Astoria council approves $60,000 arts and culture program contract after debate over process

The Astoria City Council on April 21 approved a personal services contract with Jessamine Grace West for $60,000 to develop an arts and culture program, after discussion about procurement process and two councilors recused themselves from the vote.

City Manager Scott Spence explained the contract follows an RFP that received no responses and that the city proceeded with direct negotiations under the municipal code. He said the 12‑month scope of work (beginning May 1) includes a census of the arts community, engagement and feedback, identification of funding opportunities, and a strategic recommendation to council. Spence said the contract will be funded by transient lodging tax revenue.

Council discussion focused on process transparency. Several councilors said an open competition is the usual, preferred approach; others said the delay arose because council direction in the budget process did not fully develop the scope and that no qualified proposals were received in the RFP. Councilor Andrea Lunt and other members said they supported the program but emphasized the need to improve transparency for future selections.

Before the vote, the council heard multiple public comments in support of the contract and the arts community. Speakers included Leroy Lehi Pierce, who said, "what Jessamine has done is amazing," Megan Rose who described "healing arts" and potential economic benefits from wellness tourism, and Annie Esquilin, executive director of Astoria Visual Arts, who called the coordinator position "a natural next step and a smart investment." Several other local arts leaders testified the program would help coordinate galleries, theaters and festivals and expand tourism and artist support.

Jessamine Grace West spoke in favor of the contract and described recent statewide advocacy work; she thanked the council and previous council members who worked on the initiative. Councilor Mozzarella disclosed a business relationship with the proposed contractor and recused herself from the vote; Councilor Adams also recused, citing a potential future rental relationship.

Councilor Tyler Davis moved to approve the contract and Councilor Andrea Lunt seconded. With two recusals, the remaining councilors and the mayor voted Aye and the motion carried. The contract is for $60,000 over 12 months, begins May 1, and is funded through transient lodging tax funds; staff noted any unspent funds would carry over to the next fiscal year.

Councilors asked staff to clarify the procurement steps taken, timing of budget authorization and expectations for deliverables. Staff said the contract had been scoped and that funding was included in the current fiscal year budget; remaining reporting and program metrics will be handled as part of the contract deliverables.

Votes at a glance - Personal services contract with Jessamine Grace West for arts and culture program development, $60,000, 12 months (begin May 1): Mover Councilor Tyler Davis; Second Councilor Andrea Lunt; Vote: Mary Fitzpatrick — Aye; Andrea Lunt — Aye; Tyler Davis — Aye; Mozzarella — Recused/Abstain; Alyssa Adams — Recused/Abstain; Outcome: Approved.

Next steps: the contractor is scheduled to begin May 1; staff will monitor deliverables, funding use and return progress reports to council as requested.