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Florida Council on Arts and Culture
Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes
Teleconference
August 6, 2010

In Attendance:

Florida Council on Arts and Culture Department Staff
Tim Deratany, Chairman Sandy Shaughnessy, Director
Lois Benson Don Blancett
Donald Browning Rivers Buford
Katharine Dickenson Jennifer Hoesing
Janeen Mason Michelle Proctor
  Patty Warren
  1. Call to Order

    Chairman Tim Deratany called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

  2. Introduction of Council, Staff and Guests

    Chairman Deratany asked the Committee, department staff, and audience members to introduce themselves. No audience members were present.

  3. Adoption of Agenda

    Katharine Dickenson moved approval of the agenda with Lois Benson seconding. The motion carried.

  4. Chairman's Comments

    Chairman Deratany and others commented on the possible political contacts regarding funding sources and support for arts and culture.

  5. Business Items
    1. Current Fiscal Years Budget

      - Patty Warren discussed anticipated administrative cuts to DCA’s fiscal year 2010-11 budget due to revenue shortfall. Budget cuts will probably impact funding for fiscal year 2011-2012. No anticipated cuts to the grants budget or federal dollars.

    2. Update on Legislative Budget Request (LBR) FY 2011-2012

      - Ms. Warren reported that the LBR for fiscal year 2011-2012 has been submitted for review within the Department. Ms. Warren summarized the list for the committee by Division priority.

    3. Legislative Wrap-up and Leadership Relationships

      - Rivers Buford discussed how to maintain staff relations with the Senate and the House.

  6. Other Business
    1. None.
  7. Open Council Discussion:

    Sandy Shaughnessy emphasized the importance of regaining a relationship with the cultural community. Ms. Shaughnessy also encouraged Council members to attend the Citizens for Florida Arts, Inc. Cultural Summit in Jacksonville, September 13-14, 2010, to discuss challenges and opportunities and establish a strategic agenda for arts and culture. Lois Benson reported that she invited Senator John Thrasher to speak at the Cultural Summit.

    Chairman Deratany suggested that Council members meet with the candidates before the elections regarding their position on arts and culture. He also inquired about the development of a stronger relationship with the Executive Office of the Governor.

    Rivers Buford informed the Council that as appointees they should advise their appointed authority of the importance of arts & culture, and the fiscal impact on the state of Florida. Additionally, Mr. Buford suggested creating a center of influence of candidates that members of the Council already have a relationship with.

    Katharine Dickenson reiterated that the Council needs to become more relevant to the Governor’s office. She also suggested that the Council encourage the inclusion of an arts and culture specialist on the Governor’s staff.

    Discussion ensued.

  8. Public Comment
    1. No public comment
  9. Conclusion

    With no further public comment, the meeting concluded at 11:13 a.m.

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