. The library could also post on their library electronic bulletin board and
posting on the Reading Parents Network also came up as avenues to advertise. Kathy went
to the high school and met with the principal, and he reached out to the Arts head and
Kathy will write to them soon about reminding them to apply. Brian agreed to make a Ad
Form for people to use to share on Facebook and Instagram.
The Reading Community Band was asking if they can use funds to buy sheet music. Megan
moved to approve, and Kathy seconded, and the vote was a unanimous yes.
It was discussed that in the next meeting on October 25th the committee will meet on zoom
and review the submittals for applications together. Kerri will be traveling internationally
and not able to attend and, in her absence, Megan will be the secretary for that meeting.
For applicant Interviews it was discussed to use sign up genius for signing up for slats on
Interview days. Interviews will be over zoom for two-hour segments over two days.
November 9th and 16' were selected from 6:30-8:30 pm for Interview days. December 6th
was selected as the date to meet to discuss Interview results and vote on how to allocate
grants. From there we will regularly meet on the In Monday of every month.
It was mentioned by Brian that the guidance and priorities were updated on the Mass
Cultural Council Webpage and that he will post the sign in the common from October 1 -15th
about the grant application period. A new sign will cost $65 and there was a request to
have two be made. Kathy motioned to approve the purchase of two signs for $130 total.
Megan seconded and it unanimously voted as yes.
Brian motioned to adjourn the meeting and Sherilla seconded. Vote was had and the
Meeting was adjourned at 8:33
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