[Adopted by the Legislative Council 11-15-2006 (Ord. No. 86)]
There is hereby established the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.
The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission shall consist of nine members.
The purpose of the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission shall be
to stimulate, facilitate, coordinate and cooperate with existing organizations
for the development of the arts. It shall serve as an information
center and focal point in the community for activities in the arts.
The First Selectman, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen,
shall appoint nine members. Individuals shall have a broad interest,
understanding and appreciation of cultural activities. The term of
office shall be for three years. Initially three members shall be
appointed until January 7, 2008; three members shall be appointed
for two years; and the remaining three members shall be appointed
for three years. All vacancies shall be filled for the balance of
their unexpired term by the First Selectman, with the approval of
the Board of Selectmen.
The Commission shall annually elect a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson,
and Secretary.
The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission shall have the following
duties and responsibilities:
A.
To make an initial survey of the cultural and artistic resources
of the Town of Newtown, including but not limited to, a survey of
the arts by each subject deemed to be of significance by The Newtown
Cultural Arts Commission in carrying out its duties.
B.
To make such additional surveys as may be deemed advisable, from
time to time, of private and public institutions engaged within the
Town in artistic and cultural activities.
C.
To produce and update an ongoing Cultural Arts Events Calendar executed
by website.
D.
To stimulate and encourage both private and public study and presentation
of the performing and fine arts and public interest, support and participation.
E.
To encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression essential
to the arts.
F.
To stimulate cooperative and coordinated effort among cultural organizations
actively engaged in a single art forum.
G.
To advise and make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on matters
of cultural significance to the Town of Newtown on at least an annual
basis.
A.
The Newtown
Cultural Arts Commission shall have the following financial powers
and duties:
(1)
To submit a proposed budget to the Board of Selectmen.
(2)
To enter into contracts, within the limit of funds available, with
individuals, organizations and institutions for services which will
further the objectives of the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.
(3)
To enter into contracts, within the limits of funds available, with
local, regional, state or federal associations for cooperative endeavors.
(4)
To accept gifts, contributions and bequests of funds from individuals,
foundations, companies, corporations and other organizations for the
purpose of furthering the objectives of the Newtown Cultural Arts
Commission, subject to a resolution entitled "Cultural Arts Commission
Gift Fund."
B.
All contracts and agreements must have the prior approval of the
purchasing authority or the Board of Selectmen.
The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission shall:
A.
Make expenditures in accordance with the annual budget adopted by
the Town of Newtown.
B.
Any funds available to the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission from
a specific contribution to the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission shall
be placed in the custody of the Financial Director of the Town of
Newtown and shall be kept by him in an account which shall be known
as the "Newtown Cultural Arts Commission Gift Fund," which shall be
separate and distinct from all other Town accounts. All disbursements
from the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission Gift Fund account shall
be made on order of the majority approval of the Newtown Cultural
Arts Commission in accordance with the donation or gift. The Newtown
Cultural Arts Commission shall furnish an annual report with regard
to such account, and the account shall not be closed at the end of
any fiscal year.
[Amended 1-16-2008]
C.
Employ experts and others as may be needed, subject to personnel
regulations and limits of the annual Town budget appropriation for
the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.
A.
The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission is hereby authorized to appoint
citizens, including, but not limited to, Newtown residents, who are
known for their competency, understanding and devotion to the cultural
pursuits, to the Newtown Cultural Arts Auxiliary.
B.
The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission will define the function and
duties of the Newtown Cultural Arts Auxiliary significant to the purpose
of the Commission.
C.
The purpose of the Newtown Cultural Arts Auxiliary is to assist the
Commission members in the execution of their duties.
