The Programs & Services Committee met on January 7 and took the following actions (see the report and watch the meeting video):
Approved
- Reorganization plan to create a new Arts and Culture Department (7-0-1, Councilor Baker not voting). The department will support cultural organizations, local businesses, and community engagement, with priorities including supporting local talent, developing a local creative economy, building organizational capacity, broadening programs offered, identifying additional funding sources, and celebrating Newton’s arts and cultural heritage. Request from the Mayor. Meryl Kessler will be the Director of the new department. Representatives from the Newton Council on Aging, Suzuki School of Newton, Waban Area Council, Newton Cultural Council, and Spark Newton spoke in favor of the new department. The departments $65,000 funding would come from the Parks and Recreation Department and cover Director Kessler’s salary.
- Appointment of Meryl Kessler as Director of Newton’s Arts and Culture Department (8-0).
“The Chair asked Committee members on a preference in planning future Programs & Services
meetings as it relates to in-person, hybrid, or virtual modes of participation. The Committee
agreed to try and maintain a physical presence for Committee meetings moving forward with
the Chair planning to review the topic at a future date.”
Present: Councilors Krintzman (Chair), Malakie, Farrell, Charm, Micley, Oliver, Bixby, Baker. Also Present: Councilors Wright and Gordon.
City staff: Chief Community Service Officer John Rice, Assistant City Solicitor Jonah Temple, Director of Cultural Development Paula Ganon, Director of Economic Development Lauren Berman, Deputy Director of Economic Development Cheryl Lappin, Mayor’s Chief of Staff Dana Hanson.
