The last will and testament of Robert C. Vinson gave a bequest to the city of Colville establishing the Vinson fund. The city and the personal representative of the estate of Robert C. Vinson entered into a nonjudicial dispute resolution agreement to provide for use of the interest from the fund that is in accord with Mr. Vinson's wishes and with his substantial bequest to the city of Colville, which provided the following:
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the fund shall be to enhance the cultural enrichment of the citizens of Colville and the Colville region.
B. 
Decisions. Consistent with the general purpose set forth herein, the city council of Colville, by majority vote, shall make all decisions relating to the expenditure of monies from the Vinson fund.
C. 
Examples. The following are examples of how the Vinson fund can be utilized:
1. 
Public concerts;
2. 
Public performances and plays;
3. 
Events in support of the arts and cultural enrichment;
4. 
Hosting of lectures, authors, or other non-political public speakers;
5. 
Partnering with other individuals, institutions or entities engaged in the foregoing activities;
6. 
Capital improvements that will allow or assist in the foregoing activities;
7. 
Works of public art.
D. 
Expenditures. In approving the use of the funds, the city council may allow expenditures of up to 100 percent of the actual income generated by the fund.
(Ord. 1639 NS § 1, 2019)
There is created a committee for the purpose of planning the use of the Vinson fund consisting of seven members, who shall be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the majority of the city council. One councilmember shall be appointed to serve as a nonvoting advisory member of the committee.
(Ord. 1512 NS § 1, 2014)
The terms for each position shall be four years; provided, however, the first volunteers shall determine by lot whose terms of office shall expire each year. Initially, two positions shall expire December 31, 2015; two shall expire December 31, 2016; two shall expire December 31, 2017; and one position shall expire December 31, 2018. Vacancies on the committee shall be filled in the same manner and shall be for the unexpired portion of the term.
Four of the above positions may be filled with persons who reside out of the Colville city limits but within the boundaries of the Colville School District No. 115 or the Kettle Falls School District No. 212.
(Ord. 1512 NS § 2, 2014)
Officers of the committee shall consist of a chairperson, vice chairperson and other officers as may be necessary. Officers shall be elected by the committee in January of each year. A recording secretary may be allowed by the committee either from within or outside its own membership. It shall be the duty of the chairperson to preside at all meetings of the committee and of the secretary to keep official minutes of all meetings and of all proceedings of the committee unless a recording secretary is appointed. Minutes of all meetings of the committee shall be provided to the city clerk within 30 days of the meeting date. A majority of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and a majority of those present shall be necessary to carry any proposition. Meetings of the committee shall be scheduled at least once each month. The committee shall fix the time and place of its meetings. The meetings of the committee shall be public. Special meetings of the committee may be called by the chairperson or upon 24-hour notice signed by four members of the committee.
(Ord. 1512 NS § 3, 2014)
Any member of the committee may be removed from office by the mayor with the approval of a majority of the city council. The unexcused absence of any member from three consecutive regular meetings of the committee may result in the committee member's removal upon request by the mayor and confirmation by council.
(Ord. 1512 NS § 4, 2014)
The committee shall have all of the powers and perform all the duties necessary and incidental to its operation. The committee shall have the power to plan any form of cultural activity to promote appreciation and participation in the arts for residents of the city of Colville and the Colville region. The committee shall have power to plan any form of cultural activity that will employ the leisure time of the people in a constructive and wholesome manner, and may:
A. 
Plan, promote and develop events to enhance the cultural enrichment of the citizens of the city of Colville and the Colville region;
B. 
Review and screen applications for Vinson fund allocations and, by majority vote, make recommendations to the Colville city council relating to the expenditure of monies from the Vinson fund within the funding limitations and wishes set forth in the Robert C. Vinson bequest;
C. 
Develop partnerships with other cultural organizations in the Colville region;
D. 
The Vinson fund committee volunteers are responsible for implementation of the cultural events and the city shall not assume those functions. Any disputes regarding responsibilities or powers and duties shall be resolved by the city council.
(Ord. 1512 NS § 5, 2014)
Each calendar year, the city council shall establish a budget for the Vinson fund and the committee shall make recommendations and advise the city council within the parameters of the budget.
(Ord. 1512 NS § 6, 2014)