The Boulder Arts Commission has 5 commissioners, one appointed each year by city council to serve 5-year terms. In its annual letter to city council, the commissioners asked to increase the size by 2 commissioners. The two additional commissioners would be appointed in March 2021, one for a 5-year term and the other for an initial 3-year term to provide for staggered terms.
The Arts Commission was established in 1979 by ordinance and appears in Chapter 14-1 of the Boulder Revised Code. However, Section 130 of the city charter provides for “general provisions concerning advisory commissions,” including setting the size at 5 or 7 members. The city council is asking the voters to enshrine the Arts Commission in the city charter and simultaneously asking the voters to increase the size of the commission. Any additions to the city charter must be approved by voters.
The Arts Commission “advises the City Council and local arts groups in connection with all matters relating to the artistic and cultural development of the city.” A large part of the commission’s work is administering the city arts grant program. The request to city council noted that “[b]eing effective … requires a steep learning curve.”
A panel of 5 commissioners and 4 community members review and award grants. If the number of commissioners increases by 2, the commission would decrease the number of community members by 2.
Recommendation: Yes/For
Members of city boards and commissions are not paid for their service, other than an EcoPass and perhaps dinner during in-person meetings. Sometimes finding people to do this volunteer work is difficult. Five years is also a long commitment, and vacancies often occur when a member doesn’t complete a term. Increasing the number of Arts commissioners should lead to better continuity and more experience on the commission.
Website for the Yes side
No known website – Info on a supporters’ website appreciated.
Website for the No side
No known website – Info on an opponents’ website appreciated.
Approved Ballot Language
City of Boulder Ballot Question 2F
Charter Amendment Related to the Boulder Arts Commission
Shall new Sections 135 and 136 be added to the City Charter pursuant to Ordinance 8405 to increase the size of the Boulder Arts Commission to seven members, allow for continued service by existing Arts Commission members, provide for staggered terms for the new members and for filling of vacancies?
YES/FOR _____
NO/AGAINST_____
Ordinance No. 8405 to put 2F to the voters
https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/o-8405_2nd_rdg_Arts_Commission_five_to_seven_bond_copy-1-202008261155.pdf?_ga=2.267554378.518549467.1599345017-1345314453.1596765451
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