After significant work, of more than a year, by the Mayor’s Cultural Planning Steering Committee; and following discussions with the 14 Court Street Commission, Representatives from Friends of 14 Court Street, Keefe Auditorium Commission, & Hunt Building Board of Trustees for the past several months the following legislation, O-10-36 — Establishing a Nashua Arts Commission, is to receive its first reading at the September 28th Board of Aldermen meeting.
I hope you’ll agree that an Arts Commission for the City of Nashua is long overdue and join us in committee deliberations to express your opinions.
In the Year Two Thousand and Ten
The City of Nashua ordains that Part I “Administrative Legislation” of the Nashua Revised Ordinances, as amended, be hereby further amended by the following:
1. In Chapter 12 “Boards, Committees and Commissions”, add the following new Article:
“ARTICLE X
Nashua Arts Commission
§ 12-35. Establishment; purpose.
A Nashua Arts Commission is hereby established. The purpose of the Nashua Arts Commission is to serve the community as Nashua’s cultural resource which facilitates, advocates, coordinates and educates on behalf of the arts and cultural assets of the City of Nashua.
§ 12-36. Responsibilities.
The Nashua Arts Commission shall propose policies to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen that support the ongoing efforts of arts organizations in the development of arts programs and projects in Nashua. The Commission shall also make recommendations to the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen concerning the support of arts education in schools, promoting awareness of the value of the arts in the community, and recommending annual budget appropriations for arts and culture. The commission may review and comment on proposals from community based organizations, and work with various building commissions that host arts-related events. The Commission will make recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen or the appropriate board or commission relative to city-owned arts and cultural facilities. The Commission may advise the Mayor and Board of Aldermen in the development of the arts and cultural plan portion of the city’s strategic plan and its related programs. The Commission may recommend appropriate grants to apply for to city administration, and assist other cultural organizations with grants and funding sources.
§12-37. Membership; terms.
The Nashua Arts Commission shall consist of a minimum of seven members and a maximum of thirteen members, who shall serve for three-year terms. The initial appointments shall be made for terms of one, two, and three years so that the members’ terms will be staggered. Appointments shall be made by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Aldermen following an application process.
§ 12-38. Chairperson; compensation.
The Commission shall annually elect one of its members chairperson, and may elect other officers as it deems necessary. The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.”
2. In Chapter 5 “Administration of Government”, Part 2 “Board of Aldermen”, Article II “General Provisions”, Section 5-9 “Standing committees”, add the following new underlined language:
Ҥ 5-9. Standing committees.
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B. The President shall appoint Aldermen as called for, with the first being named Chairman and the second named being Vice Chairman, to the following standing committees:
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(4) One-member committees. One-member committees shall have an alternate member appointed in the same fashion as the regular member.
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(k) Nashua Arts Commission Liaison Committee.”
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
This ordinance shall take effect upon passage.
