Chapter 2.135
CREATIVE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD
Sections:
2.135.030 Creation and establishment of a creative district advisory board.
2.135.040 Term of office of creative district advisory board.
2.135.050 Duty and responsibilities of the creative district advisory board.
2.135.010 Purpose.
Recognizing the positive impacts of a creative district in providing a high concentration of cultural facilities, creative businesses, or arts related businesses which will serve as a collective anchor of public attraction and economic activity, it is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the appointment of a creative district advisory board that can serve to engage any promotional, preservation, and educational aspects of the arts and culture of the community and assist in contributing to the public through interpretive, educational or recreational uses. (Ord. 807 § 1, 2023)
2.135.020 Definitions.
(1) “Creative district” means a land area designated by the town of Twisp in accordance with RCW 43.46.105 that contains either a hub of cultural facilities, creative industries, or arts related businesses and vacant properties in close proximity that would be suitable for redevelopment as a creative district.
(2) “State certified creative district” means a creative district whose application for certification has been approved by the Washington State Arts Commission in conformity with RCW 43.46.105 and 43.46.110. (Ord. 807 § 1, 2023)
2.135.030 Creation and establishment of a creative district advisory board.
There is hereby created and established a creative district advisory board for the town of Twisp, Washington, hereinafter “creative district advisory board” which shall consist of at least seven members, with one member being the arts administrator from within the creative district, which such arts administrator shall be determined pursuant to a memorandum of understanding between the town of Twisp and the Methow Arts Alliance organization, two town council members, two Twisp residents, one business member from within the creative district and one member from the town of Twisp Arts Alliance organization. All board members of the creative district advisory board shall be appointed by the mayor, with approval by the town council. The creative district advisory board may select potential future members for consideration and shall submit the names of such potential members for approval by the town council and mayor. (Ord. 807 § 1, 2023)
2.135.040 Term of office of creative district advisory board.
The term of office for creative district advisory board members shall be two years, and such members shall serve without compensation. Members should have some degree of knowledge in the arts and culture of the town of Twisp. If a vacancy occurs on the creative district advisory board during the term of any member, their successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the vacant position’s term. (Ord. 807 § 1, 2023)
2.135.050 Duty and responsibilities of the creative district advisory board.
It shall be the responsibility of the creative district advisory board to study, investigate, counsel and develop or update any plans that would promote and improve the town of Twisp through its state certified creative district that would: (1) attract artists and creative entrepreneurs to the town and thereby infuse the community with energy and innovation and enhance the economic and civil capital of the town; (2) create a hub of economic activity that helps Twisp become an appealing place to live, visit, conduct business, complements adjacent businesses, creates new economic opportunities and jobs in both the cultural sector and other local industries, and attracts new businesses and assists in the recruitment of employees; (3) establish marketable tourism assets that highlight the distinct identity of the town of Twisp, attract state, out of state and international visitors, and become attractive destinations for cultural, recreational and business travelers; (4) revitalize and beautify neighborhoods, promote the preservation of historic buildings, and facilitate a healthy mixture of business and residential activity that contributes to reduced vacancy rates and enhance property values; (5) provide a focal point for celebrating and strengthening the town’s unique cultural identity, providing tourists with opportunities to highlight existing cultural amenities as well as mechanisms to recruit and establish new artists, creative industries and organizations; (6) provide artists a creative area in which they can live and work, with spaces enabling them to work in artistic fields and find affordable housing close to their place of employment; (7) enhance the property values through a successful creative district and combine with improvements to public spaces such as parks, waterfronts and pedestrian corridors, alongside property development; (8) the redevelopment of abandoned properties and historic sites and creating businesses to occupy these spaces and to also contribute to reduced vacancy rates and enhance property values. (Ord. 807 § 1, 2023)
2.135.060 Meeting rules.
(1) Officers and Quorum. The chairperson shall be selected by the members of the creative district advisory board, and preside at all meetings of the creative district advisory board. The creative district advisory board shall elect from its members a vice chair, who shall preside in the absence of the chairperson. A majority of the committee members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority vote of those present shall be necessary to carry any proposition.
(2) Meeting Schedule. The creative district advisory board shall determine their regular meeting schedule (time and frequency) as necessary, to meet in the Town Hall of the town of Twisp, no less frequently than once every three months. All meetings shall be open to the public.
(3) Procedures. The creative district advisory board shall adopt such rules and procedures as are necessary for the conduct of its business and keep summary notes of its proceedings. The written notes shall be a public record. (Ord. 807 § 1, 2023)
2.135.070 Staff support.
Administrative staff support to the creative district advisory board shall be provided by the town of Twisp, and is determined by the mayor. (Ord. 807 § 1, 2023)
2.135.080 Advisory capacity.
The creative district advisory board shall function and make recommendations to the mayor and town council, and may make advisory determinations to the mayor and town council regarding the creative district, certification of the creative district, or applications for financial assistance for the creative district. (Ord. 807 § 1, 2023)