HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-02-17 ad Hoc Arts Center Task Force MinutesV
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Town of Reading Arts Center Task Force
Date: February 17, 1994 page 1 of 2
Place: Town Hall employee
Present: Marc Guyott
Sally Hoyt
Richard Radville
William Crowley
Bruce MacDonald
James Blomley
Jack Cairl
Michael Stepniak
lounge
Task Force Member
Task Force Member
Task Force Member
Task Force Member
Task Force Member
RMLD
AFPAR
Interested citizen
1. REPORT OF LAST MEETING
Meeting notes for 2/09/94 meeting were accepted as
written.
2. DISCUSSION OF SEARCH CRITERIA
Bruce McDonald led a discussion of search criteria for
the arts center, based upon a preliminary memo which he
prepared. It was generally agreed that the following
general criteria should apply:
* Near center of town (subject to definition).
* At street level at a busy part of town, where most
benefit to town would occur.
* Not right on a busy street, due to pickup/dropoff
concerns.
* 'Extra' land/property nearby for expansion/spinoff
* Parking for events @ 1.5 people per car within a
block walk from the center.
* Near public transportation.
* Have existing high ceiling space or easily
modified structure.
Bruce Macdonald will write up a detailed summary of the
criteria discussed.
3. SPACE PROGRAM
Jack Cairl offered comments on the 1/31 preliminary
space program which will reduce the minimum program
somewhat. Rich Radville will reissue this document.
4. ARTIST 'INVENTORY'
Bruce Macdonald suggested that it would helpful to have
an inventory of the existing practicing artist
population in Reading. Jack Cairl suggested that there
are about 1000 such individuals in town.
1'w'I~~T T NG C~TE.S
Town of Reading Arts Center Task Force
Date. February 17, 1994 page 2 of 2
5. FUNDING
Jack Cairl discussed possible funding avenues for an
arts center so that it would be self sustaining.
Newburyport's center uses income from an onsite
restaurant to support the performance hall. Jack felt
that based on their experience, Reading would need
about 8000 square feet of rented studio space to
subsidize the peformance hall.
Jack suggested initial funding avenues including
possible town contribution of a building's value (or a
portion) which might then be used to secure additional
state and/or federal funding. This was Newburyport's
method of acheiving initial funding.
Sally hoyt will look into possible grant avenues with
our state representatives.
6. PREP FOR TOWN MEETING
Bruce Macdonald will contact Peter Hechenbleikner
regarding timing of task fooce presentation viv a vis
the expected vote to sell the RMLD building.
7. NEXT MEETING
Will be 2/23 7:30 PM in the Town Planners office at
Town Hall. Agenda items include,
* 15 minutes - Discussion of tasks required and
completion dates
* 45 minutes - Discussion with Jonathan Edwards
regarding his knowledge of properties available
and his input on how the task force can get
started on a study of the economic input on the
town. Bruce MacDonald will invite Jonathan.
* 5 minutes - Brief review of revised space program
per item 3 above.
* 10 minutes - Report of progress from Sally Hoyt
regarding possible grant funding per item 5 above.
* 15 minutes - Discussion of possible task force &
arts center publicity.
* Rich Radville will have a written report on
physical aspects of the RMLD building as they
relate to a possible arts center. Discussion if
time allows.
notes prepared by RR
distribution:
all present
all task force members
Town Manager