The Needham Council for Arts and Culture accepted a treasurer’s report, approved minutes from Aug. 19 and discussed current grant funding, upcoming community outreach at the Harvest Festival and a possible maintenance reserve for existing murals.

Treasurer’s update: Council members recorded the following balances for fiscal years noted: $9,680 in encumbered funds to reimburse grantees from fiscal year 2025; a reserve fund listed as $33,310.53 for fiscal year 2025–26; a Town of Needham allocation of $18,300 (expires June 30, 2026); and Mass Cultural Council (MCC) state funds of $9,400 (expire Dec. 31, 2026). The council reported $26,675 available for granting this year before accounting for a previously reserved $7,500 for the Highland Avenue mural project.

A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was moved and approved by voice vote. Council members then moved to accept the past minutes from Aug. 19; Jean made the motion and Christine seconded it, and the minutes were accepted.

Harvest Festival (Oct. 5): Council members finalized outreach plans for the Harvest Festival (10 a.m.–3 p.m.; event runs 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). Volunteers were assigned to setup and shifts: Heather agreed to the 10–11 a.m. slot; other members covered the 11–12:30, 12:30–2 and 2–3:30 shifts. Activities will include bird coloring pages (designed by Mia Cross), coloring supplies, stickers/sticker books and a QR code linking to NCAC information. The council discussed printing quantities for coloring pages; members recommended printing at least 100–150 copies so materials can be reused at future events.

Mural maintenance: The owner of the building that houses the Chapel Street mural reported damage to a mural corner. The council discussed whether to set aside a maintenance fund for murals (one rule‑of‑thumb suggested was 5–10% of project cost) but tabled any formal appropriation. A council member volunteered to ask a contractor to review the damage; staff agreed to follow up with the town finance team about an appropriate mechanism for holding maintenance funds across fiscal years.

The council ended the meeting and proceeded to an artists’ open house.