Arts commission directs grants committee to collect 2024 recipient reports, allow optional presentations

The Ojai Arts Commission voted to direct its grants committee to collect summary reports from the 2024 grant recipients, publish an editable online version of the existing summary form, and notify recipients to submit their reports or request an in‑person presentation.

Chair West moved the directive and Vice Chair Steiner seconded. The commission debated whether recipients should present in person or submit written reports and discussed enforcement measures if recipients fail to report. Several commissioners said the commission should keep the reporting process simple and accessible by making the summary an online PDF/form; others urged follow-up measures such as withholding future eligibility for recipients who do not report. The commission also agreed that some flexibility was appropriate given the unusually large 2024 recipient list.

Liaison James Renger told commissioners that contact information for some recipients had been redacted in earlier materials but staff had since compiled updated contacts and would assist the grants committee with outreach. The motion directed the grants committee to notify 2024 recipients “in the manner determined by the grants committee” and report back to the full commission with any recommended edits to the form and with a plan for inviting presentations as appropriate.

Roll call on the motion recorded four votes in favor and one absence: Commissioner Grau (yes), Vice Chair Steiner (yes), Commissioner Wright (yes) and Chair West (yes); Commissioner Leads was absent. The motion passed.